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Tiru's thoughts ran faster than the swift mare carrying him back to his master's house. By now the little mistress would have told Lady Inzillomí the terrible news and he could only imagine the anguish and alarm that must be gripping both mother and daughter. But Tiru had not served the family for these forty years past without discovering the core of steel that lay at the heart of his mistress. Was she not the daughter of Elendil himself, leader of the Faithful now that his brave father had sailed into the west? Even in this moment of greatest crisis, Lady Inzillomí would not wilt and succumb to despair, like some hothouse flower. She would know what needed to be done, and make sure it was accomplished.
Glancing briefly over at the man riding knee to knee with him, Tiru replayed in his mind his brief exchange with Captain Azarmanô at the harbor. It had been both encouraging and troubling. That the Captain would be willing to assist in a rescue attempt was a hopeful sign. At least it would not only be Abârpânarú's family which believed that rescue was possible. But the news which Azarmanô brought from Rómenna now made the situation acute. There would be so very little time in which to accomplish so daunting a task All the Annanost should at this very minute be packing their most treasured belongings and making ready to sail back east to Elendil and the waiting boats. Instead, at least some must venture to Arminalêth , the very last place any of them would wish to go at this black hour, and walk right into the lion's den. What a disaster!
Finally arriving at the house, Tiru was on the ground before the grey mare had even stopped. "Captain, I'll take your horse, if you'd care to step inside. I'm sure my lady Inzillomí will want to hear your news and will want to talk of what to do about my master's arrest." Tiru stepped forward and grabbed the chestnut's reins, and Azarmanô deftly slid from her back.
"My thanks. . . I'll see you inside then?" From the tone of uncertainty in his voice, it was clear Azarmanô was unsure as to Tiru's further involvement in the situation. As the sea captain strode towards the house, the servant realized that perhaps he was mistaken to assume so blithely that he would be sent as part of the rescue. Oh, to be sure, he was going, with their blessings or without. The Kariborim were his family now, and he would not scuttle away to Rómenna with his tail between his legs, leaving Lômi to her fate! But surely . . . his mistress would know his heart, and would understand. They could not refuse to send him. Servant he might be, and his hair, what was left of it, was now streaked with grey. Yet he was still fit, stronger even than many men much younger, and larger, than he. And his skill with a bow was known, if only in the hunt. No, his mistress would never deny him his right to a place in whatever plan she would set in motion to rescue her husband. But, what if others thought differently?
Hurrying to tend to the winded horses, Tiru resolved to go straight on to the house as soon as he was finished. He tarried just moments to check on the other Kariborim, and, seeing they had been well cared for, he hurried out of the stable. Whatever plan the Annanost might come up with, Tiru knew one thing with absolute certainty – he would be going to Arminalêth, to rescue Lômi, and his master!
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