CHAPTER XVI.

Of a fearful combat betwixt Sir Heerdegen and the Knight of the Sea.

Having once more awoke, she found herself reclining on the turf,--her brother kneeling beside her, and anxiously employed for her recovery. Still she heard the same wild murmuring of voices and clang of weapons from the main land, and then looking at the boat which had brought them across, “Thank Heaven,” said she, “that we are now in the island!” “Ay, truly,” said her brother, “we are safer here; for, on account of the thundering noises and frightful sights at the Druda’s castle, the people have all risen up in arms, partly to assist the lady, whom they supposed in danger, and partly to attack each other, since the disturbance in her hitherto silent and peaceful abode seems like a signal for the renewal of their contentions. That is indeed no longer a fitting habitation for a timid damsel; and we must endeavour to remove from it as far as possible.” “Wherefore then should we leave this island?” said Bertha; “here surely we might remain in peace and joy. Follow me, for I already know whither we should go.” With these words, she stept boldly onwards into the green thickets, convinced that she should find there the hermitage of her lover, Sir Otto von Trautwangen, according to the visionary prospect which she had beheld from the window of the lady’s castle. Her brother thought, that what she had now said might be the result of secret information received from the Lady Minnatrost, and went silently after her into the woodland coverts.

There, however, they found no flowery parterres, nor gravel walks, nor aught which she had expected at her lover’s habitation. Bertha, however, was not discouraged, but persisted in her search. She was even tempted to call aloud on Sir Otto by name, only that she was afraid of rousing her brother to anger. Meanwhile, the branches of the trees became always more and more densely interwoven; their roots always made the damp ground more uneven; serpents, too, and other reptiles, disturbed by the unaccustomed tread of human visitors, were visible, writhing or crawling among the tall grass. At length the clear light of the ocean waves appeared once more on the other side of the island; and on reaching the shore, Bertha only found a wild country, where the evening sun was now shedding his rays upon old Runick tombs and monuments, and the wind rustled mournfully among the luxuriant moss and tall grass by which they were covered. Weeping bitterly, the disappointed damsel sat down on one of these old tomb-stones, and, with a painful feeling of resignation, exclaimed,--“So then, all that I was destined to find on this island was but a grave!” The more that her brother questioned and tried to console her, the more her affliction increased. She felt all the bitterness of disappointment and shame at the self-confidence which she had just before shewn.

Sir Heerdegen, perplexed and mortified, began to pour forth reproaches on the mysterious lady of the castle, by whose magic arts he supposed that she had been thus led astray. On the first mention of the Druda’s name, a new source of regret and sorrow was opened for the unfortunate Bertha. She called to mind once more the solemn admonitions, the affectionate embraces, the heart-drawn tears of her aunt at their last interview, and the hopes then expressed of the future happiness that was in store for them. She became quite overpowered by these melancholy reflections, and her brother’s impatience increased every moment. At length they heard near them the sound of a clear and melodious female voice, which sung a few words, of which the import was as follows:--

“Blood-red berries, leaves so green, Brew drink for heroes meet, I ween.”

