Regnwald lifted up his chin, scarred and bearded features of the young Eorling betraying his age, and with the fatigue of recent days, his voice laced ''You didn't get the approval of Witan, eh.'' defiant, hazel green eyes gleamed with the gravity of a point already known. The man lowered his head, gazing down at his boot clad in fur and leather.
Cynebur took a deep breath, and peered to the man trough bars made of rusty iron. She leanded on and wrapped hand around it while watching other riders. "At least I am not fool to be jailed, hm?" she tried to smile, but blue eyes showed no strenght for joy, for jest, frostfull of unexpressed grief. "I didnt mean like that, freond, it is sad to see thou all here."
Regnwald casted his eyes around for a moment, traveling his gaze between his faithful comrades until the gaze landed on the shieldmaiden, giving a nod with somewhat of an ironic, weak smile. He pursed his lips chafed from the cold before speaking ''And it appears 'twasn't an urgent matter, which made ya ride home. Is she alright?''
Regnwald says, '...your sister.'
Cynebur hand that held iron bar went paler as she took stronger grip of it. "She is fine, its few weeks to be, but you never know.. when woman is bearing child."
Regnwald gave a soundless nod, appearing somewhat calm and healthier after days spent in this dark, shadowy room with gloomy air. ''We're getting out of this place soon.'' 'twas spoken with a spark in the eyes ''But I know not of what may be laid on our path thus forth.''
Cynebur nods and hits a little bars with her forehead, accidentaly. "I dont know what it holds, indeed. I dont know what to do, either. When I rode back all i wanted was to find that cowardly man and hang him, like we did it in old days."
Regnwald listened Cynebur's words in silent solemnity, though no less firmer, as if her return had brought him some hope for days ahead ''My arm was cut from my weapons, and I'm naked without my byrnie.'' the words escaped the confines of his mouth. Clutching at his side, fingers grasped nothing but empty space where Nægling's familiar, comforting hilt once rested.
Regnwald though willed not to look his winters of friend in the eye, thus head cocked to the side, heavy eyes tightening like chains.
Cynebur smiled sadly, while watching man, as boy without his wooden toy. "What we are but couple of things.. who will speak of Regwald and Naegling, or Cyne and her Torsne shield? Is there way to regain our honor, that we lost while saving crumbs of Stangard? Will Bema call us to ride by his side when Wyrd cuts our thread of heart?"
Regnwald stared dimly at Cynebur, remained silent a long time at that, finally looking up to match the meadow-haired Eorling's gaze. The smile remained a sombre one, just the corner of his lip curling into a half, weak smile. Blowing air through his cheeks, ''I know not. But I know that the mighty fate oft saves an undoomed man when his courage is good. So we shall wend our way for glory, until Wyrd decides to overturn the dark humours.'' the warrior's word-hoard unlocked while he, looking the shieldmaiden in the eye.
Cynebur smiled timidly and bowed her heard to his words. She looked around at faces again then back to Regnwald. "Now.. is there anything you wish me to do, my friend? Or for any of you?"
Regnwald says, 'When a man is in rooted in this place, he begins to think about the words spared throughout this time. Some rumours came to me.'
Cynebur asks with subtile interest. Yes?
Regnwald would begin recounting them right after that ''The Reeve's son, Thrymm's been lost, presumed dead for weeks. Hondscioh told me, and a horse-tamer named Egilfrid told him. It tears Garwig's mind apart, though a wise-lord he is... When we are set, we may look into this matter, if his son's indeed dead, for there are some in town who claim the otherwise.''
Cynebur looks up to him with surprise, and bites her lip, then her hand runs to the pouch on her belt instinctively as she feels shape of the signet ring and says 'Hlaefdige Cyneberg of Scylfyg..is his bethroded.' Cynebur opened her lips a little in wish to say..but then she shakes head and says not what happened. "Thrymm is bold man, some say irattional, too bold."
Regnwald brooded over Cynebur's words, ''She must be in sorrow.'' the man known in times as Dryhten gave his guess, after a few moments, he continued ''Yet while we seek to solve the ill-knots in this game, we shall nay be seen as we're, Cynebur. But doing honest-work, as the quartermaster spake.''
'Is there any other..ever?'Cynebur halfly smiles but then she frowned as memories of lost friends in Stangard 'If Reeve choses to let me walk free, I shall ride to Stangard..on my swiftest steed.. We need to know what is going on.. Is that wise to do Regn?'
Regnwald says, 'Well, we've friends outside. A woman from our host from Eorlsmead has found work in the Mead Hall, so keeps her ears open for anything of value to us. 'Not the local of Stangard, a rumoured witch, but it appears she's more than that.'
Cynebur scoffs, 'Ah, witch..'
Regnwald says, 'Ya know her?'
