Turn 4 - A skilled lady
Vinhir, South Belfalas
Talis, now fully awake after the night's brief interlude, looked across at the woman. She did not seem of loose habit nor wayward class. A traveler then, like themselves he thought. After a brief moment of assessing friend or foe, he hailed her with a shout. "Hail Lady!"
To Talis surprise, she seemed to simply vanish from sight, such was her lightning reaction. But he caught her again to the side of the road, her head poking from behind an old tree. She had a very live stare, that intrigued Talis and Leif.
Waving with his other hand, his elven-crafted longbow still strung
but hung over his back, Talis turned Leif's horse in the
woman's direction.
"Strange things are afoot here this night, Lady, and this dark
woodland is no place for any traveler on their own. Join us for
the moment and share in our numbers. You looked fatigued and if
I may say ... hunted ?. We can promise you rest and safety perhaps
if that is what you desire?"
She looked unsettled and her eyes searched between the village, the woods in the other side of the road and the party as if considering something. But she did not answered.
"SSSH. Listen." Fletch said anxiously as he tried to peer into the trees,
"Any of you people with night vision, can you have a look? I'm sure I heard
something from there... maybe.. Probably definitely!!!"
Slowly, the Hobbit made his way toward to the left, from where he
thought the noise came.
Noting the woman's anxious looks to the forest, Talis turned to Fletch
sidelong and whispered, "What did you hear, Fletch ?"
"I think it was like a cracking branch followed by a "whoooosh" sound...
But I am not sure."
The ranger also looked hard into the darkness of the forest.
Meneldor allowed his calm mind to become alert at the mention of the stranger but Fletch's comment drew his attention. He glanced to his left instinctively and then slowed a little, fixing his gaze in front of him for a few minutes. During this time he raised his two index fingers to his forehead as he quietly chanted to himself.
At his side, Blanchon, also looked into the forest, straining to see what
the source of the noise was... But it remained hidden, even to
elven eyes. It stood deep in the woods, if it existed at all. Blanchon turned
to Meneldor as if he were about to say something but observing the
green elf shivering, he just acknowledged with his head...
***
Lower Canteen of the Naval High Command, Dol Amroth
Sergeant Fletcher walked toward Aratan and called him.
"Captain Valandur?"
Aratan raised his head from the documents that he had been reading.
"Now what, sergeant?"
"I don't think it has been a good idea to confine Cleaver."
"And why is that?"
"He is...", the sergeant paused and grinned at his captain "He
has a particularly bad nature. Besides, he has lots of followers in the
squad."
"Followers?"
"Old friends from... ah... his former life."
Aratan showed a bored look to the sergeant. But in his spirit he knew that
it wouldn't be wise to forego these men's own rules.
"So?", asked Fletcher impatiently.
"Out of the question. That would go against my own beliefs."
"You will regret that, sir.", the sergeant looked like he hadn't expected
that opposition.
"What are you suggesting, sergeant?"
"Just release Cleaver right away, sir.", the seasoned and broad soldier stared
vigorously his captain.
Aratan considered the option.
"Believe me, it will be better for both of us...", added Fletcher.
"The answer remains no sergeant Fletcher, we are a military unit and breaches
of discipline cannot go unpunished, he will remain confined to barracks."
In a very bad mood, sergeant Fletcher left his captain and strode for the
sergeant's corner.
***
"Talis get me down from this horse, I smell treachery afoot... be it that woman or someone chasing her and when there is combat, so comes the time of the warrior, no matter what 'shape' he be in." called Leif who even now was trying to get of Lessa.
As Leif struggled to get down from his horse and Talis, immersed with the woman,
ignored Leif's plea for assistance, Benil walked up the to proud Rider from Rohan.
He sighted and looked up at the warrior.
"Leif, a warrior you may be.", he said, "But a fool, I thought you not. Only a fool
or a person with a death wish will attempt to move any more than necessary,
before have had proper treatment. You have lost more blood today than most
people do in a lifetime. I do not know if you realize it, but while you were 'sleeping'
back there, you were bleeding like a stuck sheep.". To emphasize his point
the shepherd taped the good arm of Leif with his quarterstaff.
"Leave me alone, peasant!", Leif answered with his pride hurt.
Hopeless, the good heart of the shepherd turned from the warrior to watch what was going on with the new girl.
She was staring at Talis, that now stood still, fifteen meters from her. She held her weapon ready in a defensive position and seemed to be waiting for an answer. But her eyes betrayed her self-confidence. From time to time they change quickly to the woods in front of them, as if expecting something...
Benil thought that she was about to flee in a moment...
As he looked to Talis and Mara, Bogas got the attention of his master.
"Bogas my friend come here.", Benil kneeled down.
The dog ran up to Benil and gladly licked his master's face. Not caring if
any one could hear, he talked to his dog, "Ah my friend. At least you have
sense eh! I think this great warrior here needs to learn a bit of patience.
Now, can you smell anything unusual in the woods eh, my friend?" He
scratched Bogas behind the ear and gave him a small bit of dried meat out
of his pocket.
Bogas quickly wolfed down the meat then went sniffing the air.
