Day 158: Vanguard

elena_tiriel asked What was the creeping darkness and the Dawnless Day like for the Rangers of Ithilien?

'Yestereve I lay at Cair Andros, the long isle in the River northward which we hold in defence; and horses are kept on the hither bank. As the dark drew on I knew that haste was needed, so I rode thence with three others that could also be horsed. The rest of my company I sent south to strengthen the garrison at the fords of Osgiliath.'

The Return of the King, LoTR Book 5, Ch 4, The Siege of Gondor

This ended up focused on Faramir, but I have ideas for a follow up drabble about the Rangers.

Day 158

Vanguard

The wind turned East this morning, cold on our backs. Accustomed to its tidings, we no longer pay it heed. Still, stepping ashore on the Isle, its malevolence clouds my usual relief.

A hasty meal. I tour the defences. "Captain!" A lookout points East: black storm clouds claw their way across the fading blue.

I glance at my second, grizzled veteran of many campaigns. He nods. "Aye, this is no weather of the world."

The wind sings of despair. I resist. But I cannot pretend that the ambushed Southrons will not be merely a tithe's tithe of what will follow.