Their time in Harwick came to an end and soon the two Riders left and made for the their next destination: Eaworth. Though their journey did not go so easily. For when they crossed the Norcrofts yet again via different routes they found that there were many farms abandoned by the folk and left to defilement by evil orcs. There was little that they could, yet to their fortune there were no orcs to be seen abroad on the plains. As they rode on they came close to a barn and slowed the steps of their loyal steeds, for curiosity had driven them to make use of their ears and hear what ever they could: There were sounds coming from within the barn, rummaging, and then they heard a fell voice speaking in an evil tongue.
Then they knew that there were foes, perhaps more than one. They dismounted their steeds and tactfully slew both of the orcs that they had found, and thus having raised their count to seven. Thus far they had slain seven orcs in their venture throughout the Riddermark and were determined that many more would fall as well. Once they had tended to the mess that they had wrought they mounted their steeds once more and made for Eaworth.
However, upon their arriving they quickly discovered that Eaworth had seen better days. Their farms were burnt to a crisp and half the town was black as tinder or wrecked. The folk were unfriendly but who could blame them? The Shieldmaiden sought to ask them for food, yet the man who she rides with reprimanded her swiftly when she thought wrongly of the lacking courtesy that the folk had. He knew well that they were starved and had little to eat, yet she did not seem understand that wholly. Nor did his scoldings prove to lighten her mood, they only made it ill. Now it was obvious that the woman was quick to burn with temper, and that the man was patient. It seemed that he would teach her much of discipline as they embarked on their venture. For he deemed that he was worthy in virtue and that the woman seemed to lack some where she could do better.
Nonetheless, they were good companions and true to each other and their cause. They ate their own meals in Eaworth, surviving on what rations they had. Never again troubling the folk for shelter, nor food. It was there in Eaworth where they had met some friends. Among them was a man named Aewered who accompanied them in a task that they may not have completed without his aid.
They were to climb the Beacon of Eaworth, for it was apparent that the beacon had no stairs nor ladder. Only thick protruding rectangles of wood that could hold many men upon it. The three of them put their lives at great risk to complete the task, and completed it was! For were there any trouble to come to Eaworth then the folk surely would not be able to climb the Beacon swiftly by the planks, and would risk death.
Then they met Yrminas, who's keen bow had felled many an orc in defense of his peoples. How ever good his aim was against orcs, they were to learn how good it was against smaller, swifter targets: the Crebain that flew about the town, often pecking at the arches in the towers and none know what teases they may have borne. Yrminas' bow sang with fair accuracy and many birds were brought down where he turned them into a stew for the town's folk.
Though that was not yet the end of that day nor the folk who they would encounter. Two other Riders came their way. One familiar and the other they did not know. They were Regnwald, the son of Régn, and Ysmired. They were friends and were welcomed thusly but the Riders, yet they were not so welcomed by the folk of Eaworth. Only after the Male-Rider spoke with the guardsmen were they allowed into the walls and there took refuge where the gathered created a fire and shared tales, and meals.
The day soon passed and on the next they bid farewell to all who they had met, for they were all bound upon separate roads. However, ere the two Riders left their mind was bent upon seeing Reeve Ingbert. Therefore they asked if they may finally see him, and they were granted this. They entered the hall and the Reeve was gladdened to receive them, for he was aware of all good that they had done in their stay, and he thanked them. Yet it was plain to them that he bore brave face in days of darkness and could only be revered for it. Then after quick words the Riders parted and left Eaworth to venture North along side the Entwash, bound for the Entwade where they would cross and make for Edoras.
When they came to the Entwade they saw little traces of harm done to the folk, their plight did not seem so dire as it was at Eaworth and they crossed with no difficulty. Then the Riders were glad to behold the Westemnet!
