[Firefoot]

“The prisoners are aware of our presence, cor-” Targil was saying. Thorvel’s mind worked quickly. How would they know of us? And how would Targil know this? He supposed it was possible that the other Elves had sensed their presence; their senses were much sharper than those of the Orcs. That would mean that the captives most certainly had their wits about them, and the realization brought hope to Thorvel, and that hope was strangely comforting. He finished Targil’s sentence when he showed no sign of doing so himself.

“And they should be aware of when we attack.” But how to let them know? He glanced at Calenvása, and caught him nodding. The Captain appeared to be thinking, if thinking was a strong enough word. Debating with himself. Targil was watching Calenvása, and Lómarandil was frowning, undoubtedly because of the many harsh words and pointed glares from himself and Targil. Thorvel winced. Why did I do that again? One side of him asked. Because he is a foolish young elf who is always assuming everything... Stop it! Stop it now! What makes you think you’re so much better than he is anyway? That was surprising, and rather subduing. He shut the thoughts away. He was getting quite good at that, these days. He looked to Calenvása, who Thorvel thought would be the next one to speak, but to his surprise it was Targil who took charge.

“Here is what I think we should do," said Targil. "We will set ourselves in a position that will be in the Orcs’ line of march that they should reach early tomorrow morning. Three of us will hide in a stand of trees - a fairly large one - and one will hide further away, on the other side of the Orcs’ assumed path. The three will then let themselves be known to the Orcs with a loud noise or some other such distraction. With any luck at all, the Orcs will go to investigate. This is where the lone Elf comes in. The Orcs will probably leave a scanty guard if any, and that Elf will go in to rescue the Lórien Elves.” Thorvel nodded slowly, thinking the plan over. It made a good deal of sense, but...

“It’s mighty risky. A thousand things could go wrong,” said Calenvása. He did not seem to be opposing the plan, but simply stating a point. Lómarandil took it further, however, and was clearly arguing the point. “They might not decide to investigate, or send only a scout or two to find out. Where would we be then? I do not think we will have much more chance to ambush them.”

“And yet it seems to be the more sensible than anything else we can think of,” said Thorvel thoughtfully. “In addition to distracting the Orcs, it will also let the other Elves know we about to do something. And we will be at a clear advantage in the forest for the fighting that will need to be done. We will have to take those risks.” Unconsciously he reached up to finger the green-feathered end of one of his arrows.

The next thought that occurred to him, however, was who would be the single Elf. He almost shuddered at the thought of Lómarandil going. However thankful the Lórien Elves might be to them for rescuing them, Thorvel did not think they would get off to a good start between the two groups if the arrogant young Elf went after them. He himself did not want to go; his bow had gone unused for too long. Targil appeared to be contemplating the same situation, and did not look as if he wanted to go either. Thorvel thought that Calenvása might also want to stay with the group, as he was the Captain even though Targil seemed to be taking control right now. Lómarandil appeared to be about to speak up, undoubtedly to volunteer. It would be just the sort of thing that he would volunteer to do. Thorvel wanted to avoid another debate, another division in the troop. Maybe he could make up a bit for letting go of his anger at Lómarandil - not towards Lómarandil, but to the Captain, and to himself. So he spoke up, half wishing he hadn’t and hoping the words didn’t sound to forced, for that was exactly what they were. “I will be the one go to the Lórien Elves.” Lómarandil scowled at him fiercely, but Calenvása’s look of gratitude and relief was worth it.

“Yes,” said Calenvása. “That would be good.”

“I will whistle when the Orcs are approaching my hideout,” said Thorvel. “And also the Elves are free and we are gone from the area of the wagon, like a bird and close enough that the Orcs will be unable to tell the difference.” Targil nodded.

“Our plans are ready then,” said Targil. “The night is growing late. We should find our positions, and rest in preparation for our ambush. I believe that this stand of trees will do as well as any. It is large enough to get the Orcs a good distance away from the wagon, and also provides good cover for us. The way we took to get here is the way that the Orcs will probably take in the morning. Thorvel, early tomorrow morning go find your position on the other side from this thicket. We will await your signal. We will find such rest as we may until tomorrow.” Thorvel nodded, and moved out without a word, walking quickly and silently. He soon relaxed against a tree. He was slightly surprised to be taking orders from Targil, but he accepted it, since it seemed to be what Calenvása wanted. Our plan will work. It has to.