[as Régnwald prepares to leave Middlemead]
Elga: [crying] Don't go, my Lord! Stay with me, please, I beg you!
Régnwald: Forget about me. Find a good man, and bear him fine children, but bear him a son.
Elga: I don't want another man! I want you!
Régnwald: I am not the man you believe me to be...
Elga: You are a hero! You are a great man! 'Tis I know to be true!
Régnwald: [shouting] Then you are as foolish as the rest of them!
[Elga runs out, sobbing]
He donned his armour as swift as he may, clasping the clasps, and buckling the buckles. Soon, grabbing his blade, he made his way for the door. Régnwald strode into the stables with a saddle in his arms. The torches were lit and there was dim light cast upon the darkened floors of Middlemead. As usual, greeting his horse, he climbed upon Gramlic. The rest of the company were almost ready and a crowd waited in the stables to see them off.
''There is more to tell than a moment can spare,'' he said, shaking his head. ''We must ride to Snowbourne.''
''To Snowbourne!'' Aden, the Thane's advisor exclaimed, ''But you've only just arrived.'' he wondered if the maiden was the cause, and looked at her quizzically.
The Captain observed the village and all was going well, given the recent news. ''The merchants arrived safely, the orcs are no more, and the hearts of the Éorlingas are on the mend. There is little reason for all our company to remain.'' Gramlic twisted his neck around. ''The villagers will handle the rest, and soon a detachment from Snowbourne will be sent, you have my word. Our need here is done.''
To Snowbourne they rode. The day was long, and the ride. Only once did they stop for rest and food. They passed a small village on the way. Few inhabitants and shepherds waved at them as they passed and the horsemen raised their spears in recognition.
