Kolbein.—The man's life you stipulated for yourself you have chosen and taken yourself, or else, where is Helgi Skaftason?
(HELGA is silent.)
Brand.—Helgi Skaftason! Where is he?
Botolf.—His axe is there! (DEACON SIGURD looks around.) Are you still carrying weapons, Deacon Sigurd? Clercs are not permitted to bear arms.
Sigurd.—Great need I thought there was to do so now. The danger in which was my lady Jorun and you also, sir bishop, and the axe lay before my feet.
Botolf.—Nevermore carry arms, deacon!
Brand.—Is Helgi Skaftason still alive? If so, is it not possible that his deed be atoned for?
Helga.—I shall no longer conceal from you, Brand Kolbeinsson, that Helgi Skaftason will no more dry his axe on the fringe of my veil! In order now that this our reconciliation be kept well I desire to have your son Kalf, to foster him up with me.
Jorun.—That shall never be, that you train my boy to be a disturber of the peace.
Botolf.—That shall never be; the boy is a hopeful man for a chieftain and ought to be trained up to love peace and abide by the law.