Chapter 2: Making a New Home

[Muskrat]

Rhedyn looks to Bearnoch and says, "Aye, I think you will do us more harm than good coming with us. Indeed, Gwrgi may decide just to slit your throat and call it a day. If he has such hostility towards his fellow Britons, think what he will feel towards an Angle. I'm not even sure we should tell him we have Angles in our company--we'll have to play that by ear."

[Seosaidh]

"Very well," Bearnoch says, a bit stiffly. "I will stay and lead my people. But if we are attacked, don't expect me to stay in the back of the fighting just to protect my people's leadership. If I did that, I would lose all respect that my people may have for me."

[Wbweather]

Berwyn places his hand on his wife's shoulder. "I would sooner expect the sun to fail to shine than for you to fail to lead our people's defense. I would trust no other more than I trust you for that task. If all goes well, then there will be no need for fighting. Know this my queen, I shall do my utmost to hasten my return and take arms by your side, should the need arise. I pray only that you don't rush headlong into danger needlessly. Our people need you and I need you."

[Olligarchy]

Rolling his eyes at the lovebirds, Amblaib pulls his aunt into a hug and kisses her forehead as a farewell.

"Just come back, aye? No heroics from you neither. Get in, give the gifts, get permission and get out... and if it looks to be going to the hells just get out."

[Muskrat]

Rhedyn chuckles at Amblaib's words. "Oh, don't worry, your majesty, that's just what I planned on doing." She turns to Berwyn and says, "Come. Let us bid our farewells and be on our way--the sooner we are done with King Gwrgi the better."

[WalterPeck]

Nuallan slapped his uncle on the shoulder, "If they get anywhere near the caravan we'll send them running," Nuallan gave a wicked smile, "minus a few limbs of course." With Ironhew, Nuallan helped gather a force of fighting men and began the crucial task of protecting the vulnerable rear of the caravan.

Speaking with Kings and bringing gifts were best done by royalty and Rhedyn. Bringing steel to the throat and stomach of the enemy was Nuallan's specialty.

[TetNak]

Nuallan and Traharen take control of the rearguard of the caravan that now lumbers through the Darkwood. Bearnoch says her goodbyes to her husband as he and his aunt depart for a dangerous task. The Angle Princess, along with the Briton King, lead their people forward into uncertainty buy away from a pincer of death coming from King Aled and his son's treachery.

Prince Dewyr remains by King Amblaib's side but frowns with the going of Berwyn and Rhedyn. "That is a dangerous task," he says aloud, "I will pray to the gods give them fortune."

The first few hours see the caravan slow significantly. Dewyr was correct, the caravan can make this trip, but the woman and children are having a difficult time with the terrain and the general lack of rest over the last day. There is still no sign of King Aled's attack, but Amblaib and Bearnoch will jointly need to decide to press forward or rest for the night.

[Seosaidh]

Bearnoch rides up to Amblaib, "King Amblaib, the night grows dark and the people are exhausted. Perhaps it would be better to find an easily defensible location and rest until the light returns. We will be in danger either way, and if we rest, then we will spend less time on King Gwrgi's land, as the people will be able to make better time."

[Olligarchy]

Amblaib does his best not to sigh at Bearnoch, remembering that that road has indeed been long and weariness took to no issue with attacking even the highborn and rulers.

"I would advise against that." He notes,"We already had a defensible position with preparations made for our defenses, but chose to abandon them in favour of avoiding the Brigantes. Should we settle for the night now, only scant hours later we would likely still be found and be worse off defenses wise than we were before choosing this path. I would advise we bear this burden and keep moving. Hopefully by midday tomorrow we will be far from Brigantes territory and able to give pause."

[Seosaidh]

Bearnoch considers Amblaibs words, "True enough. I suppose this decision was already made when we left our previous camp, although that will not help the people nor give them strength in their fatigue. But they will continue on. I will go among them to encourage them with the prospect of a long rest tomorrow."