Theydidnotfallonthemtilltheywerearmed。
ThorgeirCraggeirrunsthitherwhereThorkellSigfus\'sonstood，andjustthenamanranbehindhisback，butbeforehecoulddoThorgeiranyhurt，Thorgeirliftedtheaxe，“theogressofwar，“
withbothhands，anddashedthehammeroftheaxewithaback-
blowintotheheadofhimthatstoodbehindhim，sothathisskullwasshatteredtosmallbits。
“Slainisthisone，“saidThorgeir；anddownthemanfellatonce，andwasdead。
Butwhenhedashedtheaxeforward，hesmoteThorkellontheshoulder，andheweditoff，armandall。
AgainstKaricameMordSigfus\'son，andSigmundSigfus\'son，andLambiSigurd\'sson；thelastranbehindKari\'sback，andthrustathimwithaspear；Karicaughtsightofhim，andleaptupastheblowfell，andstretchedhislegsfarapart，andsotheblowspentitselfontheground，butKarijumpeddownonthespear-
shaft，andsnappeditinsunder。Hehadaspearinonehand，andaswordintheother，butnoshield。HethrustwiththerighthandatSigmundSigfus\'son，andsmotehimonhisbreast，andthespearcameoutbetweenhisshoulders，anddownhefellandwasdeadatonce，WithhislefthandhemadeacutatMord，andsmotehimonthehip，andcutitasunder，andhisbackbonetoo；hefellflatonhisface，andwasdeadatonce。
Afterthatheturnedsharproundonhisheellikeawhipping-top，andmadeatLambiSigurd\'sson，buthetooktheonlywaytosavehimself，andthatwasbyrunningawayashardashecould。
NowThorgeirturnsagainstLeidolftheStrong，andeachhewedattheotheratthesamemoment，andLeidolf\'sblowwassogreatthatitshoreoffthatpartoftheshieldonwhichitfell。
Thorgeirhadhewnwith“theogressofwar，“holdingitwithbothhands，andthelowerhornfellontheshieldandcloveitintwain，buttheuppercaughtthecollarboneandcutitintwoandtoreondownintothebreastandtrunk。Karicameupjustthen，andcutoffLeidolf\'slegatmid-thigh，andthenLeidolffellanddiedatonce。
KettleoftheMarksaid，“Wewillnowrunforourhorses，forwecannotholdourownhere，fortheoverbearingstrengthofthesemen。“
Thentheyranfortheirhorses，andleaptontheirbacks；andThorgeirsaid，“Wiltthouthatwechasethem？Ifso，weshallyetslaysomeofthem。“
“Herideslast，“saysKari，“whomIwouldnotwishtoslay，andthatisKettleoftheMark，forwehavetwosisterstowife；andbesides，hehasbehavedbestofallofthemasyetinourquarrels。“
Thentheygotontheirhorses，androdetilltheycamehometoHolt。ThenThorgeirmadehisbrothersfareawayeasttoSkoga，fortheyhadanotherfarmthere，andbecauseThorgeirwouldnotthathisbrothersshouldbecalledtruce-breakers。
ThenThorgeirkeptmanymenthereabouthim，sothattherewereneverfewerthanthirtyfightingmenthere。
Thentherewasgreatjoythere，andmenthoughtThorgeirhadgrownmuchgreater，andpushedhimselfon；bothheandKaritoo。
Menlongkeptinmindthishuntingoftheirs，howtheyrodeuponfifteenmenandslewthosefive，butputthosetentoflightwhogotaway。
NowitistobetoldofKettle，thattheyrodeastheybestmighttilltheycamehometoSwinefell，andtoldhowbadtheirjourneyhadbeen。
Flosisaiditwasonlywhatwastobelookedfor；“Andthisisawarningthatyeshouldneverdothelikeagain。“
Flosiwasthemerriestofmen，andthebestofhosts，anditissosaidthathehadmostofthechieftaininhimofallthemenofhistime。
Hewasathomethatsummer，andthewintertoo。
Butthatwinter，afterYule，HalloftheSidecamefromtheeast，andKolhisson。Flosiwasgladathiscoming，andtheyoftentalkedaboutthematteroftheburning。Flosisaidtheyhadalreadypaidagreatfine，andHallsaiditwasprettymuchwhathehadguessedwouldcomeofFlosi\'sandhisfriends\'quarrel。
Thenheaskedhimwhatcounselhethoughtbesttobetaken，andHallanswers，“Thecounselis，thatthoubeestatonedwithThorgeiriftherebeachoice，andyethewillbehardtobringtotakeanyatonement。“
“Thinkestthouthatthemanslaughterswillthenbebroughttoanend？“asksFlosi。
“Idonotthinkso，“saysHall；“butyouwillhavetodowithfewerfoesifKaribeleftalone；butifthouartnotatonedwithThorgeir，thenthatwillbethybane。“
“Whatatonementshallweofferhim？“asksFlosi。
“Youwillallthinkthatatonementhard，“saysHall，“whichhewilltake，forhewillnothearofanatonementunlesshebenotcalledontopayanyfineforwhathehasjustdone，buthewillhavefinesforNjalandhissons，sofarashisthirdsharegoes。“
“Thatisahardatonement，“saysFlosi。
“Fortheeatleast，“saysHall，“thatatonementisnothard，forthouhastnottheblood-feudafterthesonsofSigfus；theirbrothershavetheblood-feud，andHammondtheHaltafterhisson；
butthoushaltnowgetanatonementfromThorgeir，forIwillnowridetohishousewiththee，andThorgeirwillinanywisereceivemewell:butnomanofthosewhoareinthisquarrelwilldaretositinhishouseonFleetlitheiftheyareoutoftheatonement，forthatwillbetheirbane；and，indeed，withThorgeir\'sturnofmind，itisonlywhatmustbelookedfor。“
NowthesonsofSigfusweresentfor，andtheybroughtthisbusinessbeforethem；andtheendoftheirspeechwas，onthepersuasionofHall，thattheyallthoughtwhathesaidright，andwerereadytobeatoned。
GraniGunnar\'ssonandGunnarLambi\'sson，said，“Itwillbeinourpower，ifKaribeleftalonebehind，totakecarethathebenotlessafraidofusthanweofhim。“
“Easiersaidthandone，“saysHall，“andyewillfinditadearbargaintodealwithhim。Yewillhavetopayaheavyfinebeforeyouhavedonewithhim。“
Afterthattheyceasedspeakingaboutit。
ENDNOTES:
1“Withwordsalone。“TheEnglishproverb，“Threatenedmenlivelong。“
2“Seacrags。“HenceThorgeirgothissurname“Craggeir。“
146。THEAWARDOFATONEMENTWITHTHORGEIRCRAGGEIR
HalloftheSideandhissonKol，sevenoftheminall，rodewestoverLoomnip\'sSand，andsowestoverAmstacksheath，anddidnotdrawbridletilltheycameintoMyrdale。TheretheyaskedwhetherThorgeirwouldbeathomeatHolt，andtheyweretoldthattheywouldfindhimathome。
ThemenaskedwhitherHallmeanttogo。
“ThithertoHolt，“hesaid。
Theysaidtheyweresurehewentonagooderrand。
Hestayedtheresomewhileandbaitedtheirhorses，andafterthattheymountedtheirhorsesandrodetoSolheimabouteven，andtheyweretherethatnight，butthedayaftertheyrodetoHolt。
Thorgeirwasoutofdoors，andKaritoo，andtheirmen，fortheyhadseenHall\'scoming。Herodeinabluecape，andhadalittleaxestuddedwithsilverinhishand；butwhentheycameintothe“town，“Thorgeirwenttomeethim，andhelpedhimoffhishorse，andbothheandKarikissedhimandledhiminbetweenthemintothesittingroom，andsatehimdowninthehighseatonthedais，andtheyaskedhimtidingsaboutmanythings。
Hewastherethatnight。NextmorningHallraisedthequestionoftheatonementwithThorgeir，andtoldhimwhattermstheyofferedhim；andhespokeaboutthemwithmanyfairandkindlywords。
“Itmaybewellknowntothee，“answersThorgeir，“thatIsaidI
wouldtakenoatonementfromtheburners。“
“Thatwasquiteanothermatterthen，“saysHall；“yewerethenwrothwithfight，and，besides，yehavedonegreatdeedsinthewayofmanslayingsince。“
“Idaresayyethinkso，“saysThorgeir，“butwhatatonementdoyeoffertoKari？“
“Afittingatonementshallbeofferedhim，“saysHall，“ifhewilltakeit。“
ThenKarisaid，“Ipraythisofthee，Thorgeir，thatthouwiltbeatoned，forthylotcannotbebetterthangood。“
“Methinks，“saysThorgeir，“itisilldonetotakeinatonement，andsundermyselffromthee，unlessthoutakestthesameatonementasI“
