Ondoher looked around the chamber. He didn't move, but instead cocked his head as if listening to hear what sounds there might be in such a place. As the moments passed he appeared fascinated as he seemingly stared at the halfling.

"Sounds do strange things in such places." He murmured to Feral, "...but nothing so strange as looking through the eyes of a halfling. The ground is so close to his head!"

Feral felt uncomfortable. It felt a little claustrophobic and stale. The vision through the halfling's eyes was strange, the amulets showing more of their power.

Feral nodded at the Dunedain, "I am glad I am not so small, the ground looked uncomfortably close as you said. If it has advantages I cannot figure them out."

"I have no questions. I suggest we build ourselves a base camp here. Take only what we need for the journey, prepare ourselves then continue onwards."
Feral glanced at Ondoher as he said this.

Ondoher who had been musing on the question set him, responded.

"The advantage would come if you lose something under the couch perhaps." He shrugged then addressed his thoughts to the matter at hand.

"There's nothing to say we will come back this way. These dwarven holds are warrens I am told. On the other hand, a lot of this stuff would only slow us down, and this is no place for ponies."

Turning to the Merlothrien, he whispered.

"Master Wizard, do you possess sorcery to see what lies ahead before we run into it?"

Merlothrien shook his head.

Horace pulled his head back and then paused, his face going slack for a second and then he spoke in a loud clear voice.

"Yes Master Khand, I swear on my dear old mother's life that I will not tell a soul about what I will see here!"

Then he looked around just in time to hear the comments about his height, "Well Mr Ondoher and Mr Feral my mother bought me up to be a kind and gentle hobbit so I will not reply to your aspersions on my height. If I were a less respectable person I might refer to tall people who clump about, hit their heads on hobbit door lintels and almost fall to their deaths on treacherous ledges...."

Then he caught himself and was very contrite, "Oh I am sorry Mr Ondoher, I did not mean to insult you or make light of your experience, please accept my humblest apologies...."

Ondoher grinned good humouredly and shrugged blithely, apparently amused by the answer.

"Your references were all factual, so no offence taken." Water off a duck's back.

It seemed Ondoher liked witty insulting repartee when in a dangerous place. He turned to Feral next to him and murmured.

"Hobbits", he paused and then added with comic timing...

"No sense of humour."

Then Horace heard Khand's second mental conversation, "Yes Mr Khand, I have a question. Are those shadows which we faced, dwarves that have been corrupted by this imprisoned force? And are we likely to face more of them?"

Khand replied a few moments later, "The Arkhand has no recollection of these creatures. It is unable to determine their origin or number for the Underlord draws a veil over his subjects. If we meet more the Arkhand will try to gather what information it can. Wait. A vision. I can see through the eyes of someone. Before this person is a slain dwarf, no, many, many, dead dwarves, some twisted and misshapen. This person is studying one of them who have a black crystal shield and hammer about his person. They are dissolving and trickling away into the ground. The vision has gone."

Horace addressed the party, "While we reorganise ourselves, should I scout a little ahead and see what we might be facing, I can move quietly and, uh, remain 'unseen' and you can see for yourselves what may lie ahead. I promise I won't get into any more trouble..."

Elenugeth spoke "We nearly lost one of our party to misfortune, I'm not sure if things are so treacherous that we need to tie ourselves together yet but we need to be more careful in future.

Well master Khand, things get stranger and stranger, firstly what you're saying is that the medallions we are carrying weigh much more than we feel and that the Arkhand can control this at its own whim?" The half elf struck off one finger on his hand. "The weight drew all of us to our knees, and although for some this was a shorter journey than for others, none of us could resist. How heavy are these items in reality?
Do we have any hope of carrying them or even bracing ourselves to resist if this happens again?"

Elenugeth tapped a second finger. "Next, you mentioned you have diverted his gaze, how does he spy us? The amulets now show signs of darkening, and as you warned us before, when it turns black he will have regained full power. If we can see each other, and you can, and have seen others, if this is linked to him somehow, does he spy on us using these? Are we all traitors in our own midst? Is it wise for us to continue using them and although our experiences give more information, at what cost?

Thirdly, in your vision you see many slain dwarves; do you know if this is past or present, do the items you saw mean anything to you?"

Khand replied, "The true weight of the Gem would make it immovable as the mountains themselves. The Arkhand only allows those it trusts to bear it.

The Underlord is in this mountain. Though his presence is merely a nuisance here and easily fooled it is worrying to me. If he was sealed in a tomb then powerful wards would have been placed about him. His presence should not be able to pass those.
Something is wrong with them and we no longer possess the knowledge to recreate wards as potent.

