"I attacked no one. I know no Jaheira." Melost struggled with the fear that was welling up inside him. He knew none of tese people and looked like none of the many men who joined the ranks of Elendil's army from many of the out-lying villages as the armies had swept east-ward. His fear stemmed mainly from the fact that he had no recollection of what he was doing here or how he had arrived. His head was pounding so hard his vision was blurred and he could sense hostility emanating from almost all the men. Except one.
Melost needed to sit down, but he knew he could show no weakness, therefore he drew himself up to his full height, which proved to be greater than that of all the others save one. He glanced over them, one by one and his eyes settled on the one who had spoken in his defence. "We march against the East and the dreadful Power that lies hidden no more, but will soon break forth upon this land like a raging storm. You, you speak as one from Numenore, surely you know the tale of Annatar, the one who deceived your people to their destruction? He it is whom we seek to destroy. We are Elves and Men, united in a common cause, that of survival! The High Kings, Gil-galad and Elendil are marching even now toward that darkness. Why are you not with us?"
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"Melost is a close kinsman of mine, one I hold dear to me. He has fought and nearly died for me through-out many lives of Men." He sighed heavily. "I must tell Galadriel, it ir possible that she cam discern more swiftly than I if the escort has been harmed as well or if there is yet hope. By Iluvatar, I can only hope I have not sent him to an early death!" Elendil grasped his hand and helped him to his feet, then clasped his shoulder again. "I understand. It is never easy to lose one close to you, especially when that one is a warrior." The shadow of sadness that tinged Elendil's voice was not lost on Gil-galad and he stopped to look closely at his friend. "Elendil? What is this sudden melacholy. Why...?" Elendil shook his head and cut him off. "High King though you are, it is none of your concern. Come, let us return to the others. We have been gone too long." He strode on ahead of Gil-galad who followed more slowly, lost in thought.
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Arthain was about to have more on his mind than brooding on the fate of Melost, for out of the foot-hills came a small band of orcs even as Thelian rode to his side. "Get the women into those rocks! If any can weild a sword, give it them!" he shouted. He still had time, as they were still some distance away. Fortunately, there weren't many, only six, maybe seven. In his present frame of mind, he felt he could take them on himself.
Thelian rode back toward Dorlas and called to him to get the women hidden as quickly as possible. They knew the odds were in their favour and by keeping the orcs in the open, they had a far better chance of escaping without serious harm.
An arrow flew by Arthain's head. "Damn! Crossbows!" He reached for his shield hanging by his horse's rump and set it before him. "Melost, damn you! Where are you when I need you!?"
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