Quenta Roqueni, Book OneTHE THIEVES OF METRAITH

An Adventure in Middle-earth*

By Vincent Roiron and Lowell R. MatthewsWith Gavin Carey, Woodrow H. Kroll III, George Photopoulos,

Trevor Sanders, and Christian WirtnikCopyright © 1999

Chapter XI: Reunion in the Square

The town square was clear and open, with a tall stone fountain at itscentre. On market days it was bustling with activity, but on ordinarydays like this one only a few herders had come to sell fresh milk,cheese, and butter. Leaning against the fountain, Kirdan waitedpatiently, looking at the spectacles of housewives and house servantswho came to buy diary products, until he saw Aeglorias and Berek. Hecame to meet them, and was greeted by the Elf.

"Did you find a new place for the night, my good Kirdan? Do youintend to wait here or do we go back to the Thalion to meet Carangiland Elen aacute;rion?"

"I have purchased lodgings at the Blue Oak, a fine inn by my standards.The innkeeper was an honest man and I have heard that their cook isvery skilled. I look forward to sampling his dishes," Kirdan answeredthe Elf, his tone respectful. "I noticed the mounts of both men at theThalion, as I have given the care of our belongings and mounts to themen there. I shall have to return to gather up our things, but they arein good hands. I shall wait for his lordship here as I suggested thisplace to meet."

"Hmmm, Kirdan, thank you for taking care of our new lodge.... At

Oget's, unfortunately, we did not find any major clues." Berek brieflytold Kirdan about the events at Oget's, including Tilva's smelling of agreasy, curly head that night as well as Aeglorias' raising the possibilitythat someone might have tried to pass as a Dunlending. "Concerningthat grease, it really seems to be the one thing we know for sure aboutour thief, hmmm.... Is this grease very common? I mean, if it was acertain type of smell, we might try to find a shop selling it and thinkabout the people who might have shopped it...."

Meanwhile, Carangil, Elen aacute;rion, and Jiff had left the Dunnishhigh town for the town square, in the company of Drukha. Berek,Kirdan, and Aeglorias were already there, and the Elf asked what themwhat they had found.

"I suppose the most amusing thing was that the Dunnish elders hadarrested Jiff," Carangil grinned. "Fortunately we were able to clear upthe misunderstanding."

"Well, for my part, as Sir Carangil noted," added Jiff, "unfortunately, Iseemed to have made too good a thief of myself as I was arrested byDrukha here," Jiff cast a smile towards Drukha, and chuckled. "Butfortunately that trouble has been attended to now and these Gentlemenhave agreed to help us in the search for our thief.... But I am beingrude, excuse me. Sir Drukha, son of the Dunnish chief," Jiff indicatedthe Dunlending, "please meet our other companions: Sir Berek; and SirKirdan, the squire of Sir Carangil; and Lord Aeglorias, their travellingcompanion...." Aeglorias bowed gracefully, then Kirdan and theclumsier Berek followed suit.

Following the introduction, Jiff continued, "Lord Aeglorias, duringyour time locked inside the food cellars, did you chance to notice aventilation shaft? As I believe that to be the route of escape taken byour thief, and it was most certainly a premeditated one... it seems youfell right into his trap, Sir...." Jiff allowed himself a quiet chuckle. "Butperhaps we could eat whilst we discuss our findings. I myself amhungry and I'm sure, if I know friend Berek well enough, he could eat aboar by now...." Smiling again, Jiff waited for a response from thegathered peoples.

"I saw the shaft, young Jiff," Aeglorias replied, "but I certainly couldnot have used it to go out. As for the meal and the new place, thatwould seem to be a good idea."

Kirdan, who had been listening silently, was happy to remind themthat the new place for the night was obviously far superior to Mich's

Fattened Ewe. "Excellent work, Kirdan," Carangil clapped Kirdan'sshoulder. "How in the name of all the Valar did we miss this place thefirst time? But I suppose if we had found it then, we would not havemet our new friends," Carangil smiled at Elen aacute;rion, Berek, andJiff in turn.

"We went there in the first place, M'Lord, but the Blue Oak was fullyesternight. And young Jiff will certainly appreciate the good food!"

"I, for one, am not far behind Berek," Carangil laughed. "Then theFates must have directed our steps, then, because to a certain degreewe would have been better off staying in the hayloft at the Blue Oakthan in a private room at the Fattened Ewe. Well, we won't make thatmistake again, will we, gentlemen?" Carangil smiled wryly.

After Jiff finished his story, Berek accounted for the events at Oget's."Well, young Jiff, at least you found a clue despite the trouble caused....Aeglorias and me, we questioned the, hmmm, women at Oget's. One ofthe women called Tilva said she saw someone passing, curly hair andsmelling like grease. But then," Berek sighed, "another one calledZeuga shut her down a little, saying that this Tilva disliked Dunmenanyhow and would therefore probably be, hmmm, biased."

Aeglorias nodded, "Such was also my feeling about this Tilva. Zeugamight not be all that honest, but for her a client is a client; she has noprejudice against Dunnish men."

