"Damn it all, she got away!", I exclaimed.
"So it really was her?" Guri asked.
"Yes", I answered. "Did you see how those orcs looked at her? How she, at the last moment, decided not to draw her swords? She knew we would recognise them."
"I suspected as much..." Guri sighed. "I have seen that horse before. There is something about it, dark and evil. I usually do not feel that way about animals."
"She played us for absolute fools!" I kicked some rocks in frustration. "She had no intention of looking for any dwarf."
Guri looked at me. "I really was worried when you followed her into the cave."
"I know... I do not know what came over me", I confessed. "She could have killed me, but she did not..."
"What should we do now?" Guri wondered aloud, before sighing in frustration.
In truth, she knew just what I would answer. She looked at me, her blue eyes twinkling when I spoke.
"We need to spread the word. Rohan is in danger, if she really is headed there."
"There it is!", grinned Guri. "We should write to Maelowyn, she will raise the alarm. And to Tornimrad, too... Do not forget your promise!", she giggled.
I reluctantly agreed, and we camped for the night. Guri rummaged through our things in search for our writing supplies.
Using a particularly flat rock for support, we each got to writing.
My letter said as follows.
To Tornimrad,
Wherever you might be, at the service of our King.
Ranger,
We have found her. She got away from us, but we know where she is headed.
She is on her way from Rohan. We lost her at the Heathfells.
We have already sent word to the Rohirrim. We will be going with them.
Do what you must, and quickly.
Alairif Nordhcoll,
Flame of the West.
Guri wrote to Maelowyn, a Thane of the Rohirrim. She was one of the Campbells. We had met once, but not for long. This is what her letter said.
To Thane Maeolwyn,
Sutcrofts, Rohan.
Thane,
We are writing to warn you of a potential threat to the safety of your people and lands. Deorla, Herald of the Unseen War, was spotted on the trail deep in the Gap of Rohan, we followed here but she gave us the slip deep in the Pit of Iron. We have notified the Ranger, Tornimrad, and wanted to advise you for the threat, please us caution, when approaching. She can be spotted by her armor, which is black as night, it has a sheen of deep red and black, and sports either matching blades or throwing knives. Her horse was also equipped in what appears as the same barding, with at odd birdlike chamfron.
Please take care,
Guriwen Luthier,
Flame of the West.
Guri folded the letter and sealed it with wax. She then produced a small whistle from her bag. She blew it with three short puffs, as the gloomy ranger had instructed her, while she watched watched me finish my letter. Three short notes, a high keening cry, pierced the quiet stillnet of the night. They were answered by an echo, which materialised into the shape of a goshawk and landed on a low tree branch. Its bright, round eyes, which shone of gold lit from within, inspected us thoroughly. Its white breast, edged in back, gave it a lacy appearance.
It sat there, ruffling its grey back feathers, impatient, and lifted one leg to shake a tiny tube, wrapped securely around it. The bird’s talons were exceptionally long and looked lethally sharp. It would keep the message safe.
The bird uttered a short kee, hopped to a lower branch right beside me, and stretched its left wing.
"I think someone wants your attention," Guri said softly. "This is Linta. Tornimrad gave me her whistle, and taught me how to call her."
"She's a good friend to have, this bird", I admired. I attempted to pet the goshawk, but she threatened with a bite. Her beak, which looked at least as lethal as her claws, were convincing enough. Guri laughed.
"Alright, alright", I apologised to the bird. "We will keep this professional. Here." I handed Guri my letter, and she rolled both of them up. She then slid them into the tube, taking care not to touch the bird, who then flew away. We would need to do the same soon. That place was not safe.
