p in the island Karmt there is
a large farm, not far from the sea, and a large house upon it called
Augvaldsnes, which was a king's house, with an excellent farm, which
Thorer Sel, who was the king's bailiff, had under his management. Thorer
was a man of low birth, but had swung himself up in the world as an
active man; and he was polite in speech, showy in clothes, and fond
of distinction, and not apt to give way to others, in which he was
supported by the favour of the king. He was besides quick in speech,
straightforward, and free in conversation. Asbjorn, with his company,
brought up there for the night; and in the morning, when it was light,
Thorer went down to the vessel with some men, and inquired who commanded
the splendid ship. Asbjorn named his own and his father's name. Thorer
asks where the voyage was intended for, and what was the errand.

Asbjorn replies, that he wanted to buy corn and malt; saying, as was
true, that it was a very dear time north in the country. "But we are
told that here the seasons are good; and wilt thou, farmer, sell us
corn? I see that here are great corn stacks, and it would be very
convenient if we had not to travel farther."

Thorer replies, "I will give thee the information that thou needst not
go farther to buy corn, or travel about here in Rogaland; for I can tell
thee that thou must turn about, and not travel farther, for the king
forbids carrying corn out of this to the north of the country. Sail back
again, Halogalander, for that will be thy safest course."

Asbjorn replies, "If it be so, bonde, as thou sayest, that we can get
no corn here to buy, I will, notwithstanding, go forward upon my errand,
and visit my family in Sole, and see my relation Erling's habitation."

Thorer: "How near is thy relationship to Erling?"

Asbjorn: "My mother is his sister."

Thorer: "It may be that I have spoken heedlessly, if so be that thou art
sister's son of Erling."

Thereupon Asbjorn and his crew struck their tents, and turned the ship
to sea. Thorer called after them. "A good voyage, and come here again on
your way back." Asbjorn promised to do so, sailed away, and came in the
evening to Jadar. Asbjorn went on shore with ten men; the other ten
men watched the ship. When Asbjorn came to the house he was very
well received, and Erling was very glad to see him, placed him beside
himself, and asked him all the news in the north of the country. Asbjorn
concealed nothing of his business