"And since we still are not sure about our thief... well, no new tracksgained. But we know that the thief seems to prefer stormy nights,because it was that kind of weather during that three thefts occurred...and otherwise it would be nearly impossible to pass next to Oget'swithout being noticed. So, not much information for a silver piece....Here's your pouch, Jiff," Berek said, handing the pouch back to Jiff.

Taking the pouch, Jiff smiled at Berek, "Well, at least our morningwasn't completely wasted. We know more about our thief then we didthe previous night... but, that reminds me, I should return this moneyto Kirdan, along with the remainder of my money to cover what I usedduring the day...."

"Interesting," Carangil mused. "Aeglorias, I thought of something atRogda's which leads to a question only you can really answer."Aeglorias turned his serene face toward his ward, and listenedattentively. "Have you noticed that this thief appears to possess a greatmany abilities which are common to the Firstborn? He (or she),"

Carangil's voice dropped with the addition, but he was now thinkingthat the likelihood of the thief being female was increasing, "has shownexceptional quickness, agility and light-footedness, and operates verywell even in the darkest stormy night. Do you think any of this mightbe significant?"

"Not only the Firstborn are light-footed and agile, though the ideacrossed my mind. But unless your thief is a child Elf, I don't think thisis possible: The figure I followed was small, though not exactlydiminutive."

"So the idea was not totally ridiculous, then. It is improbable, yes, butnot impossible," Carangil said with a shrug.

Aeglorias nodded, lost in his thoughts, and then added, "Now that Ithink about it, he could have used some trick to confuse me in thecellar; however, I certainly felt dazed...."

Carangil's eyebrows shot up in surprise, and he exchanged a look withKirdan. "Some kind of magic?" he asked Aeglorias.

"Magic?" Aeglorias' brows arched gracefully. "If by magic you meanwhat was seen in the battles of old, or what makes this bow greaterthan any Mortal's bow, no, this was not magic, but delusion, illusion ofthe mind or of the eye—more the kind of things trickster servants of theShadow can do. Real magic creates; this was only confusion." The Elflooked preoccupied, and added, "If such is the case, we really must findthis thief. Those could also be minor tricks, of course.... Yes, I thinksuch is the case, because a servant of the Shadow would not be able tobear the touch of Berek's medallion."

Carangil's surprise grew. "Really? Why not?"

Aeglorias hesitated for an instant, and then said, "Berek, the Elf yourgrandfather saved was a captain of my king's guard. He gave yourancestor a symbol of his office, forged long ago by marvellous Noldosmiths who made sure no creature of the Dark could indeed bear theirtouch." He reached inside the neck of his tunic, then drew forth anddisplayed a breeze-shaped medallion. Berek gaped, for this was a closecousin of his own amulet. "This would grant you entry and safe passagein the Greenwood, and any Elf who saw it would try to help you by anymeans, for indeed nobody wears it if he is not entitled to wear it. As Itold you before, your family must have a long history of connectionwith the Elves, far beyond the day your grandfather saved a captain ofThranduil's rangers. I will indeed do all that I can to help you to fetch it

back, for indeed such a gift cannot end in unwanted hands," he addedwith a passion seldom seen before by Carangil and Kirdan.

Carangil's brow rose as high as it could possibly go from surprise, buthe quickly recovered his equilibrium. "Then where you go, Aeglorias,we shall follow from bonds of both friendship and duty. My fatherwould certainly agree and suspend his order for the duration; no Elf-friend could do otherwise."

Bending over, Berek stared at the medallion. First, there was a frownupon his brow, but it soon vanished as he recognised minor differencesin the artful design of Aeglorias' amulet compared to his own heirloom.

Nearby, Jiff handed over all the funds about his person to Kirdan,saying, "...though I fear I will certainly have to borrow some moneyagain to pay for food and such; I apologise for that in advance...."

Carangil heard the last part of Jiff's comment, and was reminded ofsomething that he had thought during the "trial" at Rogda's house."Elen aacute;rion, here's something I've been thinking about for awhile," Carangil mused. "Maybe you really should make Jiff yoursquire for real. It might solve some problems. Or maybe Berek shoulddo it if he carries the status of a knight. Or I suppose for that matter Icould do it myself, if he'd be willing, but he's known you longer."

"Hmmm, a Squire.... I feel honoured, but," Berek grumbled with asmile, "not even my father, Hembar an Gladdor, chieftain of Emoro,has one.... And I haven't seen any person sitting at Breon's table whocalled himself his squire neither.... To my mind, a son should honourhis ancestors by his deeds, and not try to surpass in this way...hmmm... and therefore," Berek chuckled, "I have to decline, Sires...."

Seeing the questioning look of Jiff, Berek added, "Hmmm, young guy,you don't even know the tale of Breon, Bull, and Bear. A good story,and... hmmm... nearly true. I will tell it to you given the time."

