Cautious at the approach of the armed warriors your fears are soon eased as you note the familiar faces of the men as they grow closer. Hallbjorn Bolverkson and Kraki Hallason, huscarls of Jarl Olaf, are accompanied by a couple of household warriors Young Ljot and Berg Geirson as well as a somewhat violent mercenary recently arrived from Vastavikland known as Hauk Arinbjornson.

All are known to you by sight, but you have never had any dealings with them. Hallbjorn in particular is a barrel-chested man with curly blond hair and beard who is well-respected as a stout fighter and one of Jarl Olaf's most trusted huscarls. The group are bristling with weapons, mainly spear, shield & handaxe although Young Ljot also carries a longbow, Berg a sword and Hauk nothing but a heavy greataxe. None are readied threateningly.

The leader, Hallbjorn, calls a greeting as he rides closer "Ho there, hold. Where are you bound?". Following him, Young Ljot the archer can hardly keep his eyes off the girls, blushing when Inga looks at him. Berg sneezes and wipes his mud-spattered sleeve across his face. The mercenary axeman Hauk sneers "What have we here? Fine ladies all out for a morning ride?"