[Envinyatar]

Mori and Stamo, accompanied by White Paw made all haste back to the Green Man. ‘By the One!’ Mori swore, seeing the door to the Inn wide open and hanging slightly askew, or so it seemed. ‘We’re too late! The wolves have entered the place!’

The two men stepped up cautiously onto the little porch, their ears and eyes straining to know who or what they would find. It was curiously quiet, save for what seemed to be the occasional scuffling sound of feet on the wooden floor, the hoot of an owl, and the deep snorting sort of breath bears make . . . and of course the soft little quack-quack that nervous ducks tend to make.

‘What in all creation is this?’ said aloud, as he stepped into the room. A line of animals stood just inside the door. Across the room were the Halflings, the Innkeeper, the Cook, Birger, and any other of the occupants of the Green Man. There were bows drawn, and cudgels in hand, along with a long handled iron skillet, pitchfork, and whatever implement the occupants had found readily at hand.

‘Best we get this door back in place and bolted fast . . .’ he said, taking in the situation. ‘It’s not them that are attacking you,’ he advised the human defenders. ‘More like they’ve come in for shelter against the real enemy.’

‘The creature is on his way here!’ one of the men said in alarm, his pitchfork dropping down to rest on the floor.

‘No, not the creature . . . there is a large pack of wolves come down from the hills. Stirred up most likely by the presence of this foul spawn of Melkor. They are feeling brave . . . and rather hungry for the kill. We’ve come to help you defend against them. Another has gone on against the creature to save Wenda and Mara if he might.’ He made a claming gesture with his hands. ‘Lay down your weapons, please. And let’s get the Inn secured.’ He nodded to Owl. ‘Can you get your folk organized? You know their skills best.’

Mori reached into the satchel that hung at his side and scooped out the cat. ‘And you little master, how are your skills against wolves these days? See how you can help, if you will . . .’