The Eorlings rode up to the great tower, a strong, high, stone structure with banners of Eorlsmead hanging from its heavy walls. They were obviously impressed. Those who did not join the search for the boy had arrived hours ago, and the men had built their tents and fires around the stone tower that rose high above the sky as the darkness was falling.
One of the horsemen that traveled with the search party, who is named Aodhred broke the silence that had engulfed them meanwhile Régnwald slowed the company to a halt.
''Captain, I shall take the boy to his mother.'' and he dismounted with the confirming nod from Régnwald.
And the others in the search party also dismounted. To tell their names, there was Hildwine the shieldmaiden who had taken her oath not a long time ago. She was followed by Velithryth, the huntress and pathfinder who had given a good service for the éored in several other tasks before. Near her, Lhiam the folawigend halted, son of a cheese maker from a burg in East Emnet. And Langhund halted his new steed before him. So called 'Hound' of the éored, who was charged with taking care of the recruits throughout the migration. Behind him, on his saddle a young maiden rested... Heva. the healer, the sage with whom Régnwald had a little chance to talk.
As the Eorlings considered this, a commotion rose before them. They turned to see a cluster of men striding toward them, the commotion coming from the older man at the center who was growling impatience. Unfrith, at his side, muttering explanations.
As they neared, Régnwald recognized the old man as Alfmund, who is half-drunk and just roused from sleep. Alfmund, seeing Régnwald, strode clear of his own retinue.
Régnwald would struggle to mask his surprise at the ealdorman's wretched appearance.
''By Béma! Régnwald, Régnson!''
He would come up to Régnwald as he dismounted and dared to give him a great hug... then held him at a short distance, looking him over, grinning.
''I somehow think of you as smaller.''
''I was nine when I left.''
The old man would smile around.
''Oh, you've grown!''
''It's good to see you!''
''Perhaps Béma too has woken from his slumber.''
The group... Tidhelm's guards to one side... the impressive Eorlings from the Wold opposite... all joined in smiles.
And the old man led them into the tower, the Eorlings passed...
