Then gave Athelstan further to Egil as poet's meed two gold rings,
each weighing a mark, and therewith a costly cloak that
the king himself had formerly worn.
But when spring came Egil signified to the king this,
that he purposed to go away in the summer to Norway,
and to learn 'how matters stand with Asgerdr, my late brother Thorolf's wife.
A large property is there in all;
but I know not whether there be children of theirs living.
I am bound to look after them, if they live;
but I am heir to all, if Thorolf died childless.'
The king answered, 'This will be, Egil, for you to arrange, to go away hence,
if you think you have an errand of duty;
but I think 'twere the best way that you should settle down
 here with me on such terms as you like to ask.'

Egil thanked the king for his words.
'I will,' he said, 'now first go, as I am in duty bound to do;
but it is likely that I shall return hither to see after this promise so soon as I can.'
The king bade him do so.

Whereupon Egil made him ready to depart with his men;
but of these many remained behind with the king.
Egil had one large war-ship, and on board thereof a hundred men or thereabouts.
And when he was ready for his voyage, and a fair wind blew, he put out to sea.
He and king Athelstan parted with great friendship:
the king begged Egil to return as soon as possible. This Egil promised to do.
Then Egil stood for Norway, and when he came to land sailed with all speed into the Firths. He heard these tidings, that lord Thorir was dead,
and Arinbjorn had taken inheritance after him, and was made a baron.
Egil went to Arinbjorn and got there a good welcome. Arinbjorn asked him to stay there.
Egil accepted this, had his ship set up, and his crew lodged.
But Arinbjorn received Egil and twelve men;
they stayed with him through the winter.