Misfit

Chapter Three

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Third Age 2789
March 23
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When the Rangers had regathered the next day, fresh and ready to defend Eregion from evil, Thelerim was not pleased by their earlier absence. She had said it was shameful (Rightfully so, Culfin thought) that the Dúnedain should display such low and riotous conduct, especially when the duty of protecting the North fell to them. Elladan and Elrohir—who bought and drank the most ale—managed to escape the punishment of double patrol duty because their presence was needed in Rivendell for the next few days, so unfortunately, their shifts fell to Culfin and Gailen.

Even more unfortunately, the days they were to be roaming the countryside included those during which Culfin's mother would be beginning her journey to Gondor.

As Thelerim dismissed the Rangers to go attend to their various tasks, Culfin jogged up behind her as she walked away and, after awkwardly clearing his throat, said, "Captain, a moment?"

She barely turned around as she answered, "We don't have many, Sparrow; best not to waste them. There's been word of a band of marauders sighted in your parameters last night whom you and your partner should be after."

Culfin felt the tips of his ears reddening, accompanied by a twinge of regret; he had a job to do, and Thelerim had already been kind enough to give the Rangers a break—so what right did Culfin have to dispute her? Still, he had promised his mother that he would try to go with her.

"Yes, Captain, I—I understand, it's just that I'd like to ..."

Thelerim stopped and spun round so quickly Culfin nearly slammed into her; there was a stern look in her eyes that told Culfin that what he needed had better be related to his assignment, but her raised eyebrow was more accommodating.

He swallowed, beginning to question if it was such a good idea to ask Thelerim if he could take some more time away from the Dúnedain. After all, what kind of Ranger would he be if he felt entitled to shirk his duties whenever he deemed them inconvenient?

Well, he thought reluctantly, after a few more seconds of deliberation, There will be other times to travel.

"... What direction did these marauders head in?" he asked aloud.

Thelerim's eyes searched his, and Culfin felt that she knew he had not said what he at first wanted to. After a moment, she pointed behind him and said, "East, along the road."

Culfin nodded dutifully and saluted before he turned and walked back to where Gailen was waiting for him.

"Did she say yes?" Gailen asked.

"We're heading that way," Culfin answered tersely. "Best make haste."

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He could not keep from feeling a slight bit guilty at changing his mind; after all, he was allowing his mother to travel across the country without him, which was perhaps not very wise of him. She had mentioned that a guide would be going with her, which allayed much of his discomfort, but the situation still did not sit right with him. He should have at least suggested she wait for a little while until he knew when he could take leave from the Rangers again.

Why can those blasted twins bail out on the Rangers whenever they please? he thought irritably as he and Gailen tracked the marauder's trail; there were likely a dozen men, some on horseback, possibly carrying a cart with them. He could not help feeling resentful towards Elladan and Elrohir, who were likely enjoying a feast in Rivendell while he and Gailen slogged through the woods—and he felt even more bitter when he thought of the two boasting about their grand time when they finally decided to show up in the Rangers' camp again.