I left Evendim as swift as my horse was able to carry me.
I did not wish to chance meeting up with those three again. I do not think I could have bore seeing Rosabur and Drevorin together properly. That would have been far too much. Besides, I had a lot of ground to cover and I wished to get as far as I could before having to stop.
I went east, it being the quickest route to my destination, through the Fields of Fornost. What a terrible place! Arantha, my dear faithful steed, was spooked almost instantly. The only way I could get her to walk there was to bind her eyes with a strip of cloth and lead her by the reigns whilst murmuring soothing words in her flickering ear. Even then, it was not easy going. She stood stock still on several occasions as she sensed things, slowing down our passage.
Dusk fell when I was still some way from the little camp atop the hill. I recalled what I had been told of this place in the past: Do not wander in there. If you must, however, then be wary of the dog-like creatures, the bears and, most of all, the spirits. Touch nothing and never be caught out in the open at night. Bearing that in mind, I began to run across the barrowed plains, trying desperately to reach safety before darkness enveloped us utterly.
We just about managed it, thankfuly, and whilst Arantha stood idly by, her flanks shaking and ears twitching with alarm at every small noise, I basked in the warm glow of a comforting campfire. That is where he found me.
Davick. How does he always manage to do these things? He is part tracker-hound, I swear it! Still, after the hardships and heartbreaks of my journey, I was glad to see a familiar face, even if it was one which I initially suspected would do nothing but taunt me for my folly in chasing Drevorin.
We spoke, though, without any barbed jibes. He even walked a distance up the Greenway with me, halting at the house he had been born in to share his memories, expanding upon what I know of his past. We parted ways there.
I told him the truth, although not all of it. He would think this an even worse folly if he knew why I travelled so far. He would accuse me of running after dreams, wispy smoke clouds and worse. I told him that I might not return from this journey. That news gave him pause for thought and bothered him a little, I think. He took me into his arms, embracing me in that same delicate way that I remember so well; as if I would shatter to his touch did he add too much pressure. That simple act reminded me vividly of why I have always loved this man and, even if my feelings for him are not of the same nature that they were for Drevorin, still he will always hold a portion of my heart.
Leaving him there upon the road, with one last goodbye and one last look, I continued upon my way, reaching Esteldin by dusk. Here, I wait the night now. Come mornings light, I shall brave the warg-ridden grassland ahead. I have never done this alone before, but I remember the way.
I wonder now, do I walk toward further heartbreak and more lies? Or will I discover some peace at last?
