[littlemanpoet]

Harreld and Garreth beamed at Eodwine. Garreth spoke first, as was his wont. "The both of you are lucky, I say! The one has a daughter at long last, the other a father for maybe the first time!"

"'Tis a trial time first," Eodwine hedged, though grinning. "I would not bind Gudryn to me too tightly against her will for the long run, so we shall see."

"Hah!" laughed Garreth. "I see it in the girl's eyes, Master Eodwine, as far as it goes with her, she has a father she'll never let go."

"And an uncle too," Falco reminded the others.

Harreld squinted at Falco skeptically. "You are related to him, Master Falco?" He eyed Eodwine dubiously. "I did not think it possible. How is it, Eodwine, that you haven't pointed ears?"

Falco stood up on his seat. "You big lout! Mine ears ain't as pointed as all that! And I'm only uncle in name, not in blood. For the girl's sake, you ninny!" He sat back down and took a swig from his pint of ale.

"Ninny, is it?" Harreld said in mock indignation. "'Too bad this stout costs a pretty coin, or you'd be wearing it, Master Falco."

"I am too quick for you, you lumbering chunk of big trouble. You'd only get my chair wet." Eodwine giggled in his cup. Gudryn watched the others bicker back and forth, her face alight and her eyes sparkling, but suddenly her face fell.

"I am so happy, my lords, and uncle, and father;" she paused and looked at Eodwine in a mix of amazement and joy and sweet warmth; "but I fear for each of you, for Rand will surely come and do his worst to you, and take me back with him."

"'Tis time to clean the rust off of our swords, Harreld," said Garreth meaningfully, then pulled on his double pint stout.

Harreld wiped the foam from his mustache and set down his own double stout with a thud. "Aye. Maybe this Rand is as big as a cave troll, but if the King has given his blessing to Master Eodwine, he can be counted on to give more aid. He has a good heart and is wise, and will uphold the right."

Garreth looked at Harreld, amazed. "I have never heard you string together so many words at once, save in cursing."

"I do not curse, ever!" Harreld protested. Garreth grinned and slapped Harreld on the shoulder. Then Harreld laughed uproariously with Garreth until they had both their noses buried deep again in their stouts, quaffing largely. Gudryn was mesmerized, watching their gullets rise and fall with their copious quaffing.

Finally, Garreth put his emptied mug down and asked, "What of the young lass whose father lies invalid at home? Has anyone heard from her? Or what of the Lady Saeryn and her brother?"

"I have not heard from the girl," Eodwine replied, "but Saeryn lies abed, injured. We found her not far from the inn, wounded in the head. She does not remember who she is."

"I would see her!" Garreth rose from his chair, ready to launch himself down the hallway toward the girl's room, when Bethberry came through the self same door.

"You shall do no such thing, blacksmith! The girl needs rest. Sit down and I'll see that you have some supper with that drink."