[The Barrow-Wight]

* * * * * Rhûn Nation * * * * *

The group made it safely to Vakuf that evening and was given shelter by the mayor who was alarmed at the tale of attack and slaughter they told him. The next morning he gave them fresh mounts and provisions, and they were quickly on their way westward. Ninos’ group of foot soldiers remained behind in the village to help garrison its walls until he could return in force to deal with the were-bears.

On the road, Kasteni, Lovek and Ulwyte, along with the eight remaining horse soldiers of Ozvalda, rode with Ninos and his horsemen. They traveled safely for three days as the land slowly changed from open, rolling grassland to thickly forested hills. Ninos held the last kingdom of Ozren before the Aranaw Forest, which formed a natural border between him and the Sea of Rhûn. At the eastern edge of the forest was the ancient walled fortress of Maoca, which had been originally built by the men of Stoneland. Now the great keep and walled town served as the chief city of Ninos land.

On the fourth day, they arrived at the stony town, and Ninos held a celebration of his successful return to his throne, but it was tempered by the mourning for his dead soldiers and those slain at the roadside fortresses. His mood was equally somber the next morning as he watched Kasteni ride westward on his long journey to Gondor. He had wished him well, but had provided no men or aid other than food and water. His people were already gathering a large force to ride eastward and secure the ravaged hostels.

As the sun rose on the seventh day of their journey, Kasteni wondered how they had come so short a distance in so long a time. Forces were acting against his journey that he could not control, and the one week seemed more like a month. His only hope now was that he could find quick passage across the Sea and come soon to the great Dagorlad Highway. There, it was said, the Stoneland King was already providing protection of sort from monstrous attacks and waylaying vagabonds.

He turned to his two companions and said, “We did not have the proper time to mourn the loss of Khuleln, and yet we already miss the comfort of his presence. He died in the service of Mislavini. A great way to die that will ensure the future of his family. I beseech the Eye that we do not all make that same sacrifice on this journey.”

With that, they rode quickly along the rode through the Aranaw Forest, hoping to come to its further side and the seaport of Rufalas. That large city of fishers and sailors would be their next destination.

[ October 27, 2002: Message edited by: The Barrow-Wight ]