No refreshment save battercake and wine, and standing on the walls of Hrimbarg Keep, I looked outward, staring at the sky, hoping for some glimpse of the lights in the darkling. Night comes on apace here in the far North.
I soon loosened the tongue of Luthelian, standing idle by the door, and all the unfavorable impressions I had received from our first meeting in the Hall of Fire returned. Perhaps some doubt mingled in my thoughts, the way she smirked at me, but when she very saucily remarked that I would do well in the Arrows with my astute observation that it was night-time, my opinion was strengthened, for the worse, I am sorry to say.
I began to remonstrate with some severity at the Arrow-maiden's surliness, until I saw Lord Dolthafaer approaching.
His glancing grey eyes put me on my guard, and he signaling to keep quiet, I followed his long strides in silence a little distance away, out of earshot from the rest. I asked if he were well. His eyes flashed fiercely, at which I started; but he replied "of course," and seemed surprised by my question. It must not have been that bad a wounding. No doubt, he is ashamed to admit to his trouble in the blizzard that led to his being pierced by a goblin-spear. Still, he is a stout one, and knows how to use his fists with the gloves off, as the old saying goes, so the goblin must have been one of the larger sort.
All was silent; and it was getting colder and darker, and there was no moon nor stars. Dolthafaer began to make me feel uncomfortable, the way that he was looking at me.
Then he told me, "I know you set Limiriel to watch the Man. And he knows it, too."
I felt great anxiety at his words, and a pang of regret at having entrusted Limiriel, lover of dwarven kegs, with following Threndryt Morson of the Warband of Imladris.
Dolthafaer gave me a chiding look. "Why did you do it, Parnard?"
I said that it was for his own safety and protection, because, even if Khalis and Elisbeth trusted him, the possibility of bad intention remained; the Man's dark eyes and dangerous manner conveyed sufficient reason to put anyone on his guard; and I was afraid he would awaken the Hammer's smoldering wrath. Some of that folk are not too fond of Men, especially tall, dark, disagreeable, prowling, violent men; and I did not wish to hear the sound of a hammer at dawn cracking open the mortal's skull.
And he again looked at me, remonstratingly I thought, and I began to think I was unjust to a person of whom I knew almost nothing, but then he said I was right to do it.
Of course I was right!
He said another person was set to watch him. Good! I said. I knew my fears were not mere wisps of fancy. It is not in Man to walk on the straight path, and we must guide him in safety through the many dangers which his own feeble wisdom cannot overcome.
Yet I do not like knowing that Thendryt knew he was watched. But nothing can be done, save to tread lightly, lest, before we part company, we rouse the ancient custom of blood calling for blood, and then there will never be peace between our people ever again. Then fearing we might be watched by unfriendly eyes, I bent my way back to the company in silence.