“Iwillnottakeanyatonement，“saysKari，“butyetIsaythatwehaveavengedtheburning；butmyson，Isay，isstillunavenged，andImeantotakethatonmyselfalone，andseewhatIcangetdone。“
ButThorgeirwouldtakenoatonementbeforeKarisaidthathewouldtakeitillifhewerenotatoned。ThenThorgeirhandselledatrucetoFlosiandhismen，asasteptoameetingforatonement；butHalldidthesameonbehalfofFlosiandthesonsofSigfus。
Buteretheyparted，ThorgeirgaveHallagoldringandascarletcloak，butKarigavehimasilverbrooch，andtherewerehungtoitfourcrossesofgold。Hallthankedthemkindlyfortheirgifts，androdeawaywiththegreatesthonour。HedidnotdrawbridletillhecametoSwinefell，andFlosigavehimaheartywelcome。HalltoldFlosiallabouthiserrandandthetalkhehadwithThorgeir，andalsothatThorgeirwouldnottaketheatonementtillKaritoldhimhewouldquarrelwithhimifhedidnottakeit；butthatKariwouldtakenoatonement。
“TherearefewmenlikeKari，“saidFlosi，“andIwouldthatmymindwereshapenaltogetherlikehis。“
HallandKolstayedtheresomewhile，andafterwardstheyrodewestatthetimeagreedontothemeetingforatonement，andmetatHeadbrink，ashadbeensettledbetweenthem。
ThenThorgeircametomeetthemfromthewest，andthentheytalkedovertheiratonement，andallwentoffasHallhadsaid。
Beforetheatonement，ThorgeirsaidthatKarishouldstillhavetherighttobeathishouseallthesameifhechose。
“Andneithersideshalldotheothersanyharmatmyhouse；andI
willnothavethetroubleofgatheringinthefinesfromeachoftheburners；butmywillisthatFlosialoneshallbeanswerableforthemtome，buthemustgettheminfromhisfollowers。MywillalsoisthatallthatawardwhichwasmadeattheThingabouttheburningshallbekeptandheldto；andmywillalsois，Flosi，thatthoupayestmeupmythirdshareinunclippedcoin。“
Flosiwentquicklyintoalltheseterms。
Thorgeirneithergaveupthebanishmentnortheoutlawry。
NowFlosiandHallrodehomeeast，andthenHallsaidtoFlosi，“Keepthisatonementwell，son-in-law，bothastogoingabroadandthepilgrimagetoRome1，andthefines，andthenthouwiltbethoughtabraveman，thoughthouhaststumbledintothismisdeed，ifthoufulfillesthandsomelyallthatbelongstoit。“
Flosisaiditshouldbeso。
NowHallrodehomeeast，butFlosirodehometoSwinefell，andwasathomeafterwards。
ENDNOTES:
1“PilgrimagetoRome。“Thisconditionhadnotbeenmentionedbefore。
147。KARICOMESTOBJORN\'SHOUSEINTHEMARK
ThorgeirCraggeirrodehomefromthepeacemeeting，andKariaskedwhethertheatonementhadcomeabout。Thorgeirsaidthattheynowfullyatoned。
ThenKaritookhishorseandwasforridingaway。
“Thouhastnoneedtorideaway，“saysThorgeir，“foritwaslaiddowninouratonementthatthoushouldstbehereasbeforeifthouchosest。“
“Itshallnotbeso，cousin，forassoonaseverIslayamantheywillbesuretosaythatthouwertintheplotwithme，andIwillnothavethat！ButIwishthis，thatthouwouldstletmehandoverintrusttotheemygoods，andtheestatesofmeandmywifeHelgaNjal\'sdaughter，andmythreedaughters，andthentheywillnotbeseizedbythoseadversariesofmine。“
ThorgeiragreedtowhatKariwishedtoaskofhim，andthenThorgeirhadKari\'sgoodshandedovertohimintrust。
AfterthatKarirodeaway。Hehadtwohorsesandhisweaponsandouterclothing，andsomereadymoneyingoldandsilver。
NowKarirodewestbySelialandsmullandupalongMarkfleet，andsoonupintoThorsmark。Theretherearethreefarmsallcalled“Mark。“AtthemidmostfarmdweltthatmanwhosenamewasBjorn，andhissurnamewasBjorntheWhite；hewasthesonofKadal，thesonofBjalfi。BjalfihadbeenthefreedmanofAsgerda，themotherofNjalandHolt-Thorir；BjornhadtowifeValgerda，shewasthedaughterofThorbrand，thesonofAsbrand。Hermother\'snamewasGudlauga，shewasasisterofHamond，thefatherofGunnarofLithend；shewasgivenawaytoBjornforhismoney\'ssake，andshedidnotlovehimmuch，butyettheyhadchildrentogether，andtheyhadenoughandtospareinthehouse。
Bjornwasamanwhowasalwaysboastingandpraisinghimself，buthishousewifethoughtthatbad。Hewassharpsightedandswiftoffoot。
ThitherKariturnedinasaguest，andtheytookhimbybothhands，andhewastherethatnight。ButthenextmorningKarisaidtoBjom，“Iwishthouwouldsttakemein，forIshouldthinkmyselfwellhousedherewiththee。Iwouldtoothatthoushouldstbewithmeinmyjourneyings，asthouartasharpsighted，swiftfootedman，andbesidesIthinkthouwouldstbedauntlessinanonslaught。“
“Ican\'tblamemyself，“saysBjorn，“forwantingeithersharpsight，ordash，oranyotherbravery；butnodoubtthoucamesthitherbecauseallthyotherearthsarestopped。Stillatthyprayer，Kari，Iwillnotlookontheeasaneverydayman；Iwillsurelyhelptheeinallthatthouaskest。“
“Thetrollstakethyboastingandbragging，“saidhishousewife，“andthoushouldstnotuttersuchstuffandsillinesstoanyonethanthyself。Asforme，IwillwillinglygiveKarimeatandothergoodthings，whichIknowwillbeusefultohim；butonBjom\'shardihood，Kari，thoushaltnottrust，forIamafraidthatthouwiltfinditquiteotherwisethanhesays。“
“Oftenhastthouthrownblameuponme，“saidBjorn，“butforallthatIputsomuchfaithinmyselfthatthoughIamputtothetrialIwillnevergivewaytoanyman；andthebestproofofitisthis，thatfewtryatusslewithmebecausenonedaretodoso。“
Kariwastheresomewhileinhiding，andfewmenknewofit。
NowmenthinkthatKarimusthaveriddentothenorthcountrytoseeGudmundthePowerful，forKarimadeBjorntellhisneighboursthathehadmetKarionthebeatentrack，andthatherodethenceupintoGodaland，andsonorthtoGoose-sand，andthennorthtoGudmundthePowerfulatModruvale。
Sothatstorywasspreadoverallthecountry。
148。OFFLOSIANDTHEBURNERS
NowFlosispoketotheburners，hiscompanions，“Itwillnolongerserveourturntositstill，fornowweshallhavetothinkofourgoingabroadandofourfines，andoffulfillingouratonementasbravelyaswecan，andletustakeapassagewhereveritseemsmostlikelytogetone。“
Theybadehimseetoallthat。ThenFlosisaid，“WewillrideeasttoHornfirth；fortherethatshipislaidup，whichisownedbyEyjolfNosy，amanfromDrontheim，buthewantstotaketohimawifehere，andhewillnotgetthematchmadeunlesshesettleshimselfdownhere。Wewillbuytheshipofhim，forweshallhavemanymenandlittlefreight。Theshipisbigandwilltakeusall。“
Thentheyceasedtalkingofit。
Butalittleaftertheyrodeeast，anddidnotstopbeforetheycameeasttoBjornnessinHomfirth，andtheretheyfoundEyjolf，forhehadbeenthereasaguestthatwinter。
ThereFlosiandhismenhadaheartywelcome，andtheyweretherethenight。NextmorningFlosidealtwiththecaptainfortheship，buthesaidhewouldnotbehardtoselltheshipifhecouldgetwhathewantedforher。Flosiaskedhiminwhatcoinhewishedtobepaidforher；theEasterlingsayshewantedlandforhernearwherehethenwas。
ThenEyjolftoldFlosiallabouthisdealingswithhishost，andFlosisayshewillpullanoarwithhim，sothathismarriagebargainmightbestruck，andbuytheshipofhimafterwards。TheEasterlingwasgladatthat。FlosiofferedhimlandatBorgarhaven，andnowtheEasterlingholdsonwithhissuittohishostwhenFlosiwasby，andFlosithrewinahelpingword，sothatthebargainwasbroughtaboutbetweenthem。
FlosimadeoverthelandatBorgarhaventotheEasterling，butshookhandsonthebargainfortheship。HegotalsofromtheEasterlingtwentyhundredsinwares，andthatwasalsointheirbargainfortheland。
