Broddi (mounting a rock).—­We, Alf of Grof, Broddi Thorleifsson, Einar the Rich, and all who are here, excepting only Brand Kolbeinsson, agree, and brandish our weapons in confirmation of our purpose, that we shall not part from one another, and share a common fate, until we shall have brought from life to death Thorolf Bjarnason.

(All, except BRAND, lift their weapons and strike their shields with their swords.)

Brand.—­And remember then, Broddi, what you promised me!

Broddi.—­We all who are assembled here promise and brandish our weapons in confirmation thereof, to aid Brand Kolbeinsson to gain dominion over Skagafirth and west as far as Hrutafirth, after the death of Kolbein the Young; he on his part promises to support us with all his might in the action against us for the killing of Thorolf Bjarnason.

(All raise their weapons and clash them against their shields, BRAND likewise.)

Sigurd.—­The weather has been clearing up this while.

Broddi.—­Who will now seek the way and go before us?

Brand.—­Alf Gudmundsson of Grof. (They depart.)

(The stage is empty for a while, the snow begins to fall and drift again.  Of a sudden, JARNGRIM is seen to stand in the cave.  He has a spear in his hand and is tall and of strong frame.  He wears a wide cloak with the hood down over his eyes.  He has a long beard.  As soon as he appears two ravens settle over the mouth of the cave and disappear with him.[A])

[Footnote A:  In Norse mythology Woden (Odin) is represented as one-eyed.  Else, his attributes are those described here.]

Jarngrim (leans on his spear and calls out).—­Thorolf!

Thorolf (from without).—­All’s well, companions, I heard a human voice! (Silence.)

Jarngrim.—­Thorolf!

Thorolf (from without).—­Where are you?

Jarngrim.—­Here!

Thorolf (and two others enter..  THOROLF’S men never see JARNGRIM. They kindle a fire forthwith).—­What is your name, friend?

Jarngrim.—­Jarngrim I am called.

Thorolf.—­We have lost our way.  Will you allow me to sit down at the fire?

Jarngrim.—­There is a plenty of dry fuel in the cave.

(THOROLF’S men have been kindling the fire which burns up brightly. 
JARNGRIM nods to THOROLF.)

Jarngrim.—­This eve we shall drink mead together!

Thorolf.—­And no houses hereabouts? (With arising suspicion.) How many are there of you?

Jarngrim.—­Never have I had a companion, except my horse and two hawks.

Thorolf (points to the ravens, mockingly).—­Your hawks are of a black color, likely; they are sitting there near enough to you.