Part 6
When they came to the castle, the gates were flung open and the Huns poured forth in crowds to gaze at the Burgundian heroes with all their glittering train. Many eyes sought Hagen, for well was he known in the land of the Huns as the slayer of Siegfried the mighty; and all were struck with wonder at his massive frame no less than his haughty bearing and fierce aspect. Broad were his chest and shoulders, his black hair slightly tinged with gray, while his bold gaze roved restlessly about from beneath his shaggy eyebrows.
King Etzel, with Kriemhild, stood at the window as the Burgundians on their gayly decked steeds rode into the spacious courtyard. When his eye fell upon Hagen he turned to his courtiers, demanding: “Who may yon haughty chieftain be?”
“’Tis Hagen, son to old Sir Adrian, a bold and wrathful knight, my lord,” said one.
“Ha!” cried the King, “’tis little strange I did not know him; for though he once was here at court, yet then forsooth, was he but a careless stripling.”
The stranger knights were housed within the castle as became their rank, but for the retainers lodging was prepared in other quarters far removed therefrom. This Kriemhild had planned for her own purposes. Now she went forth to welcome her kinsmen. Giselher, who was guiltless of Siegfried’s death, she kissed and embraced fondly, but none other did she greet in this fashion. When Hagen marked this, he tightened the band of his helm and cast a meaning glance at Günther. After she had greeted all, she turned to Hagen, saying:
“Welcome art thou to one who gladly sees thee here. Yet tell me, I pray thee, what hast thou brought me from the Rhine?”
“Now, by my faith,” quoth Hagen, “thou art rich in gold and power, and yet dost ask what largess I bring!”
“I desire no gifts of thee,” said Kriemhild, coldly. “I want that which is my own. Where is the treasure that thou didst withhold from me?”
“In sooth, most potent Queen,” cried Hagen, “’tis many a day since I have seen the hoard. Wouldst thou know the spot where it is hidden? Full deep beneath the broad Rhine was it sunk, and there shall it abide until the Judgment Day!”
“I knew full well thou wouldst not bring it hither,” continued Kriemhild; “and for it I will hold thee to account; as also for the murder of my noble lord!”
With a scornful look, Hagen replied: “Now by my faith, this buckler broad, and my coat of mail and two-edged sword beside, are weight enough to carry. In sooth, I nothing else have brought.”
Thereupon Kriemhild declared that no weapons might be worn within the royal hall; but if he would entrust his arms to the care of her retainers, she would see to it that they were well guarded.
“Gramercy!” cried Hagen, “it were an honor far too great--for a Queen to serve as armorer. It must not be. Thou hast my thanks, fair dame; but for my arms, methinks they best were guarded by myself.”
“Ah! now I see,” said Kriemhild, angrily, “it must be thou hast had warning to doubt my faith. Would I but knew who spake such words to thee!”
Whereupon Dietrich of Bern stepped proudly forth and said, “’Twas I, O Queen, who warned thy kin, and I do not shame to own it.”
At this Kriemhild grew red with shame and anger, and turned away without a word, but cast upon her enemy, as she went, a swift glance of deadly hatred.
_Chapter XXIII_
_The Comrades_
Hagen, seeing Volker not far away, called to him, and together they crossed the courtyard and seated themselves upon a stone bench which faced the Queen’s palace hall. Many wondering glances followed the two mighty Burgundian heroes, and soon Kriemhild from her window beheld her foe. Whereupon a passion of grief and rage seized her, and she broke into such bitter weeping that one of her knights drew near and said:
“Most gracious Queen, make known to us what wrong doth grieve thee so, for fain would we avenge it.”
“Now, on my faith, thou speakest in good time, Sir Knight; for whoso doth avenge this wrong of mine shall thereby earn my lifelong thanks, and well will I reward him.” Then pointing to Hagen, she cried: “’Tis vengeance on yon chief I seek. Most basely did he slay my lord, and for that would I have his life!”
Quickly arming themselves, sixty stout warriors declared that Hagen and Volker should die forthwith; but Kriemhild restrained them, saying: “Too few are ye to cope with yonder pair. Little ye reck of Hagen’s mighty strength, though somewhat thereof doth his look bespeak. And Volker is yet mightier.”
