Régnwald let his eyes wander about the faces for a moment, he eyed first Zaiweyn, then the pair he met, and soon around his comrades until Niehstu spoke with fatigue of recent days, "I do not accept that, my Lord, Still my war-band holds no such judgment by our king or marshall." He threw the titles as weapons, eyes narrowing a fraction to show the crows’ feet that clung to their edges. ''I only offer for myself that I have done no wrongs in your land save ride across them and seek to protect your folk, and thus lay myself at your mercy.''
The Reeved snapped to ask with impatience. "You speak words that give us no facts. Where you inside the walls of Stangard during the battle?"
''I was, Lord. I was holding the front gates with a host of forty men. I daresay any of them are with me now, save Langhund, whom I haven't seen for long.''
Zaiweyn cocked her head, observing the accused man speaking, lips parting somewhat in expression of curious wonder. She decided to hop up the stair edge and sit there, giving her feet some rest.
The quartermaster canted his head forward and pursed his lips in wonder, a small smile still lingered on his face, regarding the leader of the band with interest. Deep thoughts and ideas were floating behind his eyes but he focused them inward for the time being, content to listen and watch.
Régnwald stood tall, firming his jaw, steeled once more for the volley of words that would surely begin this verbal duel, he inclined his head again to the comrades at his side. Fists balling until his knuckles whitened, the young earl looked once more upon their accuser. "My treason I have yet to answer for in any court, nor explain the treason that was done to bring me to my actions."
Cynegar glanced at the Reeve and nodded. He then raised his voice to ask himself. "Why do these people say you were gone then? Did you leave the walls of the town and when?"
Régnwald bowed his head a little, brooding over the given question deeply until he met his accuser's face ''I have ordered ceorl and the rest of éored to fall back to the north-gate, to make a safe passage. And once the ill deed was done, rode with the rest of my party to meet them, alas we were too late. The gate was taken, and only a small group had the chance of fleeing.''
The murmurs of the crowd began to rise as opinion on the matter and the words spoken are shared between them.
Gydgar looked around at everyone murmuring, his chin raising and his gaze hardening upon few of those he met before he looked back towards the Reeve and his men.
Zaiweyn listened intently, leaning over to the locals discussing to share a bit of her own mind on the matter, unasked for, as is her way. She does not, however, stop eyeing the accused warband, looking from one to the other, gaze hanging on each and every member for a moment.
Faerhild focused her gaze on Régnwald, staring at him while he spoke in hopes to assess if his words carried any truth.
Frambald, Thane of Dunfast looed at the Reeve to take his permission then raised his voice to speak. It would be obvious that he was no man of war. His stature was not much impressive. His thin hair was combed backwards allowing a retreating hairline to show. His face glistened with sweat. Still his round eyes looked at the warriors and the refugees with compassion "Some of us are not warriors by profession my Lord. The accusations are serious and the life of this man and his people is to be decided. Let us have a full recount of the events of that day so we can fully graps what happened." The Reeve looked at him then at the members of his council Ethelmund first.
Régnwald narrowed his eyes once more, and with a quickly drawn breath, watched the Thane of Dunfast, finding some sense in his words, and his eyes gleamed upon holding the gaze of the Lord Reeve.
Ethelmund nodded his agreement, still retaining an air of indifference toward one side or the other in the matter. "It is better we consider all we know before we pass judgement, I agree. I will listen and consider."
The Reeve turned to the other members of his Witan. They all nodded their agreement. Saexwyrd did do, grudgingly. He turned his eyes away snorting with annoyance, flexing his fingers with impatience. The Reeve frowned at him then turned to Rengwald. "As asked you will give us a recount of the events of that day. Which other of your men can speak of these maters?"
Soon the doors of Gárwig’s hall open. A tall Eorling entered the hall, adorned in a fine hauberk that was covered with a dark green surcoat. A brooch marking the banners of Snowbourn fastened a weather-beaten cloak. He advanced with long strides.
Heads were turned as the doors open and for a moment people fall silent but the silence did not last long as they began to whisper again as the man made his way through the hall. Some speaking in curiosity, others in judgement and some sensing foul play of somesort.
Régnwald bowed his head a little, eyes glinting and he wandered his gaze around his comrades with some light, for they were given a chance, least to defend the cause.
Maeweyn would raise her eyes to the Reeve, raising a hand to draw attention, "I've got things that need to be heard. Call upon me when you wish. I am Maeweyn."
