[Eorl of Rohan]

Ferethor listened intently as Maen continued with her narrative. “A kin-slayer as he is, he betrayed our house. However, he was also of Gondor, and therefore he had betrayed us all.”


Then, Maen added. “I cannot assure your survival. We have to trust to Illuvatar - and hope. Estel.” For the sake of shattering the heavy silence, Ferethor spoke. "What if our hope fails us and our houseless souls tread the path to Mandos? Whither then?" Maen looked in anger at Ferethor, but continued.


As Maen ended, she smiled, running a finger over her blade. "I am a woman - but if this calls for any deeds of insolence on your part, my blade may take your life in the shadows of night. I'll advise you to remember it."


Ferethor raised his eyebrow, but did not intervene. 'Perilous indeed, but I've dealt with worse ruffians than this lass. I may yet survive this adventure.' He thought, but his face was hard and set.


As the company dispersed, he called to Aelimur by the sign language of Gondor guards. As soon as others were out of hearing, Ferethor spoke. "Aelimur, we will need to be always wary and keen. The people we will be traveling with are vital to our survival and journey, and yet many are not skilled in warefare. It falls to us, the trained lieutenants of Gondor, to protect them silently." Aellimur nodded.


"If you see anything strange, whistle like a sparrow to let me know. You can't? Well, then try as best as you can." Ferethor said cheerfully, as he always felt before the start of an adventure.