The present time is 4th Age Middle Earth....late Autumn...Dirk of Esgaroth and Lady Parador journey down the Anduin whilst the Mithril Knights in Edoras go forth to find justice...

But some months before, letters were sent out from the Guild House of Caras Galadhon, from deep within the Golden Wood of Lothlorien...

To the House of Imladris a letter sealed with the Sigil of the Mithril Knights is sent and awaits the arrival of Guruthostirn, Elven warrior, to retrieve it:

Noble Guruthostirn, Mae Govannon

I, Elbren Galadrim, Guild Master of the Mithril Knights Warrior's Guild, greet thee. It has come to my attention that you may wish to join the Mithril Knights Warrior's Guild. If this is indeed your wish, then please inquire at the Guild House in Imladris, upon your arrival, as to my whereabouts. My Uncle, Lord Celeborn, will know where you can find me. If he does not, then messages can be sent to Caras Galadhon ere you set out. I look forward to meeting you.

Namarie,

Lord Elbren Galadrim

************************************************

A messenger clad in shining mail seeks the Lady Nienor-Niniel at the Lucky Fortune Inn and presents to her a letter sealed with the Sigil of the Mithril Knights:

Greetings Lady Nienor-Niniel,

I have been informed that you wish to seek membership in the Mithril Knights Warrior's Guild. I am very pleased and honoured to know this. The messenger who has brought you this letter will guide you to the Guild House from whence your training will begin. I look forward to meeting you.

Namarie,

Lord Elbren Galadrim

All of a sudden, throughout the noise of the Lucky Fortune Inn, Nienor-Niniel heard her name being called - a messenger was looking for her. She knew this day would come since she had told that she wanted to join the Mithril Knights. But she hadn't expected her mission so soon, and not arriving in the middle of a peaceful evening, shared with friends.

But the message was there right under her eyes:

Greetings Lady Nienor-Niniel,

I have been informed that you wish to seek membership in the Mithril Knights Warrior's Guild. I am very pleased and honoured to know this. The messenger who has brought you this letter will guide you to the Guild House from whence your training will begin. I look forward to meeting you.

Namarie,

Lord Elbren Galadrim

At her request, the messenger told her that they would be leaving for the Guild House of Edoras. So it had to be Rohan. She sighed. If there were one place in Middle-Earth, where she would not have chosen to go, it would have been this one. But be it. She had decided this turn in her life, and older grief had to be settled too. It is a sign, she thought. Whatever has come later, I have been happy in Rohan. I shall be it again.

"What is it?" asked Elana, seeing her friend staring at this piece of paper as if it was a message from the Valar themselves.

"I will have to leave. Tomorrow at dawn." she answered.

"But that's all too soon." Elana seemed to be worried at her friend's determination. "What is so urgent? Would you not need a friend as your company?"

"No." Nienor-Niniel smiled. "This is the best news I have had for long. I have asked to join a warrior guild and my request has been granted - at least for a try. I have longed for this occasion."

"But why? You have finally found friends here, and it is a pity you shall leave us again."

"Elana, I know you mean well. But some errands cannot wait. There are many ways to find redemption and I believe that this is mine. I need a task, my friend, something that will help me to pay the price."

"What price?"

"That is a long story, or a short one, but not to be told tonight. Let us be merry together, and I shall leave with happy memories." Then she turned towards the messenger. "I thank you for your coming. Have a night of rest, as it is said you shall escort me, even though I don't think it necessary. We will leave tomorrow at dawn."

She was ready even before dawn and had hardly slept. Her horse was saddled, her bundle packed, the sword sharpened and the flute well protected. These were all her belongings.

"Gedeon," she whispered in her steed's ears, "you will be going home."

The days of travelling passed quietly and quickly. They hardly spoke. The young messenger, who answered to the name of Ekailo, would not answer to her questions, if ever she had asked any. But she didn't ask. Whatever task was lying ahead, it would be in Edoras, and in Edoras only that she would learn any details. The anticipation made her willing to arrive as soon as possible and she felt that she might be tempted to think over any detail that came to her knowledge. She did not even try to figure out.

Finally at the evening of the fifth day, the goal was near. Nienor-Niniel asked to spend this last night outside. She loved to sleep under the open sky and to watch the stars of Elbereth, to see the echo of the beauty of the Silmaril rise in the sky as a sign of better times and tidings. The young woman could not sleep. The air was soft, fresh, inviting. She took a deep breath, and decided to walk a few steps in the dark, moving silently. She was so used to avoiding any noise, that it seemed normal to her to walk like this, silent as if she were an elf.

Fog was lying among the soft hills of the March, and it was shimmering in the moonlight like a silver veil. The beauty of the landscape under the open sky was overwhelming and if ever anybody could have seen the slender woman walking in the moonlight, he would have taken her for a fairy. She was a part of this beauty, a part of this land. For long she had not known why she wanted to become a knight, a warrior, for she hated the war. But here in the moonlight on the hills of the Rider's March, she knew : Some things, some places on earth are worth everything to be protected from being sullied, hurt. She did not want to fight for the glory, or even the victory, but for the homecoming, for those who had to stay and without whom tomorrow would not be worth waiting for. She knew the excitement of a battlefield, but this was not her goal, even though she had missed it.

The next morning they arrived at Edoras. Ekailo guided her to the Guild's house in the city, but on the doorstep left her alone. They had talked so little, and now she regretted it, like a failure of a first meeting. They had not become close in any way and now it was too late, even for a polite farewell.

As she walked up the steps, the huge bronze door of the building opened as if it were magic, before she could look at the sculptures on it. It flung close behind her, with a loud and clinging noise. Another tall knight dressed in a long cloak welcomed her and to feel less small - she was rather small - she held herself perfectly upright.

"My name is Nienor-Niniel, like the beloved of Turin Turambar in the legends of old. I have received a message to come to Edoras." she spoke clearly and distinctively. Except her name, she had no title to claim her own.

"You have been expected." answered the knight. "Wait here. I shall announce your arrival."

Home. Or the closest equivalent now in these latter days. Striding into the rich river ravine in which it rested, Anorast I Thrandir gazed down upon Imladris. After many long years of wandering, it still seemed strange that he'd chosen a semi-permanent residence. Yet the elves of the Last Homely House had not turned him away, and indeed welcomed him back into their ranks, a distinction he'd disdained since before the fall of Balariend. Yet he had changed, and now he'd begun to abandon his long set ways of lonely wandering. Though he still chose to live alone in the wilds for much of his time, Anorast had realized he had to join society once more.

"Guruthostirn! Anorast, welcome back!"

As Anorast strode through the gateway into Rivendell, he was hailed by one of the stewards of the hall, standing above on a balcony. Anorast was instantly curious, for the steward had first addressed him by his title, which the wanderer had long used as a name. Just recently had he chosen to reclaim the name which was given to him as a child, and since the day he'd addressed the assembled household in the Hall of Fire, none had used the older title. Clearly, something unusual was waiting for him.

Once he entered the building proper, the steward who had hailed him soon tracked Anorast down. Allowing the wearied wanderer a moment of peace to remove his pack and cloak, the steward then handed Anorast a package.

"Anorast, this arrived for you a few days ago. As you can see, it is addressed to Guruthostirn, so I would surmise it concerns business you initiated before your recent change."

Anorast nodded at the elf. "Yes, there was only one possible source. Give me a moment and we shall see if I am correct."

Taking one of his knives and opening the simple envelope, Anorast extracted the letter inside. As he scanned it, his companion noted how still the wandering elf had become.

"My friend, what says this note?"

"This is news of great import - here, let me read it aloud:

Noble Guruthostirn, Mae Govannon

I, Elbren Galadrim, Guild Master of the Mithril Knights Warrior's Guild, greet thee. It has come to my attention that you may wish to join the Mithril Knights Warrior's Guild. If this is indeed your wish, then please inquire at the Guild House in Imladris, upon your arrival, as to my whereabouts. My Uncle, Lord Celeborn, will know where you can find me. If he does not, then messages can be sent to Caras Galadhon ere you set out. I look forward to meeting you.

Namarie,

Lord Elbren Galadrim

So, they have accepted my application to join their ranks. This note I deem shall bring one of my most enjoyable, yet most difficult experiences I have had in many a year."

When Anorast had finished reading the letter, the steward let out a low whistle. Many in the land had heard of the order of warriors. "Indeed, my friend. I've heard of their adventures, and of the missions they send potential members on. I would say you are in for an exceedingly 'interesting' experience."

"Yes indeed. I thank you for delivering this to me promptly. I fear I shall not be here long. Tonight I shall speak to Lord Celeborn, and I am sure that tomorrow I will be off again."

Taking his leave from the steward, who himself had duties to attend to, Anorast quickly went to the room the set aside for his use. After changing quickly into clothing more appropriate for the atmosphere of Imladris, he made his way to the great hall, where the evening meal had just begun. After a hurried supper, Anorast made his way to the Hall of Fire, where already songs were being sung, and tales were being told. Quietly he made his way to the great chair which stood off to one side. As he approached the elven lord, Anorast stilled his mind, and prepared to deal with Celeborn, a figure of authority, something Anorast did not always enjoy dealing with.

"My Lord Celeborn, I greet thee this evening."

"Good even, Anorast I Thrandir. It is good to have you back here in Rivendell. I know you avoid me, what brings you to my presence?"

Anorast handed Celeborn the letter, which he'd kept in a pocket through supper. "This. It tells me you can direct me to Lord Elbren."

"Yes, indeed it does. I would advise you make your way to Edoras. There you may find that which you seek."

"Thank you Lord Celeborn. I shall set out at dawn tomorrow." Anorast turned to go, but Celeborn raised a hand to pause him.

"I will let it be known that you require a steed, for though I know your prowess at traversing the wilderness, great speed is needed on this journey. One of my personal mounts shall be loaned to you. He will be waiting for you on the morrow. Farewell, kinsmen, and good fortune be with you."

