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Chapter XXIII
Chapter XXIII
Sigurd comes to Hlymdale
Forth Sigurd rides till he comes to a great and goodly dwelling, the lord
whereof was a mighty chief called Heimir; he had to wife a sister of Brynhild,
who was hight Bekkhild, because she had bidden at home, and learned
handicraft, whereas Brynhild fared with helm and byrny unto the wars,
wherefore was she called Brynhild.
Heimir and Bekkhild had a son called Alswid, the most courteous of men.
Now at this stead were men disporting them abroad, but when they see the
man riding thereto, they leave their play to wonder at him, for none such had
they ever seen erst; so they went to meet him, and gave him good welcome;
Alswid badehim abide and have such things at his hands as he would; and he
takes his bidding blithesomely; due service withal was established for him;
four men bore the treasure of gold from off the horse, and the fifth took it
to him to guard the same; therein were many things to behold, things of great
price, and seldom seen; and great game and joy men had to look on byrnies and
helms, and mighty rings, and wondrous great golden stoups, and all kinds of
war weapons.
So there dwelt Sigurd long in great honour holden; and tidings of that
deed of fame spread wide through all lands, of how he had slain that hideous
and fearful dragon. So good joyance had they there together, and each was leal
to other; and their sport was in the arraying of their weapons, and the
shafting of their arrows, and the flying of their falcons.
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