"Should we have told her that the Earl isn't home?", Aubry pointed out as the four thanes neared the castle. The young woman and her uncle were out of earshot. "She's capable, I'll give her that."

"Well, there's still a few beds in the barracks to fill, so fitting her in shouldn't be a problem", Bram said. The four thanes walked to the barracks, and Bram, for one, collapsed to his bed.

-----

Earl Hjalmar was standing on the wall of Beornhall. He had arrived to the capital a few days ago, as his brother, King Jorvi of house Weyland, wanted to have a family feast and meet his quarreling relatives. [i]Like I would let Alarik inherit the throne,[/i] Hjalmar thought. [i]Only over my dead bones I would let him be king.[/i]

It was late night, and a chilly breeze blew. Hjalmar liked the feel of the wind on his face. It had a salty and fresh quality. [i]The wind is coming from the sea.[/i]

Hjalmar walked back to his quarters, and started to sleep. It was going to be a busy and long day tomorrow.