The young prince was no sooner cured, however, than he took advantage of Etzel's absence to escape, although Helche implored him not to do so, and assured him that she would have to pay for his absence with her life.
In her distress Helche now thought of Dietrich, who, weak and wounded, rose from his couch, pursued the fugitive, overtook and slew him, and brought his head back to her.

The Queen of the Huns never forgot that she owed her life to Dietrich, and ever after showed herself his faithful friend.
Twenty years had passed since Dietrich left his native land ere he asked to return.

Helche promised him the aid of her sons, Erp and Ortwine, whom she armed herself, and furnished one thousand men.

Etzel, seeing this, also offered his aid, and Dietrich marched back to the Amaling land with all his companions, and with an army commanded by the two Hun princes and Ruediger's only son, Nudung.
The van of the army took Garden and Padauwe (Padua), and with Dietrich at its head made a triumphant entrance into Bern.

But, hearing that Ermenrich was coming against him, Dietrich now went to meet him, and fought a terrible battle near Raben in 493.