KOL’S COUNSELS.
WHILE they were lying at Hernur, Earl Rögnvald called together a meeting
of his men, and spoke of Earl Paul’s preparations, and also of the great
enmity the Orkneymen showed against himself, since they were going to
prevent him taking possession of his patrimonial inheritance, which had
been justly given him by the Kings of Norway. He made a long and
eloquent speech, the conclusion of which was that he intended to go to
the Orkneys and gain them or die there. His speech was approved of by
all, and every one promised him faithful support.
Then Kol arose and said: “We have heard from the Orkneys that all the
islanders will rise with Earl Paul against you to keep you out of your
inheritance. They are slow to lay aside the enmity which they have
conceived against you, kinsman. Now it is my counsel to seek for help
where it is likely to be had effectually, and to pray that he may permit
you to enjoy these possessions, to whom they rightly belong—namely, the
Holy Saint Magnus, your mother’s brother. It is my wish that you should
make a vow to him, that he may grant you your patrimony and his
inheritance. You should promise one thing—that if you obtain those
dominions you will build a stone minster at Kirkiuvag (Kirkwall) in the
Orkneys, more magnificent than any other in these lands, dedicating it
to your kinsman, Earl Magnus the Holy, endowing it with money, so that
it may be fitly established, and that his relics and the Bishop’s see
may be brought there.”
Every one thought this good advice, and the vow was made and confirmed.
Then they stood out to sea, and had a fair wind. They landed in
Hjaltland, and the inhabitants there, as well as the Norwegians, were
glad to see each other. The Hjaltlanders were able to tell them much
from the Orkneys, and there they stayed for some time.