Danel

He wiped away more of the dark, sticky blood with the back of his hand; trying desperately to keep his eyes clear. He moved quickly down the slope, careful of his footing on the steep rock. He paused in his flight, taking a moment to look around his surroundings. He spotted a hollow between two large granite boulders and moved towards it as quickly as he could, grateful of the shelter it would provide. Sliding into the dank space he tried to catch his breath. He strained his ears, yet could hear no sounds of being pursued. In truth, he had not been expecting any.

Upon approaching the hill and the narrow path, Himwen noticed two things. The camp seemed to buzz with excitement. Rangers greeted her as she ascended the slopes, some of them she had spoken to previously as she had joined them on their watch against the shadows many an eve. Slumber did not replenish her as it had before the encounter with the Good Captain and keeping a watchful eye was the best she could offer. The second thing was how empty it now looked. They were quickly removing any trace that could be found of the camp itself. Were they really leaving?

She had the order. A request uttered in forced desperation. It was clear, she had to retreat and cover the rear of the party, in case something should surprise them when confronting the Good Captain. Yes, he was of human kind, but the tales of Telpenaro had showed them that he was driven by revenge upon the elves, and had forces to impart great damage on the small party. He had not let them rest one minute...

The map had made no mention of this place. A looming stone shape stood before him, dark and forbidding. He dismounted carefully from the bay mare, ensuring his boots made as little noise as possible on the loose scree outside the squat ruin. He whispered a word of caution to the tired horse, patting her mane as he did so.