NowFlosirodebackhome。Hewassobelovedbyhismenthattheirwaresstoodfreetohimtotakeeitheronloanorgift，justashechose。
HerodehometoSwinefell，andwasathomeawhile。
ThenFlosisentKolThorstein\'ssonandGunnarLambi\'ssoneasttoHornfirth。Theyweretobetherebytheship，andtofitherout，andsetupbooths，andsackthewares，andgetallthingstogetherthatwereneedful。
NowwemusttellofthesonsofSigfushowtheysaytoFlosithattheywillridewesttoFleetlithetosettheirhousesinorder，andgetwaresthence，andsuchotherthingsastheyneeded。
“Kariisnottherenowtobeguardedagainst，“theysay，“ifheisinthenorthcountryasissaid。“
“Iknownot，“answersFlosi，“astosuchstories，whethertherebeanytruthinwhatissaidofKari\'sjourneyings；methinks，wehaveoftenbeenwronginbelievingthingswhicharenearertolearnthanthis。Mycounselisthatyegomanyofyoutogether，andpartaslittleasyecan，andbeaswaryofyourselvesasyemay。Thou，too，KettleoftheMarkshaltbearinmindthatdreamwhichItoldthee，andwhichthouprayedstmetohide；formanyarethoseinthycompanywhowerethencalled。“
“Allmustcometopassastoman\'slife，“saidKettle，“asitisforedoomed；butgoodgowiththeeforthywarning。“
Nowtheyspokenomoreaboutit。
AfterthatthesonsofSigfusbuskedthemandthosemenwiththemwhoweremeanttogowiththem。Theywereeightinall，andthentheyrodeaway，anderetheywenttheykissedFlosi，andhebadethemfarewell，andsaidheandsomeofthosewhorodeawaywouldnotseeeachothermore。Buttheywouldnotletthemselvesbehindered。Theyrodenowontheirway，andFlosisaidthattheyshouldtakehiswaresinMiddleland，andcarrythemeast，anddothesameinLandsbreachandWoodcombe。
AfterthattheyrodetoSkaptartongue，andsoonthefell，andnorthofEyjafellJokul，anddownintoGodaland，andsodownintothewoodsinThorsmark。
BjornoftheMarkcaughtsightofthemcoming，andwentatoncetomeetthem。
Thentheygreetedeachotherwell，andthesonsofSigfusaskedafterKariSolmund\'sson。
“ImetKari，“saidBjorn，“andthatisnowverylongsince；herodehencenorthonGoose-sand，andmeanttogotoGudmundthePowerful，andmethoughtifhewereherenow，hewouldstandinaweofyou，forheseemedtobeleftallalone。“
GraniGunnar\'ssonsaid，“Heshallstandmoreinaweofusyetbeforewehavedonewithhim，andheshalllearnthatassoonaseverhecomeswithinspearthrowofus；butasforus，wedonotfearhimatall，nowthatheisallalone。“
KettleoftheMarkbadethembestill，andbringoutnobigwords。
Bjornaskedwhentheywouldbecomingback。
“WeshallstaynearaweekinFleetlithe，“saidthey，andsotheytoldhimwhentheyshouldberidingbackonthefell。
Withthattheyparted。
NowthesonsofSigfusrodetotheirhomes，andtheirhouseholdsweregladtoseethem。Theyweretherenearaweek。
NowBjorncomeshomeandseesKari，andtoldhimallaboutthedoingsofthesonsofSigfus，andtheirpurpose。
Karisaidhehadshowninthisgreatfaithfulnesstohim，andBjornsaid，“Ishouldhavethoughttherewasmoreriskofanyotherman\'sfailinginthatthanofmeifIhadpledgedmyhelporcaretoanyone。“
“Ah，“saidhismistress，“butyoumaystillbebadandyetnotbesobadastobeatraitortothymaster。“
Karistayedtheresixnightsafterthat。
149。OFKARIANDBJORN
NowKaritalkstoBjornandsays，“WeshallrideeastacrossthefellanddownintoSkaptartongue，andfarestealthilyoverFlosi\'scountry，forIhaveitinmymindtogetmyselfcarriedabroadeastinAlftafirth。“
“Thisisaveryriskfuljourney，“saidBjorn，“andfewwouldhavethehearttotakeitsavethouandI。“
“IfthoubackestKariill，“saidhishousewife，“knowthis，thatthoushaltnevercomeafterwardsintomybed，andmykinsmenshallshareourgoodsbetweenus。“
“Itislikelier，mistress，“saidhe，“thatthouwilthavetolookoutforsomethingelsethanthisifthouhastamindtopartfromme:forIwillbearmyownwitnesstomyselfwhatachampionanddaredevilIamwhenweaponsclash。“
NowtheyrodethatdayeastonthefelltothenorthoftheJokul，butneveronthehighway，andsodownintoSkaptartongue，andaboveallthehomesteadstoSkaptarwater，andledtheirhorsesintoadell，buttheythemselveswereonthelook-out，andhadsoplacedthemselvesthattheycouldnotbeseen。
ThenKarisaidtoBjorn，“Whatshallwedonowiftheyridedownuponusherefromthefell？“
“Aretherenotbuttwothingstobedone，“saidBjorn；“onetorideawayfromthemnorthunderthecrags，andsoletthemridebyus，ortowaitandseeifanyofthemlagbehind，andthentofallonthem。“
Theytalkedmuchaboutthis，andonewhileBjornwasforflyingasfastashecouldineverywordhespoke，andatanotherforstayingandfightingitoutwiththem，andKarithoughtthisthegreatestsport。
ThesonsofSigfusrodefromtheirhomesthesamedaythattheyhadnamedtoBjorn。TheycametotheMarkandknockedatthedoorthere，andwantedtoseeBjorn；buthismistresswenttothedoorandgreetedthem。TheyaskedatonceforBjorn，andshesaidhehadriddenawaydownunderEyjafell，andsoeastunderSelialandsmull，andoneasttoHolt，“forhehassomemoneytocallinthereabouts，“shesaid。
Theybelievedthis，fortheyknewthatBjornhadmoneyoutatcallthere。
Afterthattheyrodeeastonthefell，anddidnotstopbeforetheycametoSkaptartongue，andsorodedownalongSkaptarwater，andbaitedtheirhorsesjustwhereKarihadthoughttheywould。
Thentheysplittheirband。KettleoftheMarkrodeeastintoMiddleland，andeightmenwithhim，buttheotherslaidthemdowntosleep，andwerenotwareofaughtuntilKariandBjorncameuptothem。Alittlenessranoutthereintotheriver；intoitKariwentandtookhisstand，andbadeBjornstandbacktobackwithhim，andnottoputhimselftooforward，“butgivemeallthehelpthoucanst。“
“Well，“saysBjorn，“Ineverhaditinmyheadthatanymanshouldstandbeforemeasashield，butstillasthingsarethoumusthavethyway；butforallthat，withmygiftofwitandmyswiftnessImaybeofsomeusetothee，andnotharmlesstoourfoes。“
Nowtheyallroseupandranatthem，andModolfKettle\'ssonwasquickestofthem，andthrustatKariwithhisspear。Karihadhisshieldbeforehim，andtheblowfellonit，andthespearstuckfastintheshield。ThenKaritwiststheshieldsosmartly，thatthespearsnappedshortoff，andthenhedrewhisswordandsmoteatModolf；butModolfmadeacutathimtoo，andKari\'sswordfellonModolf\'shilt，andglancedoffitontoModolf\'swrist，andtookthearmoff，anddownitfell，andtheswordtoo。ThenKari\'sswordpassedonintoModolf\'sside，andbetweenhisribs，andsoModolffelldownandwasdeadonthespot。
GraniGunnar\'ssonsnatchedupaspearandhurleditatKari，butKarithrustdownhisshieldsohardthatthepointstoodfastintheground，butwithhislefthandhecaughtthespearintheair，andhurleditbackatGrani，andcaughtuphisshieldagainatoncewithhislefthand。Granihadhisshieldbeforehim，andthespearcameontheshieldandpassedrightthroughit，andintoGrani\'sthighjustbelowthesmallguts，andthroughthelimb，andsoon，pinninghimtotheground，andhecouldnotgetridofthespearbeforehisfellowsdrewhimoffit，andcarriedhimawayontheirshields，andlaidhimdowninadell。
TherewasamanwhoranuptoKari\'sside，andmeanttocutoffhisleg，butBjorncutoffthatman\'sarm，andsprangbackagainbehindKari，andtheycouldnotdohimanyhurt。Karimadeasweepatthatsamemanwithhissword，andcuthimasunderatthewaist。
ThenLambiSigfus\'sonrushedatKari，andhewedathimwithhissword。Karicaughttheblowsidewaysonhisshield，andtheswordwouldnotbite；thenKarithrustatLambiwithhisswordjustbelowthebreast，sothatthepointcameoutbetweenhisshoulders，andthatwashisdeathblow。
