After hearing Heladil's mention of the name Ranal, Sealvach shakes his head and fingers his black-hilted dagger while whispering hardly loudly enough for those close enough to hear him: "I felt he would be an ungraceful loser. If he chooses another game, he'll learn the hard way that he has no hope to win this one... He will be the game, in fact." A smile appears slowly on his face, for once touching his eyes. 

Captain Harmal says: 
"Damn! If I could afford the men and the time I would go personally after this murderer, but alas I cannot. We must continue on with all speed lest the Szreldor and their booty leave our lands for their own. That way we cannot follow." He looks down at the ground gloomily. "Tuan? Has Mouse returned yet? No? Hmm, well we shall wait here until first light in case he returns and then we move out. You three go and bury the dead man under a cairn of stones, let us pray that his soul is at rest lest he come to haunt this evil place!" He turns away: "Oh and Amgor, get rid of those yonder torches lest we attract any more interest than we have done already!" He stomps off angrily and in short order, orders his men to retrieve the corpse of the militia man which is found by the trees to the rear of the campsite. His throat has been slit, obviously from behind with a slim blade and he didn't utter a sound because his comrades were less than ten feet 
away and say they didn't hear a thing. In fact, one of them mentions that they didn't even know the man was missing. It appears that none of his personal effects have been stolen either. 

Going once more to his bedroll, Billy slumps down upon it with a weary sigh. Pulling the blankets around himself he curls up into a ball and from under the covers says in a tired voice, "Good Night, don't let the Wight's bite!" Billy promptly falls asleep... 

As Captain Harmal gives orders to his men, Coru strips off his leather armour and returns to his bedroll, knowing that as a warrior, one has to sleep when one can, in order to be alert for the morning. 

The wind changes direction and the rain stops, the breeze now bringing colder air from the north. Harmal orders some low fires to be lit in the lowest part of the dell, since the threat from hidden enemies seems to have passed but asks whether the Elves will stay on watch for the last few hours remaining of the night. 

Sealvach sheathes deftly his dagger and raises a surprised brow: 
"So you would leave the issue of this mystery killer unattended? – Heladil I'd like to know what makes you so sure of his identity, though..." The Gambler strokes his lower lip with a pensive finger then shrugs: "Well, I'm no leader of men. I'd have thought that it could have a very negative influence on their morale..." 

"Not at all, not at all." replies Harmal, smiling quickly but ineffectually. "I was actually hoping that you fine folk would get to the bottom of this. I certainly intend to see the dead man avenged but in this dark night I cannot see how. If Heladil or Arekhel perhaps have skills beyond the ken of us mortals? I have heard of such tales... then perhaps we can follow this murderer and retrieve him quickly. I would like to know what interest he has in our group as much as you. Heladil? Can you aid us?" 

Heladil nods and looks over towards the distant line of torches. 

Arekhel approaches Harmal when she hears him talking about her. "Well, for once, I agree with Sealvach, this murderer has been walking around us, killing with impunity, so, we cannot let him go like this... what's more, it came near MY bed-place, so... I would not feel safe until I know this miscreant is not hovering around anymore!" Turning towards Sealvach she adds: 
"I could come with you, if you wish my dear, but I warn you, I can detect presence's, but I am rather useless at fighting...so, it is your choice... I would not want to intrude..." She smiles maliciously at him, awaiting an answer. 

Sealvach turns to answer her: 
"You too can come if you wish. But the hunt is mine and I expect you to follow my word in it." Not waiting for an answer, he goes back to his equipment, preparing himself for the man-hunt by laying out a blanket which he hunches down in front of, blocking the other's sight of his actions. 

Arekhel listens to what Sealvach is telling her, about going on this hunt. She shrugs slightly at his words, as if to show him she is not impressed by his moody reactions and his private little secrets. She turns round, back to where her bedroll was lying but stops quickly by Relg and whispers: "My friend, I have more to say about what you know... but I cannot tell you now." She squeezes his arm and walks off. She stops near her blanket, inspecting around it. Relg gives her a quick look, not able to hide his curiosity. He quickly 
nods, then moves closer to the main group as Ranal's name is mentioned. He slowly nods, listening to what Harmal, Heladil and Sealvach are discussing. "We must not let the murderer escape like this. It is obvious that the stranger has been looking for something. The fact that it was only one man clearly states that it wasn't his aim to attack us, but to find something. And I guess I know, what he was looking for!" 

