She went into the cave , and saw there a low couch , under which she crept and lay down . When evening came she heard the noise of footsteps outside , and became aware that the lion had come to the mouth of the cave , and shook itself there , after which she heard a man coming towards the couch . She was sure this was Hermod , because she heard him speaking to himself about his own condition , and calling to mind Hadvor and other things in the old days . Hadvor made no sign , but waited till he had fallen asleep , and then crept out and burned the lion 's skin , which he had left outside . Then she went back into the cave and wakened Hermod , and they had a most joyful meeting . In the morning they talked over their plans , and were most at a loss to know how to get out of the island . Hadvor told Hermod her dream , and said she suspected there was some one in the island who would be able to help them . Hermod said he knew of a Witch there , who was very ready to help anyone , and that the only plan was to go to her . So they went to the Witch 's cave , and found her there with her fifteen young sons , and asked her to help them to get to the mainland . ` There are other things easier than that , ' said she , ` for the Giant that was buried will be waiting for you , and will attack you on the way , as he has turned himself into a big whale . I shall lend you a boat , however , and if you meet the whale and think your lives are in danger , then you can name me by name . ' They thanked her greatly for her help and advice , and set out from the island , but on the way they saw a huge fish coming towards them , with great splashing and dashing of waves . They were sure of what it was , and thought they had as good reason as ever they would have to call on the Witch , and so they did . The next minute they saw coming after them another huge whale , followed by fifteen smaller ones . All of these swam past the boat and went on to meet the whale . There was a fierce battle then , and the sea became so stormy that it was not very easy to keep the boat from being filled by the waves . After this fight had gone on for some time , they saw that the sea was dyed with blood ; the big whale and the fifteen smaller ones disappeared , and they got to land safe and sound . Now the story goes back to the King 's hall , where strange things had happened in the meantime . The Queen and her daughter had disappeared , but a rat and a mouse were always fighting with each other there . Ever so many people had tried to drive them away , but no one could manage it .
Thus some time went on , while the King was almost beside himself XXXXX sorrow and care for the loss of his Queen , and because these monsters destroyed all mirth in the hall .
In after as for into of over than under with