Part 125 - Of Skjalg, The Son Of Erling Skjalgson

Skjalg Erlingson stood up, went before the king, and said,

"Now may it go, as it often does, that every case will admit of alleviation. I will pay thee the mulct for the bloodshed on account of this man, so that he may retain life and limbs.

All the rest determine and do, king, according to thy pleasure."

The king replies,

"Is it not a matter of death, Skjalg, that a man break the Easter peace; and in the next place that he kills a man in the king's lodging; and in the third that he makes my feet his execution-block, although that may appear a small matter to thee and thy father?"

Skjalg replies,

"It is ill done, king, in as far as it displeases thee; but the deed is, otherwise, done excellently well.

But if the deed appear to thee so important, and be so contrary to thy will, yet may I expect something for my services from thee; and certainly there are many who will say that thou didst well."

The king replies,

"Although thou hast made me greatly indebted to thee, Skjalg, for thy services, yet I will not for thy sake break the law, or cast away my own dignity."

Then Skjalg turned round, and went out of the hall. Twelve men who had come with Skjalg all followed him, and many others went out with him.

Skjalg said to Thorarin Nefiulfson,

"If thou wilt have me for a friend, take care that this man be not killed before Sunday."

Thereupon Skjalg and his men set off, took a rowing boat which he had, and rowed south as fast as they could, and came to Jadar with the first glimpse of morning. They went up instantly to the house, and to the loft in which Erling slept.

Skjalg rushed so hard against the door that it burst asunder at the nails. Erling and the others who were within started up. He was in one spring upon his legs, grasped his shield and sword, and rushed to the door, demanding who was there. Skjalg named himself, and begs him to open the door.

Erling replies,

"It was most likely to be thee who hast behaved so foolishly; or is there any one who is pursuing thee?"

Thereupon the door was unlocked.

Then said Skjalg,

"Although it appears to thee that I am so hasty, I suppose our relation Asbjorn will not think my proceedings too quick; for he sits in chains there in the north at Augvaldsnes, and it would be but manly to hasten back and stand by him."

The father and son then had a conversation together, and Skjalg related the whole circumstances of Thorer Sel's murder.