My arms ached by the time a call went out that the fire was out.  Crossing my arms to rub my shoulders my gaze traveled over the scene.  Nothing was left of the blacksmith shop.  Oddly, I had learned yesterday that the stable had recently burned down.  The village was now without two necessary businesses.  For a village with not much going for it, t'was most sad.  Others who had helped put the fire out had gathered in groups to talk about the event.  When I heard there were no injuries, I was most relieved.  But now my thoughts turned to me and my sorry situation.  Looking about at every face near by, it was disheartening to still not see the driver.  Now I really was worried something had happened to him.  Perhaps I ought to find a guard to report the missing man.  Knowing that I must clear my head, I took a seat on a bench.  I have to locate my driver or hire a new driver and I must be on my way.  Just then I noticed a rider in uniform pass by and dismount his horse.  He walked around the sight of the fire, still smoldering.  I approached to speak and he turned to me.  "Sir, I would like to report a missing person."  I gave the driver's name and description.   He seemed most interested.  "Does the man you are looking for have any scars?"  Taken aback by the question, I pondered a moment.  "Why yes, he has a long scar on the right side of his face beginning at the corner of his eye about four inches long."  His brows rose at hearing this.  "A man meeting that description was found beat nearly half to death on the road headed out west."  My hand rose to my chest in shock.  I explained, "He was looking for a stable for his horses."  He nodded, "It was the owner of a stable who came upon him about half a mile from the stables."  My hand was shaking as it dropped to my side.  Lowering my voice and looking the guard in his brown eyes.  "Will he survive?"  He shrugged, "He was in a bad way last night.  But I have not checked on him today so I can't say."  I  thanked the guard got directions to the stables where the driver lay injured.<br/><br/>What was I to do?  The question banged inside my head with no answer to be found.  I shall return to the tavern.  The innkeeper had assisted me.  Perhaps he can aid me in finding a new driver.  But I would have to see to the driver himself and secure his carriage.  Yet another delay in my mission.  Still, I could not turn my back on him, if he were even alive.  I berated myself on my walk back to the tavern.  I had not been kind to the driver.  There have been times when I have been guilty of thinking only of myself.  Tis a sin I reckon I will be punished for.  As I walked, my gaze roamed over the street in hopes I would see the innkeeper.  Perhaps he had returned to the tavern and would be of a mind to assist me yet again.<br/><br/>The tavern was filled with chatter as people returned with excited talk about the fire.  My eyes burned, my clothes were soaked and my hair was a wild mess.  Alas, I seemed to fit right in with the masses.