t, and Stein held it at the
baptism, at which it got the name of Thora; and Stein gave it a gold
ring. Ragnhild promised Stein her perfect friendship, and bade him come
to her whenever he thought he required her help. Stein replied that he
would hold no other female child at baptism, and then they parted.
Now it was come to the time when Stein required this kind promise of
Ragnhild to be fulfilled, and he told her what had happened, and that
the king's wrath had fallen upon him. She answered, that all the aid she
could give should stand at his service; but bade him wait for Thorberg's
arrival. She then showed him to a seat beside her son Eystein Orre,
who was then twelve years old. Stein presented gifts to Ragnhild and
Eystein. Thorberg had already heard how Stein had conducted himself
before he got home, and was rather vexed at it. Ragnhild went to him,
and told him how matters stood with Stein, and begged Thorberg to
receive him, and take care of him.

Thorberg replies, "I have heard that the king, after sending out a
message-token, held a Thing concerning the murder of Thorgeir, and has
condemned Stein as having fled the country, and likewise that the king
is highly incensed: and I have too much sense to take the cause of a
foreigner in hand, and draw upon myself the king's wrath. Let Stein,
therefore, withdraw from hence as quickly as thou canst."

Ragnhild replied, that they should either both go or both stay.

Thorberg told her to go where she pleased. "For I expect," said he,
"that wherever thou goest thou wilt soon come back, for here is thy
importance greatest."

Her son Eystein Orre then stood forward, and said he would not stay
behind if Ragnhild goes.

Thorberg said that they showed themselves very stiff and obstinate in
this matter. "And it appears that ye must have your way in it, since
ye take it so near to heart; but thou art reckoning too much, Ragnhild,
upon thy descent, in paying so little regard to King Olaf's word."

Ragnhild replied, "If thou art so much afraid to keep Stein with thee
here, go with him to my father Erling, or give him attendants, so that
he may get there in safety." Thorberg said he would not send Stein
there; "for there are enough of things besides to enrage the king
against Erling." Stein thus remained there all winter (A.D. 1027).

After Yule a king's messenger came to Thorberg, with the order that
Thorberg should come to him before midsummer; and the order was serious
a