Though he is linked in someway to the Arkhand he is unable to use it or detect it. Should he regain his full power then I am unsure of what will happen but what I do know is that if you do not wear these necklaces I cannot protect you.

As for my vision, I am unable to tell if it is past or present. I have, however, been in contact with my scholar who will use this new information in the old library. I will let you know if he discovers anything."

The half elf turned to the hobbit, "Master Horace, it seems as if Khand has extracted from you some similar oath regarding the meaning of our journey, is this the case?"

"Yes Mr Elenugeth, Mr Khand had me swear an oath which I have done. I think I am truly one of the party now and perhaps you can trust me now!"

"As have I." Said Ishtar.

Tawl saw Horace stick his head into the illusion and like the others he saw a glimpse of what the hobbit could see. He felt a little uncomfortable at the weird sensation and shuddered slightly.

He started to feel a vibration from the pocket that he put the gem from the slain creatures earlier before. " err...folks we might have a problem here!" and he slowly drew the vibrating dark gem from his pocket, "can the magic users here take a look at this gem I took from one of the slain creatures as it's acting odd now and vibrating since we came in here?" Tawl held the gem out for all to see in his hand.

Elenugeth turned to Tawl with a brief smile. "I was wondering when you would share that gem with us, although I would have hoped you would have revealed it to us under less dire circumstances." Elenugeth backed away slightly from Tawl. "I think it may be wise to put that far away from us quickly in case something was to happen. If nothing does we can retrieve it and examine it. If it blows up in your hand in the mean time, do not say I did not warn you."

Ondoher considered the matter of the jewel for a moment.

"I haven't seen it, but could it be a black version of the stones we wear? If so then, these necklaces could be very dangerous."

Ondoher shrugged, his manner oblivious of danger, though his weapons were ready, and his eyes scanned the darkness restlessly.

"Elenugeth, we might want to take them off before they turn completely black. Personally I have a long way to fall if the medallion takes on its true weight."

Ondoher glanced at Feral, "...though not as far as some, and more than others. I hate being average."

His demeanour stiffened once more, becoming more serious and businesslike.

"More to the point, we appear to be on a time limit. So perhaps we should be moving along momentarily?"

Ishtar walked to the cave entrance and looked out at the walkway. Her mind window revealed the Khuzdul writing but it was now understandable. Apparently the gem granted understanding of the hidden dwarven language.

The inscription on the walkway read, "Here is the garrison of Outer Belegost, keepers of the Underlord's remains and watchers lest he return." Then in smaller
script it said "If you know our kind then you will have no trouble to gain entry for our number is your salvation. Know thee not of our kind; come no further as death awaits you."

Khand was suddenly aware of the other gem, "The Underlord's presence is within that stone! He seeks but he cannot see for he is still too weak!"

Tawl looked at the vibrating gem and considered Elenugeth's words. He quickly ran to the edge of the staircase and threw the gem over the edge, where Ondoher nearly tumbled to his doom. Tawl crouched by the edge and listened to see what happened to the gem, if anything.

The gem fell to the ground, 160' beneath the walkway, and lay there.

Turning to the party Tawl muttered "well Dark lord or not he'll not use that to spy on us!"

Elenugeth looked out the cave entrance and the long, long way down to where the gem lay. "Well if nothing else happens," Elenugeth turned to look at Tawl, "I vote Horace goes get it".

Horace pulled his head out from the wall and walked over to look down, "I think it looks just fine where it lays Mr Elenugeth but if you truly want it back?"

Merlothrien looked down, "You'll do no such thing Master hobbit, you stay there and let me see what I can do with this!" He gestured towards the fallen gem.

The mage closed his eyes and he began to speak arcane words.

Horace turned away from the walkway and while moving through the cave said, "As I have heard no one say naught to my suggestion to scout forward I will go. I will go in a few hundred feet and see where the land lies. Don't worry my Mum didn't raise a hero, as I said."

With that he walked through the 'wall'

His mind window popped up, he paused for a moment until his vision changed. The smooth white stone corridor became less distinct and the visible parts of Horace's body seemed to glow.

The corridor moved on for 50'. Moving slowly, checking for traps and listening, Horace crept down the dusty corridor. The tracks on the floor were plentiful.

When he got to the entrance of the large 60' x 30' room, he stopped to look at something. In one corner stood a chain mail wearing dwarf. He was staring at a wall, pondering.

"I know it's here," said the dwarf in a frustrated mutter, "but where exactly I can't tell." The dwarf was staring at the wall ahead of him, but couldn't quite find what he was looking for. "I will find it," he continued with determination, "And I will find you my brother!"

