Another early day for Fiontann, long before the sun came up he rose from the bed and went outside to train with his swords and shield, then he went swimming at the lake and got ready for the day, as always but this time he was ready just when the first rays of light filled the sky pushing the night away. First things first he thought and walked to The Thirsty Boar, no one was there at such an early hour but Holie, the middle aged woman who was looking after the inn when no one was around. The tough looking but good mannered woman was there as always mopping the floor and beamed a motherly smile when the warrior entered.
-Good morning Mr Fiontann.
-Good morning to you Holie. How are you today? I hope no one made a mess for you. I'll have them clean the outhouse if they did!
-No, not at all. Everything was tidy but a good cleaning in the morning is always necessary. Said the woman as she mopped the right pair of stairs at the stage. Fiontann looked around.
-Is Rothrian here?
-Yes. She is upstairs sleeping. I let her rest today. I have been harsh to her and she thinks I am hounding her.
-As is your job. She needs to keep her mind occupied. I've been through that. If you stay in the darkness of the mind for too long you get lost.
The woman nodded and pushed the bucket further towards the fireplace.
-Yes, you were like that when you learned of Lieta's passing. You still are and you know it... She bit her lip but kept her stern gaze on him making Fiontann look away.
-Indeed but I am coping and I need to look strong in front of them, if their leader is lost they will have nowhere to look at and I want them to stay strong and united.
The woman said nothing at first, then nodded and took a piece of cloth to wipe the fireplace.
-Yes, that is true. I did keep miss Rothrian busy. She mopped the inn yesterday, then washed the mugs, then I had her made the dough for the bread and then I sent her to the forest to pick some fruits and mushrooms. I had her wake up at dawn every day but I think that today she deserves a rest.
-You did well, thank you. I will talk to her one of these days. See how she is and tell her we're going on a trip and she should be prepared. Let her rest and then give her something to do. Hmmm, maybe help you cook something to see the creativity in it and the satisfaction once it's ready.
-I may do that but first she'll have to serve the drinks and clean some mugs when customers arrive.
Fiontann grinned and lifted his arms.
-You're her hound, I will see you soon. I have to go to Bree now, is there anything you need from there?
-Some fresh vegetables from the market would be perfect.
-You shall have them Hound! said Fiontan and laughed making her shoo him with the broom that was nearby.
*
The ride to Bree was uneventful and Hedinn his new horse was learning, now what was left was to use it in battle and teach it not to get scared so easily. To be fearful as its predecessor. Fion left the horse at the stables of the South Gate of Bree and walked towards the first alley to the left after the Gate. He had never gotten a reply from Eckardt or Duramarth IV after he replied to the original letter and decided to pay a visit in person. Having had some secret meetings in that Lodge and being a Breelander himself Fion knows where it is, as well as those that are there so getting there and into it wasn't a problem. The problem was how to find one of the two men.
-Good morning. I am Fiontann. He said to a man who was polishing a newly made by the looks of it bow. The man looked up at Fiontann and smiled politely.
-Good morning to you sir. How may I help you?
-I... came to find a friend. He was to be here.
-Does he have a name then? I believe I know everyone here. Said the man with meaning, looking up at Fiontann once more, letting his hand with the rough cloth follow the lines of the bow.
-His name is Eckardt.
-Ah yes yes. He has been around but he's out now on an errand. I really don't know when he will return.
Fiontann nodded and clenched a fist, thinking hard whether he should leave a message or not but the day of the journey was imminent. So he did
.
-Can I have some paper to write a letter then?
-Of course, use that table over there. Said the man pointing at the furthest table that had some stationary on it and went on working.
Fiontann sat there, took a clean parchment, dipped the quill in the ink and started writing. Once he was done he rolled the parchment and sealed it with wax and ring, then he gave it to the man.
-It is ready. Should he not return within two days please send it to The Warhorse Inn. And left some coins in case they were needed for the dispatch.
-Very well, I shall do so.
-Thank you.
*
The visit at the market was easy, Fiontann bought what was necessary and he spoke to the Dwarf that was there as their business kept going on.
-Is everything settled in the Blue Mountains? Asked Fion after the casual greeting words.
-It is lad, it is. Everything is set the way you instructed and in another floor, no one knows where it is but my lads and they are sure not to talk. We know it's important. And you should see the weapon, it points straight to the Gate. Should anyone pass through my brothers.. and winked.
-Thank you. Sadly I do not have the time to go myself and do what needs to be done but once I am back I shall do so. I owe you all some barrels of ale!
-Sure you do. Safe journeys!
-You as well.
*
The ride to The Thirsty Boar was uneventful as Chetwood was almost asleep still, Fion brought the vegetables and the flowers to Holie, thanking her for staying by Rothrian and retreated somewhere. Not too far though as he kept a close eye on his friend...
