through the back between the shoulders so that the coat of mail was
torn open and the halberd flew out through the chest, and Eldgrim fell
dead off his horse, as was only natural. After that Hrut covered up
his body at the place called Eldgrim's-holt south of Combeness. Then
Hrut rode over to Combeness and told Thorliek the tidings. Thorliek
burst into a rage, and thought a great shame had been done him by this
deed, while Hrut thought he had shown him great friendship thereby.
Thorliek said that not only had he done this for an evil purpose, but
that, moreover, no good would come in return for it. Hrut said that
Thorliek must do what pleased him, and so they parted in no loving
kindness. Hrut was eighty years old when he killed Eldgrim, and he was
considered by that deed to have added much to his fame. Thorliek
thought that Hrut was none the worthier of any good from him for being
more renowned for this deed, for he held it was perfectly clear he
would have himself have got the better of Eldgrim if they had had a
trial of arms between them, seeing how little was needed to trip
Eldgrim up. [Sidenote: Kotkell's enchantments] Thorliek now went to
see his tenants Kotkell and Grima, and bade them do something to the
shame of Hrut. They took this up gladly, and said they were quite
ready to do so. Thorliek now went home. A little later they, Kotkell
and Grima and their sons, started on a journey from home, and that was
by night. They went to Hrut's dwelling, and made great incantations
there, and when the spell-working began, those within were at a loss
to make out what could be the reason of it; but sweet indeed was that
singing they heard. Hrut alone knew what these goings-on meant, and
bade no man look out that night, "and let every one who may keep
awake, and no harm will come to us if that counsel is followed." But
all the people fell asleep. Hrut watched longest, and at last he too
slept. Kari was the name of a son of Hrut, and he was then twelve
winters old. He was the most promising of all Hrut's sons, and Hrut