A great confusion!
No sooner had the group reached the summit, than a great host of black feathered birds flew in..many were slain but even more escaped, too swift for any arrow to find its mark. Donhelm posted guards around the summit and the remainder made camp in the light of the setting sun. He walked to the eastern edge and peered into the distance. The birds had troubled him a great deal..they had seemed to attack with a kind of intelligence belonging to no creature he had ever seen.
He groaned a little as he lowered himself to the ground to take rest.The body was not as supple as it used to be, age was coming for him a little more each day. This journey would more than likely be his last..one way or another. He lay down and closed his eye, soon dreaming of great flocks of birds descending toward Mugendo closer and closer and finally landing on him with a….
He woke with a start and clambered to his feet..but there were no birds..only unfamiliar voices mixed with those of the dwarves..who sounded irritated. It had grown dark while he slept, and he cursed himself softly for allowing himself such pleasure before all the camp arrangements had been seen to.
He walked back to the campfire, to be met with new arrivals. No men these, no hobbit or dwarf, but slender graceful people whose voices carried a slightly mocking tone, but nonetheless seemed almost musical in its delivery. Donhelm walked closer.. They seemed to be arguing with the dwarves, that much he had caught on his approach. The argument seemed to be about the fire which burned in the centre of the old stones which surmounted Amon –sul.
“Welcome friends!” Donhelm stepped into the firelight. “Donhelm Graymare at your service!” the elves bowed as one and introduced themselves.. Isilmewen, Fuin and Eglandir were their names..The tallest of the three smiled at him..”Suillad graymare..we know you” Donhelm was a little surprised at this for he recognised none of them and had seen very few elves in his lifetime. “you know me?” the tall elf smiled and bowed her head. “you leave your mark upon the land for miles around, the deaf can see where you have been and the blind can hear you from leagues away since you insist on announcing every move with a blast on your horn. Perhaps you would be better to go quietly in these lands?” the Dwarf Ule growled at this and Donhelm placed a placating hand on his shoulder to stay him. The second elf spoke up, indicating the fire. “and you insist on lighting a beacon to draw the enemy upon you..we are disappointed to find such reckless behaviour..though we know to expect it from men!".The final remark was accompanied by a withering look around the camp.
Donhelm bit into his lip. Who were these beings who dared to disdain his friends and allies and their attempt to bring death to the enemy? He looked at the elves and drew a breath.
“know this!” he began..”we do not skulk like foxes in the night,this is no secret journey, but a warband..and I know of no army who travels in secret.You say you have heard of me..or did you simply mean you heard me?whichever it is..i am glad of it..for let no elf, dwarf, Halfling or man doubt our purpose! We seek a lost companion and we will wade knee deep through the enemy dead to find him!”
At this..a great cheer rose up, only the elves remained silent..looking icily at Donhelm.
And as for the fire! Donhelm continued, shouting in his rage.”Raise it up! More wood to the flames!.let all who are near see us and either fear or rejoice in our presence!” A few men came forward laden with branches and threw them on to the fire..it roared into life and blazed fiercely. Donhelm laughed despite his rising anger and brought forth his horn. The elves only shook their heads as he blew with all his might. Another cheer!
Donhelm smirked at the elves and turned to walk away..then he saw them…shadows all around..growing larger.. eyes flickering in the dark..the sound of many wings.. a black arrow narrowly missed him flicking his hair as it passed… The enemy were upon them!
