Previously…

Harmal is about to speak when Valdo relaxes and steps forward towards the man. "Do not judge this character too harshly, Captain. I know Megrin from his previous visits to the northern villages. A good gambling partner at any time." He flashes a hated look at Sealvach before adding: "Those are often hard to find!"

Still warming his hands to the fire, Sealvach eyes Valdo from under his travelling hat, flashing in turn a quick smile. "Indeed they are..." he mutters. Sealvach turns his attention to Megrin and Ranal, gauging their attitude with a quick glance:
"But maybe we could start again where we were interrupted last time?"

Megrin quickly looks across at the Guard Captain but the man's frown slowly turns to a smile and he grins. "Ok, Mr Gambler. It's a deal."

Billy is just behind the Gambler, between him and the fire, keeping a close eye on the two new arrivals. Ready to spring to action at a moment's notice, he still idly fingers a dagger in his hand. For now though, he just listens to the exchange between the larger menfolk. The hobbit's eyes had narrowed at the request by the newcomers for aid but still he says naught. His face seems to distort in the orange glow of the fire, his frown greatly deepened by the shadows thrown by the flames. Looking around him at the voices of discord amongst the group he nevertheless relaxes slightly and settles back against his bedroll, silent.

Relg is not however and stares openly at the newcomers. Seeing the situation so easily dissipate and the acceptance of these strangers imminent, the Gargath warleader suddenly shouts:
"Who knows what you are hiding behind this foolish behaviour. Who tells us that you are not spying for the Szreldor? You said you fled Buhr Criocha during the Szreldor attack - maybe you knew they would attack." Relg doesn't try to hide his aversion towards Megrin, but he carefully watches the newcomer for any give-away signs while he is accusing him.

Megrin laughs and puts his hands on his ample hips to chortle heartily. "Foolish behaviour? I don't see any foolish behaviour here sir? Why should you expect me to be working for the Szreldor? Do you always jump to such a swift conclusion when you have little evidence? Nay, sir. I can tell you categorically that I do not work for the Szreldor, nor their King. I am a free man, to do as I please, and I please to save my bacon when a greatly superior force invades a village! Am I not in fact being very sensible?"

This raises a laugh from a few, most notably from Ranal who laughs louder and longer than anyone else does. Some are not convince however that he actually understood the joke but...

Relg interrupts him:
"Spare me your empty talk. Talking, this is all you can do."

"No, I sell things too and a lot of people would be worse off if I couldn't eh, Valdo?"

Valdo nods in agreement but he is not smiling. Relg is obviously trying to provoke the merchant into a rash action but the man knows his game and is turning each one back. Ranal however has a dark expression of 
concentration on his face as he sizes up the opposition around the fire.

"So?" says the Guard Captain, breaking the tense moment. "I have heard words from some of you but not all. I must know how many I must cater for in my plans this night. Gambler?" He stands before Sealvach, clearly waiting for him to respond.

The Gambler stands silent for a moment. Then, he looks down and draws a card randomly from the deck he has been deftly shuffling in his hands for several minutes now, and glances at it:
"I will come," he finally says and after a noticeable pause:
"I must come."
He steps forwards to Valdo and places the card upturned in his hand. The Guard Captain looks down to see 'The Hierophant'. The Priest with the knowledge of all life's mysteries. Sealvach looks into Valdo's eyes, as if reading the thoughts behind and the militia man looks genuinely unnerved. A sudden shadow appears on the Gambler's face, and seems to lose attention for a moment. But once more the impenetrable mask falls into place and he is his cold self once again. He looks down, twirling a black and bejewelled dagger through his fingers deftly and says no more.

Heladil steps forward to fill the silence and says:
"I will continue to ride with these people. I have many thoughts of my own and dreams that beg answers and the simplest way to solve them is to seek them out."

Raddish nods at the wise words of the Elf. "I am not a fighter as you all can see. But if the consensus is to continue on then I shall accompany the group also. I perhaps would have liked to see this trial but who knows? My services might well be required along the way and… well, it would be interesting to see this fabled 'Sea' that lies in the center of the land. It must be a fine sight."

