Norway had their spies east in Svithjod, and south in
Denmark, to find out if King Olaf had come from Russia. As soon as these
men could get across the country, they heard the news that King Olaf was
arrived in Svithjod; and as soon as full certainty of this was obtained,
the war message-token went round the land. The whole people were called
out to a levy, and a great army was collected. The lendermen who were
from Agder, Rogaland, and Hordaland, divided themselves, so that some
went towards the north, and some towards the east; for they thought they
required people on both sides. Erling's sons from Jadar went eastward,
with all the men who lived east of them, and over whom they were chiefs;
Aslak of Finey, and Erlend of Gerde, with the lendermen north of them,
went towards the north. All those now named had sworn an oath to King
Canute to deprive Olaf of life, if opportunity should offer.

207. OF HARALD SIGURDSON'S PROCEEDINGS.

Now when it was reported in Norway that King Olaf was come from the East
to Svithjod, his friends gathered together to give him aid. The most
distinguished man in this flock was Harald Sigurdson, a brother of King
Olaf, who then was fifteen years of age, very stout, and manly of growth
as if he were full-grown. Many other brave men were there also; and
there were in all 600 men when they proceeded from the uplands, and went
eastward with their force through Eid forest to Vermaland. From thence
they went eastward through the forests to Svithjod and made inquiry
about King Olaf's proceedings.

208. OF KING OLAF'S PROCEEDINGS IN SVITHJOD.

King Olaf was in Svithjod in spring (A.D. 1030), and had sent spies from
thence to Norway. All accounts from that quarter agreed that there was
no safety for him if he went there, and the people who came from the
north dissuaded him much from penetrating into the country. But he had
firmly resolved within himself, as before stated, to go into Norway; and
he asked King Onund what strength King Onund would give him to conquer
his kingdom. King Onund replied, that the Swedes were little inclined
to make an expedition against Norway. "We know," says he, "that the
Northmen are rough and warlike, and it is dangerous to carry hostility
to their doors, but I will not be slow in telling thee what aid I can
give. I will give thee 400 chosen men from my court-men, active and
warlike, and well equipt for battle; and moreover will give thee leave
to go throu