Einar Tambaskelfer had most influence in the outer part of the Throndhjem country after Earl Hakon's death was no longer doubtful; for he and his son Eindride appeared to be the nearest heirs to the movable property the earl had possessed.Then Einar remembered the promises and offers of friendship which King Canute had made him at parting; and he ordered a good vessel which belonged to him to be got ready, and embarked with a great retinue, and when he was ready sailed southwards along the coast, then set out to sea westwards, and sailed without stopping until he came to England.He immediately waited on King Canute, who received him well and joyfully.Then Einar opened his business to the king, and said he was come there to see the fulfillment of the promises the king had made him; namely, that he, Einar, should have the highest title of honour in Norway if Earl Hakon were no more.King Canute replies, that now the circumstances were altered."I have now," said he, "sent men and tokens to my son Svein in Denmark, and promised him the kingdom of Norway; but thou shalt retain my friendship, and get the dignity and title which thou art entitled by birth to hold.Thou shalt be lenderman with great fiefs, and be so much more raised above other lendermen as thou art more able than they." Einar saw sufficiently how matters stood with regard to his business, and got ready to return home; but as he now knew the king's intentions, and thought it probable if King Olaf came from the East the country would not be very peaceable, it came into his mind that it would be better to proceed slowly, and not to be hastening his voyage, in order to fight against King Olaf, without his being advanced by it to any higher dignity than he had before.Einar accordingly went to sea when he was ready; but only came to Norway after the events were ended which took place there during that summer.
206.OF THE CHIEF PEOPLE IN NORWAY.
The chiefs in Norway had their spies east in Svithjod, and south in Denmark, to find out if King Olaf had come from Russia.As soon as these men could get across the country, they heard the news that King Olaf was arrived in Svithjod; and as soon as full certainty of this was obtained, the war message-token went round the land.The whole people were called out to a levy, and a great army was collected.The lendermen who were from Agder, Rogaland, and Hordaland, divided themselves, so that some went towards the north, and some towards the east; for they thought they required people on both sides.Erling's sons from Jadar went eastward, with all the men who lived east of them, and over whom they were chiefs; Aslak of Finey, and Erlend of Gerde, with the lendermen north of them, went towards the north.All those now named had sworn an oath to King Canute to deprive Olaf of life, if opportunity should offer.
207.OF HARALD SIGURDSON'S PROCEEDINGS.
Now when it was reported in Norway that King Olaf was come from the East to Svithjod, his friends gathered together to give him aid.The most distinguished man in this flock was Harald Sigurdson, a brother of King Olaf, who then was fifteen years of age, very stout, and manly of growth as if he were full-grown.
Many other brave men were there also; and there were in all 600men when they proceeded from the uplands, and went eastward with their force through Eid forest to Vermaland.From thence they went eastward through the forests to Svithjod and made inquiry about King Olaf's proceedings.
208.OF KING OLAF'S PROCEEDINGS IN SVITHJOD.
King Olaf was in Svithjod in spring (A.D.1030), and had sent spies from thence to Norway.All accounts from that quarter agreed that there was no safety for him if he went there, and the people who came from the north dissuaded him much from penetrating into the country.But he had firmly resolved within himself, as before stated, to go into Norway; and he asked King Onund what strength King Onund would give him to conquer his kingdom.King Onund replied, that the Swedes were little inclined to make an expedition against Norway."We know," says he, "that the Northmen are rough and warlike, and it is dangerous to carry hostility to their doors, but I will not be slow in telling thee what aid I can give.I will give thee 400 chosen men from my court-men, active and warlike, and well equipt for battle; and moreover will give thee leave to go through my country, and gather to thyself as many men as thou canst get to follow thee." King Olaf accepted this offer, and got ready for his march.Queen Astrid, and Ulfhild the king's daughter, remained behind in Svithjod.
209.KING OLAF ADVANCES TO JARNBERALAND.
Just as King Olaf began his journey the men came to him whom the Swedish king had given, in all 400 men, and the king took the road the Swedes showed him.He advanced upwards in the country to the forests, and came to a district called Jarnberaland.Here the people joined him who had come out of Norway to meet him, as before related; and he met here his brother Harald, and many other of his relations, and it was a joyful meeting.They made out together 1200 men.
210.OF DAG HRINGSON.