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Nerindel · 03-08-2004, 05:10 PM

Astalder remained silent as the Captain answered the young Lieutenants questions and he kept his sombre silence as he listened to the scouts report, but his mind was far from idle, he recalling the image of the map he had studied in the white cities libraries before leaving. Strategically their position was a good one with the main roads north east to Ithilien and north west to Pelargir and they also had the protection of the Poros itself, at least the fast rapids to the west, the only way any attacking force from the south was going to get near the settlement was to cross the bridge, or the shallows further up stream. But with out specific layouts and enemy numbers all the scenario's that played in his head were useless.

The crack of knuckles drew him from his contemplative state, and he looked up as his captain began to speak, he studied the young mans expression and demeanour, his voice was low and dangerous, making the young scout a little uneasy, which told him that the men were not used to seeing such emotions from their captain, but as Anhelm went on his words stirred emotions in all of them, the mans spirit and fire burned into each of them, so much so that he almost expected the two men at his side to literally snap their heels and go at once to suit up, the strong compulsion too was within him, but his reserved and contemplative nature kept him grounded.

Just then he noticed a sudden shift in Anhelm's demeanour as glimmer of doubt and dismay seemed to creep into the younger mans down cast eyes. It would not do for the men to witness this lapse or at least he hoped it was a lapse, especially after such a forceful show of fire and determination, acting quickly, before the others could witness this change, he stepped before the young scout drawing his attention away from the captain.

"How come you by this news?" he asked plainly and to the point.

The scout regarded him for a moment then nodded, "The southern boundaries scouting party arrived at the south tower several hours before dawn reporting that they had seen several Haradrim scouting parties, and signs of a large encampment further to the south."

"Watch towers?" he asked now turning his question to his captain, who nodded and shifted through the papers on his desk finally pulling open a large map of the settlement and the surrounding area, "Here! Here and here!" he said pointing to three small X's marked on the map, each at least 50 miles from the settlement, east, south and west.

As he leaned over the map he heard and felt the other two men close in for a closer look. Nodding his head in contemplation an idea formed in his head, picking up on his train of thought Adenain asked the scout what position the scouts had given for the Haradrim camp.

"At least three day's south-east of the south tower and five from the east tower, sir." the young man answered looked between the three older men slightly bemused.

"You think they will strike the towers first?" Adenain questioned, "Yes! that is if they are indeed heading this way!"

"The towers they are wooden are they not?" he asked again addressing the scout, the lad nodded that they were so, "I...I...don't understand?" he frowned throwing a bemused look to his captain, But Anhelm was smiling, having already guessed the Requen's plan.

"Beacons!" he answered in way of explanation for the young scout.

"Yes! If the Haradrim attack the towers, which I am sure they will, if indeed their intent is hostile, we can have the watch torch the towers giving us some advance warning!" Astalder said giving his idea words.

"But it has taken me a day and a half to get here the Haradrim will be upon the first tower before you can get word to them!" the scout flustered.

"You have not seen the knights of the white city ride, have you lad or you would not doubt that we could get to them in time!" he grinned confidently.

"Captain, let me take a few riders south to instruct the tower and assess the situation?" he said turning back to his captain and awaiting the man's assent.

03-08-2004, 05:10 PM	#30
Nerindel Spirited Weaver of Fates Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: In an endless sea of dreams! Posts: 827	Astalder Astalder remained silent as the Captain answered the young Lieutenants questions and he kept his sombre silence as he listened to the scouts report, but his mind was far from idle, he recalling the image of the map he had studied in the white cities libraries before leaving. Strategically their position was a good one with the main roads north east to Ithilien and north west to Pelargir and they also had the protection of the Poros itself, at least the fast rapids to the west, the only way any attacking force from the south was going to get near the settlement was to cross the bridge, or the shallows further up stream. But with out specific layouts and enemy numbers all the scenario's that played in his head were useless. The crack of knuckles drew him from his contemplative state, and he looked up as his captain began to speak, he studied the young mans expression and demeanour, his voice was low and dangerous, making the young scout a little uneasy, which told him that the men were not used to seeing such emotions from their captain, but as Anhelm went on his words stirred emotions in all of them, the mans spirit and fire burned into each of them, so much so that he almost expected the two men at his side to literally snap their heels and go at once to suit up, the strong compulsion too was within him, but his reserved and contemplative nature kept him grounded. Just then he noticed a sudden shift in Anhelm's demeanour as glimmer of doubt and dismay seemed to creep into the younger mans down cast eyes. It would not do for the men to witness this lapse or at least he hoped it was a lapse, especially after such a forceful show of fire and determination, acting quickly, before the others could witness this change, he stepped before the young scout drawing his attention away from the captain. "How come you by this news?" he asked plainly and to the point. The scout regarded him for a moment then nodded, "The southern boundaries scouting party arrived at the south tower several hours before dawn reporting that they had seen several Haradrim scouting parties, and signs of a large encampment further to the south." "Watch towers?" he asked now turning his question to his captain, who nodded and shifted through the papers on his desk finally pulling open a large map of the settlement and the surrounding area, "Here! Here and here!" he said pointing to three small X's marked on the map, each at least 50 miles from the settlement, east, south and west. As he leaned over the map he heard and felt the other two men close in for a closer look. Nodding his head in contemplation an idea formed in his head, picking up on his train of thought Adenain asked the scout what position the scouts had given for the Haradrim camp. "At least three day's south-east of the south tower and five from the east tower, sir." the young man answered looked between the three older men slightly bemused. "You think they will strike the towers first?" Adenain questioned, "Yes! that is if they are indeed heading this way!" "The towers they are wooden are they not?" he asked again addressing the scout, the lad nodded that they were so, "I...I...don't understand?" he frowned throwing a bemused look to his captain, But Anhelm was smiling, having already guessed the Requen's plan. "Beacons!" he answered in way of explanation for the young scout. "Yes! If the Haradrim attack the towers, which I am sure they will, if indeed their intent is hostile, we can have the watch torch the towers giving us some advance warning!" Astalder said giving his idea words. "But it has taken me a day and a half to get here the Haradrim will be upon the first tower before you can get word to them!" the scout flustered. "You have not seen the knights of the white city ride, have you lad or you would not doubt that we could get to them in time!" he grinned confidently. "Captain, let me take a few riders south to instruct the tower and assess the situation?" he said turning back to his captain and awaiting the man's assent.