The night had spread over Bree and the town went silent, it was only the guards that moved about with their lanterns and the lamps here and there spread light on the streets. The windows of the houses were bright and the fireplaces were burning as the townsfolk were trying to stay warm during these last cold days oft he passing winter. As always the Prancing Pony was full people and it was the only place in town that was louder than the nocturnal insects and the occasional owl in the forest. On the other side of the town where it was quiet, on the window of the Townhall there was still light, from the office of the Mayor. Everyone had left but him. He was seated at his chair with a candle burning and a mug of coffee next to a stack of parchments on the desk. His head was supported by his fist and he was looking at nowhere in particular, his mid was full of thoughts.
They stole those papers and half the important people of Bree are exposed. Watchers, traders, certain farmers. While we looked for that paper for the trader they stole the names and addresses of the Watchmen, the names and addresses of the traders, as well as their routes and trade posts, the names of the farmers that work with them.
And a sigh escaped his lips, his fist turned into an open palmed that rubbed the forehead that was leaning into it and he shook his head muttering.
-Now what… I am stuck with an awful painting and all those people are in dangers.
One more he went through the parchments on the desk where the missing ones should be with but he found nothing. He went through them again and again until he stacked them in a pile neatly and put them aside under a bronze paperweight in the shape of a boar.
Trade to and from Bree is in danger, the Watchers are compromised, the farmers are in danger…
He said in his mind and looked into the mug, deep down maybe hoping that there were answers in it. He took a sip and looked out of the window, he let out another sigh and got up from the chair. What somehow comforted him is that as soon as he found out what happened he informed the Watch, surely the Head of the Watch would make sure that those people were safe until a track to find the perpetrators was found. But he couldn’t just stay there. He blew out the candle, emptied the mug, locked the door of the office and went outside towards the Jailhouse. He didn’t know why, maybe if he spoke to someone who knew he’d find some comfort to these troubling news.
As soon as he stepped out of the yard of the Townhall he saw a short man, or a Hobbit, he couldn’t tell in the dark, running towards the Jailhouse in a panic. Before reaching the building himself three Watchers came out running and shouting.
-Bring buckets! Bring the cart!
They went out of sight on the road towards Staddle and soon a fourth Watcher followed from the back of the Jailhouse with a cart. The Mayor hastened his steps and went into the building, straight up to Dawn’s desk who was still there, filing some paperwork.
-Dawn, what happened?
The woman looked at him blankly and then confirmed the fear he was trying to suppress so far.
-Ponto Underhill’s house caught fire. The farmer…
-With the biggest pipeweed farm in Staddle.
The Mayor completed her sentence and looked down. The woman nodded.
-This is worrying…
-I know woman! It’s not my doing.
-I know Mr Tenderlarch. I didn’t say something like that.
-I know, I’m sorry. I am on edge.
The Mayor apologised and fell on the bench, another sigh coming out of his lips as he did so. He looked around the Jailhouse.
-What are we going to do Dawn?
-We’ll do what we can Mayor, if… If needed we’ll call those that helped you with the paper you needed too but I don’t think that it won’t be necessary.
At that moment two men barged in the jailhouse carrying a man who seemed to have fainted.
-Someone beat Constable Tanglerush, we just found him tied up outside of the wall.
Dawn and the Mayor looked at each other and then the woman shouted an order.
-Go get the healer, don’t just stand there!
The men ran out of the Jailhouse and when they opened the door they could all hear noises from outside. The Mayor and Dawn hurried out of the building and saw a man who had just stopped at the Gate of the Jailhouse, as soon as he saw them he shouted at them in distress.
-Second-Watcher Heathstraw’s house is burning! The door is locked!
Dawn run inside at once and shouted something but her voice was muffled by the closed door, a few moments later her and three Watchers who seemed to have just woken run out. She stayed there and the Watchers ran along with the man who brought the news.
The Mayor and the woman went back inside and sat across each other on the benches in front of her desk, she sat back, looking up at the ceiling, he sat with his head in his palm, each breath was a groan of pain.
-We can handle it. We can handle it. We can handle it.
Dawn kept repeating and at that moment the door opened.
-My husband! My husband was taken!
Cried the woman who just came in.
-Who is your husband?
The Mayor asked now exasperated.
-Stan Hirshaw.
Replied the woman and Dawn and the Mayor looked at each other, both of their faces were blank, that was the biggest ale supplier of Bree.
-I think it is time we reconsider what you said earlier about help…
Dawn nodded and the Mayor left hurriedly.
If someone wants to take part in this small storyline around Bree-land send me a message here or ingame. It's open for all.
