Thorolf.—­Hail, lady!  How is the chieftain’s health?

Helga.—­Rather good!  Salvor says he will not be able to bear going into war for the first.

Thorolf.—­Kolbein has a-plenty of men to lead his troops.

Salvor.—­Brand Kolbeinsson—­

Thorolf.—­He, the velvet glove!  Whilst Kolbein was on his foray to Reykholar and slew Tumi—­a feat now famous—­Brand was to dispatch old Sturla Thordsson—­the fellow who mostly goes about with ink on his fingers.  But Sturla gulled him so that Brand had to return with shame.  Brand lacks both forethought before battle and that fire in battle which wins the victory.

Salvor.—­Brand Kolbeinsson is a man of peace.

Helga.—­You shall stay here at Flugumyr now, Thorolf, whilst my husband is in ill health.  Brand Kolbeinsson would be but a low wall between us and Thord Kakali, should he advance from the West.

Thorolf.—­So long have I been one of your household, my lady, that I am bound to obey.  But who shall take care of the shipbuilding which I have under way for Kolbein the Young?

Helga.—­Your wife Arnfrid; for this is not a place for women to be at.

Salvor.—­The ships that are to be used for carrying our war into the Westfirths this spring?

Thorolf.—­Yes.  This spring we shall lay waste the Westfirths, kill cattle and people, burn down storehouses, farms, and churches, and slay all men we overtake.  Thord shall not be able to hold himself there thereafter.

Salvor.—­Holy mother of God!  Why are the people to suffer all that misery and affliction!  Have there not been enough maimings and killings in the Westfirths?  Be mindful, Thorolf, that you, too, may be taken captive and your bright coat of mail get a red collar.

Thorolf.—­Often have I thought of it.  But he who lets himself be kept back by such thoughts had better never venture into danger.

Helga.—­Go now, Salvor, and attend to the patient! (Exit SALVOR.) The life of my husband is in great danger!

Thorolf. (coming close to her).—­And shall I then become the Lord of Eyafirth?

Helga (motioning him away).—­Kolbein the Young still lives.  Whilst he is living the disposition of the dominions remains his matter.  It may well be, though, that I succeed in making him give you Eyafirth, and then more people from here would settle there than are there now.  Then I shall foster up young Kalf, the son of Brand, because he will inherit Skagafirth from his father; and while he is young, and I gain influence over him, it may happen that the men of Skagafirth and Eyafirth would work in unison in all undertakings, and rule the entire country alone.

Thorolf.—­Certainly!  Certainly!

Helga.—­Swear allegiance to me, Thorolf!