Chapter Sixteen

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Chapter Sixteen

It had been three days since Aravoen, Slithbron, Mindacil, Edril and Patmarin had met in secret. It had taken them time and effort to conceal their true intentions from most of the eluncil. And getting to an empty postern gate had been as hard as Siras' foolishness. But, somehow Edril had managed it.

Try as he might, Aravoen had failed to get an audience with the eluncil. But now they had something to do. Aravoen, Leo and Slithbron had gone over the plan for ages. Each knew their role to the minimum. Slithbron was to stay in Mendil and help the general and lady Patmarin, with their eluncil problems.

Aravoen and Mindacil were to travel north in Ebrithia. They would seek out the people of the Cardamon hills. To try and find out whether the lady Patmarin's tale was true. From there they would come back to Mendil and wait out the eluncil.

"Make sure the eluncil does not know our aim, Slithbron," Aravoen warned his friend.

"Sure I will."

"Thick lies," Mindacil smiled. "They will know where we are, long before we are across the hills." The elf's smile faded. "We will need all secrecy in this matter."

"Don't start with me long ears," Slithbron retorted. "You're the ones with an amazingly difficult task."

"Don't undermine Siras' family lord dwarf," Pat said, "you have not met his girls yet."

"Girls?"

"Don't even think of your dwarf women Slithbron," Mindacil warned.

"Why would he?" Aravoen asked.

They waited for the answer as Aravoen and Mindacil checked their saddles. Elben stood tall and majestic waiting for Aravoen to be done. Edril stood a short distance away from them, making sure no one was in sight.

"You best be on your way soon," he called, "the postern will not be empty for much longer."

"Relax general," Pat walked over to him. Aravoen could not help wondering if Siras' cynical supporters had shed some light on a delicate matter.

"As soon as these two are off to your land," Edril said.

"And they will be," she stroked his hand gently.

"You should go with them," Edril said suddenly.

"No," four voices responded.

"She should my lords," Edril defended his statements, "she knows the ways to her land. Safe unwatched ways as a matter of fact."

"Tell me Edril," Pat glared at him, "How would you be able to handle the eluncil?" Patmarin did not wait for an answer, "besides, Siras will smell a rat from a mile away."

"Leave that to me."

"I might as well go along with them," Slithbron waved his hands in shock.

"I will not allow her to come with us," Aravoen said. "You need her here general and Slithbron needs both of you."

"True on all counts but..."

"But nothing, general Edril," Aravoen cut him halfway.

"It is as it must be then." Edril sighed.

"Yes." Pat said.

"Fine," Edril snapped, "I suggested it for her safety and yours."

"I have marked out a way for them already Edril," Pat was exasperated, "I am not a fool Edril! They have the maps and the boy is a ranger for Nasoril's sake. Plus they will have help. I've made sure of it."

"Don't use your old gods here," Edril flared up.

"Atei," Aravoen climbed up on Elben, "you are both being fools to argue like this. Save it for that little man." He pointed to Slithbron.

"Hey laddie," Slithbron stroked his beard, "we both know, what I lack in stature, I make up for it other places."

"Wonderful Aravoen," Mindacil said climbing up his horse, "we dint need this dwarf's self praise on top of the general and lady's battle."

"I am beginning to wonder if we have done the right thing," Aravoen added.

"Go," Pat forced a smile, "Edril and I will sort this out. We always do."

"Good." Aravoen smiled, forcing Elben into a steady canter.

"Look after him, will you?" Mindacil added.

"The three guide your way," Pat said.

"The stars will make a better job of it." Edril said.

"Don't take your time my friends," Slithbron said seriously.

The two horses headed out through the postern gate. The small postern was found deep in the northern wall of Mendil. It was by chance Edril managed to get them out secretly and Aravoen knew it. I hope they will keep Siras sidetracked for the time we need.

Aravoen, Mindacil said, suddenly not preferring to speak.

Yes

Do you think Slithbron will succeed?

It depends, Aravoen thought carefully before continuing, Siras is cunning and we dint see his daughters. We can only hope the sod will be done with it before we are.

Hope...a thing we lack in plenty

But need in plenty

I still think lady Patmarin's tale is a hoax, Mindacil declared.

Aravoen sighed, You have constantly told me that my lord. And by constantly, I mean every single moment you get.

I wonder what Leo or even Leonora would think," Mindacil retorted

"For pity's sake Mindacil," Aravoen resorted to using his mouth, "We have no choice but to wait and see if we are on a wild chase or fact."

"Fine, fine," the elf laughed. "You'll owe me for going along with this."

"I thought elves never gambled."

"Please," Mindacil said, "we are the best at it."

With that statement the two riders rode on in silence. Each lost in his own thoughts but both heading towards the Cardamon hills. Aravoen hoped beyond all hope he was right to leave a small dwarf and two obviously unyielding people behind. I hope I am right.

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