Page:The Heimskringla; or, Chronicle of the Kings of Norway Vol 2.djvu/311

 KINGS OF NORWAY. 303 fager's son. Thus was Dag King Olaf 's relative, saga vii. Both Ring the father, and Dag the son, had settled themselves in Sweden, and got land to rule over. In spring, when Olaf came from the East to Sweden, he sent a message to his relation Dag, that he should join him in this expedition with all the force he could collect ; and if they gained the country of Norway again, Dag should have no smaller part of the kingdom under him than his forefathers had enjoyed. When this message came to Dag it suited his inclination well, for he had a great desire to go to Norway and get the dominion his family had ruled over. He was not slow, therefore, to reply, and promised to come. Dag was a quick- speaking, quick-resolving man, mix- ing himself up in every thing ; eager, but of little understanding. He collected a force of almost 1200 men, with which he joined King Olaf. King Olaf sent a message before him to all the inha- Chapter bited places he passed through, that the men who q^**' wished to get goods and monev, and share of booty, olaf ' s .. . journey, and the lands besides which now were in the hands of ' his enemies, should come to him, and follow him. Thereafter King Olaf led his army through forests, often over desert moors, and often over large lakes ; and they dragged, or carried the boats, from lake to lake. On the way a great many followers joined the king, partly forest settlers, partly vagabonds. The places at which he halted for the night are since called Olaf's Huts. He proceeded without any break upon his journey until he came to Jemt eland, from which he marched north over the keel or ridge of the land. The men spread themselves over the hamlets, and proceeded, much scattered, so long as no enemy was expected ; but always, when so dispersed, the North- men accompanied the king. Dag proceeded with his men on another line of march, and the Swedes on a third with their troop.