King Magnus had a lenderman called Nikolas Kufung, who was a son of Pal
Skaptason. He took Harald prisoner, who called himself a son of King
Sigurd Haraldson and the princess Kristin, and a brother of King Magnus
by the mother's side. Nikolas brought Harald to Bergen, and delivered
him into Earl Erling's hands. It was Erling's custom when his enemies
came before him, that he either said nothing to them, or very little,
and that in all gentleness, when he had determined to put them to death;
or rose with furious words against them, when he intended to spare their
lives. Erling spoke but little to Harald, and many, therefore, suspected
his intentions; and some begged King Magnus to put in a good word
for Harald with the earl; and the king did so. The earl replies, "Thy
friends advise thee badly. Thou wouldst govern this kingdom but a short
time in peace and safety, if thou wert to follow the counsels of the
heart only." Earl Erling ordered Harald to be taken to Nordnes, where he
was beheaded.