The room was lined with perfectly fitting white stone slabs. In the centre of the room was a 10' square of white stone, raised 3' off the ground. It was heavily stained in both new and old blood. A trail of blood led from the stone table to the wall where the Dwarf was standing.

Ondoher whispered to Feral, "Take the rear, if there's trouble work your way to the front. Let's see if we can watch quietly without being noticed."

With that Ondoher too walked through the wall, keeping to the right wall and out of the dwarf's line of sight. He sidled silently down to where Horace was standing.

Although according to Horace's mind window he should have been standing just at the entrance to the room, he was nowhere to be seen.

Feral nodded, and after two or three seconds plunged into the wall as well.

He then attempted to quietly mimic Ondoher's movements and silence as he too cautiously advanced towards the dwarf, waiting further back in the passageway.

Outside, Merlothrien had stopped his spell preparations but shook his head.

From the walkway, Tawl watched some of the party slip through the illusionary wall and shuddered slightly. He noticed Merlothrien looking to where the gem was thrown and heard him say he will try to get the gem back with magic. "Merlothrien I think that gem may endanger this party and also provide a means for the Underlord to spy on us, if what some of the others suggest is true. However you are more familiar with magic, so if you persist in trying to retrieve it, then I will remain here with you in case you get attacked while casting your spell.' So saying Tawl drew his sword and stood a little back from the top of the staircase so he could observe the chamber and the top of the stairs.

Merlothrien, deep in thought, stepped back inside the cavern.

Inside, Feral was just not cut out for stealth. His metal shod feet sounded like he'd tap danced his way down the corridor.

The Dwarf froze for a moment, his hand moved slowly down to his weapon though his back was still turned.

Hearing Feral's advance, Horace silently drew his short sword and moved quietly behind the dwarf watching like a hawk should he make any move.

"Silly, silly Big people!" he thought, "Can't wait for a hobbit to do his job before they tramp in, in their big loud hob-nailed boots!"

Horace's thoughts came across into everyone's heads unless they concentrated on blocking them. When Horace moved into the room Ondoher could still not
see him.

Elenugeth hurriedly followed the hobbit as soon as he saw others heading in, as soon as he was aware of the dwarf he pushed and dodged his way to the front.

CLANK, CLANK, CLANK came the sound of footsteps approaching. "Nobody sneaks up on a dwarf," The Khazad said in a proud whisper. Did he just hear a faint giggle or was his noisy enemy speaking his dark language down the corridor? He reached for a throwing axe and listened again. The noisy footsteps were drawing nearer, and a deep rage was building within his heart. "Another foul creature meets its doom!" he said in a low growl.

The dwarf wheeled about to get in position to throw his axe as soon as his enemy was in range. "What treachery is this!" cried the dwarf in surprise, noticing two tall figures with blades drawn in the passageway. The dwarf instinctively began to rear back his axe to let fly at his attackers.

Bursting in between and through the two figures came a half-elf, Elenugeth.

The dwarf withheld releasing his axe as best he could. His muscular arm strained as a taut rubber band.

Open handed and with weapons slung Elenugeth approached the dwarf but kept a respectful distance.

"Horace!" Elenugeth hissed, "Get back here"

"Hail master dwarf. Elenugeth at your service" Which that Elenugeth bowed, "fear not my overly cautious companions." He turned to the others. "Now, now, put those weapons away, there is no need for this."

The dwarf relaxed his arm and lowered his axe slightly, for these were not the same creatures he had encountered before. Taking a moment to observe his opponents he noticed that they were of various races, even a few of the queer elf folk were present or at least some that resembled them. More importantly he was heavily outnumbered. If they were willing to speak peacefully he would be wise to do so. The dwarf lowered his axe completely, "I am Hammrin Nerdsplitter, son of Krushbone Nerdsplitter. I fear neither man nor beast. Let all who would face my wrath do so now while I am in the mood," he said with as much anger and boldness that he could muster in order to sound impressive. Then softer he said, "Else put our weapons down and see why fate has brought us together, for ill or for good."

Turning to look at the blood on the floor Elenugeth looked back up at the dwarf. "Not yours I hope?"

"Aye, you could say that it is and you could say that it isn't," replied Hammrin. "A bit of my blood has mixed with blood that has been here ere' I came" continued the dwarf, "and I know not whence it came or how long it has been here though I doubt it is a good tiding to see so much of it"

Noticing light wounds to the Dwarf's neck and face, Elenugeth asked Hammrin, "Can we offer some healing if so, we have two very fine healers in our party."

