Khalis gathered with the other members of the Warband in their great hall where it was as always good to see so many gathered in the same place and all looking well despite the recent turn of events in the south.
Khalis took one of the maps down from the bookcase where they are all stored and unrolled it onto the large table. His eyes traced over the exquisite workmanship of the scribes here in Imladris, they were indeed lucky to have such fine maps in their possession. As his gaze traced the road westward from Imladris down towards the Bruinen Source the others gathered around the table no doubt keen to see where the Council of Imladris was intent on sending them next.
Elisbeth then spoke up, and as her opening lines rang out so the others hushed to silence. She spoke of her conversation with Lord Elrond and some of the Council. It seems with the tide of changes happening in the south the enemy in Annuminas has seized the chance to re surge their attack on the rangers there whose numbers have been thinned due to many riding south. This resurgence had inflicted heavy casualties upon the defenders and so they have sent word to Imladris and Lord Elrond for help.
She explained that it was imperative that the enemy not increase its hold upon Annuminas for it could be seen as a sign and thus increase the morale of the enemy. Word had reached Lord Elrond of a small force trying to penetrate the borders of Imladris at the Bruinen Source. Thus it was that by the word of Lord Elrond the Warband is requested to ride with with speed to Annuminas, but to do so so as not to draw attention to them leaving Imladris. They are meet with the sons of Lord Elrond, Elladan and Elrohir at the Bruinen Source to aid their strength to those defenders already gathered there to bring any conflict to a swift conclusion.
As Elisbeth’s voice died down the others turned and looked at each other. Khalis could see the smiles upon the faces of many of those gathered, for he knew many thrived when the odds were stacked against them. He could see this also reflected in their eyes. A few talked over what could lay ahead for them and a few quickly left to head to the stables to prepare their steeds and equipment. Slowly one by one the hall emptied until just the Officers remained, with a simple nod of understanding to each other they in turn left for the stables collecting their packs they had already prepared earlier in the day.
That afternoon as the sun was low in the sky the warband was seen by a few keen eyed to steadily ride from Imladris, westward towards the Bruinen Source. They were unaware of the form of Lord Elrond standing on the balcony of the Homely House watching them ride out the valley. He whispered a blessing as they departed from his sight, and he hoped he would see them all again
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