Cold breeze blew down from the Entwash, over the green fields of Kingstead now wet and dark in the shadow of the night. They have been riding nonstop for three hours.
''Hey! Catch!''
Ulfbrand spun around just in time to snatch an apple that was sailing for his head. He raised his eyebrows at Ulcwine's impish grin, still feeling the sting of the apple's impact on his palm.
''You looked hungry,'' he explained, shrugging his shoulders. Ulfbrand's shoulders stayed up.
''The back of my head looked hungry?''
Ulcwine just smiled wider until he eventually bit the apple and turned around, shooting one more warning glance in his direction.
Régnwald spoke in a low, yet clear tone ''From here, I can see the light from the Mead Hall, beyond the river. We're almost there.''
Ulcwine nodded his head approvingly, ''Can we expect to have some food and drink, Captain?''
Régnwald only led his wayworn horse further on the road.
''I can only hope to have a warm corner to rest my back...'' one of the riders replied.
Few minutes later, the riders have reached the Entwade and they halted their horses by the Mead Hall, after telling Hunbald, a crossing guard to care with the horses. Régnwald pushed the high-arched door wide with both hands and the men behind him widened their eyes in surprise and joy laughters.
Bards were singing their songs of merriment and playing on gilded lyres. The tables were lined with food and the pig roast turned over the pit, its juices falling into the fire with a delicious sizzle. There was people sitting, standing, in corners and among the open spaces. Not a single space was empty from the laughter and entertained talk of the Eorlingas. The mead hall had not met its full use in quite some time. It was a wedding!
Wayworn warriors rushed into the crowd to feed and enjoy themselves. Régnwald stood still by the high-arched door, observing the crowd in silence. Many years ago, it would be filled many nights of the week, he thought. Riddermark was prosperous and enjoyed many seasons of peace. Three years ago, the health of the King began to dwindle, and the land dwindled with him. The winters became longer. Crops were lessened due to the shorter summers and although the people did not starve, the strain was grasping at their will and morale. Among these things, Orcs found their way into the plains. Régnwald pushed those thoughts away, striding into the crowd to join his comrades.
Image was taken from the movie, ''Beowulf and Grendel''
Ulcwine made him a space in the table and extended him a mug, ''Yes, bride looks happy. I wish Ulfbrand would lighten with her.''
''Moths would mistake him for the moon,'' Régnwald scoffed. ''Although I share your wish that he be ill.''
The friends burst into laughter at his jest. Then Ulfbrand came along, leaving the woman he had been playing with.
''She wants to get maid and give the children names.''
Framgast smiled at him, ''Women! The children have names, don't they?
''Just Cadda. It's too much trouble so we gave the rest of them numbers.''
''That's interesting! I thought you couldn't count.''
''I like the little bastards. They mean something to me. Especially Number Three! He's a good fighter!''
''That's because he's mine.''
They burst into laughter again. They drank till late hours that night, Régnwald's heart was now content in the knowledge that his sister and mother were in good health, as he learnt from a maid who came from Snowbourne. He has been looking forward to see them again. Régnwald gave a silent toast to Béma and he thanked him, for everything.
Image was taken from the movie, ''Beowulf and Grendel''