As Elenugeth looked at the dwarf and awaited his answer, he could see the hardness of the dwarf's face turn soft and friendly. The dwarf was pleasantly surprised at this turn of events. Though he knew he could be quite a handful for this group in battle, it appeared they were not his enemy at least. "Aye, I would gladly accept your kind offer, but take no offence if I refuse until I know who you are and why you have come here," said the dwarf.

Horace watched the discussion avidly from his 'hidden' location, returning his sword to his scabbard he turned and looked at the ashes he noticed.

Two tall men, obviously Dunedain, one big the other huge, one deathly silent the other as noisy as a steel drum parade, stood in the entrance to the room, behind the one who called himself Elenugeth. Both were impressively armed and heavily armoured.

The smaller and infinitely quieter of the two sheathed his drawn sword, glanced back at the huge man in obvious exasperation, before answering Hammrin.

"We have come here at the behest of dwarves to fight a great evil. As to who we are, well we are all dwarf friends, though we have already lost one of our number to twisted black gem dwarf spirits that do not bleed."

"I have to say I am glad you seem friendly, for my lumbering friend here, Feral, sneaks like a herd of maddened monstrous mumakil."

The source of Ondoher's exasperation became clear at that point.

"I take it you are looking for a hidden passageway of some sort?"

Hammrin bowed as the Dunadan spoke to him. A large smile broke forth as he observed the huge metal clad warrior. A hearty laugh emerged as he compared the huge man to a mumakil in his mind. `Not too far off,' he thought to himself, `but don't be too hard on him. You all might as well have been banging drums, after all you can't really expect to sneak up on a dwarf when he is underground, where his senses are highly attuned to his surroundings,' he mused to himself as he walked closer to the group, oblivious to the hidden hobbit.

"Ahhhh, Dwarf friends!" he exclaimed with excitement. "Glad tidings indeed and very welcome! Though you speak of dark tidings which may be hard to hear, I am encouraged by your presence nonetheless," said the dwarf, his excited smile fading. "There is a shadow over my heart already, and I wonder why fate brings us together, even if for different reasons. Perhaps our destinies are intertwined after all," he pondered.

"As for my injuries, I would indeed be in your debt for your aid and I gladly accept any that you offer," said Hammrin. "I know not what you speak of concerning dwarf spirits, though I can hardly image them evil. But I do know of a foul horned creature that had very bad manners. I left him over there," said the dwarf with a grimace as he pointed to a pile of ashes. Hammrin walked over to the pile of ashes with a blank stare as if recalling his encounter with the nasty beast. "I followed the strange tracks to this cave; saw this blood which seemed to lead towards the wall where you found me searching. I could sense that my brother had been this way because a throbbing sensation had entered my mind ever since I stepped foot into this cave. There had to be an opening in the wall somewhere. Then I heard a clicking sound as if a hound with long nails was running on marble down the corridor. It was a faint sound, but we dwarves have highly attuned senses. The dark beast with horns all over that I mentioned to you pounced on me with bloodthirsty claws and salivating fangs. It was a desperate struggle, but he was no match for Cuddly," said Hammrin as he unconsciously grabbed his Mithril tipped morning star. "With one mighty stroke he burst into ash, and I knew that this creature was tied to the fate of my brother, or so I deem. That was about an hour ago I suppose, and I was on the verge of finding a way through this wall," said the dwarf trying to sound convincing as he points to the wrong wall, "When I was suddenly aware of you fine folk."

Hammrin snapped out of his recollected trance and smiled once again as he recalled hearing his new found friends coming down the corridor. Then looking at the blood in the centre of the room and in a seeming trail towards the wall he was searching he said, "As for this blood we see, I would guess that it comes from those who are the unfortunate enemies of these foul creatures. Though I do not know why, perhaps even my brother? I must pass beyond here and seek for him. May Aule guide me and bring swift destruction upon my enemies."

Khand's voice came into everyone's head except Hammrin (who did not wear a necklace), "Well so fate sends the brother of Oxen our way. Hmm. Let me converse with the Arkhand."

Seeing that the situation was peaceful, and more importantly that his presence would not upset an ambush by his fellows, Tieger proceeded into the room, holding his halberd loosely at his side "Greetings dwarf, my name is Tieger."

"Well met friend, Hammrin Nerdsplitter at your service" said Hammrin eyeing the man's interesting armour and very large weapon. "Now THAT is a weapon to be proud of," he said recollecting all of the weapons he had forged, but none quite like that. "I'd like to have been there when they made that!"

"Now, if you don't mind, I'd just like to take a look at this blood..." said Tieger.

"Very well friend," says Hammrin as he watched Tieger walk over to
the bloody platform, staring at his mighty weapon for a few more moments.

Horace stepped around from behind the stone, where apparently he was hiding in the shadows.

