Page:The Heimskringla; or, Chronicle of the Kings of Norway Vol 2.djvu/193

 KINGS OF NORWAY. Asbiorn. When he returned Sigrid gave presents to all her friends, and followed Thorer to his ship ; but before they parted she said, " It has so fallen out, Thorer, that my son has suffered by thy friendly counsel, but he did not retain life to reward thee for it ; but although I have not his ability, yet will I show my good will. Here is a gift I give thee, which I expect thou wilt use. Here is the spear which went through Asbiorn my son, and there is still blood upon it, to remind thee that it fits the wound thou hast seen on the corpse of thy brother's son Asbiorn. It would be a manly deed, if thou shouldst throw this spear from thy hand so that it stood in Olaf 's breast ; and this I can tell thee, that thou wilt be named coward in every man's mouth, if thou dost not avenge Asbiorn." Thereupon she turned about, and went her way. Thorer was so enraged at her words that he could not speak. He neither thought of casting the spear from him, nor took notice of the gangway ; so that he would have fallen into the sea, if his men had not laid hold of him as he was going on board his ship. It was a feathered spear ; not large, but the handle was gold- mounted. Now Thorer rowed away with his people, and went home to Biarko Isle. Aasmund and his companions also proceeded on their way until they came south to Drontheim, where they waited on King Olaf; and Aasmund related to the king all that had happened on the voyage. Carl became one of the king's court-men, and the friendship continued between him and Aasmund. They did not keep secret the words that had passed between Aasmund and Carl before Asbiorn was killed ; for they even told them to the king. But then it happened, according to the proverb, that every one has a friend in the midst of his enemies. There were some present who 185 SAGA VII.