[The Barrow-Wight]

* * * * * Rhûn * * * * *

Because the main door to the stable stood wide open, the three were able to see a group of riders that rounded the corner at the far end of the street. Several horsemen approached their position, each in the dark uniform of the Captain's Guard. At their lead was Kasteni, also dressed in black but wearing a coat of bright mail that gleamed from beneath his cloak. The riders pushed through the crowded avenue in a tight formation, forcing all traffic they passed to yield or be trampled. Finally, they stopped directly in front of Lovek and Kasteni dismounted.

"I see that you are prepared," he said to the old soldier. "That is good. It is afternoon and already later than I had hoped start, so we must be on our way as soon as my chariot is ready."

He looked back to the nearest rider and said, "I want my chariot ready to travel in no more than 15 minutes."

The rider jumped from his horse, took the reins of Kasteni's gray stallion, and led it into the stable.

Gesturing to the riders, he said, "These guards will accompany us on our journey. They will be under my command but are under instruction to protect us from any dangers on our road. It is likely we will need their aid, especially after we cross into Winzlen. The men there are not to be trusted, for they have often given allegiance to the Bardlings. And though they have promised peace, four strangers traveling through such a land would be an tempting target for brigands. So, I have brought extra protection."

They wait a few minutes in silence until the rider returned leading a Kasteni's steed, now pulling a golden war chariot. The Chief Advisor strode forward and stroked the beast's muzzle, murmuring quiet assurances to the animal.

“This is Petrij, Hammer-Hoof, my best field horse. He is a warrior, a true fighting spirit, and his lineage is of the Eorlean stock, for his parents were liberated from the Horselands long ago by now-dead thieves. Petrij will pull me anywhere without fear.”
Kasteni climbed into his chair and grabbed the reins.

“Mount your horses. It is time to go. We must reach the Kiseljak Hostel by nightfall.

[ September 27, 2002: Message edited by: The Barrow-Wight ]