There was a rosy hue peeking over the hills as the sun made up its mind to begin another day. At the homestead gate, horse and rider stood watching as the sky lightened. Every so often, the little grey horse would paw at the frosty ground, anxious to be moving in the cool, fall air.
"Easy, little one...we must wait for our friend."
The footfalls of a large horse could be heard on the pathway behind them. Lindovor smiled as he heard a gruff voice say,
"Your friend's here....let's be off".
Sir Turgur wore full armour, a wise move considering the events of the past weeks, but none too comfortable Lindovor thought. He raised his hand in greeting,
"Eastward, then." and the little grey horse started off at a trot, happy to be on his way.
"If the day stays fair, we should see the Forsaken Inn before nightfall." said Sir Turgur
"Then let us hope it stays fair." Lindovor let his horse break into a slow canter, the morning's enthusiasm would fade quickly enough and they may as well enjoy the easy roads of Breeland.
As the day progressed the pace steadied: walking, then trotting, and walking again. Sir Turgur would shift uneasily in his saddle from time to time, but made no complaint. Reining in beside him, Lindovor offered some bread from his saddle pack. Turgur reached down and took it with a grunt of thanks. As he chewed his crust, he said,
"I hadn't looked to be traveling again so soon, but I'm glad of the company." He took the last bite of bread then reached into a small leather pouch hanging from the pommel of his saddle. Taking out a small flask, he took two long gulps from it then offered it to Lindovor. The grey-haired man of Gondor shook his head.
"We'll make better time if I stay on the horse, friend..."
Sir Turgur laughed, "Suit yourself...but it helps make the saddle softer!"
Lindovor tried unsuccessfully to supress a grin,
"That, my friend, all boils to who is more stubborn...your horse, or your ass."
And the little grey broke into a canter once again, as Lindovor heard the explosion of laughter behind him.