ThenThorsteinGeirleif\'ssonrushedatKari，andthoughttotakehiminflank，butKaricaughtsightofhim，andsweptathimwithhisswordacrosstheshoulders，sothatthemanwascleftasunderatthechine。
AlittlewhileafterhegaveGunnarofSkal，agoodmanandtrue，hisdeathblow。AsforBjorn，hehadwoundedthreemenwhohadtriedtogiveKariwounds，andyethewasneversofarforwardthathewasintheleastdanger，norwashewounded，norwaseitherofthosecompanionshurtinthatfight，butallthosethatgotawaywerewounded。
Thentheyranfortheirhorses，andgallopedthemoffacrossSkaptarwaterashardastheycould，andtheyweresoscaredthattheystoppedatnohouse，nordidtheydaretostayandtellthetidingsanywhere。
KariandBjornhootedandshoutedafterthemastheygallopedoff。SotheyrodeeasttoWoodcombe，anddidnotdrawbridletilltheycametoSwinefell。
Flosiwasnotathomewhentheycamethither，andthatwaswhynohueandcrywasmadethenceafterKari。
Thisjourneyoftheirswasthoughtmostshamefulbyallmen。
KarirodetoSkal，andgavenoticeofthesemanslayingsasdonebyhishand；there，too，hetoldthemofthedeathoftheirmasterandfiveothers，andofGrani\'swound，andsaiditwouldbebettertobearhimtothehouseifheweretolive。
Bjornsaidhecouldnotbeartoslayhim，thoughhesaidhewasworthyofdeath；butthosewhoansweredhimsaidtheyweresurefewhadbittenthedustbeforehim。ButBjorntoldthemhehaditnowinhispowertomakeasmanyoftheSidemenashechosebitethedust；towhichtheysaiditwasabadlookout。
ThenKariandBjornrideawayfromthehouse。
150。MOREOFKARIANDBJORN
ThenKariaskedBjorn，“Whatcounselshallwetakenow？NowI
willtrywhatthywitisworth。“
“Dostthouthinknow，“answeredBjorn，“thatmuchliesonourbeingaswiseaseverwecan？“
“Ay，“saidKari，“Ithinksosurely。“
“Thenourcounselissoontaken，“saysBjorn。“Wewillcheatthemallasthoughtheyweregiants；andnowwewillmakeasthoughwewereridingnorthonthefell，butassoonaseverweareoutofsightbehindthebrae，wewillturndownalongSkaptarwater，andhideustherewherewethinkhandiest，solongasthehueandcryishottest，iftheyrideafterus。“
“Sowillwedo，“saidKari；“andthisIhadmeanttodoallalong。“
“Andsoyoumayputittotheproof，“saidBjorn，“thatIamnomoreofanevery-daybodyinwitthanIaminbravery。“
NowKariandhiscompanionrodeastheyhadpurposeddownalongSkaptarwater，tilltheycamewhereabranchofthestreamranawaytothesouth-east；thentheyturneddownalongthemiddlebranch，anddidnotdrawbridletilltheycameintoMiddleland，andonthatmoorwhichiscalledKringlemire；ithasastreamoflavaallaroundit。
ThenKarisaidtoBjornthathemustwatchtheirhorses，andkeepagoodlook-out；“Butasforme，“hesays，“Iamheavywithsleep。“
SoBjornwatchedthehorses，butKarilayhimdown，andsleptbutaveryshortwhileereBjornwakedhimupagain，andhehadalreadyledtheirhorsestogether，andtheywerebytheirside。
ThenBjornsaidtoKari，“Thoustandestinmuchneedofmethough！Amanmighteasilyhaverunawayfromtheeifhehadnotbeenasbrave-heartedasIam；fornowthyfoesareridinguponthee，andsothoumustupandbedoing。“
ThenKariwentawayunderajuttingcrag，andBjornsaid，“WhereshallIstandnow？“
“Well！“answersKari，“nowtherearetwochoicesbeforethee；oneis，thatthoustandestatmybackandhavemyshieldtocoverthyselfwith，ifitcanbeofanyusetothee；andtheotheris，togetonthyhorseandrideawayasfastasthoucanst。“
“Nay，“saysBjorn，“Iwillnotdothat，andtherearemanythingsagainstit；firstofall，maybe，ifIrideaway，somespitefultonguesmightbegintosaythatIranawayfromtheeforfaint-
heartedness；andanotherthingis，thatIwellknowwhatgametheywillthinkthereisinme，andsotheywillrideafterme，twoorthreeofthem，andthenIshouldbeofnouseorhelptotheeafterall。No！Iwillratherstandbytheeandkeepthemoffsolongasitisfated。“
Thentheyhadnotlongtowaiterehorseswithpacksaddlesweredrivenbythemoverthemoor，andwiththemwentthreemen。
ThenKarisaid，“Thesemenseeusnot。“
“Thenletussufferthemtorideon，“saidBjorn。
Sothosethreerodeonpastthem；butthesixothersthencameridingrightuptothem，andtheyallleaptofftheirhorsesstraightwayinabody，andturnedonKariandhiscompanion。
First，GlumHildir\'ssonrushedatthem，andthrustatKariwithaspear；Kariturnedshortroundonhisheel，andGlummissedhim，andtheblowfellagainsttherock。BjornseesthatandhewedatoncetheheadoffGlum\'sspear。KarileantononesideandsmoteatGlumwithhissword，andtheblowfellonhisthigh，andtookoffthelimbhighupinthethigh，andGlumdiedatonce。
ThenVebrandandAsbrandthesonsofThorbrandranuptoKari，butKariflewatVebrandandthrusthisswordthroughhim，butafterwardshehewedoffbothofAsbrand\'sfeetfromunderhim。
InthisboutbothKariandBjornwerewounded。
ThenKettleoftheMarkrushedatKari，andthrustathimwithhisspear。Karithrewuphisleg，andthespearstuckintheground，andKarileaptonthespear-shaft，andsnappeditinsunder。
ThenKarigraspedKettleinhisarms，andBjornranupjustthen，andwantedtoslayhim，butKarisaid，“Bestillnow。IwillgiveKettlepeace；forthoughitmaybethatKettle\'slifeisinmypower，stillIwillneverslayhim。“
Kettleanswersneveraword，butrodeawayafterhiscompanions，andtoldthosethetidingswhodidnotknowthemalready。
TheytoldalsothesetidingstothemenoftheHundred，andtheygatheredtogetheratonceagreatforceofarmedmen，andwentstraightwayupallthewater-courses，andsofaruponthefellthattheywerethreedaysinthechase；butafterthattheyturnedbacktotheirownhomes，butKettleandhiscompanionsrodeeasttoSwinefell，andtoldthetidingsthese。
Flosiwaslittlestirredatwhathadbefallenthem，butsaid，“Noonecouldtellwhetherthingswouldstopthere，forthereisnomanlikeKariofallthatarenowleftinIceland。“
151。OFKARIANDBJORNANDTHORGEIR
NowwemusttellofBjornandKarithattheyridedownontheSand，andleadtheirhorsesunderthebankswherethewildoatsgrew，andcuttheoatsforthem，thattheymightnotdieofhunger。Karimadesuchanearguess，thatherodeawaythenceattheverytimethattheygaveoverseekingforhim。HerodebynightupthroughtheHundred，andafterthathetooktothefell；
andsoonallthesamewayastheyhadfollowedwhentheyrodeeast，anddidnotstoptilltheycameatMidmark。
ThenBjornsaidtoKari，“Nowshaltthoubemygreatfriendbeforemymistress，forshewillneverbelieveonewordofwhatI
say；buteverythingliesonwhatyoudo，sonowrepaymeforthegoodfollowingwhichIhaveyieldedtothee。“
“Soitshallbe；neverfear，“saysKari。
Afterthattheyrideuptothehomestead，andthenthemistressaskedthemwhattidings，andgreetedthemwell。
“Ourtroubleshaverathergrowngreater，oldlass！“
Sheansweredlittle，andlaughed；andthenthemistresswentontoask，“HowdidBjornbehavetothee，Kari？“
“Bareisback，“heanswers，“withoutbrotherbehindit，andBjornbehavedwelltome。Hewoundedthreemen，and，besides，heiswoundedhimself，andhestuckasclosetomeashecouldineverything。“
Theywerethreenightsthere，andafterthattheyrodetoHolttoThorgeir，andtoldhimalonethesetidings，forthosetidingshadnotyetbeenheardthere。
Thorgeirthankedhim，anditwasquiteplainthathewasgladatwhatheheard。HeaskedKariwhatnowwasundonewhichhemeanttodo。
