[Nogrod]

Bregoware

As sythric saw the approaching companions, he smiled widely, pointing out the four chicken with his left hand, and came to meet them halfway. Raedwald was asking about Osmod and Fion, and Meghan seemed to be worried. She seemed to be so worried indeed, that she spurred herself to a good pace. All the others followed, Sythric remaining by the side of Raedwald and Eostre coming just behind them. Is that girl just worried about her companions, or is there something more in it?, he thought to himself, smiling lightly, feeling quite happy about this possible love-affair he was about to see taking root here. There's always hope and love, even in the ugliest of times! But soon, after gotten to some other thoughts, Sythric pulled himself a bit aside from the group – keeping the pace – and addressed the others.

“I think Osmod and Fion have gone forwards scouting ahead. Didn’t they mention anything like that to you? It’s kind of a risk for a scout to get into a trouble, but that’s, in a sense, the meaning of sending scouts to begin with. And I don’t kind of like this idea of two scouts, and will thence back Meghan's idea of hurrying a bit. We should have a scout, I agree, but one will suffice. We just can’t afford losing two people at the same time, if there is some trouble. One should lead the way and check it for us others to be safe, but two is too much. At least that’s the way the riders have it, and I can see that making sense. Or what do you think Raedwald?” After Raedwald nodded to this common rider-practise, Sythric spurred Thydrë to a swifter gallop, still letting Meghan to be the first on the now line they hade made.

As they rode forwards, Sythric slowed a bit, getting beside Raedwald, and said to him: “The real fight has taken place at most two days ago, possibly yesterday morning, or more probably the night before it. The ash was still a bit warm. But the villagers have been burnt just recently: yesterday evening quite probably. Now who do you think these good people might be? Would they be around, and should we look for them? There haven’t been too many of them as the fire has been quite modest. I know we have a mission, and that’s our main task, but I would hate to leave any survivors without some food, medicare and even a direction to head on – we know, people from Arnanaes are a bit north-west from us. They should know it, now shouldn’t they?”