u are such an one amongst men as I most rejoice
in. And if my mother be not against it I would indeed that you should go
with me."

Asdis then said: "It has now come to this, that I see two difficulties
meeting each other. It is hard for me to lose Illugi, but I know that so
much may be said for Grettir's condition that he will find some way out.
And though it is much for one to bid farewell to both of you, yet I will
consent to it if Grettir's lot is bettered thereby."

Illugi was pleased at her words, for his heart was set upon going with
Grettir. She gave them plenty of money to take with them and they made
ready for their journey. Asdis took them along the road, and before they
parted she said: "Go forth now, my sons twain. Sad will be your death
together, nor may any man escape that which is destined for him. I shall
see neither of you again; let one fate befall you both. I know not what
safety you seek in Drangey, but there shall your bones be laid, and many
will begrudge you your living there. Beware of treachery; yet shall you
be smitten with weapons, for strange are the dreams which I have had.
Guard yourselves against witchcraft, for few things are stronger than
the ancient spells."

Thus she spoke and wept much. Grettir said: "Weep not, my mother. It
shall be said that you had sons and not daughters if we are attacked
with arms. Live well, and farewell."

Then they parted. The two travelled North through the districts and
visited their kinsmen while the autumn passed into winter. Then they
turned their steps to Skagafjord, then North to Vatnsskard on to
Reykjaskard below Saemundarhlid to Langholt, reaching Glaumbaer as
the day was waning. Grettir had slung his hat over his shoulder; so
he always went when out of doors whether the weather was good or bad.
Thence they continued their journey, and when they had gone a short way
they met a man with a big head, tall and thin and ill clad. He greeted
them and each asked the other's name. They told theirs and he said his
name was Thorbjorn. He was a vagrant, had no mind to work and swaggered
much. It was the habit of some to make game of him or fool him. He
became very familiar and told them much gossip about the district and
the people therein. Grettir was much amused. He asked whether they did
not want a man to work for them and said he would much like to go with
them. So much he got from his talk that they let him join them. It was
very cold and there was a d