66。OFTHORGEIROTKELL\'SSON
NowwemusttellofThorgeirOtkell\'sson；hegrewuptobeatallstrongman，true-heartedandguileless，butrathertooreadytolistentofairwords。Hehadmanyfriendsamongthebestmen，andwasmuchbelovedbyhiskinsmen。
OnceonatimeThorgeirStarkad\'ssonhadbeentoseehiskinsmanMord。
“Icanillbrook，“hesays，“thatsettlementofmatterswhichweandGunnarhad，butIhaveboughtthyhelpsolongaswetwoareaboveground；Iwishthouwouldestthinkoutsomeplanandlayitdeep；thisiswhyIsayitrightout，becauseIknowthatthouartGunnar\'sgreatestfoe，andhetoothine。Iwillmuchincreasethinehonourifthoutakestpainsinthismatter。“
“ItwillalwaysseemasthoughIweregreedyofgain，butsoitmustbe。Yetitwillbehardtotakecarethatthoumayestnotseemtobeatruce-breaker，orpeace-breaker，andyetcarryoutthypoint。ButnowIhavebeentoldthatKolskeggmeanstotryasuit，andregainafourthpartofMoeidsknoll，whichwaspaidtothyfatherasanatonementforhisson。Hehastakenupthissuitforhismother，butthistooisGunnar\'scounsel，topayingoodsandnottoletthelandgo。Wemustwaittillthiscomesabout，andthendeclarethathehasbrokenthesettlementmadewithyou。HehasalsotakenacornfieldfromThorgeirOtkell\'sson，andsobrokenthesettlementwithhimtoo。ThoushaltgotoseeThorgeirOtkell\'sson，andbringhimintothematterwiththee，andthenfallonGunnar；butifyefailinaughtofthis，andcannotgethimhunteddown，stillyeshallsetonhimoverandoveragain。ImusttelltheethatNjalhas“spaed“hisfortune，andforetoldabouthislife，ifheslaysmorethanonceinthesamestock，thatitwouldleadhimtohisdeath，ifitsofelloutthathebrokethesettlementmadeafterthedeed。
ThereforeshaltthoubringThorgeirintothesuit，becausehehasalreadyslainhisfather；andnow，ifyetwoaretogetherinanaffray，thoushaltshieldthyself；buthewillgoboldlyon，andthenGunnarwillslayhim。Thenhehasslaintwiceinthesamestock，butthoushaltflyfromthefight。Andifthisistodraghimtohisdeathhewillbreakthesettlementafterwards，andsowemaywaittillthen。“
AfterthatThorgeirgoeshomeandtellshisfathersecretly。
Thentheyagreedamongthemselvesthattheyshouldworkoutthisplotbystealth。
67。OFTHORGEIRSTARKAD\'SSON
SometimeafterThorgeirStarkad\'ssonfaredtoKirkbytoseehisnamesake，andtheywentasidetospeak，andtalkedsecretlyallday；butattheendThorgeirStarkad\'ssongavehisnamesakeaspearinlaidwithgold，androdehomeafterwards；theymadethegreatestfriendshiptheonewiththeother。
AttheThingskala-Thingintheautumn，KolskegglaidclaimtothelandatMoeidsknoll，butGunnartookwitness，andofferedreadymoney，oranotherpieceoflandatalawfulpricetothoseundertheThreecorner。
Thorgeirtookwitnessalso，thatGunnarwasbreakingthesettlementmadebetweenthem。
AfterthattheThingwasbrokenup，andsothenextyearworeaway。
Thosenamesakeswerealwaysmeeting，andtherewasthegreatestfriendshipbetweenthem。KolskeggspoketoGunnarandsaid，“I
amtoldthatthereisgreatfriendshipbetweenthosenamesakes，anditisthetalkofmanymenthattheywillproveuntrue，andI
wouldthatthouwouldstbewareofthyself。“
“Deathwillcometomewhenitwillcome，“saysGunnar，“whereverImaybe，ifthatismyfate。“
Thentheyleftofftalkingaboutit。
Aboutautumn，Gunnargaveoutthattheywouldworkoneweekthereathome，andthenextdownintheisles，andsomakeanendoftheirhay-making。Atthesametime，heletitbeknownthateverymanwouldhavetoleavethehouse，savehimselfandthewomen。
ThorgeirunderThreecornergoestoseehisnamesake，butassoonastheymettheybegantotalkaftertheirwont，andThorgeirStarkad\'sson，said，“IwouldthatwecouldhardenourheartsandfallonGunnar。“
“Well，“saysThorgeirOtkell\'sson，“everystrugglewithGunnarhashadbutoneend，thatfewhavegainedtheday；besides，methinksitsoundsilltobecalledapeace-breaker。“
“Theyhavebrokenthepeace，notwe，“saysThorgeirStarkad\'sson。“Gunnartookawayfromtheethycornfield；andhehastakenMoeidsknollfrommyfatherandme。“
AndsotheysettleitbetweenthemtofallonGunnar；andthenThorgeirsaidthatGunnarwouldbeallaloneathomeinafewnights\'space，“andthenthoushaltcometomeetmewithelevenmen，butIwillhaveasmany。“
AfterthatThorgeirrodehome。
68。OFNJALANDTHOSENAMESAKES
NowwhenKolskeggandthehouse-carleshadbeenthreenightsintheisles，ThorgeirStarkad\'ssonhadnewsofthat，andsendswordtohisnamesakethatheshouldcometomeethimonThreecornerridge。
AfterthatThorgeiroftheThreecornerbuskedhimwithelevenmen；heridesupontheridgeandtherewaitsforhisnamesake。
AndnowGunnarisathomeinhishouse，andthosenamesakesrideintoawoodhardby。Theresuchadrowsinesscameoverthemthattheycoulddonaughtelsebutsleep。Sotheyhungtheirshieldsupintheboughs，andtetheredtheirhorses，andlaidtheirweaponsbytheirsides。
NjalwasthatnightupinThorolfsfell，andcouldnotsleepatall，butwentoutandinbyturns。
ThorhildaaskedNjalwhyhecouldnotsleep？
“Manythingsnowflitbeforemyeyes，“saidhe；“IseemanyfetchesofGunnar\'sbitterfoes，andwhatisverystrangeisthis，theyseemtobemadwithrage，andyettheyfarewithoutplanorpurpose。“
Alittleafter，amanrodeuptothedoorandgotoffhishorse\'sbackandwentin，andtherewascometheshepherdofThorhildaandherhusband。
“Didstthoufindthesheep？“sheasked。
“Ifoundwhatmightbemoreworth，“saidhe。
“Whatwasthat？“askedNjal。
“Ifoundtwenty-fourmenupinthewoodyonder；theyhadtetheredtheirhorses，butsleptthemselves。Theirshieldstheyhadhungupintheboughs。“
Butsocloselyhadhelookedatthemthathetoldofalltheirweaponsandwargearandclothes，andthenNjalknewplainlywhoeachofthemmusthavebeen，andsaidtohim，“\'Tweregoodhiringifthereweremanysuchshepherds；andthisshalleverstandtothygood；butstillIwillsendtheeonanerrand。“
Hesaidatoncehewouldgo。
“Thoushaltgo，“saysNjal，“toLithendandtellGunnarthathemustfaretoGritwater，andthensendaftermen；butIwillgotomeetwiththosewhoareinthewoodandscarethemaway。Thisthinghathwellcometopass，sothattheyshallgainnothingbythisjourney，butlosemuch。“
TheshepherdsetoffandtoldGunnarasplainlyashecouldthewholestory。ThenGunnarrodetoGritwaterandsummonedmentohim。
NowitistobetoldofNjalhowheridestomeetthesenamesakes。
“Unwarilyyeliehere，“hesays，“orforwhatendshallthisjourneyhavebeenmade？AndGunnarisnotamantobetrifledwith。Butifthetruthmustbetoldthen，thisisthegreatesttreason。Yeshallalsoknowthis，thatGunnarisgatheringforce，andhewillcomehereinthetwinklingofaneye，andslayyouall，unlessyerideawayhome。“
Theybestirredthematonce，fortheywereingreatfear，andtooktheirweapons，andmountedtheirhorsesandgallopedhomeundertheThreecorner。
NjalfaredtomeetGunnarandbadehimnottobreakuphiscompany。
