[piosenniel]

Berilac

From Berilac’s point of view, Rudgar was just as threatening as his captain. He had pointed his blade at the Ranger and then resheathed it. And now he stood there almost daring the hobbit to make his move. Berilac kept his eye on the man as he motioned his bowmen into place.

‘You cannot keep your sword, sir,’ he said quietly to the man. Rudgar made no move to lay down his weapon, resting his hand protectively on its pommel. ‘Please, let us have no bloodshed. These children have seen enough, don’t you think?’ He stepped a little closer to the man, who had a dangerous look in his eye. Rudgar’s hand now gripped the handle of the still sheathed sword tightly.

Before Berilac could say another word, there was a loud clunk and then a louder thump as Rudgar toppled forward and hit the floor with a soft groan. There, standing behind him, was Will who had sneaked up behind the man with one of the iron skillets from the kitchen and walloped him on the back of the head. Will’s face was white and he trembled as he lowered the pan to the floor.

‘He’s not dead, laddie,’ said Lilac, coming up beside the young man. ‘Just out for the while.’ She pointed to the coil of rope left over from tying up Guthwine. ‘Now fetch that rope over there and get him secured.’ Berilac nodded to Will, and bent to help him.

They were just finishing when Telien and a small contingent of his men came bursting through the door. ‘I see you’ve gotten things under control here, Berilac,’ he said. He nodded at Will who was just finishing the last knot to bind Rudgar’s wrists.

‘To a point,’ returned Berilac, grinning for a moment at Telien. ‘But we’ve reached the place where the Big Folk should take over.’ Telien raised his brows and looked down at the Hobbit.

‘Someone’s got to tote them downstairs, get them locked up,’ continued Berilac. ‘Some-ones with strong arms, long legs and strong backs.

The sound of muffled laughter from the bowmen followed the Breeland Captain and his doughty men . . .