[Durelin]

Coenred was hardly impressed by the drills, but he was not really disappointed. He had not expected soldiers at this new Mead Hall. Not that they were wholly undisciplined men, but they were a little green around the edges -- at least a couple of his men were, as well, but they were accustomed to more discipline and greater expectations in Edoras. Scarburg didn't require soldiers like Edoras did, at least not in these times. Coen was thankful for that.

But the officer took pride in doing things properly, and he would treat all these men just as he would the King's guards had he been their captain. Enemies did not always come from the Black Lands, and order was the first thing required for a hall and an emnet to grow. Even if he did not venture to make these men into an elite guard, he was going to keep them busy -- too much time idle was not healthy for them or the settlement. Besides, laborers were certainly needed.

Though Coen rather wished he could take part in the drills, he had watched each man as closely as he could manage, which was fairly close considering their numbers. He observed Hilderinc sparring with the young Quin. He had hesitated to perform man-on-man drills, but since the others had gone well enough and the men were demonstrating discipline he had decided to risk it. Hilderinc was obviously acting a good deal as a teacher, and the young man did not let his pride anger him too much. Of course mostly the men Coen had brought to serve the Lord Athanar paired with each other, and the Scarburg men paired with each other, but some were forced to match up with a man they were unfamiliar with. A number of the exchanges among the men were heartening to witness, especially after all the conflict and worry that had filled the previous day.

The captain called for the sparring to end, and announced that the men could go rest. "Stable your horses and see to your equipment, and take a rest. You will be prepared for any duties I might assign this afternoon, but you will begin to receive your regular duties tomorrow." That had yet to be worked out, and depended some on the plans for the further construction of and around the Mead Hall. But there was upkeep in the barracks and the stables, and guard duties, and training with the horses...no man would be left idle.

Once the field was cleared and the horses being lead back to the stables and the equipment being carried back to the barracks, Coen held lightly the reins of his courser as he walked with it. But instead of heading back to the stables he guided his mount towards Thornden and greeted him with a nod. "They are good men," he said. And it was the truth -- he indeed had nothing bad yet to say of those that were present that morning, besides of course criticisms in form. "I look forward to working with them more."

Coen meant that to convey that he looked forward to working with Thornden, as well, even though he was not so sure he did. Not that he had any problem with the man, but he was not accustomed to such vague divisions of rank and responsibility. Even if he was not the type to enjoy superiority over others, he respected order and rank, and appreciated efficiency. And this man was rather young... Coen had to wonder if the former Lord Eodwine had been grooming this Thorden as a possible successor, should he not produce an heir. This man before him was perhaps in as odd a situation as the Lady Saeryn. So far he had seemed to handle it better, though.