The Price of Pride

39: Uninvited Guest & Nightmare's Embrace

ActIV

Mellon

Chapter 39: Uninvited Guest & Nightmare's Embrace

Cardolan, August 24th 3018 T.A.

The company continued their ride along the river Gwathló, maintaining a slow, steady pace. The landscape of Cardolan, a realm once part of the Dúnedain kingdom of Arnor, now lay in ruins, a shadow of its former self. The land bore the scars of past battles and the plague, with scattered villages clinging to survival amidst the threat of orc attacks. As they rode, the silence between them grew heavy, broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves or the distant cry of a bird.

Xena, riding alongside Legolas, leaned in slightly, her voice low but clear. "We're being followed," she whispered.

Legolas nodded, his keen senses already aware of the presence trailing them. "I noticed," he replied, his eyes scanning the path ahead and the dense thickets on either side.

Elros, ever vigilant, had also picked up on the subtle signs of pursuit. He urged his horse closer to them, his gaze sharp. "Someone is following us," he confirmed, his tone filled with caution.

As if on cue, a figure emerged from the underbrush, stumbling onto the narrow path before them. It was a young woman, likely in her early twenties, her long blond hair matted and her once-elegant dress now torn and dirty. Her face bore the grime of days spent in hardship, yet despite her disheveled appearance, there was an alertness in her pale green eyes that didn't match her apparent state of distress.

The company halted, exchanging puzzled glances. Elros was the first to speak, his voice laced with authority. "Who are you, and why were you following us?"

The young woman hesitated, glancing nervously at each of them before responding. "My name is Nyrin," she said, her voice soft but steady. "I have been following you since you left Tharbad this morning. I saw you with that man—the ranger—when you bid him farewell. I overheard that you were headed to Rivendell."

Xena frowned, skeptical. "If you needed help, you could have approached us. Why follow us in secret?"

Nyrin shifted uncomfortably, her eyes dropping to the ground. "I... I didn't know if you'd help me. I was captured by Dunlendings while washing clothes by the river. They took me to their camp, but when you fought them, I managed to escape." Her words were rushed, as if she was trying to convince not just them, but herself as well.

Mírdan studied her closely, his expression unreadable. "You wish to return to your town?"

Nyrin nodded quickly. "Yes. It's not far, just beyond the Angle. I thought if I could follow you, you might protect me from any danger along the way."

The company exchanged wary looks. While Nyrin's story seemed plausible, there was something about her that didn't sit right with Xena. Despite her appearance, Nyrin bore no signs of injury or even the faintest bruise. Her clothes were torn, yes, but she seemed far too composed for someone who had just escaped captivity.

Legolas, ever pragmatic, made a swift decision. "We'll camp early today," he announced, addressing the group. "Nyrin can clean up and rest. We'll continue our journey at dawn, and she will ride with us until we reach her town."

Elros looked displeased, his brows knitting together in concern. "We've already delayed our journey enough, Legolas. Our mission is to reach Rivendell, not to escort stray travelers."