[Chathol-linn]

Harald

The West Gate went “SLAM” after Berilac, Telien, and Harald passed through. Or maybe it is my heart , thought the Mayor.

Guthwine and Kirima were walking ahead of the three Breelanders. They carried rolled maps, for showing the relocations and new settlements. Harald hoped that the maps gave the two outlaws some sense of connection to stability, home, hope. Because, if something went wrong, those two would die first, quickly followed by the Breelanders.

None of the five carried a visible weapon although each wore a bootknife of diverse make and kind. Harald wore his red scarf at his neck and carried a white cloth on a pole. They all held their heads high. The autumn sun of morning burnished their tangled hair and made each of them gleam for a moment like heroes.

“If anything happens to my son, Mayor, my spirit will poison this town for a thousand years,” said Guthwine over his shoulder.

“If my Mum were still alive she would tell you to harness that anger and use it to plow fields, sow crops, raise barns and bairns,” said Harald. “And say nothing of my Mum if you wish to …”

But Kirima interrupted, “The town folk have helped our own, and we have not harmed the Breelanders, so perhaps we have reached more trust by now.”

Berilac said, “Certainly we have reached the meeting place, for there are the Out- ah, there are the others now.”

Three figures walked forward from the belt of trees and came toward them over the field.

Harald said, “I see one man confident, one despairing, and one both down and hopeful. Who are they?”

“Lotar, Soran,” growled Guthwine.

“Kandel,” said Kirima, smiling.

A glitter of light flashed in their faces. It was the archers of Bree on the dyke, raising bows in one hand and arrows in the other. From the belt of trees, the Breelanders could see spearheads – a second forest of them - shaken by unseen outlaw hands.

Harald and Lotar approached, and they met in the center of the field.

“Hail,” said Harald. “I am Harald the Mayor of Bree. Here are Telien of the Guard and Berilac the Ranger. Here also are Guthwine and Kimira, whom you know. We meet this hour under the flag of truce, to parley if you will, of peace. What do you say, Outlanders?”