Sigurd.
It must come to pass; thou thyself hast cast the die even now for Gunnar's life and mine.
[Gunnar, with some House-carls, enters from the back.
Gunnar.
[Gloomily, to Hiördis.] See now; the seed thou hast sown is sprouting!
Sigurd.
[Approaching.] What is amiss with thee?
Gunnar.
Sigurd, is it thou? What is amiss? Nought but what I might well have foreseen. As soon as Dagny, thy wife, had brought tidings of Kåre the Peasant, I took horse and rode to my neighbours to seek help against him.
Hiördis.
[Eagerly.] Well?
Gunnar.
I was answered awry where'er I came: my dealings with Kåre had been little to my honour, it was said;—aye, and other things were said to boot, that I will not utter—I am a dishonoured man; I am thought to have done a dastard deed; men hold it shame to make common cause with me.
Sigurd.
It shall not long be held shame; ere evening comes, thou shalt have men enough to face Kåre.