Well, this young man seems resourceful enough... but... that would bepresumptuous of me, thought Elen aacute;rion, who mulled overCarangil's suggestion before answering, "Sir Carangil, I am not a fullknight yet and so I am not ready for a squire. Should any problemsarise concerning Jiff's status, he can always be introduced as a page."

Jiff looked surprised, and answered Carangil, "A squire, well, I wouldseriously need to give such an offer some thought, whilst it would be anhonour, I don't know that is the direction in which I would like my life

to take.... But, for now, shall we simply leave and go for food—if whatKirdan says is true then I can't wait to try it..." his voice trailed off."And I will consider your offer deeply and well, Sir, and if I choose toaccept, be it now, or some date far from today, I promise, on whathonour I have, that I would serve you to the utmost of my ability." Helooked back at Berek. "As for the story, I'd like to hear it, perhaps thisevening?"

"Then today is already a good beginning!" Carangil smiled, stretchinghis right hand towards Jiff. "To celebrate, and to make matters easieron everyone, lunch will be on my coin. You are of course invited too,Master Drukha—in fact, you will be the guest of honour."

"Where did you say you are? The Blue Oak?" Drukha asked, with ahappy and expectant look. "I know the cook...."

"Apparently his reputation precedes him," Carangil smiled slightly."What is your preference, Master Drukha? I am open to suggestions."

"Mistress Mariah is well known for her p acirc;t eacute;s, pies, andstewed beef. You could also try her hare in a mustard sauce, or her coqau vin. One of the best cooks around, she used to work in the Thalionfor the lords there!"

"Indeed. I wonder why they let her go, then. But I shall definitely takeyour advice, Master Drukha. What is your own preference?" Carangilasked, honestly curious.

"The coq au vin, I think...." Drukha mused, but Jiff overrode anyadditions he might have offered.

Taking Carangil's hand firmly, Jiff agreed, "A good beginning indeed...but, can we please continue our conversation over food as I amstarving...." he finished his sentence with a chuckle.

"That we can," Carangil laughed. "Lead the way, good Kirdan."

Chapter XII: The Blue Oak Inn

Kirdan led them to the Blue Oak, which was not far from the Thalion,on the southern outskirts of Metraith. Elen aacute;rion and Carangilimmediately noticed the obvious superior quality of the place, its richcarpets and precious wooden furniture signalling the wealth of itsowner. Berek was surprised to see some woods that obviously camefrom Rhovanion, and everybody noticed the delectable cooking odoursthat came from the dining area. Aeglorias approved Kirdan's choice,

but said he was not hungry and went to the Thalion to recover theparty's horses. Kirdan went with him, while the others asked theinnkeeper for a good meal. They had finished the first course, a nice pacirc;t eacute; de canard, when Kirdan came back and sat among themalone, for Aeglorias had decided to take a ride; he would come back forthe fruits.

Elen aacute;rion smiled at Carangil's squire, and made some room athis side. The young squire sat, and took a small piece of the p acirc;teacute;; he usually ate frugally, not unlike their Elven friend. "You arelucky indeed to travel in company of a Firstborn," said Elenaacute;rion. "I didn't dare ask him, but perhaps you can tell us a littlemore about him, Carangil?"

"Yes, I have been wondering about Aeglorias also," Jiff nodded. "It israre to find one of the Firstborn travelling in the company of a group ofus Mortals, yet he seems to me to be a good friend of both yourself andyour squire, Sir...." Jiff's eyes shone with the genuine curiosity of theyoung. Beside him, nodding and humming, Berek tried not to losecontact with his jug of beer, a little starter while waiting for the maindish to arrive.

"Of course," Carangil nodded after washing down a succulent morsel."I told you that my mentor, the Hir Gilnor you may have heard usmention, introduced us to Aeglorias; or more to the point, Hir Gilnorasked Aeglorias to escort us to Fornost. I'll be the first to admit I don'tknow everything about him, but what I do know is that he is anexperienced adventurer who has travelled into the Deep South, beyondeven Far Harad.

"Apparently while he was in the Utter South several of his companionswere killed. At least two of them were Men and one was an Elf namedCelebil who just happened to be the half-brother of the Heri Melloacute;ni euml;, Hir Gilnor's wife.

"We were present when he broke the news to her, and I swear that's thefirst time I ever saw her sad. I hope I never see that again, but I fear itwill happen soon or late."

Hearing the dropping voice of Carangil, Berek lowered his mug.Though raising his eyebrows with a questioning look, he did not utterthe obvious question, leaving the decision on more details to Carangil.

Carangil caught Berek's look and shrugged, his face downcast. "I havehad several warnings of dark days ahead for the North; the most direct

was my lord father's prophecy of a terrible war. Now, to answer yourquestion, young Jiff, he seems to think we D uacute;nedain areexciting, that interesting things happen when we are near," Carangilsmiled indulgently. "As for being good friends, yes, I think he is, asmuch as a few months of travel can make us. You should have seen theexcitement he caused at my brother-in-law's estate."

