A knowing look exchanged between the squire and Howard himself, the order given was loud and clear. "Yes, my lord," was the answer Howard gave, hand over his heart as he bowed, while the Champion drifted away to their horses. Once freed from the scrutiny of the young lord, Howard turned to the squire and told him to leave the breaking of camp until he sent the word for it, for he suspected the day of mourning had truly now descended upon them. Bedrolls and wound dressings to be prepared anon, ready to accept injuries. It would be a long and arduous day, so ensure food is at the ready, and clean water besides. The squire nodded gravely, and once Howard dismissed him, he slinked away, gathering all other squires and swains, whispering low among themselves, pointing at Howard every so often.
The easier part of delegation is done. Now comes the hard part. Howard donned his helm and marched towards the men, and they at once knew something was amiss when the giant approached them on foot. Avaloc and Tristain alighted their horses immediately, though others remained on theirs, watching curiously.
"My lord, you seem grave. What news have you?" Avaloc asked, placing a hand on Howard's shoulder.
"I am to deliver the word of the Champion, and myself besides; firstly in the name of our Lord and Saviour, to whom I pray for our safety, may our resolve never break."
Never good news when the giant begins an order with a prayer. Howard of Prydein prays to the Lord every chance he has, and that is to say he is closer to God than most of them, so when the Lord God falls from his lips, something must have gone terribly wrong, or will be. The knights and swordsmen began to fall silent, awaiting what would come next.
"My lord the Champion has spoken: knights-errant, my lords Du Lac and Lourne, shall lead the lance as we had planned. Sir Du Lac will take point, and Sir Lourne the rear. Myself and the lord Champion shall take the winding narrow hunter's path, to cover all likelihood that we may find any clues."
"Why would the lord Champion not send you and Tristain instead, my lord?" asked a voice in the crowd. "You and Sir d'Aillie are the best trackers of our group; none would miss your scrutiny. Would it not be better to have the Champion lead the lance then?"
"I track animals, not men," Tristain answered blandly. "But a fair observation. And please, call me not by my family's name. Tristain is fine."
"The Champion tracks men and animals," Howard took the opportunity quickly. "We shall be swift. Now I will accept no more questions, for I wish not the wrath of our lord Champion. Should more questions arise, bring them to him thyself."
A low murmur. The Champion is a mere child, but a child of a demon, a revenant, a curse upon the land, tamed by means they have yet known but are sure not theirs to command. They had seen what he had done to Howard, and wished not for it to befall them. No, they will keep their questions to themselves.
"Please return to the lance as soon as you can, my lord," said Avaloc, and Howard nodded in response, not wanting to promise him anything.
The reins to his palfrey were taken with a low bow of his head. A quick check to see that his horse was saddled correctly, he mounted her with ease, and the palfrey began to sway slightly as if light-headed, but it was merely happy to be on the road again.
"My lady, behave yourself," Howard patted her neck. "I fear for this palfrey sometimes." He lifted his head upon that question -- silver?
He hung his helm on a small loop by his waist, took his gauntlet off and dug that free hand into the neck of his armour. Out came a rosary, on the end of which hung a cross, worn on the sides from being held desperately in prayer.
"Only this, my lord: a rosary gifted to me by Princess Aliénor, when my tongue was loose and I had wished for one in her earshot. She was visiting Avallan from Lusitan the day I arrived from Prydein. The Bride of the Lord they call her for her piety, spared from our lady's fate, I must say -- else she had been wed to Prince Ywain, and we would be here for her and not Lady Laiunne."
"Why do you ask, my lord?"