s here?

_Thorolf_.--First I shall return to my estate to give orders as to my
affairs.

_Helga_ (_aside to_ THOROLF).--You speak incautiously, to tell them
where you mean to go. I read your death in their eyes.

_Alf_.--You will not refuse me to keep you company on the way home?

_Thorolf_.--No; I care not to have your company, you insolent fool!

_Helga_.--You will remain here with us, Thorolf, on account of the
infirmity of my husband and our defencelessness otherwise; you can send
some one else to arrange matters on your estate.

(LADY HELGA _and those about her exeunt by door_. BRODDI, ALF, _and_
EINAR THE RICH _remain behind in the foreground_.)

_Broddi_.--Lady Helga has become suspicious of us.

_Einar_.--Sharp are the eyes of my Lady Helga whenever Thorolf is
concerned.

_Alf_.--He has slipped from our grasp, the hellhound!

(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.

_Brand_.--Peace we should desire for every consideration, since many
regions are beginning to grow poor.

_Sigurd_.--The wars have fanned into flame hatred and malice over all
the land.

_Botolf_.--Blessed are the peacemakers!

_Kolbein_.--During these last days the deep wound I received in the
battle of Orlygsstad has been troubling me sorely, and I am so exhausted
that I often look forward to death. Now you well know that Thord Kakali
has lost through me both father and five brothers. That stands in the
way of peace in the district. I therefore offer to go abroad and give up
all my dominions.

_Helga_.--Give up all dominions!

_Botolf_.--And yield them to King Hakon?

_Kolbein_.--If King Hak