Broddi.—The Holy Church owns not the Northland Quarter!
Botolf.—But God does; and do you for his sake as Kolbein and the lady bid you, because that promises best for peace.
Helga (very loud).—Close the door! (All look to the door and perceive the armed men; it is closed.) Haf Bjarnason will pronounce for you the words of the truce. The truce which his namesake established between the men of Skagafirth and Grettir Asmundarson was well kept, and it redounded to their honor.
Broddi (aside to BRAND).—Agree to the truce! Sixty armed men are standing but a few feet away!
(BRAND KOLBEINSSON places himself in the left foreground, with six of his men behind him. HAF behind him in the middle ground. THOROLF advances to the right foreground, posturing himself opposite BRAND.)
Asbjorn.—Are we to be witnesses, Thorolf?
Thorolf.—All those present shall be witnesses!
(ASBJORN and five others arrange themselves behind him.)
Helga.—In Oddi, at my father Sæmund's, I heard that those oaths were void which were made against one's free will.
Thorolf.—I shall swear a truce to Brand Kolbeinsson of my own free will.