Right wroth was Arinbjorn when he heard Thora Lace-hand called a bondwoman; and he stood up,
and would no longer hold his peace, but looked around on either side, and took the word:

’Evidence we will bring, sir king, in this matter, and oaths we will add, that this was in the
reconciliation of my father and Bjorn Yeoman expressly provided, that Asgerdr daughter of Bjorn and
Thora was to have right of inheriting after Bjorn her father; as also this, which thyself, O king, dost
know, that thou restoredst Bjorn to his rights in Norway, and so everything was settled which had
before stood in the way of their reconciliation.’

To these words the king found no ready answer. Then sang Egil a stave:

’Bondwoman born this knave

My brooch-decked lady calls.

Shameless in selfish greed

Such dealing Onund loves:

Braggart! my bride is one

Born heiress, jewell’d dame.

Our oaths, great king, accept,

Oaths that are meet and true.’

Then Arinbjorn produced witnesses, twelve men, and all well chosen. These all had heard, being
present, the reconciliation of Thorir and Bjorn, and they offered to the king and judges to swear to it.
The judges were willing to accept their oath if the king forbade it not.

Then did queen Gunnhilda take the word:

’Great wonder is this, sir king, that thou lettest this big Egil make such a coil of the whole cause before
thee. Wouldst thou find nought to say against him, though he should claim at thy hand thy very
kingdom? Now though thou wilt give no decision that may help Onund, yet will not I brook this, that
Egil tread under foot our friends and wrongfully take the property from Onund. Where is Alf my
brother? Go thou, Alf, with thy following, where the judges are, and let them not give this wrong
judgment.’

Then he and his men went thither, and cut in sunder the precinct-ropes and tore down the poles, and
scattered the judges. Great uproar was there in the Thing; but men there were all weaponless.

Then spake Egil: ’Can Bergonund hear my words?’

’I hear,’ said Onund.

’Then do I challenge thee to combat, and be our fight here at the Thing. Let him of us twain have this
property, both lands and chattels, who wins the victory. But be thou every man’s dastard if thou darest
not.’

Whereupon king Eric made answer: ’If thou, Egil, art strongly set on fighting, then will we grant thee
this forthwith.’

Egil replied: ’I will not fight with king’s power and overwhelming force; but before equal numbers I
will not flee, if this be given me. Nor will I then make any distinction of persons, titled or untitled.’