"Hello Mr Hammrin, well met! I am here Mr Ondoher, I was doing the job I was hired for, well I wasn't hired but anyway, I was doing my job and well until well noise had me discovered. No offence to you Mr Feral but what if our Dwarven friend here had been one of those minion things, then we would have had to fight unprepared. I told you I would scout ahead...." He trailed off but visibly sighed. It seemed they had all been just told off, hobbit and Horace style.

He walked over to the wall, "I've been thinking, which those who know me back in Bywater would say is highly unusual and difficult for me but I've been thinking perhaps the key to open the stairs which lie behind here is the fact that the number of Dwarven kings or clans is seven, is it not Mr Hammrin?" He looked most 'professorial' at the moment. "I have had many dealings with dwarves and talked long with many of them and they're fond of talking once they've had a few ales, especially about themselves and their history."

"Aye, there are indeed 7 Kings," replied Hammrin reverently with an affirmative nod. I will take you up on that offer of ale," he said with a smile, "should we get the chance."

Ishtar's voice, who was still in the cavern, came across into everyone's head and to within earshot of those outside, "Shouldn't we be looking for a way through noble friends? Also Khand, I have a question, as this dwarf wears no necklace is he protected in the manner we are? Can you tell if the Underlord is aware of his presence?" She stood as far from the Dwarf as possible.

Horace walked over to the wall where the blood trail led. He began to examine the wall mumbling to himself all the while..."Where is it, come on now, show yourself...."

Khand replied to Ishtar's earlier questions, "I cannot protect this Dwarf for he is not tied to the Arkhand. I cannot shield him either so if the Underlord is looking here then he will know the Dwarf is here too. I cannot tell if he is aware of Hammrin's presence. When Tawl tossed the gem away the Underlord's presence significantly lessened. I will talk with the Arkhand about trusting this Dwarf; his brother was Oxensplat who I sent to investigate this area and a close friend."

"I've had a bit of a thought along those lines myself and I have an idea," Merlothrien said, looking as if a halogen light bulb has just lit up above his head

He stepped back outside, looking back over the edge where the gem had fallen. He looked about a bit and looked over to the stairs leading down towards the bottom.

He called into the cave, "Hmm, I'm not going to be able to reach that from here I'm just going to take a trip down those stairs in the hope that I can get a bit closer to that gem"

Merlothrien began moving down the stairs.

Noticing everyone seemed to be distracted or listening to something at the moment Hammrin decided not to indulge his desire to tell a long-winded tale about himself and his kin. His thoughts wandered to his brother Oxensplat and where he might be.

Merlothrien was down about 60'. As he nimbly descended, he swapped the gem over to his wrist. When he was less than 100' away by his estimate he stopped, pointed at the gem and began chanting arcane words. After a moment he opened out his fingers then closed them as if grasping an invisible object.

The dark gem lifted and sailed through the air until it hovered in front of him. The elf threw a cloth over it then grabbed it out of the air.

Tawl watched Merlothrien float the dark gem to himself in awe and not a little suspicion.

Merlothrien moved back inside once again. He asked Urthgar for the Arkhand. Urthgar hesitated for a moment but after agreement from Khand passed the bag over.

Taking it out of the bag he held the dark blue Arkhand in one hand with the dark gem in the other.

Nothing happened.

Khand's voice came through, "It must touch your skin for you to do that. I will aid you as best I can as it solves a problem we have but it will be dangerous. I cannot put all my will into it as I still need to divert his gaze should he look this way. No one must interrupt you once it begins. Are you sure about this Merlothrien?"

In answer the mage put the Arkhand down, unwrapped the dark gem, and then held both at the same time while closing his eyes. A jolt went through his body causing him to gasp. The Arkhand flared blue and began to darken in hue. The dark stone lightened in hue as the Elf's hand holding it began to blacken and swell.

A light blue nimbus surged up Merlothrien's arm at the same rate as his other arm blackened. The fingers on his disfigured hand began to lengthen as spikes pushed out through his skin. The two forces met in the middle of his body, one side serene, the other a turmoil of spikes and bubbling black skin. His eyes sprang open to reveal a glowing blue eye and the other a dull milky white.

Casting his gaze all around checking for any trouble, Tawl's gaze returned to Merlothrien as he suddenly developed spines like the creatures recently battled. Tawl advanced towards Merlothrien as the transfiguration of his arm to dark spines progressed and raised his sword for a deadly blow.

While Merlothrien silently screamed, the two forces ebbed back and forth, the blue glow healing as it covered the black but the black corrupting the flesh when it was in the ascendancy. With a grunt, the Silvan regained his composure so that the Arkhand moved all the way across, chasing the deformities back into the now dark blue gem. The light, a darker shade than when it first left the Arkhand, moved back through his body to enter the Dwarven artefact once again. It, too, turned a deeper blue.

