‘Hallgerda does not let our servants die of old age,’ said Skarphedinn, as they rode home from the Thing.
Now the words came true, that Gunnar had spoken, and ‘blow for blow’ grew to be the rule between Hallgerda and Bergthora; but for all that there was no quarrel between Njal and Gunnar.
So the years went by, and many Things had been held, and much blood-money had been paid, when one spring there was a great dearth of hay throughout all Iceland, and much cattle died. Gunnar, who was wise as well as rich, had seen what was coming and had laid up stores of both dried meat and of hay. As long as they lasted, he shared them with his neighbours, but when his barns were empty he called Kolskegg his brother and two of his friends, and they all fared to Kirkby, where dwelt Otkell the son of Skarf.
This Otkell owned many flocks and herds and wide pastures, and Gunnar hoped that his barns might yet be full.
‘I have come to buy meat and hay, if there is any in your storehouses, for mine are empty!’ said Gunnar.
‘I have yet many storehouses untouched,’ answered Otkell, ‘but I will sell you nothing.’
‘Will you give me them, then?’ asked Gunnar, ‘and I will pay you back some time in what you will.’
‘I will neither give nor sell,’ said Otkell.
‘Let us take what we want and leave the money,’ said Thrain, who had come with Gunnar, but Gunnar answered: ‘I am no robber!’ and was turning to go when Otkell stopped him.
‘Will you buy a thrall from me? He is a good thrall,’ said Otkell, ‘but I have no need of him.’