Our new Lossoth companion, Yonas had told us the quickest way to get the captive back to Suri Kyla would be by sledge and yes indeed we could all fit on. However there would be a few ground rules and a little instruction would be required from him, this seemed reasonable.
Firstly Yonas wanted it to be clear that it was HIS sledge, he built it, knew everything about it and how it should be handled on the snow. He demonstrated how to stand and how to use one leg to assist in propulsion on the flat. He made both Elves practice and demonstrate until he was satisfied.
'Everything else is easy for you' he said..... 'Any uphill you get off and push' .. for downhill you hold tight and leave EVERYTHING to me' .. 'If tell you to do something don't argue!'
It seemed simple enough!
We all climbed on and gently set off, the Elves quickly finding a Rhythm to help propulsion, 'Good' Yonas said' keep it up'. We did!
Elveaner and he presumed Tyelcie also, noticed they were rapidly approaching the top of a rather steep descent. Elveaner was awaiting the command to stop paddling and take stock before continuing, this however did not come. Instead they continued up the the edge and Yonas yelled 'HOLD TIGHT NOW' as the sledge ran over the crest and headed down hill. Both Elveaner and Tyelcie held on tight!
As they gathered speed Yonas seem to become part of the sledge, hunching, screwing up his face against the wind and leaning into every little movement and change before Elveaner could even feel them.
At this point Elveaner started to feel something .. well interesting. A certain, how could he say it ... 'excitement' a thrill even ... this seemed to have infected Tyelcie also as they glanced at each other and Smiled. Yonas was utterly absorbed in his piloting as the speed increased on this long run downhill .. he leaned this way and that to plot the perfect course but everytime the sledge jumped on a small bump Elveaner and then Tyelcie let out a little cry. This turned into a whoop as the cold air rushed over their faces sound filling their ears.
Then, above all the noise, they heard Yonas laughing, he shouted 'You are like Lossoth children on their first runs' and carried on with his huge belly laugh.
The sledge reached the bottom of the descent and shot out along the flat shoreline towards the settlement and under the expert guidance of Yonas they quickly reached the outskirts. After they stopped, they took their breath and brushed off the snow and Yonas motioned for Elveaner to come closer so they could speak.
Yonas looked very serious and drew Elveaner closer, as if to impart a confidence. 'We are more alike than unalike you know' He said 'For all your age and wisdom, there is a child still in their trying to be heard' .. 'This was heartening to see Friend, heartening!'
Elveaner thought for a moment but could only nod, this man had a deep insight and wisdom beyond his few years, perhaps there was hope for a future in the world beyond the Elves and maybe man could take up the mantle as it where... hmm .. men perhaps truly could play the music after the firstborn departed. He must speak with Tyelcie about this later but for now they neeeded to get over to the chiefs hut.
Yonas grabbed the semi conscious man and started marching off in the direction of the centre and the party entered the hut. With Yonas's help they were allowed to address the head man, Yrjana. and explained what had transpired. He listened with great attention, obviously used to hearing petitions and said little, although Elveaner detected some glances towards Yonas and some discrete nodding.
Yrjana said he had great respect for them and was very concerned, however he would need to interogate the captive himself. Tyelcie and Elveaner surrendered him into Yrjana's custody and hope the truth would speak for itself.
The captive handed over to the chief of the elders in the Great Lodge, Yonas goes to greet friends while Elveaner and Tyelcie take a short rest.
