It was a long ride back from the Shire, and it was evening by the time Zan returned to Bree with her daughter. Pausing to stretch her legs before riding home, she stopped at the Pony to get food and drink.
Upon entering the tavern, Zandrianna ran into several people that she knew; staying longer than she intended to catch up on news and let them see the young Althessia. After a time, she felt the need to step outside for air, as the tavern had become quite crowded and noisy and she felt that it would be best for both her and her babe. The evening appeared quiet, so she headed to the fountain to sit and relax, looking up at the stars as she cuddled her daughter next to her.
Several minutes passed as she sat in silence before finally deciding to head by to the tavern to see her friends. She stretched, standing, and looked around the square. Suddenly a movement caught her eye and looking in that direction her eyes widened.
A man, a large cloaked man, had come up behind a woman, his hand around her nose and mouth as he attempted to carry her off. Zan's first instinct was to run and help the woman, but no ... she had Althessia in her arms. In a panic, she ran into the Pony, calling for her friends and telling them of what she'd seen.
They raced back outside ... but no sign of the man or the woman he was attacking were to be found. Searching, they broke up, each taking a road, to no avail. They were gone, as though they had never been there.
How was it possible? Where did the hooded man take the woman? And he had seen Zan. Would he simply dismiss her witnessing his deeds?
She did not know but, with her daughter to consider, she could take no chances.
