Time passed quickly as the company made its way steadily south and east along the Entwash. To the south of the riders, the plains opened up nearly as far as the eye could see. Yet, the plains would only serve as a backdrop as the chase was intimately following the path of the swiftly flowing Entwash, rapidly guiding the small group towards darker lands. At their current pace, the pursuers would easily reach the Anduin in less than two days.
Though it was not spoken, no member of the group wished to see the Great River. The Anduin served to be both a physical and psychological barrier. Though times were troubled, the riders held some comfort knowing the western side of the river remained as friendly soil. Crossing over would be venturing into lands rife with peril. Given the small size of the group and its current exhausted condition, pursuit across the Anduin seemed to be certain folly.
These musings dominated Anglachel’s thoughts as he rode on with the others in silence. He knew all too well that this group was too stubborn to give up the chase now that there was clear evidence ground was being gained on the thieves. Nevertheless, the Anduin grew closer every hour and the quarry had yet to be spotted. As the sun dipped into the west behind the mountains, the ensuing shadows too plainly reminded him of the growing sense of foreboding that consistently distracted his thoughts.
[ January 17, 2003: Message edited by: Anglachel ]
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