Book One: At the Sign of the Prancing Pony

[Grimbold]

Velethahl and the rangers come to the Prancing Pony. Suddenly, Vardanil, the young ranger steps out of the shadows and motions them to meet him in a shady corner.

[Galen]

Velethahl follows the ranger Vardanil for what he expects to be the first of possibly many times. After the recent encounter he makes sure to look for anything or anyone suspicious.

[Grimbold]

Vardanil and Velethahl (and the two rangers) meet in a dark corner. Vardanil whispers: "Have you caught the man? Gorin wrestled ours down and we have tied him up. They are bringing him to Brano's."

[Galen]

...Velethahl pauses for a moment.

"Lets just say he won't be telling anyone what he heard. I failed to catch him on foot and decided that our secrets are too important to let him tell what he had heard. I wish there had been another way."
He says softly in his native elven tongue.

"So this Brano you speak of, he must be a ally?"
Velethahl asks.

[Galen]

"Oh, I almost forgot." Velethahl interjects before Vardanil can respond. "I looked for any sign of affiliation and found nothing. He had no incriminating evidence on his person."

[Grimbold]

"Well" says Vardanil "We are not sure if he is an ally. But one of our allies, Melvan, works for him, and I think Melvan can be trusted. So we can use his guestroom and Brano will help us to find the bandits - he has a caravan going south tomorrow and we plan to guard it. Perhaps we will hide some of the guards to draw out the bandits."

[Galen]

"This sounds like a solid plan." Velethahl responds. "Is there food at Brano's place? If not I should get a small bite to eat before leaving the Inn. Other than that I am ready to head to this Brano's house for a little rest."

[Vardaen]

The young ranger doesn't isn't feeling well about knowing the other man was killed. He doesn't ask any questions further about it, and shakes his head. "I would get something to eat here. I can't speak for Brano's hospitality." The young man looks at the other Rangers, a bit of sadness in his eyes. "When you are ready, I'll take you to Brano's."

[Grimbold]

Tarandír, one of the rangers, speaks quietly: "It seems to me 'tis better that we do not follow you to this Brano. As I said, we have our own task in the west, Gandalf himself told us what to do. We must ride ere the sun rises and we cannot say more about it. I believe you have your own task and I wish you the Valar's blessing in that. I hope you uncover this mystery and push the darkness back. Yet I sense darker times to come... Is there anything we can do to help you before we ride?"

[Galen]

"For my part I have nothing else for you." Velethahl says to Tarandir. "I am sorry we didn't meet on more pleasant terms. Perhaps next time there will be time for banter and drink. Good luck in all things and may the wind be at you back."