Saruffen just nodded. “Of course, Inredhel. Abide me back in about 8 or 9 days”, he said and disappeared from the accommodation. “You can go now, too”, Inredhel told to the Hobbit, who left the room immediately. Now she was alone again. She went to her wardrobe-like alcove in the wall, which was separated from the rest of the room by dint of a curtain made by her mother. In this alcove was her armour, made of iron from her country, hard as stone but flimsy as a feather. Fast she put on that armour and grabbed at her belt which held her sword. Before she left the room finally, too, she took her wand from under her bed, nearly as tall as her. On this wand, an orb, big as a fist, was attached magically. With this wand she could call her Aeons, helpful in many bygone fights. Equipped with this arming she went fast to one of the gates of Bikanel. On her way she met Lord Carmindur. “Why are you armoured so much?”, he asked her. “Mylord, I saw the little Hobbit on my circuit through the city, and he told me about his dream. Well, I think, he’s right, so I chose to fight, too.” “Inredhel, I know, you are a very good guard, but do you really think that you are strong enough to fight against Kraznir?” “Of course, mylord! When I was a child, my aunt and uncle were excellent warriors. In our country women were allowed to fight, too. Well… When our country existed.” “And they showed you how to fight?” “Yes. And I’m willing to risk my life to save the city where I was accepted so fast.” “Well then, Inredhel, I have no other choice than to allow you to fight, your will is too strong.” With this words he went away, probably to inform the other warriors of Bikanel.
When Inredhel arrived at the gate, almost 100 men were there, willing to give their lives for their country. Inredhel was able to surge through the crowd and reached Milag, the leader of this group of the army. He wasn’t delighted to see her, because she declined his proposal three months ago. They had tried to remain friends, but they hadn’t been successful. The last time they had talked to each other was a month ago. But now, Inredhel was glad to see him, he always protected her in his special way when it came to a fight. “How are you?”, she asked him with a low voice, but coherent. He nodded, before he answered: “It would be better if you’d married me”, he mumbled. With a disappointed face he turned his horse to one of his men and told him something. This man went away and came back with a beautiful white horse which he directed to Inredhel. Without a word he disappeared again and she boarded the horse thankfully. Now she turned her head towards Kraznir for the first time. Strained she stared into the distance, and finally she noticed what she was waiting for. Dust. Dust of foot- and horse steps. Her face clouded. Kraznir’s army was coming fast. Too fast for her taste, but it was as small as she thought. This fact allayed her.
