The black horse shook its large head nervously as its rider dismounted.
"Steady, Hara; steady, girl." chided the mare's rider as he dismounted. "Come on, now, let's get you settled." The man led his steed into the dark stables. She shook her head again and backed away from the other animals housed there.
"Hara, come now, you're a big strong horse of Rohan, you're not afraid of the dark. Here" He spoke quietly, gently leading the animal into an empty stall. He unharnessed her and checked to see that she had plenty of food and fresh water. Then he latched the gate and went outside. The stranger stood for a moment, enjoying the warm evening air. Then he ducked into the inn.
He crossed to the bar and asked the innkeeper if she had a vacant room. He took the key gratefully and handed over the money he had counted out, including the coin for his mare's housing. He took a seat in one corner of the crowded room, observing the occupants carefully and finding, to his relief, that he recognized none of them. The stranger then rose and mounted the stairs to find his room, thinking as he went.
It would be a man, he thought, who came. Likely another of the swordsmen from the Prince's household in Ithilen. He did not wish to be caught just yet, though. Not until he knew why he was being followed.
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