It happened one good-weather day in spring (A.D. 999) that Harek was
at home in his house with only few people, and time hung heavy on his
hands. Sigurd asked him if he would row a little for amusement. Harek
was willing; and they went to the shore, and drew down a six-oared
skiff; and Sigurd took the mast and rigging belonging to the boat out of
the boat-house, for they often used to sail when they went for amusement
on the water. Harek went out into the boat to hang the rudder. The
brothers Sigurd and Hauk, who were very strong men, were fully armed, as
they were used to go about at home among the peasants. Before they went
out to the boat they threw into her some butter-kits and a bread-chest,
and carried between them a great keg of ale. When they had rowed a
short way from the island the brothers hoisted the sail, while Harek was
seated at the helm; and they sailed away from the island. Then the two
brothers went aft to where Harek the bonde was sitting; and Sigurd says
to him, "Now thou must choose one of these conditions,--first, that we
brothers direct this voyage; or, if not, that we bind thee fast and take
the command; or, third, that we kill thee." Harek saw how matters stood
with him. As a single man, he was not better than one of those brothers,
even if he had been as well armed; so it appeared to him wisest to let
them determine the course to steer, and bound himself by oath to abide
by this condition. On this Sigurd took the helm, and steered south
along the land, the brothers taking particular care that they did not
encounter people. The wind was very favourable; and they held on sailing
along until they came south to Throndhjem and to Nidaros, where they
found the king. Then the king called Harek to him, and in a conference
desired him to be baptized. Harek made objections; and although the king
and Harek talked over it many times, sometimes in the presence of other
people, and sometimes alone, they could not agree upon it. At last the
king says to Harek, "Now thou mayst return home, and I will do thee no
injury; partly because we are related together, and partly that thou
mayst not have it to say that I caught thee by a trick: but know
for certain that I intend to come north next summer to visit you
Halogalanders, and ye shall then see if I am not able to punish those
who reject Christianity." Harek was well pleased to get away as fast
as he could. King Olaf gave Harek a good boat of ten or twelve pair of
oars, and let it be fitted out with the best of everything needful;
and besides he gave Harek thirty men, all lads of mettle, and well
appointed.