But her gaze cleared, and she managed a wan smile. "I have to do this. For both of us. You taught me that we must understand the enemy, so that we can learn what we are defending ourselves against. You underestimate how your love sustains me."
Speechlessly, he held her, if only with his gaze for the moment. But after a time he smiled ruefully and said, "If only we were alone together . . ." And with her new-found strength, nothing more was needed. At least for now.
At noon the following day, Celedhan approached Belloc.
"We must put to shore. If we do not, and soon, they will easily take us at the pass before Lund."
Belloc was not pleased with this news. "We are only a small company, and cannot call for reinforcements, and the enemy are many. This does not bode well. It will mean a bitter struggle, all the way to the gate of Lund."
"Then give me an alternative," replied the elf.
There was a stony silence as the two examined this bitter knowledge between them. But there it was; lives were going to be lost, and there was nothing they could do to avoid it.
After a long time, Celedhan said quietly, "It should be done soon, just after dark. My elves and I will gain you the beach. From there, you and your men must gain us the road. From there, we can only hope for the best."