Signal fires followed. “They've made landing,” Varendur read grimly as his fellows grabbed gear. He turned to Chadhi. “They'll strike here hardest, to open the harbor. Be wise – remove to a more innerly row.”
“Nay,” Chadhi refused. “Our home is here.”
“Then stay within!” Ajhinaš held his shield. “Thank you, lady.”
“War makes hard thanks,” she warned. Presenting the shield: “Your mother speaks: with it, or on it.”
“Princely thanks!” exclaimed Menarion.
“Enough! To the walls,” Varendur ordered. But he bowed to Ajhinaš. “Valar save you!”
Then he departed.