The hunter walked through the dusted wastes of Angmar, the evil city of Donnvail just ahead in his sight. The wind flowed across the hills and across the lifeless flatlands. His tattered cloak whipped in the wind as he carefully pulled the wrap across his mouth and nose in hopes of not breathing as much of the filth in. He had to give up his normal trappings for that of the locals, various pelts and leathers they could get and fashion into clothing suitable for the harsh environments they lived in, if the beasts and inhabitants did not kill you, the harsh conditions surely would.
Cynraede quietly walked in the lonesome hills, his hair roughly cut and hanging around his jaw line, his beard nicked and cut to seem as if he had seen a great many battles. He hoped it would be enough to fool the guards at the city gates, because he knew it would not be enough to trick the ones whom stood before the hellish gates of Carn Dum. Thoughts and emotions flowed through his mind like a raging river, so many questions, wishes, feelings. He wanted to see her one last time before he had ventured out, but she knew she was where she had to be. The darkness and despair swelled in his heart, no matter how hard he tried to push it away. A leather covered finger wiped dust from under his eyes, he knew it mattered not because of all the dirt and soot that covered his face.
He looked to the man who stood before him, broad shouldered and battle ready, staring directly at him as he tensed up.
"Halt! State name, state your reason!'
The man adjusted the blade that laid upon his shield, ready to charge at any moment to the new comer who simply raised his hands and spoke softly.
"I was sent from Tor Gailvin! Do not harm me, I wish you know trouble. I simply come on orders to speak with those who reside in the kingdom Carn Dum!"
Cynraede slowly got to his knees, raising his worn, beaten hands up. The man looked to him for several moments before nodding and motioning towards the gates.
"Go, hurry now, you should not keep them waiting. They tossed one from the the towers not long ago.. Slaves still cleaning up.."
The man shook his head and as the hunter walked past him into the dark keep, closing his eyes and fighting the pains of fear as he crossed into the gates. This was it, there was no turning back, the shadow crept over him, he could feel it looming over with each step that he forced. He felt the stone necklace touch his kin, and his mind returned to her, he grinned and remembered his words and her face as he spoke them.
"You should eat Princess, I have some fresh squirrel."
