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And after that he rode home with his men. Then Hallbjorm spoke to Otkell, saying: 'Ill was it to refuse the offers of Gunnar, which were good offers, as you know well. Can it be that you think yourself a match for Gunnar in fight, when he has proved himself better than any man in the island?
'Keep back, said Gunnar, 'I have no quarrel with brave men like you, but Hallbjorm answered: 'I cannot for shame stand by while you kill my brother; and he smote with his spear at Gunnar. While they were fighting, Skamkell struck at Gunnar's back with his axe, but Gunnar turned round, and, with his bill caught the axe from beneath, so that it fell out of Skamkell's hands.
'Has anything befallen you that you have returned on foot? asked he; and Otkell, who feared him, said hurriedly: 'I had many men to look over, and much work to do, so I sent Skamkell in my stead, But Hallbjorm held his peace and eyed him scornfully. 'He who makes a thrall his friend rues it ever more, he answered at last.
'You must make atonement to Otkell, and it is better there should be no delay, replied Kolskegg. 'I will do your bidding, said Gunnar; and, mounting his horse, he took eleven with him, beside Thrain and Lambi his friends, and they all fared to Kirkby. There, Otkell came out to greet them, and with him were Skamkell and two other men, Hallkell and Hallbjorm.
Gunnar's horse was swift and steady, and he never drew rein till he reached the ford which he knew Otkell's men must pass. There he tied up his horse, and awaited them on foot. When Otkell's men came up, they, too, sprang to the ground, and Hallbjorm strode towards Gunnar.
'And it is ill done when men's lives are at stake to send the biggest liar in Iceland on such an errand. 'If you are afraid now, what would you be if Gunnar's bill were singing, asked Otkell, who was always brave when there were none to slay, and whose courage always waxed great when there were none to fight. Hallbjorm laughed as he heard him.
'I will lie no more than I can help, master, answered Skamkell, jumping on Otkell's horse. Otkell fared home and found Hallbjorm in front of the house.
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