Judging by the reaction of the serving girls of the Fattened Ewe, Jiffcould easily imagine how the Elf could leave an unforgettable mark in aprovincial estate. "And do you think he could be a lord?" asked anexcited Jiff.

"Come to think of it, even Heri Mell oacute;ni euml; called Aeglorias alord," Carangil mused. "That must mean he comes from the Sindarinnobility of the Greenwood, with high standing in King Thranduil'scourt. He's certainly different from the Eldar of Dol Elenna, who aremostly Noldorin or Silvan with a few of blended Kindreds."

"Hmmm..." Berek mused. "Aeglorias mentioned to me that hepatrolled the Greenwood for some time. He even speaks the languageof the woods, nearly as good as I have ever heard an outsider before...."Carangil grinned at the notion of an Elf of Greenwood being called an"outsider" in the woods, while Berek added, "and I agree he is different,compared with the few Elves of the Greenwood I have met, being moreoriented towards Men.... But the most, he really seems to be anexperienced hunter, and a capable leader. That's what makes a,hmmm, man's worth!"

"I will not argue with you on that score," Carangil nodded, thenattacked a tasty meat pie.

Carangil began to feel more satisfied from a meal than he had since DolElenna. He leaned back in the comfortable chair, sipping his cup of finewine. "Elen aacute;rion, I did not fully understand something you saidback in the square. If you are not yet a full knight, what precisely areyou? How does a roquen of Arthedain differ from a full knight?"

Elen aacute;rion smiled to Carangil, and said, "It appears that somedifferences exist between our countries. Among the Arthedain, thereare various classes of knights. First, there is the division between royaland noble knights." Carangil nodded, for it was much the same inGondor. "The ten company commanders of the royal army, thecommander of the royal guard (he's the one you said is your mother'scousin)...." Elen aacute;rion was not sure what to think about that.Carangil's father must rank near Hir aacute;ratar Orros himself! "...its

six squadron leaders and a few of the members of the Othrind. Thesquad leaders of the royal army bear the formal title of ohtar, 'squire,'but are also considered knights. Among the nobles, there are two kindsof knights: landed knights, or gentry, oath-sworn to the nobles ofArthedain who will transmit their titles to their elder sons; and 'solitaryknights,' who are either men of common birth knighted for their deedsor non-inheriting sons of nobles and landed knights who provide thenoble armies with a mounted element. I am an erroquen, as is, if Iunderstand well his coat of arms, Kirdan. A full knight is either alanded knight, noroquen, or a royal knight, aroquen. I was dubbedsome months ago, when I reached my majority, and this is my firstofficial mission for my House." Elen aacute;rion's pride in his service tohis liege was obvious.

"Ah, I see now," Carangil nodded. "I suppose then in some ways I amsomewhere in between one of your erroqueni and aroqueni, as I do notyet know for certain whether or not my lord father, or the King himself,will enfeoff me. Thank you for your explanation. In Gondor things aresomewhat different."

Elen aacute;rion had kept to himself as the others talked aboutAeglorias, but after explaining the structure of knighthood inArthedain, he thought he should bring the conversation back to themain topic. "There is something that has been bothering me ever sinceI heard of the thief's talents. I have never heard of a thief among theFirstborn. Crime is very rare in their society, or so it is said in thebooks, and their few crimes are crimes of passion. So, if our thief is anElf, he is one of the Dark Ones, maybe even a servant of the Witch-king."

Carangil thought for a moment, his brow furrowed. "You are quiteright in that crimes in general and thefts in particular are very rareamong the Firstborn, but they have happened. Perhaps the greatestcrime of the Noldor was their theft of the White Ships of the Teleri ofAlqualond euml;, because it precipitated the Kinslaying, which broughtabout their Doom. (In Gondor such an act would be called 'felonymurder' and subject to the same or worse punishment as murder incold blood.) Another great crime was the attempted theft of theSilmaril of Elwing at the Havens of Sirion, which also led to murder.

"But even considering all that, according to everything I've ever heardor read, no Elf has ever willingly served the Great Enemies. Some havebeen forced and others deceived into service, but none have chosen it."

"The 'witch king'?" Jiff asked. "Who's that? Whoever he is, his namedoesn't make him sound like someone I'd like to meet!"

Berek also expressed his puzzlement. "'Witch king,' hmmm.... Can youtell us more about him?"

"Yes, I can," Carangil replied, lowering his voice. "But I would prefernot to discuss him until Aeglorias has returned."

Berek spoke up, "And as for the Dark Ones, as you call them...hmmm.... I have heard of Elves who strayed from the righteous path,but thought them very few, single individuals. Yet this sounds as ifthere is a brotherhood or something alike...."

"I fear we wander from the path into blind alleys," Carangil shook hishead. "But consider this: A single Elf straying from the right causedwhole nations to do the same. It was all a question of leadership."Though Elen aacute;rion appeared to understand as he nodded inagreement, Jiff and Berek looked at Carangil with puzzled expressions,so he added, "I mean F euml;anor, whose Oath of vengeance broughton the Doom of the Noldor. If you want a more recent, Mannishexample, remember the pride of Ar-Pharaz ocirc;n and where it ledhim."

