ther man, and so engaging that
every child loved him; he was light of heart, and free with his money.
Olaf loved Kjartan best of all his children. Bolli, his
foster-brother, was a great man, he came next to Kjartan in all deeds
of strength and prowess; he was strong, and fair of face and
courteous, and most warrior-like, and a great dandy. The
foster-brothers were very fond of each other. Olaf now remained
quietly in his home, and for a good many years.

CHAP. XXIX

Olaf's Second Journey to Norway, A.D. 975

[Sidenote: Olaf's meeting with Giermund] It is told how one spring
Olaf broke the news to Thorgerd that he wished to go out
voyaging--"And I wish you to look after our household and children."
Thorgerd said she did not much care about doing that; but Olaf said he
would have his way. He bought a ship that stood up in the West, at
Vadill. Olaf started during the summer, and brought his ship to
Hordaland. There, a short way inland, lived a man whose name was
Giermund Roar, a mighty man and wealthy, and a great Viking; he was an
evil man to deal with, but had now settled down in quiet at home, and
was of the bodyguard of Earl Hakon. The mighty Giermund went down to
his ship and soon recognised Olaf, for he had heard him spoken of
before. Giermund bade Olaf come and stay with him, with as many of his
men as he liked to bring. Olaf accepted his invitation, and went
there with seven men. The crew of Olaf went into lodgings about
Hordaland. Giermund entertained Olaf well. His house was a lofty one,
and there were many men there, and plenty of amusement all the winter.
[Sidenote: Hakon Earl gives Olaf timber] And towards the end of the
winter Olaf told Giermund the reason of his voyage, which was that he
wished to get for himself some house-timber, and said he set great
store by obtaining timber of a choice kind. Giermund said, "Earl Hakon
has the best of woods, and I know quite well if you went to see him
you would be made welcome to them, for the Earl receives well, men who
are not half so well-bred as you, Olaf, when they go to see him." In
the spring Olaf got ready to go and find Hakon Earl; and the Earl gave
him exceeding good welcome, and bade Olaf stay with him as long as he
liked. Olaf told the Earl the reason of his journey, "And I beg this
of you, sir, that you give us permission to cut wood for
house-building from your forests." The Earl answered, "You are welcome
to load your ship with timber, and I w