|
It was a cold evening, but that did not matter to Hilderinc. For a long time he stood on the threshold, breathing in the crispy air, feeling suddenly refreshed. Soft breeze was blowing through the night, bringing with it the soft scent of the rotting leaves and the quiet sounds from the forest. Somewhere deep in the marshlands an owl just woke up. Hushed sound of voices could be heard coming from the Hall.
Briefly, soft light flickered from the smithy as its door opened, and somebody came out. Hilderinc saw a figure marching through the courtyard, and another standing in the doorway. He retreated into the shadow, not willing to meet anybody. As the door of the Hall closed behind the unknown night wanderer, he turned about and walked past the corner to take a stroll around the place.
If he wanted to be alone, however, the plan didn't quite work out. He barely took a few steps, when suddenly out of nowhere there came a small pebble and hit him into the knee. Hilderinc hissed in surprise and pain. A sound of rustling came from the darkness, as somebody moved and was getting up in start. Then a young voice came from the shadow.
"Oh, it's you, Hilderinc." After the initial shock, the speaker's voice was calming down. Hilderinc could not blame him, his own heart stopped for a moment when the stone had hit him. "I didn't see you."
"Wulfric," he recognised the voice. "Neither did I." He rubbed his hurting knee. "I would not have expected you out here... casting stones at people."
|