From thence King Hakon proceeded up the
Dovrefield; but as he was going over the mountains he rode all day after
a ptarmigan, which flew up beside him, and in this chase a sickness
overfell him, which ended in his death; and he died on the mountains.
His body was carried north, and came to the merchant town just half a
month after he left it. The whole townspeople went to meet the body,
sorrowing, and the most of them weeping; for all people loved him with
sincere affection. King Hakon's body was interred in Christ church, and
Hakon and Magnus had ruled the country for two years. Hakon was a man
full twenty-five years old, and was one of the chiefs the most beloved
by all the people. He had made a journey to Bjarmaland, where he had
given battle and gained a victory.

3. OF A FORAY IN HALLAND.

King Magnus sailed in winter (A.D. 1095) eastward to Viken; but when
spring approached he went southwards to Halland, and plundered far and
wide. He laid waste Viskardal and many other districts, and returned
with a great booty back to his own kingdom. So says Bjorn Krephende in
his song on Magnus:--

"Through Halland wide around
The clang and shriek resound;
The houses burn,
The people mourn,
Through Halland wide around.
The Norse king strides in flame,
Through Viskardal he came;
The fire sweeps,
The widow weeps,
The Norse king strides in flame."

Here it is told that King Magnus made the greatest devastation through
Halland.

4. OF THORER OF STEIG.

"There was a man called Svein, a son of Harald Fietter. He was a Danish
man by family, a great viking and champion, and a very clever man, and
of high birth in his own country. He had been some time with King Hakon
Magnuson, and was very dear to him; but after King Hakon's decease
Thorer of Steig, his foster-father, had no great confidence in any
treaty or friendship with King Magnus, if the whole country came into
his power, on account of the position in which Thorer had stood to King
Magnus, and the opposition he had made to him. Thereupon Thorer and
Svein took counsel with each other, which they afterwards carried
into effect,--to raise, with Thorer's assistance, and his men, a troop
against Magnus. But as Thorer was old and heavy, Svein took the command,
and name of leader of the troop. In this design several chiefs took
part, among whom the principal was Egil Aslakson of Aurland. Egil