Lochan takes the opportunity to ask the obvious question: 
"What do you mean Relg? I can not think of anything we carry with us which a traitor-merchant or his lackey would be interested in." 

"Be patient, you will see. I won't let you in the dark, but I need to know more, first!" 

Relg pauses for a second, then continues addressing Harmal and Arekhel: 
"I would like to discuss this with you, but first I have to speak with somebody else." Relg looks around, as if looking for someone. Then, after a second, he leaves the group towards the small bundle where Billy has lain down for another nap. Before having gone too far, he turns and adds: 
"Sealvach, I am not skilled in hiding as you are, and I cannot vanish into thin air as your people, but I know how to deal with such enemies, and so does Coru and Maleg. I or maybe we, could accompany you." 

The Gambler seems surprised for a second then breaks a smile. "I know your people's talents, and their skill at them. I simply had... an incentive to practice them." He stops abruptly, his face hardening suddenly as Relg leaves. "I will hunt, and you are welcome to join me if you wish. Now go and have your discussion, we must leave quickly." 

Boldor seeing all the activity around him, silently mulls over his next step. He starts walking over to his bedroll, pauses, stops, then turns around looking up at Heladil, Arekhel and Sealvach and makes his way over to them. Boldor starts: "Are ye going after these two, Maybe I will also come along. I could use some excitement, not this endless running after a host who is far away and going fast. I want some action, some activity to liven up and awake these old bones, so wait for me... I will go and collect my gear." 

With that Boldor quickly turns and jogs over to his bedroll to collect his gear. He collects all of his possessions and returns to join the three. As he does so, something flies out of the clothes that he is stuffing into his backpack and tumbles off into the dirt. Boldor sees it and quickly runs to pick it up. It is small and red and shiny, and the Dwarf mumbles, "must not lose my father's gift - never know when this could come in handy," as he puts it into a small purse which nestles close to his skin.  He then walks over to where Sealvach, Heladil and the others are talking. 

Lochan does not follow Relg for the moment but thinks aloud a little: 
"Is it possible that Ranal was the assailant? He is a large fellow, with a heavy build - let us see if the tracks we have bear this out. Not only that but to move so quietly he would have needed to abandon any noisy armour and be skilful at his job; remember that the killed guard had no time to make any noise. Our enemy is not to be underestimated." 

Harmal nods and stares back across the dell to where his men are keeping watch but grumbling about the escaping attacker. "We will have to move soon and quickly if we shall ever find him. The Tracker was right. The weather is changing fast for the worst." 

"Lochan, still musing, continues: 
"But if it was Ranal, then he must have an accomplice because I doubt he has wits enough on his own to do this. Using the torches as a distraction; which is what it seems their purpose was, shows cunning. The plan would work better though if one person lit the torches whilst the other was already on the move, perhaps we can hope to find a second, different set of tracks near the line of torches. I wish to check the wound carefully before he is buried too. It might give us a clue about the type of weapon used." 

Lochan moves to where the dead body is lying and inspects the fatal wound. 

<It is a clean slice across the jugular. A classic move to drown the enemy in his own blood while preventing him from making any loud sound. There are no signs of a struggle on the body.> 

Relg approaches Billy. The Gargath carefully shakes the small bundle, trying to awake the Hobbit. "Wake up, little man. We have to talk." 

Billy, only just dosing off, is easily awoken by Relg. Very briefly the Hobbit's eyes widen in alarm when he realises who his awakening him but seeing no obvious malice in the Gargath's face, he smiles quickly, trying to put past misunderstandings behind him. "Yes Mr Fist, Sir?" 

Relg takes a long look at the Hobbit, and it is difficult to say what he is thinking. Then, suddenly, he speaks, his voice low enough so that nobody but the Hobbit can hear. 
 

Heladil suddenly comes to a decision and strides purposefully over to where Sealvach is hurriedly taking something from the blanket before him and placing it in his inner pockets. "Sealvach, I would like to try something, but I need someone to guard my back for a few minutes, would you?" 

Sealvach eyes the Elf for a very short time and nods: 
"Trust is a thing to be treasured. You're lucky to own it... I'll help you, Heladil." 

