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Updated: May 29, 2025
Hakon, King of Sogn, a proud man and a stern, banished my brother Kolskegg for manslaughter. The deed was but an act of justice on one who had beguiled our kinswoman; but the dead man had many friends, and the king hearkened neither to Kolskegg's offers of atonement nor to my petitions to mine, who had never asked aught of mortal man before!
After this there was much talking, but at last the award was given by twelve men. And this was it. Money was to be paid down for the men slain, and Gunnar and Kolskegg were to depart from Iceland and not return for three winters. But if Gunnar should break the settlement and stay at home, any man might slay him as he would. Gunnar promised to keep the award, but he did not hold it a just one.
Having a mind to see something of the world, Gunnar set sail for Norway, where he stayed some time, and had many adventures. It was early in the summer when he and Kolskegg sailed home to Iceland, where men were assembling for the great Council, or Thing. Gunnar's first act was to ride off to Njal's house, and Gunnar asked if he would be present at the Thing.
There had been none such since the day that Gunnar had fared from Lithend with Kolskegg, and had returned to his ruin.
Then Kolskegg began to inquire of the vessels that were sailing that summer, and he settled that he would go on board the ship of Armfin of the Bay, and Gunnar his brother would go with him. They sent down to the shore those things that they might need in foreign lands, and then Gunnar bade farewell to Njal and his men, and thanked his friends for the help they had given him.
'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.
As long as they lasted, he shared them with his neighbours, but when his barns were empty he called Kolskegg his brother and two of his friends, and they all fared to Kirkby, where dwelt Otkell the son of Skarf. This Otkell owned many flocks and herds and wide pastures, and Gunnar hoped that his barns might yet be full.
A second thrust with the bill stretched Skamkell on the ground, and after him Otkell and three others. They slew eight men in all, Kolskegg aiding. After that they rode home, and as they went Gunnar said: 'I wonder if I am less base than others because I kill men less willingly than they.
Can you call to mind a Jemtland village where you halted on your journey, and a man whom the villagers pursued?" "And that " she cried in astonishment. "Was Vandrad; and Atli " "Is Kolskegg, foster-father of thy brother Olaf," said a voice behind them, and looking quickly round the lovers saw the venerable form of the seer standing within five paces of them.
But when Gunnar returned he was not alone, as they expected he would be, for Kolskegg his brother was at his side, and carried the short sword which some of them knew well, while Gunnar was armed with his sword and his bill. The two were yet far from the Rang river when the bill which Gunnar bore in his hand sweated with blood, and Kolskegg, who had not yet seen this sight, grew cold with terror.
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