-How is the search going?
-We are close… I think. We have been digging all over.
-So you failed.
-No! Not yet at least.
-You have two more days, then Erenkhad will come.
The old man shook his head, adjusted his robes and walked away from the younger man on the horse, as he walked by the gate he waved a hand and the big gate opened, the young man rode out of sight fast.
The old man with the gray eyes walked into a tower and made his way up a winding stair and stood at the second door to the right. He was watching at a man who stood next to a window, reading a parchment.
-Er- he begun to say but he was interrupted.
-They failed?
-Yes. I want you to lead the expedition. Make sure you find the bracelet. Domruth needs it to regain full strength. I will send the three to the Necromancer, the last stage of his job is to make sure that the body is fully functional. How many men do you need?
-No more than ten.
-Choose whomever you want and go. I will send the three to the Necromancer in a storm to conceal them…
Meanwhile in Thorin’s Gate and at the Drunkard’s Study.
I have been here for three days now and I can’t find anything! thought Fiontann while pulling out of the bookcase another book, called The North Downs, Now and Then. He turned the pages trying to find any references to the Battle of Fornost but he couldn’t find anything, no mention of that, or anything that had to do with serious matters, it was just a tome of history that common folk read and then speak of in taverns to pretend they’re educated. He put it back again and looked around the Study while his fingers passed over the books next to him feeling them. He thought hard for some moments but in the end he gave up. I’ll go for a drink at the tavern he thought, some interaction with others and fresh air will help me clear my head.
He felt like the frozen wind woke him up as soon as he stepped out of the great doors of the Blue Mountains and walked to Thorin’s Hall, he was trembling, having misjudged the weather and being locked inn the Hall for days made him forget how cold it was. But he enjoyed it as he finally felt that he did something after all that time he spent reading books that gave no help. Thorin’s Hall wasn’t too warm but it wasn’t cold either, the Dwarves were busy as always and he nodded to some as he passed by.
-Can I have some food and hot tea?
The Dwarf raised a brow when he heard tea.
-I’ll have ale after it, it’s cold outside, have you been outside?
-I have, I live here!
Said the Dwarf as if offended and then dropped his fist on the counter and shook his head almost with contempt, then laughed and put the kettle over the fire and prepared some food.
-I heard that they finished the Hall for you. You came to see how it is?
-Mostly for work, I knew the Dwarves wouldn’t disappoint me.
-Of course not!
Fion started eating when two Dwarves arrived in travel gear.
-Ale and food, brother!
Said one loudly and the innkeeper set to prepare their order. Fion nodded at them who replied with a friendly wave and resumed his eating.
-Where have you been lads?
Asked the innkeeper while walking to their table with a tray with two tankards of ale and two plates of lamb and bread.
-We are coming from Othrikar, bringing ore.
The young Dwarf with the long black hair said and the other one nodded in agreement, they were dressed alike, travelling clothes with muddy working boots and heavy gloves and shoulder pieces made for battle.
-We saw some Elves on the way here.
-So what?
-They said that there is a storm is in Angmar.
Fion choked and spat the food he was eating at that moment, the innkeeper turned to him and waved the ladle he was holding.
-Hey now, if you don’t like it say so, don’t make a mess!
-They are sending some scouts to assess the situation.
Said the other Dwarf while munching on the meat.
-Yes, they expect some kind of trouble.
-They are leaving, what do they know of trouble!
Said the innkeeper.
-I didn’t ask but they seemed serious about it.
-Where are they now?
Asked Fion.
-We met them by the Lodge this morning, they can’t have gone far.
Fion then paid for the food and stormed off in a hurry. The innkeeper shook his head nad pointed at his general direction.
-That man's losing it I think, he came and locked himself at his home and now he hears about Elves and runs away, where is this world going to...