“ButIwillgoandseekforanatonement；nowtheywillbefinelyfrightened；butforthistreasonnolessasumshallbepaidwhenonehastodealwithallofthem，thanshallbepaidfortheslayingofoneorotherofthosenamesakes，thoughsuchathingshouldcometopass。ThismoneyIwilltakeintomykeeping，andsolayitoutthatitmaybereadytothyhandwhenthouhastneedofit。“
69。OLAFTHEPEACOCK\'SGIFTSTOGUNNAR
GunnarthankedNjalforhisaid，andNjalrodeawayundertheThreecorner，andtoldthosenamesakesthatGunnarwouldnotbreakuphisbandofmenbeforehehadfoughtitoutwiththem。
Theybegantooffertermsforthemselves，andwerefullofdread，andbadeNjaltocomebetweenthemwithanofferofatonement。
Njalsaidthatcouldonlybeiftherewerenoguilebehind。Thentheybeggedhimtohaveashareintheaward，andsaidtheywouldholdtowhatheawarded。
NjalsaidhewouldmakenoawardunlessitwereattheThing，andunlessthebestmenwereby；andtheyagreedtothat。
ThenNjaIcamebetweenthem，sothattheygaveeachotherpledgesofpeaceandatonement。
Njalwastouttertheaward，andtonameashisfellowsthosewhomhechose。
AlittlewhileafterthosenamesakesmetMordValgard\'sson，andMordblamedthemmuchforhavinglaidthematterinNjal\'shands，whenhewasGunnar\'sgreatfriend。Hesaidthatwouldturnoutillforthem。
NowmenridetotheAlthingaftertheirwont，andnowbothsidesareattheThing。
Njalbeggedforahearing，andaskedallthebestmenwhowerecomethither，whatrightatlawtheythoughtGunnarhadagainstthosenamesakesfortheirtreason。Theysaidtheythoughtsuchamanhadgreatrightonhisside。
Njalwentontoask，whetherhehadarightofactionagainstallofthem，orwhethertheleadershadtoanswerforthemallinthesuit？
Theysaythatmostoftheblamewouldfallontheleaders，butagreatdealstillonthemall。
“Manywillsaythis，“saidMord，“thatitwasnotwithoutacausewhenGunnarbrokethesettlementmadewiththosenamesakes。“
“Thatisnobreachofsettlement，“saysNjal，“thatanymanshouldtakethelawagainstanother；forwithlawshallourlandbebuiltupandsettled，andwithlawlessnesswastedandspoiled。“
ThenNjaltellsthemthatGunnarhadofferedlandforMoeidsknoll，orothergoods。
ThenthosenamesakesthoughttheyhadbeenbeguiledbyMord，andscoldedhimmuch，andsaidthatthisfinewasallhisdoing。
Njalnamedtwelvemenasjudgesinthesuit，andtheneverymanpaidahundredinsilverwhohadgoneout，buteachofthosenamesakestwohundred。
Njaltookthismoneyintohiskeepingbuteithersidegavetheotherpledgesofpeace，andNjalgaveouttheterms。
ThenGunnarrodefromtheThingwesttotheDales，tillhecametoHjardarholt，andOlafthePeacockgavehimaheartywelcome。
Therehesathalfamonth，androdefarandwideabouttheDales，andallwelcomedhimwithjoyfulhands。ButattheirpartingOlafsaid，“Iwillgivetheethreethingsofprice，agoldring，andacloakwhichMoorkjartantheErsekingowned，andahoundthatwasgivenmeinIreland；heisbig，andnoworsefollowerthanasturdyman。Besides，itispartofhisnaturethathehasman\'swit，andhewillbayateverymanwhomheknowsisthyfoe，butneveratthyfriends；hecansee，too，inanyman\'sface，whetherhemeanstheewellorill，andhewilllaydownhislifetobetruetothee。Thishound\'snameisSam。“
Afterthathespoketothehound，“NowshaltthoufollowGunnar，anddohimalltheservicethoucanst。“
ThehoundwentatoncetoGunnarandlaidhimselfdownathisfeet。
OlafbadeGunnartobewareofhimself，andsaidhehadmanyenviers，“Fornowthouartthoughttobeafamousmanthroughoutalltheland。“
Gunnarthankedhimforhisgiftsandgoodcounsel，androdehome。
NowGunnarsitsathomeforsometime，andallisquiet。
70。MORD\'SCOUNSEL
Alittleafter，thosenamesakesandMordmet，andtheywerenotatallofonemind。TheythoughttheyhadlostmuchgoodsforMord\'ssake，buthadgotnothinginreturn；andtheybadehimsetonfootsomeotherplotwhichmightdoGunnarharm。
Mordsaidsoitshouldbe。“Butnowthisismycounsel，thatthou，ThorgeirOtkell\'ssonshouldestbeguileOrmilda，Gunnar\'skinswoman；butGunnarwilllethisdispleasuregrowagainsttheeatthat，andthenIwillspreadthatstoryabroadthatGunnarwillnotsuffertheetodosuchthings。ThenyetwoshallsometimeaftermakeanattackonGunnar，butstillyemustnotseekhimathome，forthereisnothinkingofthatwhilethehoundisalive。“
Sotheysettledthisplanamongthemthatitshouldbebroughtabout。
ThorgeirbegantoturnhisstepstowardsOrmilda，andGunnarthoughtthatill，andgreatdislikearosebetweenthem。
Sothewinterworeaway。Nowcomesthesummer，andtheirsecretmeetingswentonoftenerthanbefore。
AsforThorgeiroftheThreecornerandMord，theywerealwaysmeeting；andtheyplananonslaughtonGunnarwhenheridesdowntotheislestoseeaftertheworkdonebyhishouse-caries。
OnedayMordwaswareofitwhenGunnarrodedowntotheisles，andsentamanoffundertheThreecornertotellThorgeirthatthenwouldbethelikeliesttimetotrytofallonGunnar。
Theybestirredthematonce，andfarethencetwelvetogether，butwhentheycametoKirkbytheretheyfoundthirteenmenwaitingforthem。
ThentheymadeuptheirmindstoridedowntoRangriverandlieinwaitthereforGunnar。
ButwhenGunnarrodeupfromtheisles，Kolskeggrodewithhim。
Gunnarhadhisbowandhisarrowsandhisbill。Kolskegghadhisshortswordandweaponstomatch。
71。THESLAYINGOFTHORGEIROTKELL\'SSON
ThattokenhappenedasGunnarandhisbrotherrodeuptowardsRangriver，thatmuchbloodburstoutonthebill。
Kolskeggaskedwhatthatmightmean。
Gunnarsays，“Ifsuchtokenstookplaceinotherlands，itwascalled`wound-drops，\'andMasterOlivertoldmealsothatthisonlyhappenedbeforegreatfights。“
Sotheyrodeontilltheysawmensittingbytheriverontheotherside，andtheyhadtetheredtheirhorses。
Gunnarsaid，“Nowwehaveanambush。“
Kolskegganswered，“Longhavetheybeenfaithless；butwhatisbesttobedonenow？“
“Wewillgallopupalongsidethemtotheford，“saysGunnar，“andtheremakereadyforthem。“
Theotherssawthatandturnedatoncetowardsthem。
Gunnarstringshisbow，andtakeshisarrowsandthrowsthemonthegroundbeforehim，andshootsassoonasevertheycomewithinshot；bythatGunnarwoundedmanymen，butsomeheslew。
ThenThorgeirOtkell\'ssonspokeandsaid，“Thisisnouse；letusmakeforhimashardaswecan。“
Theydidso，andfirstwentAunundtheFair，Thorgeir\'skinsman。
Gunnarhurledthebillathim，anditfellonhisshieldandcloveitintwain，butthebillrushedthroughAunund。AugmundShockheadrushedatGunnarbehindhisback。KolskeggsawthatandcutoffatoncebothAugmund\'slegsfromunderhim，andhurledhimoutintoRangriver，andhewasdrownedthereandthen。
Thenahardbattlearose；Gunnarcutwithonehandandthrustwiththeother。Kolskeggslewsomemenandwoundedmany。
ThorgeirStarkad\'ssoncalledouttohisnamesake，“Itlooksverylittleasthoughthouhadstafathertoavenge。“
“Trueitis，“heanswers，“thatIdonotmakemuchway，butyetthouhastnotfollowedinmyfootsteps；stillIwillnotbearthyreproaches。“
WiththatherushesatGunnaringreatwrath，andthrusthisspearthroughhisshield，andsoonthroughhisarm。
