d
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
Har