[Garen LiLorian]

Gormel lay on the cold ground, immersed in thought. Why was he still alive? The wound in his shoulder pained him still, and it would be long before he could wield a shield in that hand, but his other remained strong, ready to wield blade. He was considerably stronger than he had let on, prefering to watch the action until he could be sure of his new place in the hierarchy. The newcomer looked to be the strongest, and ready to take control, but that youngling, Kane, seemed to have something up his sleeve. Rhana was the wildcard. Why had she warned him of Bhurthnin's death? Did she think he'd protect her if it hit the fan? Gormel snorted mentally. Fat chance. Although...

She could be useful, if she's decided to use me as well, he mused. Perhaps it is time to make my presence felt again. The thieves had been running swiftly towards the Anduin, yet the lack of a clear leader was causing problems. Already some of the thieves had split of from the group, heading for homes in whatever part of the country they happened to live in. Gormel made his decision, and sat up.

"Hoi! Kane! Rhana! You there! Get your flea-ridden carcasses over here." The newcomer looked considerably startled to hear from Gormel, but, after a deliberate pause, slowly made his way over to where Gormel sat. He munched indolently on a heel of bread. The other two exchanged looks before strolling over towards him. Gormel gritted his teeth. This insolence would not go unpunished, when he had his command back.

"I've been thinking." He ignored the look Kane gave him. "You there. You're my contact. Where are we taking these beasts? If it's that bloody tark city, we've taken a bad route. If it isn't, where the hell are you taking us?" He ignored Ulfeg's look of surprise, and continued "Kane, you've done a decent job managing this lot, so I'm gonna let you take care of buisness 'till we strike the city." There. That oughta swell the boy's head. Long as he's pleased, I'm alive. "You. Contact. You've got a letter for me. Hand it over, and then get the hell outta here. Keep out of trouble, and keep up." Ulfeg stood up, smoldering, but handed the letter to Gormel and stalked away, stiff-legged as a tomcat. "Well, Kane, what the hell are you staring at? Get these idiots on the move! You wanna be sitting here when the horsemen find us?" Kane opened and shut his mouth a few times before moving, and when he did, he looked utterly nonplussed.

"Rhana. Siddown." The horsewoman stared at him, and kept her distance. "Dammit, sit" he snarled, and her eyes flashed before obeying. He collected himself. Wouldn't do to alienate her. "I've been thinking," he said, in a much softer growl, "who can I trust? Bhurthnin's dead. Kane pro'bly slit his throat in the night, and that blasted newcomer-" "Ulfeg" "Ulfeg. Right. That blasted Ulfeg'd as soon gut me as look at me. That leaves you. Now. You're a smart woman, and you know that you'll never command yourself. You know also that Kane's too brash to listen for long, and Ulfeg's an unknown. That leaves me. We need each other, Rhana. That spasting dog made sure I won't be fighting anytime soon, and you won't be leading by yourself. So." And he held out his good hand. "Whaddya say, Rhana. Ever wanted to lead a band of horse-thieves?" He tried to smile winningly. Come on, you pushdug, come on...