[Mithadan]

The wind whispered through the tall grass as Mithadan and Bird waited for the arrival of the horse and its rider. Suddenly, the sound of hoofs clopping on the path was silenced and no further noise could be heard. When several tense minutes had passed, Mithadan turned to Bird and said, "The rider has either halted or left the path. We must find out where he is. Could you...?" He glanced skyward.

Without a word, the petite woman melted away to be replaced by a jackadaw. The bird hopped down into the hollow, spread its wings and took to the sky. After wheeling overhead, it proceeded off to the west.

Mithadan rolled onto his back and drew his sword. Then he arranged himself in a crouch while he awaited Bird's return. He did not have to wait long. In a matter of minutes, the black and white bird returned and changed back into a woman. She stood, shaking her head, then spoke. "You will not like this," she said. "Its Rose and her friend Gilly. They've followed us."

Mithadan uttered a colorful but vile imprecation concerning the social habits of Orcs. Bird stepped back in shock. "Take care," she quipped. "Another such curse and you'll wilt the grass and destroy our hiding place."

He stood and brushed off his clothes. With a wry grin and a wink, he said, "I am a sailor, after all." She pursed her lips in disapproval. "I wouldn't wish that even on an Orc."

The two made their toward the Hobbits, avoiding the road and sticking to the underbrush. After a moment, they could hear the sound of splashing and laughing. Mithadan scowled and shook his head in annoyance. Then he stepped forward toward the brook, only to be struck in the face by a flying dollop of mud. His next curse did wilt the grass and stunned a nearby squirrel as well.