_Brand_.--Lady Helga! Hail, cousin!

_Helga_.--Hail to all of you! (_They bow to her_.) What are you about,
here, kinsman Brand?

_Brand_.--I am biding for better weather. But what may be the purpose of
your journey?

_Helga_.--I am on a voyage to inspect our building of ships. In the
snowstorm I and Asbjorn lost our way; but a short while ago we saw a
fire or a light and turned that way. Now we are come here.

_Brand_.--How fares Kolbein, your husband?

_Helga_.--Very eager you are now to succeed to him. (_Smiles_. THOROLF'S
_men, weaponless, come running up and stop behind_.) You here!

_First Man_.--They have slain Thorolf Bjarnason. His body lies here!

_Helga_ (_grasps at her heart for a moment_).--Thorolf Bjarnason! Slain!

_Second Man_.--But this moment they beheaded him.

_Helga_.--Oh, pity that I came too late! (_Shoves_ ASBJORN _aside and
fixes her eyes on those present_.) Who of you slew T-h-o-r-o-l-f?

_Helgi Skaftason_ (_advances and dries his axe on the fringes of her
veil; she smiles at him_).--Here you may see the blood of Thorolf, your
friend, my lady. Me you have to thank for it that his locks are bloody.