Down it came, still hugging Steinar.

I smote again with all my strength, and cut into its spine above the tail, paralysing it.

It was a great blow, as it need to be to cleave the thick hair and hide, and my sword broke in the backbone, so that, like Ragnar, now I was weaponless.

The forepart of the bear rolled about in the snow, although its after half was still.
Then once more it seemed to bethink itself of Steinar, who lay unmoving and senseless.

Stretching out a paw, it dragged him towards its champing jaws.