The Rescue Party

[The Flint]

"Ten or so of us, we ARE outriders," Domeric chuckled, but nodded his assent. "Rickard if you want to take the right flank? He asked, "and Umber can take the left?"

[House Dustin]

"Aye," Rickard replied. He nodded and took his horse to gallop ahead and to the right of the rest of the party. Once in position he slowed and took stock of his surroundings.

[The Flint]

"So... does anyone remember when Sands came to the wall?" Domeric asked, mostly speaking to stay warm.

[The Smith]

Garth said, "He came as a babe. The only child ever put through the training of the brothers."

[The Flint]

"My gods, so how long has he been a Brother?" Domeric asked.

[The Smith]

"Another man chimed in, "As a child he was sent north from the south. He swore his oath young, when still in swaddling I heard."

[The Flint]

Domeric laughed. Obviously that was nonsense, but a long time none the less. "Hardly seems right then, that Mudd would give 'em up for dead so fast? Why he do that?"

[Flex]

Walton had gone for a piss before initially deciding to go to bed but had stumbled into the small group going on a ranging and joined in. He now sat on his horse, watching as Rickard rode into the night.

[The Smith]

Ollie, a thin ranger known for his bow not his sword spoke up, "Two hundred men. If its true that is like one quarter the watch. He could not risk men for one man. The math for this, is madness."

[Flex]

"Not for a man," Walton said turning around. "But Sands was a gods damned symbol for the Night's Watch. One of honour. One we could cling to." He spat and turned to stare at the darkness again.

[The Flint]

"Small group has a better chance to find him then a hundred," Domeric said, "Course who knows what we'll fine. Maybe we can just bring his body back for burial. But its better then lying about whats happened."

[The Smith]

Garth said, "We will get the man. I know it in my bones."

[The Flint]

Domeric was somewhat doubtful of "Garth" and his bones, but it WOULD be good news. Of course what would happen IF Sands returned, after being left for dead was another question.

[The Smith]

The ride north went uneventful the entire day. As night fell they found a good camp site, and stopped for the night.

[The Flint]

Domeric order the stop, and then set about preparing his bedding.

"We'll need to do three watches. I'll take first watch, then Umber, and Dustin next okay?"