Theodric Hallmane

Theodric Hallmane knows the shame of waking late to a realm already bleeding. That knowledge made him kinder to the frightened and harsher toward counsellors who profit from paralysis. Keldrun understands his return as more than apology. A hall that failed to ride must not merely grieve; it must count horses, repair roads, feed scouts, name the delay, and answer the next horn before excuses can saddle themselves. Theodric's muster smells of rain on carved beams, horse sweat, fresh-cut spear shafts, oat sacks, old guilt, and smoke from a hearth relit before dawn. He speaks gently to those who admit fear and with iron contempt for those who dress cowardice as prudence. When he rides, recovery becomes visible: not absolution, not pageantry, but the first hard charge after grief has finished teaching.