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 Rh "This very instant I met a pike carrying a gold ring in its fins. Wait a moment, and I will bring it to you."

Soon afterwards the gold-fish appeared, bringing the pike with the ring.

The king again praised Irik for having done his work so well, and on the following morning gave him the third task.

"If you wish me to give you my daughter with the golden locks for a wife for your king, you must bring her some water of death and some water of life, they will be wanted."

Irik did not know where to seek for these waters. He walked where chance led him, until he came to a dark forest.

"Would that my ravens were here; they would help me."

Suddenly a noise was heard over his head, and the two ravens appeared.

"We are here to help you. What do you want?"

"I have to fetch some of the water of death and some of the water of life, and know not where to get them."

"We know where to get them. Wait a moment, and we will bring you some."

In a short time the ravens returned to Irik, each carrying a small gourd bottle; in one was the water of life, in the other the water of death.