At the last Anorast nodded his gratefulness, and immediately left to seek his bed. As he lay on the soft mattress, a luxury he seldom had, Anorast wondered what the journey ahead of him would bring. The next morning before daybreak he was awake, preparing for the journey south to Rohan. In his pack were all his usual gear, and from the grooms in the Rivendell stables he'd received saddlebags, which he'd packed with extra food and supplies, enough to last for many of the days between Imladris and Edoras. The steward who had given him the message the day before assisted Anorast in carrying the bags out to the courtyard, where a magnificent grey stallion awaited them.

"The Lord Celeborn has graced you with this loan. Here stands the finest steed in our stables. He will bear you to your destination faster than any except Shadowfax."

"Yes, this is a noble deed. I thank you for your help, and I hope soon to return, though I can give no guarantee." Mounting, and settling himself in preparation for departure, Anorast saw an elven lady approaching quickly, bearing a long bundle.

"Anorast, a message from the Lord Celeborn. Though the horse is only a loan, he wishes to give you a gift." She handed him the bundle, which he unwrapped slightly to reveal a dark wooded bow, and a full quiver of arrows. "He says, 'may these be of use to you, for I fear before the end even your weaponry may not be enough.'"

"Give the Lord my thanks, and my farewell!"

With that Anorast whispered a word to the stallion. Immediately they were off. The sure steps of his mount let Anorast trust his safety, and soon the journey became a blur. For many days they moved south through the wilds, seeing few people. Both the elf and horse were tireless, and they traveled as few could, stopping seldom. Once they reached the King's Road their progress became even faster.

Anorast pushed both the horse and himself. Long had he been a wanderer, lonely, solitary. Yet when he was given this chance, to join the ranks of this group of knights, he knew he had to take it. Increasingly he'd come to realize that he alone could not achieve the greater goals he'd come to hold. Only by joining with others of similar mind could he bring about what was vitally necessary in the eternal battle against evil. Though he was an elf, he was not drawn to cross the sea, not yet. Anorast was a child of Middle Earth, and here he would stay, until the end. Unlike so many of his kindred, he chose to be one of the protectors of this land, and he would not give up on it until his final journey to the farthest halls in the west, and join his fallen kindred in waiting for the end.

After many days, the Misty Mountains finally began to shrink, until at last Anorast reached the fords of the river Isen. In only days he would be at Edoras.

Wasting no time, he crossed, and urged his horse on. Still strong despite the long leagues behind them, the stallion sped on across the plains of Rohan, and soon the great hill of Edoras could be seen beneath the White Mountains. Dismounting outside the town gates, Anorast left his mount to graze, and proceeded on foot. After asking one of the gate guards for directions, Anorast made his way to the Guild house of the Mithril Knights in Edoras.

Immediately the great doors opened, and a tall man stood there. After a moment of looking at the wanderer, he moved aside and motioned Anorast inside.

"Greetings, Shadow Watcher. You are awaited inside. Come."

The old man sat in a dim corner of the tavern nursing a mug of ale and observing the scene around him. His rather phlegmatic telling of the Fall of Arnor had earned him a mutton and taters supper and this mug of chilled ale. The innkeeper, a kindly sort, had offered him the use of whatever room remained untaken by the time the tavern closed and the old man was very grateful.

Two young men entered the tavern and began to quietly question people in their search of a missing companion. The old man watched them walk right by without realizing who it was they were passing.

Erinhue smiled beneath the long grey beard that went with the long grey hair and stooped over posture of his latest disguise. Small details of the young men's dress, especially the crest he noticed on the hilt of one of their daggers told the bard that the two were indeed members of the Mithril Knights.

Erinhue sighed. While his mission was not a total failure, he could not call it a success. Tavern gossip would not hold up in court and none of it had lead to any solid evidence. The warrior/bard had heard enough to be convinced that Tempest was not responsible for the wrongful death attributed to her, but his instincts were not proof.

He could tell Elbren all he had heard and of his own suspicions that the dwarf just might have been killed by one of his own kind to cover the theft of the Arkenstone. It was not proof but it might lead to something that they could use to clear Tempest's less than sterling name.

Erinhue watched the young men leave the bar certain that they were asking in the wrong place. The tides of fortune must have turned awry if Elbren had sent out scouts to try and find him. There was no more to be learned here, the bard concluded, it was time to go back to Edoras.

Athelos entered the hall a few moments after the knight had left, and approached the young woman, this latest Knight in Training.

"Hello and welcome to the Mithril Knight Guild house. My name is Athelos, and you are?" She asked smiling at the new arrival.

"I am Nienor-Niniel," She quickly answered.

"Well Nienor-Niniel, I'm sorry that Lord Elbren is not here to great you personally, but he and most of the other knights took off on an important journey early this morning and I'm not sure when he'll be back."

Turning towards the direction of the long hall, she continued talking in her relaxed and friendly tone. "Let me show you to your room. You must be tired from your journey."

When Athelos had seen that the new guest was comfortably situated in her room, and had informed her that dinner would be served in a few hours, she then went back to the library to continue her reading. Just when she had picked up her book and had found the place where she'd left off, the same knight who had come in earlier, returned.

With a smile on his face, he said. "Well it appears that another Knight in Training has just arrived, would you like me to show him to his room?" The woman closed her book and gently placed it on the table.

"No, I will see to him." She said smiling to herself.

As she walked towards the entry, she reflected on how even when the knights were gone, there was always something happening here at the house. Entering the room, Athelos greeted this man the same way she greeted the previous Knight-in-Training.

"Welcome to the Guild house of the Mithril Knights. My name is Athelos."

The man quickly introduced himself as Guruthostirn, but then informed her that he would prefer to be called Anorast. Once again Athelos was leading another Knight-in-Training down the hall to his room and explaining why Lord Elbren wasn't present to greet him personally.

When Athelos had shown Anorast to his room and informed him when dinner would be, she decided that it would be best to start making the dinner preparations now, and would have to put off her research until later.

*******

Later that evening Rho rode back into Edoras. From the look of the moon she determined that it must be close to midnight. After leaving Tamir in the competent hands of the stable master she and Chirion made there way back to the Guild house.

Once inside, Rho grabbed one of the small wall torches that was still lit and made her way to the room where the knights had gathered earlier in the day. Moving the torch towards the tables center of her she looked towards the center of the table and saw that the items that had been left there, were now gone.

As the knight turned around to leave, Athelos entered and asked if she had returned alone or with the others. Rho briefly explained that Elbren had sent her back alone and that she would be traveling the next day to Orthanc. It was then that the woman mentioned to her that two new Knights-in Training had arrived and were now sleeping comfortably in their rooms.

Rho looked back at Athelos and said, "But Elbren doesn't know they've arrived and I don't know when he shall return."

"Perhaps you could take them with you on your journey." She replied back.

Rho thought about this for a brief moment and realized how uncomfortable she was with that idea. Sure she was a Mithril Knight now and she would do anything that was needed or requested of her, but her initiation had only been two days ago. She knew that there was still much to learn.

After several moments of thinking she asked. "Has there been any word about or from Erinhue?"

"There has been neither, Lady Rho."

Then seeing the concern along with the lack of sleep from the previous night, Athelos suggested that Rho gets some sleep, assuring her that things would look clearer in the morning.

Knowing that Athelos was right, at least about needing sleep, Rho and the wolf headed back towards their room, after telling the helpful woman good night.

"The road goes ever onward
And far off we may roam
Yet of all the way the road may lead
The most loved way is home."

A rich baritone rolled out beneath a deep velvet blue sky sprinkled with stars that twinkled in time with the tinkle of the silver bells braided into Treble's mane and tail.

Erinhue finished the song as he rode the painted stallion up to the stables. Swinging lightly down from his mount Erinhue turned the reigns over to the stable master and retrieved his dragonharp, Agarak from its special hook on the sadle.

As he strode into the Guildhouse's foyer hall, Athelos appeared coming towards him with a smile of true affection.

"Lord Erinhue,there's been such asking after you lately. Lord Elbren is not here but the Lady Rholarowyn arrived earlier and so have two new young hopefuls seeking entry into the ranks of the Mithril Knights."

"Elbren's not here?" the bard repeated and a frown wrinkled his features. It was quickly banished by a version of his starbright grin. He swept off his cap, bowed and caught up Athelos' hand. He pressed her hand gently to his lips and winked at her.

"We'll leave the Lady Rho to her rest and I will meet the new recruits in the morning. And that leaves you, Athelos my beloved to save this weary soul from loneliness as he searches out a few morsels to silence the rude growling of his long empty belly. A crumb of bread, a few scraps still clinging to the bone, a potato I might cut the mold from, or some nearly spoiled porrage or perhaps......."

"Stop, stop" Athelos cried out amid the laughter she could not supress watching his increasingly pitiful expression. "Come with me to the kitchens and we will get you fed with a proper meal and you won't find any mold creeping up in any part of this house."

"I am certain the mold wouldn't dare." Erinhue nodded and offered her his crooked elbow. "Come along then Althelos m'deary darlin' away to the kitchens and we shall feast upon the midnight hour."

Rho had just left Athelos and was walking towards her room, when a man approached her and introduced himself as Dirk. Because of her recent lack of sleep, it took a few moments for her to remember that he was the Knight-in-Training Lady Parador had been mentoring. After a brief introduction between Dirk, Rho, and the wolf, she felt it important to inform him of the latest developments, so the two went back into the dinning room.

Just as they sat down, Athelos entered the room holding the items that Rho had been looking for previously. Placing the backpack, pouch, the two pages of poetry, and the small Dwarven box down on the table, Rho thanked the woman with a smile and then understood why Elbren thought of her as an essential part of the Guild house. Athelos seemed to have an uncanny ability to know what was needed well before it was asked of her.

Looking down at the items, Rho then began to explain all that she knew about them, as well as the events that had transpired in the previous two days. She concluded her explanation by informing Dirk of the mission that Elbren had requested of her. To go to Orthanc and see if Thalos could interpret the Dwarvish Runes that were carved onto the outside of the box.

The two continued talking for another half hour, before she politely dismissed herself and went off to her room. Exhausted, she laid herself down on the bed. Sleep came easily and quickly, but unfortunately it didn't last long. She was awakened by one very agitated wolf, pacing and whining in her room. One moment Chiron was standing next to the bed, and then the next moment, she would loose site of him as he headed towards the door.