Looking up, Bertha saw a tall female figure walking about on the sea-shore, sometimes stooping down as if to pluck flowers from the turf, sometimes pulling leaves from branches over her head, all which she threw into a great golden cup under her arm. Over the neck and shoulders of this stranger waved luxuriant blond tresses; and when she bent down her head, they fell also like a veil over her features. She wore a richly-embroidered garment, (such as betokened her to be of high rank,) but carelessly girdled, and with the skirts folded up, as if for a journey. From a belt round her waist hung a large glittering sword, and from her neck behind were suspended a bow and quiver. She continued her employment in collecting plants, all the while singing a wild melody, to which the brother and sister listened, forgetting for a space their own sorrows; for the figure of the stranger had irresistibly attracted their attention, and her music too was such as they had never before heard. Her songs alluded throughout to some extraordinary drink, which rendered warriors furious in battle, and altogether invincible, as if they wore enchanted armour. Every stanza, however, closed with soft melancholy notes, whereby she cautioned the stranger against drinking too freely from the cup which possessed such power of inspiration. Just as the mysterious stranger was bending down to the grassy shore, Heerdegen happened involuntary to exclaim,--“Good Heavens, how beautiful must be her features!” Whereupon she suddenly reared herself in her full height, like a tall pine-tree, and the beauty of her countenance, being fully revealed, gleamed with a sun-like splendour through that desolate wilderness. Her large blue eyes flashed with anger, and in a stern threatening tone, she said,--“You have disturbed me! What boots it now this mild auspicious evening? What avails it that so many bright and precious flowers are assembled?” With these words she emptied the golden cup, so that her collected treasures were scattered on the turf. Sir Heerdegen wished to draw nearer and beg her forgiveness; but immediately she unsheathed her sword, and made him a sign that he was to keep at a distance. Then she stepped solemnly on to the water’s brink, took her place in a boat which was there waiting for her, and with the strength and rapidity of a practised rower, made her way out among the waves, soon afterwards disappearing behind a wooded promontory. The brother and sister looked after her with astonishment; and as, after a pause, they were about to express their thoughts, Bertha suddenly started up, and cried out, “Look yonder, dearest brother! What objects are those that wave and rock over the woods? Methinks they are like the masts of a great fleet.” Looking in the direction to which she had pointed, Sir Heerdegen perceived not indeed ship-masts, but the heads of enormous halberts, which rose above the copsewood, and were moving towards him. In a short time many of the warriors, by whom these weapons were carried, stepped out of the thickets. These were gigantic figures cased in iron cuirasses, which rung and rattled at every step, and bearing great shields covered with brass on their left shoulders. Sir Heerdegen started up, and laid his hand on his sword; but, lo! from the other side, there came out of the wood an equal number of armed men! A handsome youth, in a hauberk that shone like gold, with a high towering helmet, surmounted strangely by vulture’s wings, stepped forwards from the troop, pointed with his spear at the brother and sister, and said, “Take them prisoners, and bear them on shipboard!” “What right hast thou over us, who are freeborn?” said Sir Heerdegen, drawing his sword, and wielding it with desperate resolution. “Walk behind me, Bertha,” said he, “and whoever dares first attack us, shall with his life pay the forfeit of his insolence!” Then all around there was a quivering of javelins ready to be sent against the unfortunate young people; but the leader in the golden armour called out, “Down with your arms! I will have them living!” Whereupon the javelins were laid aside; but the broad shields were ranked together like a wall of brass, and an impenetrable circle was always drawn closer and closer round the helpless victims. “Fy on this abuse of over-strength!” cried Sir Heerdegen; “if thou in the golden harness hadst courage in thy heart, and wert a knight as I am, this contest might be decided in another way!” “Halt!” cried the young leader, and the giants with their brazen shields stood as if motionless. Thereafter he came alone within the circle, placed himself opposite to Sir Heerdegen, leaned on the hilt of his long sword, and said, “Darest thou then maintain that thou art a knight, and yet wearest no armour?” “Did I then come forth prepared for battle?” inquired Sir Heerdegen. “I was this evening engaged in peaceable conversation with my sister, and for what reason could I suppose that we should be thus attacked?” “That should have been provided for,” said the stranger; “if you have withheld from me the tributary dues which I have a right to demand, then I take in lieu of them whatever best pleases me, and bear it on board my ships. Now it so happens, that my pleasure is to take both of you along with me, although, in your weatherbeaten doublet and cap, you make an appearance very different from that which your chiefs are wont to display.” “In this land I am neither chief nor vassal,” said Sir Heerdegen. “I am a stranger knight; and as for gorgeous apparel, on that head I give myself no concern.” “In truth, that may be plainly enough perceived,” said the leader with a scornful smile; “and as for thy knighthood, who knows whether thy words on that subject be true or false. Take them prisoners!” Thereupon the circle of brazen shields began once more to close together; but Sir Heerdegen cried out, “Halt!” in such a thundering voice, that the iron-cased giants stood motionless, as if they had heard the commands of their own leader. “I recognise you now for Normans,” said Sir Heerdegen. “Your language, figures, and dress, leave me no doubt on that score. Normans should be valiant champions, who love single combat, whether with the lance or the sword, and every noble and daring encounter. I, therefore, challenge thee, thou leader of this band, to try thy skill and strength with me in arms. Let the conqueror decide what is to become of me and of my sister.” “Ay, that indeed must be listened to,” said the youth with the golden armour. “Give room then, soldiers, and make a fitting circle around us; for I now perceive that we have to do with a true knight. But there is first one question to be answered, Canst thou wield our weapons, for I have no others to offer thee?” “Dost thou look on me as an inexperienced boy?” said Sir Heerdegen. “A warrior who has spent so much of his time in the wild regions of the north as I have done, should methinks know how to use arms as ponderous as any that thou art likely to offer me. Give me then a spear and a massive shield.” Thereupon the leader commanded, that a fine coat of mail, a helmet, and target, should immediately be brought, also a number of the best javelins, among which he left his opponent the free choice. “As for swords,” said the stranger, “I have not ordered them to be provided, as I perceive that thou hast one by thy side, and that which we have already worn and proved, is among us warriors like an old friend, in whom, at the hour of need, we can best confide.”

