Niehstu

The Reeve nodded, keeping his eyes on the war-band, and giving not a speck of glance to the Witan at his flank. "You fought in the siege in Stangard ...or so is supposed. You haven't shown the courage to stand and protect till death as in ways of our kin...''

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.''

Within the large Mead-hall, all the members of the Witan have gathered: Mægisterwigend Gyric, serving as a Captain of Wildermore's éored, Seaxwyrd son of Radwine, a son to a renown warrior, standing at Thrymm's place, Ethelmund, the Quartermaster of Forlaw, Thane of Scylfig, Cynegar, a friend and cousin to the Reeven, Frambald, Thane of Dunfast, Aldwin, uncle of the Former Thane of Byre Tor and last Leofholm, master healer of Forlaw.

Régnwald blinked rapidly as the dim light, broken only by the two large fire pits at the hall's center, took over from light. At his first step, he gazed into the heavy gloom above the rafters. Carved Mearas reared, nostrils wide, their hooves kicking the open air. They looked down on the war-band, their eyes lit from the pale flame beneath. The Eorling watched them in silent solemnity.

The winter air bit deep in the cliffside burgh, but stout walls and warm hearths did something to keep the west's harsh winds at bay. Folk busied themselves with everyday labour, logs were split, cattle driven and linen washed even in times of strife. The leader of the war-band sat, gazing at his armoured feet that swayed slightly from the edge of the stone fence.

Niehstu looked at the grim faces around her, she approached the old man Stelimund and nodded in greeting giving him a worried look.''Any news yet?''