Daylight had completely faded before any form of normalcy returned to the company. By the time the team had become organized for pursuit, the gibbous moon was high in the night sky. After a brief discussion, and even though precious hours had been lost, it was agreed upon by the group that they would restart their chase at first sign of light. While some of the pursuers took this time to get a few hours of sleep, Anglachel remained awake and took stock on what had occurred in the hours after the warg attack.
Ælfritha, with some enlisted help, was able to gather a healthy portion of the company’s scattered supplies together. With the loss of the pack horse, the remaining goods had to be distributed amongst the other company members. This was quickly seen to, and soon each person was equipped with a marginally heavier pack.
Anglachel, with some assistance, saw to it that Hading was laid to rest. The burial spot was just north of the river Snowbourne, not ten steps from where the warrior had fallen in battle. A cairn of rocks was hastily erected over the grave of the horseman. It was the only honor the company could bestow upon one who died bravely in combat.
It was not the recovery of supplies nor the burial of Hading that Anglachel was now dwelling upon though, but rather what was going to occur with the injured Deorlin and his newly assigned protector Izrenna. He briefly rehashed the events of Deorlin’s return to the company in his mind.
While rocks were being gathered for Hading’s cairn and Ælfritha was busy dividing up the supplies, Izrenna had returned with Corrin and Beowulf. She had Deorlin perched precariously on the back of her horse while she kept him as steady as she could. It was immediately apparent that he was still alive, he was wounded and nearly frozen, but alive nonetheless.
A fire was quickly started and Ælfritha was able to piece together a set of dry clothes for Deorlin from the remnants of the supplies. Deorlin remained unconscious while he was placed by the fire, dressed in dry clothing, and had his wounds treated as thoroughly as possible.
Anglachel looked over to where Deorlin was sleeping next to the fire. His breathing was even and color had returned to his skin, yet he would be in no shape to travel anytime soon. Fortunately, Izrenna – for reasons not fully understood by Anglachel – volunteered to remain with the injured man until he was able to ride again. He recalled the conversation:
“My horse can carry both of us,” Izrenna had said. “If he wakes up soon and seems to be coherent, we can still follow you. Otherwise, I can take him back to Edoras. There will be little danger on the road back.”
“It is not the road to Edoras that presents the danger that concerns me,” Anglachel had responded. “The wargs will be satiated for the time being on horse flesh, but they could easily come again. You have a half day at most before I would look for the return of those foul beasts.”
Anglachel thought for a moment and continued, “If Deorlin does not regain much of his health by midday tomorrow, Izrenna, you must find a way to get him on your horse and back to Edoras. I realize that is not much time, but you must not take any chances with wargs loose in the Mark. Keep your bow notched at all times, and be extremely weary of the woods. I would leave Corrin and Beowulf to assist you, but we are already short both horses and more importantly, those who can wield a weapon against an enemy.”
Anglachel felt he could trust Izrenna to make the right decisions in this matter though he did not wish to see her left alone to guard Deorlin, especially with the uncertain condition he was in. Nevertheless, she was good with a bow and a competent rider. Perhaps more importantly, there was really little choice.
These thoughts still occupied his mind as darkness turned slowly to the grey light of early morning. The company was in need of haste, so Anglachel woke the others and preparations were made for a pre-sunrise departure. Though little sleep had been granted to the group, there was a level of anticipation to begin the next leg of their journey which allowed the pursuers to appear as almost refreshed. Anglachel spotted Izrenna gloomily watching the company make final readiness to leave. Though he did not expect to see her or Deorlin again on this journey, he placated her by describing the path they would be taking south along the Entwash in pursuit.
Soon, the six remaining members of the company were mounted and under way. Ælfritha, Anglachel, Malienna, and Maikadurion each rode singly while Corrin and Beowulf once again rode double. They quickly and uneventfully crossed the Snowbourne and made there way to the banks of the Entwash before urging their horses into a speedier gait south. As the sun rose to his left, now peeking through the branches on the far bank, Anglachel could not help but ponder the near disaster they encountered the previous day, nor could he shake the worry that they had lost too much time as the thieves plunged ahead towards more dangerous lands.
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