I run through the narrow corridors on my way to the armory. I feel like I am wading through mud like time itself has paused and keeps me in the same place. I see puzzled glances from elves looking at me, as I don't halt to greet them and run on.
When I am finally in the armoury I see Medethel putting on his breast plate. In relief I steady myself near a standing post. He looks at me in wonderment." You are late Leyesta...and you haven't even got your armour on...." he remarks in a slightly annoyed tone.
"I am not coming with you...not this time Medethel" I say simply. "I am appointing someone else in my stead. Please don't ask for explanations as I cannot tell you. Not now anyway"
The look in his face says it all. Dissapointment, mingeld with concern and a hint of irriation. "Very well Leyesta, I assume you know what you are doing, but I am not pleased with this" Suddenly he grabs me by my shoulders and shakes me lightly." By the Valar, what is wrong with you? you have behaved so erractic lately", he says in anger." Can you at least offer me an explanation for all this?"
"Release me", I say with all the authority I can muster. He lets me go and stares at me and mumbles...".Forgive me, I forgot myself."
I don't answer him and turn around and leave the Armoury . After I appointed my replacement I go home in haste to saddle my horse. I take a few belongings with me and I ride as if my life depends on it. I don't know why I am such a hurry...I just know I need to get there in time before...before what? I I do not halt . My horse flies over the ground beneath us and and I quitely praise her.
The day has fallen into night and still we ride on. The familiair feeling of wading through mud has returned .I feel so afraid that I push my horse even harder. Forgive me I say to my poor companion. She goes even faster, hearing the plea in my voice.. It's just in my mind...I keep telling myself, playing tricks on me.
Finally I see the lights of Rivendell....I have no inkling of what time of day it is, if it's night or early morning, how long we have been travelling. I just know that I am exhausted... I reach the entrance of the last homely house and two guards get hold of my horse. I dismount and step into a black bottomless pool.
