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It became clear to Hilderinc that Coen was thinking along the same lines as him. "Yes, sir," he replied to the question immediately, but at the same time he already started to think what all this meant. Thornden had seen the leaving person, and he did not mention that it was Lithor or Erbrand when Hilderinc spoke about the subject. And even though he did not mention it directly, Coen's words implied immediate suspicion of treason.
So was it this way that the newly formed "soldiers of Scarburg" were supposed to work? Thornden seemed to be a sensible person, but if he had helped the fugitives – whichever of them – then his authority has just dropped in Hilderinc's eyes. Was he also one of those trying to ride against the wind? Whatever sentiment brought him to hide this fact from his superiors, it was the most foolish thing to do. Or did his treachery reach further?
Just at this time, this won't bode well at all, Hilderinc thought. He knew enough about the importance of leaders, and the need to keep the men together under trustworthy authority. Lord Athanar obviously wanted to help bringing the old and new Scarburgian soldiers together by putting Thornden in command. But what would become of the unity in such a case?
Hilderinc knew that it was not upon him to judge this. He drove all emotion away from his voice as he recounted to Coenred what he knew.
"I think I saw the rider saluting to commander Thornden, and then riding away. When I asked him about it later – I assumed that it was a scout – he only said that he did not send the man, and..." Hilderinc tried to remember, but his sharp memory served him well this time, "- and that if somebody had sent the man away, it must have been somebody else."
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