midday
Skallagrim also ground his great axe upon the whetstone in the yard , singing as he ground . When all was ready , the horses were caught , and Eric spoke to the carline : `` Hearken , nurse . If it may be that thou canst find any of our folk -- and perchance now that they see that Swanhild has ridden to Middalhof some one of them will come down to spy -- thou shalt say this to them . Thou shalt say that , if Eric Brighteyes yet lives , he will be at the foot of Mosfell to-morrow before midday , and if , for the sake of old days and fellowship , they are minded to befriend a friendless man , let them come thither with food , for by then food will be needed , and I will speak with them . And now farewell , '' and Eric kissed her and went , leaving her weeping . As it chanced , before another hour was sped , Jon , Eric 's thrall , who had stayed at home in Iceland , seeing Coldback empty , crept down from the fells and looked in . The carline saw him , and told him these tidings .