It was too horrible to see the distant town rising up in fire and smoke. He had to help if he could. Forgetting his quest to find the stones, he jumped to his feet and he sprinted west, hoping to reach the town in time to help everyone escape.
He ran much faster than he had left, so he made good progress. But it was dark and he was tired, and in his frantic pace, he stumbled and fell. He hit the ground hard and lay there stunned for a few minutes. When he pulled himself up, he realized the sack of food had taken a deep gash and most of its contents had been mashed into the ground under him. He also felt around for the stone arrowhead Elder Dorin had given him that would unlock the secret of the stones, but it, too, was gone.
In a panic, Garinor patted around the dirt trying to find the fallen relic, but it was nowhere to be found. He dug into the grass, but all he pulled up were small pebbles and chunks of dirt. He searched for some time, but he had to accept the arrowhead was gone, as was that path to his future.
He rose up and dusted himself off, wondering if Elder Dorin had foreseen this unfortunate event and had thus warned him not to look back. He realized he must have known, and if he had, then he probably had taken the others to safety as well. Garinor felt foolish for not trusting in Elder Dorin’s words and keeping to his task. But he couldn’t let himself wallow, either. He continued his pace to the west, determined at least to find the ones who had besieged the town and perhaps bring them to justice.
As he went, he thought of what he had learned from his time in Arvion. The prince was seeking him. The king knew something. And he eventually needed information about the scepter he could use and follow.
As Garinor crept into the trees surrounding the tiny hamlet, he heard voices muttering in annoyance. “How could he have gotten out of that fire? He’s nowhere around. Come on, let’s get out of here already. The others have to have returned by now.”
He realized he had stumbled upon the hunters. They had clearly followed him to Arvion and set it ablaze to fish him out. If Elder Dorin hadn’t sent him from the hamlet early, he would surely have been caught instead.
It was too late for regret. He had to make his decision now. The sentries walked away from him and he had two choices left. Both of them would lead to the royal family.
Garinor should seek out the prince.
Garinor should head north to the castle.