[Nerindel]

Islist had quickly ordered a halt when they saw the enemy in persuit. "Everyone, split into two groups. One group will flank them, the other will take a head-on charge. I will lead the charge. Elleraden will divide you."

"I want the best and most experienced in the charge."

At these words Sorlas sat up on his horse and made ready to go with the charge, but his ego was deflated when he heard Ellerden address him, "You will lead the flank!" He stole a quick glance over his shoulder at the other group then nodded his head curtly.

He pulled on Telpetal's reigns and headed swiftly behind the dense foliage to flank their enemies. As he rode he looked to his left and right to make sure there was no ambush for them as he searched with his eyes he took note of those how rode with him.

To his left was Tarannon, reigns in his right hand and his short sword already in his left, his tall slender form sat squarely on his horse and his grey eyes shined with excitement and apprehension.

To his right sat Rinoas, his golden hair tussled by the wind and the gleam of battle in his eyes. Sorlas could hear another behind him and as he looked back he could see the emotionless face of Herevion, tight behind him, the shield on his left arm gleamed lightly in the afternoon sun.

At the top of a well hidden grassy knoll Sorlas raised his hand to stop them, he raised up to look down at their quarry. The orc were close but not yet apon them, Tarannon stirred impatiently, "Not yet!" he said sternly with out taking his eyes of the battle below, the other two riders seemed to know what he was waiting for and didn't stir.

The minute the Uruk's join the fight, Sorlas drew his sword and kicked off, the others following suit. "GONDOR!" the four riders shouted in unison as they charged down behind the startled orcs.

The Uruk's at the rear and a few of the wargs turned to face their charge, Sorlas swung his sword at the first Uruk slashing it across the chest, then he swung Telpetal about and kicked at a warg that had went for Telpetal's throat, hitting it hard in the face with his sole of his boot, it let out a yelp as it fell to the ground, but before it could get back up Tarannon had drove his short sword through it's matted, hairy side. Sorlas nodded to Tarannon and quickly turned back to the next oncoming orc.

Sorlas was breathing heavily as he saw Durvagor finish of the last Uruk, but they did not stop instead Islist rode them on, "There will be more of them. let us ride quickly now." he heard him cry over the rushing wind. And he did not doubt his leader for a minute.

They rode south then followed the course of the River Anduin. The desolate brownlands making way for the sharp ridges and deep valleys of the Emyn Muil.

They had come some hundred and fifty miles in little under ten hours, it was now dark, the horses were exhausted, infact Durvagor's horse looked near to collapsing under the weight of two riders and the moon afforded them little light.

"we must stop!" Sorlas cried "Our horses will be of little use to us if they die of exhaustion."

mutterings of agreement swept throughout the group, Islist calmly raised his arm in the air for silence then when the muttering ceased he went on "I share your concerns my friend, and we will be stopping shortly, just beyond this ridge is the Sarn Gebir rapids we will camp there." as Istlist pointed in the direction of the rapids, the company nodded and continued at a slow trot.

It was not long before they reached the rapids, Sorlas lead telpetal to a last fast flowing part of the river, there you go boy he said patting the horse affectionatly watching as Telpetal drink deeply.

As he watched he saw his own reflection in the river, but he bearly recognised it, caked with blood and mud. He wearily knelt beside the river and cupping his hands he scooped up a handful of the cold crisp water and threw it over his face, He shivered as some of it ran down the back of his neck.

Once washed he made his way back to the camp were Islist was organising the watch, "ah! there you are" Tarannon said grinning at him, we're to provide the evening meal, so what will it be fish or game he said looking from the river to the small wood that flanked it.

"I think game would prove easier" he laughed, taking his bow from his back. "the river is to fast and deep here" he continued as he headed in the direction of the small wooded area.

[ July 03, 2003: Message edited by: Nerindel ]