Leif went and exercised his arm-muscles by cutting logs for the fire. Ah! So he intended to split Haersten's head. But Haersten still kept them waiting. It was not according to Leif's mind to go and wait for an attack, which did not come. Had he had sufficient hope that Ingolf would go with him on a journey to Gaulum he would have proposed it. In his leisure time Leif imagined for himself an attack on Atle Jarl and his sons, picturing it down to the minutest details. He would himself strike down Haersten and Atle Jarl. But he would prefer to let Haasten escape with his life. It was a shame that such a splendid plan of attack should always be shipwrecked on Ingolf's obstinacy.
At last Haersten came. It was lucky that Ingolf had set guards upon the roads. Haersten did not come alone. He had planned his attack with care. He wished to wait till the brothers perhaps might not be so much on the alert. And he wished to come with a picked and numerous band, which it took time to assemble secretly, as the sworn brothers had friends also in those parts. Haersten had resolved that one life was too little compensation for Holmsten. They should both die. Preferably he would strike them both to earth with his own hand.
Haersten had to do without Haasten's help in planning and carrying out his attack. On the other hand, Haasten did not put difficulties in his way. Haasten gave his mind to taking what vengeance he could, and to the extent he was able. "But my mind and my sense of justice tell me," he said, "not to go with you against the sworn brothers."
Haersten asked him whether his mind and his sense of justice did not also bid him to leave both his brothers unavenged in case he also should fall. Haasten answered him that time would show, but that it was conceivable.
"It might seem that you care more for Ingolf than for your own brothers," Haersten said coldly.
"I have a great regard for Ingolf," answered Haasten. "You brothers were not afraid to profit by your greater force when you attacked Leif."
So the conversation ended. When Haersten had quietly collected as many men as he thought would ensure a victory over the sworn brothers, even if he found them prepared, he started one night and took the way to Dalsfjord. He advanced by secret paths, and hid in the woods. He marched only by night, resting by day. But though he showed all possible caution, Ingolf's guards got news of his expedition. They were able to inform Ingolf in time that Haersten was approaching with a numerous following. In great haste the brothers collected a still larger number, and marched against him to meet him before he expected it. The encounter took place one winter morning on the heath. Haersten and his men had spent the night on the outskirts of the wood. It was a still morning, with mild air, and the ground was heavy. The weather was admirably adapted for a battle, save that the snow became slippery when it had been trodden hard. Haersten and the sworn brothers prepared themselves, each on his own side, for a trial of strength, in all quietness and at their leisure. The result of the battle was of great importance to both parties, and they urged their men to be cautious and keep together.
Haersten seemed to seek Leif. And Leif was not the man to avoid a willing opponent. It was not long before they stood opposite each other, both fierce and vigilantly watching. But the fight between them was of short duration. They had only exchanged a few blows, and neither of them had yet been wounded, when Haersten slipped on the smooth ground. In the same instant Leif's ax descended on his neck. Haersten fell and remained lying. Red blood streamed profusely out of a deep wound in his neck. Smoking, it oozed into the cold white snow and formed holes with reddish edges. Thus fell Haersten.
When he had fallen, Ingolf had the trumpet blown for a truce, and invited Haersten's followers to go in peace. As no one wished for more fighting, Haersten's men marched, carrying his body, from their unsuccessful attempt, back to Gaulum.
Leif was quite jubilant. He never remembered having been so glad. Now he had avenged the attack at Hisargavl, and settled all the rest of the account which he had with Atle's sons. There was a high degree of intoxication in his mind. He composed and sang with a strong voice a victor's song.