There was not a sliver of sky to be seen, the high afternoon sun a dull, barely visible blot of light amidst a blanket of grey hanging above. For it, the air was cooler than it had been for days — a godsend. Amidst the fields the wind had grown stronger from a previously pleasant breeze, in it the sound of shifting hay and a scent that threatened rain. Or was the latter just hopeful thinking, in behalf of the dirt made dry by past weeks’ heatwave?
Oliver peered up past the upturned visor of his sallet, lips twisted with contemplation. He was settled against a freshly built fence, leaning against it, whilst his company had remained positively steadfast on the wayside to watch the distance. They’d come mounted, but had left their horses with one the peasants in the village. The one at the end of this particular road not fifty paces away, the shapes of little houses hiding within the abrupt copse like rabbits in tall grass.
In a scrape of dry earth, Syr Leinas adjusted on his spot in an agitated rotation, shoe soles raising dust. It eased none of the pressure hanging in the atmosphere, nor the wait itself.
“ What idiots will we appear, should they not come. “ The man said suddenly, horned head keeling as a fiery amber look escaped to the fields, like seeking refuge. He wasn’t expecting an answer, but Oliver responded regardless, voice echoing from within the bevor.
“ You concern yourself with all the wrong things, Kaarle " He started, watching the one addressed make a sharp turn that suggested barely contained dismay. " They will turn up — the professionals they are. Which to me is of more substance than the minutia of their schedule. “ He shrugged one shoulder rather dismissively, prying a weary sigh from Syr Leinas’ respective direction.
“ So the old devil had gone hiring — And you had such a fact in confidence from whom, again? “ There was disbelief in it, which went unappreciated. They met eyes, equally discontented, Oliver's tone diving with purpose as he answered.
“ Everyone. “
Oliver peered up past the upturned visor of his sallet, lips twisted with contemplation. He was settled against a freshly built fence, leaning against it, whilst his company had remained positively steadfast on the wayside to watch the distance. They’d come mounted, but had left their horses with one the peasants in the village. The one at the end of this particular road not fifty paces away, the shapes of little houses hiding within the abrupt copse like rabbits in tall grass.
In a scrape of dry earth, Syr Leinas adjusted on his spot in an agitated rotation, shoe soles raising dust. It eased none of the pressure hanging in the atmosphere, nor the wait itself.
“ What idiots will we appear, should they not come. “ The man said suddenly, horned head keeling as a fiery amber look escaped to the fields, like seeking refuge. He wasn’t expecting an answer, but Oliver responded regardless, voice echoing from within the bevor.
“ You concern yourself with all the wrong things, Kaarle " He started, watching the one addressed make a sharp turn that suggested barely contained dismay. " They will turn up — the professionals they are. Which to me is of more substance than the minutia of their schedule. “ He shrugged one shoulder rather dismissively, prying a weary sigh from Syr Leinas’ respective direction.
“ So the old devil had gone hiring — And you had such a fact in confidence from whom, again? “ There was disbelief in it, which went unappreciated. They met eyes, equally discontented, Oliver's tone diving with purpose as he answered.
“ Everyone. “
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