Gydgar's hands met infront of him, his fingers running over his knuckles. He raised his chin up, to indicate he too could be called upon, speaking his name. "Gydgar, the Rugged."
Niehstu nodded too, she talk a small step forward though her voice did not go out as loud as she meant. "Niehstu, daughter of Winfred"
Régnwald glanced back over his shoulder for once and heard the names spoken, he let his head hang for a moment, brooding a beat and gazed up at the Reeve with his habitual stoic self, faring now safe since his friends would know have the chance to speak forth.
The Witan seemed too absorbed with the trial, all but Cynegar. The fresh air that the newcomer brought with him caught his attention and he followed him with his gaze. The Reeve looked between the people who raised their voices. ''Come forth then to speak your tale. Gydgar first. What do you know?"
Gydgar stood forth, his chin raising up as he looked to them with the usual boldness burning in his eyes. "Régnwald fought as bravely and for as long as the rest of us on the day Stangard fell! He threw down more Easterlings than any, and I was proud to stand at his side on that day. Only did he go when the ceorlfolc needed his protection. A truly good and brave captain." He grunted out his last word, nodding stoutly to Régnwald before his eyes met the Witan's and his chest puffed out.
Régnwald gazed aside dimly at his comrade who spoke, pursing the lips chafed from the cold, the bearded chin jutted out, split by a faint, rueful smile before it faded like a falling star. He glanced up at the Reeve once the warrior's words sunk in.
Saexwyrd snorted at the man's words, doubting them openly. Still the sharp look Cyneberg gave him, made him hold his tongue.
Gydgar set his hard glare upon Saexwyrd, fist clenching. He stood back, allowing the next to pass by him.
Ethelmund casts Seaxwyrd a weighing glance then peers ahead again, not appearing wholly impressed by Gydgar's case.
The Reeve moved his gaze to Maeweyn next. "Your turn then woman. Speak"
Maeweyn would step forward clearing her throat as she would address the Reeve and his Witan. "I am Maeweyn Edithdottir of Faldham. Early this summer I pledged myself to Régnwald's band in honouring my late father, who also fought among the ranks of Stangard. And what happened the day of the attack, what Régnwald did, I can not forgive. The call to burn the north-gate destroyed my tent and all contents within. Everything of my father's that I still held dear, gone. Not only that, I was told I would be sworn in as Shieldmaiden, and that never happened because of the attack which Regnwald was unable to lead us to defend. I only seek to honour Father. That will be all, Lord-Reeve." She turned to Regn, glaring at him before turning back to take her place.
Erlene steps closer to Egilfrid and hooks an arm around his while studying the people, groups starting to split up as opinions are made among the people gathered around. Some leaning towards the same attitude as displayed by Saexwyrd. Glares, concern, worry and unease seem to mix among the people as they look over at the scene.
Régnwald first eyed the maiden and gazed down at his armoured feet for the barest of moments as the maiden's words filled his grim enthusiasm, sorrowful, the man gazed up at her, uttering no mouth words, but a glance, mayhap with some meaning.
Gydgar looked towards Maeweyn, glaring with a shake of his head, murmuring. "A lost tent.. better than becoming some easterlings wife..". He grumbled a bit more afterwards, it slowly dying down as he looks up to the Witan once more.
Régnwald would meet the maiden's glare, pursing his lips, he spoke naught and eyed Gydgar ''Gydgar..'' it was spoken quiet, perhaps as a warning. The leader of the band then casted his eyes about for the next one to spake.
Wychtleth leaned towards Maeweyn, grinning as she spoke low, "A touching statement. Surely to change the Reeve's mind about Régnwald."
Maeweyn would nod to the woman at her side, remaining silent after having addressed the Reeve.
The Reeve frowned and nodded at the woman. Next he beckoned at Niehstu who was still hiding behind Régnwald's broad shoulders. The girl moved forward, though once her eyes met the Reeves she turned pale in color. No words could come out of her mouth and tears tood at the corner of her eyes. In the end she murmured. "I am sorry that is all". She turned then to Regn as if the apology was addressed to him and murmured the same words again. "I am sorry" Then she hang her head low saying no more.
Régnwald followed the young folawigend's gaze in silent solemnity, shaking a tad but he bowed his head once deeply as she trailed off.
Ethelmund blinked his eyes a few times, his smile dropping in place of a brief look of genuine confusion.
Niehstu retreated hiding properly behind her captain again, straggling to keep herself from sobbing miserably.
