All this time Olaf Trygvason was in Gardarike (Russia), and highly
esteemed by King Valdemar, and beloved by the queen. King Valdemar made
him chief over the men-at-arms whom he sent out to defend the land. So
says Hallarsteid:--
"The hater of the niggard band,
The chief who loves the Northman's land,
Was only twelve years old when he
His Russian war-ships put to sea.
The wain that ploughs the sea was then
Loaded with war-gear by his men--
With swords, and spears, and helms: and deep
Out to the sea his good ships sweep."
Olaf had several battles, and was lucky as a leader of troops. He
himself kept a great many men-at-arms at his own expense out of the pay
the king gave him. Olaf was very generous to his men, and therefore
very popular. But then it came to pass, what so often happens when a
foreigner is raised to higher power and dignity than men of the country,
that many envied him because he was so favoured by the king, and also
not less so by the queen. They hinted to the king that he should take
care not to make Olaf too powerful,--"for such a man may be dangerous to
you, if he were to allow himself to be used for the purpose of doing you
or your kingdom harm; for he is extremely expert in all exercises and
feats, and very popular. We do not, indeed, know what it is he can have
to talk of so often with the queen." It was then the custom among great
monarchs that the queen should have half of the court attendants,
and she supported them at her own expense out of the scat and revenue
provided for her for that purpose. It was so also at the court of King
Valdemar that the queen had an attendance as large as the king, and they
vied with each other about the finest men, each wanting to have such
in their own service. It so fell out that the king listened to such
speeches, and became somewhat silent and blunt towards Olaf. When Olaf
observed this, he told it to the queen; and also that he had a great
desire to travel to the Northern land, where his family formerly had
power and kingdoms, and where it was most likely he would advance
himself. The queen wished him a prosperous journey, and said he would
be found a brave man wherever he might be. Olaf then made ready, went on
board, and set out to sea in the Baltic.
As he was coming from the east he made the island of Borgundarholm
(Bornholm), where he landed and plundered. The country people hastened
down to the strand, and gave him battle; but Olaf gained the victory,
and a large booty.