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The eorl’s look was not entirely friendly as he stood and seemed to consider Javan’s question. Javan waited for the answer, torn between hope and dread. The expression on Eodwine’s face told Javan nothing of the thoughts that ran through his head – all the lad could see were the hard lines of a jaw clamped tight and eyes that didn’t seem too friendly. And suddenly, a brief, slightly changed look passed over the eorl’s face and finally he looked directly at Javan.
“I will think on it this night and decide in the morning. Send for Thornden, boy. I must talk to him. Do this one thing now and do not delay, and perhaps it may go well for you.”
Javan stepped forward eagerly. He half extending his hands, and then seemed to remember himself, and he drew back. His eyes were bright suddenly.
“Yes, sir! Yes, sir! I’ll get him at once!” And away he dashed, running as quickly as he could. He went out again to the courtyard and asked the first familiar person where Thornden was. They directed him in the direction of the horses and he made off again.
“Thornden!" He gasped, coming up to where Thornden and Léof were leading out two horses. “Thornden! Lord Eodwine wants to speak with you! He wants to see you now! He told me to fetch you at once! We won’t need the horses tonight, put them back – put them back. Come on! Here, I’ll take your horse.”
“I can deal with it,” Léof said abruptly, reaching out and taking the lead rope before Javan could. “I don’t need help.”
Javan shot him a confused look before shrugging it off and turning again to Thornden. The older brother obviously wanted more explanation, but there wasn’t time for it. With Javan behind him, Thornden started off towards the hall.
“Javan told me you wanted me,” Thornden said finding Eodwine still in the hall. Javan stepped beside Thornden and offered the eorl a smile, as though to say, ‘I have done your bidding quickly, now may all go well with me?’
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