besides a man of great dexterity, and expert in all feats. Now when
Karl had undertaken this business the king was reconciled to him, gave
him his friendship, and let him be fitted out in the best manner for
this expedition. There were about twenty men in the ship; and the king
sent messages to his friends in the Farey Islands, and recommended him
also to Leif Ossurson and Lagman Gille, for aid and defence; and for
this purpose furnished Karl with tokens of the full powers given him.
Karl set out as soon as he was ready; and as he got a favourable breeze
soon came to the Farey Islands, and landed at Thorshavn, in the island
Straumey. A Thing was called, to which there came a great number of
people. Thrand of Gata came with a great retinue, and Leif and Gille
came there also, with many in their following. After they had set up
their tents, and put themselves in order, they went to Karl Morske, and
saluted each other on both sides in a friendly way. Then Karl produced
King Olaf's words, tokens, and friendly message to Leif and Gille, who
received them in a friendly manner, invited Karl to come to them, and
promised him to support his errand, and give him all the aid in their
power, for which he thanked them. Soon after came Thrand of Gata, who
also received Karl in the most friendly manner, and said he was glad to
see so able a man coming to their country on the king's business, which
they were all bound to promote. "I will insist, Karl," says he, "on
thy taking-up thy winter abode with me, together with all those of thy
people who may appear to thee necessary for thy dignity."

Karl replies, that he had already settled to lodge with Leif; "otherwise
I would with great pleasure have accepted thy invitation."

"Then fate has given great honour to Leif," says Thrand; "but is there
any other way in which I can be of service?"

Karl replies, that he would do him a great service by collecting the
scat of the eastern island, and of all the northern islands.

Thrand said it was both his duty and interest to assist in the king's
business, and thereupon Thrand returned to his tent; and at that Thing
nothing else worth speaking of occurred. Karl took up his abode with
Leif Ossurson, and was there all winter (A.D. 1028). Leif collected the
scat of Straumey Island, and all the islands south of it. The spring
after Thrand of Gata fell ill, and had sore eyes and other complaints;
but he prepared to attend the Thing, as was his custo