Read TLV - 02 - The Road of the Sea Horse for Free Online

respectful words, he tried to fire them afresh. He would go to Viborg and be crowned, and then lay Denmark under him. It was his rightful inheritance from King Magnus, he told them, just as Norway was. He asked the host to aid him, and promised that hereafter and in all time to come Norsemen would be overlords of the Danes.
    No cheering sounded when he finished. Men shuffled their feet and whispered among themselves. Finally Eindridhi Einarsson mounted the rock and declared: "This is no lawful holding of yours, for before he died, the king said in front of witnesses that he left Denmark to Svein Ulfsson."
    A rush of anger made Harald feel dizzy and sick. So even on his deathbed Magnus would betray him? He mastered himself and retorted:
    "That has no law behind it, for Magnus and I shared the power. He could not give away what was not his. I fear his mind was wandering in the last moments, and again I ask you to follow me and not to throw away everything our friends have died for."
    Eindridhi stood down as Einar Thambaskelfir came heavily up to stand on the rock beside Harald. A light wind ruffled his gray hair and swirled the cloak around his big form. He spoke clearly, loud enough for all to hear:
    "I feel myself under a greater duty, to follow my foster son King Magnus to his grave, and bring him home to his father King Olaf, rather than lie out fighting in a foreign land and stealing the realm and goods of another king."
    He went on for a little, hard deep-voiced words, and Harald looked over the host and saw men nodding. Einar finished:
    "It seems me better to follow King Magnus dead than any other king living!"
    Swords were out, flashing in the sharp salt air and clanging on shields. Einar Thambaskelfir stepped down to the ground and went to Magnus's bier. He took the body in his arms and bore it out again onto the Wisent, where he paid it the last respects. His Thronds ignored Harald and started to break camp and load their ships; no few others did likewise. By evening, sitting gloomily in his tent, Harald saw them row off.
    Ulf came in and stood for a while leaning on the tent pole. "Well," he said at length, "if you wish to go to Viborg, best you pass the word to such men as have stayed with us."
    Harald sighed. He felt beaten, drained of will and strength. "We can scarce do that," he said. "I've decided it were best for me to go home too, and make sure of Norway ere trying to enlarge the realm. It hurts to give up what we've gained, but—"
    "Next year we'll settle this war," said Ulf, laying a hand on his shoulder.
    "Next year!" said Harald. "Always next year. More men to die, more homes to be burned, more treasure to be spent, and all because they cannot get together on one thing at a time. Here I sit, the only king in Norway and Denmark. I have what I wished for through thirty years, and it's naught. Would God I were back dreaming about it!"
    "We'll win yet," said Ulf. "You are not one to give up when things go ill."
    "No . . . no . . ." Harald rose. "Well, back to Norway, then. Tell the men for me. I'll go to every shire-Thing and have myself hailed; then we shall see what can be done next summer."
    "I would you didn't ever fare so wildly about," said Ulf. "Your wife has small cheer from you."
    "Or I from her," mumbled Harald. "Go now."
    Ulf left, his head drooping.
    The next day, Harald's followers embarked, and the Danish church bells pealed thanksgiving.
    As for Svein Estridhsson, he made good his escape to the Sound, where he took ship for Scania. Here he stayed a while at an estate of his mother's and was racked by doubt and self-reproach. It seemed he had brought nothing but misfortune on his people, and that it was better they yield to the Norse than fight a war they never won. He finally reached his decision: to give up his claims and go live quietly in Sweden.
    It is said that he was mounting his horse for this journey when some of his men came in haste with the news; Magnus Olafsson was fallen, and the