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TheMarshKingSDaughter沼泽王的女儿Thestorkstellmanymanystoriestotheiryoungonesallaboutthebogsandmarshes.Ingeneraleachstoryissuitedtotheageandsenseofthelittlestorks.Whiletheyoungestonesaresatisfiedwith“Kribble-krabbleplurry-murryandthinkitaveryfinestorytheolderonesdemandsomethingwithmoresensetoitoratleastsomethingaboutthefamily.OfthetwooldeststorieswhichhavebeenhandeddownamongthestorksweallknowtheoneaboutMoseswhowasputbyhismotheronthebanksoftheNilewhereaKing*sdaughterfoundhim.Howwellshebroughthimuphowhebecameagreatmanandhownooneknowswhereheliesburiedarethingsthatweal1haveheard.Theothertaleisnotwidelyknownperhapsbecauseitisalmostafamilystory.Thistalehasbeenhandeddownfromonemotherstorktoanotherforathousandyearsandeachsuccedingstorytellerhastolditbetterandbetterandnowweshalltellitbestofall.ThefirstpairofstorkswhotoldthistaleandwhothemselvesplayedapartinithadtheirsummerhomeontheroofoftheViking*swoodencastleupbytheWildMarshinVendsyssel.IfwemustbepreciseaboutourknowledgethisisinthecountryofHjorringhighupnearSkageninJutland.Thereisstillabigmarshtherewhichwecanreadaboutintheofficialreportsofthatdistrict.Itissaidthattheplaceoncelayundertheseabutthelandhasrisensomewhatandisnowawildernessextendingformanyamile.Oneissurroundedonallsidesbymarshymeadowsquagmiresandpeatbogsovergrownbycloudberriesandstuntedtrees.Dankmistsalmostalwayshangovertheplaceandaboutseventyyearsagowolvesstillmadetheirhomesthere.Wei1mayitbecalledtheWildMarsh.Thinkhowdesolateitwasandhowmuchswampandwatertheremusthavebeenamongallthosemarshesandpondsathousandyearsago!Yetinmostmattersitmusthavelookedthenasitlooksnow.Thereedsgrewjustashighandhadthesamelongleavesandfeatherytipsofapurplish-browntintthattheyhavenow.Birchtreesgrewtherewiththesamewhitebarkandthesameairilydanglingleaves.Asforthelivingcreaturestheflieshavenotchangedthecutoftheirgauzyapparelandthefavoritecolorsofthestorkswerewhitetrimmedwithblackandlongredstockings.Howeverpeopledressedverydifferentlyfromthefashionoftoday.Butifanyofthem-thrallorhuntsmanitmatterednot-setfootinthequagmiretheyfaredthesameathousandyearsagoastheywouldfaretoday.IntheywouldfallanddowntheywouldsinktohimwhomtheycalltheMarshKingwhorulesbelowthroughouttheentiremarshkind.TheyalsocallhimKingotthequicksandsbutwelikethenameMarshKingbetterandthatwaswhatthestorkscalledhim.Littleornothingisknownabouthisrulebutperhapsthatisjustaswe
11.NearthemarshandclosetotheLiimFiordlaywoodencastleoftheVikingsthreestorieshighfromitswatertightstonecellarstothetoweronitsroof.Thestorkshadbuilttheirnestonthisroofandtherethemotherstorksathatchinghereggs.Shewascertaintheywouldbehatched.whosobsinherdreams.TheVikingswifewouldtakethiscreatureonherlap.Forgettingtheuglyformasshelookedintothosesadeyesshewouldoftensay.“Ialmostwishthatyouwouldneverchangefrombeingmypoordumb-strickenfrogchild.ForyouaremorefrightfulwhenIseeyoucloakedinbeauty.”Thenshewouldwriteoutrunesagainstillnessandwitchcraftandthrowthemoverthewretchedgirlbutitwaslittlegoodtheydid.“Onecanhardlybelievethatshewasoncesotinythatshelayinthecupofawaterlily“saidthefatherstork.ShehasgrownupandisthelivingimageofherEgyptianmotherwhomwe11neverseeagain.Shedidnotlookoutforherselfaswellasyouandthosewisemenpredictedshewould.YearinyearoutIveflowntoandfroacrosstheWiIdMarshbutneverasignhaveIseenofher.Yes1mayaswelltellyouthatyearafteryearwhenIflewonaheadtomakeournestreadyandputthingsinorderIspentwholenightsflyingoverthepoolasifIwereanowlorabatbuttonoavail.NorhavewefoundauseforthetwosetsofswanfeatherswhichIandoursonstooksomuchtroubletobringallthewayfromthebanksoftheNiIe.Ittookusthreetripstogetthemhere.Foryearsnowtheyhavelainatthebottomofournest.Ifperchanceafirebrokeoutandthiswoodencastleburneddowntheywouldbegone.”“Andourgoodnestwouldbegonetoo“themotherstorkremindedhim.ButyoucarelessforthatthanyoudoforyourswanfeathersandyourswampPrincess.Sometimeyououghttogodowninthemirewithherandstaythereforgood.YouareapoorfathertoyourchildrenjustasIvebeentellingyoueversinceIhatchedourfirstbrood.AllIhopeisthatneitherwenorouryoungonesgetanarrowshotunderourwingsbythatwildVikingbrat.Shedoesn*tknowwhatsheisdoing.Iwishshewouldrealizethatthishasbeenourhomemuchlongerthanithasbeenhers.Wehavealwaysbeenpunctiliousaboutpayingourrenteveryyearwithafeatheraneggandayoungoneaccordingtocustom.ButdoyouthinkthatwhensheisaroundIdareventuredownintotheyardasIusedtoandasIstilldoinEgyptwhereIameveryonescronyandtheyletmepeerintoeverypotandkettleNoIsitupherevexingmyselfabouther-thewench!-andaboutyoutoo.Youshouldhaveleftherinthewaterlilyandthatwouldhavebeentheendofher.”“Youarentashard-heartedasyousound“saidthefatherstork.Iknowyoubetterthanyouknowyourself.Uphehoppedtwicehebeatwithhiswingsandstretchinghislegsbehindhimoffheflewsailingawaywithoutmovinghiswingsuntilhehadgonesomedistance.Thenhetookapowerfulstroke.Thesunlightgleamedonhiswhitefeathers.Hisneckandheadwerestretchedforward.Therewerespeedandswinginhisflight.“Afterallhesthehandsomestfellowofall“saidthemotherstork“butyouwon*tcatchmetellinghimso.”EarlythatfalltheVikingcamehomewithhisbootyandcaptives.AmongtheprisonerswasayoungChristianpriestoneofthosewhopreachedagainstthenortherngods.OflatetherehadbeenmuchtalkinhallandboweraboutthenewfaiththatwasspreadingupfromthesouthandforwhichSt.AnsgariushadwonconvertsasfarnorthasHedebyontheSlie.EvenyoungHelgahadheardofthisfaithintheWhiteChristwhosolovedmankindthathehadgivenHislifetosavethem.Butasfarasshewasconcernedasthesayinggoessuchtalkhadcomeinoneearandgoneouttheother.Lovewasameaninglesswordtoherexceptduringthosehourswhenbehindcloseddoorsshesatshriveledupasafrog.ButtheVikingswifehadheardthetalkandshefeltstrangelymovedbythestoriesthatweretoldabouttheSonoftheonetrueGod.BackfromtheirraidtheVikingstoldaboutglorioustemplesofcostlyhewnstoneraisedinhonorofHimwhosemessageisoneoflove.Theyhadbroughthomowiththemtwomassivevesselsartisticallywroughtingoldandfromthesecamethescentofstrangespices.TheywerecenserswhichtheChristianpriestsswungbeforealtarswherebloodneverflowedbutinsteadthebreadandwinewerechangedintothebodyandbloodofHimwhohadgivenHimselfforgenerationsyetunborn.BoundhandandfootwithstripsofbarktheyoungpriestwascastintothedeepcellarsoftheViking*scastle.TheVikingswifesaidthathewasasbeautifulasthegodBalderandshewassorryforhimbutyoungHelgaproposedtohaveacorddrawnthroughhisfeetandtiedtothetailsofwi1doxen.“Then“sheexclaimed“Iwouldloosethedogsonhim.Hoforthechasethroughmudandmire!Thatwou1dbefuntoseeanditwou1dbeevenmorefuntochasehim.”ButthiswasnotthedeaththattheVikinghadinmindforthisenemyandmockerofthehighgods.Insteadheplannedtosacrificethepriestonthebloodstoneintheirgrove.Itwouldbethefirsthumansacrificethathadeverbeenofferedthere.YoungHelgabeggedherfathertolethersprinklethebloodofthevictimupontheidolsandoverthepeople.Whenoneofthemanylargeferociousdogsthathungaboutthehousecamewithinreachwhi1eshewassharpeninghergleamingknifesheburiedthebladeinhisside“Justtotestitsedge“shesaid.TheVikingswifelookedindistressatthissavagei11-naturedgirlandwhennightcameandthebeautyofbodyandsoulchangedplacesinthedaughterthemotherspokeofthedeepsorrowthatlayinherheart.Theuglyfrogwiththebodyofamonstergazedupatherwithitssadbrowneyes.Itseemedtolistenandtounderstandherasahumanbeingwould.“NeveronceeventomyhusbandhaveIletfallawordofthetwo-edgedmiseryyouhavebroughtuponme“saidtheVikingswife.MyheartisfilledwithmoresorrowforyouthanIwou1dhavethoughtitcouldholdsogreatisamotherslove.Butloveneverenteredintoyourfeelings.Yourheartislikealumpofmuddankandcold.Fromwhencecameyouintomyhouse”Themiserableformtrembledstrangelyasifthesewordshadtouchedsomehiddenconnectionbetweenitssoulandithideousbody.Greattearscameintothoseeyes.