Iceland
thirty-five days before Eric and Skallagrim set foot there. But she did
not land by Westman Isles, for she had no wish to face Gudruda at
that time, but by Reyjaness. Now she rode thence with her company to
Thingvalla, for here all men were gathered for the Thing. At first
people hung aloof from her, notwithstanding her wealth and beauty; but
Swanhild knew well how to win the hearts of men. For now she told the
same story of Eric that she had told to Atli, and there were none to say
her nay. So it came to pass that she was believed, and Eric Brighteyes
held to be shamed indeed. Now, too, she set a suit on foot against Eric
for the death of Atli at his hand, claiming that sentence of the greater
outlawry should be passed against him, and that his lands at Coldback in
the Marsh on Ran River should be given, half to her in atonement for the
Earl's death, and half to the men of Eric's quarter.

On the day of the opening of the Thing Ospakar Blacktooth came from the
north, and with him his son Gizur and a great company of men. Ospakar
was blithe, for from the Thing he should ride to Middalhof, there to wed
Gudruda the Fair. Then Swanhild clad herself in beautiful attire, and,
taking men with her, went to the booth of Ospakar.

Blacktooth sat in his booth and by him sat Gizur his son the Lawman.
When he saw a beauteous lady, very richly clad, enter the booth he did
not know who it might be. But Gizur knew her well, for he could never
put Swanhild from his mind.

"Lo! here comes Swanhild the Fatherless, Atli's widow," said Gizur,
flushing red with joy at the sight of her.

Then Ospakar greeted her heartily, and made place for her by him at the
top of the booth.

"Ospakar Blacktooth," she said, "I am come to ask this of thee: that
thou shalt befriend me in the suit which I have against Eric Brighteyes
for the slaying of Earl Atli, my husband."

"Thou couldst have come to no man who is more willing," said Ospakar,
"for, if thou hast something against Eric, I have yet more."

"I would ask this, too, Ospakar: that thy son Gizur should take up my
suit and plead it; for I know well that he is the most skilful of all
lawmen."

"I will do that," said Gizur, his eyes yet fixed upon her face.

"I looked for no less from thee," said Swanhild, "and be sure of
this, that thou shalt not plead for nothing," and she glanced at him
meaningly. Then she set out her case with a lying tongue, and afterwards
went back to her boot