[Brinniel]

The small group waited silently as the noises came closer.

LinGalad readied his bow, his hands shaking, as Avery and Kalir both exchanged nervous glances. Anarya drew her sword and prepared herself as she gazed ahead uneasily. Ajada simply stood there, her eyes staring widely in the direction the noises were coming from.

Calentoliel felt oddly serene. It was strange she felt this way, when the others seemed so nervous. She glanced over at Endereth, Mattius, and Radagast, surprised to find the same expressions. Calentoliel wondered if perhaps this was because of their previous experiences together, after all, compared to the Black Beast, an encounter with a few Easterlings would be nothing. The four of them had survived so much together, and now they had the support of five more. Six, if they were to include Peachblossom. Yet, if their battle were to be so simple, why did Calentoliel sense that Death had already cast its shadow upon the group? And why did this feeling not bring fear into her heart?

Between the thick branches of trees, the first of the Easterlings could be seen. The first arrow was shot, whizzing past Mattius's head and into a tree. It wasn't until when the second arrow was fired that Calentoliel drew her sword.