It was at that moment that Mattius returned, pacing purposefully through the undergrowth. Ender was relieved to see him, followed by the wizard who seemed preoccupied with wrapping something large in a length of cloth.
"It is done?" She asked of them.
"Aye, it is done." Mattius replied. "We have buried him."
"I am glad. What of the 'other thing'?" She enquired further.
"That is done too Ranger-Daughter." Radagast answered her. "I have perused his body as we agreed. Under a finger nail I found a long hair which I have kept. It may be folly or vital clue but I have kept it all the same. Mattius and I are in agreement that the blows that robbed out Dwarf-friend Borin were made by a blade, I guess at a sword."
"Therefore not the Beast?" Ender gasped.
"Perhaps not. It could be the work of the goblin breed but it is still my suspicion they came upon him in that dreadful state and presumed him part of our company. Suspisions do not answers give, my child of the greenwood. How do we not know the Beast can weild a weapon. Remember its shape alone is different to every eye that looks upon it."
Ender sighed. Mattius suddenly gave out an indistinguishable yelp, then gasped, "Rothalle and Calentoliel, where are they?"
Ender gestured into the trees a few paces hence. "They walked that way a little. They had secrets to discuss."
"Quick, we must herd them back to the fire. It is not safe to let them wander. Ender, I'm surprised at you letting them go!"
Ender was hurt by Mattius' accusing tone. "I have every faith in them. Besides it has been me in mortal danger in this place not those sisters of mystery."
"What do you mean Endereth of Wilder Places?" Radagast's voice changed its tone and caught the attention of both his companions, causing hairs on the backs of their necks to rise. "Explain yourself. Why should a young woman, a Ranger in all but name be in more danger than they?"
Suddenly Ender was unwilling to divulge the events in the clearing just before their arrival but the change in Radagast, his sudden focus instead of nebulous ramblings, made her feel she must. "Mattuis, go forth and fetch the others, no matter what the import of Rothalle's words to Calentoliel it now can wait. I fear what you have to say far more my child, far more."
Mattius did as he was bid. The girls were as Endereth had said, only a few feet away talking in whispers, using Rothalle's horse to shield themsleves from view. As he came upon them he saw that they had both been weeping. He hesitated a moment. Rothalle stared at him and for the first time since he had met her found a smile directed at him.
"Do not fear Mattius. We are just reacquanting ourselves. We have much to explain to you and our companions but first we must deal with this ourselves."
Mattius wanted to smile back but the gravity of his message prevented him.
"Quickly, we must gather by the embers of the fire. I fear something has happened to Ender, and Radagast bids her share it with us."
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Auriel
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