When the Huns heard this they hastened to summon more heroes to their aid, and Kriemhild said to them: “Bide ye here a space, my gallant friends, whilst I place the crown upon my head. I will confront my foe as Queen of Huns and tax him with his crime, that you may hear from his own lips ’twas he that did the deed.”
When Volker saw the Queen descending the broad stairs followed by a band of heavily armed knights, he said to Hagen: “Why doth the Queen approach with such a train? Methinks they come with no good intent.”
“Truly ’tis with some purpose,” replied Hagen. “Yet were there none save these in the land of the Huns to bar my way, then should I well, in truth, ride safely home again! But tell me, Volker, since we may come to blows, wilt thou faithfully abide by me, as I will pledge my loyal service unto thee?”
“By the mass, I will!” cried Volker, and therewith gave his strong right hand to Hagen. “Aye, though the King and all his host should come against us, yet would I stand beside thee, nor budge an inch as long as breath remained.”
“God prosper thee for such knightly words!” said Hagen. “Now let them come! With Volker fighting by my side, why should I fear?”
As the long train moved slowly across the courtyard, Volker said: “Were it not well to rise and greet the Queen? ’Tis but the custom of the court.”
But Hagen answered wrathfully: “Wouldst thou then that I show courtesy to one I hate? Nay, as for that, forsooth, the Huns would think ’twas fear that urged me to it. Keep thy seat, an thou dost love me, Volker.”
Hereupon Hagen, with intent to wound the Queen in cruel fashion, lifted the great sword, Balmung, which he had borne since Siegfried’s death, and laid it across his knees, where Kriemhild’s gaze must straightway fall upon it. Upon the hilt there blazed a jewel, green as grass, the sheath was crimson, and the handle all of ruddy gold.
Kriemhild stood before him; and when she saw the sword that her beloved spouse so long had borne, hot tears of anguish overflowed her eyes. Whereat a gleam of savage joy passed over Hagen’s face; but Volker drew his sword nearer to him on the bench, and both heroes sat undaunted before the Queen and all her men. Then Kriemhild demanded haughtily of Hagen how he had dared come thither, knowing what he had done, and furthermore, who had sought his presence.
Whereto Hagen replied: “None, O Queen, did summon me; yet since my master was bidden by thy lord, I also am come as a true liegeman.”
Hereupon Kriemhild taxed him openly with the foul deed he had done upon her lord; and Hagen turned upon her fiercely, crying: “What need have we to speak of that? Truly ’twas I that slew your Siegfried, nor do I fear to own it. I am here, and any one who pleaseth may seek vengeance on me!”
“Now you have heard!” cried Kriemhild to her Hunnish knights. “He hath confessed the deed that wrought me such deep woe. Deal with him as doth best befit; nor will I question aught thereof.”
But as the Huns gazed upon the two mighty champions and listened to Hagen’s fierce words, they lost heart, and none would venture to attack them. They looked at one another, and one said: “’Twere but certain death to assault these two!”
“Thou speakest truly,” added a second, “not for whole castles of ruddy gold would I encounter Hagen! As for the other--his fiery glances bent upon us are enough. I would not care to meet the greetings of his sword.”
A third said: “I know Sir Hagen of old; in two and twenty battles I have seen him fight, and many a mother’s son in warfare he hath slain. Then he was but a youth, while now he is to stalwart manhood grown, and his frame doth appear as if wrought of iron.”
“Naught for his valor would I care,” cried yet another; “did he not bear Siegfried’s sword, and where keen Balmung once doth strike, a life is ended.”
Thus argued the Huns amongst themselves, none daring to provoke the conflict; whereupon Kriemhild in bitter anger and chagrin departed, to devise some other plan, while her warriors slowly dispersed.
“Truly,” said Volker, “it is even as thou sayest, friend Hagen: the Queen thirsts for vengeance. Let us to our King, lest he should need us by his side.”
Therewith they arose and strode fearlessly through the midst of their foes to the outer courtyard, where they found the Burgundian princes with their knights about to proceed in stately procession to the palace hall to greet the King. Dietrich of Bern walked with Günther, Rüdiger with Giselher, while Hagen and Volker followed on behind; nor from this time were these two comrades ever seen apart. As they entered the hall, King Etzel rose from his golden throne and advanced to meet them with gracious words of welcome. Nor was there aught of guile or falsehood in his soul. With no thought of what was in the heart of his wife or wherefore her kinsmen had been summoned, he rejoiced to see so many noble guests and heroes of renown assembled at his court. Leading them to the festal board, he caused wine and mead to be poured for them in golden cups and right joyously they passed the hours till evening came.
_Chapter XXIV_
_The Minstrel Knight_
Low burned the tapers in the royal hall, and as the midnight hour drew nigh, anxious thoughts arose in the minds of the Burgundians. They longed for morning light to dawn. At last Günther prayed the King that they might be permitted to seek their rest; whereupon Etzel gave orders that they should be shown to their lodgings, and with hearty good-will wished them sound slumbers. As they followed the torch-bearers, the Huns came crowding about them so closely that their way was stopped, but Volker drew his sword and sprang forward, shouting: “Give place! or, by the mass, I’ll strike!” and Hagen added: “Be warned in time, ye knights of Kriemhild! If you would have aught with us, come with morning’s light and you shall find us ready!”
Thereupon the Huns fell back, and the Burgundians were shown into a wide vaulted hall where ample provisions for their comfort had been made. The beds were decked with gorgeous hangings of Arabian silk, tapestries from Arras, and coverlets of ermine and rich sable. Yet all this splendor could not avail to banish the dark forebodings that black as night had settled upon the hearts of the Burgundians. To the youthful imagination of Giselher indeed, the sumptuously decked hall seemed to bear the semblance of a tomb, and he cried aloud: “Oh, woe to this hostelry, and woe to the Burgundians, that ever they came to Kriemhild’s court!”
Whereupon a deep voice answered: “Dismiss thy fears, Lord Giselher, for I will answer for thy safe repose until the morn.”
It was Hagen who spoke, and such cheer did his words bring that all laid them down in peace forthwith to seek their much needed repose. But Volker strode to Hagen’s side, saying: “An thou so wilt, I’ll keep the watch with thee!”
“God will reward thy loyalty, my gallant friend!” replied Hagen. “I need no help forsooth, yet with thee by my side I could ask naught further. Nor shalt thou fail of thanks one day, if my life be spared.”
Then donning their heaviest armor they took their place on the stone stairway without, to guard the door. Now, Volker the bold was well skilled in the minstrel art; not only was he master of sword-play, but also of the sweet-toned viol, from which he was never parted. Fetching it now, he seated himself in the arched doorway and began to play. As the wondrous melodies floated on the air, all the joys and sorrows of their past lives seemed to fill once more the hearts of the sleeping heroes. Soft and low, like the rustling of leaves in the evening breeze, the last notes died away, and all was still.
Then Volker exchanged the viol for the shield, and the bow for the sword of battle. Motionless the two knights stood on either side of the high arched doorway, like giant figures cast in bronze. Full dark was it, for few stars crept through the cloudy veil which night had cast like a pall about the weary strangers. Not long after midnight Volker spied the gleam of armor in the distance, and looking more closely, his sharp eyes soon discovered some of Kriemhild’s knights lurking in the darkness. Kriemhild had sent them thither with orders to slay Hagen, but spare the other.
Volker pointed them out to his comrade, who whispered: “Be silent now and let them approach. Perchance they will not mark our presence here in the dark shadow. When once they are within our reach, we will smite their helms as they come up the stair, and send them back to Kriemhild in sorry plight.”
But when the Hunnish knights had advanced a few steps they perceived the two watchers in the doorway, whereupon one said: “Now must we forego our purpose. Look, yonder stands the minstrel! His burnished helm gleams with vivid light, and sparks of living flame shoot from his mail. Hagen stands beside him to guard the door. Now of a truth those knights may safely rest for aught of me!” Therewith they stole softly away. Then Volker said: “What thinkest thou, Hagen? Shall I not after them? Gladly would I play a brief tune upon them with my sword-bow!”
“An thou lov’st me, do not so!” rejoined Hagen quickly. “Wert thou sore pressed, then must I hasten to thy aid and leave the door unguarded.”
