The man trudged on, his Grinama purring at his side. The man wasn't quite there yet and did not think he would be for some time. Journeys are often tiresome things; they can exhaust and fatigue even the strongest man, and this man was stronger than most. Some travel every day, and others only when necessary. Some enjoy the occasional journey, whilst others avoid them at all costs.
This man knew his journey would be wasted; for no matter how far or how long he walked. Somehow Manrad would find him before he could give his vital message, and all would be lost. But he had to try. There was nothing else he could do now.
The Grinama purred gently and nuzzled up to the man with that long, long nose and those small beady eyes. It knew his master was tired, but it also knew precious time was being wasted. As it swished its bushy tail impatiently, its master looked on and gave a small, sad smile. It heartened him to see those long, smooth legs impatiently pawing the ground, waiting for him to continue. But for how much longer could they carry on. There was no civilisation within a hundred miles. They had a matter of minutes before all was lost.
But now, the Grinama's pointy ears pricked up. His dark eyes widened, as something inexplicable came through a bush. As a small girl and her mother were seen through a tangle of vines, a basket of washing in their hands.
The overjoyed man found solace and new strength, tripping over roots and rocks, an almost comical caricature of pure and utter happiness. Hope would return. All was not lost. Stumbling through thorns and briars, he muttered to himself. Hope would return. All was not lost. Hope would return. All was not lost. Hope would return. All was not -
The clearing rushed forwards to meet him and he feel to the ground as his saviours shrieked in a alarm and confusion, the Grinama positively beaming with pleasure. The floor was hard and painful, but that didn't matter now there was the promise of freedom. But they had not much time. If he was to do it at all, it must be now, not a second later. With the last of his strength, he forced himself to stand and look at his frantic audience and croaked one last sentence, one that he would never need say again.
"Manrad has returned to Hernobard!"
He stand there, grinning with contentment and satisfaction, and then he stood there no longer.