In that same summer before the assembly of the Thing there came a
ship out to Gasar bringing news of Grettir and of his house-burning
adventure. Thorir of Gard was very angry when he heard of it and
bethought himself of vengeance for his sons upon Grettir. Thorir rode
with a large retinue to the Thing and laid a complaint in respect of the
burning, but men thought nothing could be done as long as there was no
one to answer the charge. Thorir insisted that he would be content with
nothing short of banishment for Grettir from the whole country after
such a crime.
Then Skapti the Lawman said: "It certainly was an evil deed if all
really happened as has been told. But One man's tale is but half a tale.
Most people try and manage not to improve a story if there is more
than one version of it. I hold that no judgment should be passed for
Grettir's banishment without further proceedings."
Thorir was a notable person and possessed great influence in the
district; many powerful men were his friends. He pressed his suit so
strongly that nothing could be done to save Grettir. Thorir had him
proclaimed an outlaw throughout the country, and was ever afterwards the
most bitter of his opponents, as he often found. Having put a price upon
his head, as it was usual to do with other outlaws, he rode home. Many
said that the decree was carried more by violence than by law, but it
remained in force. Nothing more happened until after midsummer.