Elen aacute;rion shuddered at the mention of a name best leftunspoken. "Let us return to the present question. We know the thiefhad impressive talents, I agree. But then, does this mean he has to bean Elf?"

"Of course not. I was just thinking, as did Aeglorias himself, that a lotof the thief's talents coincide with those of most Elves," Carangilreplied.

"A well-prepared route of escape, a stormy night, a skilled burglarmoving in familiar surroundings.... Maybe he did not even notice thathe was followed and chose the food cellars as a simple precaution,"Elen aacute;rion offered.

"That seems unlikely," Carangil disagreed. "Aeglorias thought the thiefwas actively evading him."

"Although it hurts me that the Elven amulet I inherited, hmmm... hasfallen into the hands of a criminal for a few moments, let's not be hastyin assuming a reason apart from burglary... Or do you have anythoughts hinting at more than a skilled thief?" Berek inquired.

"Why you and no one else in the Fattened Ewe that night?" Carangilasked. "One would think I would have made a more tempting targetthan you or Sir Elen aacute;rion."

The door to the lunchroom opened, and Aeglorias came over to theirtable. He helped himself to some fruits. When he spoke, it becameobvious that he had heard Carangil's last words. "I think he also hadyou in mind, since there were muddy traces in front of your door, butour thief must have had keen ears and heard me, for he was already inthe stair when I decided to go see what happened in the corridor."

"Then we are doubly in your debt," Carangil raised his cup towardsAeglorias. "We would not have proved easy pickings, I think, but ifcaught asleep and unawares our blood might have been spilled in thedefense."

When both Elen aacute;rion and Berek asked in a rush what he thoughtof the notion of an Elven thief, Aeglorias answered, "I don't think yourthief was an Elf, Elen aacute;rion, Berek. First of all, because thesilhouette I followed was too small—but, granted, this could have beena false impression made by the night. On the other hand, some SylvanElves are quite diminutive compared to my kin or the Noldor.

"Well, let me think," he continued slowly. "A Noldo is out of question—I would have felt his aura, even if he was only from the common folk....Though a Sinda's aura is more difficult to perceive, I think I shouldhave sensed it. Anyway, this doesn't seem likely. I cannot imagine oneof my kin reduced to such a vile way of life.... An Avare... many thingscan happen where Avari are concerned, but anyway, this is not themost likely thief, though that could explain why he stole your amulet,Master Berek. But once more, one can be light-footed and find his wayin the night and be a Mortal."

Carangil nodded. "Very true, and I agree with everything you said. NoNoldo would ever stoop to common theft; no, when they fall fromvirtue, they do it in much grander fashion. I think we must re-considerhim—or more probably her, now—as a Mortal, for sake of the odds...."

"Indeed," Jiff said, "a woman or, and perhaps Aeglorias can answerthis one, could it have been a man of my frame? But whatever, I agreethat this speculation, without any proof or other information will get usnowhere!"

"Well, then," Carangil smiled indulgently, "I think I shall speculateupon the merits of our chef's desserts. Maybe it will prove inspiring."

"Yes indeed," replied Jiff, "and I think I shall join you. If that sweetsmell is anything to go by, I can't wait!"

"Perhaps Aeglorias and Berek are right?" Jiff asked later. "I mean, I amfairly sure I could move around Tharbad, or at least areas of Tharbadthat I know well, almost as easily during a stormy night as I couldduring a summer's day, though doubtless in less comfort.... Andperhaps I could also claim that I could lose almost anyone on thosestreets, should I wish to, especially during conditions such as those!"

"You have a good point," Carangil agreed. "There are rooms andcorridors in D aacute;cilion and Dol Elenna which I could use to thesame purpose. So we are looking for someone who knows Metraith likethe back of his hand, and is Jiff's size or smaller. I am leaning moretowards it being a woman, and not a Dunlending, as Drukhasuggested. Still, I am afraid this speculation not helping much. Now,this meat pie, on the other hand..." Carangil grinned. "Kirdan, we areall in your debt, my friend."

But Carangil's expression soon turned sombre if not grim, and helowered his voice, drawing the others into a huddle around their table."Jiff, Berek, now that Aeglorias has returned, I will answer yourquestions about the enemy of the North. Indeed, he is not someone youwould like to meet, young Jiff. 'Witch-king' is another name given tothe ruler of Angmar, who is also called 'the Shadow of the North.' HirGilnor told me, 'He is no ordinary man, but a mighty sorcerer and acunning lord of Men.'

"And as impossible as it sounds, Hir Gilnor also said that he was aformer prince of the D uacute;nedain, born in N uacute;menor beforeits fall! That was right before he told us that 'the fate of Arthedain is thefate of the North!'"

"If that's true then someone should definitely do something to stophim!!" Jiff exclaimed. "But aren't there tales of other MightySorcerers... good ones I mean? Couldn't they help against this Witch-king and save the North? Wouldn't that be an interesting tale to tellaround the fire, a huge battle of magic versus magic...." Jiff's eyesshowed signs of daydreaming as his voice trailed off.