“Imean，“answersKari，“tokillGunnarLambi\'ssonandKolThorstein\'sson，ifIcangetachance。Thenwehaveslainfifteenmen，reckoningthosefivewhomwetwoslewtogether。ButoneboonIwillnowaskofthee。“
Thorgeirsaidhewouldgranthimwhateverheasked。
“Iwish，then，thatthouwilttakeunderthysafeguardthismanwhosenameisBjorn，andwhohasbeenintheseslayingswithme，andthatthouwiltchangefarmswithhim，andgivehimafarmreadystockedhereclosebythee，andsoholdthyhandoverhimthatno-vengeancemaybefallhim；butallthiswillbeaneasymatterfortheewhoartsuchachief。“
“Soitshallbe，“saysThorgeir。
ThenhegaveBjornaready-stockedfarmatAsolfskal，buthetookthefarmintheMarkintohisownhands。ThorgeirflittedallBjorn\'shouseholdstuffandgoodstoAsolfskal，andallhislivestock；andThorgeirsettledallBjorn\'squarrelsforhim，andhewasreconciledtothemwithafullatonement。SoBjornwasthoughttobemuchmoreofamanthanhehadbeenbefore。
ThenKarirodeaway，anddidnotdrawreintillhecamewesttoTonguetoAsgrimEllidagrim\'sson。HegaveKariamostheartywelcome，andKaritoldhimofallthetidingsthathadhappenedintheseslayings。
Asgrimwaswellpleasedatthem，andaskedwhatKarimeanttodonext。
“Imean，“saidKari，“tofareabroadafterthem，andsodogtheirfootstepsandslaythem，ifIcangetatthem。“
Asgrimsaidtherewasnomanlikehimforbraveryandhardihood。
Hewastheresomenights，andafterthatherodetoGizurtheWhite，andhetookhimbybothhands。Karistayedtheresommewhile，andthenhetoldGizurthathewishedtoridedowntoEyrar。
GizurgaveKariagoodswordatparting。
NowherodedowntoEyrar，andtookhimapassagewithKolbeintheBlack；hewasanOrkneymanandanoldfriendofKari，andhewasthemostforwardandbriskofmen。
HetookKaribybothhands，andsaidthatonefateshouldbefallbothofthem。
152。FLOSIGOESABROAD
NowFlosirideseasttoHornfirth，andmostofthemeninhisThingfollowedhim，andborehiswareseast，aswellasallhisstoresandbaggagewhichhehadtotakewithhim。
Afterthattheybuskedthemfortheirvoyage，andfittedouttheirship。
NowFlosistayedbytheshipuntiltheywere“boun。“Butassoonasevertheygotafairwindtheyputouttosea。Theyhaditlongpassageandhardweather。
Thentheyquitelosttheirreckoning，andsailedonandon，andallatoncethreegreatwavesbrokeovertheirship，oneaftertheother。ThenFlosisaidtheymustbenearsomeland，andthatthiswasaground-swell。Agreatmistwasonthem，butthewindrosesothatagreatgaleovertookthem，andtheyscarceknewwheretheywerebeforetheyweredashedonshoreatdeadofnight，andthemenweresaved，buttheshipwasdashedalltopieces，andtheycouldnotsavetheirgoods。
Thentheyhadtolookforshelterandwarmthforthemselves，andthedayaftertheywentuponaheight。Theweatherwasthengood。
Flosiaskedifanymanknewthisland，andthereweretwomenoftheircrewwhohadfaredthitherbefore，andsaidtheywerequitesuretheyknewit，and，saythey，“WearecometoHrosseyintheOrkneys。“
“Thenwemighthavemadeabetterlanding，“saidFlosi，“forGrimandHelgi，Njal\'ssons，whomIslew，werebothofthemofEarlSigurdHlodver\'sson\'sbodyguard。“
Thentheysoughtforahiding-placeandspreadmossoverthemselves，andsolayforawhile，butnotforlong，ereFlosispokeandsaid，“Wewillnotliehereanylongeruntilthelandsmenarewareofus。“
Thentheyarose，andtookcounsel，andthenFlosisaidtohismen，“Wewillgoallofusandgiveourselvesuptotheearl；forthereisnaughtelsetodo，andtheearlhasourlivesathispleasureifhechoosestoseekforthem。“
Thentheyallwentawaythence，andFlosisaidthattheymusttellnomananytidingsoftheirvoyage，orwhatmannerofmentheywere，beforehetoldthemtotheearl。
Thentheywalkedonuntiltheymetmenwhoshowedthemtothetown，andthentheywentinbeforetheearl，andFlosiandalltheothershailedhim。
Theearlaskedwhatmentheymightbe，andFlositoldhisname，andsaidoutofwhatpartofIcelandhewas。
Theearlhadalreadyheardoftheburning，andsobeknewthemenatonce，andthentheearlaskedFlosi，“WhathastthoutotellmeaboutHelgiNjal\'sson，myhenchman。“
“This，“saidFlosi，“thatIhewedoffhishead。“
“Takethemall，“saidtheearl。
Thenthatwasdone，andjustthenincameThorstein，sonofHalloftheSide。FlosihadtowifeSteinvora，Thorstein\'ssister。
ThorsteinwasoneofEarlSigurd\'sbodyguard，butwhenbesawFlosiseizedandheld，hewentinbeforetheearl，andofferedforFlosiallthegoodshehad。
Theearlwasverywrothalongtime，butatlasttheendofitwas，bytheprayerofgoodmenandtrue，joinedtothoseofThorstein，forhewaswellbackedbyfriends，andmanythrewintheirwordwithhis，thattheearltookanatonementfromthem，andgaveFlosiandalltherestofthempeace。TheearlheldtothatcustomofmightymenthatFlositookthatplaceinhisservicewhichHelgiNjal\'ssonhadfilled。
SoFlosiwasmadeEarlSigurd\'shenchman，andhesoonwonhiswaytogreatlovewiththeearl。
153。KARIGOESABROAD
ThosemessmatesKariandKolbeintheBlackputouttoseafromEyrarhalfamonthlaterthanFlosiandhiscompanionsfromHornfirth。
Theygotafinefairwind，andwerebutashorttimeout。ThefirstlandtheymadewastheFairIsle，itliesbetweenShetlandandtheOrkneys。TherethatmanwhosenamewasDavidtheWhitetookKariintohishouse，andhetoldhimallthathehadheardforcertainaboutthedoingsoftheburners。HewasoneofKari\'sgreatestfriends，andKaristayedwithhimforthewinter。
TheretheyheardtidingsfromthewestoutoftheOrkneysofallthatwasdonethere。
EarlSigurdbadetohisfeastatYuleEarlGilli，hisbrother-
in-law，outoftheSouthernisles；hehadtowifeSwanlauga，EarlSigurd\'ssister；andthen，too，cametoseeEarlSigurdthatkingfromIrelandwhosenamewasSigtrygg。HewasasonofOlafRattle，buthismother\'snamewasKormlada；shewasthefairestofallwomen，andbestgiftedineverythingthatwasnotinherownpower，butitwasthetalkofmenthatshedidallthingsilloverwhichshehadanypower。
Brianwasthenameofthekingwhofirsthadhertowife，buttheywerethenparted。Hewasthebest-naturedofallkings。HehadhisseatinConnaught，inIreland；hisbrother\'snamewasWolftheQuarrelsome，thegreatestchampionandwarrior；Brian\'sfoster-child\'snamewasKerthialfad。HewasthesonofKingKylfi，whohadmanywarswithKingBrian，andfledawayoutofthelandbeforehim，andbecameahermit；butwhenKingBrianwentsouthonapilgrimage，thenhemetKingKylfi，andthentheywereatoned，andKingBriantookhissonKerthialfadtohim，andlovedhimmorethanhisownsons。Hewasthenfullgrownwhenthesethingshappened，andwastheboldestofallmen。
DuncanwasthenameofthefirstofKingBrian\'ssons；thesecondwasMargad；thethird，Takt，whomwecallTann，hewastheyoungestofthem；buttheeldersonsofKingBrianwerefullgrown，andthebriskestofmen。
KormladawasnotthemotherofKingBrian\'schildren，andsogrimwassheagainstKingBrianaftertheirparting，thatshewouldgladlyhavehimdead。
KingBrianthriceforgaveallhisoutlawsthesamefault，butiftheymisbehavedthemselvesoftener，thenheletthembejudgedbythelaw；andfromthisonemaymarkwhatakinghemusthavebeen。
KormladaeggedonhersonSigtryggverymuchtokillKingBrian，andshenowsenthimtoEarlSigurdtobegforhelp。
KingSigtryggcamebeforeYuletotheOrkneys，andthere，too，cameEarlGilli，aswaswrittenbefore。
ThemenweresoplacedthatKingSigtryggsatinahighseatinthemiddle，butoneithersideofthekingsatoneoftheearls。
