[mark12_30]

The company trotted wearily on, stumbling, heads occasionally nodding, into the Entwash. Raefindan glared, hating the place. The will of the elves dragged them onward.

Aeron fidgeted and glanced at Gwyllion...she looked tired.

"Are we going home?" she asked.

"No, of course not," said Aeron loftily. "We have to plod through this swamp, find this elf, and wait for Ædegard to meet his death." He threw a dirty look at the rangers and the elves.

Gwyllion blinked. "Oh...but I thought it was bad for us to split up."

"Well, considering that the party was already split up when Ædegard left, it doesn't make much difference does it?"

Taitheneb frowned, but waited. Perhaps the young man had concerns of his own; the world of men was so new and strange, and sad.

"I'm sure they have their reasons for not following that man," said Gwyllion with a yawn.

"Something about following orders, " muttered Ravion, but Aeron ignored him.

Gwyllion continued. "Do stop fretting about it...you're just a boy."

"And you're just a girl," Aeron said irately. Rolling his eyes, he said to nobody in particular, "Could Gwyllion and I have our own horse? Currently we're being tossed about as a piece of luggage...I suppose because we're rotten dirty little thieves..." Aeron was cut off by a soft growl from Erebemlin. “Swamps have ears, young fool."

Aeron rolled his eyes and hissed, "If Gwyll and I had our own horse I wouldn't need to shout."

Erundil said, "Gwyllion can take my place...I will replace her on Gond."

“Quickly,” said Erebemlin.

Aeron flashed a grin at the ranger as he lifted Gwyllion and settled her in front of Aeron.

"You are in such a black mood Aeron," Gwyllion whispered.

Far in the distance, two dark figures could be seen carrying a burden.

There was a shout from the Easterling boy. Erebemlin hushed him, but Amroth’s eyes burned. Echo wearily tossed his head, gave a weary grunt and stumbled forward. The horses rallied and gathered themselves, and followed Echo—all but Aeron’s mount.

Ravion turned around and shouted, "Hurry up Aeron -- it is not safe to lag!"

"We can't! The horse is too tired...we don't want to hurt him! We'll catch up to you when we catch up to you," Aeron shouted back.

“Nay,” shouted Taitheneb. “Take the girl aside to safety!”

Aeron grinned, his eyes sparking with delight. He wheeled his horse aside, and pulled the reigns tightly as he watched the group of men and elves gallop towards the dark figures...

"Why are you stopping?" asked Gwyllion.

"To make sure they forget about us and leave us far behind," said Aeron softly.

Gwyllion narrowed her eyes, and said, "What do you mean forget about us?" The horses charged into the distance, and Aeron was and Gwyllion were left alone. Aeron turned the horse.

“What are you doing?” Gwyllion asked.

"Listen Gwyllion," said Aeron shortly, urging his horse into a gallop following Ædegard's trail, "I'm tired of being around these 'noble' rangers who don't act nobly. I'm going after the man who ran off a little while back."

"He is a stranger to you," Gwyllion protested. "Why are you going after him?"

"Because it's dangerous in the swamps, Gwyllion," he snapped. "Besides, it's good form that he's going after his lady love."