The same spring (A.D. 1024) the king gave into the hands of Asmund
Grankelson the half of the sheriffdom of the district of Halogaland,
which Harek of Thjotta had formerly held, partly in fief, partly for
defraying the king's entertainment in guest-quarters. Asmund had a ship
manned with nearly thirty well-armed men. When Asmund came north he
met Harek, and told him what the king had determined with regard to
the district, and produced to him the tokens of the king's full powers.
Harek said, "The king had the right to give the sheriffdom to whom he
pleased; but the former sovereigns had not been in use to diminish our
rights who are entitled by birth to hold powers from the king, and to
give them into the hands of the peasants who never before held such
offices." But although it was evident that it was against Harek's
inclination, he allowed Asmund to take the sheriffdom according to the
king's order. Then Asmund proceeded home to his father, stayed there a
short time, and then went north to Halogaland to his sheriffdom; and
he came north to Langey Island, where there dwelt two brothers called
Gunstein and Karle, both very rich and respectable men. Gunstein, the
eldest of the brothers, was a good husbandman. Karle was a handsome
man in appearance, and splendid in his dress; and both were, in many
respects, expert in all feats. Asmund was well received by them,
remained with them a while, and collected such revenues of his
sheriffdom as he could get. Karle spoke with Asmund of his wish to go
south with him and take service in the court of King Olaf, to which
Asmund encouraged him much, promising his influence with the king
for obtaining for Karle such a situation as he desired; and Karle
accordingly accompanied Asmund. Asmund heard that Asbjorn, who had
killed Thorer Sel, had gone to the market-meeting of Vagar with a
large ship of burden manned with nearly twenty men, and that he was now
expected from the south. Asmund and his retinue proceeded on their way
southwards along the coast with a contrary wind, but there was little of
it. They saw some of the fleet for Vagar sailing towards them; and they
privately inquired of them about Asbjorn, and were told he was upon
the way coming from the south. Asmund and Karle were bedfellows, and
excellent friends. One day, as Asmund and his people were rowing through
a sound, a ship of burden came sailing towards them. The ship was easily
known, having high bulwarks, was painted with white and red colours, and
coloured cloth was woven in the sail. Karle said to Asmund, "Thou hast
often said thou wast curious to see Asbjorn who killed Thorer Sel; and
if I know one ship from another, that is his which is coming sailing
along."
Asmund replies, "Be so good, comrade, and tell me which is he when thou
seest him."
When the ships came alongside of each other, "That is Asbjorn," said
Karle; "the man sitting at the helm in a blue cloak."
Asmund replies, "I shall make his blue cloak red;" threw a spear at
Asbjorn, and hit him in the middle of the body, so that it flew through
and through him, and stuck fast in the upper part of the stern-post;
and Asbjorn fell down dead from the helm. Then each vessel sailed on its
course, and Asbjorn's body was carried north to Thrandarnes. Then Sigrid
sent a message to Bjarkey Isle to Thorer Hund, who came to her while
they were, in the usual way, dressing the corpse of Asbjorn. When he
returned Sigrid gave presents to all her friends, and followed Thorer
to his ship; but before they parted she said, "It has so fallen out,
Thorer, that my son has suffered by thy friendly counsel, but he did not
retain life to reward thee for it; but although I have not his ability
yet will I show my good will. Here is a gift I give thee, which I expect
thou wilt use. Here is the spear which went through Asbjorn my son, and
there is still blood upon it, to remind thee that it fits the wound
thou hast seen on the corpse of thy brother's son Asbjorn. It would be
a manly deed, if thou shouldst throw this spear from thy hand so that
it stood in Olaf's breast; and this I can tell thee, that thou wilt be
named coward in every man's mouth, if thou dost not avenge Asbjorn."
Thereupon she turned about, and went her way.
Thorer was so enraged at her words that he could not speak. He neither
thought of casting the spear from him, nor took notice of the gangway;
so that he would have fallen into the sea, if his men had not laid hold
of him as he was going on board his ship. It was a feathered spear; not
large, but the handle was gold-mounted. Now Thorer rowed away with his
people, and went home to Bjarkey Isle. Asmund and his companions also
proceeded on their way until they came south to Throndhjem, where
they waited on King Olaf; and Asmund related to the king all that had
happened on the voyage. Karle became one of the king's court-men, and
the friendship continued between him and Asmund. They did not keep
secret the words that had passed between Asmund and Karle before Asbjorn
was killed; for they even told them to the king. But then it happened,
according to the proverb, that every one has a friend in the midst of
his enemies. There were some present who took notice of the words, and
they reached Thorer Hund's ears.