[She follows the others.

Sigurd.

’Tis the first time, foster-brother, that I stand weaponless whilst thou art in danger. [Listens.] I hear shouts and sword-strokes;—they are already at the hall. [Goes towards the right, but stops and recoils in astonishment.] Hiördis! Comes she hither!

Hiördis enters, clad in a short scarlet kirtle, with gilded armour: helmet, hauberk, arm-plates, and greaves. Her hair is flying loose; at her back hangs a quiver, and at her belt a small shield. She has in her hand the bow strung with her hair.

Hiördis.

[Hastily looking behind her, as though in dread of something pursuing her, goes close up to Sigurd, seizes him by the arm, and whispers:] Sigurd, Sigurd, canst thou see it?

Sigurd.

What? Where?

Hiördis.

The wolf there—close behind me; it does not move; it glares at me with its two red eyes. It is my wraith,[[20]] Sigurd! Three times has it appeared to me; that bodes that I shall surely die to-night!