ying
on a bench, and the blow was directed at both legs; but Orm seeing the
man about to kill him, drew in his feet instantly, threw them over his
head, and the blow fell on the bench, in which the axe stuck fast; and
then the blows at the Birkebein came so thick that he could scarcely
fall to the ground. It was discovered that he had dragged his entrails
after him over the floor; and this man's bravery was highly praised.
King Magnus's men followed the fugitives, and killed so many that they
were tired of it. Thorfin of Snos, and a very great number of Throndhjem
people, fell there.

43. OF THE BIRKEBEINS.

The faction which called itself the Birkebeins had gathered together in
great numbers. They were a hardy people, and the boldest of men under
arms; but wild, and going forward madly when they had a strong force.
They had few men in their faction who were good counsellors, or
accustomed to rule a country by law, or to head an army; and if there
were such men among them who had more knowledge, yet the many would
only allow of those measures which they liked, trusting always to their
numbers and courage. Of the men who escaped many were wounded, and had
lost both their clothes and their arms, and were altogether destitute
of money. Some went east to the borders, some went all the way east to
Svithjod; but the most of them went to Thelemark, where they had their
families. All took flight, as they had no hope of getting their lives
from King Magnus or Earl Erling.

44. OF KING MAGNUS ERLINGSON.

King Magnus then returned to Tunsberg, and got great renown by this
victory; for it had been an expression in the mouths of all, that Earl
Erling was the shield and support of his son and himself. But after
gaining a victory over so strong and numerous a force with fewer troops,
King Magnus was considered by all as surpassing other leaders, and that
he would become a warrior as much greater than his father, Earl Erling,
as he was younger.

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