in movement together: but, in general, there is
less success and advantage to be gained when several of equal strength
are joined together, than when one alone stands at the head of his own
force; therefore it is my advice, that we do not venture to try our luck
against Olaf Haraldson."

Thereafter each of the kings spoke according to his own mind some
dissuading from going out against King Olaf, others urging it; and no
determination was come to, as each had his own reasons to produce.

Then Gudrod, the valley-king, took up the word, and spoke:--"It appears
wonderful to me, that ye make such a long roundabout in coming to a
resolution; and probably ye are frightened for him. We are here five
kings, and none of less high birth than Olaf. We gave him the strength
to fight with Earl Svein, and with our forces he has brought the country
under his power. But if he grudges each of us the little kingdom he had
before, and threatens us with tortures, or gives us ill words, then, say
I for myself, that I will withdraw myself from the king's slavery; and I
do not call him a man among you who is afraid to cut him off, if he come
into your hands here up in Hedemark. And this I can tell you, that we
shall never bear our heads in safety while Olaf is in life." After this
encouragement they all agreed to his determination.

Then said Hrorek, "With regard to this determination, it appears to me
necessary to make our agreement so strong that no one shall fail in his
promise to the other. Therefore, if ye determine upon attacking Olaf at
a fixed time, when he comes here to Hedemark, I will not trust much to
you if some are north in the valleys, others up in Hedemark; but if
our resolution is to come to anything, we must remain here assembled
together day and night."

This the kings agreed to, and kept themselves there all assembled,
ordering a feast to be provided for them at Ringsaker, and drank there a
cup to success; sending out spies to Raumarike, and when one set came
in sending out others, so that day and night they had intelligence of
Olaf's proceedings, and of the numbers of his men. King Olaf went
about in Raumarike in guest-quarters, and altogether in the way before
related; but as the provision of the guest-quarter was not always
sufficient, upon account of his numerous followers, he laid it upon the
bondes to give additional contributions wherever he found it necessary
to stay. In some places he stayed longer, in others,