And if the blessings and prayers of the hermits availed aught, he would do well.
Now, we had to gather men for this warfare that might be to come.
There were Norsemen in the Scottish islands everywhere who would join him, for thither had fled many who were not friendly with Eric, and the Orkney and Shetland Islands held more still.

So we sailed up the narrow seas among the isles, finding here one man, and here a dozen, until the ships were fully manned, and that with such a force as any leader might go far with, for the men served, not for pay alone, but also for hope in Hakon, and to regain their old homes in the old land.

Moreover, two chiefs joined him with their ships and crews in Hebrides, and there we heard news of Eric, and how that men hated him, and would rise for Hakon everywhere when once they knew that he was in the land.
So that was a long voyage and pleasant to me, nor did I seem to care how long it lasted.

Maybe the reason for that is not far to seek, for I could not tell what more I might see of Gerda when it ended.

For I knew only too well that I had naught to offer her, being but a landless man, with nothing but my sword for heritage.
And as the days passed, it seemed to me that in some way Gerda kept herself afar from me, being more ready to speak with Hakon and Bertric than myself, though again at times she was as ever with myself in all ways.
Now I did not altogether wonder at this, and made the best thereof, being minded to pass from her ken with Hakon when the time came.