Ulfwine led them quietly along the way. His guess had been correct.
There, in the northern reaches of Dunland, far from the Isen and the land of Rohan, Storwolos and his band camped without fear of spies or enemies. After all, as wounded as many of them had been, they could hardly follow the fierce Dunlenders through unfamiliar lands. Or so they told themselves when the thought of watchful eyes crossed their minds. Storwolos was still intoxicated with the spell of his meeting with the Old Man, but still was more watchful than his men.
So it was that Thenamir and Baranthol looked on the camp as Ulfwine strained to hear what his countrymen were saying.
He could not hear much. Some of the men grumbling behind their leader's back, as was often enough the case. But they seemed unsure and uneasy. Something was different. Clearly, Storwolos had visited the Old Man, and was taking them somewhere strange. An ancient city to the north.
When they had stayed longer than Thenamir thought was safe, the three made their way as quietly as they could from the Dunlender's camp, and set off to return to the village.
Ulfwine was congratulating himself, wanting to be accepted by his new companions. "I thought we might find them in this area! And we have seen them without being seen. That is something! Perhaps we can follow them and find out what the Old Man is doing."
Soft laughter greeted them from the forest. "But you have been seen!"
Elwood stepped out into the path in front of them. Baranthol had his sword drawn in a flash of polished steel. Thenamir slowly released a sharply drawn breath.
Ulfwine had nearly jumped out of his skin.
"Do not do that again!" he cried.
"Then do not be so confident you have escaped the view of others. Who can say that we are not watched even now?" asked the elf.
"You might have let us know you were following," said Thenamir.
"Forgive me," said the elf, who could not quite wipe the smirk from his lips.
Thenamir decided to let it drop. "Ulfwine, a moment ago you were saying we could follow Storwolos to this ancient city to the north. What more did they say? Did they name it?"
"No, they did not," said Ulfwine. "I do not think they themselves know it's name."
"Ost-in-Edhil," said Elwood. "That is the only ancient city in such parts. But it is an age since any last visited. The Noldorin Elves once lived there. Evil things happened. None now know its location for certain. Like as not, we will follow these Dunlenders on a chase of wild geese through ancient Hollin, and never find anything."
"Perhaps there are some who have visited, or who at least know where it might be found," mused Thenamir. "If any of them are left..."
"Who do you mean?" asked Baranthol.
"My people once ruled mighty kingdoms in the northwestern lands of Arnor. Their kingdoms are gone, lost to plagues and wars centuries ago. If any of the people remain, we have not heard. But if they do, they perhaps they remember still something of the ancient lore, and being nearer to site, might tell us where we may find it."
"Then we might find it before they do!" cried Baranthol.
"And have a nice surprise waiting for them!" smiled Ulfwine.
"We'll see," said Thenamir. "It is a long shot in the dark."
They discussed their plans to find some lost remnant of the Northern Dunedain as they returned to the village.
Storwolos smiled from his concealment. Perhaps his mission would be made easier by the work of his enemies...
[ December 13, 2001: Message edited by: Gilthalion ]
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