MESSENGER. Erl Thorfinn, we are here. Will you surrender to our superior strength?
THORFINN [Silent.]
MESSENGER. You do not answer. Let the women go as we shall burn your home. [Thorfinn is silent.] Your answer!
[Gunlöd who has been standing by the door, comes forward and takes a battle axe from wall.]
GUNLÖD. I give you your answer! Ill must Erl Thorfinn have brought up his daughter and little would his wife have loved him if they should desert him now. Here is your answer. [Throws battle axe at messenger's feet.]
MESSENGER. You are stronger than I thought, Thorfinn. For your daughter's sake you shall have a chance to fall like a hero and not as a felon. Make ready for open conflict—out on the field. [Goes out.]
THORFINN [to Valgerd]. Out on you, cowardly, faithless woman, to guard my treasure so ill! To make my child mine enemy.
GUNLÖD. O, my father, am I your enemy?
THORFINN. You are a Christian; but it is not too late yet. Will you deny the white Christ?
GUNLÖD. Never! But I will follow you to death.