It had been nearly a week since they had left their camp in the woods. The south downs were far behind them, and they entered an open forest; dotted with scrub and brush. The Misty Mountains were barely visible, far off in the east.
Suddenly, the forest broke away, leaving before them an open road. It was dusty, spotted with broken stone and light brush; but quite wide. "The Great East Road," said Awyrgan. "It runs from the Shire to Rivendell. But as you said that you wished to avoid discovery, I will take us on a less known path."
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Within a day's march, Brytta's company was passing between the Weather Hills and Midgewater Marshes. The weather was dreary, the ground wet and soggy. Even on the outskirts, the marsh was uncomfortable to say the least. The bugs which thrived within its boundaries swarmed upon the party, but they trudged on stolicly after the ranger that had led them thus far.
Finally, Brytta's group could go no further, and they used what little dry wood they could find to create a meager fire in an attempt to fight off the wrath of the midges. Eventually, all slumbered peacefully, with the exception of Awyrgan; who stayed awake and kept watch. He lit his pipe, swating at an insect idly, and waiting for the break of a new day.
[ August 28, 2003: Message edited by: Himaran ]
[ August 29, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]
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