[Annunfuiniel]

The noise died down at once. With the skill of a leader Elentari considered the situation and arranged her group.

"Vráin, you'll lead the way with me. Forward, we have lost precious time!" Haste drew them on. My fears are coming true sooner than I thoughtElentari mused darkly.

The road to the cave was rather short. They could see the red of a fire glowing in the darkness. Elentari eyed her company quickly. It was time for a plan. "The troll needs to be distracted. Alcyávëiel, get to that tree and be ready to shout as the troll stands about here." Elentari showed her a place under the tree. "Selvren, Lostlondwen, get your bows ready! You know his weak spot." The elves nodded and moved into the shadows.

"Now the rest of us will enter straight into the evil's den. Vráin, you told he's wounded but remember! He's yet dangerous, maybe even more so now, in his blind rage."

The dwindled group marched cautiously towards the entrance of the troll's cave. Soon they could hear curses in the musty air flowing from the cavern. The troll didn't seem very pleased with the recent events.

Gráin and Vráin walked side by side, both had their axes raised. On their both sides steal glistened in the dark. Midnight had passed hours ago, soon the hiding sun would turn the eastern sky pale - but not yet.

The company reached the cave and halted. Elentari cave a silent mark and with a swelling cry they charged in. The troll had been surprised and surrounded. All were careful to keep a distance to the creature and first it seemed to be quite confused on what to do with the intruders. The moment was enough for Merenwen and Vráin to get Farin released from the sack.

But then the troll seemed to come back to himself and realized what was going on. He had no intention to waste his supper and his rage flowed over. The company retreated quickly - but not quickly enough. The troll had lost its club but the ground was full of serving weapons for him. A large rock flew with a deadly force. There was no sound but a heavy thump as the rock hit its target.

"Merenwen!" Ewinda cried and turned back but Rowan dragged her out of the cave. Elentari heard her cry and knew what had happened. Tears filled her eyes as she ran to the woods.

The troll stumbled now behind the flying company. It soon reached the spot Elentari had marked for Alcyávëiel. A high call filled the air and the troll stopped and looked up. Two bows rang one after another and the elven arrows did not go astray on their way. The troll wheezed as the arrows pierced its throat, swayed for a second and then slumped down to the ground. The earth shook and then there was a mute silence. Tears needed no words.

[ June 07, 2003: Message edited by: Annunfuiniel ]