Gunnar.
That I know.
Örnulf.
And hast no more joy in his return?
Gunnar.
Had he come sooner, I had been more glad. But tell me all that has befallen!
Örnulf.
That is soon done. Kåre the Peasant was plotting evil against you; with other caitiffs he fared southward after Egil.
Gunnar.
Kåre! [To himself.] Ha, now I understand Thorolf's words!
Örnulf.
His purpose came to my ears; I needs must thwart so black a deed. I would not give atonement for Jökul, and, had things so befallen, I had willingly slain thee, Gunnar, in single combat—yet I could not but save thy child. With my sons, I hasted after Kåre.
Sigurd.
[Softly.] An accursed deed has here been done.
Örnulf.
When I came up with him, Egil's guards lay bound; thy son was already in thy foemen's hands, and they would not long have spared him. Hot was the fight! Seldom have I given and taken keener strokes; Kåre and two men fled inland; the rest sleep safely, and will be hard to waken.
