Erlend reveals to Kristin that he and Simon parted as enemies, but he does not tell her why. Kristin is upset by this, especially as it means she will not be able to see Andres. She presumes that Erlend is to blame. She also increasingly feels as though Naakkve is siding with his father over her. Naakkve, increasingly aware of the political nature of his father’s downfall, hopes that recent discontent with the king might help Erlend to reclaim his land and titles. Erlend is less hopeful. Kristin also becomes aware of her sons’ growing interest in women, particularly Naakkve, Bjørgulf (in spite of his poor eyesight), and Gaute. Erlend’s fall from grace will make finding matches for these boys more difficult. Kristin takes her frustrations with her husband out on her sons. Ivar and Skule, in particular, earn her ire because the “wild” (839) twins are so badly behaved. The brothers remain close to one another and Kristin continues to love them in spite of her difficulties.

When Naakkve is asked to translate for a Flemish knight passing through Norway on pilgrimage, he is thrilled when the knight invites Naakkve to join him as squire. Erlend meets with the knight and, suspecting that the knight’s intentions are less than honorable, refuses on his son’s behalf.