Cynebur smirks "I have heard of her, many women went to her from Stangard and men. I never dared to know my future. But I ask you, my friend, do you belive rumours or eyes that see itself?"'
Regnwald answered ''It's not the future that I want, but present. To have eyes and ears in the Reeve's hall, among the Witan.'' He casted his gaze aside, then eyes matching the Eorling's habitual stoic-self. ''If what I suspect is truth, that 'tis nomore a battle of real weapons but words and ill-knotted plans, it's on our favour to have a name inside.''
Cynebur raises a brow with unbeliving expression. 'Ally in a witch...'and puts hands on her back, neatly clasping them, troubled with all. "But.. we cant choose allies..not now." sighed heavily and rolled her shoulders, as she leaned her head to look at her boots briefly, her cheeks puffed up a little and made circles around her eyes and thin lines of age, more visible.
Regnwald let his head drop for a moment, eyed her a beat, he sighed behind his lips chafed from the cold ''I'm thinking we can trust her.'' as one would behold the young Eorling's face, it could be read that he was near certain, and with few worry.
Regnwald advanced a step to the metal bars, leaning his chest forward, a hand found the cold iron ''If there's anything you wish to tell me about, now would be the time.'' the man eyed the elderly shieldmaiden calmly, though with a sense of trust.
Cynebur shrugs a little with short nod of her head. "Alright, but do we trust rumors? It is two days of ride to the Limlight, now..it could be Three."
Cynebur looks the man with slight squint of her eyes. "There is, but I have made promise that I intend to keep:"
Regnwald says, 'Not wholly maybe, alas better than having naught.'
Regnwald narrowed his eyes as chains ''Now the place reeks of death that has long passed.'' he firmed his jaw then ''I cannot stop you, but you will find no one living there, the deed has been done time ago.''
Regnwald lifted up his chin hugged by now a thick, golden beard ''The hour grows late. You better go now and get some rest.''
Cynebur nods softly and offers her hand to the man trough iron bars. "Next time I see you, and others, you will be free, I look forward to it."
Regnwald would reach a hand across to hold her hand, firmly, with trust and hope, but also friendship and warmness. Soon he would let his hand drop as she moved back, watching the maiden stride away as the Horselord stood tall.
Cynebur turned around and left after sharing few words with others then left the jail and looks about, seeking her cloak and weapons.
Faer stands there, holding the woman's cloak and weapons.
Cynebur offers hand to take at least her warm fur cloak. 'May I? It is yule here...'
Faerhild offers her cloak to her. "I have faith Regnwald told you of the terms?"
Shieldmaiden looks up as clasping pin on her cloak, 'Terms?'
Faerhild says, 'The Reeve's decision at the Trial.'
Cynebur noded firmly "Of course."
Faerhild inclines her head, gesturing with her free hand toward the Reeve's Hall, "I reckon you know the way. Shall we?"
They crossed the path to the great Hall of Forlaw upon Lornsettle followed with squeak of the snow under their boots and few stares of villagers.
Faerhild stares at her for a moment, before pushing the doos open.
Cynebur nods solemnly and goes inside with her hands now set on her back under the cloak.
Faerhild steps inside in her tow, gripping the hooks on the heavy doors to pull them shut, all this while carrying the woman's weapons in one hand.
Cynebur waits to be announced or lead to the Reeve, while her eyes gazed around seeking of someone or something. Upon seeing she just nods to the woman and kneels down on one knee with her fist touching her heart with utmost compliance.
Faerhild leans Cynebur's weapons against the stones, finding no joy in holding the blade of another.
A murmur is raised within the hall as the announcement is made. Eyes turn to look at Cynebur, some with disdain, some curiously. The Reeve was talking to one of his men but he stops to turn and give the Shieldmaiden an austere look.
Faerhild kneels once afore the Reeve as well, simply standing there for a moment.
Cynebur says with serene voice, but her eyes were focusing on the elderly Reeve of the Wildermore. 'My lord.'
Reeve's eyes turn to Faer, they soften and he motions at her to rise, nodding his thanks for the service done. He then turns an iron gaze back at Cynebur.
Reeve greets her with a bob of his head, 'Shieldmaiden.'
Faerhild looks down at the floor boards. She considers for a moment should she mention that Cynebur had come to the Jail wearing a hood over her features. Yet as she stood now there, what point was there to mention such? So the woman simply bows her head and retreats backward into her silence. Turning her back at the Reeve only when it was considered acceptable
Cynebur nods to guard as she takes her leave, out of courtesy if anything else.