After a bit of sniffing Bogas barked in response. It seemed he has smelled nothing unusual but the woman.
"Maybe the wind that travels from the north is not helping you...",
concluded the shepherd as he taped his dog once more. Bogas waved
his black tail.
***
Words from the harbour reached Aratan and after a quick look through the missive he looked to the leader of the Cambeleg. This man of pure Dunedain blood was easily one of the most imposing Dunedain that Aratan had seen.
"Sergeant Angorn, we may inspect the Ice Dragon now. It's time to move your
men to the harbour barracks."
"I'll make all the necessary arrangements, sir."
"Fine. And don't forget to...", suddenly a commotion from the training fields
got the attention of the two men.
The troops had gathered around two marines that conducted a fist fight. The Cudin men seemed to be enjoying it, but silence was the word between the Cambeleg.
Both officials rushed to the group and the broad sergeant pushed through the mob,
"Give way! Give way, damn it!"
"Halt!", cried Aratan that had traced Angorn's steps.
All Cambeleg troops stood immediately in position, even the one that had been
fighting. The other fighter, a small but muscled Dunlending, saw the
opportunity and stroke a last punch at the Dunedain's stomach. The Cambeleg
came to the floor for the amusement of all the Cudin troops.
"You heard the captain, Serpent!", cried sergeant Fletcher.
In a disrespectful manner the marine spitted on the fallen Dunedain before
coming to attention.
Aratan addressed Fletcher, that had been supervising this training session,
"What's your report, sergeant?"
"Those Dunedain don't know their places, sir. They think they deserve a better
treatment than the rest. They keep challenging my men as if this realm was
their own."
The Dunlending smirked when his sergeant gave him a quick glance.
"Is that true Finethor?", asked sergeant Angorn.
The marine rose, a hand on his belly, "No, sir. This marine tried to steal my pouch
from my backpack."
Aratan's eyes fell on Serpent.
"It is a lie, sir, I was looking for my backpack and did not even touch his."
"It's true, sir. I dismissed Serpent sooner and he was about to leave for his quarters.
Private Finethor just jumped on him.", returned Fletcher.
"He simply does not like me, sir. Everyone saw that I did nothing.", Serpent added.
"Yeah!", a Cudin chorus confirmed.
"He called us bastards! Foreigners! Scum!", added another Cudin man.
Finethor held his head low, "I said nothing, sir. And I took my pouch from
Serpent's own hands!"
Sergeant Angorn muttered to Aratan, "Sir, Private Finethor is a fine young Dunadan and I assure you that he would never tell a lie. I and my men respect loyalty and truth above all."
Guessing Angorn's words, Fletcher threw an angered look at the Cambeleg sergeant,
"Sir, shall I remind you that the blue book states that a soldier that harasses another
shall be put in the solitaire?"
"Justice!", cried a Cudin, soon followed by others, "Justice!"
"Shall I take him now, sir?", asked Fletcher.
"That is the right punishment", added Angorn, "unless it is a plain lie."
"How dare you...", Fletcher advanced to Angorn.
Aratan held his right hand up and his presence silenced every marine. He had all the attention on him.
The young Dunadan looked directly at both men and pause for a brief moment.
"Sergeant Angorn your loyalty to the men is commendable, sergeant Fletcher
as the leader of the Cudin group I shall accept your version of the story
but any breach of this trust shall not be tolerated."
Raising his voice, Aratan proclaimed, "In future any breech of discipline, and all of those involved, shall be punished regardless of guilt. Sergeant Angorn take Private Finethor to the solitaire, Sergeant Fletcher see to your men DISMISSED."
Once the men started to move off, Aratan addressed to the leader of the Cudin
quietly "Sergeant Fletcher, try to control your men and save their energy for
when we encounter the enemy."
***
Turning to Blanchon, the Green Elf said "I am going to check the woods to see if there are any "disturbances". It will require concentration but should not take long."
Blanchon acknowledged once more, and guessed what the seer meant.
Meneldor turned to face the woods and begun a new, low chant. When he reached the first line of tree, Meneldor grunted and doubled over suddenly. He stood bent over for awhile, breathing heavily and with a look of wonder. Blanchon raced to his companion with a surprised look.
Between gasps Meneldor managed to say "I'm alright. Don't worry." He closed his
eyes for a moment and his breathing seemed to settle. When he looked up he
appeared to composed himself and the expression became thoughtful.
***
Aratan finished reading his instructions one more time. The mission would be demanding, he thought. Looking from his quarter's window, the Dunadan observed the activity aboard the Ice Dragon. The ship was almost ready.
With resolution on his feet, the captain walked to the desk and pulled a piece of
paper from the top drawer. His firm handwriting, addressed to the Naval
Command, requested the support of an additional company of scouts.
***
Noticing that none of the strangers approached her, Mara stood still, her confidence returning to her spirit as fast as her quarterstaff did to her hands.
She turned to Talis, that stood closer to her, and shouted from
her cover, "Who are you? And why should you be willing to help me?"
Talis approached a few steps but her weapon challenged him in response.
"Stay back!", she demanded.
Talis stopped but she added no more, just waiting for a reply.