"Yes, there are such tales indeed," Carangil shared a glance withAeglorias. "But I fear the days of heroic duels of sorcery, like the battlesof Finrod Felagund and L uacute;thien Tin uacute;viel with SauronGorthaur upon Tol-in-Gaurhoth, or between Ecthelion of the Fountainand Gothmog Lord of Balrogs at Gondolin, are long gone. Over

fourteen centuries gone, if we consider that the last such great battlewas that of Ereinion Gil-galad and Elendil the Tall against that sameSauron Gorthaur which ended the last Age.

"No," Carangil added, "I fear that if the North is to defeat the Shadowof the Iron Land it must be with steel and sinew, blood and courage—not with sorcery, save perhaps that of the Eldar of Lindon andImladris. And the three great powers of the North, Arthedain,Cardolan, and Lindon, must surely stand together or face defeat."

"So, you expect that we shall soon see glorious battles between goodand evil.... Well, maybe those stories would be almost as good?" Jiffasked.

Aeglorias posed his immortal stare on Jiff, who felt very odd. "Allyoung people dream of battles and high deeds, but real battles aremore blood and tears than glory and feats. I hope you will live a longand peaceful life, but I'm afraid that is not what you will have, and thenperhaps you will wish you had stayed to live your parents' life? Oneseldom finds what he thought he would in 'adventure.'"

"Hir Gilnor said almost exactly the same thing to me," Carangil noted.

"I understand what you say, sir," Jiff shrugged, "that battle often endsmore in misery than glory, but if you find the idea of adventure sorepulsive, why is it I have heard tales that you enjoy such things? And,might I ask, what exactly it is that you know of my parents' life whichyou have mentioned I find to be not to my taste?"

"If you heard that I enjoy adventure, then indeed you heard a tale, for Iserve my lords and obey their orders, but in adventure I have seen littleother than pain and suffering, though I like the travels that went withmy lords' service. As for your parents, what I meant is that though nowit appears that you consider their life as boring, for you left thembehind you in hope of finding something more exciting, you maydiscover in the future that their peaceful trade suits your heart. Or, likesome few people, you might learn that you prefer a quick and excitinglife over a long and calm one."

"Indeed, I follow your reasoning, sir, but at the moment I find that Icannot stomach the life my parents have. I would rather my short timehere be less than it were long and dull, though I would also rather feellittle pain than to die on a battlefield...."

Aeglorias smiled indulgently at Jiff, and then added, "We are in

peaceful countries; you should not die on a battlefield, or so I hope,even though Hir Gilnor's predictions lead me to believe that somethingis at hand. But there are few things we can do right now."

Elen aacute;rion puzzled over the words of his comrades. After muchthought he said, "Sir Carangil, since you hail from Gondor you may nothave heard of them, but we have our own burrowing, stealthy,diminutive thieves here in the North, and they are called Periannath,'Halflings,' or 'Hobbits' in their own rude tongue."

Carangil's eyebrow raised in an expression of interest. "Who or whatare these ... Hobbits?"

But Elen aacute;rion's thoughts were rolling and he did not answer. "Asfor the Witch-king, his exact nature is but speculation. Those who haveglimpsed him from afar in the din of battle—for no one has confrontedhim and lived to tell of the encounter—speak of a tall man clad in blackarmour and of a sinister presence, an unseen claw gripping their heartsand filling them with fear. Whatever he truly is, he an unnatural, evilbeing, an abomination which defies the One's will. To name him a Duacute;nadan is a curse upon our people and I will not stand for it!Whatever he once was, now he is a monster!"

"Yes, he is most definitely a monster, and a defier of Eru's will,"Carangil replied carefully, taking note of Elen aacute;rion's heatedtone. "But I trust Hir Gilnor's wisdom in these matters, as doesAeglorias, and if you ever have the opportunity to meet him, you willtoo. In truth I do not name that servant of the Dark a D uacute;nadan,now or ever, for such name by right is held only by the Faithful, first inAnd uacute;ni euml;, then in our Realms in Exile. But Hir Gilnor saidthe Dark Servant's origins trace to N uacute;menor, and I believe hespeaks the truth, however implausible it sounds."

"Indeed, Elen aacute;rion, you should trust Hir Gilnor's words, for heis a wise lord among the Noldor," said Aeglorias. "But perhaps you donot know that some dark heirs of the N uacute;men oacute;reans livesouth of Gondor, and some are even said to revere the Great Enemy! Ihave seen strange things in the South, and if Hir Gilnor indeed saidthat the Shadow of Angmar was once a king among your kin...."Carangil nodded sadly. "But perhaps I misunderstand what you mean:he serves the Dark now, and a friend of the Elves he is no more, and assuch cannot claim the title of Adan?"

