for the next year, and got their lands sowed, and had hope of good times.
Chapter XVII.
Earl Harkon's battle with Ragnfrid.
King Ragnfrid and King Gudrod, both sons of Gunhild and Eric, were now the only sons of Gunhild remaining in life. So says Glum Geirason in reyskin's lay:—
"When in the battle's bloody strife
The sword took noble Harald's life,
Half of my fortunes with him fell:
But his two brothers, I know well,
My loss would soon repair, should they
Again in Norway bear the sway,
And to their promises should stand,
If they return to rule the land."
Ragnfrid began his course in the spring after he had been a year in the Orkney Islands. He sailed from thence to Norway, and had with him fine troops, and large ships. When he came to Norway he learnt that Earl Hakon was in Drontheim; therefore he steered northwards around Stad, and plundered in South Möre. Some people submitted to him; for it often happens, when parties of armed men scour oyer a country, that those who are nearest the danger seek help where they think it may be expected. As soon as Earl Hakon heard the news of disturbance in More, he fitted out ships, sent the war-token through the land, made ready in all haste, and proceeded out of the fiord. He had no difficulty in assembling men. Ragnfrid and Earl Hakon met at the north corner of Möre; and Hakon, who had most men, but fewer ships, began the battle. The combat was severe, but heaviest on Hakon's side; and, as the custom then was, they fought bow to bow, and there was a current in the sound which drove all the ships in upon the land. The earl ordered to row with the oars to the land where landing seemed easiest. When the ships were all grounded, the earl with all his men left them, and drew them up so far that the enemy
