Finding of the Warden.
On his return to Bree, Aelthrandir noticed an interesting figure entering the gates. He wore a dark grey cloak and leather armour, with a hood. The figure nodded to the guard at the gate and passed a coin as he went by. Aelthrandir hurried to catch him up, something about the stride of the man and the way he held himself gave a familiar feeling.
Aelthrandir caught up with the man as he was heading towards The Prancing Pony and offered him a polite nod in greeting before turning back the folds in his cloak to reveal his silver star. A small smile caught on the man’s face before he said loudly, “Taking a drink inside?”
“Yes, I believe I will.”
Inside the tavern the two collected a drink from the bar before finding a quieter area to talk. “How did you know?” asked the man before sipping his drink, “It is not wise to show that brooch to just anyone.
“I’ve been around here long enough and know the uniform, including the travelling clothes you wear,” replied Aelthrandir. “You are a far distance from your watch. What brings you this way?”
“Taking an important message that is not safe in the hands of just anyone and decided to take some rest before continuing my journey.”
“The usual caution I’ve come to expect from Calenglad, how is he these days?”
“Much the same though activity has increased and not of the usual kind either. Might I know your name friend?”
“Aelthrandir, I watch these parts, from North Chetwood to the South near Buckland, West so far as Trestlebridge and East near the Weather hills.”
“I am Ardumir son of Fandamir, and that is some watch, you do this with others?”
“It was not originally mine alone no,” Aelthrandir pauses and looks around at this point, he sees no one near enough to listen, despite that he lowers his voice. “But now the call has gone out and the Grey-cloaks have ridden to join our Chieftain.”
“That would explain the possible rise in what we are seeing,” said Ardumir, frowning into his mug.
“Indeed, we can expect to see many changes in the coming days. I, myself, am looking for suitable hands to aid me keep watch over Bree,” Aelthrandir looking at him.
“I already have my orders and this message must reach its destination,” Ardumir replies somewhat apologetically. “Perhaps though on my return I could be of some use, but I will have to return to my watch.
“Yes, Calenglad is not one to give up his men easily and I commend him for what he is doing. Though I believe saving the lives of those who are still alive is more important that watching old relics and ruined buildings.”
Ardumir grumbles a somewhat agreeable response and replies, “Though we owe it to our ancestors to ensure their bones do not fall into the wrong hands.”
“That is so,” agreed Aelthrandir, taking another sip of his ale. “We’ve enough to contend with without freshly risen wraiths at our backs.”
The tavern was starting to fill out and there was less space between them and the others around them. Feeling it was time to leave Ardumir promised he would try and be of some help when he had returned from his journey. Aelthrandir thanked him while hoping he could perhaps encourage him further upon the next time they meet.