But Volker persisted: “They shall know that we have marked their base intent, and so perchance be brought to shame.” Therewith he shouted scornfully: “Wherefore so fully armed at dead of night, O Kriemhild’s knights? Is it on highway robbery you are bent?”
But the Huns made no answer; whereupon he cried again in wrath: “Fie upon you, dastard, craven crew, who sought to murder sleeping men! Lay down those swords from hands no longer fit to bear them!”
Thus once again was Kriemhild’s purpose brought to naught, and she was forced to devise other measures to gain her ends.
_Chapter XXV_
_The Burgundians go to Mass_
So the night passed, nor did the Huns again show themselves. “My armor grows chilly,” said Volker, at last, “methinks the fresh breeze betokens day is near.” And the two sentinels went within to awaken the sleepers.
Soon thereafter the beams of the rising sun shone into the hall, the bell for matins sounded, and Hagen summoned the Burgundians to go to mass. The knights were about to array themselves in festival attire, but he bade them don their armor instead, change their silk garments for hauberks, rich mantles for shields, and jewelled caps for good steel helms; for strife would surely come ere set of sun and they must be prepared.
“Now go ye to the minster church, Your sins there to confess; And pray to God right earnestly, For aid in our distress. For of a surety I do say, Ye heroes without fear, Unless the God above will save, No masses more ye’ll hear.”
So it was that clad in full armor the Burgundians took their way in procession to the minster. When they were come to the churchyard, Hagen said: “Hearken to my counsel, knights and princes! We must be ever on our guard against the Huns, wherefore it were well to keep in close array. Place your shields before you, and should any chance to offer evil greeting, see that his death stroke be your thanks. If our courage fail not, our knightly honor shall yet remain unstained, though all beside be lost!” Thus man to man they stood, while Hagen and Volker advanced to the church door that they might thence keep watch of Kriemhild and her men.
Soon came Etzel in all the splendor of his royal robes, his beauteous wife Kriemhild at his side, followed by a glittering train of knights, and not a little surprised was he to behold the Burgundians armed from head to heel. Still unaware of the dark storm-clouds hourly gathering thicker and heavier above the heads of his guests, he was troubled at this sight, for it seemed that they misdoubted his good faith; wherefore, seeing Hagen, he sought to learn from him the cause thereof.
“Have any dealt you ill?” he asked; “if so, then dearly shall they rue it!”
Now was Kriemhild stricken with terror lest Hagen should betray her to the King; but far too proud was the hero to seek help from Etzel and thereby own he lacked the courage to defend himself. So he replied: “Naught has befallen us, O King. ’Tis but a custom we of Burgundy have, to go full-armed for three days during every feast.”
Nor yet did Kriemhild reveal the truth to Etzel, fearing he would forbid her vengeful purpose, and thus her mortal enemy would once more escape her. So they passed on, and behind them came Kriemhild’s knights in spreading ranks. Neither Hagen nor Volker would stir a handbreadth from the path, and thereby ensued great crowding and jostling. The Huns would fain have provoked a conflict, but they feared the King’s wrath; and presently all had passed into the church, the Burgundians following last of all.
_Chapter XXVI_
_The Feast_
At midday all were summoned to the royal feast, and the Huns likewise appeared in full armor, whereat King Etzel’s wrath arose. Whosoever deemed it fit to sit at feast in arms, him should he not gainsay, he said, but woe unto any who should hold designs against his guests! During the feast Kriemhild left the hall and summoning the prince of Bern and his lion-hearted old warrior, Hildebrand, to her, spoke with them privately. Bitterly she complained of all her wrongs and besought them to avenge her. But Hildebrand said: “No evil would I do the knights of Burgundy for all the gold that one could offer me!”
And Dietrich added: “King Günther’s kin never wronged or injured me; wherefore my dishonor were great did I now seek to stir up strife with them.”
Therewith they returned to the hall, and Kriemhild sent for Blödelin, the brother of the King, and with passionate words urged him to vengeance against the traitor who had done her such foul wrong; but as Etzel had made it plain that he held the Burgundians as his friends, Blödelin feared to incur his wrath. Thereupon Kriemhild promised him much silver and gold and likewise the hand of a fair dame, the widow of Sir Nudung, for whom he long had sighed, and when she added thereto the gift of rich lands, at last he yielded and swore to do her will in all things.
