[Deorlin]

Deorlin's thoughts turned in his mind as the party headed east. He was not a seasoned tracker, but what he saw had told him it was a relatively small band of humans that they were following. He admitted, at least to himself, that he was relieved the thieves were not orcs. He had not yet had the 'pleasure' of doing battle with the foul creatures, but he had heard enough tales to know they were no child's play.

The equally small size of the posse concerned him, but at least there was Hading, another rider of the Mark, whom he knew well enough to appreciate his good fighting arm. And the merchant Anglachel seemed knowledgeable enough about the area that perhaps they would be able to use the element of surprise on their side. Through questioning various witnesses around the inn and the city gate, it appeared the thieves had departed Edoras sometime around two hours before the cock's crow. They had a lead on Aelfritha's group, but not so much as to make overtaking them, perhaps by next daybreak, imposibble.

Deorlin considered the other members of the group. He had been a little rude back at the inn to the one woman, Izrenna she was called, now mounted on the grey and riding with Aelfritha and the other, Malienna. He still questioned whether her presence would be a help or a hindrance to their mission. She seemed hardly big enough to even pick up one of the heavy, double edged swords that the Rohirrim used, let alone wield it as a weapon. Well, soon enough, time would tell.

Deorlin glanced back over his shoulder. The three women were deep in conversation, Izrenna wearing a studied look of concern. She happened to glance up and catch Deorlin looking at her. The expression that crossed her face was one of mingled friendliness and wariness. His in return was a stern grimace.

He turned to Anglachel and said "If I recall rightly, there is a ford across the river some ten leagues or so hence. Think you the theives will make for that, or continue on along the northern bank? I know of a way to cut off several leagues from our path, if we knew for certain that was the way they would take. If we travelled fast enough, we could even make it to the ford before them. But, if they choose another route, or turn off north somewhere, we'll lose them." Deorlin watched Anglachel's face as the merchant mulled over his suggestion.

[ January 03, 2003: Message edited by: Deorlin ]