Régnwald has been witnessing to the sunset as he sat on a bale of hay near his tent. He sat quietly, and fully appreciated the magic of the moment. He was alone, and with his horse nearby.
The riders were gathered around a campfire, some talking quietly, others cooking. A cask of ale sat nearby, with several mugs stacked next to it.
From the road came a weary horseman. He wore a travel stained cloak and was caked in dirt and mud. He dismounted, leaving the sleek horse he rode to crop at the grass. Few of the gathered riders paid the man much attention until he came nearer to the light of the fire.
''My Lord, I plead you.''
The green eyed man had returned. Régnwald had spoken with him three days prior. Régnwald answered, ''There is nothing more dangerous than a man with naught to lose.''
''Let me ride by your side, my Lord. Set me loose upon the enemy!''
Régnwald sighed, pacing from one side of the small camp to the other and back again before answering, ''You would be a danger to my men.''
The man stopped beside him, and his face fell. ''You think I would endanger them?'' the green eyed man asked, as he shifted through the accusation for the truth, ''The Éored fight for those who cannot fight for themselves, fight to protect all in these lands. You think me as reckless as to fight not for these things?''
The look on Régnwald's face confirmed his question, ''You do...''
The man bowed his head, knowing the reason why. It was he who lost his company and all his brothers in an ambush in the far north, as he claimed. The man was called, Irwin, ''I have not lost all hope or heart. I have those I would fight for and fear to lose.''
Clearly, this meant more to the man than what was driven by loss. Régnwald nodded, ''I am sorry to tell you that there is more needed than a willing heart, my friend.''
''What more is needed? Tell me and I shall tell you if I have it,'' Irwin said, the motivation sparking in his eyes.
Régnwald provided a list of requirements, including a horse, weapons and armor, but also physical ability and skills. To Régnwald's surprise, the only thing the man was missing was a spear. His next set of questions ended with one that made Irwin hesitate, ''Are you able to follow orders, even if they lead your death?''
The man did not square his shoulders or let them fall after a moment of thought. He looked Régnwald in the eye and said, ''I am... not ready to join my fallen brothers just yet.''
''Good,'' Régnwald said. It was not the response Irwin was expecting. He continued, ''Then you are not a danger to yourself either. I can allow you to join my Éored, which is not fully manned.''
''Yes, and for that I am indebted to you,'' the man said. He had a suspicion of where Régnwald was leading this suggestion and wanted to hear more.
''You can repay us in full. You have until the midwinter celebrations to ready your horse. You may be ready for battle, but your horse could kill you as easily as an orc if it is not desensitized properly to the sounds of battle. Sharpen your blade, strengthen your arm. When these things are done, seek for me in Feldburg in the Wold. There, you will be instructed further.'' This agreement was sealed with a strong shake.
Régnwald left him. Irwin watched him stride back to the camp, grateful and contemplating the coming months.
