[GreatWarg]

Khelek trotted beside Rudhchamion, alert and tense. This part of Mirkwood was guarded little by the Wood Elves, for they did not come so close to Barad-dur. Strange things lurked in the shadows, and the eyes peering out would startle the draug and quickly blink out if he growled slightly. Anarya followed. Light were her footsteps, and her bow was gripped in her hand. She was chanting softly still, driving away the evil things of the dark wood. Taralphiel kept close, shuddering slightly, but staying as quiet as she could. Phantom beasts and things unseen in the shadows went through the young maiden's mind.

"How do we plan on getting to Barad-dur, Master Elf?" Khelek asked, breaking the silence. A twig snapped, and the company twirled around.

"Sorry," Taralphiel mumbled.

"I have not planned so far," Rudhchamion answered, after the group had been going on for some while again. "Our original plan was to come unseen from the north way. But because of the Enemy's spies, we may have to go around. A way which he will most likely least expect."

Khelek paused and looked up at the tall, dark Elf. Alarm was in his posture. "You do not mean to take the road eastward?" the draug asked, eyes growing wide and pupils narrowing.

"The way will be least expected. We will wait until high noon, where his fell spies will be hiding from the face of the Sun. We will have to keep hidden during the day."

"You do not know what the Enemy expects." Khelek refused to say anything after that, and a drear silence fell over the company again as they marched closer to the dreaded fortress. All was quiet except for the chanting of Anarya.

After several hours and many miles, Rudhchamion began to look for a place to spend the night. It would be dangerous to be caught wandering around in the sheer darkness of Mirkwood under the pale Moon.

"The Moon will not rise for some hours yet," Khelek warned, ears perking at the slightest creak of a branch, the snap of a twig, the drip of dew, and the silent padding of some unknown beast.

Rudhchamion grunted, peering at the shadowy forms of barely seen trees. "The trunks of these trees will have to do for tonight. We must be silent, and light no fire, nor stir. I hope we shall not be found before the Sun shines again."

Taralphiel and Anarya retired to one large trunk of a tree. Its large roots twisted and snaked through the ground, and its highest branches constantly creaked. Khelek and Rudhchamion took the other one. The dirt inside the trees was dry at least, although the scent of termites and other assortments of insects was stiffling to the draug's nose.

"Pray we make it through this night," Khelek said grimly as he curled up tightly.

[ September 17, 2002: Message edited by: GreatWarg ]