Harald Grafeld went to Denmark in the summer (A.D. 969) with three
long-ships; and Herse Arinbjorn, from the Fjord district, commanded one
of them. King Harald sailed from Viken over to Limfjord in Jutland, and
landed at the narrow neck of land where the Danish king was expected.
Now when Gold Harald heard of this, he sailed there with nine ships
which he had fitted out before for a viking cruise. Earl Hakon had also
his war force on foot; namely, twelve large ships, all ready, with which
he proposed to make an expedition. When Gold Harald had departed Earl
Hakon says to the king, "Now I don't know if we are not sailing on an
expedition, and yet are to pay the penalty of not having joined it. Gold
Harald may kill Harald Grafeld, and get the kingdom of Norway; but you
must not think he will be true to you, although you do help him to so
much power, for he told me in winter that he would take your life if he
could find opportunity to do so. Now I will win Norway for you, and kill
Gold Harald, if you will promise me a good condition under you. I will
be your earl; swear an oath of fidelity to you, and, with your help,
conquer all Norway for you; hold the country under your rule; pay you
the scat and taxes; and you will be a greater king than your father, as
you will have two kingdoms under you." The king and the earl agreed upon
this, and Hakon set off to seek Gold Harald.