ir went along the marsh and when he
was within range launched his spear at Thorbjorn. The head was not so
firm as he had intended it to be, so it got loose in its flight and fell
off on to the ground. Thorbjorn took his shield, held it before him,
drew his sword and turned against Grettir directly he recognised him.
Grettir drew his sword, and, turning round a little, saw the boy behind
him; so he kept continually on the move. When he saw that the boy was
within reach he raised his sword aloft and struck Arnor's head with the
back of it such a blow that the skull broke and he died. Then Thorbjorn
rushed upon Grettir and struck at him, but he parried it with the
buckler in his left hand and struck with his sword a blow which severed
Thorbjorn's shield in two and went into his head, reaching the brain.
Thorbjorn fell dead. Grettir gave him no more wounds; he searched for
the spear-head but could not find it. He got on to his horse, rode to
Reykir and proclaimed the slaying.

The woman who was out in the field with them witnessed the battle. She
ran home terrified and told the news that Thorbjorn and his son were
killed. The people at home were much taken aback, for no one was aware
of Grettir's arrival. They sent to the next homestead for men, who came
in plenty and carried the body to the church. The blood-feud then fell
to Thorodd Drapustuf, who at once called out his men.

Grettir rode home to Bjarg and told his mother what had happened.

She was very glad and said he had now shown his kinship to the Vatnsdal
race. "And yet," she said, "this is the root and the beginning of your
outlawry; for certain I know that your dwelling here will not be for
long by reason of Thorbjorn's kinsmen, and now they may know that they
have the means of annoying you."

Grettir then spoke a verse:

"Atli's death was unatoned;
fully now the debt is paid."

Asdis said it was true: "but I know not what counsel you now mean to
take."

Grettir said he meant now to visit his friends and kinsmen in the
western regions, and that she should have no unpleasantness on his
account. Then he made ready to go, and parted with much affection from
his mother. First he went to Melar in Hrutafjord and recounted to his
brother-in-law Gamli all his adventure with Thorbjorn. Gamli begged him
to betake himself away from Hrutafjord while the kinsmen of Thorbjorn
were abroad with their men, and said they would support him in the suit
about Atli'