animal heroes(动物英雄)-第42节
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riding。
Over Tvindehoug they faded like flying scud on the moorlands； on to
the gloomy distance； away toward Jotunheim； the home of the Evil Spirits；
the Land of the Lasting Snow。 Their every sign and trail was wiped away
by the drifting storm； and the end of them no man knows。
The Norse folk awoke as from a horrid nightmare。 Their national ruin
was averted； there were no deaths； for there were no proofs； and the
talebearer's strife was ended。
The one earthly sign remaining from that drive is the string of silver
bells that Sveggum had taken from the Storbuk's neckthe victory bells；
each the record of a triumph won； and when the old man came to
understand； he sighed； and hung to the string a final bell； the largest of
them all。
Nothing more was ever seen or heard of the creature who so nearly
sold his country； or of the White Storbuk who balked him。 Yet those who
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Animal Heroes
live near Jotunheim say that on stormy nights； when the snow is flying and
the wind is raving in the woods； there sometimes passes； at frightful speed；
an enormous White Reindeer with fiery eyes； drawing a snow…white pulk；
in which is a screaming wretch in white； and on the head of the Deer；
balancing by the horns； is a brown…clad； white…bearded Troll； bowing and
grinning pleasantly at him； and singing
Of Norway's luck And a White Storbuk
the same； they say； as the one that with prophetic vision sang by
Sveggum's Vand…dam on a bygone day when the birches wore their
springtime hangers； and a great mild…eyed Varsimle' came alone； to go
away with a little white Renskalv walking slowly； demurely； by her side。
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