ws has come from the southland that the people of
Hordaland and Rogaland, Agder and Thelemark, are gathering, and bringing
together ships, men, and arms--what can all this mean if it be not
resistance to the King?"

"Right," said Harald thoughtfully. "Now, Hake, I will tell thee what to
do, and see thou waste not time about it. Most of my ships are ready
for sea. A few days more will suffice to complete them for a cruise,
and then will I sail forth to teach these proud men humility. Meanwhile
do thou get ready the ships under thy charge, and send Hauskuld in a
swift boat with a few chosen men south to Horlingdal fiord. There let
him watch the proceedings of the people--particularly of that fellow
Erling and his kin--and when he has seen enough let him sail north to
give me warning of their movements. They shall be saved the trouble of
coming here to meet me, for I will fare south and slay them all, root
and branch. Let thy tongue be quiet and thy motions swift, and caution
Hauskuld also to be discreet. Another draught of ale, Hake, and then--
to thy duty."

These last words the King spoke aloud, and while the berserk was
drinking he turned to converse with Hakon of Drontheim, but finding that
that chief had left the board, he turned to one of the courtiers, and
began to converse on the news recently brought from the south.

Gunhild meanwhile slipped out of the hall, and found King Hakon hasting
to his house.

"Ye heard what the King threatened?" she said, plucking him by the
sleeve.

"I did, and will--but why dost thou speak to me on this subject?" asked
Hakon warily.

"Because I know your daughter Ada is among the doomed and ye would not
see her perish. My heart is in the house of Haldor the Fierce. Great
kindness have I received there, therefore would I go and warn them of
what is coming. I have friends here, and can get a swift cutter to bear
me south. Shall I tell them to expect aid from you?"

Hakon was glad to hear this, and told her to inform Haldor that he would
soon be in the fiord with his longship, that he would aid the people of
Horlingdal in resisting Harald, and that it was probable Rolf Ganger
would also join them.

Bearing these tidings Gunhild left Drontheim secretly, and in a swift
boat with a stout crew set off for the south a considerable time before
Hauskuld sailed, although that worthy did his best to carry out his
master's commands without delay. King Hakon also pushed forwa