Gunnargavetheshieldsuchasharptwistthatthespearheadbrokeshortoffatthesocket。Gunnarseesthatanothermanwascomewithinreachofhissword，andhesmitesathimanddealshimhisdeath-blow。Afterthat，heclutcheshisbillwithbothhands；justthen，ThorgeirOtkell\'ssonhadcomenearhimwithadrawnsword，andGunnarturnsonhimingreatwrath，anddrivesthebillthroughhim，andliftshimupaloft，andcastshimoutintoRangriver，andhedriftsdowntowardstheford，andstuckfastthereonastone；andthenameofthatfordhassincebeenThorgeir\'sford。
ThenThorgeirStarkad\'ssonsaid，“Letusflynow；novictorywillbefatedtousthistime。“
Sotheyallturnedandfledfromthefield。
“Letusfollowthemupnow，“saysKolskegg“andtakethouthybowandarrows，andthouwiltcomewithinbowshotofThorgeirStarkad\'sson。“
ThenGunnarsangasong:
“Reaverofrichriver-treasure，Plunderedwillourpursesbe，Thoughto-daywewoundnootherWarriorswightinplayofspearsAye，ifIforallthesesailorsLowlylying，finesmustpay——
ThisiswhyIholdmyhand，Hearken，brotherdear，tome。“_
“Ourpurseswillbeemptied，“saysGunnar，“bythetimethattheseareatonedforwhonowlieheredead。“
“Thouwiltneverlackmoney，“saysKolskegg；“butThorgeirwillneverleaveoffbeforehecompassesthydeath。“
Gunnarsanganothersong:
“Lordofwater-skates1thatskimSea-king\'sfields，moregoodashe，Sheddingwounds\'redstream，muststandInmywayereIshallwince。
I，thegoldenarmlets\'warder，Snakeliketwinedaroundmywrist，Ne\'ershallshunafoeman\'sfaulchionFlashingbrightindinoffight。“
“He，andafewmoreasgoodashe，“saysGunnar，“muststandinmypathereIamafraidofthem。“
Afterthattheyridehomeandtellthetidings。Hallgerdawaswellpleasedtohearthem，andpraisedthedeedmuch。
Rannveigsaid，“Maybethedeedisgood；butsomehow，“shesays，“Ifeeltoodowncastaboutittothinkthatgoodcancomeofit。“
ENDNOTES:
1“Water-skates，“aperiphrasisforships。
72。OFTHESUITSFORMANSLAUGHTERATTHETHING
Thesetidingswerespreadfarandwide，andThorgeir\'sdeathwasagreatgrieftomanyaman。GizurtheWhiteandhismenrodetothespotandgavenoticeofthemanslaughter，andcalledtheneighboursontheinquesttotheThing。Thentheyrodehomewest。
NjalandGunnarmetandtalkedaboutthebattle。ThenNjalsaidtoGunnar，“Nowbewareofthyself。Nowhastthouslaintwiceinthesamestock；andsonowtakeheedtothybehaviour，andthinkthatitisasmuchasthylifeisworth，ifthoudostnotholdtothesettlementthatismade。“
“NordoImeantobreakitinanyway，“saysGunnar，“butstillI
shallneedthyhelpattheThing。“
“Iwillholdtomyfaithfulnesstothee，“saidNjal，“tillmydeathday。“
ThenGunnarrideshome。NowtheThingdrawsnear；andeachsidegatheragreatcompany；anditisamatterofmuchtalkattheThinghowthesesuitswillend。
Thosetwo，GizurtheWhite，andGeirthePriest，talkedwitheachotherastowhoshouldgivenoticeofthesuitofmanslaughterafterThorgeir，andtheendofitwasthatGizurtookthesuitonhishand，andgavenoticeofitattheHillofLaws，andspokeinthesewords:——
“IgavenoticeofasuitforassaultlaiddownbylawagainstGunnarHamond\'sson；forthatherushedwithanonslaughtlaiddownbylawonThorgeirOtkell\'sson，andwoundedhimwithabodywound，whichprovedadeathwound，sothatThorgeirgothisdeath。
“Isayonthischargeheoughttobecomeaconvictedoutlaw，nottobefed，nottobeforwarded，nottobehelpedorharbouredinanyneed。
“Isaythathisgoodsareforfeited，halftomeandhalftothemenoftheQuarter，whoserightitisbylawtoseizethegoodsofoutlaws。
“IgivenoticeofthischargeintheQuarterCourt，intowhichthissuitoughtbylawtocome。
“IgivethislawfulnoticeinthehearingofallmenattheHillofLaws。
“Igivenoticenowofthissuit，andoffullforfeitureandoutlawryagainstGunnarHamond\'sson。“
AsecondtimeGizurtookwitness，andgavenoticeofasuitagainstGunnarHamond\'sson，forthathehadwoundedThorgeirOtkell\'ssonwithabodywoundwhichwasadeathwound，andfromwhichThorgeirgothisdeath，onsuchandsuchaspotwhenGunnarfirstsprangonThorgeirwithanonslaught，laiddownbylaw。
Afterthathegavenoticeofthisdeclarationashehaddoneofthefirst。ThenheaskedinwhatQuarterCourtthesuitlay，andinwhathouseinthedistrictthedefendantdwelt。
Whenthatwasover，menlefttheHillofLaws，andallsaidthathespokewell。
Gunnarkepthimselfwellinhandandsaidlittleornothing。
NowtheThingwearsawaytillthedaywhenthecourtsweretobeset。
ThenGunnarstoodlookingsouthbythecourtofthemenofRangriver，andhismenwithhim。
Gizurstoodlookingnorth，andcallshiswitnesses，andbadeGunnartolistentohisoath，andtohisdeclarationofthesuit，andtoallthestepsandproofswhichhemeanttobringforward。
Afterthathetookhisoath，andthenhebroughtforwardthesuitinthesameshapebeforethecourt，ashehadgivennoticeofitbefore。Thenhemadethembringforwardwitnessofthenotice，thenhebadetheneighboursontheinquesttotaketheirseats，andcalleduponGunnartochallengetheinquest。
73。OFTHEATONEMENT
ThenNjalspokeandsaid，“NowIcannolongersitstillandtakenopart。Letusgotowheretheneighbourssitontheinquest。“
Theywentthitherandchallengedfourneighboursoutoftheinquest，buttheycalledonthefivethatwerelefttoanswerthefollowingquestioninGunnar\'sfavour，“WhetherthosenamesakeshadgoneoutwiththatmindtotheplaceofmeetingtodoGunnaramischiefiftheycould？“
Butallborewitnessatoncethatsoitwas。
ThenNjalcalledthisalawfuldefencetothesuit，andsaidhewouldbringforwardproofofitunlesstheygaveoverthesuittoarbitration。
Thenmanychiefsjoinedinprayingforanatonement，andsoitwasbroughtaboutthattwelvemenshouldutteranawardinthematter。
Theneithersidewentandhandselledthissettlementtotheother。Afterwardstheawardwasmade，andthesumtobepaidsettled，anditwasalltobepaiddownthenandthereattheThing。
Butbesides，GunnarwastogoabroadandKolskeggwithhim，andtheyweretobeawaythreewinters；butifGunnardidnotgoabroadwhenhehadachanceofapassage，thenhewastobeslainbythekinsmenofthosewhomhehadkilled。
Gunnarmadenosign，asthoughhethoughtthetermsofatonementwerenotgood。HeaskedNjalforthatmoneywhichhehadhandedovertohimtokeep。Njalhadlaidthemoneyoutatinterestandpaiditdownallatonce，anditjustcametowhatGunnarhadtopayforhimself。
Nowtheyridehome。GunnarandNjalrodebothtogetherfromtheThing，andthenNjalsaidtoGunnar，“Takegoodcare，messmate，thatthoukeepesttothisatonement，andbearinmindwhatwehavespokenabout；forthoughthyformerjourneyabroadbroughttheetogreathonour，thiswillbeafargreaterhonourtothee。
Thouwiltcomebackwithgreatglory，andlivetobeanoldman，andnomanherewillthentreadonthyheel；butifthoudostnotfareaway，andsobreakestthyatonement，thenthouwiltbeslainhereintheland，andthatisillknowingforthosewhoarethyfriends。“