The Reeve dismissed the girl with a wave of his hand, not much appreciative of such display of emotion. He raised his voice higher. "Anyone else? Speak now."
Yrmenlaf raised his hand. ''I wish to speak.''
The people looked at each other then towards the Reeve again though attention is taken to the man who would speak up.
The Reeve turned to the newcomer, narrowing his eyes as if he just now noticed him. He nodded at the man and beckoned at him to step closer. Cynegar next to him though beamed a hopeful smile. His eyes then trailed off, towards a young maiden standing at the corner of the room and he nodded at her.
Yrmenlaf stepped forward and gave the warriors a quick glance before addressing the Reeve and his Witan. ‘’I am Yrmenlaf, son of Gúthfinn, and I came here from Snowbourne to speak for Régnwald.’’ He cleared his throat and continues. ‘’I don’t know what happened that day in Stangard, but I know him well enough to know he fought to his last for it, I know he did all he could.'' He took a deep breath. ''I think you are judging the wrong man for the fall of Stangard.’’ He bowed his head. ''That is all I have to say, my Lord.’’
Régnwald widened his eyes at the loud voice that came familiar, head cocked to his side, looking at the man who would be no one but his own cousin. ''Yrmenlaf..'' he spoke in a whisper, looking for mouth words, but failed to find, merely pursed his lips.
Zaiweyn cocked her head, observing the discussion with curled lips, considering something or another. She looked over at the Reeve, and the people around him.
The man known in the fields as Hondscioh, 'the sheep-herder', advanced a confident step. From the first a warm smile would greet the Reeve upon his weathered face, lined with laughter as much as toil. Framing this welcoming visage there hung a mane of shaggy red hair, curled back behind his ears, and a bronze beard hugging his jaw line. The man eyed Régnwald first and the Reeve-lord. ''Wise, mightly Lords...'' he paused, gazing down for a bit to establish their enthusiasm, an awkward moment, ''I'm no man of smart speech, but I've rode for many years beside my Earl, not merely in Eorlsmead, but in the Wold aswell. And I shall tell ye, he fought like a bear in Stangard, but foes were too many. Guess why? We were left alone! Harding Reeve sends his messages and regards, eh? Just to hide his wanton foolishness. I invite ye all wise words to see reason. We were only one éored. And how many foes? Let's now speak of 'em, nay? Well, I say then... Least three four hundred in swarthy men part... Not to mention the foul green-skins...''
Régnwald watched Hondscioh in verbal duel, firming his jaw, steeled once more for the volley of words, he inclined his head again to the comrades at his side. He allowed his gaze to wander up toward the smoke that drifted like the spirits of campfire tales between the high beams to linger in the uppermost reaches of the hall.
Faerhild had stared openly at each who had spoken, although her expression did nothing to reveal any of her thoughts. Until Hondschio spoke! And the woman raised her eyebrows ever so slightly.
Gydgar tapped his boot on the wood beneath him, arms folding as he grew ever more impatient. His eyes roamed over each one infront of him, then to those he stood amongst before once again looking at those gathered.
Hondscioh bowed his head as his words sunk in ''Tis are all I may tell ye, wise Lord. We are no enemy of the Mark. If ye seek enemies, you should look elsewhere...'' so the fiery haired Eorling knelt once again in awkwardness, heralding resignation on his part, and he took his place beside the war-band.
Cynegar raised his voice to speak, in a stern but yet not harsh way. "No man of wise words then you judge those that stand above you. How many were they after all? Your foes? " He asked looking at them one by one for any answer that could come up
Gydgar said, 'Enough to fill every part of Forlaw twice and then some!'
Saexwyrd snapped "You were in a walled town still!"
Gydgar looked towards this Saexwyrd, before looking towards Régnwald as he bit his tongue, wanting to speak back against him.
At Saexyrd's words some of the people around began to nod in agreement, turning to one and other to continue to speak among themselves.
Mægisterwigend Gyric raised his voice now too "The odds would have been at your side if you had prepared."
Egilfrid casted a look toward the corner of the room, leaning heavily on his crutch. He raised a brow curiously and looked over the council, almost distractedly.
Maeweyn nodded in agreement to the Mægisterwigend.
Régnwald grimaced with a rueful grin in disbelief ''We were well-prepared. And I'm sure some of the ceorl would remember my speech before the siege!''
Gydgar said, 'And even walls can be broken if an army is strong enough from one side, let alone strong enough from two sides!'
