Traveling all by oneself can be a dull affair. Morhan knew that very well by now. Thus, when upon reaching the Great West Road going from Gondor towards Rohan he came by a caravan heading towards Edoras, he eagerly tagged along. The safety in numbers didn't hurt either, especially when the caravan was being escorted by a detachment of Gondorian soldiers; The escort of a young man from a Gondorian noble family. Morhan wasn't the first to get the idea either, as there were already a group of other assorted travellers.
The strength of the group was soon put to test. As the caravan was nearing the border between Gondor and Rohan, it was ambushed by a large group of bandits. These were led by a brute of a man called Hiran, as Morhan learned when a caravaneer cried the name out in terror. Morhan and a number of other capable travellers rushed to the soldiers' aid, and their combined forces slew many of the attackers and drove the rest away... But not before the brigands had, in the initial chaos of their sudden assault, killed the young Gondorian noble and four other people while grabbing what loot they could. Despite the grim setback, the caravan eventually reached Edoras and after some respite and resupply, Morhan continued northwest by himself. Or so he thought at first.
Shortly after leaving Edoras, it turned out that he was not the only one headed towards Eriador. The knight leading the Gondorian soldiers of the caravan had discovered the identity and whereabouts of the bandit leader Hiran, and that he had fled northwest towards Cardolan. The knight, a seasoned veteran by the name of Briac, was now heading the same way, thirsting for revenge over his slain charge. The two men decided to travel together, and during their long and perilous journey came to see eye-to-eye. They formed into an effective duo, Morhan's drive and fierceness and Briac's training and tactical insight complimenting each other.
Since then the men have mostly parted ways, but Morhan still remembers Briac fondly, and hopes for a day when he can again sit with him by a campfire or tavern table, sharing stories and having a good time. Or, better yet, once again fight the shadow back to back with him.
