f Denmark admonished those that defended the land that they
should be ready at his call, DanavirkiSec. caused he to be well maintained,
and his war ships were manned; thereafter sent the King to Earl Hakon
commanding him that he must come to him early in the spring-tide with
even as many men as he might muster. So at the first song of the birds
Earl Hakon levied an host from all parts of his dominions, and many men
were enrolled to him; this host bade he take ship to Denmark and with
them sailed he himself to meet the King of Denmark, and by him was
received in right seemly fashion. With the King were there at that hour
many another lord proffering help, so that all told gathered he together
an host waxing exceeding large.

|| Now, as hath already been set forth, Olaf sojourned that winter in
Vindland, & in the months thereof went he to those districts thereof
which had formerly obeyed the rule of Queen Geira, but had now ventured
to throw off allegiance & the payment of taxes. These did Olaf harry,
slaying many men, burning the homes of some, and taking much booty; then
having rendered these realms subject unto himself turned he him back
again to his stronghold. So soon as the spring-tide was come, did Olaf
make ready his ships and put out to sea, sailing across to Skani
(Scania) where he went ashore.

The people of those parts assembled and fought against him; but Olaf was
victorious and gat much plunder. Thence sailed he eastward to the island
of Gotland, and took a merchant craft owned by men from Jamtaland who
rendered a stout defence, but in such wise did the struggle end that
Olaf cleared the ship, slew many men, & took possession of all the goods
that were on board.

A third battle fought he in Gotland; there likewise the day was to his
strength and much spoil was to his hand. Thus saith Halfrod the
Troublous-skald:

'The foeman of the shrines slew merchants of Jamtaland
And men of Vindland in battle
As in days of youth had been his wont.
To those that lived in Scotland
Was the lord of "hersirs" the bane.
Is it not told that the giver of gold
Loved to fight in Skani?'

|| Therefore gathered the Emperor Otta a mighty host; men he had from
Saxland (north Germany), Frankland (France), and Frisland, whiles out of
Vindland, likewise King BurizlafSec. contributed a large host. With the
array went the King himself and his son-in-law Olaf Tryggvason.

To the Emperor was a great body of horseme