The Reeve glared at the people around to silence them. "Enough!" he said. Then Aldwin from Byre Tor nodded to the Reeve to get his permission to speak. He looked around the hall. "The previous time, you were let go as Cynebur, shieldmaiden of Forlaw vouched for you. Why is she not here today? She has been summoned surely. Could it be that she too, withdrew her support from you?''
The crowd was quick to heed the Reeve's words and the room fell silent.
Régnwald straightened some, eyes settled on the Reeve and held, tight as chains. ''She was informed by your servants that she was needed direly in her home village. Mayhap 'twas planned, Lord.''
Seaxwyrd shrugged speaking with irony. "She could have sent word with a messenger if she wished. Nay, things are clear to me. She means to escape our judgement."
Ethelmund regarded Régnwald with a long look of indignation, clearing his throat. "If you wish to level accusations then speak openly or not at all. Do not make the reeve-lord draw them out of you."
Régnwald held the young man in the Witan's face grimly with ire in his eyes of green, clenched his teeth and frowned deep ''The boy's raving, Lord. Stop violating the ways of Kin!''
Zaiweyn tilted her head further, narrowing her eyes at Saexwyrd. Slowly, she rose to her feet from her rest by the stairs, however being rather short in comparison to the Forlaw denizens did the exact opposite of what she planned. Muttering something quietly, the girl then attempted to worm her way to the front of the crowd, to see better.
Saexwyrd would say ''Because they are not in your convenience? You and your riders escaped when my cousin's family were slaughtered in the assault, for no reason but to hide the wanton destruction of a peaceful village.''
Faerhild looked out of the window, growing absent. The further her mind traveled the more her auburn brows knitted together in worry. Although she snapped back into the reality to regard her brother as he spoke of their relatives.
Régnwald eyed the man, firming his jaw, steeled once more, cursing inwardly. Fists balling until his knuckles whitened, he looked once more upon their accuser. "My treason I have yet to answer for in any court, nor explain the treason that was done to bring me to my actions." His head bowed a little. "I am not your enemy, Lord. You have listened my words and of my comrades I have wronged no one in Stangard, and if the matter of outlawry is seen to be troth, it is mine to bear.''
The Reeve regarded the younger man argue. For a moment he seems to tired to do anything. He raises his gaze to one of the windows for a moment. He did not seem to hear the last of Régnwald's words. Though resolve was brought back to his face. "We heard enough words. If there is no else to speak in your defense the members of the Witan will speak their mind. And then I will mine.''
Maeweyn would loudly clear her throat upon Régnwald's word of his lack of wrong-doing, shaking her head again.
Zaiweyn actually managed to get through the crowd, looking towards the Reeve. "I would want to speak."
Niehstu kept her eyes to the floor, the world spinning around her, not able to clearly get it all. Sweat her caused her white blonde hair to stick to the sides of her face.
The Reeve beckoned at the woman with a tired motion of his hand. "You can speak.''
Zaiweyn nodded, stepping forward towards the group, although standing aside from them. "Zaiweyn, of Westfold. I am not of these men, but I saw and heard much. Enough to have a mind on this." she says, offering a bow to the Reeve. "I would say it now if you would hear words of an independent watcher."
Régnwald gazed to the maiden in the corner with a high arched brow, curious to hear the words she would bespake. He straightened some more, looking toward Gydgar for a brief and his defiant eyes settled on the independent watcher.
Gydgar simply stood there, impatient and grumbling to himself, twisting his head to look towards the woman who started to speak.
The Reeve narrowed his eyes at the woman regarding her with discontent. Still he nodded. ''You are allowed to speak. But the word of a woman who is away from home and is not a shieldmaiden, has limited merit.''
Zaiweyn nodded. "Yes. I see and hear men accused of foul deeds" she began, turning rightwards to look towards Régnwald and his group. "Men whose fault is no treachery, but simple foolishness" she said, tilting her head curiously, before turning back to the Reeve. "Them and many that followed, refugees from a broken town. What fault are men that are not him?" she asks, nodding at Régnwald. "Even if he did wrong - which I am no judge of, but I think not it was purposed - would you see your kinsmen suffer because of personal grudges?" she asked, shooting a glance towards Saexwyrd. "I would not. If this man is at fault, let him answer for it. But fairly. Seeing kinsman snarl at kinsman, grin cruelly and offer foul smirks at his misery is just as foul."
Faerhild stepped forth, looking at her Reeve in hopes he'd allow her continue the woman's words.
