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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Maerdwyn" data-source="post: 2607467" data-attributes="member: 835">Beowulf nods solemnly as Areld rises, the two men having discussed this earlier.  There were a dozen men in the hall that Beowulf thought suitable for the journey to Daneland, seven he objected to, and others he would take only if too many of his chosen warriors disappointed him.That Oljar's son is willing to come gladdens him.  Though he knows little of the young man's skill in battle, his value in other aspects is unquestioned, especially if they are ultimately successful in the quest.One by one, more men rise, and pledge themselves to destroying the Grendel. It goes well, almost as well as Beowulf could have hoped, until near the end, when Acwulf stands.  All present know Acwulf - the man craves glory, but lacks the courage to earn it.  Last season a boy of only one raid accused him of hiding on the boats while others battled the Frisians and then taking treasure form the battle field.  Though Acwulf killed his accuser, the  question still lingers of whether he would have been similarly vindicated if one such as Ealdstan or Areld had seen his womanly behavior.  Beowulf attempts to keep the frown from his face, and he is therefore credited (for the purpose of avoiding giving insult to Acwulf) with having done so - but those who know him know the frown was there.  Having asked for men, Beowulf cannot tactfully refuse Acwulf, and yet Acwulf cannot come with them, whether he is Beowulf's cousin or not.</blockquote>

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