Herebrand strode outside into the brilliant day. He pulled himself into the saddle wearily sat his horse, then ground the heel of his hand into his gritty eyes, tired beyond reckoning. His eyes narrowed as he squinted up at the sun. What he would have given for an hour's rest, yet he couldn't allow himself that. His sense of honour and loyalty to his men was too deeply ingrained.
He sighed as he urged his mount forward. He had hoped that Ohtaredan would have joined him, to make the search easier. Herebrand shook his head as he rode to the nearest tavern to start his inquiries. "How can a man, especially a leader, lose an army? Gods!" He berated himself, for he had always been too hard on himself. His eyes closed of their own volition and he caught himself as he swayed in the saddle.
A bold young tavern-wench stood outside one of the inns just ahead of him, vigourously washing down the windows. She plunged her rag into the the bucket of water at her feet, then she turned and flashed him a smile. "Greetings, stranger! What business...?" She looked at him sharply, "Are you alright? You look done in. Get you down off that horse, man. Before you fall off!" She bustled to his side and put her hand to the reins. He grinned at her kindly, then shook his head. "Nay, my lovely. I'm looking for my men, an army in truth. Men like to myself...I could use an ale though." He dug in a pouch at his hip and tossed her a coin. Her eyes widened and she raced inside to fetch him a mug.
As he waited, he sensed that he wouldn't find what he was looking for in this place, or in any other for that matter. He would have to search the surrounding woods...again. Herebrand began to wonder why in all of Arda he had ever pledged his allegiance in the first place. His thoughts began to grow dark as she rushed back out to him with a frothing mug of ale. For the first time in weeks, he smiled broadly as he downed the ale in a series of huge gulps. "Another, my sweet, and then I must leave you. It seems to me I know where I can find them." She pouted a bit, then shrugged as she flounced away.
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