[Marileangorifurnimaluim]

**** Harad/Umbar - Ethar ****

It was still morning when Garlin and Ethar jumped to the ground, disturbing crows and other carrion birds at their feast in a noisy flurry of wings. The wind was still, the sun bright, in almost disrespectful contrast to the scene before them. There were not many birds for so many dead. At least not yet.

The two young men poked through the bodies, trying to understand what had happened. The wounds were fresh, which explained why the oliphaunts, so sensitive to strong scents, had been calm as they had crested the hill and found.. this.

Garlin was the first to speak.

"The armor.. see how these are armored alike?" he gestured to men wearing badges in Rhunian letters, a black 'E.' "The rest, they're a mish-mash. I think these swords are Harad trash, worse than most - sorry. Harad's not known for swords. No, here, this one's from Gondor. Nice stuff that. Rhun bows. Their armor doesn't fit either. Brigands no doubt. But do you know whose army is this? Or was, I mean?"

Ethar shook his head. He didn't recognize the black badge, and wished they had waited for Gramil. He would know.

"Who won do you think?" Garlin wondered aloud.

But Ethar had circled the north side of the battle, thinking. Suddenly, he gestured for Garlin, who quickly trotted over. The trail was obvious, something or someone was being dragged, and blood marked the leaves. It lead north.

"Soldiers would stop to bury their dead. Brigands.." Ethar noted, answering Garlin's question belatedly.

Garlin returned to the oliphaunts and clambered up, motioning for Ethar to follow. North. Ethar trailed after him warily, not sure this was such a good idea. He remembered his last battle alongside Garlin. He had long forgiven Garlin for abandoning him, it was the heat of battle after all. But he didn't forget the young Daleman was much better with a sword than he. By a lot.

He marked their backtrail for Jarl and Gramil to follow, nervously looking behind him. But all he saw were trees, standing tall and silent about what they had witnessed.

[ October 19, 2002: Message edited by: Marileangorifurnimaluim ]