There was a man called Asmund, who is said to have been King Svein's sister's son, and his foster-son.This Asmund was distinguished among all by his boldness and was much disliked by the king.When Asmund came to years, and to age of discretion, he became an ungovernable person given to murder and manslaughter.The king was ill pleased at this, and sent him away, giving him a good fief, which might keep him and his followers well.As soon as Asmund had got this property from the king he drew together a large troop of people; and as the estate he had got from the king was not sufficient for his expenses he took as his own much more which belonged to the king.When the king heard this he summoned Asmund to him, and when they met the king said that Asmund should remain with the court without keeping any retinue of his own; and this took place as the king desired.But when Asmund had been a little time in the king's court he grew weary of being there, and escaped in the night, returned to his former companions and did more mischief than ever.Now when the king was riding through the country he came to the neighbourhood where Asmund was, and he sent out men-at-arms to seize him.The king then had him laid in irons, and kept him so for some time in hope he would reform; but no sooner did Asmund get rid of his chains than he absconded again, gathered together people and men-at-arms and betook himself to plunder, both abroad and at home.Thus he made great forays, killing and plundering all around.When the people who suffered under these disturbances came to the king and complained to him of their losses, he replied, "Why do ye tell me of this? Why don't you go to Hakon Ivarson, who is my officer for the land-defence, placed on purpose to keep the peace for you peasants, and to hold the vikings in check? I was told that Hakon was a gallant and brave man, but I think he is rather shy when any danger of life is in the way." These words of the king were brought to Hakon, with many additions.Then Hakon went with his men in search of Asmund, and when their ships met Hakon gave battle immediately --and the conflict was sharp, and many men were killed.Hakon boarded Asmund's ship and cut down the men before his feet.At last he and Asmund met and exchanged blows until Asmund fell.
Hakon cut off his head, went in all haste to King Svein and found him just sitting down to the dinner-table.Hakon presented himself before the table, laid Asmund's head upon the table before the king, and asked if he knew it.The king made no reply, but became as red as blood in the face.Soon after the king sent him a message, ordering him to leave his service immediately."Tell him I will do him no harm; but I cannot keep watch over all our relations (1).
ENDNOTES:
(1) This incident shows how strong, in those ages, was the tie of relationship, and the point of honour of avenging its injuries -- the clanship spirit.-- L.
52.HAKON IVARSON'S MARRIAGE.
Hakon then left Denmark, and came north to his estates in Norway.
His relation Earl Orm was dead.Hakon's relations and friends were glad to see Hakon, and many gallant men gave themselves much trouble to bring about a reconciliation between King Harald and Hakon.It was at last settled in this way, that Hakon got Ragnhild, the king's daughter, and that King Harald gave Hakon the earldom, with the same power Earl Orm had possessed.Hakon swore to King Harald an oath of fidelity to all the services he was liable to fulfill.
53.RECONCILIATION OF KING HARALD AND KALF.
Kalf Arnason had been on a viking cruise to the Western countries ever since he had left Norway; but in winter he was often in the Orkney Islands with his relative, Earl Thorfin.Fin Arnason sent a message to his brother Kalf, and told him the agreement which he had made with King Harald, that Kalf should enjoy safety in Norway, and his estates, and all the fiefs he had held from King Magnus.When this message came to Kalf he immediately got ready for his voyage, and went east to Norway to his brother Fin.Then Fin obtained the king's peace for Kalf, and when Kalf and the king met they went into the agreement which Fin and the king had settled upon before.Kalf bound himself to the king in the same way as he had bound himself to serve King Magnus, according to which Kalf should do all that the king desired and considered of advantage to his realm.Thereupon Kalf received all the estates and fiefs he had before.
54.FALL OF KALF ARNASON.
The summer following (A.D.1050) King Harald ordered out a levy, and went to Denmark, where he plundered during the summer; but when he came south to Fyen he found a great force assembled against him.Then the king prepared to land his men from the ships and to engage in a land-fight.He drew up his men on board in order of battle; set Kalf Arnason at the head of one division;ordered him to make the first attack, and told him where they should direct their assault, promising that he would soon make a landing with the others, and come to their assistance.When Kalf came to the land with his men a force came down immediately to oppose them, and Kalf without delay engaged in battle, which, however, did not last long; for Kalf was immediately overpowered by numbers, and betook himself to flight with his men.The Danes pursued them vigorously, and many of the Northmen fell, and among them Kalf Arnason.Now King Harald landed with his array; and they soon came on their way to the field of battle, where they found Kalf's body, and bore it down to the ships.But the king penetrated into the country, killing many people and destroying much.So says Arnor: --"His shining sword with blood he stains, Upon Fyona's grassy plains;And in the midst of fire and smoke, The king Fyona's forces broke."55.FIN ARNASON'S EXPEDITION OUT OF THE COUNTRY.