That's when she realized something was wrong, the moon had been almost full when she had returned to the Guild house, and now she was surrounded by darkness. Jumping off the bed, she made her way to the window, looked outside, and discovered that the night sky above was void of any light. The moon and the stars were gone. However, there was a faint light beyond the eastern horizon.

Calling Chirion over to her side, Rho continued to stare at the darkness where the moon should have been, while trying to calm her wolf. After several tense minutes had passed, a sliver of the moon reappeared followed by the light of the stars. It was at this point Rho knew it would be another sleepless night. It would be weeks before she knew the details of what had transpired on the Plains of Rohan with Elbren and the other Mithril Knights during those several minutes of darkness.

The news of Elbren's absence did not really surprise Nienor-Niniel. She had not expected to see the Guild Master and famous Elven Lord arrive himself to welcome a Knight in Training. However she was aware that her final acceptance to the Guild would depend on him - and maybe it was better that this judgement should be taken when she had proofed her value. Of course, she would not hide who she was and what she had done, but she wanted to be judged on her present and not on her past.

Once the Lady Knight who had led to her room for the night had left her alone, Nienor-Niniel looked around. The room was magnificent, decorated with fresco paintings and carved woodcraft. Surely they must be showing adventures of the Mithril Knights, thought the young woman and looked around. But almost nothing seemed familiar to her, except some images, which recalled the Tower of Orthanc, and some showing a one-handed man, certainly Beren. They must refer to the Legend she thought. In this place of beauty, she felt shabby, in her dust-covered travelling gown of brown leather, so worn out that at her elbows it began to look very thin. But his was all she had; her flute was her only belonging of any value. She sighed, however little, however simple it was it had to do. At least on one of the tables stood a jug of water and to her great surprise it was warm. She washed her hands and her face.

From downstairs, she could hear the footsteps of a new arrival and heard a clear, elvish voice speak. Later in the evening another person arrived and according to what she heard, it seemed to Nin that this was a human voice, the voice of a woman.

It was late now and she was sleepy, lying down on the soft bed - a luxury that she was not used to. It seemed for one moment that the howl of a wolf was coming from inside of the house, but Nienor-Niniel put this impression to on the behalf of her fatigue - maybe was she dreaming already. Thus she fell asleep.

Only very little time later, she woke up. What it was, that had awakened her, she could not tell. But then, thinking how the walk in the moonshine had smoothened her mind the day before, she opened the shutter of her room. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath of fresh air - the moon should still be almost full. She opened her eyes, smiling as ever the quiet of the night mad her quiet too. It took her a moment to understand what was wrong - a wolf was howling and it was dark, utterly dark. No moon, no stars to see, but apparently no cloud either that would explain the covered sky. It was just dark.

Scared and wondering she closed both shutters and window to return on the bed. Something was wrong outside, and it was certainly a good moment to become a Mithril Knight. A good moment to be needed. To her own surprise, this thought calmed her so much that she could find some sleep, despite of the frightening discovery.

When Rho was finally able to get Chirion calmed down, as well as her self, she returned to the window to check out the evening sky. Far off in the distance, towards the east, she could make out a dull blue glow hanging close to the horizon. She shuddered for a moment, knowing that east was the direction Elbren and the other Mithril Knights had been heading when she had left them on the Plains of Rohan the day before.

Her thoughts next went to what could have been responsible for the horrific noise that had accompanied the eclipse, and if these events could be related? A sense of urgency filled her, knowing that she must get herself to Orthanc as soon as possible. Elbren has strongly believed that the runes on the Dwarven box contained an important key or even the answer to what the box had once contained.

Rho quickly strapped on her sword, sheathed her daggers, and put on her blue Mithril Knight cloak. Grabbing her pack off the chair, and her walking stick/spear from the corner, she called the wolf to her side, and together they exited out the door. As she made her way rapidly through the long hallway of the Guild house, she went over in her mind what she might need for her short journey. Other than the Dwarven box, the only other necessity would be food.

Reaching the dining room table, Rho pulled out one of her traveling shirts and wrapped the small wooden box, and then placed it safely into her pack. Then she picked up the two pages of poetry and wondered what to do with them. Taking a deep breath, she realized that her journey could be postponed for a few minutes more while she made herself a copy. It was possible that Thalos could shed some light on the poem too.

Just as she writing out the last verse, a deep voice could be heard coming from the kitchen and she instantly knew that Erinhue had returned. After replacing the cap on the ink well, Rho quickly got up from the table, and carrying a wet page of poetry in each hand, headed towards the kitchen.

Once in the doorway she paused and took note that Athelos and Hue were into a deep conversation, possibly about the earlier events surrounding the eclipse. However, Chirion saw no need to pause as he quickly made his way over to his favorite Bard and sat down patiently while he waited for a proper greeting. Rho couldn't help but smile, even in her current state of mind. There had only been a few people that the wolf had really taken to, and apparently her Bard Master and fellow Mithril Knight was one of them. Lord Elbren had been one of the others.

After greeting Erinhue and Athelos, Rho explained to them of her plan to head off to Orthanc now instead of waiting until the full light of the morning, but Hue stopped her in mid sentence, and suggested that she sit down to fill him on the recent turn of events first.

When Rho had finished her brief explanation, she could see that Erinhue did indeed understand the urgency of the task Elbren had given her, but that he was more than uncomfortable with the idea of her heading off alone and in the dark. After a few moments of silence he spoke up and informed the two women that Elbren had once asked him to take charge of any Knights- in-Training that might appear if for some reason the Elven Lord wasn't able to do so. It now appeared that this was one of those situations, so in seeing the need to get the Dwarven box to Orthanc as soon as possible, it was the Bard who decided that the four should travel together.

Rho was actually relieved by his decision. The image of the dead bodies of the Rohan Guard was refreshed in her mind after sharing the previous days events with Athelos and Hue. She also found some peace in knowing that their group would be traveling in the opposite direction of where the ambush had taken place. As Athelos rose from the table to begin preparing packs for the four travelers, Rho handed Hue the two pages of poetry, and left the two in the kitchen. She returned about 15 minutes later after Nienor-Niniel and Anorast had been woken up, greeted, and asked to meet Lord Erinhue in the kitchen, as soon as possible.

After receiving her pack of food from Athelos, Rho left the Guild house along with Chirion and headed off to the stables to have their horses tacked up. Erinhue and the two Knights-in-Training would be along as soon as they were ready. Upon reaching the stable entrance, she paused to make sure that Chirion was close to her side. It had been the previous night that the stranger had caught her off guard in the barn, and it was a mistake that wasn't going to happen twice.

After dinner, Anorast returned to the room which he'd been led to. Taking a moment to sit quietly, his thoughts drifted randomly. Gradually, predictably, they began to dwell on his current circumstances. He wondered whether there was any significance in the timing of his being called to Edoras. Surely the Mithril Knights did little without reason. Other thoughts bubbled up, until as he was recalling his journey from Imladris, he realized he should check his gear.

Pulling his stuff out of his pack, Anorast began making a mental list of supplies he needed. His extra packs on his horse had kept from draining his food supplies. However routine maintanance was needed, so Anorast pulled out his oils and rags and began readying himself for another hard journey. After taking care of his pack, he went to the stables to check on his horse. After seeing to the stallion, he paused by the kitchen to ask for the food he needed to restore his supplies. Also he contacted the steward concerning a few other items he needed.

Generally ignoring the time, Anorast stayed up quite late caring for his gear. After oiling his leather items, and repacking his food and pack, he took out his weapons and began examining them for any imperfections. One of his knives was not quite up to his standard for sharpness. Pulling out his sharpening kit, Anorast started to hone the blade. Just as he was testing the blade, a hideous screech ripped through the walls. The unearthly noise was loud, but the old elf's well-trained ears realized it's source was far from Edoras. Clearly, his early musings were correct, and strange events were afoot. Perhaps the initial summoning had been independent of current events, but Anorast now was where there would be action.

Finishing the knife, Anorast set all his gear in readiness, and lay back on the bed. He saw clearly that despite being an elf, he would need whatever rest he could get. There was no assurances that he would get many more opprotunities, whatever his training would be.

Only moments passed before a knock on his door awoke Anorast to the realization that sleep would not be his this evening. Quickly going to the window, he realized he'd been up almost the entire night. Going to the door, he opened it and found a servant waiting.

"Anorast, good morning. Your presence is requested in the kitchen. There you will meet Lord Erinhue, who has taken charge of your training."

"Thank you. I shall be there immediatly."

Taking up his sword, Anorast locked his door, and made his way quickly to the kitchen. As he entered, he saw the one who'd greeted him the night before, and a stranger. Guessing that the stranger was the Lord Erinhue, he moved over to greet him.

"Good morning. Are you Lord Erinhue? If so, I was instructed to meet you."

It had been strange...strange indeed. The atmosphere within Orthanc was becoming almost unbearable; yet, within the hidden room Thalos felt protected and at peace. He had begun to sketch the room and examine it more closely, hoping that they still might learn the true name of Orthanc from some hidden or as yet unfound clue.

The eclipse a few nights past had left the fortress even more haunting that it had been before. The Gondorian soldiers were whispering rumours about Saruman's ghost still lingering, and though Thalos scoffed at them and called them foolish, he, too, wondered at the chill in the air. It was...unnatural, even for December.

When the four horses were tacked up and ready, Rho and the young stable master lead them outside to the hitching post, and spoke briefly while waiting for the other three to arrive. Off in the distance, the eastern sky still held it's blue glow close to the horizon. The sun would be up in a few hours, but in the meantime, the moon would provide enough light for the group to travel.

Rho was quite relieved when Erinhue and the two knights-in-training finally arrived. Wasting no time Rho introduced herself and the wolf to Anorast and nienor-niniel, and then the four quickly mounted their horses.

