Chapter 6
Night was crawling in and the clouds had opened letting down its heavy contents when she finally came back to Edoras, horses in tow. She was covered in mud and exhausted. Once she had put the horses in their stalls she collapsed on to her bed and closed her eyes. The next sound she heard other than her own heartbeat in her ears was Ceorl's speedy foot beats as he ran over to her. "Are you alright? Morwen?" opening one eye, she glanced at him before closing it again. "Too tired to speak, huh?" this time she opened both eyes and glared at him. He finally caught on and left her in peace, going back outside to inform everyone of her return. Closing her eyes, she drifted into sleep quickly.
The night was black and the moon was covered by clouds when she finally awoke. For a moment she was unsure exactly what she had done yesterday but looking forward she saw her quarry fast asleep in the stall opposite, curled up and snoring quietly. As she rose her body reminded her exactly what she had put it through yesterday and she moaned as every muscle ached.
The clouds opened as Morwen halted on top of the hill and searched the horizon for the escaped stallion. Her fierce eyes narrowed on everything in the outstretched fields, searching relentlessly for the missing colt. I cannot return until he is found. Urging her mount to continue down the hill the rain got into full swing, hammering down like an avalanche onto her and the young mare.
For a long time everywhere seemed silent, apart from the muted splashes of muddy puddles as they cantered along. The distant sound of a whiney changed they direction, focusing them towards a huddle of trees. The sky was almost black and the rain continue to beat down, giving her a headache, as they cautiously entered the patch of trees. She drew the mare to a halt when she saw the stallion grazing with his back to them, clearly unaware of their presence. Sliding out of the saddle as quiet as possible, Morwen padding her way over to the stallion and caught his reins. Surprised by the mere glance from him, she gently pulled him away from the grass and took up the mare's reins as well and headed back. The sudden howl from behind froze all three of them as they stepped out of the trees. Instead of the more likeliest of bolters of the two horses held either side of her, the mare reared up, yanking Morwen's arm up suddenly and straining her shoulder. Her hand burnt as the reins were pulled free and the mare galloped into the distance, leaving her stood with the stallion in the cruel downpour. The howl sounded out again, closer and fiercer then before, making her legs feel weak beneath her and the stallion beside her edge away. Looking behind, she caught the sight of a prowling wolf, slipping behind a tree as she looked harder. Before she even realise what she was doing she had mount the saddle-less stallion and was galloping at high speed in the opposite direction of the trees.
After who knows how long she finally decided to slow the stallion's retreat so she could try and get her bearings. Looking in all directions, she finally realised she was near the river Entwash, only a few minutes ride away from the bridge Entwade. That's at least a tow hour ride from Edoras, and I still have to find Tanta wherever she was wondered off to. She sighed heavily and urged the stallion into a gentle trot forward, her body finally letting her know how wary she was. After a few minutes she reached the river, gushing grey and fast from the lasting intense downpour, and the mare drinking peacefully a few paces beside her. Dismounting, Morwen approached the mare with her hands on her hips and a raised eyebrow. "And where did you think you where going young lady?" receiving a nudge and nicker in return, she patted the colt's muzzle and grabbed up her reins. Mounting the mare, she took hold of the stallion's reins and started the tiring journey home.
Rolling her shoulders and groaning, Morwen walked slowly over to the closed stable doors and gently pushed them open. The sky was darker then she ever recall and it caused her to shiver slightly at the not too distant memory of the War. The despondent wives of fallen soldiers as less and less men returned each time. The confused child, too lost in thought over their missing brothers and fathers to play games. Those wounds were still too fresh in her mind.