They leave the dell and Heladil makes his way over to the distant torches, which are still where they were originally placed. "Sealvach, please keep watch, since I will not be able to do so while I try this." He takes hold of one of the brands and kneels down by it. After a few moments he bows his head and a look of fierce concentration crosses his features. 

A short while later… 

Heladil shakes his head as if to clear it. Turning to Sealvach he speaks into the biting wind: "Well my friend, it looks like Ranal came here alone, but it appears as if Megrin was behind it. I think this is something we need to 'inquire' of Ranal and Megrin. When we follow we must be careful because I believe he has left a few surprises for us."  With a lopsided grin, he adds: 
"Come let us tell the others and get after this merchant, if that is what he really is, without delay." As they head towards the others, he mumbles, almost to himself, "It seems every time we are ready to set off 
after the Szreldor, something or someone distracts us. Whether it's Goblins, Undead, Merchants, and murdered guards... Oh well." 

When they return, someone has lit some hand-held torches which are being passed around and Lochan and Coru who has been re-awoken by Relg is inspecting the area where the militia man was killed. 

<There are tracks of one booted pair of feet crossing from the outer stand of trees to the inner one where Arekhel was sleeping but the foliage is too thick to gain any further information. The tracks then seem to quickly retreat back the way they came and leave the dell through the outer trees.> 

Relg and Billy are still talking in hushed whispers when suddenly, the Hobbit shouts: 
"If you need any help just ask, Mr Relg, my eyes and ears are sharp and my foot falls soft." 

Relg looks around, trying to spot someone, then he turns to Billy again: 
"We should go get it, and we should talk to Harmal and Arekhel about it. I am not sure if it is a wise choice to let everyone know the whereabouts of this thing. Not that I don't trust them, but the less one knows, the less one can say. And believe me, there is more behind this than you or I can think of at the moment." Getting to his feet, the Gargath leader waits for the Hobbit to get sorted out too. 
 

Arekhel goes to join Heladil, and hearing his last words about the "surprises" that Megrin might have left behind, she walks towards the forest and stopping near its edge, she puts her palms on the trees around 
her and breathes deeply, looking around carefully at the bushes... 

Coru tries to check if the tracks belonged to Ranal or Megrin, and if he is certain that they are only from one set. It is not long before the Gargath finds a good example of a footprint in the soft loamy soil between the two stands of trees, which indicates that whoever crept in to the camp was wearing soft-heeled shoes. When Coru shows this to Heladil both he and Lochan is at once convinced that they are different tracks to those made by Ranal. 

The Elf circles around and tries to see what he can read of the many criss-crossing tracks. Heladil leans close and touches them lightly with his slender fingers. Nodding, he rises to his feet saying: 
"Indeed. It was Megrin in the camp. Ranal was there to guard him and leave an escape route open but it was Megrin who approached Arekhel and Billy. I cannot tell why." He shrugs. 

Sealvach squats near the Elf, and checks what he may learn from the tracks. Looking up at Heladil's words, he says: "I agree, Heladil. Megrin, plus Ranal... I hope Relg will make sense of this. He had to exchange some words with Billy before leaving." Rising at last, he squints at the shadows and wonders: 
"Szreldor, a merchant who is not a merchant... Is there a link? Are we purposely waylaid?" He shrugs while signalling Heladil to come and join the others, "Let's see if everybody joining the party is ready to go..." 

Harmal comes forward and motions for Relg to join him by the gathered group. The Gargath warleader obliges, leaving Billy for a moment although he seems unhappy about the situation for some reason. Harmal pauses and surveys the prints passing through his carefully laid defenses. "So what you folk are telling me is that our friend Ranal slit the throat of my man to allow Megrin to enter the camp without being seen, yes? Well whatever for?" 

Coru looks at his leader, and says: 
"Well, in this bloody weather and terrain, it is difficult to learn much. Seems like we have to depend more on tactics than tracking here, Relg." He then leans his back to one of the nearby trees, and picks up a twig from the ground, and absently starts sharpening it. 

