Together, King Patrick and Captain Blackthorn went to entreat with the civilians. A small group of well-dressed men came forth on behalf of the rest. Edward watched with a curiosity, again wondering what conversation they would share, and how King Patrick might deal with his new hostages.
After a time, the civilian men bowed, and went back towards their people. They whispered orders of their own to their own men, and there was a brief bit of activity, as men went racing off towards different corners of the city.
King Patrick said nothing as he rejoined his own men. They waited without question. Only Edward seemed to bear the burning coursity to know what had been said. The others talked in quiet voices, still full up on the thrill of battle.
After a short time, a cart came bumbling through the centre of the village, pulled by two large and sweat-covered men in the place of horses. They set it down in front of King Patrick, who dismissed them and thanked them with the same nod.
