With the sun gone below a ridge of barren hills, the darkness was quickly retaking the ground. Up on the faint horizon, at the end of the troop rode a mid-aged warrior, grimly determined, his face obscured by his plumed helmet.
Leaving the wooden gates of Harwick behind, the Rider came up to the Mead hall -- a magnificent wood and stone structure. And the high-arched doors flew open as the Rider stepped inside the great hall that glowed with torches, both inside and out.
The benches were all full of warriors and fyrds, and near the high desk nicely designed with ornates of antlers and shields of many colors sat Aldor Harding, Thane of Harwick, with all his grace.
Régnwald took the final steps forward and removed his helmet, bowing, he said,
''Westhu hal, Thegn Aldor!''
The eyes of the hardened warrior glistened, ''Westhu, Régnwald, come forth please.'' greeted Aldor Harding.
Régnwald advanced a step and stood tall, holding his helmet at his side. ''My Lord, surely you wish to know the reason for my prolonged absence,'' he assumed.
''Surely I do. Your guess is rightly thought,'' Aldor spoke, ''...but there is something else I desire to talk to you first.'''
Régnwald's distant eyes became alert again, and he said, ''Yes, my Lord?''
Aldor stood up from his seat, his hauberk of rich red and dark green cloak over his shoulders. Man stood tall, with wide belt on his waist, years in the hall made his belt wider and wider. He started to walk under the wooden pillars, clearly wishing for Régnwald to follow. "You have lost one mægisterwigend two weeks ago." he stated through asking.
Régnwald would follow his thane with confident steps, his shoulders straightened and he spared a glance before he casted his proud eyes down, ''Yes, for which I'm deeply in sorrow.'' he stated his feelings without hesitating.
''She has been a good warrior, a loyal sergeant, and most of all a friend to me, I'm sorry that she will not be riding in our ranks henceforth. Alas, I'm thankful for Foldewyn that she loves her.''
Aldor casted a curious glance with a smirk "She speaks well of you, Maegtow Snægar, and she servers for many years to East-emnet and me as its Aldor." man leaned on the carved pillar of the hall then continued while watching rays of the sun that fell through windows. "What are your plans, Æthelwigend? Is there a woman you will marry? Farms that you will settle?"
Régnwald kept his stature as he walked, and held the weathered warrior's gaze with glistened eyes, ''You know me, I'm not a man who stands faithful to his plans.'' he said with a smile then added, ''But for now, I believe my fate lies with my men and theirs with me, I can only think this far, nothing more.'' he stated quietly, though his voice, not less firm.
Aldor gave a stout nod "Then nothing will stop you from taking serious the next task I will put on you, young man.". Aldor looks to Régnwald and said in pleasant yet serious demeanor "You are promoted to Commander of Stangard, you will protect Eorlsmead and its prospects, namely its people and mines of Limlight." Aldor paused to see how words would reflect upon Régnwald's face.
Régnwald lifted his head and looked him in the eye with an alerted expression. He was silent for a moment ''My Lord,'' he managed to say after some length ''If this is your wisdom, I will have myself appointed for this task.'' he was still speechless ''...But I surely would like to know the reason for it.''
Aldor briefly smiled, his somber voice was clear "Moot has decided its time to open the mines of iron and copper, bring women and children to the north, It is good land and it was ours from days when lords of Gondor gave us. South has fields and farms, West has their mines at Stonedeans, and price of the iron bars is great. Many reasons, reasons of coin and safety of our borders."
Régnwald felt himself in the middle of undefined feelings, then he straightened more and kept his gaze, he gave a nod, a memory passing into his words ''That all makes sense now. But I'm not certain I can do it alone, for this is truly a task of great length.'' he paused as his Thane continued to speak.
"By your side will be my envoy, and you will be my voice in the Nordé-mark. Envoy will ensure trade, mines and settlers. You will ensure no harm falls on mines, burgh and fyrds. You will receive hundred men from East-emnet, ten patrols, to garrison the burgh and keep watch on the borders." Aldor pulled out a dagger from its sheath in his belt and handed it over to Régnwald.
Régnwald accepted the gift offered by his Thegn and straightened to listen expectingly with all attention a commander could muster. He nodded eagerly, confirming his words of wisdom. ''I see you trust in me on this task, for which I'm honored, Lord. I will see it done.'' Then he followed the small girl as Aldor's words sunk in, he strode quietly, halfly watching his steps.
There stood woman by the four sided table, with right arm binded and bandaged. She was leaning her weight on table before turning around to meet the Aldor and Régnwald. Fair flaxen hair was braided neatly in one long braid, resting over her shoulder to her chest. Dressed in fine gambeson with wide belt, looked out of her world
Régnwald glanced about the room as he brought his pace to a halt. He couldn't believe in his eyes, so he widened them, staring awhile speechless ''Cynebur? The Envoy?'' hen his puzzled expression began to return to its usual tone as the moment sunk in. ''I'm deeply glad to hear that.'' he added in an earnest tone, highly appreciating the moment of news.
Cynebur approached slowly, with slight but painful limp that reflected on her deep frown at each step. She held her mauled arm carefully. Even trough evident pain she smiled to Regnwald "Westhu Æthelwigend hal." she said formally as ever "Thank you, though I am sure I will fail at such, Aldor was adamant at this." looks to Aldor with keen smile.
Aldor turned to Régnwald "I am sending those I can not spare to send, yet I must. If you fail, my strength will wither and East-mark will fall in hands of the Thane of Snowbourn."
Régnwald stood tall next to them then flashed an earnest glance at Aldor ''You can put your trust on us, Lord. And you have my word, we will not let this happen.'' and he wandered his gaze from Aldor to Cynebur who would hopefully be his envoy, he merely bowed his head with a glimpse of his hazel green eyes.
''Lord, if you'll excuse me, there are many things I must see to yet before I retire.''
Régnwald bowed his head in appreciation for his gratitude, he eyed Cynebur briefly and soon he retired swiftly, pacing for the high-arched door.
