It had been dark for an hour when Tarannon reached camp. He had wasted time tracking the company ahead of him because, for some strange reason, they had never been told where they were headed. Well, the white towre eventually, of course, but nothing in particular. As he approached the new site, he heard a soft song. He followed it.
Tarannon stopped. He groaned mentally, trying to keep an indifferent expression. Islist and Sorlas were keeping watch. He dismounted and approached Islist, bracing himself for the furious rebuke he expected. Late? Yes. Did he deserve it? Definitely. Did he want it? What kind of question is that? Stumbling from exhaustion, the horse nearly dragged it's rider down as well.
"Tarannon?" Islist glanced at him. "Sir?" Tarannon winced. The reply was sarcastic "Welcome to camp." Islist nodded toward the fire and Tarannon walked off, not daring to believe his luck. He removed his horses gear and tethered the animal nearby before rolling out his bedroll. He flopped down on the mat, anxious for sleep. Then he heard Islist's voice from the ranger's post on the edge of camp. "Tarannon! Take third watch." Tarannon sighed and rolled over. Their captain was clever enough to make him wish he'd stayed in Rohan.
About an hour later he woke to see Elleraden walk past, taking up the second guard. A dark figure stood and crossed on the other side of camp, but it was too dark to see who. A low voice began singing. It was quiet, and soon had him asleep again. Not for long, however. It seemed only minutes had gone by before Tarannon felt a hand on his shoulder, shaking him awake.
"ungh..." He mumbled groggily.
"That's right!" Durvagor was grinning at him.
"I'm up" Tarannon groaned. "Go to sleep, Durvagor!"
The other man did just that, while Tarannon looked on enviously. Sighing, he paced the edge of camp, watching for any other late comers. Something moved in the woods.
"Hello?" Tarannon peered into the shadows. The something moved again. Not animal. Most definitely not man. That left one possibility...
"Attack!" The shout was enough to wake the entire camp. "Attack!"
[ June 08, 2003: Message edited by: Arestevana ]
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