ThemenofKingSigtryggandEarlGillisateontheinnersideawayfromhim，butontheoutersideawayfromEarlSigurd，sateFlosiandThorstein，sonofHalloftheSide，andthewholehallwasfull。
NowKingSigtryggandEarlGilliwishedtohearofthesetidingswhichhadhappenedattheburning，andso，also，whathadbefallensince。
ThenGunnarLambi\'ssonwasgottotellthetale，andastoolwassetforhimtositupon。
154。GUNNARLAMBI\'SSON\'SSLAYING
JustatthatverytimeKariandKolbeinandDavidtheWhitecametoHrosseyunawarestoallmen。Theywentstraightwayuponland，butafewmenwatchedtheirship。
Kariandhisfellowswentstraighttotheearl\'shomestead，andcametothehallaboutdrinkingtime。
ItsohappenedthatjustthenGunnarwastellingthestoryoftheburning，buttheywerelisteningtohimmeanwhileoutside。ThiswasonYule-dayitself。
NowKingSigtryggasked，“HowdidSkarphedinnbeartheburning？“
“Wellatfirstforalongtime，“saidGunnar，“butstilltheendofitwasthathewept。“Andsohewentongivinganunfairleaninginhisstory，buteverynowandthenhelaughedoutloud。
Karicouldnotstandthis，andthenheraninwithhissworddrawn，andsangthissong:
“Menofmight，inbattleeager，BoastofburningNjal\'sabode，HavethePrincesheardhowsturdySeahorseracerssoughtrevenge？
Hathnotsince，onfoemenholdingHightheshield\'sbroadorbaloft，Allthatwrongbeenfullywroken？
Rawfleshravensgottotear。“
Soheraninupthehall，andsmoteGunnarLambi\'ssonontheneckwithsuchasharpblow，thathisheadspunoffontotheboardbeforethekingandtheearls，andtheboardwasallonegoreofblood，andtheearl\'sclothingtoo。
EarlSigurdknewthemanthathaddonethedeed，andcalledout，“SeizeKariandkillhim。“
KarihadbeenoneofEarlSigurd\'sbodyguard，andhewasofallmenmostbelovedbyhisfriends；andnomanstoodupawhitmorefortheearl\'sspeech。
“Manywouldsay，Lord，“saidKari，“thatIhavedonethisdeedonyourbehalf，toavengeyourhenchman。“
ThenFlosisaid，“Karihathnotdonethiswithoutacause；heisinnoatonementwithus，andheonlydidwhathehadarighttodo。“
SoKariwalkedaway，andtherewasnohueandcryafterhim。
Karifaredtohisship，andhisfellowswithhim。Theweatherwasthengood，andtheysailedoffatoncesouthtoCaithness，andwentonshoreatThraswicktothehouseofaworthymanwhosenamewasSkeggi，andwithhimtheystayedaverylongwhile。
ThosebehindintheOrkneyscleansedtheboard，andboreoutthedeadman。
TheearlwastoldthattheyhadsetsailsouthforScotland，andKingSigtryggsaid，“Thiswasamightyboldfellow，whodealthisstrokesostoutly，andneverthoughttwiceaboutit！“
ThenEarlSigurdanswered，“ThereisnomanlikeKarifordashanddaring。“
NowFlosiundertooktotellthestoryoftheburning，andhewasfairtoall；andthereforewhathesaidwasbelieved。
ThenKingSigtryggstirredinhisbusinesswithEarlSigurd，andbadehimgotothewarwithhimagainstKingBrian。
Theearlwaslongsteadfast，buttheendofitwasthatheletthekinghavehisway，butsaidhemusthavehismother\'shandforhishelp，andbekinginIreland，iftheyslewBrian。ButallhismenbesoughtEarlSigurdnottogointothewar，butitwasallnogood。
SotheypartedontheunderstandingthatEarlSigurdgavehiswordtogo；butKingSigtryggpromisedhimhismotherandthekingdom。
ItwassosettledthatEarlSigurdwastocomewithallhishosttoDublinbyPalmSunday。
ThenKingSigtryggfaredsouthtoIreland，andtoldhismotherKormladathattheearlhadundertakentocome，andalsowhathehadpledgedhimselftogranthim。
Sheshowedherselfwellpleasedatthat，butsaidtheymustgathergreaterforcestill。
Sigtryggaskedwhencethiswastobelookedfor？
ShesaidthereweretwovikingslyingoffthewestofMan；andthattheyhadthirtyships，and，shewenton，“Theyaremenofsuchhardihoodthatnothingcanwithstandthem。Theone\'snameisOspak，andtheother\'sBrodir。Thoushaltfaretofindthem，andsparenothingtogetthemintothyquarrel，whateverpricetheyask。“
NowKingSigtryggfaresandseeksthevikings，andfoundthemlyingoutsideoffMan；KingSigtryggbringsforwardhiserrandatonce，butBrodirshrankfromhelpinghimuntilhe，KingSigtrygg，promisedhimthekingdomandhismother，andtheyweretokeepthissuchasecretthatEarlSigurdshouldknownothingaboutit；
BrodirtoowastocometoDublinonPalmSunday。
SoKingSigtryggfaredhometohismother，andtoldherhowthingsstood。
Afterthatthosebrothers，OspakandBrodir，talkedtogether，andthenBrodirtoldOspakallthatheandSigtrygghadspokenof，andbadehimfaretobattlewithhimagainstKingBrian，andsaidhesetmuchstoreonhisgoing。
ButOspaksaidhewouldnotfightagainstsogoodaking。
Thentheywerebothwroth，andsunderedtheirbandatonce。
OspakhadtenshipsandBrodirtwenty。
Ospakwasaheathen，andthewisestofallmen。Helaidhisshipsinsideinasound，butBrodirlayoutsidehim。
BrodirhadbeenaChristianmanandamass-deaconbyconsecration，buthehadthrownoffhisfaithandbecomeGod\'sdastard，andnowworshippedheathenfiends，andhewasofallmenmostskilledinsorcery。Hehadthatcoatofmailonwhichnosteelwouldbite。Hewasbothtallandstrong，andhadsuchlonglocksthathetuckedthemunderhisbelt。Hishairwasblack。
155。OFSIGNSANDWONDERS
ItsohappenedonenightthatagreatdinpassedoverBrodirandhismen，sothattheyallwoke，andsprangupandputontheirclothes。
Alongwiththatcameashowerofboilingblood。
Thentheycoveredthemselveswiththeirshields，butforallthatmanywerescalded。
Thiswonderlastedalltillday，andamanhaddiedonboardeveryship。
Thentheysleptduringtheday，butthesecondnighttherewasagainadin，andagaintheyallsprangup。Thenswordsleaptoutoftheirsheaths，andaxesandspearsflewaboutintheairandfought。
Theweaponspressedthemsohardthattheyhadtoshieldthemselves，butstillmanywerewounded，andagainamandiedoutofeveryship。
Thiswonderlastedalltillday。
Thentheysleptagainthedayafter。
Butthethirdnighttherewasadinofthesamekind，andthenravensflewatthem，anditseemedtothemasthoughtheirbeaksandclawswereofiron。
Theravenspressedthemsohardthattheyhadtokeepthemoffwiththeirswords，andcoveredthemselveswiththeirshields，andsothiswentonagaintillday，andthenanothermanhaddiedineveryship。
Thentheywenttosleepfirstofall，butwhenBrodirwokeup，hedrewhisbreathpainfully，andbadethemputofftheboat。
“For，“hesaid，“IwillgotoseeOspak。“
Thenhegotintotheboatandsomemenwithhim，butwhenhefoundOspakhetoldhimofthewonderswhichhadbefallenthem，andbadehimsaywhathethoughttheybodcd。
Ospakwouldnottellhimbeforehepledgedhimpeace，andBrodirpromisedhimpeace，butOspakstillshrankfromtellinghimtillnightfell。
ThenOspakspokeandsaid，“Whenbloodrainedonyou，thereforeshallyeshedmanymen\'sblood，bothofyourownandothers。Butwhenyeheardagreatdin，thenyemusthavebeenshownthecrackofdoom，andyeshallalldiespeedily。Butwhenweaponsfoughtagainstyou，thatmustforebodeabattle；butwhenravenspressedyou，thatmarksthedevilswhichyeputfaithin，andwhowilldragyoualldowntothepainsofhell。“
ThenBrodirwassowroththathecouldanswerneveraword，buthewentatoncetohismen，andmadethemlayhisshipsinalineacrossthesound，andmoorthembybearingtheircablesonshoreateitherendoftheline，andmeanttoslaythemallnextmorning。
Ospaksawalltheirplan，andthenhevowedtotakethetruefaith，andtogotoKingBrian，andfollowhimtillhisdeath-
day。
