My search continues.
Having had no luck in Bree or Combe, I decided to retrace old steps.
The first place I met him was in the ruins of the Brandywood, thus I travelled there as quickly as I dared. I am slowly becoming more confident with Arantha, but I am not yet ready to try any real speed with her. Alas, I found nothing of note in the woods or the ruins.
My next stop was the pond where he had used to visit me. It made sense considering he is the one who took me there in the first place. Alas, the result was the same. I found nothing.
I got to thinking then. Where would I go if I were suspected of doing something bad? Where would I hide were I fleeing the authorities of Bree-land? I had long ago heard tales of the Forsaken Inn and the manner of its clientele, thus I made that my next port of call.
It is every bit as dire as the stories tell. The stench of decaying reeds, unwashed bodies and stale ale of the vilest brew are all undiminished despite the gaping hole in the sagging roof. I had never before come to this place, but I recognised the reek. Some of those I flee from used to smell of the filth served here. The memories it brings are terrible and I almost could not bring myself to check the basement rooms for him just in case, but I steeled my resolve and did so all the same. To no avail.
Disheartened by my lack of success, my skin crawling from unwanted recollections, I left as quickly as possible and did not make camp until I was far along the road.
As a last desperate attempt to discover something, anything about his whereabouts, I returned to Bree. This time my efforts paid off... kind of.
Katie was there.
I had seen her in the Prancing Pony upon many an occasion and, for a time, had harboured an admiration for this pretty woman who shone so brightly with confidence. I had also seen her in the company of Davick once before and thus I asked her for information.
She said that she had seen him some days before. She also told me that he said he had planned to leave Bree in search of someone. The last thing she told me, however, caused me to doubt my quest.
He had been, she said, happier than she had ever before seen him.
Can this be true? Was Saelran wrong? Did he lie to me?
Surely no man so happy could be in the state of mind that Saelran described to me, or even in as much danger as I was led to believe. Has this all been for naught? Who do I believe in this? I trust neither of them but they know more than I on this matter. Either could be lying, either could be wrong. I cannot know until I find him, but I am no longer certain that I should.
I can think of only one reason that he might be so visibly pleased. If I am correct, then I do not think that I want to see it. I do not think that I could bear it.
But what if I am not correct? What if he is in danger, alone and with no one to turn to?
Be damned my betraying heart! I must take this chance, if only to be sure.
