"That was good blade work, Feral." remarked Ondoher, his praise matter of fact, in fact what one might expect of a military officer. He said this as the creatures emerged on the forest edge, only for one of them to die a moment later.

Feral watched the last minion as it disappeared into the woods. He turned and looked at his companions noting the various scrapes and wounds they had sustained, blood mixing with the rain as it seeps from his own scratch. He touched his face and looked at his hand then smiled.

"Another scar to mark a glorious battle" he said.

Glancing at the others he looked at those tending wounds, "Fix them up as best ya can. We go to the hill. Whilst I have no real desire to rescue the dwarf, these creatures intrigue me, I wish to see where they lair and what it might hold." All this said in a dismissive tone.

The falchions remained loose in his grip but ready for an attack.

"Elenugeth, help Tieger, if you please." Ondoher gently ordered. "Rav, help Tawl, if you please."

Urthgar toured the members of the party, bandaging as necessary, and healing the damaged muscle on Tawl.

After some calling to nature he managed to heal both Tieger and Tawl though informed the latter that without further herbal remedies he would not be fully cured for another 3 hours.

Ishtar looked over the wounds with Urthgar and seemed impressed with his ministrations. "Your craft is good Northman. If you all would follow me to the Island I believe I have the herbs that will cure all marks left from this battle."

The Beorning then returned to Magos to try and ascertain the cause of his coma, using normal, and magical means. The small trickle of blood from Magos's ears, indicated the grievous injury to his swelling head was probably untreatable.

Ondoher moved to Magos's side where he knelt and spoke with Urthgar, while looking down at Magos's prone and battered form. His expression was grim. For the moment he was stopping his own bleeding by applying pressure to the wound with his sword hand.

"How bad is it, and can we move him?" Ondoher looked around, his eyes peering into the woods seeking his enemy.

"It may be those creatures will return with others. I'd rather we were somewhere defensible, were he could be treated in safety, rather than having us all exposed in the open." he explained.

Turning to their host he added, with his usual Dunadan earnestness, "Lady, we need a place to lick our wounds and recover."

Ondoher then gathered up his thrown dart.

Urthgar looked up from Magos, he turned to the lady, "This one is very bad, we need to find somewhere safe where I can tend to him"

Ishtar heard the requests for a safe place to recuperate. "I have seen these creatures the last few days and believe nowhere is truly safe." She looked towards the lake, "That Island is the place I am most fond of, it could be called a home as it contains my store of herbs and what few possessions I have. It is probably the most defensible part of this forest but I have already been forced to flee it once. These abominations can leap over the lake to the island in but a single bound but I have the gift to sense when they approach so that may aid us."

The slender elf moved beside Magos, knelt beside him and gently lifted his head. She murmured to herself for a moment. When she stopped she said sadly, "The trees tell me his spirit seeks the next journey, he will be with Mandos come the morn. Let us bear him away from this place to lie on a bed of branches, his face to the stars."

"Oh I do hate bloodshed, it seems so unnecessary!" Horace shook his head and looked ashen as he viewed the scene of carnage.

He turned to look at the tall elf beside him, "Thank you Mister..."

"Merlothrien, though some shorten that to Merly," Answered the waif like Elf.

"Thank you Mister um Merly....and to reply to your question as to how I come to be chased by these beings, it's a long story and as my dear old mum used to say, long stories are better left to safe hearth and home. Right now this doesn't look very safe and I'm so very far from home!"

He went over to Ondoher, "When Mister Merly and I were invisible we could see the 'shadows' more clearly or at least they were revealed in another form. They appear to be related to dwarves and wore pendants similar to the ones you wear." He pointed at Ondoher's blue pendant.

"Do you think I could journey with you tall folk for now? I do not think it safe to blunder about in the woods alone or at least it seemed a good idea before I met these creatures...you see?"

