Seth moved off towards his horse's saddle bags. Sitting down I looked up at Rolf, with a question in my eyes. Meeting my gaze he responded, "The children and Larc are safe."
Relieved my attention shifted to the Valley Lander contingent of cavalry, who had pulled up all around us. Their leader was an older man, with a grey streaked beard and long hair that matched. That was where the effects of advanced age seemed to stop. His eyes were alive with a quick intelligence and he no doubt could handle himself still as a warrior given his strong warrior bearing.
"My name is General Nadero and it would appear that you have had a spot of trouble."
His words, while affable enough didn't reach his eyes, as I could see that he was deeply troubled over the appearance of Zoarinian troops so far within the outer borders of the Valley Lands.
I nodded my head yes in answer to his statement of fact.
"A man of few words I see. A good way to be in these perilous days I think. There are far too many yodels spouting off everything in their head."
I was bemused at the sudden tirade by the older man. His eccentricity's had me liking him already somehow, "Pleased to meet you General Nadero. I'm the son of Lorn Ta'lont and I wish to have safe passage into the Valley Lands."
"But of course it is our honor to welcome you the son of one of our hero's and proudest families home after so long. It will bring great joy to the people to know that a Ta'lont has come back to us in these dark times."
Gesturing towards the fallen Zoarinians he asked, "Are there any more than these following you?"
"No I do not think so, but I cannot be sure of it."
"Well let's get out of this valley before anymore of them do show up. Are you able to ride Roric? You look a little roughed up there."
Seth had just finished wrapping my side, which felt better with the pressure of the bandage against it. I rose to my feet and mounted Flin, who ambled up at the sound of the whistle call that Eliak had taught me to use.
One of the Valley Landers intrigued by the uniqueness of my whistle call tried to duplicate it. Flin didn't even so much as bat an ear in his direction.
"A fitting mount for a warrior such as yourself." Said General Nadero in frank appreciation of Flin.
"I need to meet with the high council as soon as possible General." I said.