Shifting his weight on Mornen, Volondil considered closely the perplexing question, asked by Alearindu. How was he to enter the castle? He was fairly comfortable as long as he did not move about much on the horse. And by tomorrow he expected to be feeling even better. Even so, should he be able to walk into the castle with the rest of the company, he doubted he would be much use in any skirmish that might occur.
He caught sight of Holly leading Peri as she walked back to where the red-haired woman waited. They spoke, their heads drawn close together for a moment, then parted smiling. The gregarious Hobbit must have made a new friend. Volondil twisted round on Mornen, looking then for Olo. A sharp pain in his side cut short his search, and he eased himself back to a position of comfort.
‘Alearindu,’ he said, glancing down to where she walked by Mornen’s side, ‘if you would, please ask Holly to step over here. I need to speak with her.'
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Eldest, that’s what I am . . . I knew the dark under the stars when it was fearless - before the Dark Lord came from Outside.
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