Nodding, Relg steps forward:
"Harmal, you said that a small group of fast riders could overtake the Szreldor and prepare a trap. This sounds like a good idea to me. I will lead..." The Gargath stops, then corrects himself:
"I am willing to lead this group, I have followed such tactics since long. However, we would have to leave as soon as possible."

"Do not fear Relg of the Fist. You will have a chance to strike 'ere long," says Valdo nodding to the Warleader.

"We will all, your company and mine, ride after the Szreldor and set this trap if we can. And we will indeed leave soon. Just after first light tomorrow in fact," says Harmal throwing more sticks onto the crackling fire. "My scouts say that there are quite a number of Szreldor in the region so we must plan our ambush carefully. If we can protect the village of Buhr Tallanmoor then all the better but we will have to be swift if we want to gain the latest news from my scouts. They will not wait in one place for long in case the enemy discovers them. No, we will have to leave the slower cart behind. All those without mounts who are willing to journey on will have to ride pillion. Our horses are fresh so it should be no problem. If all is agreed?" He pauses. 

Relg slowly nods: "Well, we shall do so. But don't you think it would be a better strategy to take the Szreldor dogs from two sides. A small group of fast riders, armed with bows is sufficient to prepare the ambush, and once the Szreldor find themselves under attack the second group will approach them from a behind..." Relg thinks for a moment, then he continues: "No, you are right, we don't know how long it would take us to prepare the ambush, and we would not know if you were ready to attack. Good, let us ride together, the time will come when we will split our forces."

"… then we must get our rest. Merchant, you and your man are free citizens to go where you please, but I would not recommend straying far from our lights. You are welcome to stay here until morning. Then you must be on your way. I bid you all good night." Captain Harmal stands once more from before the fire, turns and strides out of the surrounding corolla of firelight into the shadows towards the billets of his men.

As Megrin is facing away from him, Relg takes the opportunity to grab a piece of burning branch and approach the merchant. Ranal senses something and turns quickly as Relg holds the flaming brand up before both men and takes a very close look at their faces. Surprised by such a direct move, the merchant backs away a few steps and holds up his hands to ward against the Easterling. Ranal growls and half pulls his axe from it's clip at his belt but this is all the chance the Gargath need and both Maleg and Coru come forward drawing their own weapons. Before they can act however, Valdo appears at Ranal's shoulder and places his hand on the man's weapon arm. "Now now, friends. Let's not go killing each other over idle words. There is enough bloodshed around. Ranal, return your weapon to it's place. See? The Gargath man is not going to actually attack, are you Relg!?" These last words are said forcefully enough to make Relg look to the man, quickly. He shakes his head and backs off, satisfied with what he has seen. His men crowd round with questions on their lips. The Gargath withdraw to one side as Valdo calms the fluttering merchant and his guardian.

Meraina watches Relg's actions with her ever present smirk. She doesn't move even as weapons are drawn except to be sure her hands are free in case she needs to get a dagger quickly. Finding the merchant odd and curious, she starts observing him very closely from her place by the fire - watching for anything unusual or strange.
 

*> As the two companies settle for the night...

Gwalchmai notices one of the militia men from Buhr Criocha approaching him. It is Onar. The young lad looks up at the great Northmen and says:
"I am impressed by your patriotism and your will to fight for our just cause, Gwalchmai. I would welcome the opportunity to fight with you when you go to meet the Szreldor but sadly it appears that is not to be."
He shrugs, then adds:
"But, I wanted to give you this..." he pulls at a thong of leather around his neck and removes some kind of pendant which he hands over to Gwalchmai's large palm.

"It is a Northman good-luck charm given to me by my Grandmother before she died. I would wish you to have it and maybe it will bring you the luck that you need soon."

"I don't know if I deserve this gift! But if it is what you wish, I swear I will keep it safely, and use it wisely."

"I wish it, Gwalchmai."

