[the phantom]

"Ah- here you are at last!" exclaimed The Phantom as BW entered. "I know it is customary to be 'fashionably late', but I believe you missed your window."

"The Barrow-Wight is never late!" BW shot back, "Nor is he early-"

"Yes, yes," chuckled Fea, "You arrive precisely when you mean to, right?"

"Exactly!" he answered. BW's eyes fell upon the three large trunks beside the table. "And what are those?"

"They're trunks, duh!" giggled Aina. BW and The Phantom glared at her.

"They are gifts," said The Phantom. "Open the largest one," he ordered the servant guarding the gifts.

The onlookers gasped. It was a giant hand.

"I've had my people working on this for quite some time. This is cutting edge technology, Mr. BW. You won't be able to tell the difference between this hand and your old one- the one that the annoying little hobbit lopped off. My surgeons can attach it in a quick one hour operation. I brought them along in case you wanted it done right away. If you don't have time today, just call me and set up an appointment."

The Barrow-Wight smiled and gave a quick head nod to show his approval. All the guests applauded and cheered. The Phantom had certainly upheld his reputation as a master gift giver. "I heard he taught Celeborn and Annatar how to do this sort of thing," shouted Aina to the guest on her right.

"Open the medium trunk!" commanded The Phantom over the noise of the crowd. "Then, give the contents to The Barrow-Wight."

The medium trunk was long and narrow. The servant opened the lid and reached inside and then, one by one, he pulled out five beautiful Numenorean swords and placed them on the table in front of The Barrow-Wight.

"I heard about the theft," said The Phantom. "But after today, it will no longer be a loss. Each of these swords is extremely valuable. Why, this one right here was Elendil's first sword. Call up Master Elrond if you want the claim verified."

The crowd applauded and cheered again.

I wonder what he has in that little trunk? wondered Fea.

"You'll find out later," whispered The Phantom.

I hate mind readers thought Fea.

The Phantom smiled.

"I hope you don't mind, Barrow-Wight, but I would like to wait a bit before presenting my final gift."

"Fine with me. I've got plenty of things to do."

"Good. Then I will see you later." The Phantom vanished in a puff of smoke.