<b>By the end of the third day, Pegawen was sore from the constant riding. Even Allassiel, accustomed to the rigors of being on the move, was starting to feel the strain. Still, they'd made good time and had, for the moment, managed to outmaneuver the warband that was after them.<br/>
<br/>
As the fortress came into view, Allassiel couldn't help but compare it to the great hold of Helm's Deep. That, too, had been a great fortress, used by the king of Rohan to protect his people in times of peril. And it had, that last time - barely - for all that Saruman had sent a legion of orcs against it. Hir Celeborn and Hir Elrond had sent elves to aid. After all, Ellesar was there and he needed them.<br/>
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She was jarred out of her thoughts as the group came to a halt, Pegawen pointed out a faint cloud in the distance. Allassiel drew up beside her and shaded her eyes, any thought she may have had about pausing to rest now gone. "They're still a few of hours away, we might still make the fortress before they get to us." </b>