Boldor, after joining up with Heladil and the others, wanders over to where the footprints end at the edge of the makeshift camp. The Dwarven veteran looks around quickly for any signs of digging or anything that happened within the camp that may have caused the intruder to leave again. He finds no signs. Boldor also looks over to where Billy's bedroll is and also to where Arekhel's was and thinks carefully. He then enquires of Arekhel and Heladil: 
"What of this thing, this Torc, that Billy keeps talkin' about. What exactly is it? Maybe this person was after that or after something to do with Arekhel? What is this Torc thing that Billy was jabbering about? 
Maybe Ranal or Megrin sensed that the Torc - if that is what they were after - had left the camp with Billy. any other ideas?" 

Arekhel who is nearest to him shrugs: 
"I don't know. I have not seen this Torc-thing." 

Meraina kneels in the same position and place as before when she was trying to comfort Billy, watching and listening to all that goes on around her. Sitting for a few moments while the tracks are found and pondered over she thinks of the many possibilities of 'why?' Coming to a decision, she gently shakes Billy to make sure he doesn't fall off into sleep again. Sure that she has his attention she quietly asks: "Billy, perhaps we had better get a look at this Torc that you found.  Our lives may depend on understanding 
its importance." 

Billy's answering words carry in the early morning air: 
"Er, well Mistress Meraina. Mr Relg says Is not supposed to tell anyone else about the Torc in case some of 'e are spies, I don't think Is supposed to tell you that I did hide 'e on Gwalchmai or that someone called Black Nemol or The Black Fist is after 'e." The flicker of understanding washes across the Hobbit's face as he realises he is doing precisely what Relg does not want him to do. "Oops! Did I mention Is could play the flute Mistress?" Trying to change subject, Billy pulls out a wooden carved flute and starts to play, dancing a light jig as he weaves his way around her. She is not impressed. 

Relg marches over to Billy, fuming with anger. Billy shrugs and holds up his hands. "Hey it wasn't." 

Relg looks at the Hobbit, with surprise in his eyes. His face is dark. Then he turns away, shaking his head. "Look, let's just find Gwalchmai. Now!" 

Billy nods silently and follows Relg over to Gwalchmai who has been staring southward from the protection of the low embankment. As he hears the two approach he turns and comments: "I was just thinking that soon we shall be passing near to the lands of my family. It has been a while since I saw 
them and well." he lets the rest of his thoughts trail off. "So what are you unlikely couple here for?" 

Billy walks up to Gwalchmai and stops, looking up at the tall Northman with a shy smile. "Mr Gwalchmai sir, Is did hide that Torc we speak of amongst your possessions, can Is have 'e back?" Billy points over to Gwalchmai's bedroll and backpack. 

"What? What did you do? Why you little sneaking." Gwalchmai lunges forward to grab the Hobbit who flails backwards with his arms and tries to step back out of reach. Relg leaps forward and grabs the Northman's great arm which makes him swear even louder as he stares in fury at this Gargath man who comes to stop him. Grimacing, Gwalchmai exerts the full force of his arm muscles downwards, making his face redden as Relg, at a disadvantage due to height, realises that he is now the opponent in this challenge and wills his arm to strengthen and hold its position. Billy meanwhile backs off down the slope, his wide feet dragging in the sandy soil as he tries to get out of reach of the furious axeman. 

The two warriors strain against each other for a moment and then Gwalchmai feels his footing slip in the soft ground and slides down the slope losing his grip upon Relg. The two combatants disengage and Gwalchmai after flexing his arm nods to the other man. "Maybe we can try that again sometime? When we're on more stable ground?" He grins before turning towards Billy, much calmer than before. "Maybe it's worth a bet too. You never know. Now, what is all this talk of going through my belongings eh, Hobbit? If I ever catch you anywhere near my gear again Billy, I will have your hide off you so fast." 

"Er, yes. Thanking you Mr Axeman sir! I just thought it'd be safe with you that's all. They's know Is got it and well." 

"You know where it is?" asks the Northman retrieving his packs and pulling them upright and undoing the drawstrings. "Tell me and you'll have it back. I'm not having your grubby fingers in here again!" 

In short order, Gwalchmai retrieves the Torc and examines it awhile before handing it over. He tests it by trying to place it around his neck and although the cord is large enough to loop round his great neck, he grunts and quickly removes it. "It's not comfortable. Not comfortable at all. Don't see how anyone could wear that and like it." 

With a cheery smile, Billy skips off towards Relg who is standing right behind him. He almost bumps into him but recovers and hands the ornament over quickly looking furtively around. "And where is the box, Billy?" asks Relg, turning the Torc over in his hands once more but sheltering it from prying eyes. 

