Word spread of my return. Soon men came from the outlying villages, some of whom I recognised as companions to Olaf. They presented themselves to me and I was in awe of them, how they went down on bended knee and called me jarl. I was my father"s son, older than my fifteen years, and despite the many uncertainties assailing me, their trust brought me great resolve.
As the months past, men, far wiser than me, came to offer advice and encouragement. I listened to them all, eager to learn the extent of the unrest throughout the land. Many continued to be loyal to Olaf, but many more had turned from him, through either fear or bribery, and given fealty to Cnut. His shadow, reaching everywhere, spread a shroud of fear and uncertainty over everything and everyone. And another name, one spoken w
