They sat down under the after awning with me, and at once Thiodolf said: 

“That was an unlucky speech of your comrade’s just now.  No man dares name himself king in Harald’s presence—­not even his own sons.  It is the one thing that he will not bear.”

“So it seemed,” said I; “and, in truth, he had enough trouble with under kings not long since.  But he knows what a sea king is—­no king at all, so to speak.  He need not grudge the old title.”

“That is not all,” Thiodolf said.  “It is in his mind that he has to guard yet against risings of men of the old families of the kings, and thinks you are likely to give him trouble.  Maybe the portent of the blow that spread from Sigurd’s tomb to us has seemed much to him.  ‘Here,’ he says, ’is one who will gather masterless men to him in crowds because he wears Sigurd’s sword and ring, and has gained with them the name of a hero.  Already he has two of Einar’s best men at his heels.  Yet I like him well enough, and I have no fault to find with him, save that he puts a gold circle round his helm and is called king—­as he would have been but for me.  Go to him, therefore, and tell him to keep out of my way.  I will not have two kings in Norway.’”

“Well,” I said, “that is plain speaking.  But I cannot help what the men call me.  The king makes overmuch of the business.  I am not foolish enough to try to overturn Harald Fairhair.”

“Maybe,” said Thiodolf, “but those are his words.  I rede you get away quickly on the next tide.”

“Ay,” said Harek.  “Harald is mild of mood now, because you made no secret of what men call you.  Five years ago you would not have escaped hence at all.”

“Then,” said I, “I will go.  I think you are right.  Vemund’s son troubles Harald;” and I laughed, and added, “I have to thank you for kindly counsel, scalds, as I think.  Farewell.  Tide serves at any time now, and I will get my men and be gone.”

“That is wise,” they answered.  “Einar must find some other messenger, if he comes not himself, after you return.”

They went, and I called two or three men and sent them into the town for their comrades who were at friends’ houses and in the guest house where we were lodged, while Kolgrim made ready for instant sailing.

The next thing that I was ware of was that there was a fight on the wharf end next the town, and men were running to it.  Then I heard my own name shouted on one part, and that of Eric, the king’s young son, on the other.  So I was going to lead down twenty men to quiet the scuffle, when my people had the best of the matter, and broke through the throng, cheering, and came on to me.  The rest did not follow them, for they saw that I was coming, and the wharf was clear behind them but for three of their foes who stayed where they had fallen.

Then another man broke away from the crowd, and came running after my folk.  It was Harek the scald, with his head broken.