their shares would do
anything to help him. They said that both the island and the Grettir
affair were Thorbjorn's. Tungu-Steinn gave him two men, Hjalti his
brother three, Eirik in Guddal sent him one. Of his own he had six.
These twelve rode out from Vidvik to Hof, where Halldor invited them to
stay and asked their news. Thorbjorn told him everything fully. Halldor
asked who had done it all; he said his foster-mother had urged him much.

"That will lead to no good. She is a sorceress, and sorcery is now
forbidden."

"I cannot overlook everything," said Thorbjorn; "I am determined that
it shall now be brought to an end somehow. But how shall I go to work to
get on to the island?"

"It seems to me," said Halldor, "that you are relying upon something,
but I know not whether it is anything good. If you want to accomplish
anything go out to my friend Bjorn in Haganes in Fljot. He has a good
boat; ask him from me to lend it to you, and then you will be able to
sail on to Drangey. It seems to me that if you find Grettir well and
hearty your journey will have been in vain. One thing know for certain:
do not slay him in open fight, for there are enough men to avenge him.
Do not slay Illugi if you can help it. I fear that my counsel may not
appear altogether Christian."

Halldor then gave him six men; one was named Kar, another Thorleif, the
third Brand. The names of the others are not mentioned.

These eighteen men then went to Fljot, reached Haganes, and gave
Halldor's message to Bjorn. He said it was his duty to do it for
Halldor's sake, but that he was under no obligation to Thorbjorn.

He said it was an insane journey to make, and tried hard to dissuade
them. They answered that they could not turn back, so they went down to
the sea and launched the boat, which was ready with all her gear in the
boat-house. Then they made ready to sail. All those who were standing on
the shore thought it impossible to cross. They hoisted the sail and the
boat was soon under way, far out in the fjord. When they got right out
to sea the weather quieted and was no longer too heavy. In the evening
as it was getting dark they reached Drangey.

CHAPTER LXXXII. THE LAST BATTLE--DEATH OF GRETTIR AND ILLUGI

It has now to be told how Grettir became so ill that he could not stand
on his feet. Illugi sat with him and Glaum had to hold watch. He still
continued to object, and said they might think their lives were going to
fall out of