[Envinyatar]

Brytta’s words rolled round in his head as they trudged west toward the North Downs. ‘But the true question before us is - where will you go?’ he had asked of all of them. Aldwulf was growing surer of his decision as his feet ticked off the miles.

He had given his word that he would see Heldór safe. But now that promise was soon to be fulfilled. He would stay for a while to see that Brytta and Heldór were settled in their new home, and then he would be making his way back to the Riddermark.

To be quite honest he missed his family. And the day to day tasks that made up their life. He longed to see his parents, and his brothers and sisters, especially Osric. And he missed the simple pleasure of working with the horses. He was not at heart an adventurer, he thought to himself. Not someone who needs the excitement of something new everyday. He liked the routine of his life, and longed to lose himself in it once again.

But his promise to see his friend safe was not yet done. Aldwulf fingered the hilt of his blade, hoping that danger was now behind them . . . Best be careful! he reminded himself. Keep up your guard. We are not out of danger yet.