Now either went their way, and Bardi said he should let Grettir know for sure if Thorarin would that he should fare with him, but that otherwise he might sit quiet at home. Grettir rode home to Biarg, but Bardi to his own house.
CHAP. XXIX.
Of the Horse-fight at Longfit.
That summer was settled to be a great horse-fight at Longfit, below Reeks. Thither came many men. Atli of Biarg had a good horse, a black-maned roan of Keingala's kin, and father and son had great love for that horse. The brothers, Kormak and Thorgils of Meal, had a brown horse, trusty in fight. These were to fight their horse against Atli of Biarg. And many other good horses were there.
Odd, the Foundling-skald, of Kormak's kin, was to follow the horse of his kinsman through the day. Odd[87] was then growing a big man, and bragged much of himself, and was untameable and reckless. Grettir asked of Atli his brother, who should follow his horse.
"I am not so clear about that," said he.
"Wilt thou that I stand by it?" said Grettir.
"Be thou then very peaceable, kinsman," said Atli, "for here have we to deal with overbearing men."