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The aftermath of their encounter in the forest leaves all three family members quite overcome, but in a good way. Yllfa herself seems full of energy in a way she hasn't been for months. They stop to view the Argonath, marking a gateway to Gondor, before they turn their horses back to the small house by Floodwend.
Hrost accompanies them, though often at a distance.
‘How am I doing, Eda?’ I thought, as we entered the small home where she, Waelden and Ethel had lived. ‘I know, I have not done so well of late, but once I am hale again there will be more of a difference. You will see.’
Obligations and oaths have been my friend's companions while they stayed in Floodwend, revisiting old friends and relatives from a distant past. While they have gained nourishment from this, I have tried to figure out the riddle with the crow, the wolf and what forces that might have driven us from Bancross and to the northern regions of the mark.
Young Radwig Thane looked at us with friendly eyes. The welcome he and his mother had given us was warm and honest. Upon learning we were asking his permission to stay in his Mead Hall for several days, while waiting on further instructions from Lord Tuibar, he almost laughed.
We rode on, Duncadda taking point, with Waelden and I flanking Ethel. Herne trotted along behind Ethel’s mount, Roan. We were then followed by wise old Eldhors, who strode on with the clackerty wagon, needing little guidance. A crow sat on the otherwise empty driver’s seat, calling the occasional ‘Hrost’ to the world, and acting like he was boss. He was not. But he was a brave bird.
The first night we arrived late, so took what room they had in the Tavern to rest in. It was cosy, in an uncomfortable sort of way. The following morning Duncadda told us he would not stay in the village, but spend a little more time in the wilds, as was his want. With the wagon and its contents now out of our hands, we were waiting for instructions from Lord Tuibar. That could take days, possibly weeks. So we visited the Thane to ask if we may rest in his Mead Hall.
An oath is not something to be lightly made. Not if you have any honour, any integrity. Not if you have any doubt you can keep it. And oaths once made are held most highly among our people. Aye, oaths and promises alike can rule your life, can cost your life...can take your freedom from you.