Erling the Bold | Page 7

tamely to submit to the tyranny of Harald
Haarfager, or Fairhair, King of Norway by hereditary right, when he
cast aside all the restraints of ancient custom, and, in his effort to obtain
more power, commenced those bloody wars with his subjects, which
had the effect of causing many of his chief men to expatriate
themselves and seek new homes in the islands of the great western sea,
and which ultimately resulted in the subjugation (at least during that
reign) of all the petty kings of Norway. These small kings, be it
observed, were not at that time exercising any illegal power, or in the
occupation of any unwarrantable position, which could be pleaded by
King Harald in justification of his violent proceedings against them.
The title of king did not imply independent sovereignty. They were
merely the hereditary lords of the soil, who exercised independent and
rightful authority over their own estates and households, and modified
authority over their respective districts, subject, however, to the laws of
the land--laws which were recognised and perfectly understood by the
people and the king, and which were admitted by people and king alike

to have more authority than the royal will itself. By law the small kings
were bound to attend the meetings of the Stor Things or Parliaments, at
the summons of the sovereign, and to abide by the decisions of those
assemblies, where all men met on an equal footing, but where, of
course, intellectual power and eloquence led the multitude, for good or
for evil, then just as they do now, and will continue to do as long as,
and wherever, free discussion shall obtain. To say that the possession
of power, wealth, or influence was frequently abused to the overawing
and coercing of those assemblies, is simply to state that they were
composed of human beings possessed of fallen natures.
So thoroughly did the Northmen appreciate the importance of having a
right to raise their voices and to vote in the national parliaments, and so
jealously did they assert and maintain their privileges, that the King
himself--before he could, on his accession, assume the crown--was
obliged to appear at the "Thing", where a freeborn landholder proposed
him, and where his title to the crown was investigated and proved in
due form. No war expedition on a large scale could be undertaken until
a Thing had been converged, and requisition legally made by the King
for a supply of men and arms; and, generally, whenever any act
affecting national or even district interests was contemplated, it was
necessary to assemble a Thing, and consult with the people before
anything could be done.
It may be easily understood, then, with what an outburst of indignation
a free and warlike race beheld the violent course pursued by Harald
Fairhair, who roamed through the country with fire and sword,
trampling on their cherished laws and privileges, subduing the petty
kings, and placing them, when submissive, as Jarls, i.e. earls or
governors over the districts to collect the scatt or taxes, and manage
affairs in his name and for his behoof.
It is no wonder that Erling the Bold gathered his brow into an ominous
frown, pressed his lips together, tossed his locks impatiently while he
thought on these things and battered the iron mass on his anvil with the
amount of energy that he would have expended in belabouring the head
of King Harald himself, had opportunity offered.

Erling's wrath cooled, however, almost instantly on his observing
Hilda's retreat before the fiery shower. He flung down his hammer,
seized his battle-axe, and throwing it on his shoulder as he hurried out,
speedily overtook her.
"Forgive my rude manners," he said. "My soul was chafed by the
thoughts that filled my brain, and I scare knew what I did."
"Truly, thou man of fire," replied the girl, with an offended look, "I am
of half a mind not to pardon thee. See, my kirtle is destroyed by the
shower thou didst bestow upon me so freely."
"I will repay thee that with such a kirtle as might grace a queen the next
time I go on viking cruise."
"Meantime," said Hilda, "I am to go about like a witch plucked
somewhat hastily from the fire by a sympathising crone."
"Nay; Herfrida will make thee a new kirtle of the best wool at
Haldorstede."
"So thy mother, it seems, is to work and slave in order to undo thy
mischief?"
"Then, if nothing else will content thee," said Erling gaily, "I will make
thee one myself; but it must be of leather, for I profess not to know how
to stitch more delicate substance. But let me carry thy pitcher, Hilda. I
will go to Ulfstede to hold converse with thy father on these matters,
for