There was a man called Asmund, who is said to have been King Svein's
sister's son, and his foster-son. This Asmund was distinguished among
all by his boldness and was much disliked by the king. When Asmund came
to years, and to age of discretion, he became an ungovernable person
given to murder and manslaughter. The king was ill pleased at this,
and sent him away, giving him a good fief, which might keep him and his
followers well. As soon as Asmund had got this property from the king he
drew together a large troop of people; and as the estate he had got from
the king was not sufficient for his expenses he took as his own much
more which belonged to the king. When the king heard this he summoned
Asmund to him, and when they met the king said that Asmund should remain
with the court without keeping any retinue of his own; and this took
place as the king desired. But when Asmund had been a little time in
the king's court he grew weary of being there, and escaped in the night,
returned to his former companions and did more mischief than ever.
Now when the king was riding through the country he came to the
neighbourhood where Asmund was, and he sent out men-at-arms to seize
him. The king then had him laid in irons, and kept him so for some time
in hope he would reform; but no sooner did Asmund get rid of his chains
than he absconded again, gathered together people and men-at-arms and
betook himself to plunder, both abroad and at home. Thus he made great
forays, killing and plundering all around. When the people who suffered
under these disturbances came to the king and complained to him of their
losses, he replied, "Why do ye tell me of this? Why don't you go to
Hakon Ivarson, who is my officer for the land-defence, placed on purpose
to keep the peace for you peasants, and to hold the vikings in check?
I was told that Hakon was a gallant and brave man, but I think he is
rather shy when any danger of life is in the way." These words of the
king were brought to Hakon, with many additions. Then Hakon went with
his men in search of Asmund, and when their ships met Hakon gave battle
immediately--and the conflict was sharp, and many men were killed. Hakon
boarded Asmund's ship and cut down the men before his feet. At last he
and Asmund met and exchanged blows until Asmund fell. Hakon cut off his
head, went in all haste to King Svein and found him just sitting down
to the dinner-table. Hakon presented himself before the table, laid
Asmund's head upon the table before the king, and asked if he knew it.
The king made no reply, but became as red as blood in the face. Soon
after the king sent him a message, ordering him to leave his service
immediately. "Tell him I will do him no harm; but I cannot keep watch
over all our relations." (1)
ENDNOTES: (1) This incident shows how strong, in those ages, was the tie
of relationship, and the point of honour of avenging its
injuries--the clanship spirit.--L.