GUNNAR, SIGURD, AND DAGNY. Hiordis!
THOROLF (bitterly exasperated). So base a lie has no man spoken of Ornulf 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 the house wherein my father is reviled.
GUNNAR. Thorolf, hear me——!
THOROLF. Let me go! But beware both thou and Hiordis; for my father has now in his power one whom ye hold dearest of all!
HIORDIS (starting). Thy father has——!
GUNNAR (with a cry). What sayst thou!
SIGURD (vehemently). Where is Ornulf?
THOROLF (with mocking laughter). Gone southward—with my brothers.
GUNNAR. Southward!
HIORDIS (shrieking). Gunnar! Ornulf has slain Egil, our son.