The Northman nods and passes the leather cord over his head. After a final look at it, Gwalchmai hides the small object under his shirt. "If it's a gift from your Grandmother, I can't keep it forever. When all this is over, I'll give it back to you. Thank you for trusting me... But why did you say you would not fight the Szreldor? Are you going back to Buhr Criocha?"

The militia man speaks in hushed tones:
"No, I will be returning to Buhr Criocha to aid the Watch Commander under Valdo's orders. I will maybe get my chance at the Szreldor later." He grins.

Relg gets up from the fire and, gesturing to his Tracker to go with him, goes to where Maleg is checking their horses. The three start speaking in the rapid guttural language of the East.

Billy keeps quiet and listens to the talk around him. Occasionally he throws a fearful glance out to the darkness beyond the campfire's lit circle, noticing the huddled form of Boldor as his eyes sweep the night. He turns his attention back to the others around him and their words...

Gwalchmai finds himself near to the bedroll of Boldor the Dwarf. The Northman rolls over to relieve the ache of his wounds and asks:
"Can we expect help from your people if we have to fight the Szreldor on the border of your homeland? As far as I know, your lands are not directly threatened by the Szreldor, but if you decide to join us anyway, may be other Dwarves would do the same!"

Boldor looks at Gwalchmai and replies:
"I, of course, cannot speak directly for my people or the leaders of my people. The best that I can promise is that I can represent the danger in the light that it represents. Unfortunately, given the history of my people, I know that we tend to not become involved until threatened directly. Nonetheless, we may be able to expect a small force of my countrymen, who feel the need for more involvement with the world and could send some warriors to aid our cause. I can certainly make our case to my fellow Dwarves. After that, well we can only see."

"If a Dwarven force is able to join us, even a small one, that's definitely good news! If the Szreldor have heard the same tales as I have regarding the Dwarven companies, they will certainly think twice before taking the risk to face such a force!" says Gwalchmai smiling.

As idle talk floats through the gathering mists of night, Froin looks across the campfires. Watching Arekhel shrug and shut herself off from the others, Froin stands and walks around the circles of soldiers, companions and friends. Coming to Arekhel's side, Froin remains quiet for a few minutes, taking in the warmth from the nearby flames. Still looking into the flames, Froin asks a question of the strange Elven woman:
"Why did you join us?" <Looking up, years of wisdom can be seen in the Dwarfs old eyes.> "Why do you continue to follow, when it looks as if you wish to be somewhere else?"

Arekhel looks up coldly at Froin after his last remark. She seems to be annoyed by his words. Then ignoring him, she looks away and stares at the ground for a moment as if weighing her thoughts. Arekhel takes a deep breath and looks up once more, staring at the Dwarf and declaring in a rather exasperated tone:
"My dear little Dwarf friend, I am sorry to hear that my attitude has been puzzling you. It is probably because you Dwarves do not understand the ways of Elves! My silence is not to be interpreted as an offence or a lack of interest. I just don't see the need to babble like an old woman just for the sake of it." 

<She looks at Froin in such a way that he understands that her last words are meant for him.>

"Why you little...!" Froin gives Arekhel a long, cold look. "How dare you consider simple talk to be babbling. Where I come from, people spend a lot of time speaking to one another, telling of their days happenings. I have heard that you Elven folk do this as well. Evidently not enough!"

Arekhel doesn't seem to be listening and continues, saying:
"What's more, dear friend, may I remind you that without my warnings in the Watchtower back there, you might all be dead now! So, please, spare me your concern about my motives, I owe you nothing!" In a more relaxed tone of voice she adds: 
"As for my reasons for staying with you lot, I don't think it is any of your business. Am I asking you why you wish to stay here also?"

