[Thenamir]

As they walked, Thenamir tried again to let his thought flow on what direction he should lead the group once they were rejoined. THe total absence of Taradan for the foreseeable future meant that he was truly in charge now, at least in presence if not in real rank. It came as a shock that he was now in the position that he'd sought since vowing revenge for the death of his wife -- in command of a strong and diverse cadre of warriors ready to attack the enemies who had destroyed his loves, and his life. Though it was a heady thought, he must not allow his personal desires influence the needs of the moment or the greater good.

The Dunlendings had been diverted, their leader slain (according to Ulfwine), and though the battle of the fires could hardly be called a victory, it did what was needed -- scattered and confused their enemies and set them ahead in the race to Ost-in-Edhil and to whatever they might find there.

Thenamir would have loved to get all the Rangers that Volkmar referred to and march on the ruins. The reality was that there was no time -- the new Dunlending leader would find and muster whatever troops remained to him, and begin his attempts to catch them, or at least pass them up.

He did not fear for losing his direction. Between Volkmar's and Arenia's knowledge of the area and terrain, they had the advantage of knowing the country and the roadblocks in detail. They had the advantage of having Saruman's commands to the Dunlending troop, courtesy of Ulfwine. They had the keenest eyes in Elwood, and the sharpest nose in the Warg, not to mention that they were also two brave and valiant warriors. As was Dwarin, who had proved himself over and over in strength, fortitude, and loyalty. And with any luck at all, the others would remain reasonably well and ready. Thenamir could not help but be happy with his assets.

He also wanted an audience with Guthrin. Elwood had expressed his concern for him as they continued on to join the rest, and after hearing his tale told by Elwood, with occasional exclamations of disbelief form Ulfwine, Thenamir had to agree with Elwood's trepedation. For someone to have undergone such a radical transformation was beyond his ken, and he wnated a chance to see whether Guthrin might be victim of some new sorcery of Saruman, rather than just battle stress.

The day was drawing near to sunset when the huge tree under which Dwarin and Company camped came into view, even among the other tree trunks. It was Baranthol who spotted them first, and happily aroused the rest of the camp to meet them. Joyful indeed was that reunion, and many handshakes and hugs went around as Thenamir smiled his way through the group. Guthrin he came to last. There was a beat of silence among them all in that moment as they all remembered Thenamir's judgement and sentence on him before sending out the fire-starters. Guthrin stood before him, silent but steady, ready to receive whatever Thenamir might have to say. Before the silence had a chance to lengthen into awkwardness, Thenamir looked him in the eye, extended his right hand, and said only, "Well done. I pronounce the fhiornach accomplished."