The Second Servant

"...and she came like a Fury, down from the north, and the land quailed at her coming" - Tome VII "The Legends of the Ironfists", Azanulimbar-dum II 2805

Turn14.

Traitor's Unmasked...

<As the two wanderers head west and across the ford of the river before ascending the far bank, their keen Elven sight detects the rear outriders of the Szreldor warband far ahead. Higher up, the last of the main group of riders are just passing over the summit of the slope and disappearing from view.>

Not wanting to risk being detected by the scouting riders, the two hold back on their horses reins until the scouts themselves have passed just over the rim. They then spur their mounts forward in pursuit along the road.

"Well well," Sealvach mutters almost to himself. "Here's a pretty little dilemma and no mistake..." He turns to where Heladil scans the sky above them. "It would appear that finding Valdo and Lochan may not be as easy as I had hoped. If the Szreldor continue along this road they may be planning to take DionaDail the same way as they did Buhr Criocha. Or, Valdo may run into them himself if they have completed their 'mission' and plan on making a swift return." He hawks and spits on the dirt road. "But he's not stupid - if he sees the war band he'll skirt them, but then we may miss him so a cross-country ride may prove equally fruitless." He frowns.
"What say you Heladil?" he asks, turning in his saddle after a while.

"Hmm? Oh, there should be more of us here really. We cannot risk being spotted by the Szreldor outriders whatever happens. We must stay hidden from them," says the Elf, looking with farseeing eyes into the hazy distance.

Sealvach nods, then continues:
"If we are to continue south, I suggest we take to those woods over there and move on foot. Concealment will serve us well I hope and if we have to observe the Szreldor it should aid our task. If Valdo's troop are to avoid them also then he may make for cover."

Heladil listens to Sealvach's words before answering:
"I agree. Let us attempt to skirt them. They will be slowed down by their prisoners and we should, unless the terrain is rougher than I think, be able to pass them. Besides, I believe we may have an advantage in the woods." He smiles confidently.

As the two dismount and head carefully under the protecting eaves of the wood Heladil pauses, again surveying the sky. Making a 'ke..ke..ke' sound in the back of his throat and projecting it to the hovering shape he spots high in the sky, he calls down a brown kestrel which alights in a tall Willow by the path. He rides beneath the tree and calls to it again. Somehow it understands the Elf and he seems to understand it's high-pitched answers. Shortly, the bird takes once more to the sky and heads upwards to hover above the summit of the nearby hill.

Sealvach, after watching the other Elf quizzically, adds:
"I guess we need to stay close to the woods edge in order to keep an eye on the enemy but avoid their gaze. I reckon that if they choose to leave the road to Dail then we should leave them alone and make getting to the town and finding Valdo our priority for now."

"I agree. In order to avoid them we need to have an idea of where they are. Let's try it and see what happens. We can't do anything for the prisoners by ourselves, but it might be good to have an idea of where they are going."

Heladil's intuition soon serves him well as after about ten minutes of careful creeping through the woods edge, the Elves notice that the Szreldor grouped on the hill have come to some sort of decision. As they watch, blended into the surrounding foliage, a raised penant and a wave brings the Szreldorn outriders back across the heather sward from different directions. Heladil smothers the jingling noise of his horse, tossing its bridle as one of the riders suddenly appears nearby but crosses infront of them without looking round.

As they watch, the outriders receive fresh orders and depart once more in a spreading fan formation, while the rest of the Szreldor remount and the wagons of prisoners begin moving. The main force does indeed leave the road to follow a rutted track east. A smaller contingeant of swift riders however, turns onto the road and gallops away, heading south. The Elves count maybe twenty or so riders in the second group and Heladil shivers suddenly.

He gestures with his upraised fingers to halt any action from Sealvach. "There's something not quite right here," he whispers. Turning round, he slinks between the trees a few paces and stares hard into the murky ranks of tree trunks. Slowly and silently he removes his bow from over his shoulder and readies his hand to reach for an arrow... then relaxes. Suddenly smiling, he returns to Sealvach and whispers:
"This Valdo and Lochan. Did they have an open cart pulled by two oxen?"

"Yes. I believe so. Why?"

"Well, I think we have found our missing guardcaptain then. They, like us, have taken to the woods to avoid the Szreldor and Varda be praised, they chose the same side as us! They are just over there on the game trail and have not seen me. Shall we introduce ourselves?"

"Why not."
With one last look to make sure none of the Szreldor remain in hearing range, Sealvach lowers his bow and steps out from his concealed position behind an ageing birch tree, Heladil goes with him. In a clear voice the Gambler says:
"Nice to see your brains aren't always in your boots. Now I see why you chose to remain a soldier and not become a full time gambler!"

As Valdo looks ready to hurl some oath at him, Sealvach winks at Lochan, before smiling at the guardcaptain and strides forward to clap him on the shoulder. "Well met, gentlemen. You know Heladil? There's been trouble in your absence I'm afraid so we need your knowledge if we are to attempt to resolve this. Are the rest of your men nearby?"

