"Laurel, come, tell me of this man you speak of. Has he spoken of me or of the army? Ohtaredan! Have you seen this man?" Herebrand shook off his lethargy and stood along with Laurel as he asked to be taken to speak with the man she had mentioned. Ohtaredan shook his head. "Nay, Herebrand. I haven't been in the sick house at all of late. It is possible that one of may recognize him though. There is always hope, my friend!" He clapped Herebrand on the shoulder as they followed Laurel.
Ohtaredan marvelled at the change in Herebrand since the beginning of their acquaintance. He had at one time been light-hearted, seemingly care-free. Now it seemed as though he bore the brunt of the blame for the army's disappearance. The fact that his army had vanished for no apparent reason weighed on Herebrand greatly and the sight of seeing so robust a warrior beaten down saddened Ohtaredan.
Herebrand himself could only hope that the man they were about to see was able to tell him where, or even if, his men still lived. If they didn't...No! His mind recoiled from the thought. At least some of them hadto be alive! They were needed. Laurel needed them and he refused to admit he would have to break his sworn oath.
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