alleys with warriors
who were adventuring on to the Greek sea.

In those days was one named GyrgirSec. chief of the hosts, and he was also
a kinsman to the Queen. Now it came to pass that Harald had not abode
longtime with the host ere the VaeringsSec. became much drawn to him, so
that he and they adventured all together in a body whensoever there was
fighting, and the end thereof was that Harald was chosen captain of all
the Vaerings. Gyrgir and his hosts coasted in all directions among the
Greek islands, and greatly plundered the corsairs.

|| Once it befell when they were faring overland, and were of a mind to
pass the night in the woods, that the Vaerings were the first to come to
the place where it was intended they should lie, and chose they for
their tents even such position as was best and lay highest, for the
country thereabout was boggy, and no sooner came the rain than was it
ill living there over against where the land was low. Then came Gyrgir,
& when he saw where the Vaerings had pitched their tents bade he them
begone and pitch them in another place, since saith he, that he himself
would have his tent even there. But thus spake Harald: 'When ye are the
first to come to the place for the camp then shall ye make choice of
your place for the night, and it will behove us to pitch our tents
elsewhere, even in whatever spot is open to us. So do ye now likewise;
pitch ye your tents where ye will in any other spot that pertaineth.
Methought was it the right of the Vaerings here in Greece to be masters
of their own matter & free in all things before all men, and that was it
to the King and Queen only they owed obedience.'

On this bandied they words with so great heat that both sides fell to
arming themselves, & right nigh came they to fighting, but ere that were
the wisest men came up and they parted them.

They said it was more in reason that these men should be of one mind on
the matter, and a just decision made thereon betwixt them, so that never
more might strife arise out of this cause.

So then was agreed a meeting between them, & the best and wisest men
were present thereat; and at that meeting was it counselled in such
manner that all were of one mind, to wit, that lots should be borne in a
cloth and cast between Greek and Vaering as to who should be the first
to ride or row, or berth them in haven, or choose a spot for their
tents; both of them henceforth to rest content with whatever the lot
decr