“Yourtimeofdisasterwillcome“saidtheVikingswife“anditwi11beadisastroustimeformetoo.Betterwouldithavebeentohaveexposedyoubesidethehighwaywhenyouwereyoungandtohaveletthecoldofthenightlullyouintothesleepofdeath.TheVikingswifeweptbittertears.Inangeranddistressshepassedbetweenthecurtainsofhidesthathungfromabeamanddividedthechamber.Theshrivelod-upfrogcrouchedinacorner.Thedeadquietwasbrokenatintervalsbyherhalf-stifledsighs.Itwasasifinpainanewlifehadbeenborninherheart.Shetookastepforwardlistenedsteppedforwardagainandtookholdoftheheavybarofthedoorwithherawkwardhands.Softlysheunbarredthedoor.Silentlysheliftedthelatch.Shepickedupthelampthatflickeredinthehalloutsideanditseemedthatsomegreatpurposehadgivenherstrength.Shedrewbacktheironboltfromthewell-securedcellardoorandstoledowntotheprisoner.Hewassleepingasshetouchedhimwithhercoldclammyhand.Whenheawokeandsawthehideousmonsterbesidehimheshudderedasifhehadseenanevilspecter.Shedrewseveredhisbondsandbeckonedforhimtofollowher.holynamesandmadethesignofthecross.AsthecreatureremainedhesaidinthewordsoftheBible:ishethatconsidereththepoor.TheLordwi11deliverhimintimeoftrouble.*Whoareyouthatinguiseofananimalaresogentleandmerciful”Thefrogbeckonedforhimtofollowher.Sheledhimbehindshelteringcurtainsanddownalongpassagetothestablewhereshepointedtoahorse.Whenhemounteditshejumpedupinfrontothimclingingfasttothehorse*smane.Theprisonerunderstoodherandspeedilytheyrodeoutontheopenheathbyapathhecouldneverhavefound.HeignoredheruglyshapeforheknewthatthegraceandkindnessofGodcouldtakestrangeforms.Whenheprayedandsanghymnsshetrembled.WasitthepowerofsongandprayerthataffectedherorwassheshiveringatthechillapproachofdawnWhathadcomeoverherSheroseuptryingtostopthehorsesothatshecoulddismountbuttheChristianpriestheldherwithallhismightandchantedapsalminthehopethatitmighthavepowertobreakthespellwhichheldherintheshapeofahideousfrog.Thehorsedashedonmorewildlythanever.Theskiesturnedredandthefirstrayofthesunbrokethroughtheclouds.Inthatfirstflashofsunlightshechanged.Shebecamethelovelymaidenwiththecruelfiendishtemper.Thepriestwasalarmedtofindhimselfholdingafairmaidinhisarms.Hecheckedthehorseandsprangoffitthinkinghefacedsomenewtrickofthedevi
1.YoungHelgasprangdowntooandthechildssmockthatsheworewassoshortthatitcameonlytoherknee.Fromthebeltofitshesnatchedhersharpknifeandattackedthestartledpriest.“Letmegetatyou“shescreamed.Letmegetatyouandplungemyknifeinyourheart.Youareaspaleasstrawyoubeardlessslave!”SheclosedwithhimandfiercelytheystruggledtogetherbutanunseenpowerseemedtostrengthentheChristianpriest.Heheldherfastandtheoldoaktreeunderwhichtheystoodhelpedhimforitentangledherfeetinitsprojectingroots.Withclearwaterfromanear-byspringthepriestsprinkledherneckandfacecommandingtheuncleanspirittoleaveherandblessingherwiththesignofthecrossinChristianfashion.Butthewatersofbaptismhavenopowerunlessfaithwe11sfromwithin.Evensoagainsttheevilthatstruggledwithinherhehadopposedapowermoremightythanhisownhumanstrength.Herarmsdroppedtohersidesasshegazedinpale-facedastonishmentatthismanwhomshetookforamightymagicianskilledinsorceryandinthesecretarts.Thoseweremagicruneshehadrepeatedandmysticsignshehadtracedintheair.Shewouldnothaveflinchedhadheshakenakeenknifeorasharpaxinherfacebutsheflinchednowashemadethesignofthecrossoverherheadandheart.Shesatlikeatamebirdwithherheaddroopeduponherbreast.Gentlyhespoketoherofthegreatkindnessshehadshownhimduringthenightwhenshehadcomeintheguiseofahideousfrogtoseverhisbondsandtoleadhimoutintolightand1ifeagain.Hesaidshewasboundbystrongerbondsthanthosewhichhadboundhimbutthathewouldleadheroutofdarknesstoeternallife.HewouldtakehertotheholyAnsgariusatHedebyandthereintheChristiancitythespellthathadpoweroverherwouldbebroken.Buthewouldnotlethersitbeforehimonthehorseeventhoughshewishedit.Hedarednot.“Youmustsitbehindmeonthehorsenotinfrontofme“hesaid“foryourenchantedbeautyhasapowerthatcomesofevilandIfearit.YetwiththehelpoftheLordIshallwinthroughtovictory.Hekneltandprayeddevoutlyandsincerely.Itseemedasifthequietwoodbecameachurchconsecratedbyhisprayers.Thebirdsbegantosingasiftheybelongedtothenewcongregation.ThewildmintsmeltsweetasiftoreplaceincenseandambergrisandtheyoungpriestrecitedthesewordsfromtheBible:“Togivelighttothemthatsitindarknessandintheshadowofdeath;toguideourfeetintothewaysofpeace.”Whilehespokeofthelifeeverlastingthehorsethathadcarriedtheminwildcareerstoodquietlybyandpulledatthetallbramblebushesuntiltheripejuicyberriesfel1intoHelgashandofferingthemselvesforherrefreshment.Patientlysheletherselfbeliftedonhorsebackandsattherelikeoneinatranceneitherquiteawakenorquiteasleep.Thepriesttiedtwogreenbranchesintheshapeofacrossandheldithighastheyrodethroughthewoods.Theshrubsgrewthickerandthickeruntilatlasttheyrodealonginapathlesswilderness.Bushesofthewildsloeblockedtheirwaysothattheyhadtoridearoundthesethickets.Thespringsflowednolongerintolittlestreamsbutintostandingpondsandtheyhadtoridearoundthesetoo.ButthecoolbreezesoftheforestrefreshedandstrengthenedthemandtherewasnolessstrengthinthewordsoffaithandChristianlovethattheyoungpriestfoundtosaybecauseofhisgreatdesiretoleadthispoorlostsoulbacktolightandlife.Theysaythatraindropswillwearahollowinthehardeststoneandthatthewavesoftheseawillintimeweartherougheststonessmoothandround.ThusdidthedewofmercywhichfellonHelgasoftenthatwhichwashardandsmooththatwhichwasroughinhernature.Notthatanychangecouldyetbeseenorthatsheknewshewaschanginganymorethantheseedinthegroundisawarethattherainandthewarmsunwillcauseittogrowandburstintoflower.Whenamother*ssongunconsciouslyimpressesitselfonherchild*smemoryhebabblesthewordsafterherwithoutunderstandingbutintimetheyassumeorderinhismindandbecomemeaningfultohim.EvensoGodshealingWordbegantoimpressitselfonHelgasheart.Theyrodeoutofthewildernesscrossedaheathandrodeonthroughanotherpathlessforest.Theretowardeveningtheymetwitharobberband.“Wheredidyoukidnapthisbeautifulwench”therobbersshouted.Theystoppedthehorseanddraggedthetworidersfromitsback.ThepriestwassurroundedandhewasunarmedexceptfortheknifehehadtakenfromHelgabutwiththishenowtriedtodefendher.Asoneoftherobbersswunghisaxthepriestsprangasidetoavoidtheblowwhichfel1insteadontheneckofthehorse.Bloodspurtedforthandtheanimalfelltotheground.Startledoutofthedeeptranceinwhichshehadriddenal1dayHe1gasprangforwardandthrewherselfoverthedyinghorse.Theprieststoodbytoshieldanddefendherbutoneoftherobbersraisedhisironhammerandbroughtitdownonthepriestsheadsohardthathebasheditin.Brainsandbloodspatteredaboutasthepriestfelldowndead.Therobbersseized1ittleHelgabyherwhitearmsbutitwassundownandasthesun*slastbeamvanishedsheturnedbackintoafrog.Thegreenishwhitemouthtookuphalfherfaceherarmsturnedspindlyandslimyandherhandsturnedintobroadwebbedfans.Interrorandamazementtherobbersletgoofthishideouscreature.Frog-likeshehoppedashighasherheadandboundedintothethicket.TherobbersfeltsurethiswasoneofLoki,seviltricksorsomesuchsecretblackmagicsotheyfledfromtheplaceinterror.Thefullmoonrose.Itshoneinallitssplendoraspoorfrog-shapedHelgacreptoutofthethicketandcrouchedbesidetheslainpriestandtheslaughteredhorse.Shestaredatthemwitheyesthatseemedtoweepandshegaveasoblikethesoundofachildabouttoburstintotears.Shethrewherselfonfirstoneandthentheother.Shefetchedthemwaterinherlargehandswhichcouldholdagreatdealbecauseofthewebbedskinandpoureditoverthembutdeadtheywereanddeadtheywouldremain.Atlastsherealizedthis.Wildanimalswouldcomesoonanddevourtheirbodies.Butnothatmustnotbe!Shedugintothegroundaswellasshecouldtryingtomakeforthemagraveasdeepaspossible.Butshehadnothingtodigwithexceptthebranchofhertreeandherowntwohands.Thewebsbetweenherfingersweretornbyherlaborsuntiltheybledandshemadesolittleheadwaythatshesawthetaskwasbeyondher.Thenshebroughtc1earweltertowashthedeadmansfacewhichshecoveredwithfreshgreenleaves.Shebroughtlargebranchestocoverhimandscattereddryleavesbetweenthem.Thenshebroughttheheavieststonesshecouldcarrypiledthemoverthebodyandfilledinthecrackswithmoss.Nowshethoughtthemoundwouldbestrongandsafebutthedifficulttaskhadtakenheral1nightlong.ThesuncameupandtherestoodyoungHelgainallherbeautywithbloodonherhandsandforthefirsttimemaidenlytearsonherflushedcheeks.Duringthistransformationitseemedasiftwonatureswerecontendingwithinher.Shetrembledandlookedaboutherasifshehadjustawakenedfromanightmare.Shetookholdoftheslenderbranchofatreeforsupport.Presentlysheclimbedlikeacattothetopmostbranchesofthistreeandclungthere.Likeafrightenedsquirrelshestayedtherethewholedaythroughinthedeepsolitudeoftheforestwhereallisdeadstillastheysay.Deadstill!Whybutterfliesflutteredal1aboutinplayorstrife.Attheanthi1Isnear-byhundredsofbusylittleworkmenhurriedinandout.Theairwasfilledwithcountlessdancinggnatsswarmsofbuzzingfliesladybugsdragonflieswithgoldenwingsandotherwingedcreatures.Earthwormscrawledupfromthemoistearthandmolescameout.Ohexceptforallthesethepeoplemightberightwhentheycalltheforestdeadstill.”NoonepaidanyattentiontolittleHelgaexceptthejaysthatflewscreechingtothetreetopwheresheperched.Boldandcurioustheyhoppedaboutherinthebranchesbuttherewasalookinhereyesthatsoonputthemtoflight.Theycouldnotmakeheroutanymorethanshecouldunderstandherself.Wheneveningcameonthesettingsungavewarningthatitwastimeforhertochangeanditarousedhertoactivityagain.Shehadnosoonerclimbeddownthanthelastbeamofthesunfadedoutandoncemoreshesatthereashriveledfrogwiththetornwebbedskincoveringherhands.Butnowhereyesshonewithanewbeautythatinher1ove1yformtheyhadnotpossessed.Theyweregentletendermaidenlyeyes.Andthoughtheylookedoutthroughthemaskofafrogtheyreflectedthedeepfeelingsofahumanheart.Theybrimmedover\vithtears-preciousdropsthatlightenedherheart.Besidethegravemoundlaythecrossofgreenboughsthathadbeentiedtogetherwithbarkstringthelastworkofhimwholayburiedthere.Helgapickeditupandthethoughtcametohertoplantitbetweenthestonesthatcoveredthemanandthehorse.Memoryofthepriestbroughtfreshtearstohereyesandwithaful1heartshemadecrossmarksintheeartharoundthegraveasafencethatwou1dguarditwell.Whenwithbothhandsshemadethesignofthecrossthewebbedmembranefellfromherfingerslikeatornglove.Shewashedherhandsattheforestspringandgazedinamazementattheirdelicatewhiteness.Againintheairshemadetheholysignbetweenherselfandthedeadman.Herlipstrembledhertonguemovedandthenameshehadheardthepriestmentionsooftenduringtheirridethroughthewoodsrosetoherlips.SheutteredthenameoftheSavior.Thefrogsskinfellfromher.Oncemoreshewasalovelymaiden.Butherheadhungheavy.Shewasmuchinneedofrestandshefellasleep.Howevershedidnotsleepforlong.Sheawokeatmidnightandsawbeforeherthedeadhorseprancingandfulloflife.Ashininglightcamefromhiseyesandfromthewoundinhisneck.BesidehimstoodthemartyredChristianpriest“morebeautifulthanBalder“theVikingwomanhadtrulysaidforhestoodinaflashofflame.Therewassuchanairofgravityandofrighteousjusticeinthepenetratingglanceofhisgreatkindeyesthatshefeltasifhewerelookingintoeverycornerofherheart.LittleHelgatrembledunderhisgazeandhermemoriesstirredwithinherasthoughthiswereJudgementDay.Everykindnessthathadbeencloneherandeachlovingwordspokentoherwerefreshinhermind.Nowsheunderstoodhowithadbeenlovethatsustainedherthroughthosedaysoftrialduringwhichallcreaturesmadeofdustandspiritsoulandclaymustwrestleandstrive.Sherealizedthatshehadonlyobeyedtheimpulseofherinclinations.Shehadnotsavedherself.EverythinghadbeengiventoherandProvidencehadguidedher.NowinhumilityandshameshebentbeforeHimwhocouldreadeverythoughtinherheartandatthatmomentshefeltthepurelightoftheHolySpiritenterhersoul.,zDaughterofthemarsh“thepriestsaid“outoftheearthandthemarshyoucameandfromthisearthyoushallriseagain.ThelightinyouthatisnotofthesunbutofGodshal1returntoitssourcerememberingthebodyinwhichithaslain.Nosoulshallbelost.Thingstemporalarefullofemptinessbutthingseternalarethesourceof1ife.Icomefromthelandofthedead.Somedayyoutooshal1passthroughthedeepvalleytotheshiningmountaintopswherecompassionandperfectiondwe
11.IcannotleadyoutoreceiveChristianbaptismatHedebyforyoumustfirstbreakthewateryvei1thatcoversthedeepmarshandbringoutofitsdepthsthelivingsourceofyourbirthandyourbeing.Youmustperformablessedactbeforeyoumaybeblessed.”HeliftedheronthehorseandputinherhandagoldencenserliketheonesshehadseenintheViking*scastle.Fromitroseasweetincenseandthewoundinthemartyrsforeheadshonelikeadiadem.Hetookthecrossfromthegraveandraisedithighastheyroseswiftlythroughtheairovertherustlingwoodsandoverthemoundswheretheheroesofoldareburiedeachastridehisdeadwarhorse.Thesemightywarriorsroseandrodeuptothetopofthemounds.Goldencrownsshoneontheirforeheadsinthemoonlightandtheircloaksbillowedbehindtheminthenightwind.Thedragononguardoverhistreasurealsoliftedhisheadandwatchedthempass.Goblinspeeredupfromtheirhillsandhoilowswheretheyswarmedtoandfrowithredblueandgreenlightsasnumerousasthesparksofburningpaper.Awayovertheforestandheathriverandswamptheyhastenedunti1theycirc1edovertheWildMarsh.Thepriestheldaloftthecrosswhichshonelikegold.Fromhislipsfellholyprayers.LittleHelgajoinedinthehymnsthathesangasachildfollowsitsmother*ssong.Sheswungthecenseranditgaveforthachurchlyincensesomiraculouslyfragrantthatthereedsandsedgesburstintobloomeveryseedinthedepthssentforthstalksandal1thingsflourishedthathadasparkof1ifewithinthem.Waterliliesspreadoverthesurfaceofthepoollikeacarpetpatternedwithflowersandonthiscarpetayoungandbeautifulwomanlayasleep.Helgathoughtthiswasherownreflectionmirroredintheunruffledwater.ButwhatshesawwashermotherthePrincessfromthelandoftheNilewhohadbecometheMarshKingswife.Themartyredpriestcommandedthatthesleeperbelifteduponhorseback.Underthisnewburdenthehorsesankdownasthoughhisbodywereanemptywind-blownshroud.Butthesignofthecrosslentstrengthtothespectralhorseandhecarriedallthreeridersbacktosolidearth.ThencrowedthecockintheVikingscastleandthespectralfiguresbecameapartofthemistthatdrovebeforethewind.ButtheEgyptianPrincessandherdaughterwerelefttherefacetoface.“IsthismyselfIseoreflectedinthedeepwaters”criedthemother.“IsthismyselfIseemirroredonthebrightsurface”thedaughterexclaimed.Astheyapproachedoneanotherandmetinaheart-to-heartembracethemother*sheartbeatfasteranditwasthemotherwhounderstood.“Mychild!myheart1sownflowermylotusfrombeneaththewaters./,ShethrewherarmsaboutthechiIdandwept.ForlittleHelgathesetearswereafreshbaptismoflifeandlove.“Iflewhitherintheguiseofaswan“Helga*smothertoldher.HereIstrippedoffthatplumageandfel1intothequagmire.ThedeepmorassclosedovermelikeawallandIfeltastrongcurrent-astrangepower-dragmedeeperanddeeper.Ifeltsleepweighdownmyeyelids.1s1umberedanddreamed.IdreamedthatIstoodagainintheEgyptianpyramidyettheswayingalderstumpthathadfrightenedmesoonthesurfaceofthemorassstoodeverbeforeme.AsIwatchedthecheckmarksinitsbarktheytookonbrightcolorsandturnedintohieroglyphics.Iwaslookingatthecasketofamummy.Itburstopenandfromitsteppedthatmonarchofathousandyearsago.Hismummywaspitchblackashiningslimyblack1ikethewoodsnailorlikethemudoftheswamp.WhetheritwastheMarshKingorthatmummyofthepyramid1knownot.HethrewhisarmsaroundmeandIfeltthatIwou1ddie.WhenIcamebacktoconsciousnessIfeltsomethingwarmovermyheartandtherenestledalittlebirdtwitteringandflutteringitswings.Frommyheartitflewintotheheavydarknessoverheadbutalonggreenstrandstillboundittome.IheardandunderstooditsplaintivesongTofreedomtothesunlighttoourFather!ThonIrememberedmyownfatherinthesunfloodedlandofmybirthmylifeandmylove.Iloosedthestrandandletthelittlebirdflyhometomyfather.FromthatmomentIhaveknownnootherdreams.Ihavesleptlonganddeepuntilthishourwhenwondroussoundsandincensewokemeandsetmefree.”WhathadbecomeofthatgreenstrandbetweenthemothersheartandtheheartandthebirdswingWherediditflutternowWhathadbecomeofitOnlythestorkhadeverseenit.Thatstrandwasthegreenstalkandthebowattheendofitwasthebrightflowerthathadcradledthechildwhowasgrowninbeautyandnowrestedoncemoreonhermother,sheart.Astheystoodthereineachothersarmsthestorkcircledovertheirheads.Awayheflewtohisnestforthetwosetsofswanfeathersthathehadstoredthereforsomanyyears.Hedroppedthesesetsoffeathersuponthemotheranddaughterandoncetheplumagehadcoveredthemtheyrosefromthegroundastwowhiteswans.Letshaveachat“saidthefatherstork“fornowwecanunderstandoneanothereventhoughdifferentbirdshavedifferentbeaks.It*stheluckiestthingintheworldthatIfoundyoutonight.TomorrowweshallbeonourwayMothertheyoungonesandIal1flyingsouth.Yesyouwellmaystare.1amyouroldfriendfromthebanksoftheNileandMotheristoo.Herheartissofterthanherbeak.ShealwaysdidsaythePrincesscouldlookoutforherselfbut1andoursonsbroughtthesesetsofswanfeathersuphere.WhyhowhappythismakesmeandhowluckyitisthatIamstillhere.Atdaybreakweshallsetoutwithagreatcompanyofstorks.Weshallflyinthevanguardandifyoufollowuscloselyyoucan,tmissyourwciy.TheyoungonesandIwillkeepaneyeonyoutoo.