After saying good-bye to the stable master, who was quite concerned for the group, the four rode towards the gates of Edoras. There was a new set of soldiers standing guard, replacing the guards who'd been killed the night before. After some brief questioning the two Mithril Knights and the two knights-in-training were finally allowed to depart.

The four rode hard for the first day, stopping only for food or to rest their horses. And when evening came they made camp in the same spot where Rho and Elbren had rested four nights earlier.

As the evening wore on, Rho had had every intention of sharing with the three the details of the last two days, but the lack of sleep since her initiation finally caught up with her, and she was quickly asleep. There were a few times where she woke up just for a moment and would hear a brief part of the conversation or Erinhue sharing one of his stories, which would then be followed by laughter from the two knights-in-training, and in those brief moment of consciousness, Rho would be grateful to Erinhue for helping the newcomers to feel comfortable. Then she would doze off again.

When morning finally came, the sun was already up when the group started off again. Just as the day before, the ride was uneventful, and the four finally reached Orthanc in the late afternoon.

After relieving themselves of there horses, the group was then lead into Orthanc. Before they were shown to their rooms Rho asked the others to clean up as quickly as they could and to meet in the dining area in a half hour.

When the others had left, Rho turned to the Gondorian guard and asked, "Could you please let Thalos know that were are here, and that we would like him to join us for dinner in about a half hour?"

"Certainly M'lady." He paused for a moment and then asked. "Would you have some news for him that you would like me to give to him now?"

"No, no news, but we do have some questions for him." Then pausing, she remembered all that had happened. "Please just ask him to join us and I will explain all that I can then."

When she heard the knocking on her door, Nienor-Niniel was already awake, up and dressed. Shortly after having found an instant of sleep, the unearthly cry in the air had awakened her. However she did hardly feel any fear, but knew immediately that the road would find them all too soon. All her poor belongings were packed and she waited.

Downstairs, three persons were waiting for her: two humans, a man and a woman who introduced themselves as the Lady Rholarowyn and the Lord Erinhue. They were initiated Mithril Knights and would be her mentors - no indeed not her mentors, but their mentors, for Nin discovered in this very moment that she would not be trained alone. The fourth member of their companionship to be was an elf, and elven lord.

While listening to the short explanations about the reasons for their hurry to leave, N-N watched each of the three carefully. The woman seemed to be a Gondorian, at least as far as it could be judged by her cloths and weapons. But her blonde hair and clear eyes did not make her look like a descendant of the Numenorians, but rather like a Rohirrim and this mixture of Rohan and Gondor gave the Lady an aura as an d incarnation of the Free People of Middle-Earth. The wolf at her side was quiet and obeyed apparently every sign of his mistress. So this was the animal she had heard in the night!

What struck Nin most about the Lord Erinhue was his voice. It took her a few days to remember the colour of his hair or his eyes, but the sound of his voice, once she had heard it, she would have recognize among all others. It was full and resounding, and she found it so familiar that she wondered if she had heard him before, more than ten years ago in Rivendell, or if she just recognized beauty for what it was.

The elven lord introduced himself as Anorast i Thrandir and she knew that even in Imladris she had never seen him before, for she would have remembered this powerful figure. Inside herself, she sighed: a beautiful gallery of companions, all of them stern and - tall. Well, she thought, unless one day I shall travel with a hobbit, I must get used to being the smallest in all the parties I will join.

They had to leave quickly and thanks to Rho's foresight, their horses were ready and sattled. Anorast's horse was such a fait stallion, that first she found it difficult not to stare at it. Her own horse, Gedeon, was a fine beast, bred and raised in Rohan and a gift of the village after the rescue of Eolynd. It had been the finest they could give her and she loved it dearly, but it could not be compared to the one she discovered now.

They rode quickly and in silence, all had felt the awkwardness of the eclipse and the sound of the scream was still in their ears. Orthanc should be the goal of this expedition. Once she saw Rholarowyn in a saddle, N-N knew that her first impression had not lied to her and that the Lady had to be as much Rohirrim as Gondorian. Only the people of the March had this grace and strength on horseback.

In the evening she proofed to be too tired to stay among them and inlight them about the aim of their mission. But Erinhue entertained them with delightful stories about his travelling, and the discomfort vanished. But it would take them time to get each other well known. Anorast seemed to be rather silent and N-N herself was very careful about what she told.

In the late afternoon of the following day, they arrived in Orthanc. Nin had never seen the powerful tower from so close and was impressed. When she learned that they would have one hour before dinner, she thought she might walk around a bit. She would not need the entire time for cleaning up and she did not own a second equipment, to change herself, so that some time should be left, even if she intended to look after her horse by her own.

She was very curious about the wizard's valley now, but most of all, would want to know for what exact purpose they had come here.

Thalos took the box from Rholarowyn as if he thought it might bite him.

"Ye can take yer seat again, M'lady," the Dwarf said gruffly. He then seemed to notice the other Knight and the two Knights in Training, "and so can all of ye."

They were in the chamber that had been Elbren's room while he stayed in the tower and to which the Sickle Room was attached as the "hidden room".

"They're getting some supper worked up for us now," Thalos said quietly, turning the box over and over in his deft hands, "shouldn't be long. I imagine yer all hungry."

When silence pervaded the room and the Dwarf seemed unwilling or unable to say more, Rho could not help herself, "Do you recognise the runes?"

"Hmm? Oh...yes," Thalos nodded and tugged at his beard, "they are indeed Dwarven and the language is that of Durin's Folk." He put the box down and took out his pipe, "this here says something queer, though. 'Saruman' is the word right there," Thalos leaned over and pointed at the lettering on the box, "and here this says, 'aya ai-mênu', which means 'upon you'."

The Knights were now as puzzled as Thalos looked, and the Dwarf could clearly see it in their faces.

The Dwarf then spoke in the language of his folk, Khuzdul, and after lighting his pipe, he translated, "Here within shall lie Saruman; his will shall be unleashed upon you." Thalos puffed on his pipe and then opened the box, "within was some device for holding...and these runes inside are runes of power. No one uses these...or hasn't in a very, very long time. These runes here translate to Red Hammer. 'The Red Hammer Shall Be Unleashed.'"

Gradually the stew thickened. Anorast kept a carefull watch on his latest creation, listening to Erinhue recall old tales of valor and great deeds. The Mithril Knight clearly showed his bardic background, speaking freely and continuously, seeming to ignore the relative silence of the two trainee's. Looking over at nienor-niniel, Anorast thought back over the day.

As he and Lord Erinhue had spoken before breakfest, his companion Knight-in-Training had joined them. After being introduced to the rather unusually short human, the three of them, himself, Erinhue, and nienor-niniel, as she called herself, had a brief breakfast, then made their way to the stables for their horses.

After quick introductions to the second mentor, Rholarowyn, and her wolf, they took to saddle and set off. Clearly the two Mithril Knights were in a hurry, for they set a fast pace, racing the wind towards the west. Only a few momentary breaks for munching a bit of food split the ride, otherwise the day was spent at a gallop, watching the grass whip by underneath the horses. As darkness fell they'd stopped and made camp. Rholarowyn had quickly succumbed to sleep, and N-N appeared to be ready to follow her.

Turning back to his stew, Anorast judged it finished. Passing out the warm concoction to his fellow travelers, he began to prepare himself for the night.

The next morning dawned bright, and after quickly eaten leftover stew, they were off again. Shortly they had crossed the Isen, and were moving through the Wizards Vale to Orthanc. Anorast had never entered the ancient tower, but many times he'd passed by, wandering the lands, watching. The wizard Saruman he'd never met, for he'd left with another wizard to the east shortly after the wizards arrived, and Anorast had only been in the west a short time when the third age ended, and all those associated events occured. From many of the people he'd met since though he'd learned the last chapter of the story of Saruman, Orthanc, and Isengard. As the four travelers sped up the valley, Anorast was hard pressed to imagine the lush vale, green with many trees, a barren wasteland. And as they entered the old ring of Isengard, only the circle of mounded grass covered earth and a few dark ponds recalled the wasted destruction that was Saruman's Isengard.

Dismounting and leaving the horses at the community at the base of Orthanc, the four entered the fabled tower, and were escorted to their rooms. After briefly washing away the few marks their journey had left, Anorast met the other three in the dinner hall, as well as a dwarf who was introduced as Thalos, the one whom they'd come to meet. Finally, he was about to learn what this all was about.

"The Red Hammer." Rho voiced the words aloud. Those words did not surprise her.

"You know of them?" Thalos asked.

"Well The Clan of the Red Hammer has come up more than a few times recently. But none of us suspected there could be a connection to Saurman, or if anyone did, nothing was said." She replied.

Rho began to replay the events of the last few days in her head. Taking a deep breath she knew that she had a lot of details to fill in but this was the time to do it. Looking around the room at the others she slowly she began to share with the events of the previous 4 days.

"Elbren and I left here in the morning 6 days ago. We reached Edoras on the evening of the next day. The following night was the Initiation of the three Knights-in-training. The trouble began the following morning. It started with a Dwarf named Falin who had come to the Guild house in Edoras seeking aid from Elbren. There had been a series of graves being robbed in Erebor, the most serious being the theft of the Arkenstone from the tomb of Thorin Oakenshield. The King of Erebor was wanting the Mithril Knights to come investigate the situation before a war broke out."

Rho noticed Thalos' look of anger at the mentioning of the Arkenstone being stolen, but continued.

"Well, as Falin was wandering around the Guild house the morning after the initiations, he met up with the Mithril Knight, Tempest, in one of the hallways and an argument started. The dwarf ended up drawing his axe on her, but he was quickly disarmed. When Elbren confronted him, he decided to file a formal petition which meant the knights would be delayed in going to Erebor. This odd turn of events was puzzling to Elbren because Falin had seemed to be in such a hurry for the Knights to get to Erebor, but then he decides to call upon a procedure that would delay our very departure.

"Later in the day, when Elbren went to see King Eomer, he was told by the king that Falin had been murdered. When Elbren brought the news back to the Guild house, all the knights began to suspect that all was not as it seemed. Then to make matters worse, Tempest went against Lord Elbren's orders and snuck out of the Guild house just as night was falling. Upon the plains of Rohan, she was ambushed by three dwarves. When the battle was over, on dwarf lay dead, another wounded, and the third waved down some Riders of Rohan and made the claim that Tempest had indeed ambushed them."