Gunnarsaidhehadnomindtobreaktheatonement，andherideshomeandtoldthemofthesettlement。
Rannveigsaiditwaswellthathefaredabroad，forthentheymustfindsomeoneelsetoquarrelwith。
74。KOLSKEGGGOESABROAD
ThrainSigfus\'sonsaidtohiswifethathemeanttofareabroadthatsummer。Shesaidthatwaswell。SohetookhispassagewithHognitheWhite。
GunnartookhispassagewithArnfinoftheBay；andKolskeggwastogowithhim。
GrimandHelgi，Njal\'ssons，askedtheirfather\'sleavetogoabroadtoo，andNjalsaid，“Thisforeignvoyageyewillfindhardwork，sohardthatitwillbedoubtfulwhetheryekeepyourlives；butstillyetwowillgetsomehonourandglory，butitisnotunlikelythataquarrelwillariseoutofyourjourneywhenyecomeback。“
Stilltheykeptonaskingtheirfathertoletthemgo，andtheendofitwasthathebadethemgoiftheychose。
ThentheygotthemapassagewithBardtheBlack，andOlofKettle\'ssonofElda；anditisthetalkofthewholecountrythatallthebettermeninthatdistrictwereleavingit。
BythistimeGunnar\'ssons，HogniandGrani，weregrownup；theyweremenofverydifferentturnofmind。Granihadmuchofhismother\'stemper，butHogniwaskindandgood。
Gunnarmademenbeardownthewaresofhisbrotherandhimselftotheship，andwhenallGunnar\'sbaggagehadcomedown，andtheshipwasallbut“boun，“thenGunnarridestoBergthorsknoll，andtootherhomesteadstoseemen，andthankedthemallforthehelptheyhadgivenhim。
Thedayafterhegetsreadyearlyforhisjourneytotheship，andtoldallhispeoplethathewouldrideawayforgoodandall，andmentookthatmuchtoheart，butstilltheysaidthattheylookedtohiscomingbackafterwards。
Gunnarthrewhisarmsroundeachofthehouseholdwhenhewas“boun，“andeveryoneofthemwentoutofdoorswithhim；heleansonthebuttofhisspearandleapsintothesaddle，andheandKolskeggrideaway。
TheyridedownalongMarkfleet，andjustthenGunnar\'shorsetrippedandthrewhimoff。HeturnedwithhisfaceuptowardstheLitheandthehomesteadatLithend，andsaid，“FairistheLithe；sofairthatithasneverseemedtomesofair；thecornfieldsarewhitetoharvestandthehomemeadismown；andnowI
willridebackhome，andnotfareabroadatall。“
“Donotthisjoytothyfoes，“saysKolskegg，“bybreakingthyatonement，fornomancouldthinkthouwouldstdothus，andthoumaystbesurethatallwillhappenasNjalhassaid。“
“Iwillnotgoawayanywhither，“saidGunnar，“andsoIwouldthoushouldestdotoo。“
“Thatshallnotbe，“saysKolskegg；“Iwillneverdoabasethinginthis，norinanythingelsewhichislefttomygoodfaith；
andthisisthatonethingthatcouldtearusasunder；buttellthistomykinsmanandtomymotherthatInevermeantoseeIcelandagain，forIshallsoonlearnthatthouartdead，brother，andthentherewillbenothinglefttobringmeback。“
Sotheypartedthereandthen。GunnarrideshometoLithend，butKolskeggridestotheship，andgoesabroad。
HallgerdawasgladtoseeGunnarwhenhecamehome，buthismothersaidlittleornothing。
HowGunnarsitsathomethatfallandwinter，andhadnotmanymenwithhim。
Nowthewinterleavesthefarmyard。OlafthePeacockaskedGunnarandHallgerdatocomeandstaywithhim；butasforthefarm，toputitintothehandsofhismotherandhissonHogni。
Gunnarthoughtthatagoodthingatfirst，andagreedtoit，butwhenitcametothepointhewouldnotdoit。
ButattheThingnextsummer，GizurtheWhite，andGeirthePriest，gavenoticeofGunnar\'soutlawryattheHillofLaws；andbeforetheThingbrokeupGizursummonedallGunnar\'sfoestomeetinthe“GreatRift。“1HesummonedStarkadundertheThreecorner，andThorgeirhisson；MordandValgardtheGuileful；
GeirthePriestandHjaltiSkeggi\'sson；ThorbrandandAsbrand，Thorleik\'ssons；Eyjulf，andAunundhisson。AunundofWitchwoodandThorgrimtheEasterlingofSandgil。
TheGizurspokeandsaid，“Iwillmakeyouallthisoffer，thatwegooutagainstGunnarthissummerandslayhim。“
“IgavemywordtoGunnar，“saidHjalti，“hereattheThing，whenheshowedhimselfmostwillingtoyieldtomyprayer，thatI
wouldneverbeinanyattackuponhim；andsoitshallbe。“
ThenHjaltiwentaway，butthosewhowereleftbehindmadeuptheirmindstomakeanonslaughtonGunnar，andshookhandsonthebargain，andlaidafineonanyonethatlefttheundertaking。
Mordwastokeepwatchandspyoutwhentherewasthebestchanceoffallingonhim，andtheywerefortymeninthisleague，andtheythoughtitwouldbealightthingforthemtohuntdownGunnar，nowthatKolskeggwasaway，andThrainandmanyotherofGunnar\'sfriends。
MenridefromtheThing，andNjalwenttoseeGunnar，andtoldhimofhisoutlawry，andhowanonslaughtwasplannedagainsthim。
“Methinksthouartthebestoffriends，“saysGunnar；“thoumakestmeawareofwhatismeant。“
“Now，“saysNjal，“IwouldthatSkarphedinnshouldcometothyhouse，andmysonHauskuld；theywilllaydowntheirlivesforthylife。“
“Iwillnot，“saysGunnar，“thatthysonsshouldbeslainformysake，andthouhastarighttolookforotherthingsfromme。“
“Allthycarewillcometonothing，“saysNjal；“quarrelswillturnthitherwardwheremysonsareassoonasthouartdeadandgone。“
“Thatisnotunlikely，“saysGunnar，“butstillitwouldmislikemethattheyfellintothemforme；butthisonethingIwillaskofthee，thatyeseeaftermysonHogni，butIsaynaughtofGrani，forhedoesnotbehavehimselfmuchaftermymind。“
Njalrodehome，andgavehiswordtodothat。
ItissaidthatGunnarrodetoallmeetingsofmen，andtoalllawfulThings，andhisfoesneverdaredtofallonhim。
Andsosometimewentonthathewentaboutasafreeandguiltlessman。
ENDNOTES:
1“GreatRift，“Almannagja——Thegreatvolcanicrift，or“geo，“asitwouldbecalledinOrkneyandShetland，whichboundstheplainoftheAllthingononeside。
75。THERIDINGTOLITHEND
NextautumnMordValgard\'ssonsentwordthatGunnarwouldbeallaloneathome，butallhispeoplewouldbedownintheislestomakeanendoftheirhaymaking。ThenGizurtheWhiteandGeirthePriestrodeeastovertheriversassoonasevertheyheardthat，andsoeastacrossthesandstoHof。ThentheysentwordtoStarkadundertheThreecorner，andtheretheyallmetwhoweretofallonGunnar，andtookcounselhowtheymightbestbringitabout。
MordsaidthattheycouldnotcomeonGunnarunawares，unlesstheyseizedthefarmerwhodweltatthenexthomestead，whosenamewasThorkell，andmadehimgoagainsthiswillwiththemtolayhandsonthehoundSam，andunlesshewentbeforethemtothehomesteadtodothis。
ThentheysetouteastforLithend，butsenttofetchThorkell。
Theyseizedhimandboundhim，andgavehimtwochoices——onethattheywouldslayhim，orelsehemustlayhandsonthehound；
buthechoosesrathertosavehislife，andwentwiththem。
Therewasabeatensunkroad，betweenfences，abovethefarmyardatLithend，andtheretheyhaltedwiththeirband。MasterThorkellwentuptothehomestead，andthetykelayonthetopofthehouse，andheenticesthedogawaywithhimintoadeephollowinthepath。Justthenthehoundseesthattherearemenbeforethem，andheleapsonThorkellandtearshisbellyopen。
