第97章

When King Olaf had despatched Bjorn and his followers to Gautland, he sent other people also to the Uplands, with the errand that they should have guest-quarters prepared for him, as he intended that winter (A.D.1018) to live as guest in the Uplands; for it had been the custom of former kings to make a progress in guest-quarters every third year in the Uplands.In autumn he began his progress from Sarpsborg, and went first to Vingulmark.He ordered his progress so that he came first to lodge in the neighbourhood of the forest habitations, and summoned to him all the men of the habitations who dwelt at the greatest distance from the head-habitations of the district; and he inquired particularly how it stood with their Christianity, and, where improvement was needful, he taught them the right customs.If any there were who would not renounce heathen ways, he took the matter so zealously that he drove some out of the country, mutilated others of hands or feet, or stung their eyes out; hung up some, cut down some with the sword; but let none go unpunished who would not serve God.He went thus through the whole district, sparing neither great nor small.He gave them teachers, and placed these as thickly in the country as he saw needful.In this manner he went about in that district, and had 300 deadly men-at-arms with him; and then proceeded to Raumarike.

He soon perceived that Christianity was thriving less the farther he proceeded into the interior of the country.He went forward everywhere in the same way, converting all the people to the right faith, and severely punishing all who would not listen to his word.

73.TREACHERY OF THE UPLAND KINGS.

Now when the king who at that time ruled in Raumarike heard of this, he thought it was a very bad affair; for every day came men to him, both great and small, who told him what was doing.

Therefore this king resolved to go up to Hedemark, and consult King Hrorek, who was the most eminent for understanding of the kings who at that time were in the country.Now when these kings spoke with each other, they agreed to send a message to Gudrod, the valley-king north in the Gudbrandsdal, and likewise to the king who was in Hadaland, and bid them to come to Hedemark, to meet Hrorek and the other kings there.They did not spare their travelling; for five kings met in Hedemark, at a place called Ringsaker.Ring, King Hrorek's brother, was the fifth of these kings.The kings had first a private conference together, in which he who came from Raumarike first took up the word, and told of King Olaf's proceedings, and of the disturbance he was causing both by killing and mutilating people.Some he drove out of the country, some he deprived of their offices or property if they spoke anything against him; and, besides, he was travelling over the country with a great army, not with the number of people fixed by law for a royal progress in guest-quarters.He added, that he had fled hither upon account of this disturbance, and many powerful people with him had fled from their udal properties in Raumarike."But although as yet the evil is nearest to us, it will be but a short time before ye will also be exposed to it;therefore it is best that we all consider together what resolution we shall take." When he had ended his speech, Hrorek was desired to speak; and he said, "Now is the day come that Iforetold when we had had our meeting at Hadaland, and ye were all so eager to raise Olaf over our heads; namely, that as soon as he was the supreme master of the country we would find it hard to hold him by the horns.We have but two things now to do: the one is, to go all of us to him, and let him do with us as he likes, which I think is the best thing we can do; or the other is, to rise against him before he has gone farther through the country.

Although he has 300 or 400 men, that is not too great a force for us to meet, if we are only all in movement together: but, in general, there is less success and advantage to be gained when several of equal strength are joined together, than when one alone stands at the head of his own force; therefore it is my advice, that we do not venture to try our luck against Olaf Haraldson."Thereafter each of the kings spoke according to his own mind some dissuading from going out against King Olaf, others urging it;and no determination was come to, as each had his own reasons to produce.

Then Gudrod, the valley-king, took up the word, and spoke: -- "It appears wonderful to me, that ye make such a long roundabout in coming to a resolution; and probably ye are frightened for him.

We are here five kings, and none of less high birth than Olaf.

We gave him the strength to fight with Earl Svein, and with our forces he has brought the country under his power.But if he grudges each of us the little kingdom he had before, and threatens us with tortures, or gives us ill words, then, say Ifor myself, that I will withdraw myself from the king's slavery;and I do not call him a man among you who is afraid to cut him off, if he come into your hands here up in Hedemark.And this Ican tell you, that we shall never bear our heads in safety while Olaf is in life." After this encouragement they all agreed to his determination.