The soldier with the crossbow kept it raised at the pair, but seemed to relax slightly under his armor. "Refugee?" he asked.

"Southern?" One of the chainmail soldiers asked. "Name's Marell, by the way. This fellow-" He pointed to the one with the crossbow - "Is John, fellow across is Barnaby." Barnaby took the metal ball. "It's been a rough week, can't be too careful after what's happened up there."

Barnaby dug through a pack to his side, bringing out a half loaf of bread. "Rest is soaked.." he muttered as he tore off and threw a piece to his fellows. He tore two more pieces off. "A whole village up there dead." He stated soberly. "Probably more. What parts are you from? You look southern."