They watched in silence, the raindrops increasing in frequency till they became a heavy rain, obscuring their view of Athelwald.

"Come," said Kargen, "it is time we approach."

They made their way down the hill. The rain had soaked the ground, yet smoke still poured forth from the buildings. As they drew closer, a quiet settled over the area, lending an eerie feeling to their journey. Arriving at the edge of the village, they paused, listening intently, trying to ascertain if the enemy horsemen remained.

"They are gone," announced Kargen, advancing.

Slowly, cautiously, they walked into the remains of Athelwald. The thatched roofs had, for the most part, been burned away, while little was left of the buildings save for some scorched timbers and mud.

Laruhk stopped, gazing down at the body of a villager. "This was no battle," he declared, "this was a massacre."

Kargen swept his gaze across the area, taking in the footprints that were yet to be washed away by the rain. "Yes," he finally said, "and yet I fear killing was not their objective."

"How can you say that? Look at all the bodies!"

In answer, Kargen ran forward, then paused, pointing at the ground. "There, you see? They were taken from here in a large group, herded, like the Humans herd cattle."

"But why would someone do such a thing?" asked Laruhk.

"There is only one reason I can think of," replied Kargen. "They were taken as slaves."

Laruhk made a face. "How barbaric," he spat out in disgust. "Have they no sense of decency?"

"No, they do not, whoever they were. I suspect these people fought back," he waved his hand to indicate the dead, "but they had little chance against armoured horsemen."

"Poor Athgar," said Laruhk, "I shall miss him."

"I doubt he was taken," offered Kargen. "He is not the type to surrender without a fight."

"Then he is likely dead," said Laruhk, "and yet I do not see his body."

"Let us look around some more, perhaps we will be able to find him, and let his spirit rest."

They poked their way through the burned-out huts, ignoring the rain. It was Kargen that finally found what he was looking for. "Over here," he called out.

Laruhk came running, "What is it?"

"This is what is left of Athgar's hut," said Kargen. "The rain must have extinguished the fire."

"Is he in there?"

"I do not know," Kargen replied. "The timbers that formed the roof have collapsed. Help me move them, and perhaps we can find his body."

They quickly got to work, hefting the timbers and tossing them to the side. As they moved yet another one, Kargen tripped on something, sending the wood toppling to the side. He looked down to see a boot, still attached to a leg.

"A body," he called out. "It must be Athgar, buried in the debris."