VI.[°] Some time after this, two kings, both called Hadding, came from Sweden, and Helgi the brother of Hröngvith was with them. They challenged King Olaf to battle with them on the frozen surface of Lake Vener in the western part of the land. He preferred fighting them to abandoning his country, so he summoned Hromund and his brothers to follow him. Hromund, however, declined to go, saying that Bild and Voli were mighty fine fellows and always fought for the King.
The King departed with his host. Svanhvit was grieved at what had happened, and went to Hromund's home. Hromund welcomed her.
"Hearken now to my prayer," said she, "more favourably than you did to my brother's request, and help the King. I will give you a shield with a strap attached. Nothing can harm you while you wear this strap."
Hromund thanked her for the gift and she was comforted; so he and his eight brothers made ready to set out.
In the meantime the King and his host reached the frozen Vener, where the Swedish army was waiting for them. And in the morning, as soon as it was light enough to fight, they armed themselves on the ice, and the Swedes made a fierce onslaught. Bild was slain as soon as the battle began, but Voli was nowhere to be seen. King Olaf and King Hadding were wounded.
Hromund had pitched his tent near the side of the lake. His brothers armed themselves early in the morning; but Hromund said:
"I had a bad dream in the night; some misfortune is in store for us, and I am not going into the battle today."
His brothers replied that it was disgraceful not to have the courage to support the King's army, when he had come for that very purpose.