Rolan had spent the past five days in a, in retrospect, blur of preparation and training. If anything, the time spent in the Witch's realm had shown him he had a great deal to learn to even begin serving in a capacity suitable for the Captain's retinue, a crossbow and sharp eye alone would no longer suffice. He had selected a backsword from the armory, a lighter pattern of blade that suited his preferences towards a blade much more than the heavier options he had to him. Thus had begun his routine, early mornings seeing drilling himself with the sword in the training yard, mostly getting accustomed to the weapon as well as working out what worked and what didn't compared to knife fighting. After that he would spend available time between his regular duties regathering the alchemical tools and supplies he had used in the trials, mixing and preparing a broad variety of useful concoctions. A mix of the alchemist fire, caustic smoke vials, as well as more natural remedies for ailments and injuries. Without knowing what was coming, he had to pack a fairly utilitarian blend of concoctions ahead of time. Evenings saw him going through the library, studying various topics that had come up during the day that he was not as well learned on. Spending his time as such, when the order came down for the Roses to gather and mount up, Rolan was reminded of one singular fact.

[hr]

Rolan detested riding long distances. He knew how to ride, barely, but if the moment for combat came he would dismount as soon as he could. When he travelled alone he often went on foot, maintaining a brisk march wherever he went unless it was absolutely paramount he make all due haste that horseback provided. Still, the ride gave him time to consider what was going on. The Lord of Brennan, struck suddenly mad. The realm of healers, sages, and the like, but they were still departing to investigate. Ideally to help, but investigation into the matter would occur all the same. He had to wonder what remedies had been attempted so far, thinking back to the evening he spent immersed in healer's tomes, reviewing and improving upon natural remedies that he already knew how to prepare. One had to wonder if faith and magic were not working, if something more simple might undercut the source of the madness. It might be worth looking into what was attempted so far, and from there puzzle out a solution that had not been attempted yet. With a bit of luck they might find something that, if not a cure, could at least stave off the worst of the madness.

The Captain's call snapped him out of his meandering thoughts, alerting Rolan that they were nearing their destination. Finally he could get off this horse and actually move about on his own two feet again. The sight of the walls of Brennan looming in the distance spoke of the importance of the location, and its guard, as it sat on a relatively clear path through Brennan Forest. A key defensive position, and a supplier of a great deal of timber to the rest of the kingdom. There was a very likely possibility his bolts, at minimum, were at least partially composed of wood harvested from this very forest. All the more reason to restore stability to the area, if for no other reason than the lord's mind should be his own. He had no dealings nor knowledge of the man at all, far above his station even as a knight, so he would have to reserve judgement until the man's mind was returned to him. [color=lightblue]"I'll be glad to be off the horse. Hopefully Ser Aglan will be able to tell us what has been tried so far, and see what we can do to help from there."[/color]