Page:The North Star (1904).djvu/329

Rh Olaf’s sister, Aastrid, was in command of the “Short Serpent,” while Thorkill Dyrdill, the most skilful helmsman in all Norway, was at the prow of the “Crane.” The latter ship led King Olaf’s fleet.

Messengers had been despatched by Earl Sigvalde to King Sweyn of Denmark, the husband of the revengeful Queen Sigrid, and to King Olaf of Sweden, her son, and to Earl Erik, the son of Earl Haakon, that Olaf Tryggevesson’s fleet would soon fall into their power. These three chiefs had gathered all their war-galleys behind a small island, called Svolder, which lies between the Island of Rugen and the province of Pomerania. Here for days they waited, until Sigvalde should advise them of the coming of Olaf.

Never doubting the false earl, after his proffer of friendship, King Olaf implicitly followed Sigvalde’s suggestion that a part of the king’s fleet go in advance, leaving but the “Long Serpent,” the “Short Serpent,” and the “Crane,” with about eight transports, to follow. Within her cabin, with a few attendants, Queen Thyra saw the greater part of the fleet depart, and like her husband had no intimation of what an ominous act it was. Sigvalde pointed out to the king the sure danger of navigation with so many ships in the narrow straits around Pomerania.

Forced by that fate which compels us to its own ends, Olaf hearkened to the treacherous advice, and saw the greater part of his noble fleet pass out of sight,