As Tawl prepared to slay Merlothrien he oddly paused and watched the blue gem appear to battle with the dark gem for possession of the elf's body and soul? The blue gem seemed to swiftly dominate the elf and Tawl relaxed his stance, but not all the way, despite lowering his sword. "Be careful elf, for you may be tainted and I will not hesitate to kill you if I think you have changed allegiance." Tawl said in a level matter of fact voice to Merlothrien as he recovered.

Khand's voice seemed far away, "It is now attuned and cleansed of His presence. He will know that it no longer answers him but does not know why or where it happened. Hammrin can use this in the same manner as yours but it will need to in contact with his skin as must all of yours as you get clo-" His voice winks out for a moment, "Do not call upon me for a while. I must rest."

Deep within the mountain a rumble was heard which went on for a few seconds.

Hammrin's thoughts were suddenly interrupted by the deep rumbling within the mountain and knew he could not waste any time. The halfling must have read his thoughts as he joined Horace in searching the blood trail and the wall where it led.

Merlothrien dropped to his knees coughing wildly, within a few moments he had composed himself and putting his hands on his knees raised his head.

"There" he said sounding exhausted "I thought that might do the trick, I wasn't quite expecting THAT though" he said, his breath still not quite as normal as it had seemed earlier.

"I think we have a gift for our new companion, and thank you for your assistance Khand you were most.....helpful"

Merlothrien rose to his feet and went to join the others.

Ishtar, happy that Merlothrien seemed unharmed, nodded at the elf, flashing a relieved smile at him, then followed him to the room with the blood stained slab and the dwarf in it.

As Tawl, who had followed Merlothrien, gave a curt nod to Hammrin, Merlothrien smiled at the dwarf then nodded his head in acceptance.

"Hammrin, my name is Merlothrien."

Hammrin bowed as Merlothrien introduced himself. In his best Sindarin he replied, "I am honoured to meet you and call you friend," He was trying to show the elf respect. But it came out horribly wrong, "I am honoured to beat you and call you fiend." Realizing he made a boo boo, Hammrin quickly corrected himself and glanced about to see how many people heard his blunder.

Merlothrien continued, "If you are to be joining us in our fellowship I insist you wear this and attach it to your skin by whatever means necessary, may I recommend you do not hang it round your neck though" the emphasis, put on the final line, showed that Merlothrien was extremely serious about that piece of advice.

"Why you may ask, well we have all got one of these and they have been given All be it your one indirectly to us by Khand, these are to protect us from scrying eyes of the underworld, if you are to join us you are to wear it, I believe I can attune it to you with a bit of concentration"

"Ahhhhh, a beautiful gem! Yes, yes of course I will wear it!" exclaimed Hammrin eyeing the gem with both eyes wide. "I am truly honoured, you are too kind," he said, sticking to Westron.

Interrupting Merlothrien as he offered the tainted gem to the dwarf Tawl said "hold there elf, explain to the others what I observed with the 2 gems and how you were nearly transformed into the enemy, if indeed you remain loyal." Glaring at Merlothrien, Tawl continued in an even voice 'and take care how you answer my friend as I will surely slay you here and now if you fail to tell the truth", so saying Tawl once again levelled his sword ready to attack.

"Tawl" replied Merlothrien, "May I suggest you stay your blade as you will not be needing it now and I'll explain." he said in his chirpy matter-of-fact tone although his face read that his thoughts were far from matter-of-fact, more in the realm of "oh shit!"

"As you know I'm a studier of the arcane, to do this has taken me many a year and a LOT of studying, like a scout has a curious mind for their surroundings a warrior for their enemy's weakness I have some would call it a rather unhealthy inquisitive mind when it comes to matters that involve a more shall we say mystical element, which I'm sure one day will get me killed if I'm not careful but to this day I still live and breathe!

As to the explanation, It was merely adding a number of factors up, number one Khand has insisted that we all wear one of these" he said pointing to the gem on his wrist, knowing what Khand has done in the past by reputation of course these words I've taken very seriously as should you, and knowing what they seem to do which appears to block us from the view of Khand's enemy then I merely assumed that if we were to take Hammrin along with us then as much for our own safety as his own as there are forces that want to stop us getting to our goal it seems there was only one thing to be done which was to try and get him one of these gems as well.