Rho stopped for a moment to make sure that there were no questions from the others. When no one voiced any, she once again continued.

"Well as Elbren and some of the other knights went to see Tempest where she was being held, Elbren had asked four of us to investigate when and how Tempest had left the house, as well as the area where the ambush took place. After looking around the Guild house, and determining how Tempest had left, I then went to the stables to get our horses ready, while the others got the necessities that we needed for the short ride.

"It was while I was in the stables that I was approached by a dark stranger, who gave me directions to where we would find a backpack that contained something which he said might be useful to us. When the four of us rode out, we did find the pack and it contained this box, but nothing else. I did not bring the pack, but on the outside there was the emblem of a hammer, anvil, the sign of Duran's folk but on the anvil was also the lidless Eye."

"Do you know who this man was?" Erinhue asked with concern in his voice.

"Elbren told me later that the stranger was the Dark Knight. Although he never told me the Knight's name."

This news seemed to cause Hue even more concern, and from what little she'd been told about the Dark Knight, Rho felt the same way.

"But there is more" she stated. "Before we left the stables, the stable master approached me and gave me a poem that talked about the history of the Arkenstone, Elves, and Dwarves, but it's a history I've never heard about and neither had any of the other knights. I left the original back at the Guild house, but I have made a copy for you to look at Thalos. Perhaps you could shed some light on that for us too?"

Rho handed him the two pages and watched as he briefly skimmed over them.

"Do you know where this poem was found?" the Dwarf asked.

"It was found north of Edoras by the stable masters son several months ago. It was inside a worn leather pouch which contained other pages too, but they were unreadable due to water damage. These two pages were all that survived."

"Go ahead and finish, I will look at this more when you are done." Thalos stated in his rough dwarven voice.

"Well after the discovery of the two packs the four of us returned to the Guild house and stayed up the rest of the night trying to piece everything together. It was early in the morning when Elbren received news that the dwarves had left Edoras, but not before slaying the Rohan guards at the gate just before dawn.

"King Eomer dispatched riders, and the Mithril Knights were allowed to join in the search for the dwarves. We rode hard that day, at least 50 miles. And when we stopped to rest Elbren and Idril continued to search a little further. That's when they came upon another scene of ambush only this time the victims were the Rohan riders themselves. The men had men ambushed by Orcs, and strangely enough no dwarves were among the dead. Also one of the men was able to share with Elbren that he had overheard the Dwarves talking about wanting to take a stone to the Hill of Hearing.

"When Elbren returned to our group later and told us of the events that had transpired only a short distance away, it was the first time that I've ever heard of The Clan of the Red Hammer. It was at this point that Elbren asked me to return to Guild House in Edoras, retrieve the box, and then bring it to you. He felt that the only way to be certain as to what it contained was to have these runes interpreted. I rode hard a returned to Edoras in the middle of the night. This was the same night that the eclipse occurred, the blue glow appeared on the eastern horizon, and that horrible screeching sound could be heard all though out Rohan."

Rho stopped here. There was much contained in her words, and she wanted to give everyone a chance to think over what she had just shared, and to give them the opportunity to ask questions.

"Red Hammer..." Thalos muttered while sucking on his pipe. "Eastern Clan.....I heard that they had allied themselves with Saruman during the War of the Ring." He looked up at the awaiting Mithril Knights and their Knights in Training, "I guess tha' this box held something powerful that's now sittin' atop Amon Lhaw. Funny....durin the Eclipse the other night, I didn't even know that anythin' had happened until I came out of the room."

"What room?"

"The secret room that we discovered during your last visit, Lady Rholarowyn," Thalos answered, "it seems that room is protected. You feel...safe in there, somehow." The Dwarf studied the poem before him, "someone has used the Arkenstone to house the spirit of Saruman. I'd say that you need to destroy this box and......" Thalos hesitated, "you need to destroy the Arkenstone."

Nienor-Niniel listened carefully. She was not really familiar with dwarves and had hardly met any on her travelling through Middle-Earth - their behaviour and their costums were strange to her and even in Imladris, when she had been a child little to no knowledge could be found about the smallest of the free people.

Yet in the War of the Ring, they had fought bravely and Master Gimli was a legend, in all parts of Middle-Earth. She had never heard about dwarves being submitted to the Dark Forces, though it seemed logical considering their love for stone one dark, for metal and all technical. Saruman had digged deep around the tower of Orthanc, and she wondered if he had needed the help of experienced miners to have his fortress still upright and dig so deep. Had the dwarves helped him - but then in exchange for what? How could they come so quickly and unnoticed to Rohan from their far away dwellings - maybe they had stayed in Orthanc all the time, hidden somewhere deep in the mountains, where even the waters of the Ents could not reach them.

Then she heard Thalos speak, and for once did not have to look up to the person next to her. As he said: the spirit of Saruman, she could not help but gasping out loudly in surprise. All heads turned towards her and she felt questioning eyes lying on her. "I'm sorry, but this has taken me by surprise. I have always thought that Saruman had perished in the Scouring of the Shire and how could a dwarf had put his feet into the Shire to house his spirit in this very moment. Unless," the thought came to her mind in the very moment she was speaking "this spell had been cast long before and Saruman had decided to fake his own leaving in the Shire. To dull our fears and watchfulness, already knowing he would have a way of returning and no Dark Lord no more to rival him." Now that she was talking, she decided to go on further: "I also wondered, where the dwarves were coming from. Have you heard of a party of your people travelling recently or could it be that they had been hidden in the depth of Orthanc? If there is one secret room, that the Ents had not discovered before, there can be others, and what better place to hide than the home of the lion himself? Is Orthanc safe now and has it ever been?

"One last question troubles me: what exactly is the Arkenstone: a jewel or a weapon - and if it has to be destroyed, where can such knowledge be found."

After this unusually long speech for her, N-N looked at each of the companions, straight into their eyes, to see if they judged her foolish and unlored or eager for knowledge.

Anorast sat quietly, listening. He understood the story that Rho told, it seemed simple enough. But when it came to the part about the Arkenstone, he felt slightly lost. His lack of contemporary knowledge bothered him. Deciding to speak up, Anorast voiced several concerns which he'd come across.

"I echo nienor-niniel's comment, what exactly is the Arkenstone? Does anyone know it's history? I'm also curious to know When Saruman did all this...at the moment of his death, or somehow, before, at the height of his powers.

"As to these dwarves, are they the only ones involved? Or are they, perhaps, only one weapon in the arsenal of our enemy? Has there been evidence of anything else?

"Also, I would be most gratefull if I could see this hidden room. I doubt I can help discover anything not already found, but I'm curious, nonetheless."

Thalos nodded, "Ye can see the room, tha's not a problem at all. I urge you to get some rest and head back to Edoras, though, with this news as soon as ye can." The Dwarf stood up, then paused, "as for the Arkenstone...it was found beneath the Lonely Mountain long, long ago....but this poem that the Guild has found....makes me wonder if it wasn't fashioned for some purpose by the Elves and Dwarves. Perhaps you can find those answers once we know what it is that's been unleashed upon Amon Lhaw."

Rho listened to the others thoughts and questions with great interest until she realized that the two knights in training had not seen the poem. So before the conversation went to much further, Rho handed the two pages to Nin to read who then passed it onto Anorast.

When both of them had read it, Rho then looked at the Dwarf. She wanted to make certain she understood exactly what he had said and implied.

"Thalos, if it's that important to destroy the box then let us do it here and now. But to destroy the Arkenstone, would be no easy feat, and one that would surely bring another war upon the lands. Besides even if we could destroy it, we would have to find it first."

Then the young knight stopped for a moment and reflected on the dwarf's last comment. The one about Amon Lhaw. Elbren and the other Mithril Knights had been going in the direction of Amon Lhaw. Had they reached it or were they forced to turn back? And where was the group when the eclipse had happened?

"I also agree with you about returning to Edoras and quickly too. Elbren was concerned that we didn't have much time, and if this box and what it contained is directly related to Saruman AND the events over the past few nights, then our time may be shorter then we think."

*************************************

The Arkenstone Poem

In the early days of yore
T'was for the Elves alone
Answers sought in books of lore
To complete the Arkenstone

Though knowledge they'd attained
Their woods still something lacked,
So from the Dwarves they called for help
And together formed a pact

Their joining was unheard of
Unknown in later years,
Long hours each put into the stone
Yet once done, so many feared

That a jewel so wondrous
Could bring tears to their eyes
Yet it's beauty was to kill for
Soon came the rumors and lies

The Edain became aware
And they heard stories told
Of the great white enchanted stone
It's powers they desired to hold

So in their hearts they longed for
In thoughts they entertained
Until these men would find a way
In their grasp they could attain

Thus on one such summers eve
They reached the mountain hold
And removed the gem so precious
With the chests containing gold

Anger filled the Elves and Dwarves
Together they went forth
To recover their precious stone
From the humans of the North

On the fields of Thargelion
This battle did take place
The Elves and Dwarves they did prevail
Victory they did embrace

They journeyed to the castle
Seeking that which was theirs
Once in the human Lord's great room
The white beauty held their stares

On a cushion of red it laid
Resting before their eyes
But suddenly their hearts did change
New desires bred new lies

Would Dwarves or Elves bring it home?
Now neither side held trust
Once allies, but now fought as foes
Both sides gave into their lust

The dwarves had the greatest host
Prevailing from this fight,
But quickly they returned back home
Veiled in the dark of night

The Elves still in the mountain
Were soon thrown out and banned
Never to return there again
To the heart of Dwarven lands

Thalos led them to the secret room and watched as the Knights walked and observed the runes, ceiling window, and other oddities.

"If yer really wantin to destroy the box before you leave," the Dwarf finally said, as if he had been contemplating it for some time, "up in Saruman's old lab there are many tools that no one has dared to do much with. Some are boxed up...others are strewn about. If you go by the old sayings, to destroy something magical, you hafta find the tool with which it was made. My guess is that the tools used to construct that box are up in that room."