Lochan smiles back warmly and says in faltering Sindarin:
"Greetings my friend," but continues in his own language. "Heladil is it? Well hello then," he says as he steps forward to shake the Elf's hand.

Valdo deigns not to offer a similar greeting and continues to stare venemously at Sealvach.

The Ranger turns to Sealvach and explains:
"It is only by the mercy of Manwe and the courage of men that either of us two have any brains at all. In short, we were ambushed by Goblin scum last night and only us and one other remain. Our comrades lie still in the back of the cart. We're returning them home for the last time." He pauses whilst glancing around for a moment. "But what of these strangers, these Szreldor! How is it they're able to treat good folk like slaves?"

*******

Coru slowly rises through the layers of sleep that have enveloped him since he drunk of Lorrelinde's draft. His head still feels light but his eyes no longer hurt when he squints at the bright light filtering through the windows. He raises his head and looks around, it appears
to be mid afternoon. He has slept most of the day. His head feels clear and his wounded muscles remain only as a dull ache. "The Wyrd-woman certainly knows her arts," he thinks, sliding out of bed. Lorrelinde does not appear to be present so Coru takes a quick look
around while he gets dressed.

*******

The Hobbit Ambassador stops trying to peak around Billy's shoulder at the street and leans back against the wall.

"Look, let's go to a tavern and seek out information... We'll be going after that robed man and, speaking of it, all this trouble has made me hungry..."

Raddish then turns to Billy and smiles.

"Alright, let's go!"

The two companions head swiftly across town, avoiding the local people where possible but unable to fully avoid the desperate scenes of aftermath and carnage that has ensued in the last few hours. The sun is now high in the sky but it's weak, wintry light is having difficulty diffusing the damp misty air from the village streets and the two Hobbits are able to pass quickly by without raising a comment.
Upon reaching the village's only Inn, Billy pulls up short as he sees a man standing with hands on hips outside the front door. His back is to them however as he surveys the damage done to his thatched roof by the fire. He is grumbling but turns as he hears someone approach.

"Ah, Raddish Smallfold! By my boots, its good to see you once more. I was beginning to think all my fortunes were truly on the rocks this day but here you are again to grace my tables! And I see you have brought someone else along to share in my humble but tasty fare. And who might you be young Sir!?"

"I am Billy Goatsfoot, Sir and I would welcome a fresh drink and some rest if you please?"

Greeting the innkeeper, Raddish says:
"Hi Balneg. Troubled times aren't they? This is Billy, a friend of mine. We have had some trouble during the attack and now we have returned to see what's happened. Is there something interesting you could tell us about the Szreldor and the attack?"

"Well, I don't really know, lad. The Gambler was just about to win the last hand of the cards when they attacked. It all went pretty quickly after that - people running around and trying to leave and what have you. I put up a valiant fight wi' two of them you know. Yes. I got knocked out though and woke up in the cellar with Galgwen. The whole thing was over and the Szreldor seemed to have left. If you want some answers then I suggest you follow this bunch who are hoping to get Mahdhricks to make some serious decisions. Hah! They'll be lucky if you ask me. He will procrastinate probably until the whole thing is history. Anyway, I think they're going to leave for the council hall any minute."

"Ok thank you for the information. We'll meet this 'bunch' of people as soon as possible. Even if I think too that talking with Mahdhricks is like talking to a wall. And a very sturdy one too. Farewell friend."

...

Meraina makes her way into the inn as the ancient dwarf tells his tale. She walks up to the bar, orders a drink and stands there leaning against the bar wearily surveying her surroundings. After the speech is over she says, "I have a question..."
She directs herself to the Dwarf named Froin who hailed her as she came in:
"How in Eru's name do you know my name?"

"Why, I.. don't know. I guess I have heard other people use it when referring to you. Maybe Galgwen, I don't know. Anyway, I am sorry if we have not been properly introduced. I am Froin, Engineer to the King of the Longbeards, in the Iron Hills." He pulls himself up to his full height, thumbs placed in his ample waistband and grins at the woman in good humour.

"And I am Meraina, Mister Froin but I will not tell you from where I hail. I am pleased to meet you. But now I think I may just go an freshen up. Inn Keeper, is there water for a bath?"

"Certainly. Right away Miss," answers Galgwen and serves her drink before bustling out towards the rear stairs. "If you just give me a moment? I shall be back."

Boldor, despite himself, has listened intently to Tewo's tale with much interest and has not mocked nor interrupted the old Dwarf. However, he speaks up now, a thought buzzing in his mind:
"What exactly is this Tirana Koresh, or perhaps what was it?"

Tewo responds:
"Tirana Koresh is a rank title in the Eastern tongue of the Variags but is used similarly by other tribal confederacies such as the Szreldor. It's meaning is simply 'Priest-upon-high' and signifies probably the highest rank of advisor to the Szreldor kings. However, rumours abound of this 'advisor'; one of the cruellest and most wicked of men in the history of the world. He worships evil in its most hideous forms and is so formideable that only the strongest-willed may look upon him without quaking in abject fear...or so I have been told. The first to use that title must be long dead but it seems that another must have secured similar powers and even now stands by the right arm of the king in Szrel Arkasa."

