[Saurreg]

"Captain Belegorn, there is no disturbance. Merely a-a misunderstanding."

The youth spoke eloquently in measured tones and he looked at the inquisitor squarely in the eyes with confidence. His syntax hinted of education and it was devoid of the vernacular of the lower echelon of Arthedain society. Belegorn ventured to guess that the young man before him was no riff-raff from the slums, but someone brought up in a household with culture and discipline.

He then turned to the intended recipient of his query who was averting his sharp glance whilst fidgeting on his saddle. The portly militia was obviously unsettled by Belegorn’s sudden appearance, frightened perhaps. No doubt Belegorn possessed a sour countenance that discomforted the weak willed, but his sinister reputation as the monstrous hangman of Fornost helped not also.

“Well soldier, is there anything going on here that I should be aware of?”

The militia shook his head slightly, head bowed and pudgy shoulders slumped. He was a sharp contrast to the confident teenager beside him who was viewing the spectacle with some amusement.

“Very well then. Off with you. Return to your place in the column and keep a sharp eye out the signals”

Without a word of leave-taking, the outsized rider turned quickly and galloped towards the column, his rotund body shuddering with every hoof step the horse took. Belegorn grinned and look towards the teenager. The youth was still looking at him coolly. Belegorn gave him a curt nod and continued,

“Since my attention is not required here, I shall take my leave. Return to the column, lest you get left behind.”

Belegorn turned to the elves, but they had since left him and the teenager and were riding towards a slender looking woman who held a bundle before her. He would have preferred the elves to ride in the front of the column where Hírvegil could keep an eye out for them. It was unsettling for Belegorn to see the emissaries of and their guards interacting with the people when he knew not their agenda nor why they were in Fornost in the first place.

Wolves among sheep? Carrion birds waiting by the wings?

The jurisdiction of Belegorn's office did not extend over the elves and Hírvegil did not give him any specific instructions on dealing with them. There was nothing he could do but observe from a distance. Sighing quietly to himself, Belegron signaled to the flagbearer and the both of them broke into a gallop back towards the head of the column, the green ground passing swiftly under the hoofs of their exceptional horses.