me frame of mind as I
have been before, when we have had talks about this matter. If I can
marry you, I shall not think twice about killing either or both of the
two who had most to do with the murder of Bolli." Gudrun spoke: "I am
given to think that to Thorleik no man seems as well fitted as you to
be the leader if anything is to be done in the way of deeds of
hardihood. Nor is it a matter to be hidden from you that the lads are
minded to go for Helgi Hardbienson the 'Bareserk,' who sits at home in
his house in Skorridale misdoubting himself of nothing." Thorgils
spake: "I never care whether he is called Helgi or by any other name,
for neither in Helgi nor in any one else do I deem I have an
over-match in strength to deal with. As far as I am concerned, the
last word on this matter is now spoken if you promise before witnesses
to marry me when, together with your sons, I have wreaked the
revenge." Gudrun said she would fulfil all she should agree to, even
though such agreement were come to before few men to witness it.
"And," said she, "this then we shall settle to have done." Gudrun
bade be called thither Halldor, Thorgils' foster-brother, and her own
sons. Thorgils bade that Ornolf should also be with them. Gudrun said
there was no need of that, "For I am more doubtful of Ornolf's
faithfulness to you than I think you are yourself." [Sidenote:
Thorgils deceived by Gudrun] Thorgils told her to do as she liked. Now
the brothers come and meet Gudrun and Thorgils, Halldor being also at
the parley with them. Gudrun now sets forth to them that "Thorgils has
said he will be the leader in this raid against Helgi Hardbienson,
together with my sons, for revenge of Bolli, and Thorgils has
bargained in return for this undertaking to get me for wife. Now I
avow, with you to witness, that I promise this to Thorgils, that of
men in this land I shall marry none but him, and I do not purpose to
go and marry in any other land." Thorgils thought that this was
binding enough, and did not see through it. And now they broke up
their talk. This counsel is now fully settled that Thorgils must
betake himself to this journey. He gets ready to leave Holyfell, and
with him the sons of Gudrun, and they rode up into the Dales and first
to the homestead at Tongue.

CHAP. LXI

Of Thorstein the Black and Lambi

[Sidenote: Thorstein the Black joins with the brothers] The next
Lord's day a leet was held, and Thorgils rode thither with his