* On observing Andreth commence plans to build a sledge for Volondil, Gandalf exchanged a careworn glance with Bethberry, a look that encompassed both present and past ... The first day out on a quest, the company was beset by injury grievous enough to require a sledge. They'd started from Rivendell in that other distant time of memory, not Sarn Ford. * "Haidan" * murmured Gandalf softly to the River Daughter's daughter. * "We did not leave him behind, but alas, he too soon left us."
* Addressing Holly now in a voice loud enough for all present to overhear, Gandalf spoke again. * The courage and generosity that you demonstrate in volunteering to stay behind with Olo, Bird and Andreth are noble traits indeed. Well spoken, Holly! ... But the ruffians responsible for the pit and its spikes undoubtedly count on such kindness as a secondary trap, should the first not fully accomplish its gruesome end. There's a saying along the Southern coasts: "Let the fish that escapes the hook beware lest the net ensnare him." Volondil cannot be moved, Poppy ought not move. And the urgency of Castle Maladil itself remains but a portion of the urgency of our road as a whole.
* Alearindu got to the heart of the matter with the keen common sense and practical brevity of a Ranger. * We'll camp here for a day or two, all of us.
* Bethberry nodded at once. * Though there be nightly noises, I'll bring to bear against it what song and light travels with me from the Old Forest.
* The wizard then let all Time stop around him while he smoked a pipe in Haidan's memory. *
[ November 24, 2002: Message edited by: Gandalf_theGrey ]
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