All quotations in this tale are in the tongue of the Eorlingas, translated so that it may be understood by those who read it, unless stated otherwise.
The sun was not yet risen when Ceorlgar had awoken that morning. He rose quickly and ate what breakfast he could, he was to prepared, and prepare swiftly. So he donned his armour as swift as he may, clasping the clasps, and buckling the buckles. He looked upon his cloak, and his spear was nearby, and catching a glimpse of it he recalled something. Therefore he looked to the door that was behind him, and grabbed his spear to make for the door. He was not yet prepared to leave, and the sun had yet to rise.
The torches were lit and there was dim light cast upon the darkened floors in Snowbourn. However, he spared not moment to savour the beautiful, and peaceful spring morning. He made his way to the wood-worker's home, and knocked upon the door. To Ceorlgar's ease the wood-worker was already awake, and he knew for what Ceorlgar came; he noticed the haste in Ceorlgar's eyes, and so without a moment to spare he turned about and disappeared into his home, leaving the door open. When he returned he brought with him a spear, it was freshly whittled, and the iron head was blunt when Ceorlgar checked it. He looked upon the whittler with question in his eyes, "A soldier should sharpen his own blade," said the wood-worker, "Lest he be disappointed by poor work. I am no metal worker." And with that the two bid farewell.
Dawn was coming and Ceorlgar found himself with plight. He had two spears, and one of them were blunt. He sought for a little while, and then went to the crafter's area where the smithy was setting up for the day's work. After a brief encounter, Ceorlgar learnt that not even the smithy had whetstone to sharpen the spear, but he knew where it could be found. This put Ceorlgar's mind at ease and now his intent was changed. With his wisdom gained; he went and sought for Melowen, he sought in the barracks, but she was not to be found there. She knew that they were riding out today, and she surely was not hiding.
Ceorlgar began to search through Snowbourn, and time was being eaten away meanwhile, the sun was beginning to rise, and it painted the clouds with a beautiful colour. Ceorlgar decided to check the North stables, but on his way, instead he found Melowen standing by the North gate, looking up to the heavens and beholding the beauty of the sunrise in the Riddermark. There was a faint breeze that played upon her locks of hair, and as she stood there; one might have said that there was something beautiful about her in the essence of the morning, she seemed peaceful, and free; like one of spring's flowers that had only just began to bloom in the morning, embracing the touch of sunlight upon her skin.
Ceorlgar went and stood beside her, he greeted and complimented the beauty of the morning. Some words were exchanged among the two, and they knew of their intent, and they knew what they were to do that day; that their quest for vengeance may claim their lives, yet it was to be done. He gave her the spear and told her where it could be sharpened and so returned to his home to prepare himself fully.
Melowen gratefully took the spear, and she went to have it sharpened in the meanwhile; and when she returned to find him at the stables once more, he was in the midst of speaking with Ulcwyne, who he deems that he is courting, yet Ulcwyne deems that they are betrothed. She had given him a saddle-bag with more to eat, and he gratefully accepted it. Then they kissed farewell and Ceorlgar climbed upon his steed and rode to meet Melowen at the gate. There they stood and looked upon the morning that had brightened.
Thus they left the walls of Snowbourn, and after a moment's ride they halted and gazed upon the road that was before themselves.
"Let Béma, the Huntsman look down upon us this day. And may he guide our spears upon our hunt; may he give speed to our steeds, and guide them upon the right paths, andreturn us to back home- or whither we truly are needed!"
And so Ceorlgar lifted his spear high, there was pale cloth upon the back off it, and it was painted with the pale light of the sun; his spear tip glistened; Melowen brandished her sword and rose it high, and it glistened bright within the light of the sun. Thus the two of them went off upon their quest, leaving Snowbourn to their backs and the Eastemnet to their fronts, naught would stop them now, their minds were made and their decisions were final. They would not return until their vengeance was paid to the foes of the Riddermark, against the king's will, they will slay any Orc that comes across their way.
