ined to his
friends his intention of leaving the country, and going first east into
Svithjod, and there taking his determination as to where he should go;
but he let his friends know his intention to return to the country, and
regain his kingdoms, if God should grant him longer life; and he did not
conceal his expectation that the people of Norway would again return
to their fealty to him. "I think," says he, "that Earl Hakon will have
Norway but a short time under his power, which many will not think an
extraordinary expectation, as Earl Hakon has had but little luck against
me; but probably few people will trust to my prophecy, that Canute the
Great will in the course of a few years die, and his kingdoms vanish;
and there will he no risings in favour of his race." When the king had
ended his speech, his men prepared themselves for their departure. The
king, with the troop that followed him, turned east to Eid forest. And
there were along with him the Queen Astrid; their daughter Ulfhild;
Magnus, King Olaf's son; Ragnvald Brusason; the three sons of Arne,
Thorberg, Fin, and Arne, with many lendermen; and the king's attendants
consisted of many chosen men. Bjorn the marshal got leave to go home,
and he went to his farm, and many others of the king's friends returned
home with his permission to their farms. The king begged them to let him
know the events which might happen in the country, and which it might be
important for him to know; and now the king proceeded on his way.

191. KING OLAF PROCEEDS TO RUSSIA.

It is to be related of King Olaf's journey, that he went first from
Norway eastward through Eid forest to Vermaland, then to Vatnsby, and
through the forests in which there are roads, until he came out in
Nerike district. There dwelt a rich and powerful man in that part called
Sigtryg, who had a son, Ivar, who afterwards became a distinguished
person. Olaf stayed with Sigtryg all spring (A.D. 1029); and when summer
came he made ready for a journey, procured a ship for himself, and
without stopping went on to Russia to King Jarisleif and his queen
Ingegerd; but his own queen Astrid, and their daughter Ulfhild, remained
behind in Svithjod, and the king took his son Magnus eastward with him.
King Jarisleif received King Olaf in the kindest manner, and made him
the offer to remain with him, and to have so much land as was necessary
for defraying the expense of the entertainment of his followers. King
Olaf accep