“Now, by my faith, that false Hagen shall pay for all thy wrongs!” he cried, “nor will I rest till I have brought him to thy feet!”
Joyfully Kriemhild returned to the hall and seated herself once more beside her lord. But Blödelin went forthwith to his followers and bade them arm, which they did right willingly, for secretly they hated the Burgundians. Kriemhild in her vengeful fury had bethought her of yet another plan, and this was to cause her son Ortlieb to be brought to her.
“Surely,” she thought, “will Hagen say evil words about the child to excite my wrath and thus affront my husband and his Hunnish kin, whereby strife will ensue.” Accordingly, four of Etzel’s knights were despatched to fetch the young prince thither, whereat the King was greatly pleased. Taking the boy by the hand, he said:
“My friends, behold my only son! I commend him to your affection. Should he grow to be like his kin, I shall have in him a bold and stalwart hero, worthy in truth to wear my crown and fill his high estate; for many a duke and king will one day do him homage. Take him with you, I pray, unto your court, that he may gain all knightly virtues there in return for which will I give you hearty thanks!”
Hagen replied: “If he lives to grow to man’s estate, full many an honor well may be his; but as to that, methinks I see an early death imprinted on his brow!”
At these words terror seized the Burgundians, who gladly would have had them left unsaid, but Etzel gazed before him with a troubled look, and spoke no word. Little did he surmise the frightful thought in Hagen’s mind.
_Chapter XXVII_
_Blödelin and Dankwart_
Now, the charge of the Burgundian following had been given to Dankwart, the brother of Hagen, the same who in former days had journeyed to Iceland for the wooing of Brunhild; and Blödelin’s plan was to overpower them first, and then attack the princes and their knights. Accordingly he sought that remote part of the castle wherein they had been lodged, and asked for Dankwart. He was shown into a hall where that hero with all his men was seated at the board, and from the window of which he had marked the approach of the band of armed Huns. Greeting Blödelin with fair words, he asked what brought him thither. “Nay, spare thy greetings,” said Blödelin, coldly, “I come not in peace, Sir Knight, but in good sooth to hold thee to account for thy brother Hagen’s murder of the noble Siegfried.”
“By my faith,” said Dankwart, “then would thy vengeance overtake the guiltless, since I, as it chanced, did abide at the royal court when Siegfried met his death beside the spring.”
“What thou hast done concerns me naught,” replied Blödelin, “it is enough that ’twas thy kinsman did the deed; and therefore must thou die!”
“Gramercy!” quoth Dankwart, “methinks ’twere well I had spared my words”; and springing from his seat he swung his sword aloft and at one blow swept Blödelin’s head from his shoulders, shouting: “Be this my marriage gift unto thy bride!” For he had learned from a friendly Hun of Kriemhild’s promise to Blödelin.
When the Huns saw their leader fall they burst into the hall with howls of vengeance. Dankwart shouted to his men to defend themselves to the death and therewith began a terrible conflict. Those of the Burgundians who had no swords made weapons of whatever came to hand, but the greater part were well armed, and so fiercely did they fight that soon the Huns were driven from the hall leaving more than a hundred of their dead upon the floor and in the passage. But anon came fresh bands of armed Huns, gathering from all quarters and in such numbers, that their onslaught could not long be withstood. Bravely as they fought, the Burgundians at last were all slain save Dankwart. Alone he stood and shouted: “Behold, ye Huns! of all my men I only am yet alive! If you are true knights, yield me passage to the open air, that I may once more cool my brow before I fall.” But the Huns would not give way for him; whereupon Dankwart laid about him so fiercely that soon he made his way to the door and succeeded in gaining the courtyard.
“Now would to God,” he cried, cleaving a pathway before him step by step, “some messenger were near to warn my brother Hagen of my need!”
Whereon the Huns shouted: “Thou thyself shalt be the messenger when we shall fetch thee dead into the royal hall! Then shall Etzel learn that thou hast slain his brother Blödelin and with him his liegemen!”