|| Frost bite ||

❄️Seer's Touch❄️

Taking caution to not be mislaid, the Niendúin camped for the night in the second round of forest.

So far no trouble had come forth to meet them. They scavenged the meanings of the message, and were successful upto heaven crosses hell. Tired from the day, they gave up quickly.

"I'm sleeping," Naim said, rubbing his eyes, "there will be lots to do tomorrow."

No one objected. They were just setting up the watch when suddenly, Eäron sprang upright, an arrow nocked to the bow in the blink of an eyes.

The rest of them tensed, hands going to their weapons. "Show yourself," Eäron commanded into the darkness.

Nothing moved. He took a few steps towards the dark, when a hooded figure stepped out of the woods.

"A hunter doesn't underestimate his pray," a well known voice broke out from him. "You've learnt."

Letting out a sigh of relief, the company settled back. Except Eäron. "Remove your hood," he said.

The other did as told, revealing his dark hair and stern face. But he smiled. "Rightly watchful," he commented.

Eäron lowered his bow. "What are you still doing here?"

Eglan's face darkened, and they suddenly noticed how disheveled and haggard he looked. They could have almost said he looked sick, except for the light in his eyes.

"There's much more at work here than what meets the eye."

All notions of rest forgotten, they leaned forward. "Tell us," Niphredil piped up.

Eglan turned to her, surprise and exasperation on his face. Before he could say anything, Celon added, "What happened to you?"

Giving up of his previous question, Eglan turned to answer them. "A few days in a prison ought to do that."

"You got caught?!" the five of them exclaimed in unison.

He waved the subject aside. "This is not rhe time for such talks," he said sternly, "there are matters of greater importance. And we don't have time."

Nodding sheepishly, they leaned forward.

"This kingdom," Eglan began, "is not an ordinary one. There are ores here that other lands would die for, and it is, indeed, quickly vanishing. The king here is an usurper, while the rightful one labours in prison."

Common story, Elanor almost said aloud, but restrained herself. She almost cringed at the thought.

Eglan continued. "There are many people who dwell in mystery here. The robbers come here not only to rob, but to seek direction. "

" To where? " The twins asked as one.

" Something far to the east. In the hills of Ceraig. Bregédúr reported of their deaths in the hills. They had been killed by swords and arrows."

Elanor and Eäron shared a look, then nodded.

"They go in search for these," Eglan took out something roundish from a pouch.

It suddenly seemed like the fire had brightened, lending a part of itself to his fingers. The sheer reflection dazzled their eyes, and it was some time before they could see the bluish-white diamond.

"Whoa," Niphredil muttered.

Eglan handed it over to her. "These are rare one that are found only two places. The hills of Ceraig, and the Eastern pass." He looked fixedly at each of them.

"Something of ours is here," he said, "we would need to retrieve it before going back."

"What?" Came the unified question.