“Little time have I spent amongst the Rohirrim, yet little is a word I would never use to describe the spirit of your people,” said Anglachel to Ælfritha. “Truly an outsider cannot understand your love of horses without seeing it first hand. I pity the thief who dares to steal a horse from Rohan.”
“But I do not,” said Ælfritha without hesitation. “They will not get far.”
Anglachel turned from the conversation momentarily to check the progress of the preparations. Goods and provisions were arriving in abundance, and several of the Rohirrim had already volunteered to help with the pursuit. Impressive, thought Anglachel as he nodded approval, the Rohirrim can be quite dedicated to a task when motivated.
Being satisfied that the posse would be mobile soon, he returned to the conversation with Ælfritha. “Nevertheless, it is common knowledge amongst traveling merchants that the Rohirrim rarely leave their own lands. While that makes Rohan a favorite spot for the merchant with a full cart, it does not bode well for your team of pursuit should the thieves make it out of Rohan,” said Anglachel.
“We do not have time to locate a tracker,” said Ælfritha, “unless there is something else you had in mind?”
Though Anglachel paused a moment in thought, he had already come to a decision several minutes before. Nevertheless, he collected his thoughts before presenting his proposal to Ælfritha.
“Initially, I had planned to visit Gondor and then travel to the land east of the Rhun before returning to Esgaroth,” said Anglachel. “Yet, there is no reason I cannot conduct my business in the East first and then journey to Gondor. I had planned to spend a few days in Edoras, but under the circumstances, I will ready to travel with you when you depart. I have been to all corners of Middle Earth, and I know the roads of this land as well many trackers. Whether these Easterlings are returning home or even if they serve some darker purpose, I can help to locate them.”
Ælfritha quickly accepted this offer, knowing Anglachel spoke shrewdly on these matters.
Before leaving to gather his few possessions, Anglachel turned to his new traveling companion, “One last thought,” said Anglachel. “Make sure there are at least a few in the group who can handle a sword or bow, for it is a dangerous road we are about to take. As a seasoned traveler I can fight in a pinch, but remember, I am a tradesman, not a swordsman.”
He gave Ælfritha a quick smile as he excused himself to make final preparations.
|