Ethelad

Cynebur stayed alerted while keeping guard at inner side of the cave, her shield was limply held with left arm and her other hand was resting on hilt of her sword. Shieldmaiden kept her eyes closed as if she was resting while standing.

T'was a long night in Stangard, night before a battle and the Mead-hall of the village was full with bold-hearted Eorlings, from son to father and warrior to herdsman. They were invited by Dryhten. Bards were singing their songs of war and ancestors and playing on gilded lyres. The tables were lined with food and the pig roast turned over the pit, its juices falling into the fire with a sizzle. There was people sitting, standing, in corners and among the open spaces. Not a single space was empty.