Khand being who he is was able to split the Arkhand into the trinkets we wear today, not knowing how do to that myself as I assume the Arkhand is attuned to Khand in some fashion and therefore I wouldn't have been able to do that, so I chose the next best option which was to try and make one and the only thing that we could have done that with you threw down the pit, once I had this and the Arkhand with Khand's assistance I did what could only be described as channelled the power of the Arkhand into the gem you now see attached to Hammrin, with the power of the Arkhand with me it was merely a matter of time before the darkness was banished from me and from the gem itself, although as I said I wasn't expecting all of THAT to happen but rest assured I feel no ill and we have a fully fashioned companion now who will be of no harm to himself or us. So as I said if you would kindly stay your blade I would appreciate it as neither Hammrin or I will be a threat to you this day, even more so now I have just gone through that experience for the good of this fellowship, or at least from the being spied on perspective."

Merlothrien looked at Tawl in a "there, does that satisfy you?" fashion, although inside his feeling of "what if he's right what if something has lingered" was slightly a worrying one although he didn't let it show in any way shape or form but the feeling soon passed as he was sure the Arkhand had destroyed the darkness in the gem and in himself?..

Merlothrien saw Tawl relax and lower his blade.

Gliding towards the dwarf Ishtar stopped directly in front of him, "Greetings Hammrin, son of Krushbone Nerdsplitter. I am Ishtar of the woods, recently joined with these noble people and now bound in common purpose." She bowed, Welcome!"

Looking at the new gem about to be given to the Dwarf, Ishtar urged caution, "Before you bind that to you, I would recommend you leave the gaze of the Underlord. If he doth spy you would he not wonder how you can disappear from his sight like an elusive hobbit?" She looked inquisitively at Horace, raising an eyebrow, and then regarded the Dwarf again, "Perhaps outside?"

Hammrin bowed as the beautiful elf lady greeted him. He stared into her mesmerizing two-toned eyes, and feeling the need to impress her spoke in his best Sindarin, "A pleasure to eat you milady!" Befuzzled again! His dwarf tongue just didn't seem to be able to handle the eloquent elven language. His face went beet red as he corrected himself very quickly, "I mean, a pleasure to meet you milady." Ashamed and staring at the floor he said, "You are very wise milady and if you suggest I wait to wear this gem until I step outside, then that is what I will do." Getting his composure back he asked, "May I be so bold as to have you accompany me and take a look at these wounds on my thick skull?"

Ishtar smiled warmly at the dwarf, "Though Urthgar is more skilled than I in the healing arts your wounds are within my ability to heal by herbal remedy. Lead on
Master Wordsmith," She laughed lightly, following the dwarf outside.

Merlothrien, Ishtar and Hammrin went back to the walkway. The latter examining the bloody platform on his way outside.

Merly knelt down as if to attach the gem in a strange place on his body and Hammrin quickly held out his hand, "Here, here, on the wrist will work for now," he said with an uncomfortable look. Merly looked as if he had done something that was taken the wrong way. Snickers could be heard in the background.

Merly placed his hand upon the gem and chanted a few words, the gem briefly glowed brighter than usual and then calmed back down to the same blue hue of the rest of the gems.

The deed done, all four rejoined the others inside the white slab stone room.

Merlothrien passed the Arkhand back to Urthgar in its cloth and said "right then, what next....."

The words barely out of his mouth, Horace indicated that he had found something though only those with especially sharp eyes could see the faint Khuzdul markings, a slightly different shade to the white stone rock they were embossed on. Nine markings were discernable. Each rune represented a single digit.

"Um can anyone read Dwarvish runes?" asked Horace looking pointedly at the Dwarf.

The question couldn't have come at a better time thought Hammrin. "Do halflings love Pipeweed?" chuckled Hammrin. "Of course I can read them," he said confidently as he examined the runes with Horace, eyes squinted and searching not only for the runes but for anything else he might find.

He said the runes represent single digits. The numbers one through to nine were present.

Merlothrien recalled Horace's earlier question, "Right then, did someone say we needed a door opening?
"9 dwarven runes you say, hmmm these look familiar" Merlothrien looked closer to the runes, "hmm this is most odd" he said looking confused, "These runes I recognise as Dwarfish due to their style and design, but for some reason I can actually understand them as well, it seems to me that our gems have more power than I've given them credit for. How fascinating!"

Ishtar turned her attention back on the Harfoot, "Caution Master Winebride! The inscription said death awaits those who do not know the ways of the Naugrim. Is it wise for all us to be present in the mountain while you seek entry to the garrison?"
She gave Ondoher a questioning look.

Ondoher nodded. "Ishtar's advice strikes me as containing much wisdom. The traps of the Khuzdul are both subtle and deadly."

Ondoher made a show of looking at the ceiling and the floor beneath his feet.

