It had been weeks since he had seen him, yet he was only to be gone a few days. Duramarth had gone away on business, or so he told Cynraede, yet he had not even heard word from him.
The fresh bandage still wrapped around his hand where he had met the witch. She knew exactly where he was, and why he was being held. He knew it was his place to find him and to get him home some how.
He wandered through Bree, he knew there was one person who knew could find out where he was last. She was not well known, often called the Prancing Pony her home. People called her the Rat, and he knew why.
He had seen her before, long ago when he met Wulfthred. She was a simple soul, not having much yet still surviving on what she had. Her clothing was modest, often shabby and ragged, yet it mattered not. She was a cheery soul, often wearing a bright smile upon her face.
"I hear you are good at finding people, or finding out things about people. No?"
Rannie turned, looking to the ragged hunter. His clothes were torn and tattered, it was clear he had seen better days. She offered a smile and nodded.
'Aye, ah suppose, why do ya ask?"
Cynraede tossed a leather pouch packed tightly with silver and a few gold pieces.
'His name doesn't matter, nor why he is there. I need you to get a horse, and go to where I tell you. The doors willl be open, no one will find you or bother you, go there, take him and get him some where safe, do you understand?"
Rannie looked to the bag of money, then to the young hunter. Her eyes slightly widened.
"Aye, I suppose I could get him for ya."
Cynraede raised a brow and looked at her carefully.
"Good, now, does this place have anything decent? Last I was here the ale tasted of warm horse urine."
Rannie chuckled and looked at him strangely, shaking her head.
"I don't want ta know how you know what that stuff tastes like. Yes, as a matter of fact, the ale isn't to bad, neither is some of the food. Are you hungry or thirsty?"
Cynraede smiled widely and nodded as he walked to the counter, ordering a fresh mead and some cuts of beef before turning to Rannie.
"You can eat with me, we have much to discuss and plan."
The two found a table and Cyn pushed the plate of beef in front of the young woman and nodded.
"Eat up, you will need your strength. I never caught your name by the way?"
The young woman looked to the plate, then to Cynraede, tilting her head slightly.
"My name is Rannie, and yours?"
"My name is friend."
