[Garen LiLorian]

Angóre's mouth twisted again in disgust as the messenger relayed King Arvedui's decisions and council. If it was possible for his estimation of the King's ministers to drop further, it did so. Few things displeased Angóre more than cravenness, especially when it put undeserving people at risk.

"Erenor." His voice shocked the junior emissary from her latest fruitless attempt at communication. She looked up from where she sat. "Erenor," he said again, "I am going to accept the decision of the king to ride with the rearguard. They will need all the strong arms they can get, and I tire of sitting behind walls of shields."

Erenor looked as though she would speak, but Angóre forestalled her words with his upraised hand. "Although I have no authority over you, I would urge you to protest, to stay with the king and his ministers. Though you are indeed valiant, and I doubt not that any company would be pleased to add you to its number, you -and lady Betheril, of course- may yet be able to convince King Arvedui of the folly of his decision, a task far more important and, I fear, difficult than playing the rabbit to the captain of despair's hounds."

"Whether you come with this second party or no, the decision rests, of course, with you. Either way though, I shall not be acting as your guard for much longer. I intend to ask Captain Hírvegil for a position among his scouts." His face was set, and his voice was grim. "I may yet be able to make some difference in this vain endeavor, and I would do what I can for these men."