Gwalchmai is next to comment on Tewo's tale:
"Well, when I thought of revenge against the Szeldor, I was not anticipating to face a 'demonic Ghost' or to stop the whole conquering army! Maybe we could still have an audience with the Lord of Buhr Criocha. He could give us some help, or at least some more information!"

"Well I would really like to see what Lord Mahrdhricks has to say," says Froin standing forward. "He seemed a sensible sort when I spoke to him last. Tewo, perhaps you should come along too. And Relg..."

"Certainly I will come to hear what the Lord has to say. This is a most interesting situation to observe." Tewo smiles and strokes his trailing beard.

"And I will also accompany you, Dwarf," comments Relg from the door. "The sooner, we can have an audience with this Lord, the sooner I can be after those Szreldor dogs."

"Here, here!" shouts Boldor, taking his Mattock once again and throwing a glance at the nearby Dwarves. "Lets stop all this babbling and lets get after the Szreldor and teach them a lesson." He smacks the heavy head of the weapon into his palm for effect, making a load 'slap!' and marches over towards the front door. He stops and peers out into the street outside.

"Are all of you mad?" shouts Meraina, clearly agitated. "You want to rush off and teach the Szreldor a lesson? What for? I mean, didn't they just teach us a lesson. I say let them be on their way and let us be on ours as soon as the new day dawn's. I can think of a lot of things I'd rather be doing than chasing after some Easterling Killers!"

Froin sees the discussion beginning to get out of hand so steps towards Meraina to explain:
"My dear lady. I do not wish to rush off and try to show these murderous Szreldor that they were wrong. I only seek the Lord to see what measures he is taking to either control these events. He might not be able to stop what has already happened, but he can try and
prevent this from happening again, at least in this town. And even though I do not wish to go and fight the Szreldor, I do not wish to let these deeds go on much longer. All of this death and destruction is not needed, no matter where it happens. And don't mind Boldor, he is a drunken fool. No offense my dear friend, but..."

"Hrumph! I see things more clearly than you & your honey-tongued friend there, you'd hide from the truth until it's too late. There's only one way to deal with scum like the Szreldor, and that's fight back! - and don't call me your friend, for I am NOT!"
<Boldor bares his teeth, giving him a savage look>

Froin backs away, surprised and moves closer to Meraina at the bar. "I do not wish to fight the Szreldor as you do not, but can you actually go on with your life knowing what has happened, what could happen to others, even yourself. Do you want to live in fear the rest of your life from not being able to know if there is a Szreldor waiting to take you the way they have taken the others? I do not think you do. I try to manage things with my wits, not my crossbow, but sometimes action must be taken. And my first course of action is to see the Lord. After that, I do not know what I will do next. But until that time comes we are just wasting time here. Come let us be off." With that said, Froin walks swiftly past Boldor out into the street and heads for the center of the village.

Boldor shouts after him:
"Ha! let her do what she wants, we have no need for the faint hearted."

Meraina ignores him and follows Froin out of the door saying:
"Mr Froin I can go on quite well with the knowledge that the Szreldor are still in this world. If we kill this band, there will be others. or would you have us kill all of the Szreldor?"

As she passes Boldor, however she adds:
"Well I maybe 'faint-hearted' as you say but at least my head is clear of ale, most of the time!"

Gwalchmai pushes past them and out into the street:
"Come on now, all that time chatting drives the Szeldor closer to their conquering goal!"

Meraina quickly avoids Boldor as he leaves the building and says to Froin:
"I will go with you, after all it harms me not to hear what this Lord has to say..." She walks beside the Dwarven Engineer for a while and then speaks to the whole group...
"So I know why Froin and Baldor is it? Want to see the Lord, how about the rest of you?"

Arekhel, who has been leaning against one of the central pillars of the Inn, shakes her head, as if to wake herself up, and declares to the group:
"Oh, well, if you're all going to see this Lord, count on me! The more the merrier!"
She then falls in with Relg and while everybody is busy talking, she takes the Gargath warrior by the arm to attract his attention, squeezes it and whispers in his ear quietly.

As the group leaves the Inn they hear the mournful notes of the clanging bell once again. It momentarily distracts them from the sight of two small people, standing by Balneg. They look surprised as the crowd appears, arguing each and every one. In fact, one of these small men seems nervous and backs away slightly, looking restless, especially when Meraina catches sight of them and immediately turns on them:
"You! Traitors!! You were the ones that opened the gate for the Szreldor. How dare you set foot in this village again after what you did. I heard you...in the woods. You said you took your revenge this night. Seize them! Relg! Gwalchmai! Don't let them get away!"
With that Meraina springs forward towards the two, drawing her weapon.

End of Turn 14.