A Well Earned Rest [5/7, Myna, Archibald/Nora]

[Archibald]

The road had been long to Myna. There was only open plains between Sodra and the Atherton's lands, but it was a fair distance and the weather had been questionable. All in all, Archibald's journey had not started out well. They had finally reached the lands though, in more or less good condition, which was a rarity. The only escort he had was but a handful of guards. He had never been one to want an expensive entourage, but his captain had insisted on accompanying him if he was headed as far as the capital. It wasn't exactly a call to arms, however, so he had left his army behind.

It was interesting to notice that his host, Lord Atherton, hadn't come out to greet him. Rumours were abound about him, however, rumblings of a dark and subtle man. Archibald did believe that where there was smoke, there was usually fire, but he wouldn't distrust him based on gossip. Especially if he could stay on the Atherton's side. He and but a couple of his guards made their way to the meeting hall, the rest remaining near the castle walls. That said, he was stopped before he got there. Puzzled, he looked at the soldier denying him access.

"Your lord is expecting me. He invited me here. I am Lord Archibald Campbell."

The soldier didn't look too particularly impressed, looking over Archibald as if to assess whether it truly was, or was simply a lookalike. Apparently satisfied, he nodded and signalled for the doors to be opened, holding a hand to forestall Archibald for the briefest of moments.

"Lord Atherton has an emergency to tend to in the fields. He wanted me to assure you that he would return to see you as soon as possible, but his wife, Lady Norata Atherton, is available to receive you."

Wordlessly, Archibald nodded a thank you and proceeded into the halls. He whispered into one of his own guards' ears. The man thus spoken to bowed and scurried out of the hall, heading back towards the other guards. Archibald, however, turned and bowed to Norata, seated as she was in the Lady's chair.

"Lady Atherton, a pleasure to meet you. I am Lord Archibald Campbell of Sodra. I appreciate the hospitality you and your husband show in allowing me into your home over the next few days. I hope I haven't arrived at a bad time?"