a friendly stay some time that winter, and Kjartan promised the
journey. Kalf Asgeirson betook himself north with his father. Kjartan
and he now divided their partnership, and that went off altogether in
good-nature and friendship. [Sidenote: Kjartan goes to Herdholt]
Kjartan also rode from his ship westward to the Dales, and they were
twelve of them together. Kjartan now came home to Herdholt, and was
joyfully received by everybody. Kjartan had his goods taken to the
west from the ship during the autumn. The twelve men who rode with
Kjartan stayed at Herdholt all the winter. Olaf and Osvif kept to the
same wont of asking each other to their house, which was that each
should go to the other every other autumn. That autumn the wassail was
to be at Laugar, and Olaf and all the Herdholtings were to go thither.
Gudrun now spoke to Bolli, and said she did not think he had told her
the truth in all things about the coming back of Kjartan. Bolli said
he had told the truth about it as best he knew it. Gudrun spoke little
on this matter, but it could be easily seen that she was very
displeased, and most people would have it that she still was pining
for Kjartan, although she tried to hide it. Now time glides on till
the autumn feast was to be held at Laugar. Olaf got ready and bade
Kjartan come with him. Kjartan said he would stay at home and look
after the household. Olaf bade him not to show that he was angry with
his kinsmen. "Call this to mind, Kjartan, that you have loved no man
so much as your foster-brother Bolli, and it is my wish that you
should come, for things will soon settle themselves between you,
kinsmen, if you meet each other." [Sidenote: They ride to Laugar]
Kjartan did as his father bade him. He took the scarlet clothes that
King Olaf had given him at parting, and dressed himself gaily; he
girded his sword, the king's gift, on; and he had a gilt helm on his
head, and on his side a red shield with the Holy Cross painted on it
in gold; he had in his hand a spear, with the socket inlaid with gold.