The families and their retinues began to arrive just days after Erik"s departure. They came at the behest of Jarl Tore, who had spread the word of Hakon"s victory through the western fylker and invited men to feast the Midsummer solstice with their new king. By foot and on horseback, in fishing boats and warships, they arrived, some from as far south as Agder and others from as far north as the Trondelag. Jarl Tore the Silent came with them, looking far more fit than he had the last time Hakon had seen him.
“Egil has been sneaking sips of the feast mead, by the looks of him.” It was Ottar who said this. He sat with Didrik and Hakon on the path leading up to Hakon"s hall, watching the newcomers arrive. Down on the beach, Egil worked his way through the crowd, exchanging hearty hugs and lau