AunundofWitchwoodsmotethehoundontheheadwithhisaxe，sothatthebladesunkintothebrain。Thehoundgavesuchagreathowlthattheythoughtitpassingstrange，andhefelldowndead。
76。GUNNAR\'SSLAYING
Gunnarwokeupinhishallandsaid，“Thouhastbeensorelytreated，Sam，myfosterling，andthiswarningissomeantthatourtwodeathswillnotbefarapart。“
Gunnar\'shallwasmadeallofwood，androofedwithbeamsabove，andtherewerewindow-slitsunderthebeamsthatcarriedtheroof，andtheywerefittedwithshutters。
Gunnarsleptinaloftabovethehall，andsodidHallgerdaandhismother。
NowwhentheywerecomeneartothehousetheyknewnotwhetherGunnarwereathome，andbadethatsomeonewouldgostraightuptothehouseandseeifhecouldfindout。Buttherestsatthemdownontheground。
ThorgrimtheEasterlingwentandbegantoclimbuponthehall；
Gunnarseesthataredkirtlepassedbeforethewindowslit，andthrustsoutthebill，andsmotehimonthemiddle。Thorgrim\'sfeetslippedfromunderhim，andhedroppedhisshield，anddownhetoppledfromtheroof。
ThenhegoestoGizurandhisbandastheysatontheground。
Gizurlookedathimandsaid，“Well，isGunnarathome？
“Findthatoutforyourselves，“saidThorgrim；“butthisIamsureof，thathisbillisathome，“andwiththathefelldowndead。
Thentheymadeforthebuildings。Gunnarshotoutarrowsatthem，andmadeastoutdefence，andtheycouldgetnothingdone。
Thensomeofthemgotintotheouthousesandtriedtoattackhimthence，butGunnarfoundthemoutwithhisarrowstherealso，andstilltheycouldgetnothingdone。
Soitwentonforawhile，thentheytookarest，andmadeasecondonslaught。Gunnarstillshotoutatthem，andtheycoulddonothing，andfelloffthesecondtime。ThenGizurtheWhitesaid，“Letuspressonharder；nothingcomesofouronslaught。“
Thentheymadeathirdboutofit，andwerelongatit，andthentheyfelloffagain。
Gunnarsaid，“Thereliesanarrowoutsideonthewall，anditisoneoftheirshafts；Iwillshootatthemwithit，anditwillbeashametothemiftheygetahurtfromtheirownweapons。“
Hismothersaid，“Donotso，myson；norrousethemagainwhentheyhavealreadyfallenofffromtheattack。“
ButGunnarcaughtupthearrowandshotitafterthem，andstruckEylifAunund\'sson，andhegotagreatwound；hewasstandingallbyhimself，andtheyknewnotthathewaswounded。
“Outcameanarmyonder，“saysGizur，“andtherewasagoldringonit，andtookanarrowfromtheroof，andtheywouldnotlookoutsideforshaftsiftherewereenoughindoors；andnowyeshallmadeafreshonslaught。“
“Letusburnhimhouseandall，“saidMord。
“Thatshallneverbe，“saysGizur，“thoughIknewthatmylifelayonit；butitiseasyfortheetofindoutsomeplan，suchacunningmanasthouartsaidtobe。“
Someropeslaythereontheground，andtheywereoftenusedtostrengthentheroof。ThenMordsaid，“Letustaketheropesandthrowoneendovertheendofthecarryingbeams，butletusfastentheotherendtotheserocksandtwistthemtightwithlevers，andsopulltheroofoffthehall。“
Sotheytooktheropesandalllentahandtocarrythisout，andbeforeGunnarwasawareofit，theyhadpulledthewholeroofoffthehall。
ThenGunnarstillshootswithhisbowsothattheycouldnevercomenighhim。ThenMordsaidagainthattheymustburnthehouseoverGunnar\'shead。ButGizursaid，“Iknownotwhythouwiltspeakofthatwhichnooneelsewishes，andthatshallneverbe。“
JustthenThorbrandThorleik\'sson，sprangupontheroof，andcutsasunderGunnar\'sbowstring。Gunnarclutchesthebillwithbothhands，andturnsonhimquicklyanddrivesitthroughhim，andhurlshimdownontheground。
ThenupsprungAsbrandhisbrother。Gunnarthrustsathimwithhisbill，andhethrewhisshieldbeforetheblow，butthebillpassedcleanthroughtheshieldandbrokebothhisarms，anddownhefellfromthewall。
Gunnarhadalreadywoundedeightmenandslainthosetwain1。
BythattimeGunnarhadgottwowounds，andallmensaidthatheneveroncewincedeitheratwoundsordeath。
ThenGunnarsaidtoHallgerda，“Givemetwolocksofthyhair，andyetwo，mymotherandthou，twistthemtogetherintoabowstringforme。“
“Doesaughtlieonit？“shesays。
“Mylifeliesonit；“hesaid；“fortheywillnevercometoclosequarterswithmeifIcankeepthemoffwithmybow。“
“Well！“shesays，“nowIwillcalltothymindthatslaponthefacewhichthougavestme；andIcareneverawhitwhetherthouholdestoutalongwhileorashort。“
ThenGunnarsangasong:
“EachwhohurtsthegoryjavelinHathsomehonourofhisown，Nowmyhelpmeetwimple-hoodedHurriesallmyfametoearth。
Nooneownerofawar-shipOftenasksforlittlethings，Woman，fondofFrodi\'sflour2，Wendsherhandassheiswont。“
“Everyonehassomethingtoboastof，“saysGunnar，“andIwillasktheenomoreforthis。“
“Thoubehavestill，“saidRannveig，“andthisshameshalllongbehadinmind。“
Gunnarmadeastoutandbolddefence，andnowwoundsothereightmenwithsuchsorewoundsthatmanylayatdeath\'sdoor。Gunnarkeepsthemalloffuntilhefellwornoutwithtoil。Thentheywoundedhimwithmanyandgreatwounds，butstillhegotawayoutoftheirhands，andheldhisownagainstthemawhilelonger，butatlastitcameaboutthattheyslewhim。
Ofthisdefenceofhis，ThorkelltheSkaldofGota-Elfsangintheverseswhichfollow——
“WehaveheardhowsouthinIcelandGunnarguardedwellhimself，Boldlybattle\'sthunderwielding，Fiercestfoemanonthewave；
Heroofthegoldencollar，Sixteenwiththeswordhewounded；
IntheshockthatOdinloveth，Twobeforehimtasteddeath。“
ButthisiswhatThormodOlaf\'ssonsang——
“Nonethatscatteredsea\'sbrightsunbeams3，WonmoregloriousfamethanGunnar，SorunsfameofoldinIceland，Fittingfameofheathenmen；
Lordoffightwhenhelmswerecrashing，Livesoffoemantwainhetook，WieldingbittersteelhesorelyWoundedtwelve，andfourbesides。“
ThenGizurspokeandsaid，“Wehavenowlaidlowtoearthamightychief，andhardworkhasitbeen，andthefameofthisdefenceofhisshalllastaslongasmenliveinthisland。“
AfterthathewenttoseeRannveigandsaid，“Wiltthougrantusearthherefortwoofourmenwhoaredead，thattheymaylieinacairnhere？“
“Allthemorewillinglyfortwo，“shesays，“becauseIwishwithallmyheartIhadtograntittoallofyou。“
“Itmustbeforgiventhee，“hesays，“tospeakthus，forthouhasthadagreatloss。“
Thenhegaveordersthatnomanshouldspoilorrobanythingthere。
Afterthattheywentaway。
ThenThorgeirStarkad\'ssonsaid，“WemaynotbeinourhouseathomeforthesonsofSigfus，unlessthouGizurorthouGeirbeheresouthsomelittlewhile。“
“Thisshallbeso，“saysGizur，andtheycastlots，andthelotfellonGeirtostaybehind。
AfterthathecametothePoint，andsetuphishousethere；hehadasonwhosenamewasHroald；hewasbaseborn，andhismother\'snamewasBiartey4；heboastedthathehadgivenGunnarhisdeathblow。HroaldwasatthePointwithhisfather。
ThorgeirStarkad\'ssonboastedofanotherwoundwhichhehadgiventoGunnar。
GizursatathomeatMossfell。Gunnar\'sslayingwasheardof，andillspokenofthroughoutthewholecountry，andhisdeathwasagreatgrieftomanyaman。
