The tall man walked here and there, checking his men for the trip ahead. The canvas tents were stroked and packed. Food was rationed and water was poured into their canteens. The horses were fed and watered, brushed and saddled. In less than two hours these things were done. Soon they would leave this place for Snowbourne, the heart of the East-mark.
In the final stages of the preparation, an old woman with grizzled hair who goes by the name Berawyn came to Régnwald and they conversed.
''Good day, young warrior whom I've heard much about.'' she said and she scolded at the frog in her arms, ''Oh Ribib, be quite... or I'll put you back in your pond...'' she paused, glancing up at Régnwald ''Don't mind him...''
''Good day!'' Régnwald greeted her and bowed his head in thanks of the compliment with a warm smile, and he glanced at the extremely large and weird-looking frog, frowning and he smirked, eyeing her.
Berawyn looked over the grasslands of the Kingstead, seeming troubled and she spoke in a faint voice, ''Let us get out of this rain I pray young lad... and seek the comfort of the fire.'' She took her staff as a walking stick to seek shelter under the roof of the Mead Hall.
''At first glance, you seemed quite familiar to me, I must say...'' said Régnwald.
''Hmm, do I? —Well, there are lore-masters who claim eyes travel from heart to heart... But I'm not a believer in such outlandish tales.'' She paused for a brief while and then continued, ''Your face does not look familiar either... I believe I may have known your father...'' and she looked at him more closely, smiling.
Régnwald stared at her thoughtfully for a while, and he tilted his head with a smile, ''Yes! We have met before not far in Norcrofts, in a farm and you have healed my steed, for how thankful I am even still.''
''Ah yes... Not that you mention it, you have your father's eyes my boy.'' she smiled at him widely, even her teeth are at sight.
Régnwald straightened, feeling uncomfortable of her last move, ''My father?''
Berawyn nodded, ''A brave man he was... a great loss for our fair Mark!'' she took her hand from his face and smiled again.
''You knew him?'' Régnwald watched her eyes shifting, as if searching through endless halls in her mind, racing to recall.
Berawyn nodded slowly and walked inside the Mead Hall without saying a word.
Son of Régn followed her with quick steps, and eyed her questioningly though his thoughts were already mixed.
''Ah, this is better...'' she nodded, ''Tis warmth serves me well, though Ribib seems to think differently.''
Régnwald flashed a frowning glance at the big frog once more, ''Ribib?'' he mumbled faintly and shook his head indifferently.
''Aye, that is his name... Useful frog he is too... Hears much that my own ears can't hear anymore.''
Régnwald nodded, ''And how fare you since our last meeting?'' His voice changed then. It became soft, despite its deepness. ''I hope there's no problem, nor any ill tidings.''
''You are alike your father in many ways, son. So many questions...'' she warmed her hands over the fire and continued, ''I am well young man... and it gladdens me to see you well.''
Régnwald nodded, clutching his chest. Then the high-arched door was opened wide as Cynebur came in. Tall woman with golden long hair and of pale skin decorated with many freckles, big round eyes, clear and sky blue, a proud maiden of the shield she was.
''Westhu!'' she greeted them both in a stout voice, standing in respect before her captain.
Berawyn muttered, ''Another one is up I see...''
''She is never late,'' Régnwald added, ''Westhu Cynebur hal!''
''Such vigour in you young people,'' Berawyn nodded.
Cynebur bobbed hear head to both, and leaned on her spear feeling the fire warm her limbs. ''I had to see my steed, he gets restless when I'm not near.''
''One must tend to the bond... Aye, well spoken young maiden.'' Berawyn said and tilted her head approvingly.
Régnwald greeted her with a stout nod, ''Tis good to have you here, I didn't see you last night.''
Cynebur nodded, ''I joined the watchers on the towers, shared news and talks. We drank none as sight blurs with each cup of sweet mead.''
Berawyn said, ''It's too stuffy in here... I need some fresh air... let's hope that rain has passed... join me out if you please.''
''Fine Cynebur, I need you for something. Thane is outside, and he doesn't look well. I suppose, there are few things we must see to yet before we retire for Snowbourne.'' Régnwald finished his words.
Cynebur nodded with agreement, ''Ja, Æthelwigend!''
Régnwald gave her one last nod, his eyes brimming with their habitual calmness and he followed the old woman to the high-arched door with steady steps, his shoulders unbowed.
And the shieldmaiden followed him.
