[Amanaduial the archer]

Atharen caught Crystal's wrist and she spun to face him. He moved out of the way of her swinging sword tip, then adjusted it gently so it faced the ground, seeking the woman's eyes. "There will be no fray here, lady, not if I can help it. Certainly I shall not let you be in any danger."

Crystal opened her mouth to protest angrily, but Atharen got there first, speaking quietly but over her. "I do not question your abilities or courage, Miss Heart - but I will not have you in danger."

Crystal glared at him fiercely, then turned back to her horse, away from Atharen. Hoping she would mount up as the others had, the ranger darted over to his horse, reassuring the stallion although it seemed quite solid and unafraid, and it's ears were pricked and alert, it's narrow eyes bright, rather than wide and terrified. Atharen was becoming ever surer that it was of Haradrim heritage, although that was not of much consequence at this time to anyone other than the man who had grown up in Rohan. Kneeling quickly about two feet from his horse's feet, still in it's midnight shadow, he placed the palms of his hands flat against the ground then lowered his head to the ground as if worshipping, but with one ear against the soil. Concentrating with everything he had from his father's side, he sought for the sound of the intruders. After only a second or two, he had them, and Atharen was dismayed - they were much closer than he had thought, and there were more of them. They were on foot it seemed, but still, there were...five, six maybe? Straightening quickly, his sword in his hand before he was fully standing, Atharen addressed at the group, spinning around to speak to all of them as he did so. "Go, we cannot afford a fray so early before we even have our own quarry."

"And whose quarry are you implying we are, Atharen?" Maen replied sharply, standing by her Hittai's head. Atharen turned to face her, stepping forward a few paces as he shook his head - he would not worry her unduly about Roryn's suspicions, and besides, he didn't want to possibly offend Carathir at a time like this.

"I don't know, Lady Il Galoth, but they are coming quite fast - it would appear they have been trailing us by the straight path they are leading towards us, or they have some other purpose to come to this place. At any rate, we must ride - now is not a good time to fight. I do not mean to insult you, Lady, but you understand, combat, especially in such circumstances, is more my area. Please." He nodded quickly to her, then addressed the rest again, all of whom were now awake, as he swung onto his horse's back, steading the beast as it stepped back a few paces with a shadow of skittishness. "Ride now, before they are any closer - Roryn and I will wait until all are gone, then follow you."