"Uh, Is kept it on me 'case they's got hold of 'e again. That way they would reckon they's got it when they ain't and leave Is alone after," answers the Hobbit proudly. 

"Good, now we should talk to Harmal. Or maybe I can do this, if you want to prepare yourself, it seems that we are leaving soon." Relg points to the others, who are getting ready to get on their way. Billy hesitates, so Relg continues: 
"Trust me, I have a plan." The Hobbit looks relieved. "Is glad of that Mr Fist. Is didn't think any folk were going to listen to I." 

Relg hides the Torc in his bag, then he walks over to Harmal and addresses him: 
"Captain Harmal? We need to talk." <The Gargath makes it clear that it is important and that he wants to speak with Harmal alone.> The man nods and they walk over to where Arekhel is putting her things together. "Arekhel, we must talk. Important decisions have to be made," says The Easterling. 

Billy runs up to Relg and fixes Harmal with a pointed stare before resting his eyes upon the Gargath, hands on hips, his words are loud enough for those nearby to hear: "Mr Fist Sir, Is wouldn't count too much on Mr Harmal helping you, I did tell him about Megrin and Ranal whilst they were still in camp. Is told 'e they were up to no good and that they had some sort of papers on them and that we should search them while we had a chance. I told him Is did hear their conversation but the good captain dismissed my words as if I were a child describing Elves!" Billy looks back at the Guard Captain, disappointment rather than anger on his freckly face. "Well Mr Harmal, the blood of one of your men is upon your hands, blood that may not have been spilt if 'e listened to a mere hobbit! Maybe you'll listen to the Big People if you won't listen to I!" 

Relg looks at the Guard Captain, wondering how he will respond. 

"Listen Billy," says Harmal suddenly snarling and looking down upon the Hobbit. "Just because we are in the wilds doesn't mean that we can assault people just because we wish it. Anyway, an offence like that is punishable by a 'Trial of Combat' in Easterling society, is it not Relg?" The Gargath has to agree but he mumbles something like "...being at war makes things different..." but Harmal continues: 
"Well here in Northman society it is the same. So, you see. I could not demand of Megrin for these papers without admitting that I knew about them and how could I have done that, eh? I cannot accuse someone without proof and we had no proof. Not until now. Yes, the blood of that warrior is on my hands but also clearly on the hands of this traitor and his henchman so there is now no law in this land that will not think it fair for us to go after these murderers. So leave me be and I will do my job!" He straightens up, clearly angry and regards the company who have meanwhile gathered round as his vehement words were spoken. 

Relg swears in his mother tongue as he looks around the assembled group of faces. 

Lochan, who was lost in thought with the murder and organising the men from Buhr Criocha is clearly shocked by the tail-end of Billy's opinion and of Harmal's subsequent reply. Stepping closer he says quickly and forcefully: 
" What the hell is going on? Billy what are you talking about?" 

Billy waves his arms dismissively, sighs and leaves Relg to get on with the explaining, kicking at pebbles as he goes to gather and pack all his equipment. 

Relg for the moment ignores Lochan and tries to lead the other two to a place where they can talk undisturbed but the main group follows. 

Gwalchmai for one speaks out and the Dwarves and Ranger support him: 
"Why all this secrecy Relg? We all know of this Torc now and know that you have been trying to keep it a secret. Why Relg? What are you hiding? Do you fear us? Do you want it for yourself or wish to bend Billy to your own aims?" 

It is Meraina's turn to speak out and she approaches Relg from the side. "Why is Arekhel so privileged? Does she know more than us? Well, I would like to hear what she has to say then. Let us speak openly or you will find that no-one will aid you further. There are many of us here that regret even coming on this fool mission so speak out to all of us or watch your back!" 

