Hakon rose early the following morning and ventured outside to check the weather. The summer sun was climbing to the southeast, revealing a pink- and blue-streaked sky partially veiled by thin wisps of cloud. A light breeze blew from the north.
Several thralls carried water buckets into the hall for the chieftains who would soon be rising. Others carried provisions, ropes, and barrels to the ships. The smell of baking bread carried on the air from the kitchen. Hakon moved to the nearest sentry and ordered him to blow his horn. It was time to wake the men and prepare to leave.
As the men rolled from their furs, Hakon went in search of Sigurd. He found him in one of the guest huts, rinsing his face in a water bucket. Sigurd blew his nose into the water and then turned his attention to Hako
