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Old 02-26-2004, 09:43 AM   #122
Mithadan
Spirit of Mist
 
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Tol Eressea
Posts: 3,310
Mithadan is a guest at the Prancing Pony.Mithadan is a guest at the Prancing Pony.
Mithadan

Mithadan considered Airefalas' words for a moment. Then he walked to the window and looked out over the city. Then he turned away from the window with clenched fists. "I do not doubt that you are correct," he answered. "We have paid for the goods which we purchased, so the traders cannot be angry if Falasmir seizes our ship. Our cargo, no doubt, will go towards filling Umbar's coffers... as will the profits from selling the crew of the Star."

"Then we must deny Falasmir his profits," replied Airefalas with a thin smile.

"That may be difficult," said Mithadan. "Let's go to the docks." The two dressed rapidly and exited their rooms, waiting impatiently as their guards roused themselves to escort their 'guests' from the palace. They walked quickly, ignoring the heat, though both were sweating heavily by the time they reached the quays. Falasmir's guards stopped them briefly near the gangway. Mithadan noted that the carts bearing the Star's cargo were being searched before being allowed to come up next to the ship. "For our safety, no doubt..." growled Mithadan as they were allowed to pass and climbed aboard their vessel.

Saelon greeted them on the deck with a broad smile. "We load at last, Captain," he said. "Do we depart soon?" Mithadan motioned him to follow and went below decks to his cabin. After Saelon and Airefalas entered, he tossed a pile of bills of lading upon his desk. Then he picked up several that were lying there and pulled out three which he examined with a nod. Then he turned back to his second mate.

"Saelon," he said quietly. "The soldiers of Umbar will be seizing this vessel and our crew tomorrow."

"What!" cried Saelon. "What of our safe passage? What of Falasmir's guarantees?"

He recounted briefly what he and Airefalas had been told as well as what they guessed. "Well," said Saelon, with a grim face. "You are here now. We will depart immediately." He turned towards the door but was stopped by Airefalas, who shook his head. "How far would we get with corsairs moored on either side of us?" he asked simply.

"We'll fight then," answered Saelon. "We are well-armed."

"We are well-armed, but we are in the middle of our enemy's domain," growled Mithadan. "We will fight, but we will choose the time and place." The three of them sat at a table and Mithadan laid out his plan in detail, stopping at times to draw out some simple diagrams on sheets of vellum.

"It is risky," muttered Saelon. "But it may work. If Ulmo favors us upon the seas and Manwë sends us fair winds."

"It is better than fighting on the docks," agreed Airefalas.

"Airefalas and I will return to the palace," said Mithadan. "You must make all ready. It must appear as if we are not preparing to depart, but all cargo must be stowed and the sails furled without tangles. Then, this evening, you will begin just as we spoke... with the gift for the crews of the corsairs. Give them time to enjoy themselves..." A feral grin passed over Mithadan's face. "Then, just before midnight, set matters in motion."

"When will you return?" asked Saelon suspiciously.

"By midnight or not at all," answered Airefalas.

"We will wait for you," proclaimed Saelon.

Mithadan's fist struck the table. "You will not!" he cried. "You will not wait! Not for a moment! If we do not return by midnight, you must take your chance. We have... other options. If we do not return in time, tell Piosenniel that I have found a relative of Bird's. Say just that. I have found a relative of Bird's named Rama."

At that moment, a knock came upon the door. Ardil, the helmsman opened the door. "Captain," he said. "There is someone here to see you..."
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