Stéfan and Geirard

As for Geirald, he felt that as long as St�fan was there, all would go well. So they both bowed low and replied that it was the king's place to command and theirs to obey.

"Well, then," said his Majesty, "this is what I want you to do: In the northeast part of my kingdom there dwells a giant, who has an iron staff twenty yards long. He is so quick in using his staff that even fifty knights have no chance against him. The bravest and strongest young men of my court have fallen under the blows of that staff. But as you overcame the twelve robbers so easily, I have reason to hope that you may be able to conquer the giant. In three days from this you will set out."

"'We will be ready, your Majesty," answered St�fan, though Geirald remained silent.

"How can we possibly fight against a giant that has already killed fifty knights?" cried Geirald, when they were outside the castle. "The king only wants to get rid of us! He won't think about us for the next three days - that is one comfort - so we will have plenty of time to cross the borders of the kingdom and escape."

"We might not be able to kill the giant, but what celebration we'd bring to this kingdom if we do manage to do it!" answered St�fan. "I know what sort of weapon I shall use. Come with me now, and I will see about it." Taking his friend by the arm, St�fan led Geirald into a shop where he bought a huge lump of solid iron, so big that they could hardly lift it between them. However, they just managed to carry it to a blacksmith's where St�fan directed that it should be beaten into a thick club with a sharp spike at one end. When this was done to his liking he took it home under his arm.

Very early on the third morning, the two young men started on their journey. On the fourth day, they reached the giant's cave before he was out of bed. Hearing the sound of footsteps, the giant got up and went to the entrance to see who was coming.