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Hilderinc had cheered with the others during Athanar's speech, raising his mug to the safe accomplishment of their most important duty. He began to feel comfortable again, with the increasing amount of ale and the good meal, in the warmth of the Hall and seeing everything going well. No problems or brawls this evening, no troublemakers in sight. Hilderinc was thinking this as he raised his mug again to the Scarburg, and then as he was raising it for the second time, something struck him – the unpleasant memory from the morning.
"And have one round for Coen and Thornden as well! They really proved their qualities today!" Athanar exclaimed, but Hilderinc shot his lips and fixed his gaze upon Thornden. His eyes met Coenred's, who was looking around the crowd with his own goblet raised, looking into the eyes of the men toasting him. Their gazes remained fixed at each other for a while, then Coenred looked away. Hilderinc wondered whether the Captain had told anything about Thornden's possible treachery to Athanar already, or if not – which seemed likely – when was he planning to do it.
He shrugged the unpleasant thought away, after all, it was not his concern now anymore. He will do what he must if he is asked to do something, but not now. He looked down at Falco by his side.
"So, how did you like our lord's speech?" Hilderinc asked, trying to put on a smile. "Sometimes his speech is rather curt, but to the point – something of a soldier in him, I think." He looked back at Athanar at the exact time when Athanar had turned towards them, and Hilderinc noticed that he was looking at Falco with some interest. It didn't take long, but Hilderinc nodded at the hobbit and without moving, he raised his thumb, pointing towards Athanar.
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