he could do except think about the past. He would not go to foray, after
the fashion of outlaws, and there was no need of this. For the talk of
his mighty deeds spread through the land, so that the people spoke of
little else. And the men of his quarter were so proud of these deeds of
Eric's that, though some of their kind had fallen at his hands in the
great fight of Middalhof and some at the hands of Skallagrim, yet they
spoke of him as men speak of a God. Moreover they brought him gifts of
food and clothing and arms, as many as his people could carry away,
and laid them in a booth that is on the plain near the foot of Mosfell,
which thenceforth was named Ericsfell. Further, they bade his thralls
tell him that, if he wished it, they would find him a good ship of war
to take him from Iceland--ay, and man it with loyal men and true.

Eric thanked them through Jon his thrall, but answered that he wished to
die here in Iceland.



Now, when Eric had sat two months and more in Mosfell cave and autumn
was coming, he learned that Gizur and Swanhild had moved down to
Coldback, and with them a great company of men who were sworn to slay
him. He asked if Gudruda the Fair had also gathered men for his slaying.
They told him no; that Gudruda stayed with her thralls and women at
Middalhof, mourning for Björn her brother. From these tidings Eric took
some heart of hope: at the least Gudruda laid no blood-feud against him.
For he waited, thinking, if indeed she yet loved him, that Gudruda would
send him some word or token of her love. But no word came, since between
them ran the blood of Björn. On the morrow of these tidings Skallagrim
spoke to Eric.