You committed the coast massacre at Reyd-fiord last
spring?
THORFINN [Undisturbed]. I did.
MESSENGER. You plundered and burned Hallfred at Thorvalla?
THORFINN. Yes.
MESSENGER. And then you disappeared.
THORFINN [Silent.]
MESSENGER. The Allting has now declared you an outlaw and
pronounced you a felon. Your house is to be burned to the ground,
and whomsoever will may take your life. Your enemies are at hand,
therefore fly while there is yet time--make your escape this night.
[Messenger goes out and there is a long pause.]
ORM. Do you know who that was?
THORFINN. You may well ask that.
ORM. It--was a messenger from that old woman who felled Thor--the
age!
THORFINN. You talk like an old woman.
ORM. This age does not want to use force, but you have violated it
and it strikes you.
THORFINN. This age cannot suffer strength, therefore it worships
weakness.
ORM. When you came to this island you swore peace. You have broken
your oath, you have violated your honor, therefore you must die
like a felon.
THORFINN. Do you too call me a felon?
ORM. Yes.
THORFINN. Would you dare to break an oath? Would you dare to in
called a felon?
ORM [Silent.]
THORFINN. Poor wretch! It is you who put shackles on me when I want
to fly! Like a snake you coil yourself around my legs. Let go of
me!
ORM. We have sworn the oath of foster-brothers.
THORFINN. I break it!
ORM. You cannot.
THORFINN. Then I'll kick you out of the way.
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