The man watched Faer leave. He rubs the egraved armrests of his decorated chair and gathers is strength for the encounter ahead. 'You have been expected earlier'
Cynebur didnt stand up, but while kneeling she answers with honesty and pride in her eyes. "My lord, I offer Thee my sincere regreat for not being here when I was needed. Of reason is very pure, I was informed my sisters is having a heavy labor of her fourth child. I was urged to come to farmsteads of Dunfast of where my family lives since Followers of Eorl put first beam of this hall 'Just yesterday a getalboda passed trough snowdrifts and informed me of the happenings, I rode trough in haste no horse could measure but Maeras itself. My Lord..would their fate be different If my word was heard here? Is there way to amend the decision of Witan?'
Unferth, a weathered warrior from the Forlaw's éored, full-bearded, tall, and keen-eyed watched the fair haired shieldmaiden from the dais, a hand resting on his tired sword. Grumbling over the information under his thick, straw hued beard.' Unferth, a weathered warrior from the Forlaw's éored, full-bearded, tall, and keen-eyed watched the fair haired shieldmaiden from the dais, a hand resting on his tired sword. Grumbling over the information under his thick, straw hued beard.
The Reeve stood and so did those around him out of respect. Though he motioned at them to stay at their seats and locked his hands behind his back. 'You might have been of more use to your friend in Harwick but you were not there either, were you Shieldmaiden? You left the tasks you were given behind. Now it is too late.'
Cynebur hanged her head down a little, but her eyes returned gaze toward the Reeve. She was in suspended emotions, frostfull eyes freezing on the Old man in open grief. "My hand was made for shield and sweord, games of tongue and coin showed to be challenge for me. I have failed, my Lord. What my thoughts are, I speak, what brings me pain I shout, In war, blade is one that cuts, but no blade was sharper then tongues and games I have seen. Heavy is to know one failed his freonde."'
The Reeve looked at the windows of the hall. As the hour was growing more late, the light that came through them was even more dim, giving a grim feeling to the old Hall. Or at least so he thought. He motioned with his hand for his servants to light up the fires and torches. Then with a sorrowful sigh he turned back to Cynebur.
Cynebur was kneeling all the time, and with little effort. As if she is what now is, succumbed over guilt and misfortune she gave people she cares for.
Unferth frowned at that, nodding his mighty lord's words in silent approval, and shifted his gaze over Burgardottir, appearing highly curious with the words she bespake. The full-bearded man squinted his eyes, keeping his words and thoughts to himself.
Reeve walked over her, looking down at the woman. 'A warrior frowns upon the work of words, but it is only out of ignorance. And you're far beyond the age of ignorance Cynebur of Forlaw. But it is through words we find reason and truth. It is no game. It is a duty for the members of the witan to speak their mind truly. It is not only your friend you failed. But at least there's one of your mistakes you admit. I ask you openly. Where does your loyalty stand? With your friend or with your Reeve and homeland?
Cynebur draws breath quickly and looks up with surprised look. Her hand instinctively feels the pouch on her belt, feeling the shape of the signet ring. She says slowly "I served for many years under banner of Eorl, with brethren and sisters that died of black arrows and Dunnish axes..
Cynebur then she says with noble tone of her voice..reciting one of stancas most heard at oathswearing 'Cattle die,kinsmen die, you yourself die;I know one thing which never dies is the judgment of a dead man's life. she said and bowed her head down deeper in respect "From Eorl Ednew, till Theoden King, my duty lies, my lord."
Reeve Garwig frowned deeply at her words and gestured at her dismissively. 'Rise then Cynebur. If no loyalty it is you owe me, do not act as you do. This I know of your acts. You come and go as you please. You disregard the tasks given to you, to follow your whims, you consider your will and mind better to those that have been given these lands to their care by those noble Kings you have spoken of. You speak of the dead, when my sons are dead and your friend is alive. But you can surely go join him if you so have missed him. For it is not I who found him guilty first but the Reeve of Harwick" he nodded for some mead to be brought to him, to clear his throat from words that felt like poison in his throat once spoken. He turned to his old friend and nodded to give him permition feeling his own mouth sore. At the same moment heavy footsteps sounded behind Cynebur. Saexwyrd walked by her to take his place behind the Reeve, his armour well shined. The two of them exchanged a cold, spiteful stare but nothing else was said.
Cynebur raises up and frowns looking confused with Reeves words she gaps to say something but the whole words seemed unsenseless when speaking with Reeve that heard what he wanted to hear..
The weathered Eorling half closed his eyes, and tilted his head back as if praying for the heavens. After a long moment of meditation, Unferth sucked in a deep breath, ''Beloved Reeve, mighty in arms, wise in thought, if thou seest fit, I would like to utter some words...'' the man advanced a step forth, clearing his throat and soon he spoke, voice, strong like horn, unlocked his word-hoard, ''I know one thing for sure, 'tis her will to pledge herself and service to people of the Mark; and thus, to you, my lord. I've been foretelling your last dream, and it's my belief and sound advise, that she must be accepted, for we're living in hard times, we need friends and more truthful companions... Last time an empty burgh was seen in a lord's dream, perillious things happened.'
