The Dare

Chapter 3

The waiting

I was up at dawn. The camp was alive with activity. Scouts had returned. A party of Haradrim had been seen coming up the road. They were a day away. It was not a large group and it had no mamaki. “Probably an advance column scouting the road.” remarked Elred as he finished some bread and water. Dior, one of Elred’s friends came by to tell us that Faramir had decided to stay here and meet the column in the morning. I busied myself with my gear. “Elred, aren’t you going to introduce me to your cousin.” He asked. I panicked. “Of course. Reyes, this Dior, son of Eldacar of the Citadel Guard.”

“Pleased to make your acquaintance.” He said reaching out his hand.

“And I yours.” I said gruffly, hoping he wouldn’t recognize me. I, of course, knew him very well. I had sparred with him and spent time with him and Elred. We shook hands and then someone called out his name. He left to answer the summons. Elred and I breathed a sigh of relief. Then I giggled.

“Imagine being introduced to someone I had known for years. And he didn’t know it was me.” I spoke with mirth.

“True enough. But your luck is not going to hold out forever, “cousin”.”

“I know. I’ve got to keep out of sight today.” I said seriously.

“Volunteer to gather firewood or hunt some game.” Elred suggested. “I will come with you. We’ll hide out in the forest for a little while.”

“But I can’t very well do that all day. I’ll be missed.” Elred chewed his lip while trying to think.

“We’ll just have chance it. If you just keep moving and don’t talk much, maybe you will get by.” he said.

So Elred went to one of the sergeants to explain what we were going to do. My stomach tied itself in knots while I waited. Elred came back with a happy look on his face.

“What is it? What happened?”

“Oh Mablung was fine with it. Though Captain Faramir suggested you go look for plants too.” He said mischievously.

“You spoke to Faramir.” I asked incredulously.

“That’s Captain Faramir to you. And he just happened to overhear what I said. Don’t look so worried.” he said. “He doesn’t know.”

We spent the morning gathering firewood and hunting both plants and animals. I found a bit of lavender, chamomile and feverfew. A few rabbits also found our arrows. In the afternoon, we prepared our weapons. I checked my bow and arrows. I had found some wood in the morning and made a few extras. I took out my sword. My father had it especially made for me. It had the heads of two horses curving toward the hilt. On the pommel, a small white tree was embossed. “I wanted your sword to have symbols from both sides of your ancestors.” My scabbard was too recognizable with its scrollwork so I had borrowed a plain one from the armory. I stood in line to have it sharpened. Mercifully, no one tried to make conversation with me.

Soon night come down. There were few fires and in general the camp was quiet. Everyone sensed that a battle was coming the next day. I went to give Halan a final rubdown. “You know we’re going into battle tomorrow.” I said as I stroked his muscled sides. He whinnied in reply. “Well, yes, I know you’re up for it. But the question is, am I?” Halan whickered in greeting and I turned around and saw Faramir. He patted Halan’s flank as he walked up to me.

“First battle, eh Reyes?” he said.

Despite the lump in my throat, I was able to muster a “Yes, sir.” He put his hand on my shoulder and his face was full of concern. “Understand Reyes, that real battle is not like it is in songs and tales. It is noise, blood and death. There is no honor in killing for the sake of killing. Do not be foolish and rush in thinking to gain renown. It is a sure way to die.” I nodded, captivated by the gentle yet stern face before me.

“Do you give all your new Rangers the same speech sir.” I said daringly. He laughed and smiled.

“As a matter of fact. I do.” Then he patted my shoulder and walked away. I smiled in spite of myself. At that moment, Elred walked up.

“Why do you have that silly grin on your face? Don’t you know we’re going into a battle?” he said.

My smile disappeared and I replied. “Yes! I do know! Captain Faramir was giving me some advice.”

“Oh did he now?” He said with a knowing gleam in his eye. Feeling flustered, I snapped, “He was giving me the “new Ranger” speech if you must know.”

“Oh yes the one about not chasing after glory and getting yourself killed.” He said in a serious tone.

“Yes that one.”

“Good. If he didn’t do it, I would have. Eolindė, if anything were to happen to you…” a look of pain crossed his face. I took his hands in mine.

“Elred. Trust me enough to know that I won’t do anything foolish. Father taught me well. And I have Halan.” I said. Elred smiled and stroked Halan’s nose.

“Halan, you take good care of her, you hear.” Halan whinnied and nodded his head in reply which made both of us laugh. I hugged him and said, “Shall we get some rest. Tomorrow will come soon enough.” We walked back to our rolls and lay down to sleep.