(KOLBEIN THE YOUNG, pale and weak, is borne in on shields by ASBJORN ILLUGASON, HAF BJARNASON, and others. BISHOP BOTOLF and SALVOR enter with them.)
Kolbein.—Hail to you all!
Botolf.—Pax vobiscum!
(They bow to KOLBEIN and the BISHOP. KOLBEIN is borne to the high seat. HELGA stands beside him, also SALVOR keeps near him always.)
Brand (coming forward).—How stands matters with you, kinsman Kolbein?
Kolbein.—Not so very well.
Broddi (coming forward).—You have but a small body-guard about you to-day, brother-in-law!
Kolbein (pointing to BISHOP BOTOLF).—This body-guard alone has been sufficient for some time.
Brand.—You have summoned us to meet you.
Kolbein.—I wanted, with the assistance of my kinsmen and of others, to make such provisions for our dominions as would most likely result in peace for the district.