ENDNOTES:
1ThorgrimEasterlingandThorbrand。
2“Frodi\'sflour，“aperiphrasisfor“gold。“
3“Sea\'sbrightsunbeams，“aperiphrasisfor“gold。“
4ShewasasisterofThorwaldtheScurvy，whowasslainatHorsebeckinGrimsness。
77。GUNNARSINGSASONGDEAD
NjalcouldillbrookGunnar\'sdeath，norcouldthesonsofSigfusbrookiteither。
TheyaskedwhetherNjalthoughttheyhadanyrighttogivenoticeofasuitofmanslaughterforGunnar，ortosetthesuitonfoot。
Hesaidthatcouldnotbedone，asthemanhadbeenoutlawed；butsaiditwouldbebetterworthtryingtodosomethingtowoundtheirglory，byslayingsomemeninvengeanceafterhim。
TheycastacairnoverGunnar，andmadehimsituprightinthecairn。Rannveigwouldnothearofhisbillbeingburiedinthecairn，butsaidhealoneshouldhaveitashisown，whowasreadytoavengeGunnar。Sonoonetookthebill。
ShewassohardonHallgerda，thatshewasonthepointofkillingher；andshesaidthatshehadbeenthecauseofherson\'sslaying。
ThenHallgerdafledawaytoGritwater，andhersonGraniwithher，andtheysharedthegoodsbetweenthem；HogniwastohavethelandatLithendandthehomesteadonit，butGraniwastohavethelandletoutonlease。
NowthistokenhappenedatLithend，thattheneat-herdandtheserving-maidweredrivingcattlebyGunnar\'scairn。Theythoughtthathewasmerry，andthathewassinginginsidethecairn。
TheywenthomeandtoldRannveig，Gunnar\'smother，ofthistoken，butshebadethemgoandtellNjal。
ThentheywentovertoBergthorsknollandtoldNjal，buthemadethemtellitthreetimesover。
Afterthat，hehadalongtalkallalonewithSkarphedinn；andSkarphedinntookhisweaponsandgoeswiththemtoLithend。
RannveigandHognigavehimaheartywelcome，andwereverygladtoseehim。Rannveigaskedhimtostaytheresometime，andhesaidhewould。
HeandHogniwerealwaystogether，athomeandabroad。Hogniwasabrisk，braveman，well-bredandwell-trainedinmindandbody，butdistrustfulandslowtobelievewhathewastold，andthatwaswhytheydarednottellhimofthetoken。
Nowthosetwo，SkarphedinnandHogni，wereoutofdoorsoneeveningbyGunnar\'scairnonthesouthside。Themoonandstarswereshiningclearandbright，buteverynowandthenthecloudsdroveoverthem。Thenallatoncetheythoughttheysawthecairnstandingopen，andlo！Gunnarhadturnedhimselfinthecairnandlookedatthemoon。Theythoughttheysawfourlightsburninginthecairn，andnoneofthemthrewashadow。TheysawthatGunnarwasmerry，andheworeajoyfulface。Hesangasong，andsoloud，thatitmighthavebeenheardthoughtheyhadbeenfurtheroff。
“Hethatlavishedringsinlargesse，Whenthefights\'redrain-dripsfell，Brightofface，withheart-stringshardy，Hogni\'sfathermethisfate；
Thenhisbrowwithhelmetshrouding，Bearingbattle-shield，hespake，`Iwilldiethepropofbattle，Soonerdiethanyieldaninch，Yes，soonerdiethanyieldaninch。“
Afterthatthecairnwasshutupagain。
“WouldstthoubelievethesetokensifNjalorItoldthemtothee？“saysSkarphedinn。
“Iwouldbelievethem，“hesays，“ifNjaltoldthem，foritissaidheneverlies。“
“Suchtokensasthesemeanmuch，“saysSkarphedinn，“whenheshowshimselftous，hewhowouldsoonerdiethanyieldtohisfoes；andseehowhehastaughtuswhatweoughttodo。“
“Ishallbeabletobringnothingtopass，“saysHogni，“unlessthouwiltstandbyme。“
“Now，“saysSkarphedinn，“willIbearinmindhowGunnarbehavedaftertheslayingofyourkinsmanSigmund；nowIwillyieldyousuchhelpasImay。MyfathergavehiswordtoGunnartodothatwheneverthouorthymotherhadneedofit。“
AfterthattheygohometoLithend。
78。GUNNAROFLITHENDAVENGED
“Nowweshallsetoffatonce，“saysSkarphedinn，“thisverynight；foriftheylearnthatIamhere，theywillbemorewaryofthemselves。“
“Iwillfulfilthycounsel，“saysHogni。
Afterthattheytooktheirweaponswhenallmenwereintheirbeds。Hognitakesdownthebill，anditgaveasharpringingsound。
Rannveigsprangupingreatwrathandsaid，“Whotouchesthebill，whenIforbadeeveryonetolayhandonit？“
“Imean，“saysHogni，“tobringittomyfather，thathemaybearitwithhimtoValhalla，andhaveitwithhimwhenthewarriorsmeet。“
“Rathershaltthounowbearit，“sheanswered，“andavengethyfather；forthebillhasspokenofoneman\'sdeathormore。“
ThenHogniwentout，andtoldSkarphedinnallthewordsthathisgrandmotherhadspoken。
AfterthattheyfaretothePoint，andtworavensflewalongwiththemalltheway。TheycametothePointwhileitwasstillnight。Thentheydrovetheflockbeforethemuptothehouse，andthenHroaldandTjorfiranoutanddrovetheflockupthehollowpath，andhadtheirweaponswiththem。
Skarphedinnsprangupandsaid，“Thouneedestnottostandandthinkifitbereallyasitseems。Menarehere。“
ThenSkarphedinnsmitesTjorfihisdeathblow。Hroaldhadaspearinhishand，andHognirushesathim；Hroaldthrustsathim，butHognihewedasunderthespear-shaftwithhisbill，anddrivesthebillthroughhim。
Afterthattheyleftthemtheredead，andturnawaythenceundertheThreecorner。
Skarphedinnjumpsuponthehouseandplucksthegrass，andthosewhowereinsidethehousethoughtitwascattlethathadcomeontheroof。StarkadandThorgeirtooktheirweaponsandupperclothing，andwentoutandroundaboutthefenceoftheyard。
ButwhenStarkadseesSkarphedinnhewasafraid，andwantedtoturnback。
Skarphedinncuthimdownbythefence。ThenHognicomesagainstThorgeirandslayshimwiththebill。
ThencetheywenttoHof，andMordwasoutsideinthefield，andbeggedformercy，andofferedthemfullatonement。
SkarphedinntoldMordtheslayingofthosefourmen，andsangasong:
“FourwhowieldedwarlikeweaponsWehaveslain，allmenofworth，Thematonce，gold-greedyfellow，Thoushaltfollowonthespot；
Letuspressthispinch-purseso，Pouringfearintohisheart；
Wretch！reachouttoGunnar\'ssonRighttosettlealldisputes。“
“Andthelikejourney，“saysSkarphedinn，“shaltthoualsofare，orhandovertoHognitherighttomakehisownaward，ifhewilltaketheseterms。“
Hognisaidhismindhadbeenmadeupnottocometoanytermswiththeslayersofhisfather；butstillatlasthetooktherighttomakehisownawardfromMord。
79。HOGNITAKESANATONEMENTFORGUNNAR\'SDEATH
Njaltookashareinbringingthosewhohadtheblood-feudafterStarkadandThorgeirtotakeanatonement，andadistrictmeetingwascalledtogether，andmenwerechosentomaketheaward，andeverymatterwastakenintoaccount，eventheattackonGunnar，thoughhewasanoutlaw；butsuchafineaswasawarded，allthatMordpaid；fortheydidnotclosetheirawardagainsthimbeforetheothermatterwasalreadysettled，andthentheysetoffoneawardagainsttheother。
Thentheywereallsetatoneagain，butattheThingtherewasgreattalk，andtheendofitwas，thatGeirthePriestandHogniweresetatoneagain，andthatatonementtheyheldtoeverafterwards。
GeirthePriestdweltintheLithetillhisdeathday，andheisoutofthestory。
