Get yourself ready for battle , for here is the Welwa ! ' Hardly had he done speaking , scarcely had Petru twisted his wreath , when a soft breeze arose on all sides at once . Out of the breeze came a storm wind , and the storm wind swelled and swelled till everything around was blotted out in darkness , and darkness covered them as with a thick cloak , while the earth swayed and shook under their feet . ` Are you afraid ? ' asked the horse , shaking his mane . ` Not yet , ' replied Petru stoutly , though cold shivers were running down his back . ` What must come will come , whatever it is . ' ` Do n't be afraid , ' said the horse . ' I will help you . Take the bridle from my neck , and try to catch the Welwa with it . ' The words were hardly spoken , and Petru had no time even to unbuckle the bridle , when the Welwa herself stood before him ; and Petru could not bear to look at her , so horrible was she . She had not exactly a head , yet neither was she without one . She did not fly through the air , but neither did she walk upon the earth . She had a mane like a horse , horns like a deer , a face like a bear , eyes like a polecat ; while her body had something of each . And that was the Welwa . Petru planted himself firmly in his stirrups , and began to lay about him with his sword , but could feel nothing . A day and a night went by , and the fight was still undecided , but at last the Welwa began to pant for breath . ` Let us wait a little and rest , ' gasped she . Petru stopped and lowered his sword . ` You must not stop an instant , ' said the horse , and Petru gathered up all his strength , and laid about him harder than ever .
The Welwa gave a neigh like a horse and a howl like a wolf , and threw herself afresh XXXXX Petru .
about before by in like on than upon while without