ashes of arguement

Silence at last ... now I am far away enough not to hear them. Finally, I can hear my own thoughts a little more. It seems clear now that I must return to Calenglad and tell him of my failure. Randir cannot or will not come east without permission from his lord... so north it is - whether to admit my failure or to gain his consent. Mayhap Calenglad will take this matter from me, mayhap I will be done of it and he can find a lesser task for me. It hurts, to admit defeat. I will walk on tonight, a little way alone. I have no heart to return to the camp and the cold cheer of the ashes of an arguement. The stars may break through this gloom of the marshes ... if I strike north I may make good time and avoid Midgewater altogether. I will use the signs Vallandur taught me. I recall the signs for north, and there are trees and rocks to place them upon ... Randir will be amazed that I know them. Let them bring Roch and my pack ... to walk unencumbered for a few hours - even if only free in body ... what a blessing!