Veryacano refused to allow him a turn at watch, and when Parnard protested, he appeared surprised at his dissent, and told him that he should be glad of the rest. Uncertain if this was thoughtful regard, or a show of bad faith in his ability, Parnard said nothing in reply, but strongly suspected it was the latter – the Hammer Lord was not known for benevolence. Parnard thought that he liked to flaunt his power, and so keep fear instilled in the hearts of his soldiers, to keep them from rebelling. It was true that the wood-elf was weary from keeping his lonely vigil the night before, and he was feeling very low-spirited, but he put a bold face on, and declared to Veryacano that he was not ready for rest, desiring to feel the night breezes, and not be cooped up in an old musty tower. Lord Veryacano shooed him away like some annoying insect, and being very weary himself, bedded down within its moss-covered walls.
Parnard decided to take a turn around it, to see if there was anything of interest to find among the broken stones and brambles. Noticing how Telpenaro dogged his footsteps, he thought, Now for some sport! and began to walk faster and faster, finally breaking into a run, leaping over boulders and scampering through the undergrowth, trying to lose his charge. His mad frolic ended when Telpenaro complained, rather forcefully Parnard thought, of this wayward fancy, and told him that he was in no mood for ‘hiding and seeking.’ With a sigh, Parnard plodded back to the camp, not wishing to test his guard’s patience. These elves should be glad for his company, and he would not have sought them out, but the talk in the Valley positively insisted upon it. They did not appreciate him, nor his skills. His sullen glance flickered over to Nirhen, who was standing watch above on the stairs, her face cold and devoid of any expression. Hateful she is, none can enjoy her company, and the only thing that would amuse her is seeing the blood run down her sword as she skewers it through a beating heart!
As if reading his thought and taking it into serious consideration, she fixed a dark glare upon him, her lip curling up in disgust. Parnard quickly took up his bag and brought out the charcoal-rubbing of the carvings he discovered at the dwelling-place of the Men. Smoothing it out before him, he pretended to puzzle over the curious markings, thinking how there can be no enjoyment with such worrisome and dour company, and nothing good will come from the suffering and division they have made. He wished that Lord Belegos had not left, and hoped he would return swiftly, but it did not seem possible. They would, in all probability, continue on their wretched path to ruin. Above their camp, the stars were shining bright and fine, and picking out the Seven Stars, Parnard pointed it out to the others. His exclamation of delight was met with stony silence. Alone, he enjoyed the beautiful sight, and reflected that perhaps his troubles were not so great as he imagined, and he should not be so despairing: a fresh day oft brings better spirits; with it they may possibly recover themselves.
