Page:The Heimskringla; or, Chronicle of the Kings of Norway Vol 2.djvu/233

 KINGS OF NORWAY. 225 The king replies, " I believe that Thorer must be saga vrr. our enemy, and it appears to me always better to have him at a distance than near." Aasmund Grankelsson had been this winter in Chapter CL Halogaland in his sheriffdom, and was at home with Dispute his father Grankel. There lies a rock out in the sea, ^^k and on which there is both seal and bird catching, and a Asmund tishing ground, and egg-gathering ; and from old son ^ n times it had been an appendage to the farm which Grankel owned, but now Harek of Thiotto laid claim to it. It had gone so far, that some years he had taken by force all the gain of this rock ; but Aasmund and his father thought that they might expect the king's help in all cases in which the right was upon their side. Both father and son went therefore in spring to Harek, and brought him a message and tokens from King Olaf that he should drop his claim. Harek answered Aasmund crossly, because he had gone to the king with such insinuations — " for the just right is upon my side. Thou shouldst learn moderation, Aasmund, although thou hast so much confidence in the king's favour. It has succeeded with thee to kill some chiefs, and leave their slaughter unpaid for by any mulct ; and also to plunder us, although we thought ourselves at least equal to all of equal birth, and thou art far from being my equal in family." Aasmund replies, " Many have experienced from thee, Harek, that thou art of great connections, and too great power ; and many in consequence have suffered loss in their property through thee. But it is likely that now thou must turn thyself elsewhere, and not against us with thy violence, and not go altogether against law, as thou art now doing." Then they separated. Harek sent ten or twelve of his house-servants with a large rowing boat, with which they rowed to VOL. II. Q