[Folwren]

Saeryn met Wynflaed’s eyes, and she felt grateful for her words. Perhaps this woman, at least, had no wish to take her place, and maybe she would be able to persuade her husband not to try to take Eodwine’s. She relaxed in her seat and drew a breath. So long as they treated Saeryn’s people as their own, without preferences among any of them or the newcomers, and everyone was treated fairly, then she would be able to abide a great deal. Wynfllaed spoke to include everyone, and that was good.

“The only complaint that they brought up when they were here is that we did not have the proper authority to demand payment or any sort of tribute from them,” Saeryn began. She then told them what had happened, touching on how the shabby appearance of the half-built meadhall had affected how the landlords treated them. She mentioned the appearance of her people, the soldiers with armor and weaponry beginning to look poor, and the women and children in work-worn clothing. She was not ashamed, and she did not speak as though she were. “They have worked hard,” she said, looking Athanar and Wynflaed in the face in turn. “And hard work has it’s effect, even if later it can be mistaken for slovenliness and laziness by those who are beyond the hard work and can just sit idly by and watch the work be done by others.” She paused slightly, as though making some sort of point, and then she continued, “That is what the other landlords thought, when they came, that we were a bunch of rag-tags, holding the hall against the king’s orders, and doing whatever we pleased.”

“All that they wanted was someone who really held authority and permission from the king to prove himself and demand the taxes,” Thornden said. He extended his hand toward Athanar. “Your presence here will suffice. The next time they come, they will come honorably, I am sure, and will do whatever you ask. In the mean time, and after they have come, your extra hands will be a great help in finishing the meadhall and other outlying buildings.”