fell to talking with him, and they talked long and low.
“Now, I will show,” said Hjallti, “that I am not blackhearted;
Njal has asked me for help, and I have agreed to it, and given my
word to aid him; he has often given me and many others the worth
of it in cunning counsel.”
Hjallti tells Njal all about Flosi’s doings. They sent Thorhall
on to Tongue to tell Asgrim that they would be there that
evening; and Asgrim made ready at once, and was out of doors to
meet them when Njal rode into the town.”
Njal was clad in a blue cape, and had a felt hat on his head, and
a small axe in his hand. Asgrim helped Njal off his horse, and
led him and sate him down in his own seat. After that they all
went in, Njal’s sons and Kari. Then Asgrim went out.
Hjallti wished to turn away, and thought there were too many
there; but Asgrim caught hold of his reins, and said he should
never have his way in riding off, and made men unsaddle their
horses, and led Hjallti in and sate him down by Njal’s side; but
Thorleif and his brother sat on the other bench and their men
with them.
Asgrim sate him down on a stool before Njal, and asked, “What
says thy heart about our matter?”
“It speaks rather heavily,” says Njal, “for I am afraid that we
shall have no lucky men with us in the suit; but I would, friend,
that thou shouldest send after all the men who belong to thy
Thing, and ride to the Althing with me.”
“I have always meant to do that,” says Asgrim; “and this I will
promise thee at the same time, that I will never leave thy cause
while I can get any men to follow me.”
But all those who were in the house thanked him, and said that
was bravely spoken. They were there that night, but the day
after all Asgrim’s band came thither.
And after that they all rode together till they come up on the
Thingfield, and fit up their booths.
118. ASGRIM AND NJAL’S SONS PRAY MEN FOR HELP
By that time Flosi had come to the Thing, and filled all his
booths. Runolf filled the Dale-dwellers’ booths, and Mord the
booths of the men from Rangriver. Hall of the Side had long
since come from the east, but scarce any of the other men; but
still Hall of the Side had come with a great band, and joined
this at once to Flosi’s company, and begged him to take an
atonement and to make peace.
Hall was a wise man and good-hearted. Flosi answered him well in
everything, but gave way in nothing.
Hall asked what men had promised him help? Flosi named Mord
Valgard’s son, and said he had asked for his daughter at the hand
of his kinsman Starkad.
Hall said she was a good match, but it was ill dealing with Mord,
“And that thou wilt put to the proof ere this Thing be over.”
After that they ceased talking.
One day Njal and Asgrim had a long talk in secret.