NjalaskedasawifeforHogniAlfeidathedaughterofWeatherlidtheSkald，andshewasgivenawaytohim。TheirsonwasAri，whosailedforShetland，andtookhimawifethere；fromhimiscomeEinartheShetlander，oneofthebriskestandboldestofmen。
HognikeptuphisfriendshipwithNjal，andheisnowoutofthestory。
80。OFKOLSKEGG:HOWHEWASBAPTIZED
NowitistobetoldofKolskegghowhecomestoNorway，andisintheBayeastthatwinter。ButthesummerafterhefareseasttoDenmark，andboundhimselftoSweynForkbeardtheDane-king，andtherehehadgreathonour。
Onenighthedreamtthatamancametohim；hewasbrightandglistening，andhethoughthewokehimup。Hespoke，andsaidtohim，“Standupandcomewithme。“
“Whatwiltthouwithme？“heasks。
“Iwillgettheeabride，andthoushaltbemyknight。“
Hethoughthesaidyeatothat，andafterthathewokeup。
Thenhewenttoawizardandtoldhimthedream，buthereaditsothatheshouldfaretosouthernlandsandbecomeGod\'sknight。
KolskeggwasbaptizedinDenmark，butstillhecouldnotrestthere，butfaredeasttoRussia，andwasthereonewinter。ThenhefaredthenceouttoMicklegarth1，andtheretookservicewiththeEmperor。Thelastthatwasheardofhimwas，thatheweddedawifethere，andwascaptainovertheVarangians，andstayedtheretillhisdeathday；andhe，too，isoutofthisstory。
ENDNOTES:
1Constantinople。
81。OFTHRAIN:HOWHESLEWKOL
Nowwemusttakeupthestory，andsayhowThrainSigfus\'soncametoNorway。TheymadethelandnorthinHelgeland，andheldonsouthtoDrontheim，andsotoHlada1。ButassoonasEarlHaconheardofthat，hesentmentothem，andwouldknowwhatmenwereintheship。Theycamebackandtoldhimwhothemenwere。
ThentheearlsentforThrainSigfus\'son，andhewenttoseehim。Theearlaskedofwhatstockhemightbe。HesaidthathewasGunnarofLithend\'snearkinsman。Theearlsaid，“Thatshallstandtheeingoodstead；forIhaveseenmanymenfromIceland，butnonehismatch。“
“Lord，“saidThrain，“isityourwillthatIshouldbewithyouthiswinter？“
Theearltooktohim，andThrainwastherethatwinter，andwasthoughtmuchof。
TherewasamannamedKol，hewasagreatsea-rover。HewasthesonofAsmundAshside，eastoutofSmoland。HelayeastintheGota-Elf，andhadfiveships，andmuchforce。
ThenceKolsteeredhiscourseoutoftherivertoNorwayandlandedatFold2，inthebightofthe“Bay，“andcameonHallvardSotiunawares，andfoundhiminaloft。Hekeptthemoffbravelytilltheysetfiretothehouse，thenhegavehimselfup；buttheyslewhim，andtooktheremuchgoods，andsailedthencetoLodese3。
EarlHaconheardthesetidings，andmadethemmakeKolanoutlawoverallhisrealm，andsetapriceuponhishead。
Onceonatimeitsohappenedthattheearlbegantospeakthus，“ToofarofffromusnowisGunnarofLithend。Hewouldslaymyoutlawifhewerehere；butnowtheIcelanderswillslayhim，anditisillthathehathnotfaredtous。“
ThenThrainSigfus\'sonanswered，“IamnotGunnar，butstillI
amnearakintohim，andIwillundertakethisvoyage。“
Theearlsaid，“Ishouldbegladofthat，andthoushaltbeverywellfittedoutforthejourney。“
AfterthathissonEricbegantospeak，andsaid，“Yourword，father，isgoodtomanymen，butfulfillingitisquiteanotherthing。Thisisthehardestundertaking；forthissea-roveristoughandilltodealwith，whereforethouwiltneedtotakegreatpains，bothastomenandshipsforthisvoyage。“
Thrainsaid，“Iwillsetoutonthisvoyage，thoughitlooksugly。“
Afterthattheearlgavehimfiveships，andallwelltrimmedandmanned。AlongwithThrainwasGunnarLambi\'sson，andLambiSigurd\'sson。GunnarwasThrain\'sbrother\'sson，andhadcometohimyoung，andeachlovedtheothermuch。
Eric，theearl\'sson，wentheartilyalongwiththem，andlookedafterstrengthforthem，bothinmenandweaponsandmadesuchchangesinthemashethoughtwereneedful。Aftertheywere“boun，“Ericgotthemapilot。Thentheysailedsouthalongtheland；butwherevertheycametoland，theearlallowedthemtodealwithwhatevertheyneededastheirown。
SotheyheldoneasttoLodese，andthentheyheardthatKolwasgonetoDenmark。Thentheyshapedtheircoursesouththither；
butwhentheycamesouthtoHelsingborg，theymetmeninaboatwhosaidthatKolwastherejustbeforethem，andwouldbestayingthereforawhile。
Onedaywhentheweatherwasgood，Kolsawtheshipsastheysaileduptowardshim，andsaidhehaddreamtofEarlHaconthenightbefore，andtoldhispeoplehewassurethesemustbehismen，andbadethemalltotaketheirweapons。
Afterthattheybuskedthem，andafightarose；andtheyfoughtlong，sothatneithersidehadthemastery。
ThenKolspranguponThrain\'sship，andclearedthegangwaysfast，andslaysmanymen。Hehadagildedhelm。
NowThrainseesthatthisisnogood，andnowheeggsonhismentogoalongwithhim，buthehimselfgoesfirstandmeetsKol。
Kolhewsathim，andtheblowfellonThrain\'sshield，andcleftitdownfromtoptobottom。ThenKolgotablowonthearm，fromastoneandthendownfellhissword。
ThrainhewsatKol，andthestrokecameonhislegsothatitcutitoff。AfterthattheyslewKol，andThraincutoffhishead，andtheythrewthetrunkoverboard，butkepthishead。
Theytookmuchspoil，andthentheyheldonnorthtoDrontheim，andgotoseetheearl。
TheearlgaveThrainaheartywelcome，andheshewedtheearlKol\'shead，buttheearlthankedhimforthatdeed。
Ericsaiditwasworthmorethanwordsalone，andtheearlsaidsoitwas，andbadethemcomealongwithhim。
Theywentthither，wheretheearlhadmadethemmakeagoodshipthatwasnotmadelikeacommonlong-ship。Ithadavulture\'shead，andwasmuchcarvedandpainted。
“Thouartagreatmanforshow，Thrain，“saidtheearl，“andsohavebothofyou，kinsmen，been，Gunnarandthou；andnowIwillgivetheethisship，butitiscalledtheVulture。Alongwithitshallgomyfriendship；andmywillisthatthoustayestwithmeaslongasthouwilt。“
Hethankedhimforhisgoodness，andsaidhehadnolongingtogotoIcelandjustyet。
TheearlhadajourneytomaketothemarchesofthelandtomeettheSwede-king。Thrainwentwithhimthatsummer，andwasashipmasterandsteeredtheVulture，andsailedsofastthatfewcouldkeepupwithhim，andhewasmuchenvied。ButitalwayscameoutthattheearllaidgreatstoreonGunnar，forhesetdownsternlyallwhotriedThrain\'stemper。
SoThrainwasallthatwinterwiththeearl，butnextspringtheearlaskedThrainwhetherhewouldstaythereorfaretoIceland；
butThrainsaidhehadnotyetmadeuphismind，andsaidthathewishedfirsttoknowtidingsfromIceland。
Theearlsaidthatsoitshouldbeashethoughtitsuitedhimbest；andThrainwaswiththeearl。
ThenthosetidingswereheardfromIceland，whichmanythoughtgreatnews，thedeathofGunnarofLithend。ThentheearlwouldnotthatThrainshouldfareoutofIceland，andsotherehestayedwithhim。
ENDNOTES:
1HladaorLada，andsometimesinthepluralLadir，wastheoldcapitalofDrontheim，beforeNidaros——thepresentDrontheim——wasfounded。Drontheimwasoriginallythenameofthecountryroundthefirthofthesamename，andisnotusedintheoldsagasforatown。
2ThecountryroundtheChristianiaFirth，atthetopof“theBay。“
3AtowninSwedenontheGota-Elf。
82。NJAL\'SSONSSAILABROAD
