Gunnar, Sigurd, and Dagny.

Hiördis!

Thorolf.

[Bitterly exasperated.] So base a lie has no man spoken of Örnulf of the Fiords! Thou thyself hast made it, for no one less venomous than thou could dream of such a thing. The blackest crime a man can do hast thou laid at my father’s door. [Throwing the sword away.] There, Gunnar, take thy gift again; I can take nought from that house wherein my father is reviled.

Gunnar.

Thorolf, hear me——!

Thorolf.

Let me go! But beware both thou and Hiördis; for my father has now in his power one whom ye hold dearest of all!

Hiördis.

[Starting.] Thy father has——!