"Yes, that is what I meant," Carangil replied sombrely. "If one of ourkin turns against the One, no matter what the degree of his blood

descent from N uacute;menor he can no longer be called a Duacute;nadan. To us descendants of the Faithful of And uacute;nieuml;, the survivors of the King's Men may be N uacute;menoacute;reans, but they are not D uacute;nedain."

Chapter XIII: Cousin Phillip

The voices of Aeglorias and Carangil had trailed off in thought when aman entered the room. He was tall and good-looking, which fact didthe girls and women in the room immediately notice. And not only bythe females: Berek noticed a sharp intake of breath from a reddeningJiff, who soon mastered himself but kept a guilty, childish look.

Hmmm... this is interesting, thought the bear of a man.

Oh, oh, trouble and problems ahead, thought Jiff, here is my cousin....As his cousin approached, Jiff stood and held out his hand to greethim.

"Greetings, Cousin Phillip!" Jiff exclaimed. "How did you find me, andwhat in the world are you doing here?!"

Phillip smiled. "As for finding you, I spoke to that surly innkeeper onthe other side of town, and he denied ever seeing you. But somethingsmelled funny about him, so I spoke to the stable boy, and he said youwere coming here. And as for why I'm here, I can see the world, too,can't I? Besides, your mother wanted me to give you this..." at whichPhillip threw Jiff a small washed-leather coin purse. "She didn't wantyou all alone in the world without any money!"

"Well, then, welcome, cousin!" Jiff answered, astonished at the gift."Oh, please join us..." he motioned to the others.

In answer to Jiff's welcoming gesture, Phillip took a place at the tableand greeted the others. After a while Jiff spoke. "This is my cousin,Phillip of Tharbad." A wave of greetings flowed around the table. "So,Phillip, you have heard a little of our conversation? Perhaps I shouldexplain a little better, if the others will allow it?" Jiff asked.

"Do you vouch for him?" Carangil inquired.

Jiff replied, "Indeed I do, sir, Phillip is as good a person as I could careto name, as trustworthy as myself, perhaps more so!!"

"Then I do not object," Carangil nodded his head graciously towardsPhillip, and quickly glanced towards the others to see if anyone else

would object. "Welcome to our council, Phillip. May I ask how youknew where to find Master Jiff?"

"I went to the first inn on the road, the Fattened Ewe. His owner toldme Jiff was gone, so I nearly departed for the next village, but bychance, I had the idea of asking the groom of your whereabouts. Theboy told me a man had taken all of your horses, and that you wereprobably gone to another inn. I told him I was Jiff's cousin, and he toldme you were probably in one of the two other inns of the town. I wenthere in the morning, and the good innkeeper was kind enough to tellme that Jiff was indeed among his clients, and would probably be backfor lunch." Phillip took on a dreamy air, remembering the nice servingwench of the tavern in which he had spent his morning. "So I cameback for the lunch, a little late, granted...."

Carangil smiled. "You must have made a friend, Jiff."

Then Jiff began to explain what had led the six companions and theirDunnish guest to this time and place. "Sirs Elen aacute;rion and Berekalong with myself travelled from Tharbad over a number of days beforearriving here in Metraith rather wet, cold, tired, and hungry. We choserooms in the Fattened Ewe for the night. During the night we wereburgled—the thief took money from both Elen aacute;rion and Berek,whilst they also stole an amulet from Berek which was gifted to him..."

Actually it was my grandfather, Berek thought but did not interrupt.

"...by some Elven folk of Greenwood the Great. I seemed to haveescaped as the thief left my meager purse well alone.... We awoke anddiscovered the theft in the morning. We also found a few clues, thoughnone that have yet taken us to our thief....

"During the morning we happened to meet with these other finepeople, Lord Carangil, and his squire Sir Kirdan, and later, we also metwith a man whose figure was that of Lord Aeglorias here, thoughslightly muddier...." Jiff chuckled a little while remembering the sight.

"The rest of today has been spent in search of our thief, though weseem to have made little progress, only I was arrested by Sir Drukhahere when I was posing as a thief in an attempt to discover ours!

"And I think, there we have a brief account of the last few days? UnlessI have left out anything, Sirs?"

Elen aacute;rion and Berek both shrugged, waiting for Jiff to continue.

After all, only Jiff would know what to tell to his cousin. "So, Phillip,cousin, what do you intend to do now? Does your road lead youelsewhere? Or maybe you will tarry here with us for a few days? Andhelp us in our search perhaps?"

"So," Phillip said while looking around the table, "I think I would liketo stay around for a while if you gentlemen will have me. What tookyou out of Tharbad in the first place, Jiff?"

"What took me from Tharbad?" Jiff echoed, pausing to find the rightwords. He continued, "Well, I guess I had seen the place for longenough. There was nothing new to me there. Do you perhaps think, likeme, places, and the people there, can get too familiar? Not friends orfamily, just the people you don't really know?"

"Understand that." Phillip caught the eye of that server girl and smiledat her, then turned back to Jiff. "But what made you decide to go now?What's going on?"

