The sun is rising higher in the eastern sky as the last of the food and drink are laid upon several tables outside the northern barracks of the city of Khorsun. The great north gate looms in the close distance. Dobrynya the Regent of Khorsun has already begun eating and drinking as he sits with Miroslav discussing things other than the defense of the city. THe two men look to be in a heated discussion, not an argument but not a friendly chat over nice cup of mushroom tea either.

Dyanna arrives with the sun. Seeing the Regent and the Captain caught up in a discussion, she heads straight for the food. After filling a trencher she pours herself some watered wine and finds a seat to break her fast.

A'kos arrives with Jaleh.  In light of the growing army outside the gates he comes outfitted for war, in armor and full functional military regalia.

"Food," he says with a grin.  "Good, I've worked up an appetite."

Grinning at the diminutive lady he asks, "Shall I fix you a plate?  Plenty of red meats, potatoes and such...we've a battle to fight!"

"Yes. Please do," Jaleh replied while moving around the table and looking at the food arrayed there. "I'm starved too."

Loukas spent the night in the Temple of Veles. It was good to sleep in the one place he has come to think of as home amongst the extended family that Zmija and the other brothers have come to be. Over supper Zmija give him a review of events since the Heart of Oak last departed and the Order's contribution to the city's defense. There are not many of the brotherhood here, but they make an effective force nevertheless. He takes particular pride in showing off Volsu Blüskú and playing for Zmija.

The next morning after attending services and the first real practice he has had for several months he goes to the Regent bringing Zmija with him, "Come, there is much to discuss and I would have our brothers prominent in the defense of our city."

When they arrive and he greets his fellows of the Heart of Oak and sees Miro and Dobrynya in intense debate he joins them at table accepting as he does so a goblet of mead from a servant, "Ah, it is good to be home, no? Tell us, noble ones, what inspires such disagreement?"

Heinrich arrives from a night sleeping on the Heart of Oak as the sun rises, having checked his equipment (paying special attention to his herbs) and refilled his quivers from the city watch if possible.

As the sun rises he approaches the barracks, like everyone else he heads for the food first, then settles in with the others, waiting to see what plans are put forth.

Zmija walks with Loukas proudly. The admiration for the younger disciple of Veles can clearly be seen int he older mans eyes as the approach the Regent and Miroslav deep in discussion.

The regent of the city smiles broadly at Loukas..."Good Miroslav and I do not see eye to eye about the future of this city. Once this whole mess is over it is my intention t ask to be reassigned by Sviatoslav, back to my home in Novgorod. I will be suggesting that the Knyaz place Miroslav in the position of Regent. He seems to not be interested in this."

"I, for one, understand his hesitation," offered A'kos.  "To be bound behind walls and chained to one's office is as much a prison as the gaol.  Much better to be ahorse, riding the open plain!"

Miroslav nods his head and smiles at A'Kos..."The Falcon understands! Though it is a deck neath my feet rather than a steed under my arse that inspires me...the idea is the same."