CHAP.  LIX

Gudrun demands Revenge for Bolli, A.D. 1019

In “Twinmonth” that summer Gudrun, Osvif’s daughter, went from home up into the Dales.  She rode to Thickshaw; and at this time Thorleik was sometimes at Thickshaw with the sons of Armod Halldor and Ornolf, and sometimes Tongue with Thorgils. [Sidenote:  Gudrun meets Snorri] The same night Gudrun sent a man to Snorri Godi saying that she wished to meet him without fail the next day.  Snorri got ready at once and rode with one other man until he came to Hawkdale-river; on the northern side of that river stands a crag by the river called Head, within the land of Lea-Shaw.  At this spot Gudrun had bespoken that she and Snorri should meet.  They both came there at one and the same time.  With Gudrun there was only one man, and he was Bolli, son of Bolli; he was now twelve years old, but fulfilled of strength and wits was he, so much so, that many were they who were no whit more powerful at the time of ripe manhood; and now he carried Footbiter.  Snorri and Gudrun now fell to talking together; but Bolli and Snorri’s follower sat on the crag and watched people travelling up and down the countryside.  When Snorri and Gudrun had asked each other for news, Snorri inquired on what errand he was called, and what had come to pass lately that she sent him word so hurriedly.  Gudrun said, “Truth to tell, to me is ever fresh the event which I am about to bring up, and yet it befell twelve years ago; for it is about the revenge of Bolli I wish to speak, and it ought not to take you unawares.  I have called it to your mind from time to time.  I must also bring this home to you that to this end you have promised me some help if I but waited patiently, but now I think it past hope that you will give any heed to our case. [Sidenote:  They talk of revenge] I have now waited as long as my temper would hold out, and I must have whole-hearted counsel from you as to where this revenge is to be brought home.”  Snorri asked what she chiefly had in her mind’s eye.  Gudrun said, “It is my wish that all Olaf’s sons should not go scatheless.”  Snorri said he must forbid any onset on the men who were not only of the greatest account in the countryside, but also closely akin to those who stand nearest to back up the revenge; and it is high time already that these family feuds come to an end.  Gudrun said, “Then Lambi shall be set upon and slain; for then he, who is the most eager of them for evil, would be put out of the way.”  Snorri said, “Lambi is guilty enough that he should be slain; but I do not think Bolli any the more revenged for that; for when at length peace should come to be settled, no such disparity between them would be acknowledged as ought to be due to Bolli when the manslaughters of both should come up for award.”  Gudrun spoke, “It may be that we shall not get our right out of the men of Salmon-river-Dale, but some one shall pay dear