Earl Ragnvald came towards evening one day to the house of Lagman
Thorgny. It was a great and stately mansion, and many people stood
outside, who received the earl kindly, and took care of the horses
and baggage. The earl went into the room, where there was a number of
people. In the high-seat sat an old man; and never had Bjorn or his
companions seen a man so stout. His beard was so long that it lay upon
his knee, and was spread over his whole breast; and the man, moreover,
was handsome and stately in appearance. The earl went forward and
saluted him. Thorgny received him joyfully and kindly, and bade him go
to the seat he was accustomed to take. The earl seated himself on the
other side, opposite Thorgny. They remained there some days before the
earl disclosed his errand, and then he asked Thorgny to go with him into
the conversing room. Bjorn and his followers went there with the earl.
Then the earl began, and told how Olaf king of Norway had sent these men
hither to conclude a peaceful agreement. He showed at great length what
injury it was of to the West Gautland people, that there was hostility
between their country and Norway. He further related that Olaf the king
of Norway had sent ambassadors, who were here present, and to whom he
had promised he would attend them to the Swedish king; but he added,
"The Swedish king takes the matter so grievously, that he has uttered
menaces against those who entertain it. Now so it is, my foster-father,
that I do not trust to myself in this matter; but am come on a visit to
thee to get good counsel and help from thee in the matter."
Now when the earl had done speaking Thorgny sat silent for a while,
and then took up the word. "Ye have curious dispositions who are so
ambitious of honour and renown, and yet have no prudence or counsel in
you when you get into any mischief. Why did you not consider, before
you gave your promise to this adventure, that you had no power to stand
against King Olaf? In my opinion it is not a less honourable condition
to be in the number of bondes and have one's words free, and be able
to say what one will, even if the king be present. But I must go to the
Upsala Thing, and give thee such help that without fear thou canst speak
before the king what thou findest good."
The earl thanked him for the promise, remained with Thorgny, and rode
with him to the Upsala Thing. There was a great assemblage of people at
the Thing, and King Olaf was there with his court.