“There is no way forward...”
How So few words can destroy so many hopes.....
I waited in silence with the others as Donhelm paced back and forth before us searching for his words. It was A long pause before he spoke again. Any longer and he would have worn a new track for us I recall thinking.
Humour is necessary to survive difficult times, Looking around at the despondent faces I choose to remain silent and returned my attention to Donhelm. It was clear we had limited options available to us.
Our numbers had been reduced to a mere shadow of those that left Bree ....when did we leave ?....I have been so focused on arriving I Had not given a thought to the lands I had left behind. The memories of warm summer days, the bubbling streams and rivers flowing endlessly through the shires. My study books sat unread beside me as I watched my float for hours at a time.....
Those days did not feel real to me, It was as though I was recalling A book I had read...was I really so content before leaving ?......
I had to force my thoughts back under control....No way forward.....No way forward.....No...I refuse to accept that.
“We must turn back and return to Bree!!”
The sigh of resignation heralded in an air of defeat that was descending in the camp...it was almost alive as it enveloped each and every one present. It was almost visible to the observer as it swam around the camp basking in the depression of those words.
I could not remain close to such Pity and sorrow....I climbed to the nearby hill and breathed in the clear air of the cold afternoon...It was little comfort.
Bree.....Bree....Bree....that last word had destroyed any hope I had of remaining with Donhelm...His expedition ended before the last syllable had drifted off with the wind. Looking down I saw more than I had issue with Donhelm. The scouts loyal to this place now exclaimed they had delivered.....and now want paying.
So, I was led by mercenaries all this way ?....only one stood apart from them. A solemn man I never had much call to talk with, but his presence reassured many of us...Our Shadow knight. Even he seemed to know what was happening standing silent on a distant hill.
Had Donhelm already decided before we arrived here ?
Cymaru climbed up to remind me we are still in dangerous lands. She was right of course, I returned to the gathering with her for my safety... and wanting answers.
“We can travel East” I said loudly over the mumbling. Donhelm turned to me and simply shook his head.
“There are paths and passes to the East” I continued pointing vaguely in the direction of the distant mountains.....
Donhelm made it clear he was not leading any into the Eastern passes. I knew he feared the stories of old......even I had heard of the horrors of Moria.
I understood his fears and respected the responsibility he carries....But I have no intention of returning to Bree.
That evening the bickering in the camp dominated the conversation around the campfire....I had spoken my piece and resolved to calm the mood the best I could.
I played gentle melodies on the harp as my thoughts were focused on the dangers ahead....dangers Mugendo the minstrel could not survive. Now the man that I had fought hard to leave behind was needed......
The road ahead would need Mugendo of Gondor......
