Scarburg Meadhall

[Nogrod]

With Coenred's briefing lord Athanar finally fell back into the world of the leader of the rohirrim in a fight, the one in charge of his own men and being effective at that. There was no room for feelings of anger or hate. It was cool rationality driven by the care and honour of his men.

"Thornden! You might have an idea where he might wish to run for. The marshes? Wasn't he a kind of a hunter? Or where would he go if he'd decide to fool us? Two or three small parties on those areas, back in an hour. The trace is probably cold anyway."

Thornden nodded and tried to answer but lord Athanar was already turning to Coenred.

"Coen! One party to the most likely route to the south with fast horses, and gather information while you go for any sightings of him, spread if you need to. Back before the sun sets! Clear?"

"Aye sir. Loud and clear sir!"

"And Coen, order some of the experienced ones from our host to Thornden who will then lead the search within the perimeters around here." Here he glanced at Thornden to get his nod of confirmation.

After looking at the two captains Athanar finally sighed letting his head fall down for a moment only to recover his posture in a flash.

"I'm afraid the trail might be cold already, but do your best. For the sake of the security of everyone here, and for the sake of justice." He gazed at the two one at the time. "Now we are tested, we really are... Be back for the evening meal, everyone." His eyes went blank and he just stared into some nothingness far behind the backs of the two.

Lord Athanar's head was exploding with the feelings of anger and frustration, and different scenarios of how this could affect the Mead Hall, and how he should try to handle it, whatever way it would go.

The two were standing in front of him and exchanging careful glances as they were not quite sure whether they had been given a leave or not.

"Go! Go now!"

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

"It's Scyrr!" cried Áforglaed. Hilderinc grabbed his shoulder. "Wait," he said. At that moment, captain Coenred and Thornden ran past them.

"What happened to him?" Áforglaed asked, as if expecting Hilderinc to give him the answer. He was still looking in the direction of the lying man, but standing his ground.

"I think we are going to learn very soon," Hilderinc said. "Look! Lord Athanar is giving orders to the Captain."

"Do you think we are under attack?" Áforglaed looked around, as if he was expecting enemies to start jumping from behind the corners in any moment. "Wasn't it so that the locals had problems with the other lords? Do you think they will strike to intimidate us?"

"Calm down," Hilderinc said. It was obvious to him that something very bad must have happened, especially since Athanar himself and both of the officers were present, but it was no good to start speculating and panicking. And especially if the leaders have already come with orders as to what must be done, it was crucial to maintain order and let them announce whatever was necessary and tell the others what had happened. Shocked Áforglaed running into the middle of the discussing Captains and Athanar would not only prove embarassing, but also possibly unnecessarily distracting for the leaders. And Áforglaed running back to others and spreading panic would be even worse. Hilderinc looked at the other soldier's pale face. Once again he was reminded of how unexperienced many of the other soldiers were in comparison to him. All their life mostly in barracks, never seeing a real battle or being forced to deal with tough real-life situations. Áforglaed seemed shocked and scared. Of course, Scyrr was also one of his friends, it was all too understandable to Hilderinc that Áforglaed wanted to see if he was all right. But if they wait only a while, they will surely be informed.

Lord Athanar seemed rather agitated and Hilderinc now could hear him shout: "Go! Go now!" It's our turn then, he thought. And he was right. Coenred and Thornden turned towards them. Hilderinc once again gripped Áforglaed's shoulder.

"Don't ask," he intercepted Áforglaed's expected questions. "They will surely tell us themselves what happened to Scyrr. See, they are coming."

[Folwren]

Thornden knew which way they had gone. He had watched them leave. Why then did he say nothing? He knew that if he told them that he had seen them leave, they would focus all of their men on searching in that direction, which would give them much greater chances of catching them.

If they were caught, what then? Thornden thought of the consequences. Erbrand faced certain death if he were caught and brought back. It was uncertain that Scyrr would live, and even if he did, by all appearances, Erbrand had made an attempt on his life. Thornden guessed how the encounter had gone. Scyrr had provoked Erbrand to the point of blind fury, and Erbrand had attacked him. Murder had not been Erbrand’s intent. If it had, he would not have failed. Rather, he was fighting because of something Scyrr had said or done, and though Erbrand’s response had not been right, it had not been wrong enough for him to die for it, and still, that would be his punishment. As for Lithor. . .Thornden was less certain about what Athanar would deal out to him. Lithor had already been disgraced and punishmed for a far less serious crime. That likely was why he ran. But what would happen if he were brought back, hunted the same as Erbrand? Thornden felt revulsion to the idea. Lithor was an honorable man, and to see him further humiliated and punished was a thought not to be born.

If he did not tell them, the search parties would be spread out thinly, and the possibilities of catching them were far slimmer. Athanar asked him to arrange three small parties to search the marshes, and he told Coenred to take the largest party out on what he figured to be the most likely escape route for the fugitive – South, along the main roads. But this was wrong, and Thornden knew very, very well they had gone in the opposite direction.