Near the woods, Meneldor was fully recovered and whispered to the Silvan mage, "This woman seems to possess great energy. She stands before me bright as a thousand torches. There is no point in checking the area for others whilst she is close by."
While Talis tried to appease the lady, Fletch noticed the quick exchange of words between Meneldor and Blanchon. The mage was silent but seemed to be hypnotized.
Blanchon searched deep in Meneldor's eyes and sensed the eons of light that the elder had lived. He became filled with the calm nature of the seer. Unlike him, the mage seemed to be a source of raw power. Strong, spirited and confident. But the green elf was deep, very deep and frightening.
Fletch kept watching at the strange sight presented by his companions, and saw both elves turning their faces to the woman. Blanchon's white hairs raised toward her and as a response Meneldor held up his hand and their gaze followed it. The moonlight embraced the seer fingers and both elves spirits floated as they closed their eyes.
Astonished, Fletch watched the strange pair awakening again with a peace on their
faces. He opened his scared eyes and hurriedly turned on his trembling legs.
"Gondor is the fairest land on Ea. It is a calm, pacific and civilized
realm. A real Hobbit's paradise...", he mumbled to himself, remembering
cousin Flogart's words.
***
Noting Meneldor's actions behind his back Talis thought carefully before replying to the flighty woman. Speaking in a softer voice, both gentle and unlikely to travel far to unwanted ears, he responded: "Lady, we are but a bunch of travelers, strangers to this land - like yourself."
It was dark, but Talis could have sworn that she had closed hard her teeth.
The ranger paused, but spoke again before the woman could comment.
"We have certain talents beyond the ken of most people
hereabouts and these selfsame talents have brought us unwilling
during this unusual night to yonder barn afire. There is
something strange afoot and we seem to be in a suitable position
to determine what it is."
"Pirates!", she almost cried... Then, thinking about it, she put quickly
a dirty hand against her mouth and looked into the woods.
Seeing her sudden look, the tall bowman hurriedly added, "We do
not welcome these events, pray no! We merely follow our
instincts, neutral to any cause. If you will stay with us for a
moment - for safety sake at least, I may be able to tell you a
little more. Otherwise - you understand - we cannot divulge
all that we know to a stranger, even one who appears to be on
the same side as ourselves perhaps?"
"I am on the side of no one!", she contested, "Besides, I have seen
enough... talents... tonight."
Meneldor projected his voice and it was heard as if it came from Talis.
Although it wasn't the first time that the ranger experienced that, he
shivered again. But Mara did not. "You also seem to be a remarkable woman
and I'm sure you're well able to look after yourself. But if you wish you can
travel with us awhile as Talis seems to suggest.", Meneldor kept his eyes
fixed on the woman's.
"Yes, I can take care of myself...", Mara replied, "but tonight..."
She stopped and looked at Talis that had recovered his own presence.
"Tonight what?", asked the ranger..
"Do you have any food?", replied Mara.
Talis chuckled at Mara's request for food but swiftly stopped himself
seeing the woman take a step back. "You can certainly share in
our food if you wish Lady. It is the least we can offer."
Talis looked behind him and frowned, "Anyone?"
Benil showed his empty hands and shook his head, "We came out
in such a hurry... Unless she wants some Bogas's dried meat..."
Looking around, all the faces told Talis the same story but Fletch
was suspiciously blushed.
"Fletch?"
"No food!"
"FLETCH!"
"OK, OK. Here you have miss..."
The Hobbit opened a small leather pouch and looked unhappily into it. Giving a quick glance to the woman, Fletch took a piece of something and ate it in a hurry.
Angry faces reproved the small warrior that quickly added, "Just checking... The miss could think that we were trying to poison her...". He gave his companions a shy smile but seeing no response he rushed to Talis and handed over his pouch.
Talis turned to his companions for a moment, and taking a leather satchel with a foldover hood and clasp, he carefully tossed the whole over to land before the woman's feet. "This is by no means all that we have but it will serve to show you that our word is true."
Mara looked to Talis, but did not wandered for long. She jumped forward.
Fletch could not believe his eyes. Even the fat cousin of Greda Wheelburrow's aunt could not eat so fast. And that was something!
The Dunadan ranger took piety of the woman seated on the floor, five
meters in front of him.
"Thanks!", he heard her saying with her full mouth.
"Welcome. I'm Talis and this is Fletch from the Shire."
"Hello miss."
The woman gave a faint nod to the Hobbit.
"And those are my companions, Benil, Leif, Meneldor and Blanchon."
"Hi. I'm Mara from Linhir, well, I used to be...", she said while she
got up and cleaned some of the dust on her.
Talis gave her an welcome smile but said,
"We will not tarry in these woods for much longer, mind. A
wounded man here needs better attention than can be given upon a
horses back!"
"Maybe I can help.", without waiting for an answer, she headed to Leif
and looked at his arm.
Her beautiful eyes astonished the proud Rohirrim noble and he couldn't say
a word while Mara examined his wounds. Benil noticed for the first time
the confusion on the spirited warrior and his smile reflected Leif's
surprise.
"Yes, I can help but I need to boil some leaves. Do you think that we
can get in that awful village?"
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