Author's Note:

Here is chapter 7 of 'Sulaeke'. It is kind of short, because nothing much happens here; it is an opening to the big events in the next chapter. Read and enjoy!

Sulaeke: Chapter 7

Aglaron walked through the front door of his house. He hadn't felt like exploring the sixth level after practice. It had gone relatively well after Wicaiven had left and Faramir had gone back to minding his own business, but man was he tired! He hoped he wouldn't have to work this hard at their next meeting, which was scheduled to be held in two days.

Suddenly, Sulaeke ran into the entryway. "You're back!" she cried joyfully.

"I was gone forfour hours, Sulaeke, not a lifetime," he said, smirking.

Sulaeke grinned. "I have to ask you a favor."

"Okay, what?"

"Next time you see Prince Faramir, could you give him this?" She held out her letter, which was now nicely folded and closed inside of an envelope.

"What is it?"

"You don't need to know that. It's… personal."

"Well, I'm not delivering it unless I can read it first."

"Aglaron, you're 24 years old, quit acting like a 12-year-old," Sadaeth scolded playfully.

Just then, their father came out of his bedroom, carrying with him a large bag filled with the things he was going to need on his trip.

"What is that for?" Aglaron asked.

"I have to leave again. The steward wants us to hunt down some orcs."

"How can he do that?" Aglaron cried angrily. "You and those troops just got back a few weeks ago!"

"I know. I feel the same way. We have to leave tomorrow morning."

"That soon?"

Their father nodded his head and sat down in a nearby chair.

"Father," Sadaeth began. "Sulaeke and I, we were, um, thinking. You are getting older, Father, what if you just resign from the army? You wouldn't have to go on any more scouting trips, any more orc hunts, you could just stay here with us, at home."

Their father scowled. "I couldn't do that! There are many men older than me who are still in the army. I'm not retiring until they do."

Sadaeth sighed and stepped away, shrugging in Sulaeke's direction. Maybe there really wasn't anything they could do.

Faramir met up with Thorgad in the same arena as before two days later. None of the men had arrived yet, so all they could do was stand and wait, going over a few of the plans they had made for the day. This meeting was going to be their last before leaving again, and longer than the previous one.

Voices were heard approaching the arena. In a moment, several soldiers had entered, among them Aglaron and Barihim. They were talking and laughing happily.

Aglaron approached Faramir. "Here," he said. "My little sister wanted me to give this to you. I don't know what it is." He handed Faramir an envelope. Faramir shrugged and tucked it away in his pocket. The meeting began.

Once everyone was so tired they could hardly move, Faramir spoke. "Thorgad and I have arranged for anyone who's interested to come down to the bar on the fifth level tonight. Drinks are on me." The men cheered and Faramir dismissed them.

Once all the soldiers had left, Faramir hurried home. He walked to his chambers, shutting the doors behind him.

Sitting down on his bed, he opened the letter Aglaron's sister had written for him.