Cyneburs hair on her back moved as the chill of the words was beyond hurtful for her. She didnt pass to see Seaxwyrds shiny armor or the cold gaze. Words of the man of witan little interested her even if they spoke in behalf of her. She bit her lip so far they grew pale.
Cynebur speaks finally after silence "Last time men sat in their hall, well fed, in finely polished armor, they chose not to send much needed resources and men to Eorlsmead. To Witan they were just numbers on hand, nameless riders, nameless women and children that were sent to settle, sent to be butchered. I claim what I say, My loyalty lies for Maerc and the Theoden King, For Folc that bleeds and breeds for Maerc. I failed, not once, but Witan failed .. Sevenfold.'
Garwig turned his back on her to find his seat again and sit down, as if her words increased his weariness. He took the horn offered then said to her bitterly. 'What do you say Shieldmaiden? That being loyal to me does not serve the Maerc? Is that what you think of me? You think your friend Regnwald serves the Maerc more devotedly that I do? Or is it another reason that has you following him neglecting your duties? Why are you here and not in Harwick then?
Cynebur frowns a little looking confused "I never abandoned Stangard and duty until I was ordered to return to my lands."
Garwig sips from his horn, though sweat mead has no taste in his mouth. He gathered his thoughts, chewing upon the woman's words. He then looks at his old friend. Strong cold wind crept inside the Hall, tearing one of the windows open, he says, 'The man you vouched for Cynebur was found guilty twice. Your unwillingness to serve me dishonors you and offends me.'
Cynebur says as looking up to the man surprised, 'In what I didnt serve, Thee my lord or the Witan?'
Reeve says: 'You hold your loyalties elsewhere Cynebur, and I suspect it is not to the Maerc, but to the man we have sent behind bars.'
'Did I not obey word of Aldor the Wise and behave as Hanthegn? Even I was almost mortaly wounded not a couple of months before our move to Stangard? Did I not try to beg Witan in behalf of Stangard, of its heavy situation? Not even case of poisoned well didnt persuade the honorable Witan to send more then just cart of flour and half rotten apples?'
What I feel toward my brother In arms never held me against the will of Witan and King. For firstly He never guided himself but with the loyalty toward Maerc and King.' Cynebur sighs and puts hand on her heart slowly sharking her head "Not ever would Thee doubt my heart If I was born as a man."
The woman's words caused the man to shoot a pained glance at her,his eyes wet from weariness maybe even some lurking sickness.
'By your own words it is clear Cynebur that if a question of loyalty to you is raised the answer won't be clear. You will do as you see fit. Times are dark. I won't break my friendship with your father, but what you have to offer, it is not enough.'
The Reeve is sat on his chair, holding a horn of mead. Next to him a tall andbroad figure stands, a man known as Saexwyrd. In front of the Reeve there is Cynebur, appearing to be in the middle of a hearing with the Reeve. Garwig appears weary if anything. There are low whispers in the mead hall and the place has lost is othertime merriment now sinking.
Shieldmaiden in grief kneels again, but she comes closer, whispering "I know the grief, and I have heard the word that most Fierce Thrymm can not be found. I will find him. Not only cause It pains me to see your grief my lord. Shun me after, but let me gather men that will go trough fires of Mordor to find Thy son."
Reeve Garwig stared at her, for long without blinking, fighting with himself, tempted to believe her words. Then his eyes looked away searching the room. Saexwyrd next to him stirred at the womans words, he turned to look down at the Reeve hardly keeping himself from speaking. Then the old man's voice rang, lifeless and deprived from any warmth. 'Did he set you up to this?' He turned to accuse Saexwyrd with his gaze.
Cynebur raises brow at the question and looks toward Seaxwyrd with utter disgust "My lord, in all honestly if you wish to belive me, I would never share word with this man. Not even a blade." Looks at him with disgust, watching over his polished armor, biting her lip not to speak further.
.
Saexwyrd surprisingly enough said nothing at all, though he turned to stare at the Reeve, not in anger but in a righteous satisfaction.
Garwig grunted banged his fist against the armrest. 'I will hear of this matter no more! I had enough without your foolishness scraping my wounds. He then vented at Cynebur 'And you, if you show some respect and not offend men in this hall if you ever want to enter it again.
'Now leave me! All words have been said!'
Cynebur stood up furious but sustaining the disgrace of what they do to her. Not giving pleasure to Seax or anyone to see her down she raises head high, straightens up her shoulders and back, tall and proud even within the injustice. "Yes, my lord." and storms out without any other word given.
The Reeve too stands and taking his horn of mead along, he retires to his private chambers. As Saexwyrd moves to follow him, he dismisses him with a wave of his hand and the man just stands still on his spot burning in growing anger now.
.