A low whisper of murmurs seemed to start to rise among the people again.
Yrmenlaf crossed his arms and looked at the murmuring crowd.
As the independent watcher finished her words, Réngwald looked upon her in a new light, with light admiration. He offered the faintest of nods in salute to her act.
Egilfrid casted a glance toward Erlene and takes a weary step, his crutch tapping against the stone cobbles. He stood forward in a silent request for his intention to speak too, given a turn to do so.
The Reeve glared at Zaiweyn. "Audacious to think you can give me or my councel advice when you have strayed so much from the ways of our people. But - Eyes Faerhild and nods at her. "No matter."
Wychtleth rolled her head some, seeing how others feel the need to speak. She walksed, head high, stopping only to put a hand on Régnwald's shoulder. She too, would raise a hand, pointing to the cieling with one finger.
Régnwald winced a brief to the hand, clearly not expecting this and he watched the red haired maiden, known in times of Eorlsmead as the witch, pursing his lips, he would listen in high curiousity, and not expecting to find good in her words.
Saexwyrd eyed Wychtleth approaching and not able to contain his nature he blurts out "He brought his bedwarmers to speak of him!"
Zaiweyn seemed unfazed by the harsh words, just smiling disarmingly at Saexwyrd's blurt out.
Wychtleth laughed loudly, "Hold my dear, for you may in need of one in the future!"
Régnwald would roar at Saexwyrd ''Stop raving, you liar!''
Gydgar lifted his fist up some more, knuckles clenching and he gave a glare to Saexwyrd, eyeing up the mans nose as he cracked the knuckles.
Faerhild cleared her throat, speaking in her usual loud clear tone which carried no emotion, "I rarely speak my mind, mylord. Yet now I must. Seaxwyrd says a peaceful village was destructed. Yet what of peace is left these days when we are attacked from all Harwick is preparing for another attack as we speak!" She looks at The Reeve, ".. and our own...are missing. I understand it is crucial to convict those who lack bravery and the iron backbone these times require, but is this the time?" She looks at all of them, "Can we afford to convict our own?" Faerhild offered a stern look at her brother, before she'd step back where she had stood.
Erlene followed after Egilfrid but keeps a little behind him giving him a curious look and then glancing around again as some shift found some people in their opinion.
Wychtleth pats Régnwald's shoulder again before throwing up her hand again, "If I may, Lord Reeve...?"
The Reeve kept looking at Faerhild, too long a time it would seem without uttering a single word, still his old eyes convey a message of her own, for her to share. He nods at her in the end and raises his voice. "The people of the Witan will speak." He then looked at Wychtleth to display that he would have no more of women speaking.
Zaiweyn shrugged at that, deciding to sink back into the crowd.
Wychtleth catched the Reeves looks. She shrugs, shaking her head, "You deny me word, my Lord Reeve, yet you throw away what Béma and Foldewyn think of this man!"
Régnwald looked down upon the woman, laying a hand clad in iron on her shoulder to dismiss ''They've listened enough words.'' he spoke under his breath.
Gydgar said, 'Aye, and now it is about time they speak some.'
Wychtleth glanced at him with a wink in her eye. She spoke softly, "They would be wise to listen to a soothsayer... But, aye. I will hold back their wisdom."
Zaiweyn sat back on the stairs, nudging Egilfrid a little with a foot, dangling freely as she sits upstairs.
Egilfrid turns his head toward Zaiweyn in surprise, regarding her a little warily.
Zaiweyn offered a casual smile. Leaning over to whisper, drowned out in the crowd's hushed words, if any. "What were you going to say?"
Egilfrid lowered his voice and turns his eyes forward again. "I would plead that, whatever the reeve decides, that their women and children should remain with us. I defended them before. But after hearing both their words and those against them, I'll rather hear what wiser heads will say."
The Reeve turned to his Captain. The mægisterwigend stood to speak. Years have not robbed him of his good looks, though they did not make him much more knowledgeable either. He was a man of war after all and as such he has always been laconic and straight forward. He gave Régnwald a stern look, contemning him with it. “In battle we face hard choices where we trade the life of one man with the life of another. In this trade I would offer my life first. And that I expect from other warriors. This is why I claim this man to be guilty. "
Yrmenlaf tightened his fist at the maegisterwigend's words, but remains silent.
