The Dark Elf had kept cautious throughout their journey. He had chosen a path that seemed to go roundabout, but one he deemed safer. He felt young Taralphiel’s uneasiness and unasked questions. He was glad that both Khelek and Anarya were giving her as much comfort and support as they both could. The young pup was very compassionate to the young girl’s predicament.
The sky overhead was gray and overcast. It seemed as they neared Dol Guldur, the sun’s warm ray was blighted by something dark and evil. Even the sky at night was cloudy, neither letting the moonlight nor stars shine through. The woods that should be filled by the sounds of woodland creatures were eerily silent most of the time. The trees felt void of warmth, but rather it gave the elves a feeling of unwelcome.
Rûdhchamion stopped suddenly in his tracks as he felt a menacing presence. Quickly signaling to his companions he motioned for them to take cover behind a large boulder that was partly covered by heavy brushwood.
Like a silent panther, he was swiftly atop a large branch of an old bole. He was already beading his arrow, alert for any surprises. Anarya, too, had her bow strung and ready for an attack.
With his keen eyes, he searched carefully, tensing when he saw what he feared. Beyond the trees, several yards away from them was a pack of wargs. Above the pack were a growing number of large bats that seemed to be just hovering in the air. The foul creatures in the air were like the once that had attacked them near Thranduil’s realm.
There were too many of them, they would be outnumbered easily. Quickly deciding on what to do, he scrambled down swiftly. He squatted next to Anarya as Taralphiel and Khelek came closer.
“We have no choice. We must double back and find another route,” he said in a low voice. “Anarya, Taralphiel, head for the creek we last passed. Khelek stay with them. I’ll cover our tracks from behind and follow you.”
Filled with anxiety, the group quickly left their hiding place and headed back towards the creek. The sound of the wolves could be heard.
[ April 24, 2003: Message edited by: Thalionyulma ]
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