〃“AndthelotusflowerwhichIwastofetch“saidtheEgyptianPrincess“nowfliesbesidemeintheguiseofaswan.Ibringwithmetheflowerthattouchedmyheartandtheriddlehasbeensolved.Homewego!”ButHelgasaidshecouldnotleavethelandoftheDanesuntilshehadoncemoreseenhergoodfostermothertheViking*swife.Helgavividlyreccilledeveryfondmomentspentwithhereverykindwordandeveneverytearshehadcausedthefostermothertoshed.Atthatmomentshealmostfeltthatshelovedherfostermotherbestofall.“YeswemustgototheVikingscastle*saidthefatherstork.wMotherandtheyoungonesarewaitingformethere.Howtheireyeswillpopandtheirbeakswillrattle!Motherisnogreatonefortalking.Shesabitcurtanddrybutshemeansverywell.NowImustmakeagreatto-dosothattheywillknowwearecoming.”SothefatherstorkrattledhisbeakasheandtheswansflewhometotheVikingscastle.Everyonetherelaysoundasleep.TheViking*swifehadgonetobedlatethatnightbecauseshewassoworriedaboutHe1gawhohadbeenmissingeversincetheChristianpriestdisappearedthreedaysago.Shemusthavehelpedhimescapeforitwasherhorsethatwasgonefromthestable.ButwhatpowercouldhavebroughtthisaboutTheViking*swifethoughtofallthemiraclesshehadheardwereperformedbytheWhiteChristandbythosewhohadthefaithtofollowHim.Hertroubledthoughtsgavewaytodreams.Shedreamedthatshelaythereonherbedstillawakestilllostinthoughtwhiledarknessreignedoutside.Astormblewup.Totheeastandtothewestsheheardthehighseasrol1-wavesoftheNorthSeaandwavesoftheKattegat.Thegreatsnakewhichinthedepthoftheoceancoilsaroundtheearthwasinconvulsionsofterror.Itwasthetwi1ightofthegodsRagnarokastheheathenscalledJudgmentDaywhenallwouldperisheventheirhighestgods.Thewarhornsoundedandovertherainbowbridgethegodsrodecladinsteeltofighttheirlastgreatfight.ThewingedValkyrieschargedonbeforethemanddeadheroesmarchedbehind.ThewholefirmamentblazedwiththeNorthernLightsyetdarknessconqueredintheend.Itwasanawfulhour.Besidetheterror-strickendreamerlittleHelgaseemedtocrouchonthefloorintheuglyfrogsshape.Sheshudderedandcreptclosetoherfostermotherwhotookthecreatureupinherlapandhideousthoughitwaslovinglycaressedit.Theairresoundedwiththeclashingofswordsandclubsandtherattleofarrowslikeahailstormupontheroof.ThehourhadcomewhenheavenandearthwouldperishthestarswouldfallandeverythingbeswallowedupbySurtur*sseaoffire.Yetsheknewtherewouldbeanewheavenandanewearth.Thegrainwou1dgrowinwavingfieldswheretheseanowrolledoverthegoldensands.Thenthegodwhosenamecouldnotyetbespokenwou1dreignatlastandtohimwou1dcomeBaldersomildandlovingraisedupfromthekingdomofthedead.HecameandtheViking,swifesawhimclearly.SheknewhisfacewhichwasthatofthecaptiveChristianpriest.TheWhiteChrist“shecriedaloudandasshespokethatnameshekissedtheuglybrowofherfrogchild.OfffellthefrogskinanditwasHelgawhostoodbeforeherinradiantbeautygentleasshehadneverbeenbeforeandwithbeamingeyes.Shekissedherfostermother*shandsandblessedherforallthelovingkindnessthathadbeenlavisheduponherinthosedaysofbittertrialsandsorrow.ShethankedtheVikingswifeforthethoughtsshehadnurturedinherandforcallinguponthenamewhichsherepeated-theWhiteChrist.AndlittleHelgaaroseintheshapeofawhitemightyswan.Withtherushingsoundofaflockofbirdsofpassagetakingflightshespreadherpowerfulwings.TheVikingswifeawakenedtohearthisverysamenoiseoverhead.Sheknewitwasabouttimeforthestorkstoflysouthandthattheymustbewhatsheheard.Shewantedtoseethemoncemoreandbidthemgoodluckfortheirjourneysoshegotupandwentoutonherbalcony.Thereontheroofsofalltheoutbuildingsshesawstorkuponstorkandallroundthecastlebandsofstorkswhirledinwideningcirclesabovethehightrees.DirectlyinfrontofherbesidethewellwhereHelgahadsooftensatandfrightenedherwithwildbehaviortwowhiteswansweresitting.Theylookedupatherwithsuchexpressiveeyesthatitrecalledherdreamwhichsti11seemedtoheralmostreal.ShethoughtofHelgaintheguiseofaswan.ShethoughtoftheChristianpriestandsuddenlyherheartfeltglad.Theswanswavedtheirwingsandbowedtheirneckstoherasifingreeting.TheViking*swifeheldoutherarmsasifsheunderstoodandthinkingofmanythingsshesmiledatthemthroughhertears.Thenwithagreatclatteringofbeaksandflappingofwingsthestorksallstartedsouth.“Wewon*twaitforthoseswans“saidthemotherstork.Iftheywanttogowithustheyhadbettercomenow.Wecantdi1ly-dallyhereuntiltheploversstart.11isnicertotravelaswedoinafamilygroupinsteadoflikethefinchesandpartridgesamongwhomthemalesandfemalesflyinseparateflocks.Ical1thatdownrightscandalous.Andwhatkindofstrokesdothoseswanscallthosethattheyarcmaking”“Oheveryonehashisownwayofflying“thefatherstorksaid.Swansflyinaslantwiselinecranesinatriangleandtheploversinsnake-likecurves.“Donttalkaboutsnakeswhileweareflyinguphere“saidthemotherstork.Ilwillputgreedythoughtsintheyoungones*headsatatimewhentheycanttbeappeased.”“ArethosethehighmountainsofwhichIhaveheard”Helgaaskedassheflewalongintheswanplumage.“Therearethundercloudsbillowingbelowus“hermothertoldher.“Andwhatarcthewhitecloudsthatrisetosuchheights*Helgaasked.“Thoseheightsthatyouseearethemountainsthatarealwayscappedwithsnow“hermothersaidastheyflewovertheAlpsoutovertheblueMediterranean.“Africansands!Egyptianstrands!”Intheupperairthrough\vhichherswanwingssoaredthedaughteroftheNilerejoicedwhenshespiedoncemoretheyellowwave-washedcoastofhernativecountry.Thestorksspiedittooandtheyquickenedtheirflight.Oneeveningthefatherstorkstayedoutratherlateandwhenhogothomeholookedruffledandflurried.“Ihavesomethingsimplydreadfultotellyou“hesaidtothemotherstork.“Thenyouhadbetterkeepittoyourselfshetoldhim.RememberIamhatchingeggs!Ifyoufrightenmeitmighthaveaverybadeffectonthem.”“ButImusttel1you“heinsisted.ThedaughterofourEgyptianhosthascomehere.Shehasventuredtotakethislongjourneyand-she*slost!”“ShewhocomesoffairystockSpeakup.YouknowthatImustnotbekeptinsuspensewhilermonmyeggs.”ItsthiswayMother.Justasyoutoldmeshemusthavebelievedthedoctor*sadvice.Shebelievedthattheswampflowersupherewou1dcurehersickfatherandshehasflownhereintheguiseofaswantogetherwithtwootherPrincesseswhoputonswanplumageandflynortheveryyeartotakethebathsthatkeepthemyoung.Shehascomeandsheislost.*“Youmakeyourstorytoolong-windedthemotherstorkprotested.Myeggsareapttocatchcold.Icantbearsuchsuspenseatatime1ikethis.”“Ihavebeenkeepingmyeyesopen“saidthefatherstork“andthiseveningIwentamongthereedswherethequaginirewi11barelysupportme.ThereIsawthreeswansflyingmyway.Therewassomethingabouttheirflightthatwarnedme*Seehere!Thesearenotrealswans.Thesecreaturesaremere1ydisguisedinswanfeathersYouknowaswellasIdoMotherthatonefeelsinstinctlywhetherathingistrueorfalse.”