Then Aldwyn rose slowly. To those who knew him, his figure was bad a ghost of his old self, reduced to that by the pain of the loss of his loved ones. His gazed traveled across the room once, before he opened his mouth to speak, his voice as soft as that of a bard. "We have heard enough today, a grave world has been dealt to Riddermark. Pain is an ill advisor. This man failed Rohan, he did, though I don't believe his cowardice was the reason. I believe it was incompetence. He proved himself lesser than expected. Thus I wouldn't want to see him commanding men again"
Maeweyn would nod to Aldwyn's words as if in agreement.
Régnwald hearing the words, casted his eyes down to his armoured feet and watched the wood slabs of the great hall, sombre and brooding over the words spoken. He let a sharp breath escape the confines of his mouth. ''...Is this the will of the Witan?'' he swallowed as his words sunk in.
For the most part people seemed to have turn silent except but a few in the back that managed low word between themselves, the crackle of the fire enough to cover their words. A few heads began to nod, eyes darting to look among themselves some in silent agreement others returning the nod with a glare.
Then Frambal stood to speak. He bowed first his head at the Reeve modestly. His voice came out soft, aware of the pain it was going to cause and of the necessity of the words spoken. "It saddens me it came to this. I shall agree with Lord Aldwyn. But a man should given a chance to redeem himself. So I wish for him, and for myself if ever such day comes that we have to answer for a wrong decision. We are men after all."
Saexwyrd stepped forward fast, to deny Frambald's word from making an impression. Still he forgot what he was about to say as his eyes have fallen upon the so called soothsayer. His eyes widened and he blinked.His metallic voice was loud enough to be heard all over across the room but still he sounded absent already as he spoke. “Guilty is this man for the loss of Stangard.He left the villagers die without hope, alone and abandoned, he left my family die, but also he left Eorlsmead unguarded from our foes. How can any man with honor stand that! He is a coward no doubt. Or worse. Dark days might have come in which the sons of Rohan turn against their own”.
Zaiweyn snorted openly and loudly at those words.
Wychtleth crossed her arms, giving Saexwyrd a wide grin before winking at him.
Then Leofholm the healer stood to speak. In a few months only his dark blonde hair has gone grey, as a result of the load he felt over his frail shoulders. His voice came out uncertain. “I find sad that a man with such a honest face has committed such a dishonorable crime. His fear caused the death of many. And he must pay the price for that”
There it was. The table was finally laid for all to feast upon that news. A rumble of a chuckle sounded in the Horselord's throat but never left it. "Your words are far from being of troth.'' when his voice could be trusted, he spoke up. '''And what of the war-band, Lords?''
Gydgar said, 'Aye! What of those that took an oath to the Mark and our captain?' he spoke out, his chin jutting up in challenge towards Saexwyrd.
Maeweyn said, 'I've no allegiance to this man any longer.'
Régnwald turned back for once, a faint frown cracking in his bearded, scarred features but he said naught, returned his gaze upon the Witan.
At the question and the voices raised the Thane of Scylfig stood. His eyes sought in the dim light to find the visage of his daughter, Cyneberg. His face brightened as he encountered her and she in turned smiled at him. Then the old man spoke calmly His gaze fell upon Régnwald, his eyes harboring nothing but understanding for the young man. And so it is that his words rung strange, unfitting to his expression. "It is not my opinion only it seems that we cannot spare able man. That is why we will pardon them if they pledge their swords to the Reeve. As of you, Régnwald you must be punished. That is my counsel."
Faerhild straightened her posture, keeping her firm gaze on the accused. Perhaps in case one of them would turn out to be dangerous under such emotional strain. Though her grim gaze suggested she found no pleasure in having to consider such a possibility.
Ethelmund followed in good order, a look cast upon each of his fellows in the Witan before he turned his attention toward Régnwald. "I believe some of the accusations levelled toward you, Régnwald, are exaggerated and in hasty judgement. But that does not excuse the crimes of your failure to manage in the task you were given and ensure the safety of your folk. The quartermaster's lips upturned briefly in a smile, but it held little warmth, only a pleasant visage for his pragmatic stance. "Aye, punishment is due. I am not keen on managing the stores for so many more mouths to feed but the labour is welcome. Though I would propose we are not so hasty in trusting this band with swords on their belts for now. Put them to honest work."
Seaxwyrd did not reply to any challenges, he got sweaty instead and his eyes searched for his sister's frantically
Faerhild failed to notice her brother, holding him in the corner of reality where he only received attention if he was loudly bouncing in front of her eyes.
