09 – A lot of worms less, one dragon more
Daervunn welcomed them heartily.
“I was starting to make worries…” said he, smirking at Tarnon, “… sort of.”
Tarnon threatened him with fist, but then both exploded with laughter. It was clear they know each other for some time.
“I had to rescue this old man, who had been threatened by this pretty lass…” rasped Tarnon, looking at the pair. “Or was it the opposite…?”
He winked at Kor, who gave him a nudge in the shoulder.
“You been a naughty boy. No honey rolls tonight,” said Kor with mentoring voice, scolding him with pointing finger.
“Yeah, next time I will see you playing with the orcs, there will be really big spanking,” joined Daervunn, forcing himself not to cackle.
When they finished making fun, Daervunn escorted Tarnon to the infirmary. Then he showed the pair around in Esteldín. It was mostly men settlement, but there were several dwarves and like a dozen elf inhabitants. Kor wished to see the crafters the same day. The workshops looked as awesome place. Kortheod knew he would spend lot of time here in the near future.
*
During the few days Tarnon was in the infirmary, Daervunn was there very often. Kor joined their company too.
In between the tasks and waiting for Halbarad, they played cards. It was a strange little group: A grinning one, a cunning one, and a silent one. Daervunn, Tarnon and Kortheod got to know each other quite well during the few days.
Plusheila was not very fond of this company. She was wandering off every while, exploring Esteldín and its vicinity on her own. It turned out as a benefit for both of them, in spite of recent situation.
When playing cards and helping with crafting was too much, Kor and Plusheila returned to their usual occupation that sort of became fun. There was so much vermin around that needed to be wiped out, and also they needed some hides to earn something. Under the steep mountains on the borders with Angmar they found a large nest of crawling drakes the locals called just worms. It wasn’t easy, secondary gain were new scars. But their scaly skin became a nice good-selling raw material. Brownie successfully went through another challenging trial, when, hitched to cart fully loaded of them, transported them through the pass to Esteldín.
During their infirmary sessions, the trio talked about practically everything. Most grave dialogue was about the enemy.
Kor had to admit, that he still didn’t have enough information to make whole picture. Tarnon grimly nodded.
„It is difficult… and the enemy tentacles are long and sometimes hidden…“
The topic was changing soon they also mentioned all the allies fighting for their cause. Kortheod already knew of Dunedain history, but Daervunn gave him a few more details. The puzzle was becoming more complex, but clearer.
And Kor found out, that Tarnon was sharing his admiration of the elves. He had a few elven friends in a trading company located in Bree, but as a matter of fact, they were kind of protectors of the East Road.
„It’s just so simple… if anyone is thousand years old, he have to have better skills and knowledge,“ said Tarnon.
„Absolutely. And don’t forget their origin,“ added Kor.
The other two nodded, though Tarnon smirked after a moment.
„Still, I know several crooked ones…“
Then he turned serious again.
„But… I tell you… if I will ever need help, or if I to know something I don’t know, I would go visit lady Seregrían. She is one of the wisest.“
“Who is she?” asked Daervunn.
Kor was also listening with interest.
“She is… the most nice and courteous elf woman I’ve met. Okay, I haven’t met many. But she is… special. Wise, very wise. And…“ Tarnon's face darkened a bit, he paused.
„And I would never want her as an enemy.“
Kor asked after a moment:
“I think any help is appreciated for us. Where can I find her? You never know when you will need a good advice.”
Tarnon gave him description of the lovely house at the river beneath Ered luin.
Kor didn’t expect he would use the contact so soon.
When Halbarad returned from his mission, he gladly welcomed new helping hand, considering the deeds Kor has already done. They all met at the plans for near future and the discussion lasted for several hours.
“Kor, before we forget. We got something for you.”
Only now, Kor was told that with the worms he solved a big problem. They were
a growing threat, but everyone was too ocupied to to solve it.
„Wait… a new armour? I cannot…“
The ranger was giving him a shiny cuirass with hammered decoration of a dragon.
Finally, the council resulted with new tasks. Rangers needed to go to Annuminas,
a ruined city of ancient Arnor. Tarnon was to scout the passage to Angmar, though his face showed his fear.
And Kor with Plusheila were given a mission to the frozen north.
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