When the spring came, the Earl asks Gunnar what course he meant
to take. He said he would go to Iceland. The Earl said that had
been a bad year for grain, "and there will be little sailing out
to Iceland, but still thou shalt have meal and timber both in thy
ship."
Gunnar fitted out his ship as early as he could, and Hallvard
fared out with him and Kolskegg. They came out early in the
summer, and made Arnbael's Oyce before the Thing met.
Gunnar rode home from the ship, but got men to strip her and lay
her up. But when they came home all men were glad to see them.
They were blithe and merry to their household, nor had their
haughtiness grown while they were away.
Gunnar asks if Njal were at home; and he was told that he was at
home; then he let them saddle his horse, and those brothers rode
over to Bergthorsknoll.
Njal was glad at their coming, and begged them to stay there that
night, and Gunnar told him of his voyages.
Njal said he was a man of the greatest mark, "and thou hast been
much proved; but still thou wilt be more tried hereafter; for
many will envy thee."
"With all men I would wish to stand well," says Gunnar.
"Much bad will happen," said Njal, "and thou wilt always have
some quarrel to ward off."
"So be it, then," says Gunnar, "so that I have a good ground on
my side."
"So will it be too," says Njal, "if thou hast not to smart for
others."
Njal asked Gunnar if he would ride to the Thing. Gunnar said he
was going to ride thither, and asks Njal whether he were going to
ride; but he said he would not ride thither, "and if I had my
will thou wouldst do the like."
Gunnar rode home, and gave Njal good gifts, and thanked him for
the care he had taken of his goods. Kolskegg urged him on much
to ride to the Thing, saying, "There thy honour will grow, for
many will flock to see thee there."
"That has been little to my mind," says Gunnar, "to make a show
of myself; but I think it good and right to meet good and worthy
men."
Hallvard by this time was also come thither, and offered to ride
to the Thing with them.