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[Ransom]

“And what in the name of the Valar are you? Show yourself!”

On second though, Llu supposed that it wasn’t fair to expect the human to be completely rational at the moment. Still, fear could be just as useful as a bag full of gold if one knew how to wield it correctly. “Unless the world has changed since the last time I saw daylight, it’s usually the guest who must identify himself to his host. Still, I suppose that you’ve heard of the elves of Mirkwood?”

Angalos pondered this for a moment. While the voice was certainly not that of a robber or an orc, the human couldn’t tell if the speaker was truly an elf or simply a human skilled in a deception. The only way to tell would be to venture a glance—and he of all people knew of the skill the elves had with bows. Even more troubling was the mysterious stalker’s analogy. Had somebody moved into the mountains after the elves had left? Had the lost race of elves simply hidden themselves away from the rest of the world? Or was somebody spinning a tall tale to force him out into the open? “I know of the elves of Mirkwood. But even they believe that the elves of the mountain have left. What do you want?”

“You are unwise, human, but not stupid. If I had wanted to kill you, your blood would already be drying on the stone floor. It was no hard task to trail you and your group. I can help you find them, if you wish, and lead you out of the mountain. Else, you will probably die of hunger or thirst before seeing the light of day.”

For his part, Angalos could hardly refute his logic. He slowly rose to his feet, careful not to appear too threatening. While the human easily spotted his stalker, the small amount of light that came from the small shaft in the roof was not sufficient to reveal many physical features. Still, the shadows had receded enough for the human to tell that the sniper was indeed an elf. “Very well, elf. Where are my friends?”

Llu stared at the human for a moment before smiling thinly. “They are coming toward the kitchen as we speak.”

A series of loud pounding noises and a few whispered comments issued from the entrance of the kitchen. Angalos was elated—it would certainly feel safer in the company of some comrades instead of this strange elf. “Ho, Jadae! Over here!”