Earl Sigurd had a brother called Grjotgard, who was much younger, and
much less respected; in fact, was held in no title of honour. He had
many people, however, about him, and in summer went on viking cruises,
and gathered to himself property. Now King Harald sent messengers to
Throndhjem with offers of friendship, and with presents. The messengers
declared that King Harald was willing to be on the same friendly terms
with the earl that King Hakon had been; adding, that they wished the
earl to come to King Harald, that their friendship might be put on a
firm footing. The Earl Sigurd received well the king's messengers and
friendly message, but said that on account of his many affairs he could
not come to the king. He sent many friendly gifts, and many glad and
grateful words to the king, in return for his friendship. With this
reply the messengers set off, and went to Grjotgard, for whom they had
the same message, and brought him good presents, and offered him King
Harald's friendship, and invited him to visit the king. Grjotgard
promised to come and at the appointed time he paid a visit to King
Harald and Gunhild, and was received in the most friendly manner. They
treated him on the most intimate footing, so that Grjotgard had
access to their private consultations and secret councils. At last the
conversation, by an understanding between the king and queen, was turned
upon Earl Sigurd; and they spoke to Grjotgard about the earl having kept
him so long in obscurity, and asked him if he would not join the king's
brothers in an attack on the earl. If he would join with them, the
king promised Grjotgard that he should be his earl, and have the same
government that Sigurd had. It came so far that a secret agreement was
made between them, that Grjotgard should spy out the most favourable
opportunity of attacking by surprise Earl Sigurd, and should give King
Harald notice of it. After this agreement Grjotgard returned home with
many good presents from the king.