GUNNAR (disturbed). It is Hiordis!
ORNULF. With armed men!
KARE. She is seeking me!
(HIORDIS enters, with a troop of house-carls. She is clad in black, wearing a kirtle, cloak, and hood; the men are armed with swords and axes; she herself carries a light spear.)
HIORDIS (stops on entering). A meeting of many, meseems.
DAGNY (rushes to meet her). Peace and joy to thee, Hiordis!
HIORDIS (coldly). Thanks. It was told me that thou wast not far off. (Comes forward, looking sharply at those assembled.) Gunnar, and—Kare, my foeman—Ornulf and his sons and—— (As she catches sight of SIGURD, she starts almost imperceptibly, is silent a moment, but collects herself and says:) Many I see here who are known to me— but little I know who is best minded towards me.
ORNULF. We are all well-minded towards thee.
HIORDIS. If so be, thou wilt not deny to give Kare into my husband's hands.
ORNULF. There is no need.