Had he come sooner, I had been more glad. But tell me all that has befallen!

Örnulf.

That is soon done. Kåre the Peasant was plotting evil against you; with other caitiffs he fared southward after Egil.

Gunnar.

Kåre! [To himself.] Ha, now I understand Thorolf’s words!

Örnulf.

His purpose came to my ears; I needs must thwart so black a deed. I would not give atonement for Jökul, and, had things so befallen, I had willingly slain thee, Gunnar, in single combat—yet I could not but save thy child. With my sons, I hasted after Kåre.

Sigurd.

[Softly.] An accursed deed has here been done.

Örnulf.