Thenhetookthatcounseltolayhisshipsinaline，andpuntthemalongtheshorewithpoles，andcutthecablesofBrodir\'sships。ThentheshipsofBrodir\'smenbegantofallaboardofoneanotherwhentheywereallfastasleep；andsoOspakandhismengotoutofthefirth，andsowesttoIreland，andcametoConnaught。
ThenOspaktoldKingBrianallthathehadlearnt，andtookbaptism，andgavehimselfoverintotheking\'shand。
AfterthatKingBrianmadethemgatherforceoverallhisrealm，andthewholehostwastocometoDublinintheweekbeforePalmSunday。
156。BRIAN\'SBATTLE
EarlSigurdHlodver\'ssonbuskedhimfromtheOrkneys，andFlosiofferedtogowithhim。
Theearlwouldnothavethat，sincehehadhispilgrimagetofulfil。
Flosiofferedfifteenmenofhisbandtogoonthevoyage，andtheearlacceptedthem，butFlosifaredwithEarlGillitotheSouthernisles。
Thorstein，thesonofHalloftheSide，wentalongwithEarlSigurd，andHrafntheRed，andErlingofStraumey。
HewouldnotthatHareckshouldgo，butsaidhewouldbesuretobethefirsttotellhimthetidingsofhisvoyage。
TheearlcamewithallhishostonPalmSundaytoDublin，andtheretoowascomeBrodirwithallhishost。
Brodirtriedbysorceryhowthefightwouldgo，buttheanswerranthus，thatifthefightwereonGood-FridayKingBrianwouldfallbutwintheday；butiftheyfoughtbefore，theywouldallfallwhowereagainsthim。
ThenBrodirsaidthattheymustnotfightbeforetheFriday。
OnthefifthdayoftheweekamanrodeuptoKormladaandhercompanyonanapple-greyhorse，andinhishandheheldahalberd；hetalkedlongwiththem。
KingBriancamewithallhishosttotheBurg，andontheFridaythehostfaredoutoftheBurg，andbotharmiesweredrawnupinarray。
Brodirwasononewingofthebattle，butKingSigtryggontheother。
EarlSigurdwasinthemidbattle。
NowitmustbetoldofKingBrianthathewouldnotfightonthefast-day，andsoashieldburg1wasthrownroundhim，andhishostwasdrawnupinarrayinfrontofit。
WolftheQuarrelsomewasonthatwingofthebattleagainstwhichBrodirstood；butontheotherwing，whereSigtryggstoodagainstthem，wereOspakandhissons。
ButinmidbattlewasKerthialfad，andbeforehimthebannerswerehome。
Nowthewingsfallononeanother，andtherewasaveryhardfight。Brodirwentthroughthehostofthefoe，andfelledalltheforemostthatstoodthere，butnosteelwouldbiteonhismail。
WolftheQuarrelsometurnedthentomeethim，andthrustathimthricesohardthatBrodirfellbeforehimateachthrust，andwaswell-nighnotgettingonhisfeetagain；butassoonaseverhefoundhisfeet，hefledawayintothewoodatonce。
EarlSigurdhadahardbattleagainstKerthialfad，andKerthialfadcameonsofastthathelaidlowallwhowereinthefrontrank，andhebrokethearrayofEarlSigurdrightuptohisbanner，andslewthebanner-bearer。
Thenhegotanothermantobearthebanner，andtherewasagainahardfight。
Kerthialfadsmotethismantoohisdeathblowatonce，andsoononeaftertheotherallwhostoodnearhim。
ThenEarlSigurdcalledonThorsteinthesonofHalloftheSide，tobearthebanner，andThorsteinwasjustabouttoliftthebanner，butthenAsmundtheWhitesaid，“Don\'tbearthebanner！
Foralltheywhobearitgettheirdeath。“
“HrafntheRed！“calledoutEarlSigurd，“bearthouthebanner。“
“Bearthineowndevilthyself，“answeredHrafn。
Thentheearlsaid，“`Tisfittestthatthebeggarshouldbearthebag；\'“andwiththathetookthebannerfromthestaffandputitunderhiscloak。
AlittleafterAsmundtheWhitewasslain，andthentheearlwaspiercedthroughwithaspear。
Ospakhadgonethroughallthebattleonhiswing，hehadbeensorewounded，andlostbothhissonsereKingSigtryggfledbeforehim。
Thenflightbrokeoutthroughoutallthehost。
ThorsteinHalloftheSide\'ssonstoodstillwhilealltheothersfled，andtiedhisshoe-string。ThenKerthialfadaskedwhyherannotastheothers。
“Because，“saidThorstein，“Ican\'tgethometo-night，sinceI
amathomeoutinIceland。“
Kerthialfadgavehimpeace。
HrafntheRedwaschasedoutintoacertainriver；hethoughthesawtherethepainsofhelldownbelowhim，andhethoughtthedevilswantedtodraghimtothem。
ThenHrafnsaid，“Thydog2，ApostlePeter！hathruntwicetoRome，andhewouldrunthethirdtimeifthougavesthimleave。“
Thenthedevilslethimloose，andHrafngotacrosstheriver。
NowBrodirsawthatKingBrian\'smenwerechasingthefleers，andthattherewerefewmenbytheshieldburg。
Thenherushedoutofthewood，andbrokethroughtheshieldburg，andhewedattheking。
TheladTaktthrewhisarmintheway，andthestroketookitoffandtheking\'sheadtoo，buttheking\'sbloodcameonthelad\'sstump，andthestumpwashealedbyitonthespot。
ThenBrodircalledoutwithaloudvoice，“NowletmantellmanthatBrodirfelledBrian。“
Thenmenranafterthosewhowerechasingthefleers，andtheyweretoldthatKingBrianhadfallen，andthentheyturnedbackstraightway，bothWolftheQuarrelsomeandKerthialfad。
ThentheythrewaringroundBrodirandhismen，andthrewbranchesoftreesuponthem，andsoBrodirwastakenalive。
WolftheQuarrelsomecutopenhisbelly，andledhimroundandroundthetrunkofatree，andsowoundallhisentrailsoutofhim，andhedidnotdiebeforetheywerealldrawnoutofhim。
Brodir\'smenwereslaintoaman。
AfterthattheytookKingBrian\'sbodyandlaiditout。Theking\'sheadhadgrownfasttothetrunk。
FifteenmenoftheburnersfellinBrian\'sbattle，andthere，too，fellHalldorthesonofGudmundthePowerful，andErlingofStraumey。
OnGood-FridaythateventhappenedinCaithnessthatamanwhosenamewasDaurrudwentout。Hesawfolkridingtwelvetogethertoabower，andtheretheywerealllosttohissight。Hewenttothatbowerandlookedinthroughawindowslitthatwasinit，andsawthattherewerewomeninside，andtheyhadsetupaloom。
Men\'sheadsweretheweights，butmen\'sentrailswerethewarpandweft，aswordwastheshuttle，andthereelswerearrows。
Theysangthesesongs，andhelearntthembyheart:
THEWOOFOFWAR。
“See！warpisstretchedForwarriors\'fall，Lo！weftinloom\'Tiswetwithblood；
Nowfightforeboding，\'Neathfriends\'swiftfingers，OurgreywoofwaxethWithwar\'salarms，Ourwarpbloodred，Ourweftcorseblue。
“Thiswoofisy-wovenWithentrailsofmen，ThiswarpishardweightedWithheadsoftheslain，Spearsblood-besprinkledForspindlesweuse，Ourloomironbound，Andarrowsourreels；
WithswordsforourshuttlesThiswar-woofwework；
Soweavewe，weirdsisters，Ourwarwinningwoof。
“NowWarwinnerwalkethToweaveinherturn，NowSwordswingersteppeth，NowSwiftstroke，nowStorm；
WhentheyspeedtheshuttleHowspearheadsshallflash！
Shieldscrash，andhelmgnawer3
Onharnessbitehard！
“Windwe，windswiftlyOurwarwinningwoofWooferstforkingyouthfulForedoomedashisown，Forthnowwewillride，ThenthroughtheranksrushingBebusywherefriendsBlowsblithegiveandtake。
“Windwe，windswiftlyOurwarwinningwoof，AfterthatletussteadfastlyStandbythebraveking；
ThenmenshallmarkmournfulTheirshieldsredwithgore，HowSwordstrokeandSpearthrustStoodstoutbytheprince。
“Windwe，windswiftlyOurwarwinningwoof。
Whensword-bearingroversTobannersrushon，Mind，maidens，wesparenotOnelifeinthefray！
Wecorse-choosingsistersHavechargeoftheslain。
“Nownew-comingnationsThatislandshallrule，WhoonoutlyingheadlandsAbodeerethefight；
IsaythatKingmightyTodeathnowisdone，NowlowbeforespearpointThatEarlbowshishead。
“SoonoverallErsemenSharpsorrowshallfall，ThatwoetothosewarriorsShallwanenevermore；
Ourwoofnowiswoven。
Nowbattlefieldwaste，O\'erlandando\'erwaterWartidingsshallleap。
