It was another late night for Fiontann. He helped at The Thirsty Boar till late and now he was heading home to Cedwyn and Averick. He decided to take the long way home, wanting to enjoy some pipeweed and the warm night that was rare at this time of the year and Cedwyn and Averick would be sleeping anyway. He turned left after getting out of the inn and crossed the bridge before taking another left and heading into Chestnut Street, the trees had shed their leaves long ago and now the sky was visible from the street. He was trying to walk slowly taking it all in contrary to his usual stride, he was in no hurry, it was just a stroll. The ruin was to his left when Fiontann stopped in order to light his pipe when he thought that he saw movement with the corner of his eye. He turned left just when an arrow pierced the ground between his feet. Fion looked up at the ruin and blew the smoke out.
‘You’ve gotten fat,’ said a voice in a whisper and leaned over to place a bow on the ground. Fiontann made no reply. He waited. He was armed after all. The figure started towards him and Fion sighed loudly and put the pipe out and away. He drew his sword just in time to deflect his opponent’s sword and then attacked with a swing, the man stepped back and elbowed Fion in the ribs making him cough and step back himself. The figure tried to stab him and Fion parried and attempted a punch, the man was faster and punched him instead and Fion staggered backwards.
‘Hey, not in the face! Cedwyn will kill me if she sees any bruises!’
‘You’re out of shape! Cedwyn’s the least of your problems.’ The man said and sheathed his sword. ‘What’s unforgivable is that you were careless.’ He attempted a right hook.
Fiontann blocked and sent a punch at the man’s stomach. ‘I saw you, didn’t I?’
‘That arrow could kill you.’ The man sidestepped and elbowed Fion in the neck.
Fiontann grunted. ‘Yeah, well, I-’
‘A man like you can’t afford to be careless. You still have a lot of enemies out there,’ Amdarath said, scolding him, lowering his fists. ‘You’re taking care of many people and your woman and child.’
‘I know…’ Fiontann found the ground interesting and stared at it following the cobblestones past his friend and sheathed his sword.
‘I’m not scolding you, I just want you to be careful.’
‘I know.’
Amdarath offered a hand, Fion took and the two men shook their hands before hugging each other.
‘Are you sure you don’t want to stay the night?’
‘No, I have to go. I’m here only to tell you that something might be going on. There has been a rise in criminal activity these past months.’
‘That happens every now and then, especially when they think that they can get away with it. One band does it and no one’s after them, then another does it and then another. Soon you have three or four groups of bastards robbing people. You know how it goes.’
‘Yes, but this time it feels like it’s just one. Very organised.’
Fiontann looked at the Ranger and then at the Watchtower on their right. ‘Are you sure?’
‘I have a feeling. Others too. We’re going to investigate. I came here to tell you to keep an eye out on those that go in and out of Bree. Monitor the frequency of robberies and other crimes and similarities.’
‘Alright, where are you going?’
‘For starters in Ost Barandor. That’s where we’re meeting. Then wherever it seems bad.’
‘Alright, I’ll go speak to… the Watch… See what they know, if they know.’
‘I’m sure they do.’
‘I’m not.’
‘Just don’t start any fights.’
‘I never start fights with the Watch!’
‘I am sure.’
‘My people are away for now, investigating some murders. If there is something going on, where can I find you?’
‘Leave a letter for me at the Pony.’
‘Alright. You know,’ Fiontann said and rubbed his hands, not from the cold, from excitement. ‘I missed this. Investigating with the prospect of fighting.’
‘You have?’ Amdarath turned to look at him, raising a brow, then looked up and down at Fiontann’s body.
‘Hey! I’m not fat.’
‘I didn’t say you are.’
‘You did.’
‘Maybe a little. Do some training.’
‘I am training, every day.’
‘Then train harder.’
‘I might just do that. Especially if something is going on.’
‘I’ll see you soon then. I’ll come with news when I can.’
After a parting handshake the two men nodded at each other and Fiontann turned left and Amdarath went on straight. His heart was pounding. All that excitement made him grin all the way home. He stood at the door and cleared his throat, made his hair and did his best to be serious, then went inside.