Sir Heerdegen then began to arm himself for battle, at which the stranger assisted, saying, “Canst thou now perceive that I am a true knight? At first I knew not so well what were thy pretensions, nor if I had one who was my equal in birth and in courage before me. Since thou hast travelled in the north, it must probably be known to thee, that we knights of the sea, not only can maintain our rights on the battle-field, but can also shew towards our opponents forbearance and courtesy.” “I know it well,” answered Sir Heerdegen, “and, confiding in your honour, I challenged thee to single combat. But, before all other considerations, tell me now, Sir Knight, hast thou been sent hither by the beautiful damsel, with the golden cup and the sword, as her avenger, because I disturbed her when she was collecting leaves, berries, and flowers?” “I know not even,” said the sea-knight, “of what damsel thou speakest;--except that beautiful trembling form there, whom thou callest thy sister, I know not of any fair damsel, far or near. Thou shouldst, therefore, explain more clearly what adventure thy question alludes to.” Sir Heerdegen complied; and no sooner had he finished his description of the wonderful figure that he had seen on the sea-shore, than the Norman warrior turned round to some of his companions, who were nearest him, and said, “Think only! Gerda has been here, and this but half an hour ago. In these woods she has been collecting plants for her magic spells. What may this portend?” The men thus questioned, shook their heads discontentedly and in silence. When at length they seemed about to speak, their answer was delayed; for a young soldier came up to them hastily, and said, “To what purpose this questioning and consultation? He who intends to fight during the last rays of sunset let him make haste, and not confuse his brain with such doubts. If he remains alive, he will have time enough afterwards for consideration; and should he fall, he will no more be disquieted by his curiosity.” So then, as Sir Heerdegen was completely armed, and had also chosen a shield and javelin among many that were offered to him, the two champions stepped into the ring, which, according to northern custom, had been measured out for them, and enclosed with branches of oak and hazel. A hoary-headed warrior led each of the combatants to his place, grasped his hand at parting, saying, “Now do your duty!” after which they were left alone looking at each other.

With their spears elevated, and their shields held for protection over their hearts, the knights began slowly and with measured steps to pace round the circle, each watching his opportunity to make an attack on the other. Bertha indeed remarked, with great terror, that her brother was quite unaccustomed to the use of such weapons,--that he moved tottering and awkwardly under the weight of the gigantic shield, and tried laboriously to balance the ponderous javelin; while, on the contrary, the sea-knight played with his as if it had been a mere toy in his right hand. Courage, however, and a quiet enjoyment of the battle, gleamed equally in the eyes of both, and if the looks which they darted at each other could have turned into javelins, they must have both been pierced to the heart. Sometimes one or other would brandish his spear in such manner, that the lookers-on felt convinced that he would now hurl it at his opponent; but this was only intended to force the latter into a hasty attack, or into some incautious movement of his shield. Both resumed again their solemn course round the circle, keeping watch mutually on every gesture. At last, Sir Heerdegen’s spear came suddenly singing through the air; whereupon the knight of the vulture’s wings turned round his gleaming shield like a revolving moon, received the blow right in the middle of his target, and threw back the missile against his adversary. Almost in the same moment his own weapon took flight, and struck with such violence through the border of Sir Heerdegen’s shield, that he was unable to withstand the shock, but fell under his target, and the spear at the same time entering the ground, he could not immediately disengage himself. On the other hand, the sea-knight leapt across like a tiger on his prey, first grasping him by the throat, then confining his arms with one hand, while with the other he seized the hilt of his sword, pulled it out of the sheath, and hurled it away far beyond the limits of the circle.

Meanwhile Bertha beheld with horror her brother thus prostrate on the ground, and saw the vulture’s wings on the sea-knight’s helmet, shadowing his countenance that was now pale with rage; she thought of the horrid vision that she had seen in the mirror, and screamed out, “Vulture, vulture! have mercy on the noble prey that thou hast captured!” Then the sea-knight smiled kindly on her, and said,--“I shall do him no injury!” He bent again over Sir Heerdegen, saying,--“Thou art defenceless, wilt thou resign thyself? If so, be assured thou art in the hands of an honourable conqueror.” Heerdegen hung down his head with an expression of bitter regret and shame. The Norman then let him go, and went smiling to Bertha. “I trust,” said he, “that neither of you will regret the necessity you are now under of making a voyage with me for some time through the salt seas. I have honourably taken you prisoners; and, with regard to the damsel, the difference methinks is no more, than if she had two brothers instead of one. This newly-acquired brother is the elder of the two, or at least passes for such; and therefore it is right that you should follow his commands, and proceed in any path wherein he leads the way.” Thereupon he cried aloud,--“Let the boat be drawn up on the beach. Set sail in the ships! We must travel many miles yet by star-light!”

Already, ere the sun had vanished over the mountains, the brother and sister had embarked in the state-vessel of the sea-knight, and floated away. The fleet consisted of but three ships, rapid of motion and strangely rigged. Bertha was forced to stand on the deck, and wept bitterly when the shores gradually vanished from her view,--when the evening fogs gathered on the land, and spread themselves out, as if, with longing arms, to embrace her. It was like a friendly salutation from the good-hearted, kind Lady Minnatrost. “Gladly would I go back to her,” said Bertha; “oh how gladly! But I shall never return again!” At that moment, a snow-white wood-pigeon flew around her, and cooed aloud; but the land vanished quite away in the obscurity of the night, and, as it were, melted into the waves.