“TbesureIdosaidshe.ButtellmeaboutthePrincess.Iamtiredofhearingaboutswanfeathers.z,“Well“thefatherstorksaid〃asyouknowinthemiddleofthemarshthereisasortofpool.Youcancatchaglimpseofitfromhereifyouwillriseupatrifle.Therebetweenthereedsandthegreenscumofthepoo]alargealderstumpjutsup.Onitthethreeswansalightedflappedtheirwingsandlookedaboutthem.OneofthemthrewoffherswanplumageandimmediatelyIcouldseethatshewasthePrincessfromourhomeinEgypt.Thereshesatwithnoothercloakthanherownlonghair.Iheardherasktheotherstotakegoodcareofherswanfeatherswhileshediveddowninthewatertoplucktheswampf1owerwhichshefanciedshesawthere.Theynoddedandheldtheirheadshighastheypickedupheremptyplumage.“WhataretheygoingtodowithitIwonderedandshemusthavewonderedtoo.Ouranswercamesoonenoughfortheyflewupintheairwithherfeathergarment.“Diveaway*theycried.Nevermoreshallyouflyaboutasaswan.Nevermoreshell1youseethelandofEgypt.Youmayhaveyourswampforever.5Theytoreherswanguiseintoahundredpiecessothatfeatherswhirledaroundlikeaflurryofsnow.Thenawaytheyf1ewthosetwodeceitfulPrincesses.”“Whythat*sdreadful“themotherstorksaid.Icantbeartolisten.Tellmewhathappenednext.”“ThePrincesssobbedandlamented.HertearssprinkleddownonthealderstumpandthestumpmovedforitwastheMarshKinghimselfwholivesunderthequagmire.Isawthestumpturnandthiswasnolongeratreestumpthatstretchedoutits“IcansnifftheNilemudandthejuicyfrogs“themotherstorkcried.Whatanappetizingfeeling!Yesthereyoushallhavefineeatingandthingstosee-maraboustorksibisesandcranes.Theyareallcousinsofoursbutnotnearlysohandsomeaswe.Theyarevaincreaturesespeciallytheibises.TheEgyptiansstuffthemwithspicesandmakemummiesofthemandthishasquiteturnedtheirheads.AsformeIwouldratherbestuffedwithlivefrogsandsowouldyouandsoyoushallbe.Bettertohaveyourmouthwellstuffedwhenyouarealivethanhavesuchato-domadeoveryouwhenyouarcdead.That*stheonlywayIfeelaboutitandIamalwaysright.”“Thestorkshavecomeback“saidthepeopleinthemagnificenthomeonthebanksoftheNilewhereonaleopardskinspreadoversoftcushionsintheloftyhal1themasterlaybetweenlifeanddeathwaitingandhopingforthelotusflowerfromthedeepmarshesinthefarnorth.Hiskinsmenandservantswerestandingbesidehiscouchwhenintotheroomflewtwomagnificentwhiteswanswhohadcomewiththestorks.Theydoffedtheirglisteningswanfeathersandtherestoodtwolovelywomenwhoresembledeachotherascloselyastwodropsofwater.Theybentoverthepalefeebleoldmanandthrewbacktheirlonghair.WhenlittleHelgaleanedabovehergrandfatherthecolorreturnedtohischeeks1ighttohiseyesandlifetohisstiffenedlimbs.Haleandheartytheoldmanrose.Hisdaughterandgranddaughterthrewtheirarmsaroundhimasiftheywerejoyouslygreetinghimonthemorningafteralongandtryingdream.Greatwastherejoicinginthathouseandinthestork5snesttoothoughthestorksrejoicedchieflybecauseofthegoodfoodandtheabundanceoffrogs.WhilethelearnedmensketchilyscribbleddownthestoryofthetwoPrincessesandofthehealingflowerrthathadbroughtsuchablessingtothathouseholdandthroughoutallthelandintheirownwaytheparentstorkstoldthestorytotheirchildrenbutnotunti1al1ofthemwereful1ortheywou1dhavehadbetterthingstodothanlistentostories.“Nowyouwillbecomeasomebodyatlast“themotherstorkwhispered.Itstheleastwecanexpect.〃“OhwhatwouldIbecome*saidthefatherstork.WhathaveIdoneNothingmuch.”“Youhavedonemorethanal1theothersputtogether.ExceptforyouandouryoungonesthetwoPrincesseswouldneverhaveseenEgyptagainnorwouldtheoldmanhavebeenhealed.Youwillassuredlybecomeasomebody.Attheveryleasttheywi11giveyouthetitleofdoctorandouryoungoneswillinherititandtheirlittleonesafterthem.WhyatleasttomyeyesyoualreadyhavethelookofanEgyptiandoctor.〃Thewiseandlearnedmenpropoundedthebasicprincipleastheycalleditonwhichthewho1ematterrested.Lovebringslife“wastheirdoctrineandthistheyexplainedindifferentways.ThewarmsunbeamwastheEgyptianPrincess.ShedescendeduntotheMarshKingandfromtheirmeetingtheflowerarose.”“Ican,tquiterepeattheexactwords“saidthefatherstorkwhohadbeenlisteningontheroofandwantedtotellhisfamilyallaboutit.Whattheysaidwassoincomprehensiblywisethattheyweregiventitlesandpresentstoo.Eventhechiefcookwasrewardednodoubtforhissoup.”“Andwhatwasyourreward”themotherstorkwantedtoknow.Itwasnotrightforthemtopassoverthemostimportantoneinthewholeaffairwhichisjustwhatyouare.Thelearnedmendidnoughtbutwagtheirtongues.HoweverIhavenodoubtthatyourturnwillcome.”Latethatnightwhenthehappyhouseholdlaypeacefullyasleeptherewasonepersonleftawake.Thiswasnotthefatherstorkwholikeadrowsysentrystoodinhisnestononeleg.Nothiswide-awakepersonwas1ittleHelga.Sheleanedovertherailofherbalconyandlookedupthroughtheclearairatthegreatshiningstars.TheywerelargerandmorelustrousthanshehadeverseenthemintheNorthbuttheywerethesamestars.ShethoughtoftheViking*swifeneartheWildMarshofhergentleeyesandofthetearswhichshehadshedoverherpoorfrogchildwhonowwasstandinginthesplendoroftheclearstarlightandthewonderfulspringairbythewatersoftheNile.Shethoughtofthelovethatfilledtheheathenwoman5shearttheloveshehadshownthatwretchedcreaturewhowashatefulinherhumanformanddreadfultoseeortouchinheranimalshape.Shelookedattheshiningstarsandwasremindedoftheglorythathadgleamedonthebrowofthemartyredpriestwhenheflewwithherovermoorandforest.Sherecalledthetoneofhisvoice.Sherecalledthosewordshehadsaidwhentheyrodetogetherandshesatlikeanevilspirit-thosewordsthathadtodowiththathighsourceofthegreatestlovethatencompassesallmankindthroughoutallthegenerations.Yeswhathadshenotreceivedwongained!NightanddayHelgawasabsorbedincontemplatingherhappiness.Sheregardeditlikeachildwhoturnssoquicklyfromthegivertoal1thosewonderfulgifts.Herhappythoughtsranontotheevengreaterhappinessthatcouldlieaheadandwouldlieahead.Onandonshethoughtuntilshesolostherselfindreamsoffutureblissthatsheforgotthegiverofal1goodthings.Itwasthewantonprideofheryouththatledheronintothepitfail.Hereyeswerebrightwithpridewhenasuddennoiseintheyardbelowrecalledherstrayingthoughts.Shesawtwolargeostrichesrushingaboutinnarrowcirclesandneverbeforehadsheseenthisanimalthishugefatandawkwardbird.Thewingslookedasiftheyhadbeenrough1yhandled.WhensheaskedwhythiswasforthefirsttimesheheardthelegendthatEgyptianstellabouttheostrich.Oncetheysaidtheostricheswerearaceofgloriousandbeautifulbirdswithwingsbothwideandstrong.Oneeveningtheotherlargebirdsoftheforestsaidtotheostrich“BrothershallwcflytotherivertomorrowGodwillingandquenchorthirst”“Yestheostrichanswered“soIwill.Atdawnawaytheyflew.FirsttheyflewalofttowardthesunwhichistheeyeofGod.Higherandhighertheostrichflewfaraheadofalltheotherbirds.InhisprideheflewstraighttowardthelightvauntinghisownstrengthandpayingnoheedtoHimfromwhomstrengthcomes.Godwillinghedidnotsay.Thonsuddenlytheavengingangeldrewasidetheveilfromtheflamingseasofthesunandinaninstantthewingsofthatproudbirdwasburnedawayandhewretchedlytumbledtoearth.Neversincethatdayhastheostrichoranyofhisfamilybeenabletoriseintheair.Hecanonlyfleetimidlyalongthegroundandrunaboutincircles.Heisawarningtousthatinallhumanthoughtsanddeedsweshouldsay“Godwilling.”Helgabowedherheadinthoughts.Astheostrichrushedaboutsheobservedhowtimoroushewasandwhatvainpridehetookinthesizeoftheshadowhecastonthewhitesunlitwall.Shedevotedherselftomoreseriousthoughts.AhappylifehadbeengivenherbutwhatwastocomeofitGreatthings“Godwilling.”WhenintheearlyspringthestorksmadereadytoflynorthagainHelgatookthegoldenbraceletfromherarmandscratchedhernameuponit.ShebeckonedtothefatherstorkslippedthegoldenbandaroundhisneckandtoldhimtotakeittotheViking5swifeasasignthatheradopteddaughterwasaliveandhappyandhadnotforgottenher.itsaheavythingtocarry*thefatherstorkthoughtasheworeitaroundhisneck.〃Bulgoldandhonorarenottobetossedawayonthehighroad.Thepeopleuptherewillindeedbesayingthatthestorkbringsluck.”“Youlaygoldand1layeggs“themotherstorktoldhim.althoughyoulayonlyoncewhileIlayeveryyear.Neitherofusgetsanythanksforitwhichismostdiscouraging.“Oneknowswhenhesdonehisduty“thefatherstorksaid.