"Look, it's the Sickle," Erinhue pointed up at the sky window.

"Aye," Thalos nodded, "it's always visible through that window."

Just as the words left his mouth, the Sickle was directly above them and peering down upon the very center of the room. The starlight entered the chamber and gradually, almost making one think that they were imagining it, a soft glow began to form a circle within the chamber's center area.

"What's this?" Thalos muttered.

One by one, runes within the stone began to form and glow around the newly formed circle of starlight.

"Ithildin," Thalos said excitedly, "look....Starmoon letters. Made from Mithril."

The runes and circle were now shining with a fierce, silvery sheen that was even being reflected upon the chamber walls.

"What do the letters say?"

"Normally Ithildin is revealed only through spoken words of an ancient language," Thalos replied and then thought back, "what was said just before they appeared?"

"You said that the Sickle was always seen through that window," Rho answered.

Thalos nodded and said, "Window" again.

Nothing happened.

"No, you said it more like this," Erinhue grinned, trying to imitate the Dwarf's northern accent, "vinda"

Still, nothing more happened.

"I dinna say it like that, I said window, lad," and as the Dwarf spoke the word, using his strong accent, a crack appeared in the floor, exactly center of the shining circle, and the outline of two doors were revealed.

"Sounded like you said Vilya, with all due respect," Erinhue grinned again.

And as the Bard said the Elvish word for Air, the doors opened slowly upwards as they all stepped back to make room. Below them was a set of stairs leading down.

Anorast entered the room, following Thalos and the others. As they stood in the middle of the room, Anorast poked around, looking at the various curiosities, reading some of the writings he found. Overall, it was quite interesting. As the others began to speak excitedly, he turned back towards the group in time to catch Erinhue talking to Thalos.

"Sounded like you said Vilya, with all due respect."

After Erinhue spoke the elvish word, Anorast watched in surprise as the doors in the midst of the floor rose. He'd been surprised when the runes had begun to glow, evidence of advanced magic, but now, dwarf doors in the midst of Orthanc? Things were becoming quite interesting.

"Ok, now this is even more interesting. Judging by the sophisication of this, and by other pieces in the story of the Arkenstone, I'm wondering if this was set up by someone other than Saruman. I mean, he may have had Orthanc modified, but he didn't build this place, and it was built a long time before him. I'm finding it rather hard to believe that this is all his doing.

"Is it possible that the dwarf clan we're worried about could have been involved in the construction of Orthanc and crafted this place to match a scheme of theirs, or of their master?"

Thalos began to inspect the doors and then shook his head, "These aren't of Dwarven making, lad," he said, "Orthanc is of Numenorean making for certain. This chamber feels more like a safe place to me and Lord Elbren was fairly certain that it had been built as a shrine to Varda and her making of the Sickle. Should we go down and take a look? Looks to me like it's a single chamber down below."

Nienor-Niniel had rarely seen Ithildin in her life before. In Rivendell some starmoon inscriptions were still existing, but hardly ever someone took the time to speak out the words, to awake them and to admire their pale beauty. She was stunned. Most of the runes she could not read that quickly, and her imagination was caught too much to concentrate on reading - and even more on translation. She would just have wanted the time to admire and to study the images. Yet time there was not, from what she had heard so far. Only Anorast's words woke her from her reverie. Other than Saruman? But just like him, she had the feeling of getting back to something really ancient.

"Yes, you are right, the Orthanc was not built by Saruman, but back in an age barely remembered now. Some elvish lore still recalls though, and it was before the fall of Khazad-Dum, before the friendship between elves and dwarves faded. Of Numenorian making that seems to be sure, but before the fall of Numenor and before the realms of Arnor and Gondor, it seems to me."

She turned to Rho, Erinhue and Thalos. "I agree on the need of going back to Edoras quickly. But only after having sought this room. Maybe it has been more than just the word that has awakened the Ithildin, but also the power of the Arkenstone or at least the one held in the poem."

She looked at the steps that had opened at their feet. They were made of a clear stone, looking almost like marble, but shimmering and reflecting the lights of the torches as if it were alive. Thus it looked almost like gold. The stairs were narrow; they would have to walk one behind the other to go down wherever those steps might be leading. But despite of the relative darkness and the complete silence, she felt no fear. Wasn't it what Thalos had said: You feel safe in there, somehow.

"I am more than curious to go down there," she said, "and from the size of the steps it should be easier for Thalos or me than for Anorast to go down and discover what is further down."

She put a first foot on the stairs, waiting if it should move, then turning back to the others "However safe I feel inside her, my experience warns me to go there all of us. At least one should stay up here. But I must admit that my heart burns to go down there. Who would be willing to come with me?"

Thalos grunted as he grabbed a torch from the wall, "If ya think that I'm stayin behind, then yer a wee bit on the daft side!"

The Dwarf's zeal was apparent and contagious at their discovery, "Let's go!"

Leading the way, the Dwarf began to descend the stairs, his torch glowing as he held it high.

The stairs were not long, though indeed they were narrow. Once at the bottom, they found themselves in a chamber of stars. All around them, ceiling, floor, and walls, they found the night sky with Varda's beloved stars carved into the stone elegantly.

"It's as if yer standin within the stars themselves," Thalos observed.

And in the center of the room was an altar with an unmistakable image of what could only be the Star Queen herself. Before her, lay several scrolls and tools. But it wasn't the tools nor scrolls that made Thalos hold his breath: Upon the altar was a magnificent weapon that shone like the stars themselves. Forged into the shape of a sickle and engraved with Runes of power, the power emitting from it was at once both soothing and intimidating.

Following Thalos down through the doors, Anorast couldn't help but be amazed at the sight at the bottom. The stars were amazing. The detail was of the type he'd not seen since the elf palaces of Balariand were destroyed.

"Indeed, this is like standing in the stars. And I'm not changing my view, Orthanc may have been made by the Numenoreans, but in this, I can't be too outragous in saying they very likely had some help."

Right after he spoke, Anorast heard the short intake of breath from Thalos. Turning, he looked in the direction of the transfixed dwarf's gaze. Instantly he realized why the dwarf was shocked. The sickle resting on the alter was incredible. The power emitting from it took Anorast's breath away. Clearly this was of tremendous significance.

"Wow! What is this weapon? Why is it still here? And does anyone else think this place was never polluted by Saruman?"

Once she had stepped inside the room, N-N stood still in amazement. From the outside, judging by the narrowness of the steps, she had thought that the room would be small and low. But in fact, it was largely huge enough to hold them all and even Anorast could stand without being close to the ceiling. The vision was amazing, like stepping in heaven and walking on the stars. In pure delight, she looked around.

One thought did though not leave her mind: how could it be that this room had remained undiscovered for so long? Orthanc had been inhabited since the night of time, and a powerful wizard like Saruman would have been likely to search the place many times. All in the room seemed to be referring to the present moment - maybe the room could not be opened as long as the Arkenstone was not released, so the power of the stone would be like a key to the room, the only thing able to open the door, the stairs, to lighten the Ithildin. Not only the word was necessary, but the unleashing of the stone would be the first condition. That makes sense, she thought. But the deeper secrets of this unexpected discovery lay most certainly hidden in the depth of time, older than Numenor, just as Anorast suspected it too.

All too soon, the conversation turned to the sickle and she could not help staring at it. It was beautiful, lying there on the stone like on an altar. "May I touch it" asked N-N, and to her astonishment, the dwarf did not make any objections. Carefully, she lifted it, letting her finger glide on the blade. "Ouch" she almost screamed: it had cut her and a drop of blood ran down her finger. "Damn sharp," she said, "after all those years." She looked closer at the curved line of the weapon. There was something she had not been aware of at the first sight. She moved closer to the light coming form the images of the stars - what was it - words? An even closer look let no doubt about it: there was an inscription, in light elvish letters- Tengwar. Anorast and Erinhue were looking over her shoulder now, all three of them focusing on the mysterious letters. She began to read slowly, she was familiar since her childhood with the Tengwar letter and the language quenya.

The dwarves had the greatest host
Prevailing from this fight,
But quickly they returned back home
Veiled in the dark of night

In the same moment they lifted their heads, and their eyes met in a mutual question. "Lady Rholarowyn," she asked then, "might I have another look at the poem? It seems to me that on of the strophes is graved in this sickle." N-N saw Thalos amazement and handed him over the weapon. "Be careful, master dwarf, do not cut yourself like I have done."

The glimpse on the poem confirmed what she had suspected: the text on the sickle was coming from there.

"Maybe we could go out again and have another look, and think it over quietly, though I have my idea of the meaning of this weapon."

"Which is?" asked Anorast in his clear elvish voice.

"I believe that the sickle is the weapon that could destroy the Arkenstone. The room has opened now, that the power of the Stone is unleased, the poem relies the two of them, and it is sharp and ready for use. And there is something magic about this place, a magic that seems strong enough to counter a magic, which could lie within the stone. But I would like to know if you all agree with my interpretation." she asked, looking around in the faces of her companions.

Rho had been just as shocked as the others when the Starmoon letters had appeared. And as she followed the others down the stairs, several thoughts were going through her mind including the validity of the poem, the word Vilya, and if they should attempt to destroy the box before they left Orthanc.

After they had entered the room and Nin had carefully examined the sickle, and read the poetic inscription, one thing became clear, the poem was linked to the past. Then when the female knight-in-training requested to see the poem again, Rho handed it to her quickly enough, but the Mithril Knight already knew that the words were the same. She had read the poem enough times in the last few days and had it all but memorized. But what the young woman said next caught Rho completely off guard.

"I believe that the sickle is the weapon that could destroy the Arkenstone. The room has opened now, that the power of the Stone is unleashed, the poem relies the two of them, and it is sharp and ready for use. And there is something magic about this place 'a magic that seems strong enough to counter a magic, which could lie within the stone. But I would like to know if you all agree with my interpretation."

Finally Rho spoke up.

