Three days had passed since Lothair had arranged the commander’s release. Lothair said nothing of his schemes or plans; he had very few words at all during their flight from Edoras despite Altheric’s questions. They were traveling along the Entwash’s current, putting the Sutcrofts behind them until the rising walls of Wildermore shielded them from the sunrise and the eaves of Fangorn swallowed the sunset.
How many weeks have passed? How long was my execution stalled? Altheric spent many hours of each day studying his companion. Lothair was stalwart warrior, but he was hardly one of his most loyal of soldiers. He could recall many times in which Lothair would neglect his duties outside of battle choosing instead to attend to affairs that profited only his coffers and his vanity. Altheric glanced many a time at Lothair’s back and the sword he carried. He glanced even more at the arming sword sheathed and fastened on Lothair’s steed.
“We camp here and wait, Captain.” Lothair said. “And then you will get your audience. A fool’s errand, damn you. The Thane will not be happy to see you. And yet, I do as you ask.”
“You only needed to give me a sword or a spear, Sergeant.” Altheric’s voice cracked. It had been the first time he spoke in two days.
“Nay,Captain. I’ll not have the Thane confuse our camp for an ambush. You’ll stay peace bonded, in a fashion.”
Altheric nodded and found a comfortable place to rest. “Sergeant,” he groaned, his legs and back aching from the trail. “How did you manage my release? I know Branwen’s father had the King’s ear. I am surely desired for a chopping block.”
“I put your company to work, dear Captain.” Lothair unfurled the sword from his saddlebags. He froze as he glanced at the sword, punctuating his stillness with a sigh. “Here,” he tossed the blade to Altheric. “You will need this.”
Altheric raised his brow. A distant, yet familiar rumble echoed in the vale. The commander jumped to his feet in a flash. Lothair had mounted his steed. Four mounted warriors raced down the road from Wildermore, swords and spears raised in malcontent.
“Betrayer!” Altheric cried. “You free me and then give me to the Thane’s men. Now you leave me to appease the Thane’s vengence? Coward!”
Lothair rode to the edge of the forest.He tapped the hilt of his sword and disappeared. His voice called from the wood and pierced the roar of Altheric’s approaching assassins. “Nay, Captain! I give you a fighting chance.”
