Hytorax

[Lief Erikson]

"Cheep! Cheep, cheep!"

A bird hopped along the top of a branch, looking down at the sentries on duty and puffing out its little red breast. One of them pointed up to him and smiled, talking briefly in his comrade's ear. The other sentry simply shrugged and took another bite of his breakfast.

Again, the tents were being pulled down in the camp. Morning had come, and the newcomer was also attracting strange glances. Apparently he too had been invited to join their company, though there was less visible reason for this than there had been for Imarwyn's joining. Ruafus was a fine horse, deadly, fast and spirited. He had taken to Imarwyn though, and appeared willing to obey his master. He could apparently see that Athalt was his new master, so he was willing to accept him now on his back. Imarwyn could easily ride him, bare back or with saddle, and she knew that she was almost completely safe upon Ruafus. He was loyal to her; the only danger lay in his getting excited by something and ignoring direction, to pursue an opposing rider, or to chase a dog rather than doing what most other horses did, fleeing it.

Athalt mounted his horse and led the soldiers forward until dusk. They pitched camp, and the next morning set out again, on what was the second day.

"This afternoon we shall arrive at Néred," the word spread around the camp in excitement.


"This afternoon we shall arrive at Néred!"


"We'll be arriving at Néred this afternoon!"


"A royal reception . . ."


"I know the country around this place- I was brought up here! We aren't far now!"


The city drew closer, and it wasn't long before its walls were visible. The tall buildings made of finely chiseled stone loomed up in the citadel, the center of the capitol of Enedwaith. The court was surrounded by a high wall, a second wall which enclosed the inner buildings in a final protection. Three towers were guarding it; one a gatehouse and the other two being protection posts. The higher buildings of the citadel could be seen beyond this wall.

But below all of that was where the soldiers were looking. The gates were open- the men were welcome.

"Raise spears," Athalt ordered. "And unfurl the flags. These people will be looking for a parade, and we all want to give it to them."

The men grinned and a few laughed as they eagerly followed their leader's bidding. Then their horses pushed forward as they approached the city.