Galandel Alone

[ewancummins]

While you enjoy the moment of reunion with your wife, the others are busy stripping the wagon of supplies.

It's true night, now, but the stars and moon provide plenty of light for elvish eyes.

Some of the newly freed captives have gone to the water's edge to drink.


Baelmus approaches, alone. The other wolves have gone. He nuzzles your hand.

You wife lowers her head slightly.


''Your son is dead, Galandel. The Ashen Death took him on the night when the moon was changed from black to white. The Black Rose passed from our world that same night. The shadows screamed.''

[RocEter]

"I see.." is he manages to say before trailing off.

Galandel feels as if though a hole had been punched through his chest. His only son taken from him, leaving him and his wife childless. Worse is he wasn't there is when it all happened.

He squeezes his wife's hand firmly but remains silent. For now he must stay focused, there will be time for grieving later. Galandel has much to do and his priority is getting everyone here to safety.

" We should get moving soon. Come lets get some water from the stream. " he says.

Scratching behind Baelmus's ears he walks towards the water edge to get some water.

[ewancummins]

After refreshing yourself you have the chance to rest a while while your wife tends to your little wounds.

The other gather around you by the water's edge. You recognize most as friends and family.

One of the men, an adopted cousin of yours, speaks-

"The chief is dead, killed in the raid on our camp. We have decided to make you the new chief. If you accept, you must tell us where we shall go to camp next. Shall we stay in this part of the country, Galandel?''

[RocEter]

Galandel takes a deep breath another blow to the chest.

Much has changed while he has gone, a human moon, an unrelenting feeling of guilt, the loss of his son, and now the chief was dead.

He doesn't think he is ready to be chief, at least not yet. He still needs to find his other family, then return the favor those humans did for him. They traveled with him, healed and saved his life, he owes them at least to see them a safe return to their home.

"Nothing is the same.." he says. "I am not certain I would be the wisest choice as chief. he looks to his wife his eyes filled with sorrow and pain.

[ewancummins]

Your cousin stares intently at you as if reading your thoughts.

"You mean to leave again, Galandel? Perhaps we should all leave-scatter to the hiding places in the hills and deep groves. The Tyrant will send more soldiers to avenge his losses- but they will never catch us all if we split up and go to ground.''

[RocEter]

"Yes, since my return my heart has been burdened with a guilt from something in my past. Something I feel I must finish, after that I have to finish what I started with the humans I traveled with. " He explains.

" Perhaps that would be best, gather what weapons you can from these soldiers. We will travel together for as long as possible until we must part paths." Galandel says to his cousin.

[ewancummins]

Your cousin nods his assent. The other begin gathering arms...

[RocEter]

Galandel waits while the others gather supplies and gear. As he does he starts repairing his damaged bow.

[ewancummins]

Galandel waits while the others gather supplies and gear. As he does he starts repairing his damaged bow.

The next several days and nights are filled with long marches and short rests as your little band flees far from the ambush site. You dare not stop for too long in any one place, lest vengeful soldiers of the Tyrant find you.

Six days after rescuing the captives, you've reached the banks of the Musarde river. The tall trees here will hide you from enemies. Your cousin offers to help build a log raft, should you choose to take the river north into human lands, there to look for your erstwhile companions.

[RocEter]

Galandel takes his cousin offer to assist him in building a long raft.

[ewancummins]

The raft is built in a day and launched late that night, by the light of the moon and stars.

The slow but inexorable current of the broad Musarde carries Galandel, his wife, and his wolf downstream. Down the meandering river lie Karina, and Mortigny, and great city of Pont-a-Museau...


The End of Galandel Alone