A Misunderstanding

"My friends are still here!" I tell my companion (whose name, I learned on our walk, is Hendrik) I hurry ahead, with Hendrik following closely behind.

Lord Richard is sitting inside the carriage, a large bandage wrapped around his head. The coachman is helping him drink from a large pitcher of water. On the ground, propped up against the wagon's wheels, is Teran, snoring loudly.

"Lady Harriet!" Richard calls out, standing up and stumbling in my direction. "Thank the Lord you're alright! We had feared the worst when we saw your message last night. We've been searching for hours!"

"Well, I had a little trouble, but I'm ok now. This man helped me out." I gesture to Hendrik.

Lord Richard (who I've quickly come to realize has a short temper) fixes the woodcutter with a hard stare. "Is this the man you mentioned in your message? Your so-called freind?"

"No, wait, Lord Richard you don't understand.." I stammer. Hendrik looks confused. Lord Richard approaches him menacingly. "I think I understand perfectly well! I know your game, scoundrel! A man of your age, preying on a naive young girl! You ought to be ashamed of yourself!"

"What!" Hendrik yells, indignant. "You're the one who brought her to this place and then got involved in a barfight!"

Richard looks just about ready to draw his sword over that remark. "How did you lure her out of there last night?"

"What are you talking about? She stumbled to my door this morning looking scared and tired."

"Please, both of you listen..." I plead.

"You mean she didn't leave the bar with you last night?" Richard asks, his eyes darting back and forth between us.

"No!" He turns to me. "Harry, what's going on here? Why does this guy think I took you from here last night?" I realize I'm going to have tell the truth now.

1. I sigh, and explain the situation

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