King Olaf built a king's house in Nidaros, and in it was a large room
for his court, with doors at both ends. The king's high-seat was in the
middle of the room; and within sat his court-bishop, Grimkel, and next
him his other priests; without them sat his counsellors; and in the
other high-seat opposite to the king sat his marshal, Bjorn, and next
to him his pursuivants. When people of importance came to him, they also
had a seat of honour. The ale was drunk by the fire-light. He divided
the service among his men after the fashion of other kings. He had in
his house sixty court-men and thirty pursuivants; and to them he gave
pay and certain regulations. He had also thirty house-servants to do
the needful work about the house, and procure what was required. He had,
besides, many slaves. At the house were many outbuildings, in which the
court-men slept. There was also a large room, in which the king held his
court-meetings.