“Butyoucan*thangsuchknowledgeupforalltoadmire“shesaid.Neitherwillitbringyouafavorablewindnorafullmeal.Thenawaytheyflew.Thelittlenightingalewhosanginthetamarindtreewouldalsobeflyingnorthsoon.HelgahadoftenheardhimsingingupneartheWildMarsh.Shedecidedtousehimasamessengerforshehadlearnedthelanguageofthebirdswhensheflewintheguiseofaswanandasshehadoftentalkedwiththestorksandswallowssheknewthelittlenightingalewouldunderstandher.ShebeggedhimtoflytothebeechforestinJutlandwhereshohadbuiltthetombofstoneandbranches.Shebeggedhimtotellallthelittlebirdstheretoguardthegraveandtosingthereoften.Thenightingaleflewaway-andtimewentflyingby.Thatfalltheeaglethatperchedonthepyramidsawamagnificentcaravanofcamelsrichlyladenandaccompaniedbyarmedmen.ThesemenweresplendidlyrobedandweremountedonprancingArabhorsesaswhiteasshiningsilverwithquiveringpinknostrilsandbigflowingmanesthatsweptdowntotheirslenderlegs.AroyalPrinceofArabiahandsomeasaPrinceshouldbecameasanhonoredguesttothepalacewherethestorks*nestnowstoodempty.Thenest-ownershadbeenawayinthefarNorthbuttheywouldsoonreturn.Theydidreturnontheveryeveningwhenthefestivecelebrationwasatitsheight.ItwastheweddingthatwasbeingcelebratedandthebridewaslovelyHelgajeweledandrobedinsiIk.ThebridegroomwastheyoungArabianPrince.TheysatattheheadofthetablebetweenHelga*smotherandgrandfather.ButHelgawasnotwatchingthebridegroomshandsomebronzedfaceroundwhichhisblackbeardcurled.Norwasshelookingintothedarkfieryeyesthathefixeduponher.Shewasstaringoutatabrightglisteningstarthatshonedownfromthesky.Thentherewasarushofwingsthroughtheairandthestorkscameback.Tiredthoughtheywereandbad1yastheyneededrestaftertheirjourneythetwooldparentstorksflewstraighttotheverandarailing.TheyknewofthemarriagefeastandatthefrontiertheyhadalreadyheardnewsthatHelgahadcommandedtheirpicturestobepaintedonthewallsfortrulytheywereapartofherlifestory.“Thatcertainlywasveryniceandthoughtful“saidthefatherstork.“Ilwas1ittleenoughz,themotherstorktoldhim.Shecouldhardlydoless.”WhenHelgasawthemsherosefromthetableandwentoutontheverandatostroketheirbacks.Theoldstorksbowedtheirheads\vhi1etheyoungestoftheirchildrenlookedonandappreciatedthehonorbestowedonthem.Helgalookedupatthebrightstarwhichgrewyetmorebrilliantandclear.Betweenhercindthestarhoveredaformevenpurerthantheairandthereforevisiblethroughit.Asitfloateddownquitenearhershesawthatitwasthemartyredpriest.Hetoocametoherweddingfeast-camefromtheKingdomofHeaven.“Thesplendorandhappinessupthere“hesaid“surpassallthatisknownonearth.”MorehumblyandferventlythanshehadeveryetprayedHe1gaaskedthatforonebriefmomentshemightbeallowedtogothereandcastasingleglanceintothebrightKingdomofHeaven.Thenheraisedherupinsplendorandglorythroughastreamofmelodyandthoughts.Thesoundandthebrightnesswerenotonlyaroundherbutwithinhersoulaswell.Theylaybeyondallwords.“Wemustgobackoryouwillbemissed“themartyredpriestsaidtoher.“Onlyonemoreglance“shebegged.Onlyonebriefmomentmore.”“Wemustgobacktotheearthforailyourguestsareleaving.“Onlyonemorelook!Thelast!”ThenHelgastoodagainontheverandabutal1thetorcheshadbeenextinguishedandthebanquethallwasdark.Thestorksweregone.Noguestsweretobeseenandnobridegroom.Allhadvanishedinthosethreebriefmoments.Agreatfearfelluponher.Shewanderedthroughthehugeemptyhallintothenextroomwhereforeignsoldierslayasleep.Sheopenedthesidedoorthatledintoherownbedroom.Whenshethoughtshehadentereditshefoundherselfinthegardenbutitwasntthegardensheknew.Redgleamedtheskyforitwasthebreakofday.Onlythreemomentsinheavenandalongtimehadpassedontheearth.Shesawthestorksandcalledtothemintheirownkinguage.Thefatherstorkturnedhisheadlistenedandcamedowntoher.“Youspeakourlanguage〃headmitted.Whatisyourwishstrangewomanandwhydoyoucomehere*“ButitisI-HeIga.DoyounotknowmeOn1ythreemomentsagoweweretalkingtogetheroverthereontheveranda.”“Youaremistakenthestorksaid“Youmusthavedreamedit.”“Nono!”shesaidandremindedhimoftheViking*scastleoftheWildMarshandofthejourneyhither.Thenthefatherstorkblinkedhiseyes.Whythatisaveryoldstorythatmygreat-great-grandmothertoldme〃hesaid.TrulythereoncewasaPrincessinEgyptwhocamefromthelandoftheDanes.Butshedisappearedonthenightofherweddinghundredsofyearsagoandneverwasseenagain.Youmayreadaboutityourselfthereonthemonumentinthegarden.Swansandstorksarecarveduponitandatthetopisyourownfiguresculpturedinwhitemarble.*Andthiswastrue.LittleHelgasawitunderstooditanddroppeduponherknees.Thesunshonebrightlyinallitssplendor.AsintheolddayswhenatthefirsttouchofsunlightthefrogsskinfellawaytorevealabeautifulmaidensonowinthatbaptismbythesunaformofheavenlybeautyclearerandpurerthantheairitselfroseasabrightbeamtojointheFather.Thebodycrumbledtodustandonlyawiltedlotusflowerlaywhereshehadknelt.“Well“saidthefatherstork.Thatsanewendingtothestory.IhadntexpecteditbutIlikeditquitewell.”“Howwilltheyoungoneslikeit”themotherstorkwondered.“Ahsaidthefatherstork“ihalcertainlyisthemostimportantthingafterall.”twomuddybranch-likearmstowardthepoorgirl.Shewassofrightenedthatshejumpedoutonthegreenscumwhichcannotbearmyweightmuchlesshers.Shewasinstantlyswallowedupanditwasthealderstumpwhichplungedinafterherthatdraggedherdown.Bigblackbubblesroseandthesewerethelasttracesofthem.SheisnowburiedintheWildMarshandneverwillshegetbackhometoEgyptwiththeflowersshecametofind.MotheryoucouldnothaveenduredthesightsIsaw.〃“Yououghtnottotellmesuchataleatatimelikethis.Oureggsmaybetheworseforit.ThePrincesscanlookoutforherself.Someonewillsurelyhelpher.NowifithadbeenIoryouoranyofourfamilyitwouldhavebeenal1overwithUS.“IshalIlookoutforhereveryday“saidthefatherstorkandhedidso.Alongtimewentbybutonedayhesawagreenstalkshootingupfromthebottomofthepool.Whenitcametothesurfaceitgrewaleafwhichgotbroaderandbroaderandthenabudappeared.Asthestorkwasflyingbyonemorningthebudopenedinthestrongsunbeamsandinthecenterofitlayabeautifulchildababygirlwholookedasfreshasifshehadjustcomefromherbath.SocloselydidthebabyresemblethePrincessfromEgyptthatthestorkthoughtitwasshewhohadbecomeachildagain.ButwhenheconsideredthematterhedecidedthatthischiIdwholayinthecupofawaterlilymustbethedaughterofthePrincessandtheMarshKing.“Shecannotremainthere“thestorksaidtohimself“yetmynestisalreadyovercrowded.ButIhaveanidea.TheViking*swifehasntanychildrenalthoughsheisalwayswishingforalittleone.ImoftenheldresponsibleforbringingchildrenandthistimeIshallreallybringone.IshallflywiththisbabytotheViking*swife.Whatjoytherewillbe.”ThestorkpickedupthelittlegirlflewwithhertothelogcastlepeckedaholewithhisbeakinthepieceofbladderthatservedasawindowpaneandlaidthebabyinthearmsoftheVikingwoman.Thenheflewhometohiswifeandtoldherallaboutit.Thebabystorkslistenedattentivelyfortheywereoldenoughnowtobecurious.“Justthink!ThePrincessisnotdead“hetoldthem.ShesentherlittleoneuptomeandIhavefoundagoodhomeforit.”“Itoldyoutostartwiththatitwou1dcomeoutallrightsaidthemotherstork.“Turnyourthoughtsnowtoyourownchildren.Itisalmosttimeforustostartonourlongjourney.Iambeginningtotingleundermywings.ThecuckooandthenightingalehaveflownalreadyandIheardthequailsayingthatweshallsoonhaveafavorablewind.OuryoungoneswilldouscreditontheflightorIdontknowmyownchildren.HowpleasedtheVikingswifewaswhensheawokeinthemorningandfoundthelovelychildinherarms.Shekisseditandcaresseditbutitscreamedfrightfullyandthrashedaboutwithitslittlearmsandlegs.Therewasnopleasingituntilatlastitcrieditselftosleepandasitlaythereitwasoneoftheloveliestlittlecreaturesthatanyoneeversaw.TheVikingswifewassooverjoyedthatshefeltlight-headedaswellaslight-hearted.Sheturnedquitehopefulabouteverythingandfeltsurethatherhusbandandallhismenmightreturnasunexpectedlyasthelittleonehadcometoher.Soshesetherselfandherentirehouseholdtoworkinordertohaveeverythinginreadiness.Thelongcoloredtapestryonwhichsheandherhandmaidenshadembroideredfiguresoftheirgods-OdinThorandFreyaastheywerecalled-werehunginplace.ThethralIsweresettoscouringandpolishingtheoldshieldsthatdecoratedthewalls;cushionswerelaidonthebenches;anddrylogswerestackedonthefireplaceinthemiddleofthehallsothatthepilemightbelightedatamoment*snotice.TheViking,swifeworkedsohardthatshewastiredoutandsleptsoundlywheneveningcame.Alongtowardmorningsheawokeandwasgreatlyalarmedtofindnotraceofherlittlechild.Shespranguplightedasplinterofpinewoodandsearchedtheroom.ToherastonishmentshefoundatthefootofherbednotthebeautifulchiIdbutabiguglyfrog.Shewassoappalledthatshetookupaheavysticktokillthecreaturebutitlookedatherwithsuchstrangesadeyesthatshecouldnotstrike.Assherenewedhersearchthefroggaveafaintpitifulcroak.Shesprangfromthebedtothewindowandthrewopentheshutter.Thelightoftherisingsunstreamedinandfelluponthatbigfrogonthebed.Itseemedasifthecreatureswidemouthcontractedintosmallredlips.Thefroglegsunbentasthemostexquisitelyshapedlimbsanditwasherlovelylittlechildthatlaythereandnotthatuglyfrog.Whatsallthis”sheexclaimed.HaveIhadanightmareThisismyprettylittleelflyinghere.Shekisseditandpresseditaffectionatelytoherheartbutitstruggledandtriedtobitelikethekittenofawildcat.NeitherthatdaynorthenextdidherVikinghusbandcomehome.Thoughhewasonhiswaythewindswereagainsthim.Theywereblowingsouthwardtospeedthestorks.Afairwindforoneisafoulwindforanother.InthecourseofafewdaysandnightsitbecameplaintotheVikingswifehowthingswerewiththelittlechild.Itwasundertheinfluenceofsometerriblespellofsorcery.Bydayitwasaslovelyasafairychildbutithadawickedtemper.Atnightonthecontraryitwasanuglyfrogquietandpatheticwithsorrowfuleyes.Hereweretwonaturesthatchangedaboutbothinwardlyandoutwardly.Thiswasbecausethelittlegirlwhomthestorkhadbroughthadbydayhermothersappearancetogetherwithherfather*stemper.Butatnightsheshowedherkinshipwithhiminheroutwardformwhilehermothersmindandheartinward1ybecamehers.WhowouldbeabletoreleaseherfromthispowerfulspellofsorcerythatlayuponherTheVikingswifefeltmostanxiousanddistressedaboutityetherheartwentouttothepoorlittlething.Sheknewthatwhenherhusbandcamohomeshewouldnotdaretellhimofthisstrangestateofaffairsforhewouldcertainlyfollowthecustomofthosetimesandexposethepoorchildonthehighroadtoletanyonetakeitwhowould.TheVikingtsgood-naturedwifehadnotthehearttodothissoshedeterminedthatheshouldonlyseethechildinthedaytime.Acdaybreakonemorningthewingsofstorkswereheardbeatingovertheroof.Duringthenightmorethanahundredpairsofstorkshadrestedthereandnowtheyflewuptomaketheirwaytothesouth.“Everymanready“wastheirwatchword.Letthewivesandchildrenmakereadytoo.”“Howlightwefeel!”clackedthelittlestorks.Wtingleanditchrightclowntoourtoesasifwewerefulloflivefrogs.Howfineitfeelstobetravelingtofar-offlands.”“Keepcloseinoneflock“criedtheirfatherandmother.Dontclackyourbeakssomuchitsbadforyourchest.”Andawaytheywent.AtthatveryinstanttheblastofahornrangovertheheathtogivenoticethattheVikinghadlandedwithallofhismen.TheycamehomewithrichbootyfromtheGaeliccoastwhereasinBritaintheterrifiedpeoplesang:“DeliverusfromthewildNorthmen.WhatalivelybustlenowstruckthisViking5scastleneartheWildMarsh!Acaskofmeadwasrolledoutintothehallthepileofwoodwaslightedandhorseswereslaughtered.Whatafeasttheyweregoingtohave!Priestssprinkledthehorseswarmbloodoverthethrallsasabloodoffering.Thefirescrackledthesmokerolleduptotheroofandsootdroppeddownfromthebeamsbuttheywereusedtothat.Guestswereinvitedandweregivenhandsomepresents.Oldgrudgesanddouble-dealingswereforgotten.Theyalldrankdeepandthrewthegnawedbonesineachothersfacesbutthatwasasignofgoodhumor.Theskaldasortofminstrelbutatthesametimeafightingmanwhohadbeenwiththemandknewwhathesangabouttrolledthemasonginwhichhetoldofal1theirvaliantdeedsinbattleandalltheirwonderfuladventures.Aftereachversecamethesamerefrain:“FortunesperishfriendsdieonediesoneselfButagloriousnameneverdies!”Thentheyallbangedtheirshieldsandrattledonthetablewiththeirknivesortheknuckle-bonesmakingaterrificnoise.TheViking1swifesatonthebenchthatranacrossthispublicbanquethall.SheworeasiIkendresswithgoldbraceletsandbigamberbeads.Shewasinherfinestattireandtheskaldincludedherinhissong.Hespokeofthegoldentreasurewhichshehadbroughtherrichhusband.Thishusbandofhorsrejoicedinthelovelychildwhomhehadseenonlybydayinallitscharmingbeauty.Thesavagetemperthatwentwithherdaytimebeautyratherpleasedhimandhesaidthatshemightgrowuptobeastalwartsoldiermaidabletoholdherown-thesortwhowou1dnotflinchifaskilledhandinfuntookasharpswordandcutoffhereyebrowsforpractice.Themeadcaskwasemptiedafullonewasrolledinandittoowasdrunkdry.Thesewerefolkwhocouldholdagreatdeal.Theywerefamiliarwiththeoldproverbtotheeffectthat“Thcattleknowwhentoquittheirpasturebutafoolneverknowsthemeasureofhisstomach.”Yestheyallknewitquitewellbutpeopleoftenknowtherightthinganddothewrongthing.Theyalsoknewthat“Onewearsouthiswelcomewhenhesitstoolonginanothermanshouse“buttheystayedonforallthat.Meatandmeadaresuchgoodthingsandtheywereajovialcrew.Thatnightthethral1ssleptonthewarmashesdippedtheirfingersintothefatdrippingsandlickedthem.Ohyesthoseweregloriousdays.TheVikingsventuredforthononemoreraidthatyearthoughthestormsofautumnwerebeginningtoblow.TheVikingandhismenwenttothecoastofBritain-〃justacrossthewaterhesaid-andhiswifestayedathomewithherlittlegirl.Itsooncameaboutthatthefostermothercaredmoreforthepoorfrogwithitssadeyesandpatheticcroakingthanforthelittlebeautywhoscratchedandbiteveryonewhocamenearher.Therawdankmistoffallinvadedthewoodsandthickets.^Gnaw-wormsz,theycalleditforitgnawedtheleavesfromthetrees.Pluck-feathers“astheycalledthesnowfellinflurryuponflurryforwinterwasclosingin.Sparrowstookoverthestorknestandgossipedabouttheabsentownersastenantswill.Thetwostorksandalltheiryoungones-whereweretheynowThestorkswerenowinthelandofEgyptwherethesunshoneaswarmasitdoesuponusonafinesummerday.TamarindandacaciatreesbloomedinprofusionandtheglitteringcrescentofMohammedtoppedthedomesofallthemosques.Ontheslenderminaretsmanyapairofstorksrestedaftertheirlongjourney.Wholeflocksofthemnestedtogetheronthecolumnsofancienttemplesandtheruinedarchesofforgottencities.Thedatepalmlifteditshighscreenofbrancheslikeaparasolinthesun.Thegray-whitepyramidsweresharplyout1inedagainsttheclearairofthedesertwheretheostrichknewhecouldusehislegsandthelioncrouchedtogazewithbigsolemneyesatthemarblesphinxhalfburiedinthesand.ThewatersoftheNilehadrecededandthedeltawasalivewithfrogs.Thestorksconsideredthisthefinestsightinallthelandandtheyoungstorksfoundithardtobelievetheirowneyes.Yeseverythingwaswonderful.“See!itisalwayslikethisinoursouthernhome“theirmothertoldthem.Andtheirlittlebelliestingledatthespectacle.“Doweseeanymore”theyasked.Shallwetravelonintothecountry*“Thereisnothingelseworthseeing“theirmothersaid.Beyondthisfertiledeltaliethedeepforestswherethetreesaresointerwovenbythornycreepersthatonlytheelephantcantrampleapaththroughthemwithhishugeheavyfeet.Thesnakestherearetoobigforustoeatandthelizardstoonimbleforustocatch.Andifyougooutinthedeserttheslightestbreezewillblowyoureyesfullofsandwhileastormwouldburyyouunderthedunes.Noitisbestherewherethereareplentyoffrogsandlocusts.HereIstopandhereyoustay.”Sotheystayed.Innestsatoptheslenderminaretstheoldstorksrestedyetkeptquitebusysmoothingtheirfeathersandsharpeningtheirbillsagainsttheirredstockings.Fromtimetotimetheywouldstretchtheirnecksbowverysolemnlyandholduptheirheadswithsuchhighforeheadsfinefeathersandwisebrowneyes.Theyoungmaidenstorksstrolledsolemnlythroughthewetreedsmakingeyesattheotheryoungstorksandscrapingacquaintances.Ateverythirdsteptheywou1dgulpdownafrogorpausetodangleasmallsnakeintheirbills.Theywereundertheimpressionthatthisbecamethemimmenselyandbesidesittastedsogood.Theyoungbachelorstorkspickedmanyasquabblebuffetedeachotherwiththeirwingsandevenstabbedateachotherwiththeirsharpbillstillbloodwasshod.Yesandthenthisyoungstorkwouldgetengagedandthatyoungstorkwouldgetengaged.Maidensandbachelorswouldpairoffforthatwastheironlyobjectinlife.Theybuiltnestsoftheirownandsquabbledanewforinthehotcountrieseveryoneishot-headed.Butitwasverypleasantthereparticularlysofortheoldstorkswhothoughtthattheirchildrencoulddonowrong.Thesunshoneeverydaytherewasplentytoeatandtheyhadnothingtodobutenjoythemselves.HoweverinthesplendidpalaceoftheirEgyptianhostastheycalledhimtherewasnoenjoyment.Thiswealthyandpowerfullordlayonhiscouchasstiffandstarkasamummy.Inthegreathallwhichwasascolorfulastheinsideofatuliphewassurroundedbyhiskinsmenandservants.Thoughhewasnotquitedeadhecouldhardlybesaidtobealive.Thehealingflowerfromthenorthernmarsheswhichshewhohadlovedhimbesthadgonetoseekwou1dneverreachhim.HislovelyyoungdaughterwhohadflownoverlandandseaintheguiseofaswanwouldnevercomehomefromthefarNorth.