Ondoher and those near Horace heard a squeaking from inside Horace's voluminous cloak. "Alright Sally I hear you." He reached in and pulled out a very small mouse-like creature and stroked it softly, He held it up toward Ondoher, "This is Sally, my shrew and best friend in the world. Sally this is Mister Ondoher and company...." She seemed to squeak in acknowledgement of them all.

"Sally and I maybe able to find that cave you speak of, that is if you still want to. Why anyone with any hobbit-sense would want to go into more danger, I don't know!"

Ondoher, after listening to the others for a while, interrupted.

"Our first priority is making sure Magos recovers, so Feral finding their lair and ending them will have to wait on that. When we have made Magos comfortable I will join you."

Feral looked around him then snarled a response, "So be it Ondoher. But whilst we gather our strength, our foes prepare themselves likewise. To strike now would be more prudent than retreat." He glanced towards the island, "Though it would be nice to be surrounded by water again."

Ondoher continued, "For the moment, Rav, Horace, Merlothrien, I would be grateful if you could cut some saplings for a stretcher so we can bear Magos to a place of safety."

"Urthgar, tell me when we can move out."

Horace stopped his stroking for a moment, "I'd be most happy to Mr Ondoher but I don't have a suitable item to cut saplings. Perhaps you have a hobbit-sized axe I could use? I do want to be useful!" He continued to stroke Sally the Shrew's fur.

Elenugeth turned to the scantily dressed elf, kicked the dirt and blushed. "Well if it's not safe here m'lady, then travelling with us may be a safer option, you as well Master Hobbit." Looking around at the companions "In fact m'lady, one of our number has a gift from the dwarves for you, which I'm sure in time he would remember after the excitement. It might be best to present the gift before any more excitement occurs."

"While a number of us are unharmed, there are others who are hurt and this is not the time to press the advantage we have. Magos is looking more than a little peaky, and you don't need to be in an army long to recognise those looks from a healer." Elenugeth sighed, "We have neither the forces to split up and press those creatures in their home lair and look after the injured."

Elenugeth continued, "If we continue and press the attack, none of those hurt already are going to speed their recovery. They are best on home territory and hopefully we have scared them off for now. While I would love to pursue them there are others to think of. We either leave the area and hope that they won't pursue us out of this area, camp now and seek them tomorrow after our injured have rested. Or head out now. What do people say?"

Urthgar turned gruffly to Elenugeth, and spat out, "Of course, how silly of me, I should have grovelled in the dirt and presented trinkets before caring to the ebbing life of comrades!! Life may be cheap to you, but it is not TO...ME...." The final two words were spat in Eleguneth's face, mere inches from his nose.

He wheeled on the Lady. "He speaks truth, here Lady is the gift from the Dwarves" He gently tossed over the package.

She caught it, opened the bag and peered inside. Her eyes widened and she nodded to herself.

"I agree with this one," He gestured to Elenugeth, "a lion's pride lands is no place to set up camp once you have killed one of the family. We should make efforts to move those injured to another place, the island is our best option I believe"

Elenugeth sagged visibly from the verbal attack. For the first time no grin, no smile, no spring in his step was seen. His shoulders sagged as his jaw muscles clenched, Elenugeth sniffed, blinked and looked away.

Looking back anyone could see the reddening of his eyes. Mumbling to the back of Urthgar's head low so only Urthgar could hear, Elenugeth turned and walked to the opposite side of the camp as Urthgar continued another 20 yards from anyone else and dropped to the ground, weapons to the side, pack dumped on the floor and pulled the helm off the back of his head then held it in both hands, examining it with pointed attention. Placing the helm to one side Elenugeth bowed his head and rested his chin on his chest one hand in his lap the other gripping the helm to his side and while no noise came from him, the shaking of his shoulders clearly showed him sobbing.

Urthgar sighed, looked to the sky, the ground, and deep into the forest. He wandered over to the sobbing Elenugeth, digging into his clothing as if looking for something.

He handed something to the sitting form, and seemed to be in quiet discussion.

Ondoher chuckled ruefully at this exchange, however this was offset by the fact that he was visibly wincing at Urthgar's tone.

"Ok, that's enough you two," he chided gently.

"Two of those evil creatures are dead, Magos is I am sure going to recover just fine under Urthgar's care, and the rest of us are scratched and bruised."

"So really what is there to argue about that's of any importance?" Ondoher looked pointedly at both men, seemingly not expecting a response.

"Indeed when we have a little more time I believe a celebration is in order." Ondoher grinned then. He was a serious sort and the _expression didn't really fit his face, which made it even more amusing.

Horace looked shocked his excitement forgotten as he saw the argument unfold and the result.

"If I may," he piped up, "It's also not good to have discord amongst friends. If I were back in the Shire I would take us down to the 'Happy Gardner' and buy you all a pint! My dear old mum always said "Arguing is silly....'" He paused, "Mum didn't always have great quotes!"

Feral watched the argument in silence for a moment, a sly smile creeping across his bleeding face. Saying nothing he gazed towards the area of the forest where the beast's lair lay, a longing gaze across his face.

After a while he turned to the others, "come we should move to this Island soon."

Urthgar bent near Horace's little shrew, and held its gaze then he and Sally started squeaking.

"Oh you can talk to Sally too!" Horace interjected excitedly. "I mean I can sense her feelings we don't really talk. What's she saying, sir?"

"Please, it is difficult to speak shrew and common at once, give me a second!" The large Northman replied.

"Oh I do apologise sir, forgive me," for a second Horace face fell but then as if a switch was flicked he brightened again and looked very excited.

After a short while Urthgar finished conversing with Sally.

Ishtar took the necklace out of the bag and clasped it about her ivory neck. "I will help you all in anyway I can." Her face wore a troubled look, "My dreams have been fell recently. Dwarves fighting each other, a cruel and jealous presence both Dwarf and not. Then a shining pendant that chased away the evil." The wood elf fingered the amulet before tapping it softly, "One such as this!"

She looked wistfully at the forest about her, "I believe you must descend into a place of darkness and I must accompany you. For now my wood must take care of itself."

As no one had moved to cut saplings Urthgar announced that since Magos had no broken bones he could be loaded onto a pony and led to the said place of relative safety.

There was a pause and with unspoken words Magos was loaded onto the pony so that the group could cautiously make their way to the Island.

Ishtar made use of no boat so the 50 feet stretch of bitterly cold lake had to be swum across to reach the forested island. Ishtar and Ravorian were first across, followed by the stripped Feral and Ondoher who ferried their heavy armour across in pig skins and sealed Tarps. The others came across in pairs until Urthgar was last across with the ponies, talking gently to them as he held Magos' head above water.

Once on the island Ishtar led everyone to the centre where trees were packed close enough together to block out the chilling wind and stinging rain. As everyone redressed in the wooded haven Ishtar made available what herbs she possessed so that Urthgar was able to begin preparing them.

When everyone was suitably attired the animists used all means at their disposal to heal the unconscious Magos but had to admit defeat.

Ondoher removed the herbs from Magos' body, saying. "These will be useful in the days to come. I will see that Urthgar gets them."

He removed the armour from the elf. "This seems like a family heirloom, should we survive this I will see that it returns to your family."

He examined the bow, and liking the feel and balance of it had took that as well. "Likewise the bow. I will ask Rav to use it till this is over."

Ondoher left the elf all that would not be useful and enough for a dignified ceremony.

A little later Ondoher passed the herbs to Urthgar. The grey of his eyes seemed quite in keeping with the sombre mood of the company. The herb pouch was heavy, and doubtless would be of great use to the fighters.

"Magos had these herbs on him. They are of no more use to him and I am sure he would want us to use them. Our cause was his cause."

A little later he passed the magic bow to Rav.

"You could make good use of a better bow than you have. It belonged to Magos and doubtless his kin will want it returned, however until we can do so, use it to keep us alive." Ondoher passed the arrows as well.

A little later with everyone around Ondoher presented Magos' armour.

"This armour belongs to Magos, and now that he will die it belongs to his kin. However Magos was also a member of our fellowship and given that he would want it to succeed in its mission, if anyone can use his armour you should do so until such time as our mission is ended."

"If any wish to gainsay my decision in these matters do so now." Ondoher appeared mild in his manners and so did not give the impression that he would take criticism badly.

No one had disagreed with the redistributing of Magos’ possessions but as nobody needed use of his armour he was redressed in it and was borne up to a platform of interwoven branches high in the tallest tree.

Ishtar had laid her hand on the trunk and spoken softly to the ancient looking Elm. A shiver ran through the tree as the branches above the platform parted to reveal the early afternoon sky above the prone Magos.

As Urthgar passed out various herbal remedies amongst the injured, two elven voices, Ishtar's and Merlothrien's, began to sing a mournful lament that drifted down from the platform. As if in respect the rain lessened so that once their song was over the patter of rain on the leaves above had stopped completely.

Ondoher knelt by the body of Magos the elf, in a quiet moment.

"Mandos waits for you in his hall. Doubtless he will have more time with you than I had. I would liked to have known you better, but fate would not have it. May you not tarry in his halls long."

Ondoher lifted the head of the dead elf and gently removed the arkhand necklace.

"None of us were ever going to keep these things. Perhaps it will assist another now."With that Ondoher placed the necklace around his neck, a second necklace.

"Though I am deeply saddened by Magos’ passing, I feel we must not waste our time in mourning. He died fighting those creatures... and it seems they are in some way related to our quest. I believe our only option is to root them out, and destroy the evil at its source," Tieger said to the group, as he flexed his arm, pleased with the rapid healing that had occurred.

"I say we go to the hill." said Ondoher, exchanging a glance with Feral.

Feral smiled, "That friend is the only action to take. Vengeance on our fallen comrade, and a chance to find fame with our blades and our magics. I too say the hill."

Ondoher nodded at Feral's words, though he did not smile. Ondoher's attitude in contrast to Feral's seemed to be one borne of duty.

As she climbed down from the platform, Ishtar agreed, "I do not want these creatures to roam the woods anymore," She sprung to the ground, "I would rather take the fight to them than have them defile this Island with their presence."

Ondoher then turned to the newcomer.

"Master Hobbit, perhaps you could climb a tree and tell us what you can see of the surrounding lands."

Horace was looking at Magos and crying softly. For a few seconds after Ondoher talked to him he didn't respond then he reacted, "OH Yes Mr Ondoher, right...climb a tree, right...."

He looked around for the largest tree at the highest point on the island and began to climb Magos' tree. Horace climbed it with remarkable ease. Poking his head above the canopy he had taken a good look around.

The Arthedain soldier turned to look at Horace shimmying up the nearby tree and smiled, he even went so far as to wave at the little fellow.

"Now that our new arrival is out of hearing I need to talk to the rest of you about what we do with him."
Ondoher said this softly, assured by distance and woodland noises that the halfling would be none the wiser.

"He's not part of the covenant we took, nor do we know anything about him, apart from the fact that he brought three monstrous fiends down on top of us."

"However I have never heard of such a thing as an evil hobbit." He shrugged. "What do the rest of you think?"

Merlothrien was first to reply. “Ondoher, do you not think that if our halfling friend is to be travelling with us that Magos would have wanted him to be wearing his necklace? I just worry with what those things were back there sporting the same trinket, I wouldn't want to be wearing two of those amulets especially as we don't have any idea of what they are capable of, for all we know these amulets could have turned those dwarven kin into what we've just fought.

I also trust the little fellow, as you've said who has ever heard of an evil hobbit, it's just unheard of added to that the fact he may have more information seeing as he's come from where we're going to, I say if it helps and he wishes to wear it we give him Magos's amulet and see what happens, if he's pure of heart and willing to help us he'll be fine, if not he will be a pile of dust just like Tardka was so in essence we have nothing to lose.

As for my thoughts I would like to rid this island of the presence of these creatures, at least that we will hopefully be able to better understand what we have gotten ourselves into. First we will need to think about finding a place to set up a camp so Horace can tell us what he's doing here and how he got to be angering those beings ?”

Horace climbed down. He seemed happier than he was when he had climbed up. He almost gambolled over to the group of serious looking men and woman.

"Well I saw the forest and the mountains and the hill where the shadows came from." His face fell a little as he mentioned them. "It was as I remembered it, it's about a mile through the forest to the hill, two by the old dwarven road. The hill has two curious group of rock out croppings. Two larger lower down and about 2/3rds up two groups of three small ones, the cave, their cave is near the summit." He turned to Ondoher, “Thank you for giving me the idea of climbing, I love to climb, my old mum would always say, give Hori a tree to climb and you won't see him all day!"

Ondoher confined himself to a polite nod when Horace thanked him for his suggestion that he go climb a tree. It seemed he took no satisfaction in leading the little hobbit up the garden path.

Horace had forged on, "So what do we do now. The island seems beautiful and safe for now but I’m guessing by your serious faces you are considering going after the shadows that killed Magos? If you are I might be able to help with a way to get close to them unseen."

Tawl regarded the Hobbit "Go on then Horace, how can you get such a large party close to them and while we are at it why were they chasing you again?"

"Horace looked at Tawl and then back to Ondoher, "Do we have time to hear my tale?"

Then he looked back at Tawl and then the rest.

"I’ll make it short then. A few weeks ago I was in Trenogod looking for gainful employment, when I was contacted by one of the Merchant Companies. They thought my, ah, particular skills might be suited to a job they had for me. I’m not sure I can divulge the job as my employers hired me for my discretion. But suffice to say I was in these very mountains tracking my quarry. They had camped and I was approaching unseen when they were ambushed by those Shadow creatures. The fight was quick but not merciful. There were survivors, one of whom had the item I was to recover....Oh well now I’ve let the shrew out of the bag! Anyway I followed them to the cave and was making my way closer when I was spotted. I ran for my life! Back through the Northman's, oh darn! Camp, stumbling through their fire, that’s why my clothes are a little singed. I kept running and running! Till I ran into you!"

"I am truly sorry I bought trouble down upon your heads and contributed to the death of Magos. I am not a bad hobbit, truly I implore you to believe me!"

The plate clad Dunadan Requain listened with interest while Horace regaled them with details of his shady recent history. His face remained curiously impassive throughout, almost as if he was sitting in judgement and wanted to remain impartial. When Horace had finished, Ondoher waited for a moment to let any other speak up but as no one was immediately forthcoming he offered his own take on matters.

“Well Master Hobbit, it seems you are less law abiding than other of your kind I have met. If this were my jurisdiction you would be having a long chat with myself, and several of my heavy-handed peers, as to exactly what you were up to, and who you were employed by.”

Ondoher relaxed a little. He rubbed his chin consideringly.

"However since plainly these are not my lands, nor are they ruled over by the King, may the One long preserve his rule, I will reserve judgement of your character and suspicious activities till such time as you have either proven your worth to us, or have betrayed us."

"Should you hold true, you will find no stronger friend than myself, even should it mean paying wergild to the Northman’s family. On the other hand, should you betray us I will pass judgement on your head, then execute you in accordance with the King’s law.”

Ondoher smiled. It was amazing how he could do that on the back of what he had just said. It seemed ice water flowed in Ondoher’s veins.

“Now Master Horace, you said you had a plan for getting us close to the monster’s or their cave unseen. As to that, well, I am all ears.”

Horace's face fell as Ondoher called into question his honor.

His voice was quiet and timorous, when he replied.

"Mr Ondoher, everyone. I assure you on the life of my dear mother, that my commission was nothing if not honorable! I am not in the habit of taking on illegal commissions. The Northman in question had stolen something from a party of Dwarven traders, it was my job to track them and get the item back. I did not lead the Shadows to the Northmen and my intervention on their behalf would have seen one dead halfling and they still would have been dead and captured. I am no coward Mr Ondoher! But my mother also taught me to practical and one thing she drummed into me, 'was live to fight another day'! If you doubt my truthfulness and honesty I will return to the dwarves and leave your group forever. I do not want to do that because I like you all, even you Mr Feral! And I suspect you are on a quest of great staure and importance and I would like to help."

He paused, red faced and flustered then.

"I am sorry for my outburst but I value one thing above all else, my personal honor. Now I will pack my things and take my leave."

He turned to begin packing his small pack and get things together.

Feral glanced over at the small figure and laughed, a deep throated laugh, sinister and almost evil sounding. He looked at the others then back at the
hobbit his laugh subsiding to a chuckle,"I'm beginning to like you too master hobbit, your humour is unsurpassed amongst this group."

Tawl said “Hold there Hobbit, my colleague here may seem harsh, but his honour binds him to stringent laws. Wait a minute until the whole party decides”

"Yes, do wait till the entire party decides." said Ondoher, smiling a private smile and looking to the other members of the group with a 'well, I had to be sure' expression on his face.

Strangely then, he began to remove a necklace from around his neck, more strangely still he appeared to be wearing two of them.

"This necklace belonged to Magos while he lived. It bound him to the rest of us in common cause. He died wearing it, as no doubt others here shall also die wearing theirs. Indeed perhaps none of us shall live to see it finished. The cause is that important, that urgent. I would not pass this chain onto another if I thought he did not merit it, or could not bear the responsibility that comes with it." Ondoher smiled again, his mind hard to read..

"Will you take Magos' place now within this fellowship?"

Ondoher was holding out the necklace ready to place it over the head of Horace should he accept. He must have remembered that particular _expression, that particular look from when the King knighted him, or perhaps it came to him as naturally as swinging that sword he
carried.

Merlothrien stepped towards Horace "You'll do no such thing master Hobbit you'll stay here with us for I will not let a living soul wilfully walk into their own demise without good reason and I do not consider paranoia of one man a good reason no matter how honourable he seems.”

Urthgar nodded in agreement "Stay with us little one"

Ishtar, restringing her bow, looked up, "I am not sure what vote I have in this company but I believe that this hobbit should be given the chance to see if he is worthy to take up his place amongst us."

Merlothrien continued, “Now then as I was saying, I would very much like to learn about these creatures we have encountered as they may have a strong connection to the adventure we are embarking on, and I for one do not like the idea of becoming one of them. So for the time being I'd like to find out as much as we can about them while we still have the suns rays upon us."

As Merlothrien spoke Ondoher glanced over at Feral his expression saying ' would you get a load of this guy?'. He then looked skywards, seemingly for strength, at Methlorien's intimation that he was paranoid. His eyes came down quickly though.

Feral returned the look, rolling his eyes whilst still chuckling at Horace, then he simply shrugged in the direction of the elf, the shrug was accompanied by a dismissive gesture. He turned, ignoring the rest of the conversation for the moment to gaze across the water back towards where the hill stood.

Ondoher looked back at the mage, "I would remind my 'seemingly honourable",

Ondoher bit down on the words lending them added emphasis,

"..companion from elven lands that the realm I call home has been fighting evil necromancy for hundreds of years. Neither my people nor myself have the luxury of trusting without question every secretive individual in the company of, or closely followed by, fiends. Most especially not when their answers to questions are evasive"

"As you will not, since you were present and could hardly have missed it, when pressed to do so, and no-one else seemed inclined to do this save myself, Master Horace cleared up unanswered questions 'seemingly', Ondoher paused.. "to the satisfaction of all".

The notion of seeming appeared to be Ondoher's word for the day, and appeared to constitute the kernel of his anger.

"I would also point out to you Merlothrien that an invitation to stay is one thing, stating that someone is not free to go without your leave quite another."

Ondoher's tone lightened as he added..

"Finally I would state for the record that hinting that the honour of knight of Arthedain is not completely unbesmirched is not something to be undertaken lightly. I would advise those who undertake such an action to exercise care lest the offended party demand satisfaction."

Ondoher returned his attention to Master Horace.

Horace paused in his packing, watching the big people discuss him. His brow was furrowed but lightened considerably at Methlorien's defense. He stood as Ondoher offered the necklace and walked over bowing his head, awaiting the test.

Feral spoke up again, "I care little whether master Horace joins us or no, the longer we stay debating such things the more time our prey readies itself. My blades itch to face those beasts and spill their lifeblood upon middle earth. Enough talk now, the hobbit should join us, we should move onwards. Avenge Magos' death."

Urthgar looked into the face of Ondoher, and appeared to be satisfied with what he saw, he also looked into the hobbit’s face, and whilst slightly puzzled, did not seem angry or in any way negatively effected. "I vote to accept the hobbit, give him the necklace"

"As wounds seem to have healed to a satisfactory degree, I also vote to approach the hill, probably best done whilst we have light"

Ondoher, nodded at each vote in turn, even Ishtar's. Merlothrien's he appeared to take for granted. "By the power vested in me by my honour and my own self righteousness admittedly," Ondoher's face cracked almost into a smile. "..I do proclaim you to be a member of our fellowship and bestow on you all the privileges and responsibilities that go with it."

With that Ondoher placed the necklace over Horace's head, "I'll tell you what it does later."

Ondoher towering over the little hobbit, went down on one knee. Apparently to cure any sense of awe the hobbit may have had in that land of giants.

"Welcome." he said, and offered his hand to shake.

"As it happens I agree Feral, we should go to the hill. I think we are agreed on that. So let us do so."

Ondoher rose and gathered his weapons, readying himself to move.

"Horace you may detail your plan for us while we move."

Leaving Magos’ resting place, the group warily moved out. A light breeze turned into snarling wind as the Island’s cold lake was braved again. The dark storm clouds clustering over the nearby mountain range made the day seem later than it was. With a low rumble the rain began to pour down again.

Ishtar led them through the swaying forest by the quickest route she knew so that even though the party had moved slowly to remain more vigilant they had emerged on the other side right beside the hill without incident within 20 minutes.

The party lay under some thick sweet smelling bushes with hollow centres so that everyone had a near perfect hiding place to watch the hill which started to rise about 50 feet away. Due to Urthgar’s gentle words, the ponies had been silent on the short trek and were picketed in a small thicket 70 feet further back.

The pockmarked 160 foot high hill had many shallow depressions in it. At the foot of the hill were two large flat stones uneven at the end that jutted into the air at an almost vertical angle. They could have been sculptures of feet at one time but the harsh northern wind had since eroded anything definite to identify them as such. At two other parts, midway up the hill, jagged spears of rubble close to large round stones stabbed out to look like broken fingers on a buried hand.

Ondoher turned to say something but, as if the amulets themselves were the weight of the mountains, everyone was flattened onto the ground so quickly even the nimblest or strongest was unable to wriggle free in time. The taut mithril chains forcing their chins into the damp soil, the pendants buried in the earth. Although still held fast, the pressure eased as Khand’s voice urged from the ground beneath them, “Awake sentry.” A bass rumble from inside the hill greeted the crackling noise of the grass at it started to whither.

A statue began to emerge as a fierce gust of wind bore the dust under the ashy turf away in streams.

Eventually a stone monolith of a dwarf that seemed to be sitting with his back braced against the mountain was revealed. A small winding stair, which started from the side of the left foot, curled around the sitting dwarf to end in a walkway that bridged the head and mountain some 150 foot above. The dwarf‘s hands, turned upwards, rested on his bent knees. His bearded face, which bore a striking resemblance to Khand's, looked towards the peak of the mountain. It was plain to see the look of pain and sorrow he wore.

As the rumbling stopped, the amulets popped out of the ground to free their wearers.