Making a Plan

Folk were looking at them as they passed by. Most in the area knew what had happened. How Henepa the Tavern Keep, and Gaiserix, had seemingly disappeared overnight some weeks past. All were hoping for a swift and happy conclusion to the matter, but nothing had happened. The Bounders had searched, Tolbold and Sarno had ridden to nearby villages and asked for their Bounders to keep an eye open, but there had been nothing.

"Lets go back inside, we are less noticeable among a crowd," Lithea suggested. So they did, but stood in the small space where brooms and cleaning materials were kept. It would be a challenge for any others to clearly hear what they said.

"So what are yer going ter do, Tolbold?"

The Assistant Shirriff looked drawn. "I will go after them. I shouldn't really leave the village with just Sarno and old Tolu here. But what else can I do? If there has been a sighting, it may be the only clue we will get. Why did they take 'em? What has Henepa ever done ter harm anyone."

"From what I hear, though he be in trouble, Gaisarix has only ever tried to help as well."

Tolbold nodded forlornly. "But yer right, Litha. If I do nothing now, I will never be able ter live with meself."

"So pack fer tracking, maybe over some time. Tell folk yer be away, or they will worry. "

He nodded. "I can't stop thinking about her...them. I feel so useless."

"Well you be far from that, Tolbold Tattersfield."

He shook his head. "Why have they got them? Where are they taking them? I wish them Elves were about now we need 'em."

Lithea shivered of a sudden, her mind going back to her dream.

"Maybe them need us?"

"What's that, Lithea?"

"Oh, nothing ter worry about. Yer get packed, and we leave first light. First stop be them Elves of yours."

"We?"

"Yer don't think I am letting yer do this alone?"

He opened his mouth to object.

"I be coming with yer, like it or not."

(Followed by Screen Shot Setting Out )