CHAP. LIV

Halldor prepares to avenge Kjartan


[Sidenote: They plan revenge,] Now Halldor told Bardi in secret that
the brothers had made up their minds to set on Bolli, for they could
no longer withstand the taunts of their mother. "And we will not
conceal from you, kinsman Bardi, that what mostly lay behind the
invitation to you was this, that we wished to have your help and
fellowship." Then Bardi answered, "That will be a matter ill spoken
of, to break the peace on one's own kinsmen, and on the other hand it
seems to me nowise an easy thing to set on Bolli. He has many men
about him and is himself the best of fighters, and is not at a loss
for wise counsel with Gudrun and Osvif at his side. Taking all these
matters together they seem to me nowise easy to overcome." Halldor
said, "There are things we stand more in need of than to make the most
of the difficulties of this affair. Nor have I broached it till I knew
that it must come to pass, that we make earnest of wreaking revenge on
Bolli. And I hope, kinsman, you will not withdraw from doing this
journey with us." Bardi answered, "I know you do not think it likely
that I will draw back, neither do I desire to do so if I see that I
cannot get you to give it up yourselves." "There you do your share in
the matter honourably," said Halldor, "as was to be looked for from
you." Bardi said they must set about it with care. [Sidenote: and
prepare to attack Bolli] Halldor said he had heard that Bolli had sent