Standing up, Froin looks around at those who are quietly enjoying this night, then back to Arekhel:
"It seems the babbling of us old folk isn't welcome. I hope you find joy in that secluded world you find yourself in." The Dwarf turns and marches off. Arekhel is swift though and catches his arm. "Wait, Froin. I am sorry. I did not mean to offend Dwarven sensibilities. I just… it is hard for me to find peace. You cannot understand what it is like to live for centuries and experience things the way that us Elves experience things. Do you know what it is like to be truly haunted? I cannot just switch off my senses, to ignore the world around me. If you think I am being distant, then it is only because I seek solace away from the horrors of the world. You asked why I am even hear with you all. The answer is I just do not know. I have nowhere else that I should go. Maybe like the rest of you, I shall find answers along our trail." She shrugs feeling a little foolish and annoyed at perhaps giving away more than she would have liked. The Dwarf just looks at her once more, sizing her up, then turns and bids her goodnight, retreating to find himself better company, sharing his own tales with like folk.

Relg soon appears from the direction of the horses and comes close to talk to the Dwarf. He crouches in front of him and asks:
"Froin, you said you are not a warrior but you can help in other ways. If you are better in setting up traps than finding..." the grin on Relg's face makes it clear that he isn't really serious,"... then you would be of great value for such a task."

Froin looks up at Relg, about ready to make Relg bite his tongue, but as soon as Froin sees the smile, he knows better. "Traps, you say? I believe we can build some very nice welcoming devices for the Szreldor..." This time a smile forms on Froin's face, "...come, it is late. We can talk about this some more on our way tomorrow. I wish to sleep." And with this Froin wraps himself in his blanket and tucks his feet beneath him, soon becoming immobile.

Boldor huddles a slight way away from the flickering campfire and wedges himself between some low rocks jutting out from the spongy heather. Before long, he is as still as the rock that surrounds him. Indeed to the others about, he almost becomes invisible, his colour as non-descript as the very ground he rests upon. 

The group is slowly settling down to sleep when Relg gets up from the fire and slowly walks towards the small area where the horses are held. When he passes by Arekhel, he seems to slow down, almost to stop while he looks at her. It is quite obvious that something is occupying his thoughts, but then he continues to go to the horses. It is not long before he returns bearing a leathern flask of liquid. As he passes the Elven woman she raises her chin from her folded arms. She stares at Relg, returning his silent look. She tilts her head to one side and, narrowing her eyes slightly, says in a very soft low voice:
"So what, Master Relg? What is the matter with you? Have I been haunting your dreams again?"
And before Relg can answer, she quickly unfolds her arms and says, patting the ground next to her:
" Come on now, please, sit down next to me. I think it is time you and I have a little conversation...don't you think?"

Relg stops, looking at her. He starts to say something, but then, hesitating, he slowly nods and sits down, cross-legged across from her. "Maybe it is time," he says. It is obvious that he is uncomfortable. He grabs for a piece of wood, draws his knife and starts carving small ornaments into the bark. Although using his big knife, he seems to be quite skilled. Suddenly he looks up, straight into Arekhel's eyes. In hushed tones so that no one else can hear, they begin talking.

Slightly later, Billy sees Valdo crossing nearby to join the assembling group for the gambling and getting to his feet, the Hobbit quietly approaches the man to speak with him, making sure the man Ranal and his liege are not in earshot:
"Mr Valdo sire. I's gets a real bad feeling in my's stomach regards these two. I'm not too sure, like, why's I feels 'e but I does. How well do 'e know them? Can 'e really vouch for them?"

Valdo smiles as he looks down at Billy. "Mister Goatsfoot. I can't say I know them that well, but they are well known and have good relations with my Lord and with the good people of the northern villages. In these troubled times we cannot necessarily accuse them without good reason. I will take what you have said into consideration and keep an eye on them. Our Captain Harmal here does not seem to like people arriving unannounced either so I'm sure he will also keep this merchant at arms length. Now I have money to win so if you'll excuse me?" Billy nods without thinking and the man quickly leaves him standing by the fire.

Billy curses his luck, pulls his cloak tighter about him and returns to his bedroll to wait. From nearby, he catches sight of Relg standing to his feet once more. The Gargath man has been muttering with Arekhel for some minutes but now he seems embarrassed. He lets the Elven woman's hands go where he was holding them and mumbles something inaudible before slowly retreating across the camp.

