‘The wound might have been far sorer, but your anger was greater at the Thing, when you judged the atonement and clenched your bill in your fist.’
‘When we next meet my bill shall have something to say to you,’ said Gunnar, and went on sowing his corn.
The corn was all sown, and Gunnar was beginning to think of other work, when one morning his shepherd came riding fast.
‘I passed eight men in Markfleet,’ said he; ‘their faces were set this way, and Skamkell was with them. He ever speaks ill of you, and I have heard him tell how you shed tears when Otkell rode over you.’
‘It does not do to mind words,’ answered Gunnar; ‘but for the warning you have given me you shall henceforth do the work that pleases you. Now go to sleep.’
So the shepherd slept, and Gunnar took the saddle off his horse, and laid his own saddle on it; he fetched his shield, and buckled on his sword, and then he took his bill, and as his hand touched it it sang loudly. Rannveig his mother heard the sound, and came out from the door to the place where Gunnar was fastening on his helmet.
‘Never have I seen you so full of wrath,’ said she. But Gunnar answered her nothing and rode quickly away.
Rannveig went back to the sitting-room, where many men were talking, and, looking at them, she said:
‘Loud is your talk, but the bill sang louder when Gunnar rode away.’