[Thenamir]

Thenamir saw Taradan off to his tent, then returned his attention to Guthrin's tree. Guthrin himself was climbing down with the slowness of a child who knows his guilt but dares not avoid the summons to judgement.

THenamir spoke, loud enough for those standing by to hear, "Guthrin, son of Guthmund, you are of the body of the Rohirrim by your own choice. I am an outsider to the Rohirrim, fighting with them only by their permission. I cannot judge you -- that is the province of your commander, Taradan, and your fellows. By the law of Rohan I am the least of the members of this party."

Thenamir now turned to the rest and spoke louder, "But I ask those who stand by to vindicate my decision now: that you be bound hand and foot to this tree, to prevent your cowardice from goading you to flee yet again, until you can receive the judgement of the Circle of the Rohirrim in the lawful manner in the morning."

There was a murmur of assent among the few standing by, and one, Gurthden, moved to retrieve a rope from his gear. Guthrin blurted out, "Tied?! What if the Wargs come back? I'll be defenseless!"

"This is true," Thenamir replied, "which is why you will be on watch tonight -- since you have not exerted yourself whatsoever over the last few days, as the rest of us have, you should be quite well rested for a good long watch, and all the more vigilant since your life will depend on rousing us to defend you!"

There was a chuckle among the rest as Guthrin's mouth gaped open, but there was obviously nothing he could say. He watched helplessly as Gurthden first tied Guthrin's hands behind him, then tied his feet with enough slack that he could take a half-step at a time and no more. He then loosely looped the free end about the tree and knotted it such that Guthrin could not get away, but could move around the tree so as to be able to watch in all directions.

Once Gurthden had tested the knots, he stepped back and observed as Guthrin shuffled about the tree a couple of times to make sure the watchman could indeed watch. Then Thenamir called for everyone to get whatever sleep they could, except Elwood. Elwood he called aside and asked if he would try to track down and retrieve the two horses which had broken their picket-ropes and fled. There were a couple of wounded, Taradan included, who would not be able to keep up with the quick-march Thenamir planned for the next day unless the horses could be found. Elwood agreed and disappeared into the night, but not before drawing a long dagger into each hand.

Thenamir gave Guthrin a last look, threw some fresh wood on the fire, and then collapsed in his tent. Even the helmet-as-pillow could not prevent sleep from overtaking him that night.

[ February 22, 2002: Message edited by: Thenamir ]