Arekhel however, stands up quickly and runs after Relg. She catches up with him and prevents him from going anywhere by putting her hand on his shoulder:
"Wait! What's the matter? Why are you sorry?" They begin to talk once again but Billy's attention is more on the aspect of the two strangers from whom he occasionally catches a swift glance. He tries to ignore them and rolls up to sleep. 
 

The day is just dawning when a figure scampers past the scattered circle of smouldering fires. Circumventing the group, he heads away silently to where the company of Captain Harmal is just beginning to wake. Billy is so silent that the fleet footed Hobbit is almost upon Harmal before the sleepy-eyed guard notices him and utters a half-hearted "Halt! Who goes…oh!"
Billy, ashen faced, ignores him and shakes the Captain awake. As the man's eyes focus on the shaking wide eyed hobbit he speaks in a quavering and higher pitched voice than usual:
"Mr Harmal sir, I's, I's, I's..." He bites down upon his quivering lip and tries to calm himself a little, digging his nails into his palms. "That there man, Megrin, 'e did have documents upon e's person that may be of evil nature, did 'e. I's tried to take a look at 'e but he did see I in his sleep, 'e did. I's begs thee Mr Harmal. Take 'e a look at Megrin's person to make sure no foul play is afoot. I's don't like e' one bit sir so please keep my name out of any accusations as I's don't want to wake up dead." Without waiting for an answer, Billy withdraws to a safe distance to watch and doesn't move as the rest of the company slowly awake to the clattering sounds of their fellows.

Captain Harmal takes a few minutes to organise his men then, shaking his head, he approaches Billy.
"Mr Goatsfoot. What are you on about?" he says with good humour, but keeping his voice sensibly low. Billy explains once more but doesn't seem to convince the Captain who after a few minutes, waves his hands to say enough. "Mr Goatsfoot, I don't doubt your fears sir but we can't very well go demanding things of people. I am not happy these newcomers are here but anyone is free to pass by on these roads. If the merchant and his guardian seem up to no good, believe me, we will know about it. But …ah here they come now." Swiftly looking up, Billy sees both the merchant and his man-at-arms approaching and cringes at the ingratiating smile upon Megrin's face. "Now what appears to be the problem, Captain?" says the merchant. "Had trouble during the night? Not Szreldor I hope, nor wolves for that matter. They frighten me nearly half to death so they do. I hope that all my goods are safe?" He makes a sidelong glance at Billy who is making a special effort to avoid catching the man's eye. "I supposes you're right," mumbles the Hobbit, ignoring the newcomers and turning, he to march off towards where Raddish is just now getting up. "Well… if all else are getting ready perhaps we should be doing the same. Ranal? See to the horse. Captain, I wish to thank you for your hospitality. We will meet again sometime perhaps?"

"Perhaps."

Billy however is not so sure and keeps a close eye on the two as everyone gets ready to break camp. The merchant and his guard seem content to stay where they are and stoke up one of the fires to cook a meal.

When most of the company is gathered around, Boldor quickly takes his flask from between his feet, tilts his head back and takes a quick swig. A little drips on his beard and he hastily wipes it away and before conversation can start, clears his throat and begins...
"My friends," as he looks around at the assembled group, "I must tell you something which I have experienced in my last little nap. I was visited."
At this point he looks at Froin, catches his eye and quickly drops his gaze and continues, "and now before, you all go on about me drinking too much and celebrating before the victory is actually here, Hear me out. I am bound to follow his directions. In this dream, I was wandering in the halls of my youth and my home in the Iron Hills. I was admiring the halls, the carvings and the weaponry, Suddenly I was in a great vast, hall that I did not recognise. I have never in my entire life been in a Hall this large. Then again, all of a sudden, I felt another presence or presences in the room with me and I was quivering with unease. In my vision, for that is what I believe it was, I caught a quick glance of many fellow dwarves with me in the room. However, before, I could react to that, I felt a large imposing presence make himself known. He was sitting on a huge throne and then I stumbled and fell on my knees and I word a voice so deep and bold that I am sure the very roots of the earth would shake and melt. I have been commanded to venture through an ancient portal that is open to my companions and me. I have been commanded to use it."
Boldor, quickly takes another quick drink, takes a breath and waits for any reaction from his friends.

