We had, indeed, no difficulty about the terms, but we had not clasped hands over them, as I was going back to his tent after the council was over.

At the council the expedition against France was discussed, and it was proposed that we should consult the gods as to the chances of the adventure.

Then the Jarl Eric rose and proposed that it should be done in the usual way by a conflict between a Dane and a captive.

This was of course agreed to.
"He then said that he understood that there was in the camp a young Saxon of distinguished valour, and that he proposed that Sweyn, the son of Bijorn, should fight with him.

Sweyn had expressed to him his willingness to do so should the council agree.