The choice therefore was either to tell Athanar and Coenred which direction they had gone and almost certainly seal Lithor’s and Erbrand’s fate, or to say nothing, and almost certain ensure their escape. On the one hand lay duty to his eorl and his position. On the other, lay loyalty to his two friends. For once his sense of duty was trumped by something else.

The thoughts passed swiftly through his mind in much less time than it takes to record them, and the decision was made just as quickly. He glanced sidelong at Coenred, who was looking at him, and then looked at Athanar, just as Athanar gave his final command to go.

[Loslote]

Lilige pursed her mouth as she examined the room. Not a thing was out of place and not a surface needed dusting. She sighed contentedly, but couldn't help wondering what she should do now. She paused for a moment, then decided on going to the kitchen. It wasn't so long ago that she'd left the other women there - quite abrubtly and rudely, really - so hopefully some of them would still be there. Lilige hoped they weren't so uncivilized as the male Scarburgians seemed to be.

Lilige peeked into the kitchen. She saw some other people there, including the Lady Saeryn. Three other women, whose names Lilige didn't know, were gathered around her, looking worried. Lilige walked over to them. On close inspection, Lady Saeryn looked alarmingly pale, and the others seemed agitated as well.

"What is happening?" she asked, worried.

[Eorl of Rohan]

Kara crouched on the hearth soundless and tearless in her shock. She rocked back and forth as would a small child, her hands clasped between her knees, the silence disturbed by not so much as a whimper or a sigh. Even the tears were run dry. For what could she say? They would hunt Erbrand down. It was all she could do to gasp out to Lady Saeryn the reason Erbrand left, though even that, she could not finish in her grief; ‘He has killed a soldier of Athanar. Nothing but a hangman's rope awaits him in Scarburg now.’

Ever since the hour Erbrand confessed his love for her, Kara had felt secure and content in that she had someone to protect her. Besides, she had been fond of Erbrand. Even loved him, perhaps. The question played in an endless loop in her mind: Should she have left with Erbrand? Lady Saeryn would have others to help her in her hour of need, but Erbrand was alone and unprotected in the wilderness. It was a question to which she already knew the answer, but this did not make it any easier on her. Kara had known better than abandon Lady Saeryn and run off with Erbrand beyond the borders of Rohan. Kara would have liked nothing better, but she couldn’t… she couldn’t. Not when Saeryn had a baby on the way. Erbrand had whispered of his destination to her, biding the time when she would be no longer bound by the fetters of her duty to the House of Eodwine, but such a day was long off yet.

Kara heard Ginna and Fordides tell Lady Saeryn what happened, though everything seemed but a distant murmur to her. Then Saeryn slowly walked to the window and looked out, the slight flush on her cheeks draining away from her already-pale countenance as the ruckus outside reached its peak. There was sadness in her eyes, and… Kara flinched, and looked up at her mistress, wide-eyed. Fear? What had lady Saeryn to be afraid? Then the answer hit her as soon as she asked herself this question: it was Athanar’s soldier that Erbrand had slain in his fury, and the proud Eorl would not be pleased. Lord Athenar’s rage might even direct itself towards-

“Frodides,” Lady Saeryn whispered, “I feel I am going to faint.”

Kara supported Lady Saeryn as she stumbled away from the windowsill, a pallor cast over her countenance. It was a mechanical movement at first, Kara was not even aware of supporting her, her mind numb with grief. Then, prompted by the silky feel of Lady Saeryn’s dress and her warmth, the reality of the situation rushed back and overwhelmed her in one fell swoop. Erbrand, her intended, pursued for murder of that young soldier with insolent eyes! Kara broke down at last crying and tearfully clung to Lady Saeryn's hand.

“My lady Saeryn,” Kara sobbed, “Erbrand has asked me to come with him. He told me where I could find him when all this ruckus died down, but I just couldn’t leave you… I couldn’t…”

Kara had not checked her words, for she had not realized that Lady Wynflaed's chambermaid Lilige stood wide-eyed on the threshold of the kitchen.
.

[Folwren]

Saeryn didn’t faint. She did not even half loose her senses. She felt weak, though, and was grateful of the support of the three ladies about her. They helped her to a seat. She laid her head in one palm while her elbow rested on the table. She told herself over and over to get up and not to be weak, she had to think – think!

And then she was aware of Kara at her side, clinging to her hand and weeping. Saeryn turned her head towards her and bent her mind to listen. “My lady Saeryn,” Kara sobbed, “Erbrand has asked me to come with him. He told me where I could find him when all this ruckus died down and it was safe for me to come to him, but I just couldn’t leave you… I couldn’t…”

Saeryn lifted her head and finally roused herself. Whatever happened, she had to be able to meet it. She was the Eodwine’s wife, the lady of Scarburg, and therefore the lady of these women around her. She had to be strong enough to lead them now, or she would not be strong enough to lead them at any other time. Kara made this as clear as day to her now, for Kara had been braver in the face of calamity than Saeryn herself. She was shamed by the loyalty and duty of this young woman.

