[Nerindel]

The taste of warm blood filled Astalder’s mouth and a dull ache began to form in his right temple, made increasingly worse by the Haradrim warrior’s violently frustrated shake. But still he refused to speak or show any sign of outward emotion and only when his enemy had given up and turned his back on him, did he spit the blood from his mouth. As he did his gaze fell on the body of his dead companion, sorrow and regret gripped him for a moment. But he stubbornly tried to push it aside, they all knew the risk when they enlisted, but the knowing did not make it any easier to accept. At least he had the hope that the rest of the men in his charge would be able to return and report their enemy’s numbers and armaments to Captain Anhelm and warn the captain of the Haradwaith leader’s boldness.

His enemies had not gained anything from him, but the same could not be said of them. During his brief interrogation by Lan’kâsh he had learnt that the Haradrim’s boldness was not limited to this one unit, the Haradrim were on the move and the Poros settlement was not their only target. Astalder had killed at least two soldiers and wounded several others before he was finally over powered but still he was to be kept alive, for what gain he was not certain. But he was certain that he would not be used against the people he was bound to protect.

As he was dragged along by his guards he kept a sharp eye, looking for a weakness or a means of escape, many of the Hardrim soldiers looked on him with loathing and contempt, some even spitting at him as he passed, but he defiantly held his head up, ignoring their taunts and jibes. Weather intentional or not they dragged him past the battlefield, the empty eyes of dead Gondorian soldiers bore into his heart, filling him with an anger that threatened to break through his emotionless defiance. He looked away from the scene and as he did his gaze fell on the Lan’kash who was watching him with a satisfied grin and in his right hand was Astalder’s swords, the blood stained ribbon rippled lightly in the breeze, reminding him of the promise he made to his wife. a low growl escaped his lips and he silently swore that Lan’kash would regret letting him live.

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The Requen

The Requen of the Poros had followed Khalad’s careful instruction and again scouted out the Haradrim camp, but after regrouping and much debate it was decided that it would be suicide to go in after Astalder, their leader was located in a large tent situated in the very centre of the camp, surrounded by many heavily armoured guards.

“It’s impossible!” Josef argued “our best option is to return to the Poros and return with reinforcements!”

“By then it may be too late!” another put in.

“I do not know why they keep him alive, but they have and they must have a purpose for doing so!” Khalad replied conceding to Josef‘s idea.

“Then it’s settled we return to the Poros, report to Captain Anhelm, then see to mounting a better prepared rescue party.” the gathered company nodded their agreement some more reluctantly than others. Within the hour they were mounted and heading out of the forest and into the rolling plains that would lead them back to the Poros.

The company where just exiting the forest when they heard the clash of weapons ahead, checking his horse Josef speed ahead to a near rise the rest of his company following close behind, “Gondorians!” he called back. “They must have been sent out when we failed to return on time.” he muttered looking on the battle that ensued.

The Poros soldiers were being attacked by a small contingent of Haradrim warriors, “A forwarding party?” he mused, grinning wickedly as the lust of battle grew within him, Drawing his sword and raising the horn that hung round his neck he blow long and hard, then raising his sword before him he dug his heels into the side of his mount and charged into the fray, his fellow roquen following close behind him.

Battle ensued all around him and as he ran through another Haradrim warrior he looked around trying to discern who was in command of this small contingent of Poros soldiers. “Who commands here!” he cried to a passing soldier.

“Adenain!” the soldier called back as he engaged yet another enemy.

“over there!” he pointed dispatching his opponent with a quickly drawn dagger across the unsuspecting mans throat. Josef nodded his head in thanks then fought his way to the man that the soldier had just pointed out.

The man was wounded but still he fought, “Adenain?” he asked.

“Who asks?” the man answered not taking his eyes of his current opponent.

“Josef sir, I was in the company of Astalder.” he replied his own sword clashing with that of another Haradrim warrior.

“Astalder!” the man exclaimed burying his sword into the exposed side of his enemy, “where is he I wish to speak with him.” Adenain continued as he pulled the sword from the dead Haradrim and drove it into the back of Josef’s attacker.

“Astalder is not with us.” Josef answered with a regretful sigh.

“He is dead then?” Adenain frowned studying the young knight.

“No, not dead, well he wasn’t when we left him, but he was a prisoner of the Haradrim.”

As they battled on side by side he continued to explain the events of the past few days.