"Then you are only half a mile short." Francis nods, seemingly satisfied by this answer. In truth, he's relieved; he had worried that the man might be going further than this, that he might be stranded now. But if he means to go to town in any case... "If your horse survives the night, perhaps it may be caught there. If not, there is a stable at the King's Head - their horses may not be the finest, but they will carry you if you need it, I think."

Smiling, he spoons out a generous bowl of stew and holds it out to Gaunt. It isn't entirely as hot as it could be, but he imagines any hot food will come as a relief to someone in such a state.