"Of all King Harald's sons," said he, "Erik Bloodaxe was the one
who had the most ambition and who fought hardest to win worship from
his brothers. In his strivings he did not scruple to act unfairly.
He stooped to treachery, and even to murder. He first killed his
brother, Ragnvald Rattlebone, because he was said to be a sorcerer.
Next he killed his brother Biorn, because he refused to pay him
homage and tribute. None of Harald's sons could be safe while Erik
was thus allowed to take the law into his own hands; so two other
of the brothers attempted to take Erik's life, by setting fire to
a farmhouse in which he was feasting. But Erik escaped with four
men, secured his father's protection, and for a time there was
peace.

"Now King Harald Fairhair had a young son named Hakon, the child
of his old age, and this son became in the after years a very great
man in the land, and was called Hakon the Good.

"The King of England in those days was named Athelstane the Victorious,
and it is told that on a time Athelstane, who was passing jealous
of the power of Harald Fairhair, sent a messenger to Norway bearing
a precious sword as a gift to King Harald. The sword was done with
gold about the hilt and set with dear bought gems, and well tempered
in the blade. So the messenger fared to Lade, in Thrandheim, where
Harald dwelt, and said he: 'Here is a sword which the King of England
sendeth thee, bidding thee take it withal.' So the king took the
grip of it. Then said the messenger: 'Thou hast taken the sword
even as our king wished, and thou art therefore his sword taker
and vassal.'

"Well, Harald was angry at being thus tricked, and he pondered how