Finally, here we go with the next bit!

After leaving behind the ruined outpost, Richard, Edward and the two other soldiers journeyed for two days. As the neared the king's castle, they saw a large number of people up ahead.
"Could it be the Vikings? Could they have captured the royal city?" asked one of the younger soldiers with a worried expression.
The other soldier rolled his eyes. "They couldn't have possibly arrived at the castle yet! They have a baggage train and have to make camp each night. That would slow them down quite a bit. In any case, I hear the sound of flutes and lyres from whoever that group is, not war cries."

A small party of soldiers marched towards them. Richard, Edward and the others felt relieved to see that they wore the armour of the king's army.
"You can stop right there!!" bellowed one of the soldiers to the group returning from the fortlet. "What is your business here?" he demanded.
"We must speak to the king." said Edward. The soldiers glanced at him warily. They seemed like friendlies but the uniforms they wore were dirt smeared and torn.
"You may pass." said the soldier.

The king of Falco, Phillip the third had already noticed the visitors. He had met the crusaders before and he knew they would never betray him. One of the king's guards had his axe held in a defensive posture and was ready to use force with the approaching group is need be.
To be continued...PlaymoMan
