Leothross opened his eyes with a start. He must have fallen asleep. He had not meant to. He sat just where he had the night before, perched near the edge of the cliff that their camp was atop. It was still dark, he had not slept for long. He rose quietly, and fetched one of his books from his pack. As he returned he glanced at the others, hoping that they were getting more sleep than he.
He returned to his seat near the edge, and opened the book. There was still not really light enough to see. Still, he laid it open on his lap, then unfolded his parchment map on top of it. He had studied it so much, he practically had it memorized. For some reason, it was easier to remember and picture when it was laid out before him. He stared out before him into the darkness and ran his fingers over the parchment, much like a blind man might do. In his mind, he pictured the irregular shapes of the pools of waters over which was scratched the word, “Malenhad.” He ran his finger east, remembering the little symbol for foothills which bordered it on that side.
Then to the north, a fortress. He remembered it – he had marked out the locations of a couple of the ancient fortresses on his map. There was, of course, Carn Dum, but also Barad Gularan, Fasach-Falroid, Imlad Balchorth, and a few others, he thought. This one was Barad Gularan. Perhaps they could make there, just to see if it was active, as it was in the past.
Suddenly he stopped himself, forcing himself to recall the events of yesterday. Eruthaiwen was almost seriously hurt. It could have been any of them – it could have been Mariym. How could he ask them to go farther in, farther still? It would only get more dangerous, as he was sure Acurith would confirm. But then he remembered the buildings they had seen. They had been just ordinary buildings. But he had not seen ordinary buildings. When he saw them, he saw something more. He wanted to say it was as if he’d seen them before, but was it really true? He didn’t really recognize them, he just… Well, he didn’t know what. But it was clear there was something about them that was tweaking the right nerve. He couldn’t stop now. What if all it would take was a little more, a little bit farther and they would find something? This was what they had wanted to come for, wasn’t it?
Like an unwelcome guest that had been there the whole time, another thought forced itself on him. The Watching Stones. He had buried the thought of them with other cares, but they were an impassable barrier. And yet, there was something pulling him on. A challenge. They were an impassable barrier? Not likely. Besides, his memory, and perhaps some peace of mind lay beyond them. Or was he yet deluding himself?
These thoughts swirled round and round in his head till the sky began to grow lighter. It brought with it no peace, but only a desperate resolve. He would see if they would follow him to Barad Gularan. Or at least onward. Who could tell what this day would bring?
