Soon after they saw the sails of Erling's fleet, and both fleets came in
sight of each other. Eindride Unge had a ship called Draglaun, which was
a large buss-like long-ship, but which had but a small crew; for
those who belonged to her had run on board of other ships, and she was
therefore the hindmost of Hakon's fleet. When Eindride came abreast of
the island Sek, the Baekisudin, which Erling Skakke himself commanded,
came up with her; and these two ships were bound fast together. King
Hakon and his followers had arrived close to Veey; but when they heard
the war-horn they turned again to assist Eindride. Now they began the
battle on both sides, as the vessels came up. Many of the sails lay
midships across the vessels; and the ships were not made fast to each
other, but they lay side by side. The conflict was not long before
there came disorder in Hakon's ship; and some fell, and others sprang
overboard. Hakon threw over him a grey cloak, and jumped on board
another ship; but when he had been there a short time he thought he had
got among his enemies; and when he looked about him he saw none of his
men nor of his ships near him. Then he went into the Baekisudin to the
forecastle-men, and begged his life. They took him in their keeping, and
gave him quarter. In this conflict there was a great loss of people,
but principally of Hakon's men. In the Baekisudin fell Nikolas,
Simon Skalp's son; and Erling's men are accused of having killed him
themselves. Then there was a pause in the battle, and the vessels
separated. It was now told to Erling that Hakon was on board of his
ship; that the forecastle-men had taken him, and threatened that they
would defend him with arms. Erling sent men forwards in the ship to
bring the forecastle-men his orders to guard Hakon well, so that he
should not get away. He at the same time let it be understood that he
had no objection to giving the king life and safety, if the other chiefs
were willing, and a peace could be established. All the forecastle-men
gave their chief great credit and honour for these words. Then Erling
ordered anew a blast of the war-horns, and that the ships should be
attacked which had not lost their men; saying that they would never
have such another opportunity of avenging King Inge. Thereupon they all
raised a war-shout, encouraged each other, and rushed to the assault.
In this tumult King Hakon received his death-wound. When his men knew he
had fallen they rowed with all their might against the enemy, threw away
their shields, slashed with both hands, and cared not for life. This
heat and recklessness, however, proved soon a great loss to them; for
Erling's men saw the unprotected parts of their bodies, and where their
blows would have effect. The greater part of Hakon's men who remained
fell here; and it was principally owing to the want of numbers, as they
were not enough to defend themselves. They could not get quarter, also
excepting those whom the chiefs took under their protection and bound
themselves to pay ransom for. The following of Hakon's people fell:
Sigurd Kapa, Sigurd Hiupa, and Ragnvald Kunta; but some ships crews got
away, rowed into the fjords, and thus saved their lives. Hakon's body
was carried to Raumsdal, and buried there; but afterwards his brother,
King Sverre, had the body transported north to the merchant town
Nidaros, and laid in the stone wall of Christ church south of the choir.