[The Barrow-Wight]

Akaaw watched proudly as his son aptly led the horde over the spur of mountainous hills that jutted southeastward from the foot of Methedras. The rugged highlands were topped with great, jagged boulders, and their eastern shoulders were blanketed in thick stands of the ancient trees of Fangorn forest. The woodland spread outward from the mountains in a great field of dark green that contrasted sharply with the golden plains of Rohan.

Drawing his attention back to the old crow beside him, Akaaw said quietly “Fingot, we have know each other for a long time. My father served honorably with you, as did my grandfather and his father.You have outlasted all of them as well as many of your own offspring, but your great family continues to grow, as does your wisdom.”

The old crow clicked agreement and ruffled his chest feathers in appreciation of the respectful remark. Less complimentary remarks were surely to follow, but this young leader understood the ways of diplomacy. Akaaw continued.

“Mitikaw is a popular creban, and he has gained quite a following of young crows, but it takes more than a cackling claque of crows to be a leader, as you know. It takes courage, wisdom, and …”

His attention was momentarily drawn to something far below among the trees, and he seemed to forget his conversation with the old crow.

“What is it, trusted chief?” asked Fingot. “My old eyes are not what they once were.”

Akaaw turned back to the ancient creban, and continued.. “Your son need not seek opportunities to demonstrate his prowess on this journey. Danger will surely present itself many times.”

He smiled and motioned below. “It appears opportunity has arrived. Excuse me, Sparrowbane”

The crebain leader darted forward to where his son flew at the front of the horde. The young bird was flying with his eyes closed, as if he was sleeping, and Akaaw clacked loudly to gain his attention . Rakaak opened his eyes slowly and looked at his father.

“What is it?” he asked, rudely.

“Are you dreaming, sparrow?” Akaaw asked the boy, angry that he had been napping. Without waiting for a reply, he continued. “Wake up, young one, and look below. Tell me what you see.”

Rakaak stared downward for a few moments and answered, “Trees.”

Akaaw replied with an irritated grunt, “Yes, of course you see trees, so many trees. Look harder, lad!”

Again, Rakaak peered downard, and after several seconds let out a quiet “Aaaak.”

“Now you see!” hissed Akaaw. “Describe what is below us!”

Rakaak answered. “I see the ancient and tall trees of Fangorn spreading out in a great carpet from the mountains to the plains. But below us, where the grass, trees, and rock come together, there is a great barren area where once was leaves and branch.”

“Yes! Go on!”

“There is movement in the treeless area, many creatures running among dead stumps. Several fires are burning near the plains, and… Wait! …. Horses are riding across the grassy hills, many together with Men on their backs. Is this a battle, father?”

“It soon will be,” croaked Akaaw. “The yellow-hairs approach our master’s axemen. Lead us below to get a closer look.”

[ December 20, 2002: Message edited by: The Barrow-Wight ]