Fréa was silent and thoughtful as the small group rode away from Edoras. They had gotten out easily enough; the guards at the gate were both drunk and asleep. Hopefully, there had been no witness to their escape; which would give them time to get out of the area before others could follow.
Fréa knew that his actions were justified by the law, but he still felt that irking feeling; that if Brytta managed to come into contact with the authorities, it was possible that the true murderer would be exposed. For above his pride, and the shame of allowing an important prisoner to escape, came the fear that his crime would eventually be discovered.
Fréa looked up and quickly realized that he had gotten ahead of the others. Turning back, he saw the other three off their horses; examining the ground. Dismounting, the man hurried over to them. "What is it, Archim, why have we stopped? Brytta has a full day's ride on us, and we must hurry if we are to catch up."
Fréa's brother looked up at him, shading his eyes from the sun. The grimace on his face showed the man's uncomfort. Spitting to the side, he looked at the ground once more, running his hand through the dusty turf. "Well, Fréa, I think we've lost them."
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