But none of us all may come to the Glittering Plain and the King Undying without turning the back for the last time on the Isle of Ransom: nor may any men of the Isle come hither save those who are of the House of the Sea-eagle, and few of those, save the chieftains of the House, such as are they who sat by thee on the high-seat that even.

Of these once in a while is chosen one of us, who is old and spent and past battle, and is borne to this land and the gift of the Undying.

Forsooth some of us have no will to take the gift, for they say they are liefer to go to where they shall meet more of our kindred than dwell on the Glittering Plain and the Acre of the Undying; but as for me I was ever an overbearing and masterful man, and meseemeth it is well that I meet as few of our kindred as may be: for they are a strifeful race." Hereat Hallblithe marvelled exceedingly, and he said: "And what am I in all this story?
Why am I come hither with thy furtherance ?" Said the Sea-eagle: "We had a charge from the Undying King concerning thee, that we should bring thee hither alive and well, if so be thou camest to the Isle of Ransom.

For what cause we had the charge, I know not, nor do I greatly heed." Said Hallblithe: "And shall I also have that gift of undying youth, and life while the world of men and gods endureth ?" "I must needs deem so," said the Sea-eagle, "so long as thou abidest on the Glittering Plain; and I see not how thou mayst ever escape thence." Now Hallblithe heard him, how he said "escape," and thereat he was somewhat ill at ease, and stood and pondered a little.

At last he said: "Is this then all that thou hast to tell me concerning the Glittering Plain ?" "By the Treasure of the Sea!" said the elder, "I know no more of it.