Isolde startled at the harsh commanding voice. "What happened here?"She laid her finger on the lips of the woman in the coffin. and discreetly gestured to the horse, releasing him from his frozen position.  The creature  snorted and quivered as he recovered. In the melee of equine confusion, the re d haired witch stood, holding her head high but pulling the hood up properly. She  noted  the small contingent of men, led by a mighty warrior. The men were all dressed similarly but the mien of the speaker bespoke of his authority.<br/><br/>"I am the healer of Moranwick City," Isolde spoke with dignity and confidence, a rare combination in this time. "I was roused by flames outside the city and came to see if any were effected or if the woods were burning in such a way that the townsmen should be called.When I arrived many were dead and others were injured. I suppose they were bringing this boy to my shop, since I am a wisewoman and often am called on to prepare the dead."<br/><br/>The men kept their eyes on their leader. Isolde folded her hands inside her mantle but kept her eyes boldly on the man also. Using her magic was not something she planned for these men if they had come in peace. She hoped they would believe her story and help her load the coffin back on the cart. She could then drive it back to the city to care for the woman. Fighting the urge to hold her breathe, Isolde went still, waiting on the men's reactions.