"Let's consider a few things here first. We have a box, which has dwarvish inscriptions carved in the wood, that says, 'Here within shall lie Saruman; his will shall be unleashed upon you.' And we know this box contained something at one time. Perhaps it was the Arkenstone, or it could have been something else, and what ever it may have been could now be sitting on top of Amon Lhaw. We also have a poem that tells us about the creation of the Arkenstone by Dwarves and Elves and now there is this sickle in this room which Elbren believes is a shrine to Varda with an inscription from the poem, specifically regarding the Dwarf portion of the poem on the sickle itself."

Rho stopped for a moment to consider what she had just said. Finally she continued.

"There does seem to be several connections here, but I'm not certain that the sickle's role in all this is to destroy the Arkenstone, but I won't dismiss the idea either."

Looking around at the others she then asked. "What do the rest of you think about this?"

A long moment of silence had fallen upon the group after Rholarowyn's words. The wonder of the room was so breathtaking, each of them lost in their dreams, and the visions that the beauty of the artwork created within them. It was almost like a spell lying over them.

Nienor-Niniel let herself go to the images rising in her imagination. In her mind, the lines of Ithildin almost seemed to move, playing under her very eyes scenes from the history of Middle-Earth - a past now long forgotten, an echo of the beauty and the might of Numenor. It was almost as if an elvish voice was singing in the air, and the steps of dwarfish feet were walking to their song, as if they were going to war. Each line of the mosaic seemed to be alive now, shimmering like a diamond under the sunlight. Were the stones and the wonders that the dwarves extracted from the earth fair like this? Was this place enchanted and unpreserved from the decline of Middle-Earth?

Slowly, Nienor-Niniel felt her feet getting colder, and she was shivering. Also her stomach was starting to rumble and she felt that she was emerging from her daydream about fighting dwarves, fair elves and precious jewels. She cleared her throat.

"I think we should leave now. This place has told us all it can. Do you mind, Master Dwarf, if we take the sickle along to Edoras? It might be the only way to find out its destiny."

After his permission, she took a piece of finely tanned, yet uncut and rough leather out of her bag pack and carefully wrapped the weapon in it. To her own astonishment, the slight cut she had made on her hand earlier had already almost healed, and was not hurting at all.

Stepping out of the secret room seemed almost unreal and when finally they arrived in the fresh air of the night, under the real stars, it seemed like a continuation of the walk on the stars of Ithildin.

NN looked down at the sickle that she held in her hand. A vibration came from it, a sense of great power and beauty. When she looked in the faces of her companions, she realized that all of them were smiling. Only now when they had come back to reality, they felt the rest that the room had given to them, like a shower washing off sorrow and weariness, like a soft spring rain and a zephyr, blowing the clouds of the eclipse and the scream away for a moment.

"I don't know for you," said N-N, "but why should we wait to ride off to Edoras? Our errand seems urgent and we have found new important information to share. I feel rested, like after a night of sleep. Maybe this elvish room has given us an impression of the power of the elves." Inquiring, she looked up to Anorast. "Should we not take the advantage of this energy, take the road right now and ride through the beauty of the night, under a sickle of stars."

Even before the companions had answered, N-N felt that they might agree. But would Thalos accompany them or stay in Isengard?

Thalos drew in a deep breath, "It is my place to remain here, but I agree with the lass; tis time that ye made haste back to Edoras."

The Dwarf put his hands on his hips and cocked his head as if listening, "There is something happening in the lands...use caution as you ride and stay aware of your surroundings. The enemy may be closer than we think."

Anorast looked around. It was hard to believe that this place had been tainted by the darkness of Saruman. In his heart he knew that the room had never felt the dark wizard's footsteps. There was too much goodness, too much light for Saruman to have endured. After only a short stay in there, he felt warm, powerfull, happy, strong.

Yet Anorast knew that it had been built for a purpose, to oppose evil, and he knew that evil was now abroad in the lands, and that they needed to find and defeat it.

He listened as N-N voiced the concern they all had, that they needed to return quickly to Edoras. When Thalos declared that he was staying, but that they needed to be watchful, Anorast spoke up.

"Indeed. I suspect we all feel that. Shall we gather our gear, and meet down in the stables in an hour? That should be sufficient."

As the others went back inside to gather their gear, Anorast pulled Thalos to the side.

"Thalos, can you bring us supplies? Not much, we need little, for we shall be riding hard with few breaks, but we do need food. Also, could you provide us with a good supply of arrows? I feel the need to carry a bow again."

After Thalos nodded and started down the stairs, Anorast quickly made his way to his room to get his gear. He'd left it in good order, knowing they might have to leave at any moment. Knowing that his pack was still full, and that they'd only eaten from saddlebags, Anorast was able to quickly gather all of his stuff and be down at the foot of Orthanc before the horses were led out, and before the others had made it out.

The decision to leave had been taken quickly. N-N smiled. The rest given by the room was not just a flicker of her imagination, but a very real feeling of relieve after the tension endured by the two initiated knights during he days before.

Her stuff had not even been unpacked, and however she was not always travelling light. As she had been trusted with the sickle, she wrapped the leather carefully around and then put it in her backpack. Nothing but he knowledge to carry around such a powerful thing made her feel safer.

Was it the contrast to the hidden room? Ever since they had left it, she felt the danger around her, almost as if she could touch it. Thalos words only confirmed the warning in her heart.

For a short moment, all of them were taking care of their own belongings. N-N lashed her sword around her waist, not without checking the sharpness once more. She also fixed her knife and the dagger, which always remained hidden. She would never use it, but putting it down would be like forgetting what she had done.

Fixing her cloak, she was ready, heading for Gedeon. Earlier in the day, just after their arrival, she had already asked for provision you cold only get in an inhabited place: bread, flour. Meat and fruit could be found underways.

Softly she whispered in her horse's ear: "We shall travel again through the hills of your homeland." Already she was on horseback, riding out for the foot of the Orthanc, where Anorast was already waiting. Unlike before he was wearing a bow, but it did not really surprise N-N. He too must have felt the warning, as well in the heart as in the words of Thalos.

Rholarowyn and erinhue arrived only a few minutes later, and they decided to ride some miles in the night before stopping for a short rest and move further to Edoras. The air was cool, but not too chilly and the moon yet full enough to provide a good visibility - not for hunting, but surely for riding.

For a while, they rode without any words. N-N did not dare to speak first, and the vision of the Ithildin was echoed by the stars, the real stars, not half as beautiful as the images of the elvish artwork.

Only a very little noise, almost inaudible shower how tense they were in reality. A little cracking of a branch, and like in a blink, they set up. "What was this?" asked Rholarowyn. They stopped the horses. Gedeon scraped nervously with his hooves on the loose ground. He neighed softly.

"Let's stop," suggested erinhue "and light a torch." But even before he spoke out the words, a yell came from the dark, a rough voice. "Yrch," hissed Anorast. Orcs - but had this been an orcish voice? They jumped off the horses, standing back to back; each of them had drawn his sword. Out of the dark, a lonely arrow fell in their midst, and other screams could be heard. Yet in less than ten seconds, they had been ready to meet the enemy. Whoever it would be

Rho had sensed it too. The need to be on their way back to Edoras. And sooner would be better than later.

The Knight and her wolf quickly went back to Elbren's chambers and picked up her pack, but not before rewrapping the Dwarven box and tucking it safely inside. Had she taken the time to think about it, Rho would have realized that she had never even made it to her room.

With all their packs supplied and the horses tacked up, the group of four were quickly on there way back to the Mithril Knight Guild house. The moon was still providing enough light to ride by, since it was only a few nights past full.

The group continued to ride, but Rho began to notice Chirion's uneasiness. The young woman began to seriously watch all of the wolf's responses. He could sense something, and that cause Rho to be extra sensitive to all that was around them.

She was about to say something to the others about this concern, but then she heard the slight noise, and saw Chirion's reaction. Rho knew something out there.

"What was that?" She asked and then quickly unsheathed her sword.

As Erinhue lit his torch, Anorast rode up closer to where the sound had come from. But as soon as he stopped, he yelled out his warning to the others. There indeed was something out there, and from the tone in Anorast's voice there was more than one of them.

In a moment to four were all off there horses. They had their weapons drawn, and were ready to face the enemy that was now approaching.

As soon as he heard the faint sound, which he thought was mail clinking, Anorast turned his horse and cautiously made his way towards the source. Suddenly, from behind him a light sprung up, Lord Erinhue lighting a torch.

With his elf eyes, Anorast could see quite far by the light of the torch, and instantly saw the several figures who were awaiting them. They were spread out in a half circle, seemingly waiting for something to happen. Strangely, they did not appear to be ready to pursue the four companions. But Anorast could sense that they had been waiting, and were very unfriendly. They were also very short.

"Watch out!" Anorast shouted as he turned back towards the main group. As he rode back the others dismounted and drew their weapons. Leaping to the ground beside his great stallion, Anorast quickly strung his bow and slung one of the several quivers of arrows straped to his saddle around him.

While the others were facing the threat they knew, Anorast looked away, towards their intended path. After seeing the positioning of their foe, which he'd decided were likely dwarves, Anorast reasoned that they were waiting for another group to attack, which would cause them to focus ahead of them, letting the dwarves destroy them. Anorast knew that unless he watched, it could still happen, in reverse.

Their ambush blown, the several dwarves began moving forwards towards the four. As they came into the light, it was evident it was a small party, only eight fighters. Wary of the threat of throwing axes, Rholarowyn, N-N, and Erinhue quickly attacked, closing the distance between them and the dwarves, unaware that Anorast held back, watching to the east.

Only a moment after the first clashes of steel upon steel were heard, Anorast's guess was confirmed. In the faint moonlight, several figures were seen riding hard down the long hill which the group had been skirting. Blessing the amazing chance that there had been a group of elves staying at Orthanc after a visit in Fangorn, Anorast drew the bow they had lent him and sent an arrow at the leading figure. As it fell, its mount continued forwards, now revealed to be a warg. Grimacing, Anorast sent another arrow flying, dropping the great wolf. Hearing the sounds of battle behind him decrease, he called back as he sent another of the wargs to the ground.

