|
The sunrise stung Borgand's eyes, as he helped to count the dead. Twenty three guards, seven civilians, and Calumdril, all dead. There were no women and children among the fallen, but many of the guards had been little more than boys. He pushed down his anger once again. It wouldn't do to be seen shaking his fist...his good fist...at the sky. The time for revenge would come, and soon, but for now, he had to attend to the dead.
Heart aching, he spoke to his personal guard. "Have those who are strong enough begin working on graves immediately. They are to have full cairns. These men all fought and died for us and we owe them the honor of a decent resting place."
Borgand wanted to distinguish Calumdril some way. The man had been greatly skilled, an invaluable resource, and a personal friend. He knew, however, that to raise one dead man above the rest would breed resentment among the families of the fallen. Inwardly, he resolved simply to stand the traditional soldier's watch over Calumdril's grave himself. His thoughts drifted to Illith and Bregand, sent off toward Bree in the heat of battle. He desperately hoped that none he had sent away were suffering. His reverie was broken by his guard's reply and departure.
Borgand needed sleep but knew it would be a long time before he would be able to rest. He looked down at the bodies again. He knew every face. He would have to visit every family. They deserved to hear the news from him. Before that, though, a decision remained.
Turning, he headed to the growing knot of rangers, looking for Tane. They waved him in the correct direction and Borgand stumbled as he hurried, weakened after the night and caught often in the slicks of blood and mud that dotted the ground. Wooden legs are not suited to urgency, but Birgand pushed himself and managed to find Tane in record time.
He pulled the leader of the Rangers aside.
"Tane, our losses are not fatal, but they cut deep. So many men who died needlessly...." Borgand set his mouth into a grim frown. "Please take your men and hunt down these hillmen. Capture them and bring them here to stand trial for what they have done. I don't want a slaughter, but, justice must be done."
|