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 for it, whatever dale
he may dwell in. So we shall turn upon Thorstein the Black, for no one
has taken a worse share in these matters than he." [Sidenote: