Merlothrien speaks up "We need to sort some kind of order here people, we need to be on our guard and makes sure all areas are covered, scouts scouting and warrior types protecting the rest of the party, something is not right about this place so I suggest we proceed with caution.

Urthgar says he will stay with the bulk of the party, in case his healing skills are necessary. He will remain attuned to the wilds around him, and attempt to spot anything unusual, perhaps sending Karl to investigate if anything turns up. He will especially look for the signs for the lady of the
grove.

He suggested an initial speed of a normal walk. Urthgar is happy to lead the ponies, and care for them. He will let Karl run free, perhaps accompanying the scouts for some extra senses and oomph if needed.

He will bury the pouch given him by the Dwarf at every opportunity, attempting to keep it "underground" - being an inquisitive sort, should the opportunity arise he will take a peak inside, but only in dead of night, and preferably in a cave or similar.

He will also prepare several of the herbal recipes on the first evening.

As far as watches are concerned Urthgar and Karl are happy to take any. Urthgar will always offer to cook, and will hunt/gather to provide for the party, unless someone else does first.

Feral said that unless they had a scout who wanted to take point Feral will position himself close to the front. He will constantly keep a watch for any signs of trouble and such like, though beyond that he is unable to do a great deal.

Watch wise Feral will take a watch as and when needed, the amulet seems to allow a form of night vision so it shouldn't be too much of a problem.

"Though I am not entirely familiar with this area, I have some experience with similar terrain. I will happily scout out the land ahead, and try to ensure we're not walking into any kind of ambush. If you would have Karl accompany be, i would appreciate it. Otherwise it may not be possible for me to get word back to you if I'm ambushed. If you would prefer to keep the group together on the other hand, I will still travel near the front and try to detect any enemies before we walk into them."

Elenugeth said that as they appeared to have someone scouting at the front, he'd take a position to the rear then and make sure they were not ambushed from behind. He continued, "I have no idea about which may be the better route but considering some of our party are not dressed for
climbing, I'd considerer the low road the better option for now. More open for attack but then more options in the event of a fight. Only one way to go when your high up on a ledge and that's down." Elenugeth grins. "We don't want to spread out too far also, we're not an army and don't have the luxury of having a sizable enough force to have outriders in all directions. If we are attacked we need to be able to fall back to the center in a timely fashion. May I suggest the mages and warriors stick with the ponies?"

Tawl will take the rear of the party and try to look out to the sides as he goes.

Rav takes up a position nearish the front where he gets a good view

Ondoher speaks up..

"Well as I see it, Tieger wants to go towards the front. I agree, he's a hunter and we might see tracks and such before we ever see an enemy. If you do, then fall back to me and I'll get word to the main party, that's unless you have knowledge of the Waildyth signals."

Tieger shook his head.

"Feral", Ondoher blinks at the name, " will go near the front unless there is someone more suited to point duty, which there is. I'll stay close to him, but should the points run into trouble. Just behind us there will be our healer Urthgar and our wizard Merlothrien, both of whom should remain in the middle of the party. Urthgar, your responsibility should be to safeguard our ponies, since if there is fighting the ponies could bolt and then where would we be?"

"I will be leaving my warhorse behind since I doubt whether Eket would enjoy journeying in the dark earth."

"I think Rav should stay behind Merothrien and Urthgar to watch over them."

Rav, opened his mouth to say something then shrugged his shoulders.

Ondoher continued, "Merlothrien, do you have a familiar to scout the land from above?"

Merlothrien, too, shook his head.

Ondoher carried on regardless, "Elenugeth wants to bring up the rear, that's a good place as being a scout should we encounter something to the front you'll be able to move around their flank quietly. Tawl you should stay ahead of him but able to assist him quickly should ambushers attempt to wind us up from behind."

"I think Magos who has not expressed a preference should be our flanker, as being of the Silvan folk he is doubtless adept at moving swiftly and quietly in the vegetation which will flank our march."

Ondoher looks over at Urthgar.. "Perhaps the war dog should accompany him?"

Urthgar nodded.

"Since speed and secrecy are of importance we should adapt our pace to the terrain. Where there is little concealment let us make haste (normal walk/jog alternating), but where there is concealment for ourselves and our enemies, let us exercise some caution and slow the pace (careful walk/sneak in ambush/enclosed areas). We shall travel sixteen hours a day, so as not to exhaust our pack ponies.

As for watches well here's how I think we should do it. Bear with me till I'm done.

Merlothrien and Magos meditates for the first two hour watch and then remain on guard for the rest of the night. Urthgar's hound will be of some value here as well I would suggest. Each watch shall be two hours duration..

Hound/Elenugeth/Tieger/Urthgar
Merlothrien/Magos/Hound/Tawl
Merlothrien/Magos/Hound/Feral
Merlothrien/Magos/Hound/Ondoher

Rav can take a watch when he wishes to.

Urthgar needs to be our magic when Merlothrien is meditating.

The nine adventurers, 2 ponies and one dog headed down the low road, carefully at first, sometimes pausing at a particular tight bend or where parts of the road were heavy in bushes and other natural hiding places.

They travelled thus:

Tieger

Ondoher Feral
Urthgar Merl Ponies
Rav Magos (flank) Karl (flank)

Tawl

Elenugeth

By the time the sun was dropping in the sky, 7 uneventful miles had been travelled.

With not much time to establish a good location, due to failing light and the discovery that the Amulet's night vision was not working, a wide part of the road with some fallen rocks was the best the party could do. Urthgar buried the Arkhand under his bedroll.

After the watches were agreed some more discussion was made about the marching order around the fire Urthgar had needed to brew a few of his herbs. As the road was very narrow at points Magos flanking along with the dog was not particularly practical, sometimes he was no further than 5 feet from the main group. Rav had voiced his opinion that he'd rather be further to the front and Tieger admitted Karl closer to him would make it harder for someone to outwit him up front. A quick vote was taken and it was decided to go with the following marching order the next day:

Tieger Karl

Ondoher Feral Rav
Urthgar Merl Ponies
Magos (flank when possible)
Tawl

Elenugeth

As the party gathered their belongings together at the start of an overcast day everyone commented on how quiet their watch the previous night had been. Once the ponies had been fed the party moved out again.

As the day wore on the clouds got darker bringing occasional light showers which got heavier and more frequent the further north they travelled. No one missed the fact that the clouds further north looked much more darker.

During one such shower Tieger had called a halt to the party's advance. He had beckoned Ondoher to come forward. They had stared past the bend in the road and spoken for a moment before the Dunadan had returned to the group to inform them a pack of Grey wolves were up ahead. Urthgar had become very adamant at this point that confrontation with these animals need not be the best course of action. A few others agreed saying that these type of wolves were the more timid kind and would rarely attack well armed groups.

Nevertheless, bows were taken off shoulders and quivers opened just in case. Urthgar insisted on leading the group forward.

The pack of wolves pricked their ears and got to their feet as the bulk of the party rounded the bend.

Once the full strength of the group was in front of them, the largest wolf amongst them loped off down the road and down a small path that led down to the foothills below. He was closely followed by the rest of the pack.

The party were even more cautious for the next few hours but there was no more sign of the wolves.

Estimating to have travelled another 20 miles over 12 hours, the party decided to push on a little further.

Again, the lack of night vision, showers and tricky terrain slowed the party down so by the time the ponies were beginning to flag only another 3 miles had been covered.

With no time to find a good camp the party had to make do with stringing Tarps together around some bushes close to the mountain wall. Those not on watch quickly succumbed to sleep despite the dampness all around them. Urthgar again buried the dwarven gem.

Shortly after the camp became silent Karl growled at the same time Tieger threw off the tarp he had been wrapping around himself to stand at the ready with a wicked looking two handed pole arm. Both looked in the direction of the ponies. Elenugeth drew back on his
bow, "To arms, the wolves have returned!" He screamed.

"I ask of you, do not harm them if you can help it!" shouted Urthgar as he began to make murmured calls to nature.

Feral, Ondoher and Tawl immediately sat bolt upright. Magos and Merlothrien still looked towards the night sky, lost in some sort of reverie. The half-elven Rav, shook his head groggily.

Tieger cursed, then began making his own call to nature.

As the first wolf emerged out of the wet night, it made a beeline for the ponies. As it leapt Elenugeth's bow sang out but the arrow only nicked a leg, causing a small amount of bleeding. The animal did not slow.

Snarling as they came on, eight other wolves followed the large wolf.

"Be calm!" commanded Urthgar in a loud, deep voice.

The front two pack wolves, stopped their charge and began howling.

"Hold!" bellowed Tieger. Two more skidded to a halt.

Karl stood guard by his master.

Tawl, Feral and Ondoher came scrambling out from underneath the tarps. "Please do not harm them if you can my friends! If you do not hurt them, I will be able to stop them!" Urged Urthgar.

The large wolf raked its claws down one of the tethered ponies before clamping it's jaws around its neck. Feral, seeing the wolf already wounded, bared down on it. Ondoher and Tawl ran to the ponies.

Two of the wolves attacked the other pony but two more were beaten back by Ondoher's wall shield and Tawl's defensive parrying.

Urthgar again cried out for peace. The two wolves attacking the other pony immediately stopped their growling. They ran out towards the four other becalmed wolves.

Feral bore down upon the pack leader and in one stroke severed it's paw, it began yelping and trying to back away. After a cry from Urthgar the huge man held his second blade in check.

Tieger focused his attention on the two remaining wolves being forced slowly back by Ondoher and Tawl.
"Hold!" He shouted again. The two wolves ran off immediately.

Elenugeth swung to his left and drew a bead on 3 other wolves that had been sneaking up from the other side of the ponies. He shouted a warning over the yelps of the pack leader. However, he did not need to loose another arrow as these three slunk off the way they came. The rest of the pack followed suit. Urthgar took a look at the pack leader and shook his head sadly indicating he did not have the skill to save the beast. Feral was quick to put it out of its misery.

The beorning then tended to the ponies, these wounds were less severe though both life threatening. After more pleas to nature Urthgar was satisfied the ponies would be fully healed by the morning.

The rain started before dawn and did not let up for the rest of the dark dreary day.

By the time the party had travelled another 20 miles over 12 hours everyone was soaked through and in the mood for some decent shelter. After another hour a low but long rough hewn tunnel was found. It petered out to rock face that had once been worked by someone.
Everyone noted that the augmented night vision returned once the wearer was in the tunnel but failed when they were outside again.

Inside the tunnel Urthgar took the bag out containing the Arkhand and peered inside. Deep male voices chanting in Khuzdul were heard. To everyone's surprise they understood the language perfectly. The chants were pleas to their god, Mahal, to be merciful. The voices changed to a different set beseeching Mahal for protection. The chanting stopped. Khand's tired voice was heard in everyone's head, "Please my friends, let
the Arkhand rest, it will be needed tomorrow. Get it under mountain as soon as you can!" Urthgar pulled the drawstring tight and the tunnel went quiet again.

The next morning the weather had worsened. A biting wind from the north buffeted and chilled the party. Only Feral, Ondoher, Tawl and Urthgar seemed bothered by the cold. Mainly rain and scattered hail was blown into the faces of everyone as they trudged down the road, directly into the strong wind.

Ondoher was lucky to spot some markings on the side of a large boulder just before midday. He was able to tell that it meant "trade ahead. Herbs and water." Magos was able to see "trade ahead, herbs, stream, 2 miles." Urthgar was able to see "Herb trade ahead, 2 miles. Seek the forest by the stream."

After another two miles the party came to a stream that spurted out from the mountainside. It rushed over the road and down between two lines of trees to run alongside a forest below. The stream ended in a lake with a large forested island some 450' away. There was
ample room to lead the party down towards the forest below.

As the party refilled their water skins Tieger and Magos looked around for tracks. Showing their skill they identified some tracks barely made by an elf the night before. They led towards the wood. Merlothrien called attention to several crossed sticks hanging from the trees along the path down. The symbols looked hastily constructed but all three Waildyth practitioners immediately saw their meaning, "Danger."

After scouring the path down for traps the party advanced with weapons drawn. Another signal this time with small rocks bade traders to wait at the nearest edge of the wood.

Tieger, took a sniff of the air but the wind and rain made it hard to smell anything. Remaining cautious, Karl, Elenugeth and Tieger scouted the 110 feet to the forest edge. As they got there Karl growled at one of the smaller trees. Tieger took another long sniff in the direction of the tree then smiled, "We wish you no harm Lady of the Grove, only to trade with you and to give you a token from the Dwarves of Nogrod." Still remaining alert he bid the party approach.

Seeing some curious looks as they reached him he explained the young tree smelt like an elf! Suddenly the tree illusion dissipated to reveal a striking 6'
scantily clad wood elf. Weaved over her body were branches and leaves that barely concealed her modesty. Her long black hair billowed in the wind as her one hazel and one light blue eye studied the group intently. "Travellers, I am Ishtar, protector of this small wood but I fear my-" She is interrupted by a "Whoosh!" noise followed by a deafening "Boom!". Everyone spins round to face the direction of the noise. Steam rises from some trees 500 feet away in the wood. Another "Whoosh!" and subsequent "Boom!" this times lights up part of the forest with a flash. A tree sags about twenty feet from the edge of the forest at the end of a clearing some 400 feet in the distance. A small figure emerges with a good turn of speed behind it. The racing form catches sight of the group and changes it's tack accordingly. "Hold your fire!" shouts what looks like a male hobbit as
Elenugeth pulls back on his bowstring ready to let loose if needed.

The fleeing hobbit appears to be in full sprint, his hood flapping behind his head. His hair is standing on end and part of his cloak appears to be smoking. "Look to the Forest!" He screams.

Two large, as huge as Feral, and as broad, dark figures dressed in ragged black robes bound out of the forest after him. The lead one looks past the hobbit noticing the party. Both stop as one then disappear. Ishtar points in the direction of the lake with the Island, "There was another there!" As if she had summoned it, two of the trees bend aside as a third dark shape pushes its way past. It pauses for a moment at the island's shore before leaping 50 feet across the lake to land on its hook clawed feet with a thud. For the first time its face can be made out. The skin colour looks grey and mottled with black spots. The eyes are white with no pupils. It has a ridged forehead with what look like thorns running down the middle of it. The thorns get thicker until on top of its wide flat nose is a barbed spike. Its jawline resembles that of a human's but the mouth is huge, running literally ear to ear. The creature's chin has a thorned spike jutting downwards at an angle. Steam snorts out of its flaring nostrils. With what could be
a smile that briefly reveals quite deadly looking fangs it, too, vanishes.