Calimir noted the direction that Rangar and Turthol took, as he and Rave travelled on a different course into the forest. The fog had cleared out enough that Calimir could see as much as he needed, and his keen eyesight continued to rake the ground for signs of footsteps.
He thought of Wren. How frightened she must be! She wasn't much different than Wilwarin, really, both adults, but so young. Calimir searched more carefully now, what would Wren's father say? He stayed fairly close to Rave as he searched, but the feeling began to grow on him that they were looking in the wrong place. He frowned. Ravenna looked at him curiously.
"Nobody has passed this way recently." he said to her. She nodded slowly. "We should search somewhere else." Just then, loud laughter rung out above the trees. It was Turthol and Rangar's voices. Rave's eyes went wide.
"Don't they know that whoever has Wren might kill her if they think we're getting close?" she said in a horrified whisper. She took off toward the sound of the laughter. Calimir followed. After a time the laughtere stopped and they slowed to a walk, Turthol and Rangar had moved on it seemed. They continued a while in the direction where they'd heard the voices, and shortly Rave caught sight of Turthol through the trees.
They approached quietly, sensing the seriousness of the moment. Rangar was standing by a large rock outcropping, sword in hand. Turthol motioned to them to keep quiet as they advanced.
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The seasons fall like silver swords, the years rush ever onward; and soon I sail, to leave this world, these lands where I have wander'd. O Elbereth! O Queen who dwells beyond the Western Seas, spare me yet a little time 'ere white ships come for me!
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