Thorbjorn’s kinsmen learned of Grettir’s being in Ljarskogar and called together their men with the purpose of going there.  Gamli heard of this at Melar and sent word to Thorsteinn and Grettir of their approach.  Thorsteinn sent Grettir on to Tunga to Snorri the Godi, with whom he was then at peace, and advised Grettir to ask for his protection, and if it were refused to go West to Thorgils the son of Ari in Reykjaholar, “who will surely take you in for the winter.  Stay there in the Western fjords until the affair is settled.”

Grettir said he would follow his counsel.  He rode to Tunga where he found Snorri and asked to be taken in.  Snorri answered:  “I am now an old man, and have no mind to harbour outlaws, unless in a case of necessity.  But what has happened that the old man should have turned you out?”

Grettir said that Thorsteinn had often shown him kindness; “but we shall need more than him alone to do any good.”

Snorri said:  “I will put in my word on your behalf, if it will be of any use to you.  But you must seek your quarters elsewhere than with me.”

So they parted.  Grettir then went West to Reykjanes.  The men of Hrutafjord came with their followers to Samsstad, where they heard that Grettir had left Ljarskogar, and went back home.

CHAPTER L

Grettir winters with Thorgils at Reykjaholar in company with the foster-brothers

Grettir came to Reykjaholar towards the beginning of the winter and asked Thorgils to let him stay the winter with him.  Thorgils said he was welcome to his entertainment, like other free men; “but,” he said, “we do not pay much attention to the preparation of the food.”

Grettir said that would not trouble him.

“There is another little difficulty,” Thorgils continued.  “Some men are expected here who are a little hot-headed, namely, the foster-brothers Thorgeir and Thormod.  I do not know how it will suit you to be together with them.  They shall always have entertainment here whenever they wish for it.  You may stay here if you will, but I will not have any of you behaving ill to the others.”

Grettir said that he would not be the first to raise a quarrel with any man, more especially since the bondi had expressed his wish to him.

Soon after the foster-brothers came up.  Thorgeir and Grettir did not take very kindly to one another, but Thormod behaved with propriety.  Thorgils said to them what he had said to Grettir, and so great was the deference paid to him that none of them spoke an improper word to the other, although they did not always think alike.  In this way the first part of the winter was passed.