While the affair was being talked about Thorsteinn Dromund remained
with the Varangians, where he was held in such high estimation that his
prowess was considered to be beyond that of nearly every man who had
come to them. Especially Harald the son of Sigurd did him honour, and
claimed kinship with him; it was supposed to have been by his advice
that Thorsteinn had acted.
Soon after Sigurd was driven from the country Thorsteinn proposed
marriage to Spes; she was quite agreeable, but referred it to her
kinsmen. There were family meetings and all agreed that she herself
ought to decide. Matters were settled between them; their union was most
prosperous and they had plenty of money. Thorsteinn was considered lucky
to have got out of his difficulties in such a way. After they had lived
together for two years in Constantinople, Thorsteinn told her that he
would like to visit his property once more in Norway. She said he should
do as he pleased, and he then sold his property so as to have some ready
money. They left the country with a good company of followers and sailed
all the way to Norway. Thorsteinn's kinsmen welcomed them both, and
soon saw that Spes was both generous and noble; accordingly she quickly
became very popular. They had three children, and remained on their
property very well contented with their condition.
The king of Norway was at that time Magnus the Good. Thorsteinn soon
went to meet him, and was well received because of the fame which he had
earned through having avenged Grettir the Strong. Scarcely an example
was known of a man from Iceland having been avenged in Constantinople,
excepting Grettir the son of Asmund. It is said that Thorsteinn entered
his bodyguard. Thorsteinn remained nine years in Norway, both he and
his wife being in high honour. After that King Harald the son of Sigurd
returned from Constantinople, and King Magnus gave him the half of
Norway. Both kings were together in Norway for a time. After Magnus's
death some who had been his friends were less contented, for he was
beloved of all, but Harald was not easy to get on with, since he was
hard and severe. Thorsteinn Dromund then began to grow old, but was
still very vigorous. Sixteen winters had now passed since the death of
Grettir.