***** DALE-Jarl *****
Jarl's spirits had lightened at the generous offer from Gramil. They had discussed their route, and had agreed to continue north along the edge of the Ephel Duath to where the Poros River flowed down from the mountains. Jarl and Garlin were both enjoying this look at the wilder area adjacent the Shadow Mountains, or what had formerly been the western fence of the dark land of Mordor.
Once there, they would turn west and follow the river to the Harad Road at Haudh in Gwanur. There would be time enough then for poppy wine, he mused.
They were now ten days into their northern journey. Garlin and Ethar had become quite adept at hunting small game, and each night marked a good meal with good companionship.
Jarl wondered at the ease with which Gramil had agreed to change plans to accomodate Jarl's wishes. He enjoyed the man immensely, and was in fact beginning to consider him a friend. But still he wondered - what advantages did Gramil see for himself in going to Gondor?
The sun was high in the sky. He adjusted his headgear to shade his face and urged his mount on. Looking over at Gramil, he saw the man staring at a number of birds circling in the sky to the north and east of their position.
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Eldest, that’s what I am . . . I knew the dark under the stars when it was fearless - before the Dark Lord came from Outside.
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