[Arry]

The Elves had pushed their horses as much as they dared in an effort to catch up to the Orc troops. They were resting now, in a small clearing near the tracks they had been following. It afforded them some measure of cover against the chill air and left an easy view of the route the Orcs had taken with their captives. It was not only the horses who were relieved at the rest, but Faerim also who welcomed a chance to replenish his energy.

Rôsgollo threw him a spare blanket from one of the extra horses they’d brought as the young man sat on the ground, his back resting against a log. Faerim had offered to make a small fire to drive off the chill, but Gaeredhel had spoken up, saying there would be no fires until the captives were freed and all were in a safer place. ‘Orcs have eyes and noses. We cannot afford to have them know our little group is following.’

It was only a brief rest before they pushed on again. The track led them southwest from the Dunedain encampment. The Orcs had traveled quickly despite the burden of their captives and had made no effort to conceal the direction they had taken. A while later, the Elves and Faerim came to a rocky area where it appeared the Orcs had made a brief camp. Angóre and Gaeredhel scouted about the perimeter while Faerim and Rôsgollo attended to the horses and kept watch.

‘Did you find where they have gone?’ asked Rôsgollo as his brother came running back.

‘They have split up, it seems,’ Gaeredhel replied. ‘Some heading southeast, another group of equal size it appears, heads west. I followed for a length down the southwest track. Again, they make no effort to conceal themselves from any who might be on their trail. I could not tell if they bore the captives with them or no. Angóre has gone scouting down the west way. Let us wait here until he brings back his report. Then we can decide which route to follow.’ He looked hopefully at his brother.

‘Nay, there is no answer. Something clouds Lord Ereglin’s mind.’ Rôsgollo shook his head. ‘I can only hope he will break free of it at least for a brief moment and give us word of himself and the others.’

The trio hid the horses in a small clearing among the boulders, then hunkered down themselves to keep watch for Angóre . . .