ORNULF (comes out, with the rest). Kare the Peasant—where is he?
SIGURD. He is making for Gunnar's hall to burn it over their heads.
ORNULF. Ha-ha—let him do as he will; so shall I be avenged on
Gunnar and Hiordis, and afterwards I can deal with Kare.
SIGURD. Ay, that rede avails not; wouldst thou strike at Kare, thou must seek him out to-night; for when his misdeed is done, he will take to the mountains. I have challenged Gunnar to single combat; him thou hast safely enough, unless I myself—but no matter.— To-night he must be shielded from his foes; it would ill befit thee to let such a dastard as Kare rob thee of thy revenge.
ORNULF. Thou say'st truly. To-night will I shield the slayer of
Thorolf; but to-morrow he must die.
SIGURD. He or I—doubt not of that!
ORNULF. Come then, to take vengeance for Ornulf's sons.
(He goes out with his men by the back, to the right.)
SIGURD. Dagny, do thou follow them;—I must bide here; for the rumour of the combat is already abroad, and I may not meet Gunnar ere the time comes. But thou—do thou keep rein on thy father; he must go honourably to work; in Gunnar's hall there are many women; no harm must befall Hiordis or the rest.
DAGNY. Yes, I will follow them. Thou hast a kind thought even for
Hiordis; I thank thee.