It is Lochan though who answers Meraina before Relg or anyone has a chance to reply: 
"Lady, WHAT do you MEAN by 'fool mission'? Do you think it foolish to save the people from Buhr Criocha? Do YOU THINK it PRUDENT to let them be CARRIED OFF as SLAVES?" He pauses for a moment and its clear that he is struggling with his anger and frustration; his voice levels out again: 
"Look, lets all just try to clear this up QUICKLY and SIMPLY". He holds up his gloved palms to calm the angry group but other voices share Meraina's annoyance and Relg, Harmal and Arekhel find themselves almost surrounded, the militia men turning from their positions of guarding the perimeter to watch the exchange. Arekhel looks around, bewildered by the turn of the situation. Her eyes fall on Meraina. She stares at the young woman, narrowing her eyes. Her voice is altered by anger and she shouts: "Wait a minute, 'mylady!' What are these foolish accusations about me being 'privileged', I do not know what is going on here, I do not know anything about all these secrets, about these Torcs or bracelets, whatever they are... and I do not wish to know about them. What do I care about your little inner human fights! Is it because I was talking to Relg earlier that you feel that I am plotting against you all? So, when Heladil and Sealvach went away in the woods, maybe they were plotting against us as well then? Nobody can have a private chat here, without being suspected! Or maybe it is that Lady Meraina doesn't like not being included? Are you jealous, my sweet girl, is that it?" 

Arekhel stops for a moment, catches her breath and swallows. She then addresses the whole company and in a less angry voice says: "The conversation Relg and I were having has nothing to do with the Szreldor 
chase or with the situation here. I do not know what is going on. So, stop throwing around all these accusations, we are not at an open market here! 
Now, if Relg and Billy feel they know something that the group ought to know, maybe it is time for them to tell us." She stops abruptly, smiles gently at Relg and casts a nasty glance at Meraina, before sitting on the 
ground, staring away from them, into empty space, and waiting for someone else to react. 

It is Captain Harmal who raises his hands to quieten the company. "Hold on, hold on! Relg, listen to them. They are your companions! Tell us ALL your fears or you will soon find you are excluded and become a loner even within this company. If it is good enough for Arekhel and I to hear it is good enough for all to hear. Billy!" He turns to find the Hobbit who is resolutely trying to ignore the whole issue by sorting out his spare clothing. "Billy, please decide. It is your gift is it not? Well then tell us if all your companions have a right to know or not? Who are your friends and whom out of us all do you not trust? We cannot wait for these hold-ups longer. The murderers are soon to be beyond our range and so will the Szreldor unless we all stop messing around and arguing!" He kicks the dirt and stares off to the east where a thin line of grey light signals the beginning of a new day. 

Billy just waves him off and takes no further part in the discussion. He mutters to himself. 

Hearing the exchange between Relg and the others, Heladil stands up from his examination of the tracks. With signs of anger contorting his usually calm Elven face he says: "Relg, everyone here has their own personal secrets and no one will intrude on them unless they wish to divulge them.  But if you have knowledge that affects our 'Hunt' and have kept it from us, then you affect us all, and possibly endanger us. You have no right to keep that from us. If what you know is something that would have stopped what 
happened here, or perhaps had made us more aware of possible danger, then that Man need not have died tonight." 

"Tell us what is so special about this Torc, Relg, or what trust you have gained from us will surely be gone." 

Sealvach crosses his arms on his chest and leans at ease on a nearby tree, looking slightly amused. Softly he whispers: "Trust... I just warned you about it, didn't I?" He then focuses on the argument to come, while 
shuffling his omnipresent tarot deck. 

As the people gather around his leader, Coru quickly moves to his side. His eyes betray suspicion, and the Gargath makes it quite clear that no one will lay his hands on Relg without a struggle. Maleg appears out of nowhere also and although his hand rests lightly on the pommel of his blade, there is keen interest in his eyes as he looks from face to face, sizing up the opposition. 

Relg's face shows no emotion when being accused by the others of the group. He listens to what they are saying, standing still. He slightly nods when Arekhel was talking but now swiftly looks at Coru and Maleg to warn them not to make any quick moves. He turns to the assembled group of accusers and pulls out the Torc that Billy gave him. "I am not hiding anything, nor do I fear you," says the Gargath Warleader with a proud glance. Turning to Meraina he continues: "And I AM watching my back, I assure you. If you are itching for a fight, you may have it. If not then never dare threatening me again!" Relg's right hand is dangerously close to his weapon but for now he lets it only rest there. He doesn't believe that Meraina would truly challenge him but… 

Looking at the angry faces and listening to the heated words around him, Billy backs slowly even further away, saying to himself: "Well, well, Mr Goatsfoot, seems like you have stirred up a hornet's nest!" A firm hand on his shoulder prevents him from going any further. Looking up at his restrainer he says in a timid voice: "Er, Is don't have the Torc anymore, Relg has 'e, 'e also knows a bit more about the possible role of 'e in all this. Is only a little hobbit after all..." He smiles sheepishly. 

