[Tevildo]

Wulfham

With a curt nod at Vaenosa, Dorran stepped back, "I am sorry, young miss. I meant you no harm. The road will be long and hard, and I thought if might be helpful to offer a hand in friendship before we start. But if you prefer otherwise, I will keep my distance."

With a shake of his head, Dorran wandered back inside the great hall, where the others were still waiting. This morning was not going well. His hopes of kindling a friendship with one of the young girls appeared to have hit a wall. He yearned greatly for Aldwulf to appear or for Brand to give the word that they would be setting out. He had not even left the courtyard, and already he was missing his sister Criede. She was feisty and spirited but not so hot tempered as Vaenosa. Impatiently, he stalked the hall, waiting for the word that it was time to leave.