The Sands of Rhun: A Middle Earth Story(Book 2)

Chapter 19: Meeting Friends on the Road

We eventually found our way out of the mess that was the Emyn Muil and continued south. The land we entered after that had been swampy, smelly, and altogether unpleasant. Caledorn called it Nindalf, and seemed to be familiar with its paths and secrets. He surefootedly led me through quicksand, caves, and estuaries that he said were home to all manner of foul creatures. But thanks to his knowledge of the region we passed through without incident.

   It wasn't until we reached the forests that hugged the Mountains of Shadow that we encountered trouble. It had been two days since our exit from Emyn Muil and we were running low on supplies. We had both determined that hunting for food as we travelled would be the best course of action, as we had to be stealthy anyway due to the increasing danger along the Road.

   So we were a short distance apart, both quietly searching the terrain for any sign of prey. I was the first to find success, and my elvish bow was quick to bring down my prize: a small rabbit. As soon as I shot it I heard a strange bird call, one that I was unfamiliar with. 

   "Caledorn, do you recognize that?" I asked him as he quickly made his way over to me.

   "Shh! It's not a bird," he replied quietly, crouching down and scanning the trees nearby. "It was a signal of some sort. No bird makes such a sound." 

   "Nor would an Orc be capable of such," I whispered. 

   "Haradrim have been traveling along the road of late, it could be them. Or it's merely some hunters. Either way we should proceed with caution."

   "Right," I said and drew my dagger. Caledorn fit an arrow to his bowstring and moved ahead through the underbrush, as quiet as could be. A moment later he lifted his hand up, a clear signal to stop. I followed his gaze to a thicket ahead, and saw the object of his concern. A red clad man crouched there, wielding a spear. He was watching the road intently, ignoring all else around him. He seemed unaware of our presence, even though we were only a few yards away.

   "You were right, it must've been one of his people," I whispered. "He's definitely not alone, as well equipped as he is." 

   The man had a breastplate made of carved bone, iron armguards, and an armored headscarf. I knew that only Haradrim warriors or slavers wore that much armor, and even then they preferred mobility to being so encumbered.

   "There are at least two others in the bushes on the other side of the road. They must be trying to waylay someone." I took the elf's word for it. I couldn't see the other two, but Caledorn had uncanny vision. 

   As if on queue, a small company of green clad men appeared around the curve of the road, laughing and talking amongst each other. The Haradrim ahead of us tensed, and I could see his grip tighten on his spear. 

"Those are Gondorians. We can't let the Haradrim ambush them," Caledorn said insistently. 

"You're right. But I'd prefer that we do this without bloodshed on either side," I replied.

"And how exactly do you propose we do that?" Caledorn raised an eyebrow skeptically.

"I have a plan. Just do as I say." 

To my surprise, Caledorn didn't argue. He nodded slightly and waited for me to lay out my plan.

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3rd person- Faramir's POV

The Rangers had just finished their rounds for the day, scouting the road north and south and observing the Enemy's movements. But today was no ordinary day, for one of Faramir's men was to be married. Such an occasion was rare among them, but when it did happen there was much joy and celebration. Faramir had even purchased several barrels of mead for the event.