[Regin Hardhammer]

Azarmanô, seated high atop his horse, a white mare whose name he did not even know, cantered past Marsillion and behind Abârzadan, the strange one. He had not gathered any more information about the strange man than he had known back in Inzillomì's house, nor had he a great desire to. If Inzillomì trusts him with rescuing her husband from prison then he must be reliable enough. And yet a pit of caution lay deep in Azarmanô's stomach. There seemed to be something mysterious about the stranger, even ominous. Why had no one recognized him? Mysterious horse breeders did not inspire Azarmanô with confidence.

Yet he did not have time or energy to contemplate deeply his ambivalence toward the man. Azarmanô was more concerned with rescuing Abârpânarú and safely reaching Rómenna with the party intact, which was no light task with the king's men on the hunt for Faithful. The journey was not a pleasent one, nor one Azarmanô had wanted to make, especially with his family waiting for him at the harbor, but honor and duty compelled him to undertake the task with sincerity. He owed this much to the leader of his group, those who had shared his hope that somehow, someway, Amandil would return and bring the help of the Valar. Now, when that hope was gone and the only option left to them was to flee Númenor, the bond that Azarmanô shared with the group was not diminished, but strengthened. He must assist his companions in any way tht he could, especially in so dire a situation. They must not tarry or lag for any reason, but proceed with alacrity toward Rómenna. There was no time, no time for Elendil's ships to tarry and no time left for Abârpânarú, not with the moment of sacrifice drawing nearer and nearer.

He held back steed to ride beside Kâthaanî who sat deep in thought on top of her mare. Azarmanô wondered where her thoughts wandered, whether to her beloved father in chains or to the words of caution that he had given her regarding the hardships of battle. Turning toward the woman, he spoke,"Lady Kâthaanî , have you thought more of my warning? Are you certain you are ready to face the king's seasoned troops in combat? It is not too late to return home. If you wish, you may journey straight to Rómenna. I would offer to lead you, but I fear my bow cannot be spared. It is better to go now then to be killed by the hand of the enemy. I do not question your valor, but worry only for your safety."