Part 20

“How will we find them, Lassui?” asked Eowyn, softly.

They had escaped the valley, and were travelling through the freezing mist, following the trail back to the River Poros as quickly as Legolas’ elven eyes would allow.

“They will not have gone far, melmenya,” he answered. “As soon as Haldir realised that the reivers were hunting them, he will have left the road. And, once he was sure that we were not following, he will have taken shelter somewhere, and waited—” He raised his hand. “Someone is coming.”

Eowyn reached for her sword. “Reivers?”

“No. Two horses, three riders.”

Eowyn let out a quiet sigh, and released her sword. “How can we let them know it is us?”

“Haldir will already know, melmenya. And so, if I am not mistaken, will Mistress Ayleth.”

...

They met up less than a quarter mile further down the trail.

“We must talk,” said Legolas, urgently.

They released the horses and left the road, climbing down the steep slope until they found another shelter. Haldir shared out his Lembas, and Sighard handed round his waterskin.

“You know why I came to find you,” said Legolas to Ayleth.

She nodded. “You don’t know how to kill him.”

“Do you?”

“I think I may. But I need to get close to him—to touch him—to be absolutely sure.”

“I cannot order you to go back there—”

“Try stopping her,” said Haldir.

Legolas saw Eowyn smile at that, and—foolishly—his heart lifted. “Master Sighard, are you with us?”

“I’m ready to do my duty, my Lord.”

“Good man.” Legolas rose to his feet. “How long have his hounds been loose?”

Haldir looked up through the mist. The sky was lightening. “Eight hours,” he said. “Perhaps a little more.”

“Then we must hurry. They are overdue.”

“Maybe they’ve found themselves a village full of women and children to play with,” muttered Sighard, bitterly.