Parnard

It rained a little, of course. How could it not rain on them? But they kept up a good pace over the farm and grasslands of Annundir, into the gently rolling hills of the West. It was a trail Yrill had only followed a few times before, being far more a haunt of Men than of Elves. She knew the way, but not much of the surrounding land.

Khahaynd thought about Zairaphel and her frequent mentioning of handsome men; clearly that was her weakness on full display, and she wondered briefly if her brother Naraal was handsome enough to hold the Sorceress's favor, so that she could gain something by it. “You have a traitor to Prince Imrahil?” she said to her, raising her glass of wine in silent congratulation. “That is most unusual and useful.”

Thoughts were racing in Yrill’s mind. Looking down from her vantage point it was obvious that neither captive was badly injured. Both Danel, and what she could see of Parnard, appeared dirty, tired, frustrated, but neither were bleeding, nor had visible damage. On the other hand, many of the Men looked worn to exhaustion, and moved slowly, with eyes dull and weary. Were it not for the two Southrons, she would have thought to attack the group alone.

Meldanya, 

I have been dreaming. Not a foreshadowing of things to come I think, neither a message of doom. But it has left me confused upon waking. I would warn you, if you could but hear - just in case there is more to the dream than is usual. 

Yrill rode ahead as they crossed the High King’s bridge yet again. Her heart was still beating unnaturally fast. She still felt like retching. They had the information they needed, but would she or Culufinnel have been capable of attaining it? The Captain of Celondim was a staunch soldier, but he had turned aside. She herself would only have acted so under dire need. And had it not been dire need? All she knew was she was thankful Estarfin had been with them.

“Where is Yrill?” asked Culufinnel.  

“Looking ahead,” answered Estarfin as he adjusted his gleaming armor.

“I was looking as well: up there,” Culufinnel said, motioning above.

 As Yrill and Captain Culufinnel continued their pursuit, he asked again, “You are certain this is the correct way? We have wasted enough time.”

Yrill took the momentary opportunity to reclaim some of her arrows. Ceuro halted nearby, sword ready, poised for the unexpected. “All this area bears Lord Estarfin’s hallmark,” he said grimly. 

They both looked swiftly around the nearby quays at the bodies and the blood. 

Estarfin…

…take care, wherever you are, meldanya. I miss you.