"I'll be outside if I'm needed."

Ondoher headed out of the chamber. He stalked 'quietly' to the entrance and knelt there, flush to the wall enjoying the cover of the doorway.

He placed a small metal mirror angled on a pebble on the ground before him just outside the threshold. The only possible use for such a mirror would be to warn him of attack from above, say from someone coming down the cliff wall above him.

That done he laid his shield at his feet and brought his bow to hand. Nocking an arrow Ondoher becomes very still, doubtless so as not to advertise his position by eye catching movement while he keeps watch.

Remembering about Hammrin's request for healing, Ishtar pulled from her herb pouch two brown berries with green speckles on them, "These are Mirenna, you will like them, and they grow high up on the mountains in this area." She dropped them gently into the dwarf's gauntleted hand, "So instead of eating me, eat those!" She laughed gaily, the evil situation forgotten for the moment.

Ondoher, nestled into the cover of the door, directed a quizzical expression towards all the noise coming from the white room for the whole world to hear. The directed gaze was momentary before his eyes returned to scanning the world outside for danger.

"Not really stealthy types are you?" he said through the mind link, the words intended for the noise makers

There was humour in his words, even if they were edged with sarcasm.

Ishtar's smile faltered as she heard the Dunadan's words. She nodded in way of apology at the edain, "Of course, you are right." However, she risked a wink at the Dwarf before entering the cave waiting to see if access can be found through the secret door.

Horace watched the others retreat to the end of the corridor. He was familiar with this reaction but he still sighed and shrugged his shoulders.

He made a careful, careful inspection around the wall, floor and ceiling for any cunning Dwarvish traps. Horace could see nothing of import. Elenugeth was there too, he could see nothing out of the ordinary either.

Horace then reached up and pushed the rune which stood for the number seven. With the other hand covering his groin area, unconsciously and he stood half turned as if trying to avoid wind blown debris.

Hammrin cleared his throat to hide a deep grunt like giggle as Ishtar
winked at him. Then began walking on his tippy toes as he passed
Ondoher. He let out a low "Ho, Ho, Ho!" type laugh and said, "You
see, we dwarves can be very quiet! You probably wont even hear us
coming back," he said with a smile. Then halted as he noticed Ishtar
looking back at Horace who seemed to be acting very strangely with one hand on his crotch and the other reaching as high as he could up the wall.

Nothing happened for a second. Then silently and very smoothly the two slabs in front of him parted to reveal another passageway that led onwards.

This corridor was white blue veined marble, it was 10' wide and ran level for 20' where it took a sharp 90 degree left turn.

The slabs that had swung open were now flush with the sides, fitting perfectly into niches and, if not for their colour, would have been indistinguishable from the walls. The dwarven craftsmanship here was exquisite, even by their high standards.

Suddenly, Urthgar shot a glance at Karl just as his heckles rose. The dog began growling at the ashes of the minion.

Khand's voice, barely a whisper, spoke, "The Underlord is here, a gem must be in those remains and I do not have the strength to turn him away when he is so close. Forge on, forge on!"

With a quick glance to each other Horace and Elenugeth crept to the corner, checking for traps as they went. If not for the Arkhand's enhanced vision they would be in pitch-blackness, even then they had to really concentrate to see ahead.

Poking their heads around the corner the same passage led steeply downwards in a straight line beyond the range of their sight, some 150 odd feet. However, its ceiling began to dip so that it was only 7' high. The floor now had ridged grooves in it that aided purchase on the smooth marble. The blood trail became less distinct the further it went into the murk.

The party hurried through the secret door and having no choice had to follow the scouts. It wasn't until they were 300 feet into the tunnel that Khand was able to advise everyone the danger was over for now. Everyone halted, now able to let the scouts do their work. As they waited the silence closed in all around them. Here, the air was stale and felt like it was pushing in on them. The only sounds was Karl's panting and the hearts in their chest.

Risking to go further down Elenugeth and Horace edged forward another 150 feet but still the passageway descended. They stopped again. At least here the air felt a little less oppressive. Heartened, they continued on until, more than 300' from the other party members the tunnel started to get shallower and the incline less steep. After a further descent of 50 feet the corridor widened out into a 30' wide chamber with a balcony that ran out 5' over the edge of a sheer chasm.
A magnificent white marble arch bridge crossed the abyss. At its other end it widened out into another chamber that had a similar passage leading off into the impenetrable gloom.

Etched into the marble in the near side chamber where Elenugeth and Horace crouched was a dwarven proverb written in Khuzdul,

"All that shines is not Mithril!"

The scouts listened again. Somewhere far out in the darkness a rhythmic metallic noise clinked.