Sergeant Elbarad's Office
A small windowless room deep within the heart of the gatehouse. The space is mostly taken up by a large oaken desk which is piled high with papers and scrolls. Most deal with matters concerning the City Guard but even though it is partially buried you do see a well worn copy of "A Brief History of the Stewards of Gondor". One item of note on the desk is a small frame that holds a water color painting of a young women. Suspended from the ceiling is a wheel shaped candle holder that can be lowered by the light chain that is tied off onto a hook in the wall. These candles are lit at all times since even at noon it is dark inside the room. A large and surprisingly comfortable looking chair has it's back to the wall, facing the door. Behind the chair and hang from the wall is a large banner bearing the symbol of the city. It is pierced with many holes, tattered and partially burnt. For all of this it is still proudly displayed. Across the desk is a rather utilitarian chair that matches two more along the left wall. Nearby the door is a row of hooks hanging from the wall. Under these hooks is a small locked chest that possibly holds items confiscated at the gates by the ever vigilent guards.
 

Analdin nods, and, taking a breath, says, "Well, sir, um, I was just coming to report on what happened there, 'cause, um, I heard you were collating all the reports."

Grimaldi nods and points to the other chair in the room, "Have a seat then Private and tell me what happened from your prospective."

Analdin takes a seat, and, after a minute of trying to find a comfortable position. "Well, sir, I started out with the Corporal and Ennorath. We reached the spot where the bandits were attacking the merchant. A bunch of us sort of got a bit angry at that point. We charged, and, um, I had a bit of trouble controlling my horse, and...." he mutters something, not really loud enough to be heard.

Grimaldi clears his throat, "Speak up Private...."

Analdin winces and, with a look of embaressment, he says much louder. "I fell of my horse, hitting my head on a rock or log or something." He looks at his hands, and continues, "I missed the rest of the fight, and awoke a few hours later, unable to remember what had happened."

Grimaldi stifles a chuckle when he sees how embarrassed the young Private is. He says, "Don't take it too hard Analdin, you're an infantry man the same as all of the guard and not used to riding on a horse. But now we must consider what can be done about it. Have either of you any suggestions?"

Vorlain looks thoughtful then says, "Well sir we could up the patrols"

Grimaldi nods and waits to hear what Analdin has to say.

Analdin looks up at Grimaldi, his eyes grateful for not being laughad at 'cause of his no-good horsmanship, "Well," he says, voice a bit stronger, "I spoke with Ennorath the other day, and he mention going out and observing the. That way, we would know how better to fight them. Then, perhaps, we should send out more men." He shrugs, "That was what he said, anyway."

Grimaldi frowns, "He wanted to observe them?" He laughs softly, "If he knew where they were now I'd round up some guards and make the arrest immediately instead of watching them.

Vorlain nods.

Analdin shrugs, glancing at his hands again, "But they got thier-" he breaks off, remembering to whom he is speaking. "But, sir, they outnimbered the bandits two to one, and still were unable to stop them." he pauses, considering what he said, "But the again..." he trails off, a slow grin trying to spread over his face, which he tries to stop.

Grimaldi raises his hands slightly showing his palms to the men across from him, "It's alright Private, I can understand why they'd be upset by that fact.  But to be honest with you both.......if you were to meet me in the battlefield I would expect that I could kill you both. It's all a matter of training. Those men who went on this patrol...including yourself...are new to the guards and might not have had the training in arms needed to best these two bandits. I have learned that the goods that were stolen were expensive dyes from Dol Amroth. Either these bandits were very lucky.....or else they were very good and knew exactly what they were doing."

Analdin nods, muttering a "yessir" and looking down at his hands again.

Vorlain looks at Grimaldi and says, "Sir, if there is nothing else may I be dismissed? I have been on duty for some 36 hours and feel unable to perform my duty in this condition".

Grimaldi looks a little surprised at the length of time but meerly nods, "Aye Private, go to your rest. But you have been on duty too long. You need your proper rest so that you will be effective."

Vorlain nods, stands wearily then snaps a salute to Grimaldi, "Goodbye sir", then he makes his way from the room nodding to Analdin in passing.

Vorlain leaves the room

Grimaldi watches Vorlain leave and then turns to Analdin, "And now PRivate Analdin, I want you to lift your head off of your chest and go about your duties. Do not fear that I or anyone else thinks that you or the rest of the patrol performed poorly. You did your best and that is all we will ever ask of you."

Analdin stands, looking Grimaldi in the eye, "Yessir...." a shadow of a grin touches his face, "And, thankyou sir." He salutes and heads out the door.