When I came up with him, Egil’s guards lay bound; thy son was already in thy foemen’s hands, and they would not long have spared him. Hot was the fight! Seldom have I given and taken keener strokes; Kåre and two men fled inland; the rest sleep safely, and will be hard to waken.

Gunnar.

[In eager suspense.] But thou—thou, Örnulf——?

Örnulf.

[Darkly.] Six sons followed me into the fight.

Gunnar.

[Breathlessly.] But homewards——?

Örnulf.

None.

Gunnar.