Chapter 16. The Journey
Sunset
The mounted archers were to ride to the relief of the Northlanders, whilst the Thain would direct the dispersal of foot troops across the northern and eastern bounds of the Shire proper, anticipating the possibility that the goblins might turn their attention in this direction.
At sunset, the relief force rode out of Michel Delving to the deafening cheers of onlookers who lined both sides of the Road. Ferumbras and Bandobras shared Friend’s saddle, ‘for between us we make one Man, p’rhaps just a bit more,’ as the older brother observed. He could also watch over Bandobras better that way.
***
Dawn
When he judged they’d gone five-and-twenty miles, with occasional pauses to water the ponies, Bandobras called a longer halt at the next stream they crossed. Ponies were hobbled, bedrolls were laid out, sentries and their replacements were assigned so that all could rest.
‘I’ll take first watch,’ Ferumbras said, stroking Friend’s lowered muzzle.
Bandobras didn’t argue except to say, ‘Be sure to waken me so you can sleep!’
‘O I’ll sleep,’ Ferumbras assured him. I’ll borrow someone else’s bedroll... He reached up to slap Friend’s side. ‘Graze yourself full, my friend.’
‘Bossy as ever,’ Bandobras mumbled, then slipped into dream.
***
Mid-day
By the time the Sun reached her zenith, the relief force was moving again, Friend at their head. Bandobras varied the pace between walking, trotting and cantering for the effect of maintaining a moving rest for the ponies. They paused only for water: each rank lined up along the stream in turn; the ponies drank and then cantered to catch up with their trotting comrades ahead. As a result, the long file never stopped but resembled a travelling snake, compressing and elongating, moving ever forward.
Unceasing travel coupled with extended daylight meant they covered nearly fifty more miles by sunset.
***
Dawn
They rested through the night, rising again at dawn. Bandobras worriedly eyed the thickening clouds. ‘We should be there by nuncheon,’ he said, ‘but we may find goblins there ahead of us! They can function under heavy clouds almost as well as in the darkness.’
‘Let us hope they have not come there ahead of us already and left none alive,’ Ferumbras muttered, then shook his head and apologised.
‘D’ye think I’ve not been fighting down the same fear since the moment I left Long Cleeve?’ Bandobras whispered. He patted Friend’s neck. ‘Set a good pace.’
Friend whinnied in assent.
***