"There is a puzzlement here, my friends, and I must sort it out before I say what I know. I could so easily be wrong, but if I'm right we have part of our solution in hand to the threat to the Realms. Please bear with me while I think some about what I have found. I will share it with you when I am truly sure. For now Ronen, take good care of that mare. She will be invaluable to you and perhaps to us."
Thoren softened his voice responding to Eme-Redser. He had come to appreciate her skills and knowledge and was quite happy to see her back in top form once more. There were qualities in the Elven Queen that mirrored his Lysette quite closely and that opened a doorway into his otherwise coldly objective heart. "We understand, Eme-Redser."
Jayhawk spoke to Ronen. "Now, Ronen, tell us why you followed us to this place and inn. I think we should know, don't you?"
"If it were so easy I would," replied Ronen. "All I can say is a voice in my head compelled me to follow. Any time I strayed, it spoke clearly to me that I should stay close to your company; but not too close."
"Didn't you recognize the voice?" asked a suspicious Thoren.
"No, I did not. But the voice knew of your journey and its purpose. And now, so do I. May I join you?"
The companions looked at each other. Eme-Redser spoke first. "I have reason to say he should be allowed to join. Do any of you feel so strongly against him that you would yourselves leave this quest if he were to join?"
Thoren frowned, never the one to trust too closely or too soon; but he raised no objection. He trusted the Elven Queen's judgement. Jayhawk said nothing as well. In Thoren's mind this was as much a 'yes' as anything. Then they all turned to Chunky.
"What?! I didn't say anything. What are you all looking at me for?" protested the swordsman.
"Well, aren't you going to say yes or no?" said Wendolin.
"Hey, no problem for me. You all do what you want." Chunky went back to studying his map.
"So it seems like we're all in agreement... sort of," observed Thoren, looking with annoyment in Chunky's direction. "I guess you've found yourself a quest, Ronen."
They all shook hands with the newest member of group, who promptly yawned and announced he would retire for the night.
The others stayed behind to talk among themselves.