The Warband spent the night at their campfire near the Last Bridge to give the men-folk among their company time to rest and sleep. The evening was spent talking of what they had faced and also what lay ahead of them. At one stage Ridaran even took out his lute from its leather bag and treated them to a few of his compositions which was well received.
Khalis noted how over time the personalities of the individual members of the Warband had come to the surface. Most saw them as just warriors off fighting all the time, but being in the Warband is something more it’s a way of life. They were not simply off fighting all the time!
As they sat there as the moon rose into the night sky and the stars twinkled into being they were noted by the many riders who crossed the bridge into the Trollshaws. One such traveller observed them for some time before asking if they may partake of the campfire. As the individual camp closer it was seen he was also of the fey, he introduced himself as Idhrenaith and that he was on his way to Imladris. His manner was pleasant and his conversation was engaging, so much so in the end he chose to spend the night with the Warband before pressing on.
Just as the sun’s aura was breaking over the hills in the east the Warband began to break camp and saddle their horses. Today would see them riding to Ost Guruth where Bishrodir was known to the Eglain, he would be the bands liaison in this region. By the time the sun was rising the company were riding steadily at a canter westward, where tops of the ancient battlements soon came into view.
Khalis signalled the company to ride to the stables where they could see to their horses whilst Bishrodir spoke with the Eglain representative. Bishrodir’s task took him a little longer than expected so the others of the company took time to take in the ancient fortress which even in its present state is still truly magnificent. Elisbeth saw Bishrodir returning and signalled all to gather at the stables once more. Bishrodir relayed the details of what he had been told to Elisbeth and the others. It was as they had thought, Orcs had been seen west of Ost Guruth towards Amon Sul. But there was good news in that these Orcs were of a lesser stature from those the company had been used to fighting in the east.
Elisbeth spoke with Tagos and Khalis for their mission was to make for Tinnudir, not to deal with other matters on route. The question being should they look into the matter raised by the Eglain, for if they did not in time this could become a threat for Imladris. The decision was made to look into matters here and if need be send word to Lord Elrond should it prove more time consuming than at first reasoned. The other matter Bishrodir spoke of was that some of the locals had heard rumours of a black clad rider being seen riding the western road. The company knew this was more than just rumour but there was no need to divulge more to the local headsman for now.
And so the Warband rode ever westward eyes keenly watching the terrain left and right of their pathway for any signs of the Orc kind. Tagos took the lead urging his elven steed forward to allow his keen eyes to pick out the subtle trails which would begin guiding them towards the rangers camp near Amon Sul. As they closed upon Amon Sul Tagos dismounted and began examining the ground in more detail and signalled a halt to the main company. As the others pulled up their mounts Tagos explained that there are traces of many orc kind making their way up towards Amon Sul. The young man among their company Eireden spoke of the mount being a place to be more wary of than just orcs for he spoke of its old reputation as a place of power.
Detouring from their planned route the group made their way up the side of Amon Sul, the elves of the company taking a pathway known to but a few. Half way up they dismounted and tied their mounts and made the last phase on foot. As they drew near the gateway the sound of chanting could be heard from within the top circle. There was a sudden shout in the shadow tongue and the lead members of the company saw suddenly a figure all in green being pointed at by a shimmering figure. This was followed by a piercing unnatural scream as blue spirits flew from the air towards this green clad figure. And so the Warband drew their weapons and moved forward spilling into the clearing, some in the defense of the green clad figure and some on the offensive.
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