_Alf_.--These men have indeed done enough to forfeit _their_ lives, and ought to live no longer. _Helgi Skaftason_.--If no one can be prevailed upon to kill them I shall undertake it. _Alf_.--No one's duty it is as much as yours, Brand Kolbeinsson, to take revenge for the murder of Kalf Guttormsson. _Jorun_.--Let no one be so bold as to seek revenge for my father. Full composition did Kolbein the Young pay for reconciliation, after the death of father and son, with the fine of hundred marks silver, which were paid out to my mother and me as stipulated. _Einar_.--And yet might Brand and others take revenge for the wrongs they have suffered at the hands of Thorolf, even though Kalf Guttormsson's death be atoned for. _Jorun_.--Do not undertake so dangerous an enterprise, my husband. Well you know that if you slay Thorolf his friend Kolbein will slay you all in revenge. _Alf_.--Kolbein lies nigh unto death. _Broddi_.--Is his condition so dangerous? _Brand_.--Why, have you not told news so important and so--sad until now? _Alf_.--I could not, on account of Thorolf. Kolbein holds his malady secret as long as he can. _Brand_.--Then my kinsman Kolbein must have summoned us to dispose of his dominions before he dies. _Sigurd_.--That is, all the North Quarter and the Westfirths! _Brand_.--About the Westfirths we have been at war until now. _Einar_.--And his heir? (_All look at_ BRAND.) They say that it is the wish of Lady Helga to set Thorolf Bjarnason over all the dominions. _Many_.--Thorolf Bjarnason? _Alf_.--Impossible! _Broddi_.--It would mean the death of one man or many men. _Brand_.--Helgi Skaftason, have the saddles laid upon twelve horses! I and eleven men shall ride forthwith to Flugumyr. (_Exit_ HELGI.) _Kalf_.--Lay saddle on my horse also. I shall ride to Flugumyr to my foster-mother. _Broddi_.--What will you of her, my young fellow? _Kalf_.--I want to get the weapons she has promised to give me. _Jorun_.--No weapons, Kalf! You will not go to Flugumyr, this time; rather too long you have been there as a child. (_Towards_ BRAND KOLBEINSSON.) My husband, remember my words. To kill one of my kinsman Kolbein's or Lady Helga's men is to conjure up odds against you, whatever be the provocation. (_Exit with the boys_.) _Broddi_.--Never shall that come to pass that a man of low birth govern so large a dominion. (_Exeunt all_.) SCENE II (_Room at Flugumyr_. LADY HELGA _and the woman physician_ SALVOR _enter_.) _Helga_.--I have much to do about the house and can attend the patient but little. How is my husband, Salvor? _Salvor_.--Rather poorly! He is now confessing to Bishop Botolf, Lady Helga. _Helga_.--Confessing? Did he speak about the disposition of his dominions after his death? _Salvor_.--The bishop touched upon that, but Kolbein said that this would have to wait until his kinsmen were assembled. _Helga_.--To what purpose is the advice of his kinsmen in that matter? I see how it will end.