“Sheisdeadandgone“thetwootherswanPrincessesreportedwhentheyreturned.Theyconcoctedthefollowingyarnwhichtheytold:“Wethreewereflyingtogetherthroughtheairwhenahuntsmanshotanarrowatusanditstruckourcompanionouryoungfriend.Likeadyingswanshesangherfarewel1songassheslowlydroppeddowntoalakeintheforest.Thereontheshoreweburiedherunderadroopingbirchtree.Butweavengedher.Weboundcoalsoffiretothewingsofaswallowthatnestedunderthethatchedeavesofthehuntsman5scottcige.Theroofbkizedupthecottageburstintoflamesandthehuntsmanwasburnedtodeath.Theflameswerereflectedacrossthelakeunderthedroopingbirchtreewheresheliesearthofthisearth.Neveralas!shallshereturntothelandofEgypt.”Theybothwept.Butwhenthefatherstorkheardtheirtaleherattledhisbillandsaid“Allliesandinvention!Ishoulddearlylovetodrivemybillrightthroughtheirbreasts.”“Andmostlikelybreakit“saidthemotherstork.Anicesightyou*dbethen.Thinkfirstofyourselfandthenofyourfamily.Nevermindaboutoutsiders.*“NeverthelessIshallperchontheopencupolatomorrowwhenallthewiseandlearnedfolkcometoconferaboutthesickman.Perhapstheywillhituponsomethingnearerthetruth.ThewisemenassembledandtalkedloudandlongbutneithercouldthestorkmakesenseoutofwhattheyhadtosaynordidanygoodcomeofittothesickmanortohisdaughterintheWildMarsh.Yetwemayaswellhearwhattheyhadtosayforwehavetolistentoalotinthisworld.PerhapsitwillbewelltohearwhathadgoneonbeforedownthereinEgypt.Thenweshallknowthewholestoryoratleastasmuchofitasthefatherstorkknew.“Lovebringslife.Thegreatestlovebringsthegreatestlife.Onlythroughlovemaylifebebroughtbacktohim.Thisdoctrinethelearnedmenhadstatedbeforeandtheynowsaidtheyhadstateditwiselyandwe
11.“Itisabeautifulthought“thefatherstorkquicklyagreed.Idontquiteunderstandit“saidthemotherstork.Thatsitsfaultthoughnotmine.Butnomatter.Ihaveotherthingstothinkabout.”Thelearnedmentalkedonaboutallthedifferentkindsof1ove:theloveofsweetheartsthelovebetweenparentsandtheirchildrenplantsloveofthelightandthelovethatmakesseedsgrowwhenthesun*srayskisstheearth.Theirtalkwassoelaborateandlearnedthatthefatherstorkfounditimpossibletofollowmuchlessrepeat.Howevertheirdiscussionmadehimquitethoughtful.Allthenextdayhestoodononelegwithhiseyeshalfclosedandthoughtandthought.Somuchlearninglayheavyuponhim.Butonethingheunderstoodclearly.Boththepeopleofhighdegreeandthehumblefolkhadsaidfromthebottomoftheirheartsthatforthismantobesickwithouthopeofrecoverywasadisastertothousandsyestothewholenationandthatitwou1dbringjoyandhappinesstoeveryoneifherecovered.“Butwheredoestheflowergrowthatcanhealhim”theyasked.Fortheanswertheylookedtotheirscholarlymanuscriptstothetwinklingstarstothewindandtotheweather.Theysearchedthroughallthebypathsofknowledgebutalltheirwisdomandknowledgeresolveddowntothedoctrine:Lovebringslife-itcanbringbackafather*slife“andalthoughtheysaidrathermorethantheyunderstoodtheyaccepteditandwroteitdownasaprescription.Lovebringslife.WellandgoodbuthowwasthisprecepttobeappliedThatwastheirstumblingblock.HowevertheyhadatlastagreedthathelpmustcomefromthePrincesswholovedherfatherwithallherheart.Andtheyhaddevisedawayinwhichshecouldhelphim.ItwasmorethanayearagothattheyhadsentthePrincessintothedesertjustwhenthenewmoonwassettingtovisitthemarblesphinx.Atthebaseofthesphinxshehadtoscrapeawaythesandfromadoorweiyandfollowalongpassagewhichledtothemiddleofagreatpyramidwhereoneofthemightiestkingsofoldlaywrappedasamummyinthemidstofhisgloryandtreasure.Theresheleanedoverthecorpsetohaveitrevealedtoherwhereshemightfindlifeandhealthforherfather.Whenshehaddoneal1thisshehadadreaminwhichshelearnedthatintheDaneslandtherewasadeepmarsh-theveryspotwasdescribedtoher.Herebeneaththewatershewouldfeelalotusflowertouchherbreastandwhenthatflowerwasbroughthometoherfatheritwouldcurehim.SointheguiseofaswanshehadflownfromthelandofEgypttotheWildMarsh.Allthiswasknowntothefatherandmotherstorkandnowwetooarebetterinformed.FurthermoreweknowthattheMarshKingdraggedherdownandthatthoseathomethoughtherdeadandgone.Onlythewisestamongthemsaidasthestorkmotherhadputit“SheCcinlookoutforherself.Theywaitedtoseewhatwouldcometopassfortheyknewnothingbettertheycoulddo.“IbelieveIshallmakeoffwiththoseswanfeathersofthefaithlessPrincesses“saidthefatherstork.ThentheywillflynomoretodomischiefintheWildMarsh.I*11hidethetwosetsoffeathersupNorthuntilwefindauseforthem.”“Wherewouldyoukeepthem”themotherstorkasked.“InournestbytheWildMarsh“hesaid.Iandoursonswi11taketurnscarryingthemwhenwegoback.Iftheyprovetoomuchofaburdentherearemanyplacesalongthewaywhorewecanhidethemuntilournextflight.OnesetofswanfeatherswouldbeenoughforthePrincessbuttwowillbebetter.Inthatnorthernlanditswelltohaveplentyofwraps.”“Youwillgetnothanksforit“shetoldhim“butpleaseyourself.YouarethemasterandexceptathatchingtimeIhavenothingtosay.”MeanwhileintheViking*scastleneartheWildMarshtowardwhichthestorkscameflyingnowthatitwasspringthelittlegirlhadbeengivenaname.ShewascalledHelgabutthisnamewastoomildfortheviolenttemperthatthislovelygirlpossessed.Monthbymonthhertempergrowworse.AstheyearswentbyandthestorkstraveledtoandfrotothebanksoftheNileinthefal1andbacktotheWildMarshinthespringtimethechildgrewtobeabiggirl.Beforeanyonewouldhavethoughtitshewasa1ove1yyoungladyofsixteen.Theshe!1wasfairtoseebutthekernelwasroughandharsh-harsherthanmosteveninthatwildandcruelage.Shetookdelightinsplashingherhandsaboutinthebloodofhorsesslaughteredasanofferingtothegods.Insavagesportshewouldbiteofftheheadoftheblackcockthatthepriestwasabouttosacrificeandindeadearnestshesaidtoherfosterfather:“IfyourfoeweretocomewithropesandpulldowntheroofoveryourheadIwouldnotwakeyouif1could.Iwouldnotevenhearthehousefal1formyearssti11tinglefromthattimeyouboxedthemyearsago-yesyou!Illneverforgetit.”ButtheVikingdidnotbelieveshewasserious.LikeeveryoneelsehewasbeguiledbyherbeautyandhedidnotknowthechangethatcameoverHelgasbodyandsoul.Shewouldrideanunsaddledhorseatfullgallopasthoughshewerepartofhersteednorwouldshedismounteventhoughhefoughtwithhisteethagainsttheotherwildhorses.AndmanyatimeshewoulddiveoffthecliffintotheseawithallofherclothesonandswiinouttomeettheVikingashisboatnearedhome.Tostringherbowshecutoffthelongestlockofherbeautifulhairandplaiteditintoastring.Self-madeiswel1made“saidshe.TheViking5swifehadastronganddeterminedwillinkeepingwiththeagebutwithherdaughtershewasweakandfearfulforsheknewthatanevilspelllayonthatdreadfulchild.OutofsheermaliceasitseemedwhenHelgasawherfostermotherstandonthebalconyorcomeintothecourtyardshewouldsitontheedgeofthewellthrowupherhandsandletherselftumbleintothatdeepnarrowhole.Frog-likeshewoulddiveinandclamberout.Likeawetcatshewouldruntothemainhalldrippingsuchcistreamofwaterthatthegreenleavesstrewnonthefloorwerefloatinginit.HowevertherewasonethingthatheldHelgaincheck-andthatwasevening.Asshecameonshegrewquietandthoughtful.Shewouldobeyandacceptadvice.Someinnerforceseemedtomakehermorelikeherrealmother.Whenthesunwentdownandtheusualchangetookplaceinherappearanceandcharactershesatquietandsadshriveledupintheshapeofafrog.Nowthatshehadgrownsomuchlargerthanafrogthechangewasstillmorehideous.Shelookedlikeamiserabledwarfwiththeheadandwebbedfingersofafrog.Therewassomethingsoverypitifulinhereyesandshehadnovoice.Allshecouldutterwasahollowcroaklikeachild。