f this mention is made, because it was thought a sign
of greatness and might. All his sons were right goodly men.

CHAP. XX

Melkorka's Marriage and Olaf the Peacock's Journey, A.D. 955

[Sidenote: Of Thorliek Hoskuldson] Hoskuld now remained quietly at
home, and began now to sink into old age, and his sons were now all
grown up. Thorliek sets up household of his own at a place called
Combness, and Hoskuld handed over to him his portion. After that he
married a woman named Gjaflaug, daughter of Arnbjorn, son of Sleitu
Bjorn, and Thordaug, the daughter of Thord of Headland. It was a noble
match, Gjaflaug being a very beautiful and high-minded woman. Thorliek
was not an easy man to get on with, but was most warlike. There was
not much friendship between the kinsmen Hrut and Thorliek. Bard
Hoskuld's son stayed at home with his father, looked after the
household affairs no less than Hoskuld himself. The daughters of
Hoskuld do not have much to do with this story, yet men are known who
are descended from them. Olaf, Hoskuld's son, was now grown up, and
was the handsomest of all men that people ever set eyes on. He arrayed
himself always well, both as to clothes and weapons. Melkorka, Olaf's
mother, lived at Melkorkastead, as has been told before. Hoskuld
looked less after Melkorka's household ways than he used to do, saying
that that matter concerned Olaf, her son. Olaf said he would give her
such help as he had to offer her. [Sidenote: Melkorka's plans]
Melkorka thought Hoskuld had done shamefully by her, and makes up her
mind to do something to him at which he should not be over pleased.
Thorbjorn Skrjup had chiefly had on hand the care of Melkorka's
household affairs. He had made her an offer of marriage, after she had
been an householder for but a little while, but Melkorka refused him
flatly. There was a ship up by Board-Ere in Ramfirth, and Orn was the
name of the captain. He was one of the bodyguard of King Harald,
Gunnhild's son. Melkorka spoke to Olaf, her son, and said that she
wished he should journey abroad to find his noble relations, "For I
have told the truth that Myrkjartan is really my father, and he is
king of the Irish and it would be easy for you betake you on board the
ship that is now at Board-Ere." Olaf said, "I have spoken about it to
my father, but he seemed to want to have but little to do with it; and
as to the manner of my foster-father's money affairs, it so happens
that his wealth is