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Khalad gave a brief report of what they had seen to Astalder as he returned to the band of Gondorian warriors. There was little to report; they had not seen neither friend nor foe. Together with the other scouts he led the knights of Gondor to the area they had decided to camp in; it was not the best of positions if they were attacked, but speed was the most important now; they would have to sacrifice some caution for the benefit of reaching the watch towers faster.
He dismounted and took care of Palan, his war steed, knowing that it was his responsibility the horse was taken good care of; and it would end up harming himself in a potential battle if his mount was ill-treated. Then along with the other soldiers he drew forth some food from the pouch that they all wore when on a march or away from their garrison. The food nourished and strengthened him, and he could feel that he was not as weary as he had first feared; he knew very well that battle may come upon them tomorrow, and it could be fatal if he was tired.
Amongst themselves the soldiers agreed who was to take the guard duty for the different hours, and Khalad laid down on his blanket, his head sleeping as soon it hit the ground; as most soldiers used to sleeping in the wild, Khalad's body knew it needed all the sleep he could get, even if it only was for a few hours.
He was awakened, though, by the cries of the guard. "Alert, alert!" Instantly all the sleeping soldiers leapt to their feet, unsheathing their weapons. The sun was slowly rising and there was enough light for them to see what had caught the guard's vigilance. A pillar of smoke rose from the place that was their destination; and none of the soldiers were in doubt as to what happened. With amazing speed they saddled their horse and mounted them and rode towards the smoke that stood against the blue sky as an ill omen for the times to come.
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