[Mithadan]

Piosenniel and Mithadan made their way slowly up the river, stopping at times to listen for any sound of alarm from the ship which they approached. But all remained quiet. The Numenorean vessel was dark but for the light of the moon. There was no sign of activity.

Suddenly, Mithadan was seized from behind. He twisted and dived, drawing a knife as he turned to face this new threat. A hand grasped the wrist of his right arm immobilizing the blade and pulling him to the surface. He heard a voice in the shadows hiss, "What are you two doing now?" Mithadan relaxed at the familiarity of the voice; it was Levanto.

"Shhh," hissed the Elf. "Take care. I see movement on deck." The Man turned but he could see nothing on the vessel. Levanto floated quietly beside him. "Stay in the water," whispered Mithadan. "We'll call if we need assistance."

The two approached the vessel. It was moored to the dock with two lines and its gangway was drawn up to its deck so none could board from shore. Piosenniel swam slowly around the ship, then returned and reported that the red cloth remained in place. She then swam to the bow while Mithadan remained at the stern.

He waited in the shadows of the dock until he heard the call of a nightingale. Then he reached up and seized the line hanging over his head. Slowly, he lifted himself from the water and took hold of a davit on the deck. Pausing a moment to listen, he began to climb on board. Squirming between the rails, he stopped and laid still on the deck. He could just make out a shadowy form sitting on a barrel near the mast. The sound of soft snoring reached him.

With a soft ring, he drew his blade and crept closer, noting the hatch leading below just forward of the mast. He lifted himself to a crouch and froze as a second figure appeared behind the sailor. Moonlight reflected off a blade which flashed suddenly forward, then to the side. The sailor slumped forward. Mithadan leapt up quietly and grabbed the body as it fell and assisted the Elf in moving it to the side near a pile of rope.

The two turned and moved to the ladder which led below. At a sign from Piosenniel, he led the way down the ladder...