The King, Queen, and the old Master took leave of Etzel, who was too
sad about the death of his boys to take much interest in their coming
or going.
The travellers at length came to a wooded hill with a castle perched on
the top. This castle belonged to a robber-knight named Elsung, who had
always been an enemy of the Amelungs and Wölfings. The old master, who
acted as guide, and led the way, bade the king be prepared. He did not
speak a moment too soon, for Elsung at the same instant appeared,
followed by some horsemen. The robber-knight drew rein, and haughtily
demanded, as toll from the travellers, their horses and armour,
Hildebrand’s long beard, and the beautiful woman who accompanied them.
“We need our horses and armour that we may fight in the land of the
Amelungs,” said Hildebrand, “and we cannot spare the woman, for she
acts as our cook.”
“Nay, then, you are Amelungs yourselves,” cried Elsung, “and must each
give me your right hand and left foot as ransom. If you refuse, I will
have your heads as well, that I may avenge my father, whom Samson slew.”
The heroes deigned no further answer. They paid another toll than that
demanded with the points of their swords and spears, and with such
hearty good will that Elsung’s men were either slain, or else took to
flight, and their lord himself was finally overthrown and bound.
As Hildebrand was about to tie the prisoner to a horse, Elsung said:
“You are Ermenrich’s men, so I will tell you the news that has just
reached me. The brothers of the Lady Swanhilde, whom the emperor had
trodden to death by horses, have fallen upon him, and have cut off his
hands and feet.”
“Ha!” cried the hero of Bern, “do you bring such good news? Take your
liberty in payment thereof.”
The travellers now pursued their journey, and after meeting with
several more adventures, at last arrived safely at Garden, where they
were at first received with suspicion; but the Lady Ute recognised her
husband the moment she saw him, and Hadubrand was introduced to his
brave old father, whom he had not seen since his childhood.