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Cnebba limped towards Stigend. It was only then that he realised his son had been injured. He rushed towards the boy and lifted him up to his arms. He looked at Cnebba to the eyes and glanced concernedly at both lord Eodwine and Garstan .
"What is it Cnebba? You are hurt?"
Cnebba nodded shyly and turned his head away from his father. "It was when we ran away from the outlaws... I tumbled...", he muttered silently feeling guilty about his clumsiness.
Stigend was abashed for the information but did not show it. He stayed as calm as he could although the instincs of a father were getting strong. He wished he could just get his boy to safety as soon as possible. But it had been settled already and he could not change the situation now as the others had already started towards the tower.
He saw that Garmund and Garstan walked hand in hand.
"Okay Cnebba. I'll carry you to the tower", with that he dropped his spear and lifted Cnebba to his shoulders with two hands. Cnebba knew the game now. He threw his good leg around Stigend's neck while his father was hoisting him up so as to sit on his shoulders and Stigend took a firm grasp of his knees as Cnebba had settled.
"You're alright?" Stigend asked and after the comfirmation from his son he started kneeling down carefully. "Just hold it, I'll pick my spear..."
And they were on their way reaching the others.
Stigend's mind was overloaded. What should I do now? If what lord Eodwine said is even near the thing I presume, would it be wise for Cnebba to see it? And how can I make it safe for him anyhow? And where is that one missing outlaw? He took a firmer grip from his spear and with his left hand he pressed Cnebba's legs tighter. They catched the others in no time. Stigend was panting now but didn't care.
"Garstan?" he asked as he got level with his friend who was walking steadily ahead with Garmund.
"Do you think this is wise?"
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