“What is happening?” a voice asked from behind them. They all turned, startled. It was Lilige, Lady Wynflaed’s maidservant. Saeryn rose to her feet.

“There is trouble outside,” she said, and her voice was steady. “I do not know what action lord Athanar will wish to take in regards to the trouble, but I think that lady Wynflaed should be informed. Lilige, please send word to your mistress and tell her I would like to speak with her. I will be in the hall.”

[Loslote]

"Yes, Lady Saeryn," Lilige said. She glanced back over her shoulder. She felt sorry for the woman, whose name she didn't know, but she wondered why this Erbrand had left. Lilige turned to face forwards again, luckily managing not to run into the doorway, and paused outside the kitchen, unsure of where to find Lady Wynflaed. Lilige guessed that she would either be with her sons, Lord Athanar, or attending to the supplies or servants, but she didn't know where the men or servants would be. This narrowed her options down a bit, so she headed in the direction she thought the storage areas were.

A few minutes later she passed the kitchen again, heading in the opposite direction. The storage areas had not been down that corridor. Lilige hoped she could figure out how to get around in this maze-like place soon enough.

"My Lady?" she called, entering the chamber and recognizing . "My Lady Wynflaed, Lady Saeryn wants to speak with you in the hall. She says there's trouble outside. The other women are upset, too. Something must have happened...and they mentioned someone named Erbrand."

[Nogrod]

Thornden glanced sidelong at Coenred, who was looking at him, and then looked at Athanar, just as Athanar gave his final command to go.

"Wait", lord Athanar ordered looking at the two closely. "Is there something I'd need to know?"

[Mnemosyne]

"My Lady Wynflaed, Lady Saeryn wants to speak with you in the hall. She says there's trouble outside. The other women are upset, too. Something must have happened...and they mentioned someone named Erbrand."

Wynflaed turned from the mental inventory she was making, only briefly closing her eyes to commit where she had left off to memory.

"I am sorry, Lilige," she said. "I am afraid I was not listening. Why does Lady Saeryn wish to speak with me?"

Lilige repeated her account of what had happened. Wynflaed's eyes narrowed. Her first thoughts went to her husband--but Athanar had not been planning on going out of doors when she had left him, and if Saeryn was sending for her and not him it meant he was already in the thick of things. As he generally is, she thought.

"Thank you, Lilige," she said. "See what you can learn of what has happened, and offer your assistance as you may. I will go and see the Lady Saeryn."

Only taking a brief look back at the storeroom, she walked down the corridor and into the hall.

"Lady Saeryn," she said. "Tell me what has happened."

[Durelin]

Coenred eyed Thornden once Athanar had finished his instructions, remembering what the man had begun to say earlier...something about Lithor. And Coen doubted it as anything good. But Thornden made no indication that he was going to speak. The Captain's look turned briefly into a suspicious glare before he turned back to Athanar with a plain if stern look on his face when his lord spoke.

"I believe so, my lord. Lithor was not at the training exercises, my lord. Was he detained by you after the trial? If not, I do not know what that might mean."

He waited for Athanar's response, which he was sure would be brief, on the balls of his feet, ready to give Hilderinc orders on his way back to the stables. Luckily both he and his horse were still ready from the exercises -- they would be ready to depart in minutes.

[Eorl of Rohan]

KARA

Kara had the presence of the mind to let go of Lady Saeryn's sleeves. She swallowed a half-sob and dried her eyes on her sleeves. Death was copper-a-dozen in this harsh borderlands; Scarburgians learned to live with the shadow of death on their doorsteps since the time they were in their swaddling cloth. There was nothing that she could do for Erbrand. Now she had to focus on the living, especially Lady Saeryn, who had enough misery and misfortune on her hands without her wailings to further complicate the matters.

And if they attempt to accuse me of being implicit in Erbrand's crime, for better commanders than Lord Athanar have lost their levelheadedness when they saw blood of their sworn men spilt, at least I'd give them no cause to drag Lady Saeryn into it, Kara whispered to herself.

"This would all pass over, Lady Saeryn." Kara smiled with as brave a nonchalance as she could muster under the circumstances, attempting to reassure Lady Saeryn, although how much she was taken in Kara was not at all sure. Not at all, probably. But she had to try anyway; she was Lady Saeryn's handmaid. If she wouldn't comfort her, who would?

Lady Saeryn looked at her for a moment, sadly, or so she thought, and left the kitchen. Kara sank back into the hearth.

"Fordides", Kara said slowly, her eyes bright with tears fixed on the washerwoman's countenance, "Tell me everything. How did... How did this happen?"

[Nogrod]

"I believe so, my lord. Lithor was not at the training exercises, my lord. Was he detained by you after the trial? If not, I do not know what that might mean."

Lord Athanar turned his gaze towards Thornden.

"Have you any idea where Lithor would be, Thornden?"