“Nowsurely\'tisgruesomeTogazeallaround。
WhenbloodredthroughheavenDrivescloudracko\'erhead；
AirsoonshallbedeephuedWithdyingmen\'sbloodWhenthisourspaedomComesspeedytopass。
“SocheerilychantweCharmsfortheyoungking，ComemaidensliftloudlyHiswarwinninglay；
LethimwhonowlistensLearnwellwithhisearsAndgladdenbraveswordsmenWithburstsofwar\'ssong。
“Nowmountweourhorses，Nowbareweourbrands，Nowhastewehard，maidens，Hencefar，far，away。“
ThentheypluckeddowntheWoofandtoreitasunder，andeachkeptwhatshehadholdof。
NowDaurrudgoesawayfromtheSlit，andhome；buttheygotontheirsteedsandrodesixtothesouth，andtheothersixtothenorth。
AlikeeventbefellBrandGneisti\'ssonintheFaroeIsles。
AtSwinefell，inIceland，bloodcameonthepriest\'sstoleonGood-Friday，sothathehadtoputitoff。
AtThvattwaterthepriestthoughthesawonGood-Fridayalongdeepoftheseahardbythealtar，andtherehesawmanyawfulsights，anditwaslongerehecouldsingtheprayers。
ThiseventhappenedintheOrkneys，thatHareckthoughthesawEarlSigurd，andsomemenwithhim。ThenHarecktookhishorseandrodetomeettheearl。Mensawthattheymetandrodeunderabrae，buttheywereneverseenagain，andnotascrapwaseverfoundofHareck。
EarlGilliintheSouthernislesdreamedthatamancametohimandsaidhisnamewasHostfinn，andtoldhimhewascomefromIreland。
Theearlthoughtheaskedhimfortidingsthence，andthenhesangthissong:
“Ihavebeenwherewarriorswrestled，HighinErinsangthesword，Bosstobossmetmanybucklers，Steelrungsharponrattlinghelm；
Icantellofalltheirstruggle；
Sigurdfellinflightofspears；
Brianfell，butkepthiskingdomErehelostonedropofblood。“
Thosetwo，Flosiandtheearl，talkedmuchofthisdream。Aweekafter，HrafntheRedcamethither，andtoldthemallthetidingsofBrian\'sbattle，thefalloftheking，andofEarlSigurd，andBrodir，andalltheVikings。
“What，“saidFlosi，“hastthoutotellmeofmymen？
“Theyallfellthere，“saysHrafn，“butthybrother-in-lawThorsteintookpeacefromKerthialfad，andisnowwithhim。“
Flositoldtheearlthathewouldnowgoaway，“Forwehaveourpilgrimagesouthtofulfil。“
Theearlbadehimgoashewished，andgavehimashipandallelsethatheneeded，andmuchsilver。
ThentheysailedtoWales，andstayedthereawhile。
ENDNOTES:
1“Shieldburg，“thatis，aringofmenholdingtheirshieldslockedtogether。
2“Thydog，“etc。MeaningthathewouldgoathirdtimeonapilgrimagetoRomeifSt。Peterhelpedhimoutofthisstrait。
3“Helmgnawer，“theswordthatbiteshelmets。
157。THESLAYINGOFKOLTHORSTEIN\'SSON
KariSolmund\'ssontoldmasterSkeggithathewishedhewouldgethimaship。SomasterSkeggigaveKarialongship，fullytrimmedandmanned，andonboarditwentKari，andDavidtheWhite，andKolbeintheBlack。
NowKariandhisfellowssailedsouththroughScotland\'sfirths，andtheretheyfoundmenfromtheSouthernisles。TheytoldKarithetidingsfromIreland，andalsothatFlosiwasgonetoWales，andhismenwithhim。
ButwhenKariheardthat，hetoldhismessmatesthathewouldholdonsouthtoWales，tofallinwithFlosiandhisband。Sohebadethemthentopartfromhiscompany，iftheylikeditbetter，andsaidthathewouldnotwishtobeguileanymanintomischief，becausehethoughthehadnotyethadrevengeenoughonFlosiandhisband。
Allchosetogowithhim；andthenhesailssouthtoWales，andtheretheylayinhidinginacreekoutoftheway。
ThatmorningKolThorstein\'ssonwentintothetowntobuysilver。Heofalltheburnershadusedthebitterestwords。Kolhadtalkedmuchwithamightydame，andhehadsoknockedthenailonthehead，thatitwasallbutfixedthathewastohaveher，andsettledownthere。
ThatsamemorningKariwentalsointothetown。HecamewhereKolwastellingthesilver。
Kariknewhimatonce，andranathimwithhisdrawnswordandsmotehimontheneck；buthestillwentontellingthesilver，andhisheadcounted“ten“justasitspunoffhisbody。
ThenKarisaid，“GoandtellthistoFlosi，thatKariSolmund\'ssonhathslainKolThorstein\'sson。Igivenoticeofthisslayingasdonebymyhand。“
ThenKariwenttohisship，andtoldhisshipmatesofthemanslaughter。
ThentheysailednorthtoBeruwick，andlaiduptheirship，andfaredupintoWhitherneinScotland，andwerewithEarlMalcolmthatyear。
ButwhenFlosiheardofKol\'sslaying，helaidouthisbody，andbestowedmuchmoneyonhisburial。
FlosineverutteredanywrathfulwordsagainstKari。
ThenceFlosifaredsouthacrosstheseaandbeganhispilgrimage，andwentonsouth，anddidnotstoptillhecametoRome。TherehegotsogreathonourthathetookabsolutionfromthePopehimself，andforthathegaveagreatsumofmoney。
Thenhefaredbackagainbytheeastroad，andstayedlongintowns，andwentinbeforemightymen，andhadfromthemgreathonour。
HewasinNorwaythewinterafter，andwaswithEarlErictillhewasreadytosail，andtheearlgavehimmuchmeal，andmanyothermenbehavedhandsomelytohim。
NowhesailedouttoIceland，andranintoHornfirth，andthencefaredhometoSwinefell。Hehadthenfulfilledallthetermsofhisatonement，bothinfinesandforeigntravel。
158。OFFLOSIANDKARI
NowitistobetoldofKarithatthesummerafterhewentdowntohisshipandsailedsouthacrossthesea，andbeganhispilgrimageinNormandy，andsowentsouthandgotabsolutionandfaredbackbythewesternway，andtookhisshipagaininNormandy，andsailedinhernorthacrosstheseatoDoverinEngland。
Thencehesailedwest，roundWales，andsonorth，throughScotland\'sfirths，anddidnotstayhiscoursetillhecametoThraswickinCaithness，tomasterSkeggi\'shouse。
TherehegaveovertheshipofburdentoKolbeinandDavid，andKolbeinsailedinthatshiptoNorway，butDavidstayedbehindintheFairIsle。
KariwasthatwinterinCaithness。InthiswinterhishousewifediedoutinIceland。
ThenextsummerKaribuskedhimforIceland。Skeggigavehimashipofburden，andtherewereeighteenofthemonboardher。
Theywereratherlate“boun，“butstilltheyputtosea，andhadalongpassage，butatlasttheymadeIngolf\'sHead。Theretheirshipwasdashedalltopieces，butthemen\'slivesweresaved。
Then，too，agaleofwindcameonthem。
NowtheyaskKariwhatcounselwastobetaken；buthesaidtheirbestplanwastogotoSwinefellandputFlosi\'smanhoodtotheproof。
SotheywentrightuptoSwinefellinthestorm。Flosiwasinthesitting-room。HeknewKariassoonaseverhecameintotheroom，andspranguptomeethim，andkissedhim，andsatehimdowninthehighseatbyhisside。
FlosiaskedKaritobetherethatwinter，andKaritookhisoffer。Thentheywereatonedwithafullatonement。
ThenFlosigaveawayhisbrother\'sdaughterHildigunna，whomHauskuldthepriestofWhitenesshadhadtowifetoKari，andtheydweltfirstofallatBroadwater。
MensaythattheendofFlosi\'slifewas，thathefaredabroad，whenhehadgrownold，toseekfortimbertobuildhimahall；
andhewasinNorwaythatwinter，butthenextsummerhewaslate“boun“；andmentoldhimthathisshipwasnotseaworthy。
Flosisaidshewasquitegoodenoughforanoldanddeathdoomedman，andborehisgoodsonshipboardandputouttosea。Butofthatshipnotidingswereeverheard。
ThesewerethechildrenofKariSolmund\'ssonandHelgaNjal\'sdaughter——ThorgerdaandRagneida，Valgerda，andThordwhowasburntinNjal\'shouse。ButthechildrenofHildigunnaandKari，werethese，Starkad，andThord，andFlosi。
ThesonofBurning-FlosiwasKolbein，whohasbeenthemostfamousmanofanyofthatstock。
AndhereweendtheSTORYofBURNTNJAL。