Njála, 052

Chapter 52

There was a man named Runolf, the son of Wolf Aurpriest, he kept house at the Dale, east of Markfleet. He was Otkell's guest once when he rode from the Thing. Otkell gave him an ox, all black, without a spot of white, nine winters old. Runolf thanked him for the gift, and bade him come and see him at home whenever he chose to go; and this bidding stood over for some while, so that he had not paid the visit. Runolf often sent men to him and put him in mind that he ought to come; and he always said he would come, but never went.

Now Otkell had two horses, dun coloured, with a black stripe down the back; they were the best steeds to ride in all the country round, and so fond of each other that whenever one went before the other ran after him.

There was an Easterling staying with Otkell, whose name was Audulf; he had set his heart on Signy, Otkell's daughter. Audulf was a tall man in growth, and strong.

Kafli 52

Runólfur hét maður, sonur Úlfs aurgoða. Hann bjó í Dal fyrir austan Markarfljót. Hann gisti Otkel er hann reið af þingi. Otkell gaf honum uxa alsvartan, níu vetra gamlan. Runólfur þakkaði honum gjöfina og bauð honum heim þá er hann vildi fara og stóð þetta heimboð nokkurt skeið svo að hann fór eigi. Runólfur sendi honum oft menn og minnti á að hann skyldi fara og hét hann jafnan ferðinni.

Otkell átti hesta tvo bleikálótta. Þeir voru bestir hestar að reið í héraðinu og svo elskir hvor að öðrum að hvor rann eftir öðrum.

Austmaður var á vist með Otkatli er Auðúlfur hét. Hann lagði hug á Signýju dóttur Otkels. Auðúlfur var mikill maður vexti og styrkur.