[shieldmaiden]

Haleth went out from the cottage to get some fresh air. She was nervous but her anger was fading slowly. It was dark outside but she noticed Kalohern and Gurthden by the horses. The boy was currying his horse, a black nag called Telefax, and the rider was sitting on the ground playing with his dagger.
"Hey Baranthôl, when is that dinner gonna be done? We are starving here." asked Gurthden.
"You better find something else to eat. I wouldn't recommend you that hag's cooking, it's more dangerous than a dozen of angry Dunlendings." said Haleth laughing.
"I would rather die of food poisoning than of hunger and anyway, I could easily fight a dozen of Dunlendings."
"Whatever you say, Gurthden, but I'm warning you, you will be eating it on your own responsibility." She took a brush and started currying her horse, a dun and calm animal called Zelenko. "By the way, nice beast you have there, Kalohern." she said.
"Telefax is better than he looks." answered the boy. "You wouldn't believe me if I told you who his father is."
"Many things just aren't what they seem to be." said Haleth.