The bank was black with them, and the light from their axes overhead shimmered and sparkled in a wave of brightness.

The water was full shoulder deep round the ship, but they did not heed that.

Nor did they pay any attention to us, for we could not reach them, and they knew it.

They would deal with us presently in one way or another.

Meanwhile, this ship was at their mercy.
Heidrek's other ship held on round the bend, and may have been out of sight of her consort before she grounded, as the river bent with its channel close under the banks.