The same winter (A.D. 1165) some Danish people came by land through the
Uplands, saying they were to go, as was then the general practice, to
the holy King Olaf's festival. But when they came to the Throndhjem
country, they went to many men of influence, and told their business;
which was, that the Danish king had sent them to desire their
friendship, and consent, if he came to the country, promising them both
power and money. With this verbal message came also the Danish king's
letter and seal, and a message to the Throndhjem people that they should
send back their letters and seals to him. They did so, and the most of
them received well the Danish king's message; whereupon the messengers
returned back towards Lent. Erling was in Bergen; and towards spring
Erling's friends told him the loose reports they had heard by some
merchant vessels that had arrived from Throndhjem, that the Throndhjem
people were in hostility openly against him; and had declared that if
Erling came to Throndhjem, he should never pass Agdanes in life. Erling
said this was mere folly and idle talk. Erling now made it known that
he would go to Unarheim to the Gangdag-thing; and ordered a cutter of
twenty rowing benches to be fitted out, a boat of fifteen benches, and
a provision-ship. When the vessels were ready, there came a strong
southerly gale. On the Thursday of the Ascension week, Erling called his
people by sound of trumpet to their departure; but the men were loath
to leave the town, and were ill inclined to row against the wind. Erling
brought his vessels to Biskupshafn. "Well," said Erling, "since ye are
so unwilling to row against the wind, raise the mast, hoist the sails,
and let the ship go north." They did so, and sailed northwards both day
and night. On Wednesday, in the evening, they sailed in past Agdanes,
where they found a fleet assembled of many merchant vessels, rowing
craft, and boats, all going towards the town to the celebration of the
festival,--some before them, some behind them--so that the townspeople
paid no attention to the long-ships coming.