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Thornden stared in horror and he felt himself moved to his very heart with pity and furious anger both at once. How could they have done this? Why? And when did they do it? Not when…not when…he cursed audibly, both at himself and at the brutal men. What had happened, just a moment back? Was more damage done that the outlaws head being removed? A great, hard lump rose in his throat at Ritun’s words, and tears rose in his eyes.
“I can’t leave you here to die by yourselves,” he said, his voice rasping. “They might come back and try to hurt you more. There are other men here from the Hall, Rilef,” he said, trying to speak encouragement. “They’ll find the eorl and save him. I can try to help you. When all of the bad men are killed, we can carry you back home.”
But Ritun shook his head again. “Can not one of you be saved?” Thornden asked desperately, trying hard not to succumb to tears. “Can not at least one of you yet live?”
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