` Well , we might try that , and then we shall always have our horses , ' said Geirald . So they went up the rocks silently and carefully . The robbers were lying all ready , expecting every moment to see their victims coming round the corner a few yards away , when a shower of huge stones fell on their heads , killing half the band . The others sprang up the rock , but as they reached the top the sword of Rosald swung round , and one man after another rolled down into the valley . At last the chief managed to spring up , and , grasping Rosald by the waist , flung away his sword , and the two fought desperately , their bodies swaying always nearer the edge . It seemed as if Rosald , being the smaller of the two , MUST fall over , when , with his left hand , he drew the robber 's sword out of its sheath and plunged it into his heart . Then he took from the dead man a beautiful ring set with a large stone , and put it on his own finger . The fame of this wonderful deed soon spread through the country , and people would often stop Geirald 's horse , and ask leave to see the robber 's ring , which was said to have been stolen from the father of the reigning king . And Geirald showed them the ring with pride , and listened to their words of praise , and no one would ever have guessed anyone else had destroyed the robbers . In a few days they left the kingdom and rode on to another , where they thought they would stop through the remainder of the winter , for Geirald liked to be comfortable , and did not care about travelling through ice and snow . But the king would only grant them leave to stop on condition that , before the winter was ended , they should give him some fresh proof of the courage of which he had heard so much . Rosald 's heart was glad at the king 's message , and as for Geirald , he felt that as long as Rosald was there all would go well . So they both bowed low and replied that it was the king 's place to command and theirs to obey . ` Well , then , ' said his Majesty , ` this is what I want you to do : In the north-east part of my kingdom there dwells a giant , who has an iron staff twenty yards long , and he is so quick in using it , that even fifty knights have no chance against him . The bravest and strongest young men of my court have fallen under the blows of that staff ; but , as you overcame the twelve robbers so easily , I feel that I have reason to hope that you may be able to conquer the giant . In three days from this you will set out . ' ` We will be ready , your Majesty , ' answered Rosald ; but Geirald remained silent . ` How can we possibly fight against a giant that has killed fifty knights ? ' cried Geirald , when they were outside the castle . ` The king only wants to get rid of us !
He wo n't think about us for the next three XXXXX -- that is one comfort -- so we shall have plenty of time to cross the borders of the kingdom and be out of reach . '
Geirald Rosald corner days deed left north-east people ring staff