Thornden stepped back, back away from Eodwine and the sword, still held in readiness, as though for an enemy. What a mistake to make! Was there actually an explanation for it? An acceptable one? He stood mute, like a schoolboy struck to silence by a difficult problem, all the while trying to meet Eodwine’s furious gaze.
“My lord,” he finally stammered. “I...I did not know it was you and master Garstan.” What did Eodwine think? That he would intentionally ambush his own lord? Confusion and a new rising feeling of anger battled inside his head. Common sense kept him from saying anything in his anger. He retreated another step and lowered his head. “You will forgive me. I had thought that you were possibly Sorn. I was in search of him.”
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