Scant was the time allowed the men of Horlingdal for refreshment and
rest after the battle of the Springs, for the assembling of Thingsmen
armed to the teeth, as well as the news that King Harald threatened a
descent on them, rendered it necessary that a District Thing or Council
should be held without delay.

Accordingly, after brief repose, Haldor the Fierce, who had returned
with Erling to his own house up the dale, arose and ordered the horn to
be sounded for a Thing.

Several hundreds of men had by that time assembled, and when they all
came together they formed an imposing band of warriors, whom any wise
king would have deemed it advisable to hold converse with, if possible,
on friendly terms.

When the Thing was seated Haldor rose, and, amid profound silence, said:

"Men of Horlingdal, King Harald Haarfager has sent round the
message-token for a Thing to be held at the Springs. The token sent was
one of peace. The token of war was sent round instead, as ye know.
Whether this was wise or not does not much concern us now, as ye have
seen with your own eyes that there was good fortune in the change; for
we knew not, when the token was forwarded, of the urgent need that
should arise at the Springs for our weapons. But, now that the Danes
have been sent home--excepting that goodly number who have gone to
Valhalla's halls to keep company with Odin and departed warriors--it
seems to me that we should meet the King in the manner which he desires
until he shall give us occasion to assume arms in defence of our laws.
And I would here remind you that Harald is our rightful King, udal-born
to the Kingdom of Norway, his title having been stated and proved at all
the District Things, beginning with the Ore Thing of Drontheim, and
having been approved by all the people of Norway. I therefore counsel
pacific measures, and that we should go to the Springs unarmed."

When Haldor sat down there was a slight murmur of assent, but most of
those present remained silent, wishing to hear more.

Then up started Ulf, and spoke with great heat.

"I agree not with Haldor," he said sternly. "Who does not know that
Harald is rightful King of Norway; that he is descended in a direct line
from the godars who came over from the east with Odin, and has been
fairly elected King of Norway? But who does not know also, that our
laws are above our King, that Harald is at this time trampling on these
laws, and is everywhere setting at def