GUNNAR. Kare! (To himself.) Ha, now I understand Thorolf's words!
ORNULF. His purpose came to my ears; I needs must thwart so black a deed. I would not give atonement for Jokul, and, had things so befallen, I had willingly slain thee, Gunnar, in single combat—yet I could not but protect thy child. With my sons, I hasted after Kare.
SIGURD (softly). An accursed deed has here been done.
ORNULF. When I came up with him, Egil's guards lay bound; thy son was already in thy foemen's hand, and they would not long have spared him. Hot was the fight! Seldom have I given and taken keener strokes; Kare and two men fled inland; the rest sleep safely, and will be hard to waken.
GUNNAR (in eager suspense). But thou—thou, Ornulf——?
ORNULF (gloomily). Six sons followed me into the fight.
GUNNAR (breathlessly). But homewards——?
ORNULF. None.
GUNNAR (appalled). None! (Softly.) And Thorolf, Thorolf!
(Deep emotion among the bystanders. HIORDIS shows signs of a violent mental struggle; DAGNY weeps silently by the high-seat on the right. SIGURD stands beside her, painfully agitated.)