NowitmustbetoldhowNjal\'ssons，GrimandHelgi，leftIcelandthesamesummerthatThrainandhisfellowswentaway；andintheshipwiththemwereOlafKettle\'ssonofElda，andBardtheBlack。Theygotsostrongawindfromthenorththattheyweredrivensouthintothemain；andsothickamistcameoverthemthattheycouldnottellwhithertheyweredriving，andtheywereoutalongwhile。Atlasttheycametowherewasagreatgroundsea，andthoughtthentheymustbenearland。SothenNjal\'ssonsaskedBardifhecouldtellatalltowhatlandtheywerelikelytobenearest。
“Manylandsthereare，“saidhe，“whichwemighthitwiththeweatherwehavehad——theOrkneys，orScotland，orIreland。“
Twonightsafter，theysawlandonbothboards，andagreatsurfrunningupinthefirth。Theycastanchoroutsidethebreakers，andthewindbegantofall；andnextmorningitwascalm。Thentheyseethirteenshipscomingouttothem。
ThenBardspokeandsaid，“Whatcounselshallwetakenow，forthesemenaregoingtomakeanonslaughtonus？“
Sotheytookcounselwhethertheyshoulddefendthemselvesoryield，butbeforetheycouldmakeuptheirminds，theVikingswereuponthem。Theneachsideaskedtheothertheirnames，andwhattheirleaderswerecalled。Sotheleadersofthechapmentoldtheirnames，andaskedbackwholedthathost。OnecalledhimselfGritgard，andtheotherSnowcolf，sonsofMoldanofDuncansbyinScotland，kinsmenofMalcolmtheScotking。
“Andnow，“saysGritgard，“wehavelaiddowntwochoices，onethatyegoonshore，andwewilltakeyourgoods；theotheris，thatwefallonyouandslayeverymanthatwecancatch。“
“Thewillofthechapmen，“answersHelgi，“istodefendthemselves。“
Butthechapmencalledout，“Wretchthatthouarttospeakthus！
Whatdefencecanwemake？Ladingislessthanlife。“
ButGrim，hefelluponaplantoshoutouttotheVikings，andwouldnotletthemhearthebadchoiceofthechapmen。
ThenBardandOlafsaid，“ThinkyenotthattheseIcelanderswillmakegameofyousluggards；takeratheryourweaponsandguardyourgoods。“
Sotheyallseizedtheirweapons，andboundthemselves，onewithanother，nevertogiveupsolongastheyhadstrengthtofight。
83。OFKARISOLMUND\'SSON
ThentheVikingsshotatthemandthefightbegan，andthechapmenguardthemselveswell。SnowcolfsprangaboardandatOlaf，andthrusthisspearthroughhisbody，butGrimthrustatSnowcolfwithhisspear，andsostoutly，thathefelloverboard。
ThenHelgiturnedtomeetGrim，andtheytwodrovedownalltheVikingsastheytriedtoboard，andNjal\'ssonswereeverwheretherewasmostneed。ThentheVikingscalledouttothechapmenandbadethemgiveup，buttheysaidtheywouldneveryield。
Justthensomeonelookedseaward，andtheretheyseeshipscomingfromthesouthroundtheNess，andtheywerenotfewerthanten，andtheyrowhardandsteerthitherwards。Alongtheirsideswereshieldonshield，butonthatshipthatcamefirststoodamanbythemast，whowascladinasilkenkirtle，andhadagildedhelm，andhishairwasbothfairandthick；thatmanhadaspearinlaidwithgoldinhishand。
Heasked，“Whohaveheresuchanunevengame？“
Helgitellshisname，andsaidthatagainstthemareGritgardandSnowcolf。
“Butwhoareyourcaptains？“heasks。
Helgianswered，“BardtheBlack，wholives，buttheother，whoisdeadandgone，wascalledOlaf。“
“AreyemenfromIceland？“sayshe。
“Sureenoughweare，“Helgianswers。
Heaskedwhosesonstheywere，andtheytoldhim，thenheknewthemandsaid，“Wellknownnameshaveyeall，fatherandsonsboth。
“Whoartthou？“asksHelgi。
“MynameisKari，andIamSolmund\'sson。“
“Whencecomestthou？“saysHelgi。
“FromtheSouthernIsles。“
“Thenthouartwelcome，“saysHelgi，“ifthouwiltgiveusalittlehelp。“
“I\'llgiveyeallthehelpyeneed，“saysKari；“butwhatdoyeask？“
“Tofallonthem，“saysHelgi。
Karisaysthatsoitshallbe。Sotheypulleduptothem，andthenthebattlebeganthesecondtime；butwhentheyhadfoughtalittlewhile，KarispringsuponSnowcolf\'sship；heturnstomeethimandsmitesathimwithhissword。Karileapsnimblybackwardsoverabeamthatlayathwarttheship，andSnowcolfsmotethebeamsothatbothedgesoftheswordwerehidden。ThenKarismitesathim，andtheswordfellonhisshoulder，andthestrokewassomightythathecleftintwainshoulder，arm，andall，andSnowcolfgothisdeaththereandthen。GritgardhurledaspearatKari，butKarisawitandsprangupaloft，andthespearmissedhim。JustthenHelgiandGrimcameupbothtomeetKari，andHelgispringsonGritgardandthrustshisspearthroughhim，andthatwashisdeathblow；afterthattheywentroundthewholeshiponbothboards，andthenmenbeggedformercy。Sotheygavethemallpeace，buttookalltheirgoods。Afterthattheyranalltheshipsoutundertheislands。
84。OFEARLSIGURD
SigurdwasthenameofanearlwhoruledovertheOrkneys；hewasthesonofHlodver，thesonofThorfinntheskullsplitter，thesonofTurf-Einar，thesonofRognvald，EarlofMoeren，thesonofEysteintheNoisy。KariwasoneofEarlSigurd\'sbody-guard，andhadjustbeengatheringscattsintheSouthernIslesfromEarlGilli。NowKariasksthemtogotoHrossey1，andsaidtheearlwouldtaketothemwell。Theyagreedtothat，andwentwithKariandcametoHrossey。Kariledthemtoseetheearl，andsaidwhatmentheywere。
“Howcamethey，“saystheearl，“tofalluponthee？“
“Ifoundthem，“saysKari，“inScotland\'sfirths，andtheywerefightingwiththesonsofEarlMoldan，andheldtheirownsowellthattheythrewthemselvesaboutbetweenthebulwarks，fromsidetoside，andwerealwaystherewherethetrialwasgreatest，andnowIaskyoutogivethemquartersamongyourbody-guard。“
“Itshallbeasthouchoosest，“saystheearl，“thouhastalreadytakenthemsomuchbythehand。“
Thentheyweretherewiththeearlthatwinter，andwereworthilytreated，butHelgiwassilentasthewinterworeon。Theearlcouldnottellwhatwasatthebottomofthat，andaskedwhyhewassosilent，andwhatwasonhismind。“Thinkestthouitnotgoodtobehere？“
“Good，methinks，itishere，“hesays。
“Thenwhatartthouthinkingabout？“askstheearl。
“HastthouanyrealmtoguardinScotland？“asksHelgi。
“Sowethink，“saystheearl，“butwhatmakestheethinkaboutthat，orwhatisthematterwithit？“
“TheScots，“saysHelgi，“musthavetakenyoursteward\'slife，andstoppedallthemessengers，thatnoneshouldcrossthePentlandFirth。“
“Hastthouthesecondsight？“saidtheearl。
“Thathasbeenlittleproved，“answersHelgi。
“Well，“saystheearl，“Iwillincreasethyhonourifthisbeso，otherwisethoushaltsmartforit。“
“Nay，“saysKari，“Helgiisnotthatkindofman，andlikeenoughhiswordsaresooth，forhisfatherhasthesecondsight。“
AfterthattheearlsentmensouthtoStraumey2toArnljot，hisstewardthere，andafterthatArnljotsentthemacrossthePentlandFirth，andtheyspiedoutandlearntthatEarlHundiandEarlMelsnatihadtakenthelifeofHavardinThraswick，EarlSigurd\'sbrother-in-law。SoArnljotsentwordtoEarlSigurdtocomesouthwithagreathostanddrivethoseearlsoutofhisrealm，andassoonastheearlheardthat，hegatheredtogetheramightyhostfromalltheisles。