The sound of hooves was approaching the farmhouse, getting louder and louder, the rider pulled the reins the moment he reached the door and just the moment his feet landed on the ground the door opened. An old man came out and looked at him angrily.
-You were supposed to be here hours ago, you're late! Your mother will be angry.
And took the reins to lead the horse into the stall, the rider, a young man of seventeen winters was still panting and ran inside, he found the jar and started drinking water from it. His mother came from the other room, angry, more than his father.
-How many times did I tell you to not do that? Put it down and drink from a glass now. And where were you? We were afraid that something might have happened to you!
The man lowered the jar struggling to catch his breath and tried to apologise, yet she didn't give him any chance to do so.
-Your father and I were so worried? Where have you been Endri? I sent you to Combe to buy some rations for the fields tomorrow and you disappeared! And you didn't bring any!
The man tried to apologise but his mother wouldn't listen, his father joined them as well and now he had both of them, putting him in the corner. He didn't manage to hold on long, he grasped his mothers hands gently to make her stop, she was surprised and stopped talking, as well asa his father.
-I saw a killing.
Their son's words made them forget everything and the woman almost fainted, the boy held her and both, father and son lead her to the sofa and Endri kept his blue eyes on her.
-Where?
-Near Combe, there was a band that looked like sellswords that was hunting down a man, the one that has been harassing these farms... They almost got him and drew their swords but he killed himself. After that I galloped away, so that I wouldn't lead them here. Once I was sure they didn't follow me I came.
Both, father and mother looked very concerned by the boy's words, they looked at each other, as if with meaning and in the end the woman broke out.
-Bil! You must find them! If they hunted him down and made him kill himself they might be able to help...
The man remained as he was, his face still keeping that look of surprise when the woman broke out.
-Help with what mother?
-It doesn't concern you!
-I think he's old enough to know now... He saw a killing and he's a man now... The past days as we were going to the fields I was seeing that man near the old hermit's hut. He spent a lot of time with that woman, too long a time. I also saw a guard too there but I am not sure.
-You have to tell them Bil, it will put our minds at ease, that hermit is said to be a witch and if that man had dealings with her it won't end well now that he died. You saw them burn poor Berrybell's farm because she couldn't pay them.
The man nodded and stood up, he took his cane and hat and turned to the boy, standing in front of the door.
-Take care of your mother Endri. I will return soon
