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Atharen hesitated, then said softly, "Inteference? Nay, not so. Say rather that I was merely rescuing you from the clutches of the citadel guards."
Ferethor scarcly concealed his bitterness. "Your so-called rescue was a perilous deed, since you could have easily died with me. The sentinels might have refrained from killing me but they'd have had little scruple about taking your life should your sword go awry. The scene you pulled was unnecessary and has imperiled us all." Ferethor ground out in anger. "It was foolish to risk your life and the safety of the company for a single man. You'd have done better to cut your loss and lead the company in fleeing into the open."
Crystal stepped before Atharen, drawing her sword and glaring at Ferethor. "I'd have thought you'd be grateful to Atharen for saving your life. Do all Men have to be so brutal?" Ferethor paled, his counternace shadowed by gathering darkness as he struggled to bring his fury under harness.
"Crystal, you'd do well to know that not all Men are like your vicious father." Ferethor spoke with caculated brutal frankness. "You distrust for me is not without basis becuase I am not what I seem to be, daughter of Dorian. But I am not trying to harm you, for Eru's sake! If I was a man who lusted after wealth and cared little for life, you would be already dead at my hands. You only encumber the company I am sworn to protect and would be but nuisance in battle. Your father also offers a tidy sum for yourself or your deady body. Fool. Why should I not hand you over to the riders of Rohan and win General Dorian's undying gratitude and friendship?"
Now it was Crystal's turn to pale. Ferethor did not fail to catch a slight shift on Atharen's position and know that Atharen has drawn his blade. "What, Atharen, are you going to run me through to save your sweetheart?" Ferethor sneered derisively, a movement completely unlike his characteristics. "But I am not such a man, Crystal, and Lord Elessar would forbid me anyway."
"You speak of Lord Elessar. Who are you, Ferethor?" At her question, Ferethor smiled without mirth. "My identity do you ask. What concern would it be to you, wild swordmaiden of Rohan?" Crystal bit her lip, and said, "I have the right to know."
"Indeed?" Ferethor asked. He felt that he was losing control over his rational mind, but failed to control himself. "Atharen, to whom you've been making some flirting advances to, would know. Would you not ask? I know you've made your living off Men since you fled from the wrath of your father, and I know not if you are really sincere or you just are in need of some gold, Crystal. It is not really my place to inquire but I object to giving into such feelings when there are deeds to do at hand."
Ferethor's face twisted into a half-smile as Crystal reddened. "If Atharen would not tell you, I will. I am called Ferthor Amandil, captain of the citadel guards of Minas Tirith. I am here on a mission to locate and destroy the renegade Il Garoth whose rumour spreads far and wide. Satisfied?"
Ferethor toyed with his knife as he callously added, "And Crystal, you better not reveal my identity or try assasination unless you are suicidal. Good with swords you may be, but you are no match for Ferethor captain of Minas Tirith. If you ever seek to drive your sword in me, you'd find that my slender blade is in your back first. You'd remember, won't you?"
Ferethor turned and addressed Atharen, who was standing stonily, and edged his voice with scorn and contempt. "If you could disentangle yourself from the company of this pretty maiden for a moment, I need to converse with you about more serious matters concerning the expedition. I believe that there is a traitor in our midst that is probably in pay of Il Garoth."
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