Thidrek, greatest of friends, who lay dying by my blade. As I lay beside him, I wonder which of us will go first. I know that we both are dying. Did the dragon win? or did father? I no longer care where the treasure is hid, nor who has claim to it. A great stillness is settling over me. I see a lovely maiden, radient as the moon, as fair as the stars on a gleaming mount. She apears to be watching. I am so tired.
I can hear the wetness of my breath. I must have a punctured lung. "Thidrek, my friend. I salute your bravery. I have loved you as a brother" I say, as I clasp his hand to my heart. "I am sure that you go to Odin's hall" I can speak no more. It takes too much effort to breath. The lovely maid is drawing closer.
I salute her, and close my eyes. I know it won't be long, now.