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

Chapter 34: The Emissary

                  

It felt good to be on dry land again. Not just because of the rocking waves and the seasickness, but because here I could begin to forget the horror I had experienced at sea. I would never forget it entirely, but being on land, and familiar land at that, made it easier to focus on the task ahead.

   Oros and his crew were preparing to set out again, and Hadar and his men were helping. The Death Bringers and the Bleak Riders were milling about on the shore, inspecting their weapons, talking, or just staring at the barren expanse that was ahead. Caledorn was restringing his bow and listening to Taryi, who was animatedly recounting some story or other. Pallando and Alatar were in a heated debate of sorts, and I decided to steer clear of them. What little I had overheard had given me the impression that Pallando was angry at Alatar for killing the enemy, and Alatar was angry that Pallando hadn't done something to help him attack sooner.

   As I wandered near the ship Oros approached me, a roguish grin on his face.

   "Well, princey, me boys and I are ready to shove off. Guess this is the end of the line," He said.

   "It is... For now. I am most grateful for your help friend," I said with a smile.

   "Ah forget about it! Just did it outta the kindness o' me heart!" The dwarf laughed heartily and held out his hand. "But remember! We have a deal!"

   "Indeed we do," I said, taking his hand and shaking it. "I hope to see you again, Oros."

   "Aye, you'll see me again! Probably just at the moment when ye don't wanna! See ye around princey, have fun rulin' and all!" The dwarf laughed one last time, bowed, and spun around, skipping back to his ship and whistling merrily.

   I didn't notice Nadow approach from behind until he cleared his throat. I turned and saw him and Preliator Ryuna standing there expectantly.

   "I suppose you're here so that I can brief you on the situation from here out," I said quietly.

   "Yes, my prince," Nadow said. Ryuna nodded silently, his mask hiding any further expression of interest. I pulled a map from my pack and unfolded it.

   "The Khan's army is almost always situated around Morgothrone. But since war is brewing, that may no longer be the case. Nadow, I need you to send some men out to scout. Send men here, here, and here," I said, pointing to various spots on the map. The first spot was Morgothrone itself. The second, a fortress nearby that the army was often stationed at. The third was far to the north, and was where my tribe, the Dorgeshi, gathered during times of war.

   "It shall be done," Nadow said. "Is there anything else?"

   "Yes. We should prepare defenses here in case they attack us. They may think they can take us by surprise here." I pointed to several chokepoints along the beach. "If we can shore those up, it will be nearly impossible for them to do so. They cannot attack from the sea, as there is no fleet harbored on the northern coast. Our flank is protected in that respect."

   "What can I do?" Ryuna asked. His Common Speech had improved significantly in the time that he had been with our company, and though his accent was still thick it had become relatively easy to understand him.

   "I need you to send a small company of Riders to Marone. It's a small village along the beach. It's possible that they may have seen us disembark, your men must make sure no-one leaves the village. Tell them to stay out of sight and keep an eye on the road."

   "And if someone does leave?" He inquired. One thing I had grown to admire about Ryuna was that he was a very measured man. He always attempted to gain as much information as he could about any given matter before taking action on it.