I am feeling better today. The last days I have not been able to write due to my wound, but it is slowly getting better. I should not be lifting my arm much yet or do heavy work, but I am glad I can write again.
Andswaru is asleep, I am glad for it. He has been working hard, even harder than usual to make up for my disability. I hope I will soon be able to work normally again, for him. I know he did more than his share of watches and more than his share of fighting on our journey so far. He does not deserve to have to take care of me as well, on top of everything.
They have taken Father to a large cave called the Dark Pit. I have looked at the map we took from the Orcs’ camp. It is big, seriously big. The whole mountain is riddled with caves, and there are exits pointed out on either side - but none near us. Even if I was not hurt and we knew which part of the cave they had taken him to, it would still be hard to find our way - and I think the place is much larger than what is on this map, it only showed the places the Orcs know or need to get to.
And we could not bring the horses. What would Witimanu or Apple do, in a cave? I am not even sure it is big enough for us to stand up in all the time.
No, I must do the sensible thing and put duty before heart - if Father is still alive, they will keep him alive for a bit longer. We will return to Rohan with the horses, my arm will heal and then I shall ride back alone, without duties to constrain me, to find and rescue Father. The map will help, I am sure. One alone can perhaps pass as a lonely Orc, where an army would break.
It is a hard decision, but there is no other way. Father would say the same.
But I have not given up. We are turning homeward for now, but I will return. I promise you this, Father - you are not forgotten.
