United States or Macao ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
'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.
'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.
Otkell listened in amaze and then answered that he had done so because of the counsel that Gizur himself and Geir the priest had told Skamkell. 'He lied, then, replied Gizur; 'we gave no such counsel; and Gunnar and his friends were called, and Gizur stood forth and bade Gunnar make his own award.
'Gizur and Geir greet you, said Skamkell, 'and they wish that this matter should have a peaceful ending. They will that Gunnar shall be summoned as having received and eaten the goods, likewise Hallgerda for stealing them! So Otkell followed this counsel, and five days before the opening of the Althing he rode with his brother and Skamkell and a great following to Lithend.
'Otkell wished to do you honour, replied Skamkell; but Gizur for all answer bade Geir the priest be sent for, and next morning, as soon as he arrived, Gizur told him the story, and after he had finished he said: 'Let Skamkell tell it again, for I misdoubt him greatly.
'I am here, said Gunnar, 'to offer atonement for the misdeed of my wife and the thrall you sold me, for it was they who caused the fire and stole the cheeses. And, if it pleases you, let the award be fixed by the best of the men round! 'That sounds fairer than it is, Gunnar, put in Skamkell, 'for you are a man of many things, whereas Otkell has few.
'Well, said Gunnar, 'then I will offer atonement of twice the value of all that Otkell lost; but again it was Skamkell and not Otkell who replied: 'Beware, Otkell, of giving him the right of making the award when it belongs to you. And Otkell answered: 'I will fix the award myself, Gunnar.
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.
The next morning, Skamkell, Otkell's friend, was riding to bring in some sheep, when he saw something bright on the side of the path. He got off his horse to see what it was, and found the belt and knife which Malcolm had dropped, and he took them straight to Kirkby. 'Did you ever see these things before? asked Skamkell.
But go and see Gizur the white and Geir the priest at once, and see if the offers of Gunnar do not seem good to them! For he is a just and gentle-hearted man, and perchance he will still hearken to you, if you accept them. So Otkell, who ever listened to the last speaker, bade, them bring out his horse and set forth, Skamkell walking by his side.
Word Of The Day