We have now to return to where we broke off before. Thorbjorn Oxmain
when he heard of the death of Thorbjorn Slowcoach flew into a violent
passion and said he wished that more men might deal blows in other
people's houses. Asmund Longhair lay sick for some time in the summer.
When he thought his end was nigh he called his kinsmen round him and
said his will was that Atli should take over all the property after his
day. "I fear," he said, "that the wicked will scarce leave you in peace.
And I wish all my kinsmen to support him to the best of their power. Of
Grettir I can say nothing, for his condition seems to me like a rolling
wheel. Strong though he is, I fear he will have more dealing with
trouble than with kinsmen's support. And Illugi, though young now, shall
become a man of valiant deeds if he remain unscathed."
When Asmund had settled everything with his sons according to his wish
his sickness grew upon him. He died soon after and was buried at Bjarg,
where he had had a church built. All felt his loss deeply.
Atli became a great bondi and kept a large establishment. He was a great
dealer in household provisions. Towards the end of the summer he went
to Snaefellsnes to get dried fish. He drove several horses with him and
rode from home to Melar in Hrutafjord to his brother-in-law, Gamli. Then
Grim, the son of Thorhall, Gamli's brother, made ready to accompany him
along with another man. They rode West by way of Haukadalsskard and
the road which leads out to the Ness, where they bought much fish
and carried it away on seven horses; when all was ready they turned
homewards.