"Wargs! It's another ambush party! Quickly! I cannot shoot them all!"

After a moment, and two more dead wargs, Anorast felt a hand on his shoulder, and looked down at N-N standing beside him, a bloody sword in her hand.

"They can take care of those dwarves. I cannot see as well as you, can you tell me how many there are?"

"It is a small raiding party, only ten. With the four I've slain, that leaves three each, not to mention the riders." One last time the bow sang, and quickly Anorast replaced it in his hands with his sword. "Make that five left. Stay close, and aim for their throats. With luck, we can take them. All we must do is hold them at bay until Lord Erinhue and Rholarowyn can aid us!"

Yrcch!" Anorast's warning cry set them all quickly on alert. The squires decided to dismount and face the possible attack. Erinhue swung down from Trebles back wondering at quality of youthful wisdom. If they would stand and fight then better that they could see.

Lighting a small lantern, Erinhue held it up and examined their surroundings in the aura of light. Instinct drew them to a back to back stance, weapons drawn to meet the coming foe. It wasn't Orcs that advanced upon them but a party of Dwarves. Soon the air rang loudly with the clang of steel on steel.

While Erinhue Ro, and NN fought, Anorast had turned his sharp elven senses towards the road ahead. Something was coming and he resolved that while the other's fought he would hold guard on their rear.

Wargs. Anorast spat in disgust and then drew his bow and fired into the approaching threat. After a few shots, felling several of the beasts, the archer moved in closer to his fellows. N-N joined him and together they fought to hold the wargs at bay. Behind them Erinhue and Rho fought with the party of Dwarves. The Mithril Knights were now assailed on either side.

"I don't think steel will see us through, old worm" Erinhue thought to his dragonharp. "We can ill afford either injury or the time this conflict will take to resolve."

A few notes sounded in the Bard's mind and he responded saying, "all right then I'll try with the dwarves."

From its place on Erinhue's saddle the jeweled red eyes of the the little dragon of the harp began to glow and flash. A ball of fire formed in mid air and shot towards the approaching ranks of the wargs. Two were caught when the fiery sphere came to earth right on top of them, The howling flaming creatures raced about in anguished panic setting smaller fires to the grass and spreading terror among the others.

The Dwarves had halted their attack when the fireball appeared They had no kinship with the Wargs and were not sad at their destruction but magic they had a great respect for and they were more than certain that they were witnessing a strong and ancient power here at work.

In the stunned pause that ensued Erinhue spoke up using the most persuasive tones at his command. His talented baritone sounded gruff as it accommodated the native language of the Dwarves.

"I was given the name Khazar-Adan, StoneSinger, by the Dwarves of the Lonely Mountain. My word is good with them and it would be with you. We mean no harm to Durin's folk and seek only to pass this way in peace. You can let us pass or continue to oppose us, but time is short and I have none to dally with convention. The question is simple here, Let us pass, or share the fate of the Wargs that once attacked us"

The attack had been quick, but the reply even quicker, and standing at Anorast's side, N-N fought the Wargs with all the strength that one would never suspect in her tiny body, the strength of an iron will of her hatred of those creatures, creatures of the dark. For this reason also, she wanted to be here with the elf, rather than fighting the dwarves, of whom you never knew which side they were standing on, even if a company of Warg was not the best possible introduction to their hospitality.

The clouds had opened and the light of the moon and the stars added to he torch light by the bard, made at least the worst visible. Also, the Wargs could be heard, howling and barking in the night. N-N felt them approaching, rather them seeing them. A very huge Warg had come so close that she could almost fee l his breath and Anorast turned his back on it, so he couldn't not shot it. It leaped high, to jump on the young woman. For once, her size helped, she ducked down quickly, rising her sword and the hound was piled up at the point of her weapon, still howling as the blade glid through his heavy, smelly flesh. It fell in the midst of the jump, almost burying N-N under its weight

Tearing her sword out of the beast, and pulling herself out, she was for a second without any weapon, and in the moment she rose, she just felt the breath of another warg, leaping for the body of its companion and the maiden who had killed it. Before she could move, the elf-bow sang and the Warg's movement was interrupted, another heavy sound followed, another body falling down.

Anorast was just behind her, and now stretched his hand out to help her up. She took it, and the blood of the warges that covered her forearm, sullied his hands too, like a pact, binding them together.

"I shall not forget this" were the only words she took the time to say.

The ball of fire finished the last two attackers, and the knights drew closer together again. Erinhue had spoken to them about the dragon harp, but she had not yet seen it in action. The dwarves halted in their attack and the words of Erinhue seemed to fill all the air up to the dark skies.

"I was given the name Khazar-Adan, StoneSinger, by the Dwarves of the Lonely Mountain. My word is good with them and it would be with you. We mean no harm to Durin's folk and seek only to pass this way in peace. You can let us pass or continue to oppose us, but time is short and I have none to dally with convention. The question is simple here, Let us pass, or share the fate of the Wargs that once attacked us"

But even as she heard his powerful voice, there was another little sound in her head, like a mixture of music and language. Later she would understand that she had probably heard the voice of Agarak, though she was never really sure. "You have something else you can use to be shown another magic to blend the dwarves to stone, to make shine what has once shone." Immediately she knew what the voice was talking about and handed on her back, where the back was still fixed. It seemed almost warm now. She took the sickle out, unwrapped it, and lifted it high over her head. As if it were an echo, the sickle in the sky began to glow through the clouds, and one small ray of light descended straight from the stars to the weapon, like a little stream of silver in the black night. Nienor- Niniel closed her eyes as the sickle above her began to shimmer. She thought of nothing any more. Erinhue spoke his last words, surrounded by this pale light.

Breathing hard, Rho watched as Nin held the sickle up towards the sky and a single shaft of light illuminated it in her hands. Soon the weapon began to glow and emit a light that encircled the four of them.

Slowly the dwarves back off, not wanting to deal with either the force that had eliminated the wargs, nor this new unknown weapon that had communication with the stars.

After several minutes the glow of the sickle began to fade. It was no longer being fed the light energy from above. And then the glow ceased, and the sickle's appearance returned to normal.

Rho quickly went over to the Knight-in-Training to see if she was unharmed by what had just happened while Erinhue and Anorast check out the outlying areas to ensure that their enemies were either dead or gone.

When the man and the elf were certain they were safe, they both returned to where Rho was kneeling next to nienor-niniel, who was now sitting on the ground. The sickle gently resting in her lap.

With concern in her eyes Rho looked up to her fellow Mithril Knight.

'Erinhue, we shouldn't have allowed her to carry this weapon when we knew so little about it. One of us should have taken charge of it."

Rho then looked back at the female Knight-in-Training, hoping that she would say something soon to reassure them all she was alright.

Erinhue knelt beside Rholarowyn and looked into Nienor-Niniel's eyes. What he saw was a reflection of the exhaustion he often felt when Agarak went to extremes.

"A little rest is all she needs. If any harm were going to come to her from what just happened we would not be wondering what was wrong we would know because she would most likely be dead.

"Apparently the weapon was meant to come to her. She seems able to unleash its power, she need only learn to safely whield it."

Turning to Nienor-Niniel, Erinhue used a reassuring tone to speak to her. "Trust me, I know this and what you feel is just the effects of your connection to the sythe. It should pass quickly. You understand that I would let you rest but this is not the place and we have not the time. Do you think that you could get up on your horse?"

"Yes," she answered, without the slightest hesitation. Indeed, she felt a bit tired, but also very excited, like in a party, when the evening gets late and yet you still have the energy to keep on.

Nienor-Niniel was not familiar with use of magic. She had sometimes seen magic, or what people might call like this, in action, powers that are not fully understood. She remembered when the troops walked out of Isengard, she had watched them hidden with the Wild Men and there had been a voice in the air, Saruman's voice probably. It had been more dreadful than any silence. Like a curse accompanying them. Maybe this had been the closest moment to the power of magic in her life before this one. Then it had taken her weeks to get rid of the dread and the fear.

Now, she felt nothing alike. Maybe a kind of weariness, and also surprise and astonishment, but it seemed to her that things had just been as it was supposed to be.

"But I would like to wash the blood of my hands," her voice sounded very young now, like a child asking for a permission, "could I empty at least my water bottle to do so? I don't think we will need it urgently until Edoras." The two knights and Anorast had gathered around her, and the three of them were smiling at the request and the tone of it.

"I don't think that should be a problem" answered Erinhue and chuckled. And the concern in Rho's expression lowered a bit. The young woman would be fine, or was already so and not in any ways deeply affected, neither physically, nor mentally. If she was meant to carry the weapon, or if the moment had been calling for it, the future would show it to them.

Whistling, NN called for Gedeon, knotted the bottle and spilled the water over her dirty fingers and forearms. Before it was empty, she handed it over to Anorast, remembering she had sullied his hands in the middle of the fight.

While they were still standing there, a call could be heard in the air, several words, but too far to be understood. Rho and Erinhue had immediatly put their hands on the stud of their swords. A moment of silence followed, then a second call like an answer. They looked at each other, puzzled. "That was almost like a question and reply," wondered Rholarowyn, aloud.

"It was indeed," said Anorast, whose elvish ears had of course heard more than any of theirs. "Even I could not hear all of it, and it seems to me it was dwarfish language, as if two separate units tried to know where they are and where they would be heading for. There are several words, I have understood, though: Mithril Knights - as the dwarves never tell their name for Mithril, they used the Sindarin name. And they were speaking about Helm's Deep in the question as well as in the answer. To my mind that is where they are going to."

"Why should they exchange such information aloud, for any ears to hear?" asked Nienor. "For any elvish ears." objected Anorast. "Or did any of you hear it? I don't think they expect keen pointy ears listening to them. And I don't think either, they expected their defeat."

"Whatever pushed them to be so careless, maybe we should rather settle for Helm's Deep." decided Erinhue "If Rohan has faced trouble during the last days, it is likely that they should retire to their ancestor's fortress." The bard looked at them, searching and getting agreement in their eyes.

Thus they went back in the saddle again, heading for Helm's Deep.