Estarfin…
…take care, wherever you are, meldanya. I miss you.
The Men have been asking me if you do indeed follow? They have seen no sign of you. They are not convinced. I consider it best they continue doubting, the uncertainty makes them nervous.
“‘Is that Elf Demon out there, watching our every move?”
“He will kill us all you know, and none of us will see it coming.”
“Perhaps it’s too much bother for him, an’ he’s gone home?”
“Do not think he will give up,” Balkumagan tells them. “We have two who are dear to him. Though I am surprised we have not yet encountered him, he is there.”
Ah, but they know not of your sense of direction. I say this with the greatest respect, but you are no pathfinder, beloved. If you travel alone, you are likely now in Forochel, though it is my earnest hope that you have company. At least one companion who can track this band. Filignil…or Yrill perhaps?
I trust you. I have faith in you and know it is only a matter of time before we are together again. For my part I sow doubt and disagreement. I sow fear of our folk. They will not kill us, for we are meant to serve a purpose. So knowing, I walk the edges of their minds and their childhood fears of anything ‘fey’. They have captured two Eldar. So be it. They shall wish they had not.
So it is this ill assorted group crossed from Annuminas through Parth Aduial and across the Fields of Fornost. Two of the Men rode to Ost Forod for news perhaps, and certainly for some supplies. They have little time to hunt, as we move swiftly. The only fresh food has been a couple of braces of conies and one hind. They did not take time to cook the hind thoroughly, but some Men took chunks of meat anyway. Parnard and I are offered food, as are the two Hobbits. Both Umbari see to that. A couple of Men wanted to kill Henepa and Gaisarix, saying they no longer needed them to control us. Thankfully Pharazagar prevented it, saying one should never give away a ‘leaver’ over others if possible. He also seemed to think his ‘Lady’ might be amused by them, or his King would want them as slaves.I cannot think more on the Hobbits fate as I can do naught to determine it. A few words to them in passing is all I have managed. Some encouragement, a light touch upon poor Henepa’s injured leg that I may pass healing to her? Laugh not, dear one. I know I am no healer. But I would give her what healing I may.
Eight Men died today. It will continue happening. Parnard escaped again, and a group was sent after him. When he was brought back by Pharazagar and the Breelander, Burrwood, they told us he had managed to slay the six others. (Two Men also died of thirst…the rings you see.) Now although I know Parnard to be most resourceful I do not believe he was the slayer. He had no sword on him, and that would have complicated matters. This Burrwood had Steel Thorn, and given its proclivity to seek Men’s blood, I suspect him to be the killer. All the Men save the Umbari give Parnard a wide berth now. For a short while, there were only four captors with us. But Parnard was exhausted, Henepa could hardly stand, and Gaisarix looked as miserable as possible for one of his kind.
“It was not your fault, Gaisarix,” I told him when I could, but he lowered his head, and there were tears of shame on his face.
“Maybe them wouldn’t have taken Henepa had they not thought I be at the Bent Elbow?” he murmured.
The four scouts Jexson had sent ahead returned, and the six, led by Wolfran the Rohir, who had come north overland caught up, so the Men numbered fourteen. But they will not for long I believe.
While the Umbari look tired, but still very much in control of themselves, the Brelanders look the worse for wear. Jexson’s eyes seemed to have sunken into his face, he shakes visibly whenever he moves. His lips are cracked and pale. Twice I saw him trying to suck moisture from dried apples. Perhaps they were easier than water itself? They will not suffice though. I do not think he will last more than a few days. Perhaps I am unnecessarily cruel in not mentioning to him the cause of the distress? I hope not. My intent is merely to allow that which was stolen at the cost of Aearlinn’s life, to do its work.
Now I turn my thoughts to the Umbari holding the swords you made, that their blood lust is turned, each upon the other. Without those weapons they shall ever be self controlled, disciplined soldiers. Do not misunderstand me when I say I wish they would just ride away. They have kept Parnard and I safe. But I still know they are our jailors. At times I look at the faces of the others, at their eyes and the hunger therein, and know what they would do with Parnard and I. We would both fight them of course, and now there are fewer we may well prevail. But they have the Hobbits. I question myself, if it came to it would I remain in the body to save the Hobbits? I know not, and this is a most miserable thought. Nay, meldanya, I choose to live, and I think it will not be long before Parnard and I are free.
We are intended for Angmar. I asked Balkumagan to his face and he could not deny it. This ‘Lady’ he serves dwells for now in Angmar, though where exactly I know not. We make for the Ram Duath, the village of Ost Crithlanc. As to her purpose, I am none the wiser save….I have a feeling, a recurring thought….it is something to do with our immortality? This Lady seeks our blood in one way or another? It is but a thought, and I could be utterly wrong, but it is a thought that will not go away.
Estarfin, whatever happens, know I will never willingly leave you. Others have suffered such fears as I, but I am of an old and high blood line. I shall not quail. Be safe, meldanya. Be cunning. Perhaps even open your thoughts to me, rather than shutting yourself away? I know that is asking much of you at this time, but I can do no other.