Gwalchmai releases the shoulder of the little man and speaks up for the whole company to hear: "Please, everyone, calm down. It is not the time for us to fight amongst ourselves. Maybe the intruder's purpose was this chaos, was to have us arguing against each other. The Szreldor are still riding away from us, and we are all here arguing." Turning towards Harmal and the gathering group of militia men, he adds: "I am very sorry about what happened to that militia man, but we can't do anything more for him, except avoiding something similar in the future. But we can still save plenty of souls by keeping on chasing the Szreldor. All this agitation is enough for me! Let's move on!" he yells to the group before turning towards his horse 
and tying up his packs once more, ready to depart. 

After a moment and the interruption, Relg continues: 
"Okay, if you want to discuss it here and right away, we may do so. At least we can be sure to be overheard by all. I don't know to whom Billy has talked already, about what he..." Relg hesitates for a second, "... found in Buhr Criocha and about which you are so eager to hear." He shows the Torc however to the group but holds it close. "Billy also heard, that Megrin and Ranal are after this Torc." Relg pauses for a second. "The point is, that Megrin also mentioned a man called 'Black Nemol', which could be the same man known to us Gargath as 'Black Fist of the North'. It was this 'Black Fist' who led the Szreldor to Buhr Criocha, or at least who ordered them to attack the village. If someone is our real enemy then it is him." 
Relg looks at Harmal. "This is all I have to say so far. I would suggest however that we move on. We have more important things to do right now, and we can assemble a 'Mar'kish' this evening." His eyes show mockery, but only for a second. 

[Mar'kish is the 'Council of the Wise' to the Gargath people] 

"I have a plan how to proceed, which I wanted to discuss anyway with you some of you so it might as well be now." 

Harmal interrupts him for a moment. "Wait Relg! We know that you, as a tactician, have many ideas to give and your words trouble me greatly and must bare thinking. We must learn more of this but I see that for some of us, the spoken word has gone on far long enough. Heladil, take what you need and go after our mystery murderer and Lochan go with him if you wish. Boldor too, but beware, for we ride east an hour after dawn and we will not wait for stragglers. I will leave your horses here for you under cover if you are not back when we leave. I have a feeling however that our attackers have the lead on us but I do not fear it. We still have the one thing that they are after and they will not rest until they try again. Be on your guard friends for they will be back. and when they do they will fall into OUR trap!" He grins. 

Relg nods at the mans words and then resumes his speech: 
It does appear that the merchant's knew exactly of our plans..." he says, pausing for a second. "...who wonders? We were discussing them openly enough. And they waited for the right time to dupe us. They must know that they left tracks and they will reckon that we, or some of us, will follow them. And I say no!" Relg clenches a fist. "You were right, Coru, it is time for tactics and Captain Harmal is true in what he says. Now it is our turn, it is up to us to set the laws of this game. I say also, let them go! They will return, that is for sure! They are looking for a very specific item and they know that one of us possesses it, maybe they even knew that Billy had it. But from now on, I will keep it if Billy wishes? It may not be a safer place, but they will find it more difficult to get their hands on it." Once again, the Gargath looks around. "We can examine the Torc later and I hope that Arekhel might inspect it's work for it is mighty old and beyond anything that we Gargath have seen. Now we have to move on, and I have a plan." The Fist pauses for a second, being careful not to say too much and gauges the attitude of his listeners for his next suggestion: 
"Forget about following the merchant and his puppy. They will come back, and they will run directly into the trap that we are setting up for them. Billy, Maleg and I are staying back, pretending that our little one has hurt himself, maybe has broken a leg or so. All you others hurry on, following the Szreldor. You take all the other horses with you, but only a few leagues later, Heladil and Sealvach will return, by foot, without leaving any tracks." Relg addresses the Elves before they can comment: 
"You both will be our guards, and it will be up to you to spy on the merchants. I doubt they will attack openly, even if it is only two of us. The rest of you, carry on with our primary mission, to follow the Szreldor dogs. We will come after you as soon as this problem has been solved." Relg falls quiet, unsure of the possible reactions to his sudden suggestions and waits for a response.