[Firefoot]

Falco's question momentarily startled Léof, for Eodwine's sickness had become old news at Scarburg and he had forgotten Falco would not have heard. “Eodwine suddenly fell very sick, about a month back,” said Léof somberly. “The last we heard, he’d been taken to Minas Tirith, in hope that the Healers there might have some wisdom or skill that ours do not.” Léof brightened for a moment. “They say that the King Elessar is a mighty healer. Perhaps his arts will bring Lord Eodwine back.” Léof sighed. “If indeed he could be bothered about Eodwine at all. And it has been a whole month, which is a long time to be so ill.”

“He’ll come through,” said Falco. “He’s too stubborn not to. We’ll just have to keep the hall in good stead for his return.”

“But there’s the problem,” said Léof. “Scarburg has begun to move on as if he isn’t coming back. You noticed the large number of new faces in our company.” Léof gestured back towards the now disorganized column of soldiers. “It’s because there’s a new Eorl at Scarburg now, and I think he plans to stay.”