Fin Arnason dwelt at Austrat in Yrjar, and was King Harald's lenderman
there. Fin was married to Bergliot, a daughter of Halfdan, who was a son
of Sigurd Syr, and brother of Olaf the Saint and of King Harald. Thora,
King Harald's wife, was Fin Arnason's brother's daughter: and Fin and
all his brothers were the king's dearest friends. Fin Arnason had been
for some summers on a viking cruise in the West sea; and Fin, Guthorm
Gunhildson and Hakon Ivarson had all been together on that cruise. King
Harald now proceeded out of Throndhjem fjord to Austrat, where he was
well received. Afterwards the king and Fin conversed with each other
about this new event of Einar's and his son's death, and of the
murmuring and threatening which the bondes made against the king.
Fin took up the conversation briskly, and said, "Thou art managing ill
in two ways: first, in doing all manner of mischief; and next, in being
so afraid that thou knowest not what to do."
The king replied, laughing, "I will send thee, friend, into the town to
bring about a reconciliation with the bondes; and if that will not do,
thou must go to the Uplands and bring matters to such an understanding
with Hakon Ivarson that he shall not be my opponent."
Fin replies, "And how wilt thou reward me if I undertake this dangerous
errand; for both the people of Throndhjem and the people of Upland
are so great enemies to thee that it would not be safe for any of thy
messengers to come among them, unless he were one who would be spared
for his own sake?"
The king replies, "Go thou on this embassy, for I know thou wilt succeed
in it if any man can, and bring about a reconciliation; and then choose
whatever favour from us thou wilt."
Fin says, "Hold thou thy word, king, and I will choose my petition.
I will desire to have peace and safe residence in the country for my
brother Kalf, and all his estates restored; and also that he receive all
the dignity and power he had when he left the country."
The king assented to all that Fin laid down, and it was confirmed by
witnesses and shake of hand.
Then said Fin, "What shall I offer Hakon, who rules most among
his relations in the land, to induce him to agree to a treaty and
reconciliation with thee?"
The king replies, "Thou shalt first hear what Hakon on his part requires
for making an agreement; then promote my interest as thou art best able;
and deny him nothing in the end short of the kingdom."
Then King Harald proceeded southwards to More, and drew together men in
considerable numbers.