"One can't slay trolls.

I saw Wilfrid cut one down, and there he lies even yet." "Nay, but one can, if so be the sword is rightly charmed," answered Erling.
"Well, they have gone," said I."Do you two go and see after these folk they were attacking, and I will bide here to watch that they do not come back." "That is the work of the man, not the master," quoth Erling.

"Here I bide, for I have runes which are of power against any trolls.

I am not afraid." Nor did he seem so; and I told him to call if but one man showed himself, and so rode back to the little party we had saved.

The man who I had seen was of rank was bending over the lady, who lay where the wild men had left her; and his unhurt servant was watching beside him.