When the others look at him askance he then asks:
"Does this fit in at all with our present task? There was an indication in my vision that the portal and the results would eventually take us north. Not necessarily now, but maybe it will help us to get closer to our enemy and also fulfil the task, of which I am currently unaware, which will be given me?"

Froin ponders the words of his Dwarven companion long as do the others. Eventually he nods and comes to a decision. "Boldor, I will speak again to you shortly. It is indeed an omen that you speak and it requires much careful thought. Wait, for I must speak to Valdo before it is too late. I have made my decision." With that, the Dwarven Engineer approaches Valdo where he is checking the saddle of his black steed.
"I'm sorry Valdo, for as much as I would like to return to Buhr Criocha, I will be of aid here with the others." Turning to go, Froin stops in mid stride. Looking back he adds:
"Tell Tewo to keep himself out of trouble and have a comfortable chair ready for my return."

Valdo nods and orders his men to split into two groups and with Urmahd in tow, the Guard Captain of Buhr Criocha points his horse to the north and waves to the rest of the group.
"I shall follow you when I can. I have talked of your route with Captain Harmal so I know where to find you. I will bring what aid I can as soon as I can. Lochan from now on you are in charge of the men. Froin, I will indeed give your regards to the Dwarf Tewo if I see him. Now, fare you well, people. May your horses be swift and the sun at your backs. Good speed to you!"

And with that the militia men peel off from the larger company and ride hard along the trail heading towards the distant peaks of the Ered Mithrin, the cart racketing along behind them.

Surveying his men Captain Harmal shouts:
"Let us too be off. Amgor, Tuan. You will scout up ahead. Breador, you take the young lad Owel with you and scout our flanks. We have some Szreldor to catch. You others, you will have to ride pillion. We take no carts with us. They will only slow us down. My men have space on their horses if you need it." With that the group leads off to the east, the sound of the horses pounding hooves being muffled by the rising mist which hangs still in the frigid air until after mid day.

It is then that the first signs of the Szreldor are noticed. Out of the dank mist come the forms of Tuan and Amgor. Pulling up before their leader and Lochan, who for most of the morning have been deep in conversation, they seem clearly agitated. The group sees Lochan nod swiftly and the young Ranger turns towards the rest of the companions. Riding close he calls Heladil, Coru and the others to come close to listen.

"It seems the Szreldor are before us," he says. "That is not so surprising but what is, is up ahead of us perhaps half a mile. Heladil, Coru and you Gargath. We need scouts to ride ahead and around in a sweep to check that there are no other little surprises waiting. I will go too. Captain Harmal's men will mostly stay with the main company and continue on to meet us there. Let's go!" and he spurs his grey mare forward and up a steep incline of crumbling earth and disappears over the crest, out of sight.

There is much speculation from those left behind as to the nature of the surprise but none manage to guess correctly, the sight that enfolds before them in a low dell upon the trail. Amongst the half submerged boulders of a dry watercourse are scattered the remains of half a dozen bodies. Two dead horses lie here also, stuck with arrows. The arrows are the short variety used by the Easterlings and indeed, a couple at least of the warriors lying dead are also sprouting the yellow feathered missiles. As the group approaches, the scouts of Captain Harmal are already on the scene and Lochan turns as the horses approach and rides up to them:
"It seems my friends, that the Szreldor have their own enemies, ones that we knew nothing about. I hope that we can use the skills and knowledge of Relg and his men to ascertain what has happened here but any suggestions are certainly appreciated. Whatever has happened, it has reduced the Szreldor numbers significantly."

Looking over the Ranger's shoulder, it seem apparent that some sort of battle has occurred here where some of the Szreldor have been caught in a crossfire or been cut down at close range. There are also some clothed figures lying to one side, near three of the Easterling bodies and these have the rough woollen garments of civilians. What is immediately apparent is the lack of any bodies of the enemy. Indeed, only the Szreldor seem to be the victims.