But king Athelstan made a quick decision on this matter, and thus bespake the messengers: 'Bear ye these my words to king Olaf, that I will give him leave for this,
to go home to Scotland with his forces;
only let him restore all the property that he has wrongfully taken here in the land.
Then make we peace between our lands, neither harrying the other.
Further be it provided that king Olaf shall become my vassal, and hold Scotland for me,
and be my under-king.
Go now back,' said he, 'and tell him this.'

At once that same evening the messengers turned back on their way,
and came to king Olaf about midnight;
they then waked up the king, and told him straightway the words of king Athelstan.
The king instantly summoned his earls and other captains;
he then caused the messengers to come and declare the issue of their errand
and the words of Athelstan.
But when this was made known before the soldiers,
all with one mouth said that this was now before them, to prepare for battle.
The messengers said this too, that Athelstan had a numerous force,
but he had come into the town on that same day when the messengers came there.