You can't go after them when you're so exhausted. But you cannot let Allan fall into the hands of the enemy! You go on as far as you can, using your tracking skills to keep to the trail. Until finally you can go no further, and collapse onto the ground.

*****

When you awaken you feel someone, or something, pulling your sword out of it's hilt. You quickly jump up and un-sheath your sword. "Who are you!?" You demand from an sooty old man. "Begging your pardon sir, I thought you were dead!" He said with a pleading look in his eyes. "Dead or not, you are a thief, and thieves thrive in such desperate times." You say glaring at the beggar.

"You is right sir. But with the royal family dead and the kingdom in ruins, who's to judge who is a beggar and who is not when thousands are dead and homeless?" Says the beggar solemnly.

"I am no beggar. And I have no time for riddles. I must get going." You say as you walk past the old man. "Mission? For whom? You are a knight aren't you? The youngest I've yet seen to be honest sir. If you don't mind me saying so." The beggar says.

You sheath your sword and sigh, You were accustomed to being called young and looked down upon, but darn it you were the youngest knight in the kingdom. Didn't that mean something? And what was this beggar getting on about? You begin to walk away when the beggar calls out, "Wait!" He stumbles in front of you. "You aren't thinking of going through with this mission, without proper equipment are you? And a horse of course!" Said the beggar.

"I have everything I need." You say beginning to walk past him again. "But I know where you can find a horse at least! And arrows and a place to fix up your shield and sword! Begging your pardon, but I noticed they were all rusty and stained." He said with a glint in his eye.

You sigh, "Alright, only if its not far away."

"Not far at all! In fact its just over that hill there in the next town! Follow old Gregory!" He said rushing in front of you, You sighed and ran after the swift beggar.