The message at the same time informed him that King Olaf
intended coming to the north in summer against them, and they must be
at their posts to defend themselves; it also begged Eyvind to come and
visit him, the sooner the better. When this message was delivered to
Eyvind, he saw how very necessary it was to devise some counsel to avoid
falling into the king's hands. He set out, therefore, in a light vessel
with a few hands as fast as he could. When he came to Thjotta he was
received by Harek in the most friendly way, and they immediately entered
into conversation with each other behind the house. When they had spoken
together but a short time, King Olaf's men, who had secretly followed
Harek to the north, came up, and took Eyvind prisoner, and carried him
away to their ship. They did not halt on their voyage until they came
to Throndhjem, and presented themselves to King Olaf at Nidaros. Then
Eyvind was brought up to a conference with the king, who asked him to
allow himself to be baptized, like other people; but Eyvind decidedly
answered he would not. The king still, with persuasive words, urged him
to accept Christianity, and both he and the bishop used many suitable
arguments; but Eyvind would not allow himself to be moved. The king
offered him gifts and great fiefs, but Eyvind refused all. Then the king
threatened him with tortures and death, but Eyvind was steadfast. Then
the king ordered a pan of glowing coals to be placed upon Eyvind's
belly, which burst asunder. Eyvind cried, "Take away the pan, and I will
say something before I die," which also was done. The king said, "Wilt
thou now, Eyvind, believe in Christ?" "No," said Eyvind, "I can take no
baptism; for I am an evil spirit put into a man's body by the sorcery of
Fins because in no other way could my father and mother have a child."
With that died Eyvind, who had been one of the greatest sorcerers.

84. HALOGALAND MADE CHRISTIAN.

The spring after (A.D. 999) King Olaf fitted out and manned his ships,
and commanded himself his ship the Crane. He had many and smart people
with him; and when he was ready, he sailed northwards with his fleet
past Bryda, and to Halogaland. Wheresoever he came to the land, or to
the islands, he held a Thing, and told the people to accept the right
faith, and to be baptized. No man dared to say anything against it, and
the whole country he passed through was made Christian. King Olaf was
a guest in the house of Harek of T