They continued their journey eastward and crossed the fords of Isen the next day.
Amarth remained quiet for the most part, looking over his shoulder from time to time, making sure Caliríen was alright.
She huffed, growing bored.
She glanced mischievously at Amarth, an idea forming in her mind.
She reached into her saddle bag, rummaging through it until her fingers grasped what she sought.
She tossed the object in the air, preparing to aim.

Amarth kept his eyes fixed on the land ahead of him. Suddenly something hit the back of his head.
He flinched, then turned around.
An apple lay on the ground beside him. Caliríen looked away into the distance. A smirk was fixed on her face.
"You're so childish." He muttered, rubbing the back of his head.

Caliríen chuckled.
"No more than yourself. It was only last week that you stole Barden's tunic while he bathed."
Amarth laughed. "He had it coming."
Suddenly he raised his hand, signaling for silence. A dull thudding could be heard, approaching swiftly.
Amarth looked around wildly for a place to hide, but to no avail. Flat grassland was the only thing that met his eye, besides the forest. But the approaching hoof-steps were too close to take cover in the trees.

Amarth signaled for Caliríen to stand behind him, and he drew his sword. A large group of horsemen galloped into sight. His horse snorted, beginning to prance in place.
"Who approaches?" He yelled, noting his horse's behavior.

"Amarth? Is that you, my friend?" A familiar voice rang out.

"Halbarad!" Caliríen ran forwards to embrace him. Halbarad dismounted, looking at her in surprise.

"Caliríen. I... Did not expect to find you here." He smiled at her, though his eyes glanced questioningly at Amarth.
Amarth shook his head.
"Neither did I. She followed me, though I told her to stay behind."
He smiled ruefully.

Halbarad nodded, a rather stern look on his face.
"A word with you, Amarth, if you don't mind."
Amarth followed him slowly.
Halbarad stopped, turning towards him.
"It is far too dangerous for her to travel with us."

"I have told her that, and ordered her to go back to camp. She is strong willed, as you know."

"I know that very well. But still, she cannot travel with us. If anything happened to her, I doubt I could forgive myself."

"Then you will have to stop her. There is nothing more I can do."
Halbarad turned his gaze towards Caliríen. She was practicing with the other Rangers.
Halbarad nodded slowly and strode towards her.
Amarth watched from a distance, noting the crestfallen look on his friend's face.

"Halbarad, there is nothing you can do to stop me. I will follow no matter what. This is what I have been trained for! Are all those long years of training to be thrown away?"

"If it means you are safe, then yes!"
He snarled.

"I care nothing for my own safety."
She stared defiantly at him.

"But I do."
He clenched his jaw.
"So does Amarth, and so do countless others."

She tilted her head curiously.

"You will follow no matter what I say, so there's no use arguing with you." He answered coldly, brushing past her and helping the Rangers get a fire going. She opened her mouth then closed it, unsure how to respond.

Amarth placed a hand on her shoulder.
"What did he say?"

She faked a smile.
"I can come."

Amarth grinned and tousled her hair, joining the other Rangers at the fire.
Caliríen sighed, following slowly.

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Hey guys! Sorry for the shorter chapter. I know I've been MIA for a while. *Legolas throws a tomato, glares, and zip lines away*
...Anyway, I will try and upload chapters more often again! I also have plans for another book, though it may be a while before I begin working on it. *Legolas reappears, tomato in hand*
Until the next chapter!