The Blue Mountains

[Auriel Haevasawen]

Radagast wheezed slightly. He believed it was from keeping up such a stiff pace but would not ask for rest from his companions. He was centuries older than them all it was only to be expected that he might tire as they travel.

They moved quicker on their return journey than ever they had done on the outward one. To begin with, this time they knew their path well and secondly they made a crow route, not tarrying in the Shire and the like. No orcs came upon them, in fact their way was strangely clear of obsticles.

Ahead of him by a few steps Mattius called a halt that they might take a drink and eat a little. They stood in a little glade and nought disturbed them but the occasional knocking of a woodpecker.

Radagast removed his hat and wiped sweat from his brow. Calentoliel whispered intently with Rothalle. The hobbits sat upon the grass and ate as always they did when a rest was afforded them. Mattius paced about the glade, eager to be moving again. He pulled his ancient sword from his belt and swung it about him in practice strokes. A few beams of sunlight that had pierced the dense canopy above twinkled upon the blade. Suddenly he stopped and turned to Radagast.

"Do you think she still lives my good friend?"

"I have no doubt of it dear boy. I suggested upon the Barrows that we might tempt it into the open with our lives. Instead the Beast is cunning and tempts us into his lair with hers," Radagast replied.

"I wish us there and done with him," sighed Mattius.

"I think that time may be close upon us. I have felt unwell for some time now as we have been walking. I thought perhaps it was the speed at which we travelled but even now as I am calm and still I feel intense unease. We will face him soon Mattius, very soon." The old wizard sounded very weary.

Mattius stepped forward and clasped him by the shoulder. "Do not fear or falter Radagast. We will share the burden of facing him, together."