The large man strode angrily back and forth across the stone floor, his booted feet falling heavily, only to stop suddenly and throw an angry glance over his shoulder towards Heathbrand.
"Do you know what we did to thieves where I come from?"
Heathbrand lifted his head from where it rested in his hand and answered shortly. "I can guess..."
Hrothic turned and faced the man where he sat, a mountain of outrage.
"We took their hand...that they might not commit any further offense." He began to pace once again. "There is not much here to remind me of who I was, yet what I had was enough...now I do not even have that."
Hrothric paced across the room and stood in front of Heathbrand, his hand grasping the hilt of his two-handed claymore. "If I catch who has taken my father's dagger and my horn of office, I will slit him from cod to crown..."
Heathbrand winced. He had no doubt the large Rohirrim was better than his word, there was still much of the Thane in Hrothric although he had chosen to leave his lands years ago. The guardsman-turned-merchant straightened himself, and standing painfully looked the old warrior directly in the eyes.
" Find this thief; your belongings will be returned to you. It is important that this place be made safe. We have received the first of what will be many shipments, and have both goods and men arriving here. I do not want interference...especially from a petty thief. These things will be brought in quietly, at night. It is important we do not draw attention. You have hired a few men already, see if one of them will take the task of finding this picklock. I will pay 300 silver to have him found...and one gold to have him stopped. If you are the one to find him, Hrothric...well, do what you feel is just. Though I tell you this, if you take his hand take his tongue as well, for I will have none know the particulars of our business or those who work for me but those I choose."
Hrothric tensed his jaw grimly and gave a quick bow.
"I will let the other guards know."
The crimson garbed man turned and left the great hall. As he watched him pass through the doorway, Heathbrand let himself sink back into his seat with a painful sigh. There were always complications. Now where was that goblet of Dorwinion wine?