Seeing Phillip distracted, Jiff said, "We have room for one more,Phillip, but I don't think any more than that.... The serving girl won'tbe coming with us," Jiff chuckled. "I apologize, Sirs, he has always beenone for the ladies!" Jiff chuckled again.

Phillip laughed, "Sorry, gentlemen, but my cousin is right. I have acertain weakness when it comes to women." Phillip laughed again, "It'sa curse. I'm hungry—what's good to eat?"

"A curse, hmmm...." Berek said, looking at Jiff's cousin, who bore afamily resemblance to Jiff in also being of slight build, but he wasobviously far more athletic than was his younger cousin. "I doubt thatto be a curse. A weakness of flesh, perhaps, but nothing a, hmmm, mancan't stand against. However, welcome, cousin of Jiff, I'm Berek. Sitdown and have a mug."

Carangil laughed fondly, but why was there a sour note to it? "MasterPhillip, I think we all have certain weaknesses in that regard. As forwhat is good, really, just about everything. The chef here is a truemistress of the culinary arts. Try one of these meat pies, and finish withthe ambrosia."

"Hmmm.... Thank you, Berek. Nice to meet you," Phillip smiled andtook a seat next to Jiff. "I think I'll try a meat pie, Carangil, and please,just Phillip."

"In our company, certainly, Phillip. But there will be times, such as ourrecent interview with Master Rogda, when we must stand on formality.Besides," Carangil grinned wryly, "sometimes we D uacute;nedainmust maintain our reputation for stuffiness."

Hearing his fellow D uacute;nadan's irreverent remark obviously gavebirth to many mixed emotions in Elen aacute;rion's mind. Anger andstupor were the two most obvious feelings.

Feeling the tension growing, Berek stood up, stretching his body as ifstiff from the meal. "Formality, hmmm.... My grandfather saidmanners matter, and respect. So if we pay special respect to someonewithout knowing his rank we prefer to call him 'master,' for example. Iam not very accustomed with formality, I apologize, and I still am notsure about the difference between a Gondorian knight and a, hmmm,well what you discussed earlier. But be assured that I do hold you inhigh respect, as well as we all here do. And I hope," his eyes wanderedespecially to Phillip and Carangil, "that I will learn the formal way ofreflecting that attitude, given some time."

Sitting down, Berek addressed Aeglorias. "To, hmmm, start mylearning, Master Aeglorias, what would be the proper, formal way ofaddressing you? Belonging to nobility and being a Firstborn bothsurpass my small knowledge of ranks and titles."

"'Master Aeglorias' is perfect, friend Berek. This would sound a littlemore formal in my native Sindarin than it does in this Westernvernacular. 'Hir Aeglorias' is what most of the Elves of Greenwoodwould call me, except those of higher station, like the king's family, ormembers of the King's Rangers would call me Captain."

"'Hir' or 'Lord' would be proper for me as well," Carangil added, "but Iwill admit this once to being still young enough that either soundsstrange to me yet. When I hear it I almost start to turn aroundexpecting to see my lord father, Hir Anrohir, or Hir Gilnor. Both ofthem manage to make their honors weigh much more heavily on themind than do mine at present. I would love to witness a conversationbetween either one of them and your father, Master Drukha."

"My father says that the attachment to the titles comes with the role,my lord. Neither me nor you are yet what we will be—but a lord youare, whatever you say."

"Indeed," Carangil nodded soberly. "And I strive always to honor mynoble parents and teachers. I do not always succeed, but I do not fail

for lack of trying." Towards the end of his sentence, his voice took on astrangely intense tone inappropriate to the rather dry subject matter.

Ever since the youth who called himself Phillip had come to their table,Kirdan's piercing grey eyes hovered around him. He sat, silentlysipping from a goblet of red wine as his companions talked amongstthemselves, an impassive expression on his face. His expressionmatched his taste in clothes, which lacked any but the most modestadornments with the exception of the sword at his hip. It appeared tobe a fine quality blade, its hilt ornately decorated and its scabbardtooled with intricate designs. It contrasted oddly with his choice ofattire. Kirdan moved his gaze from the newcomer to the fire. He staredinto it for several moments, something in his eyes betraying a hint ofsorrow. Shuddering slightly, he looked down into his goblet, his braidof long raven hair, held only by a simple leather thong, slipping downhis shoulder.

Chapter XIV: Afternoon Investigations

"Hmmm, master Drukha, you now listened to what we know of thethief," Berek said. "Do you have any suggestions whom to look after?Have there been seen some people of these, hmmm, 'hubbits,' amongyour folk? For sure, the thief knew the food cellars, and therefore is nostranger to that part of town!"

"No, there are no Halflings—and I am as anxious as you are to learnwho the thief is, for he indeed knows our town and I'm not comfortablewith the thought of a thief that has access to our food cellars. Whichreminds me—even if we ate like famished men, perhaps it is time tohave a look at the vent in our cellars, what do you think?"

The companions smiled, for they had indeed wolfed down the meal asif they had been at a king's banquet. They stood and proceeded slowly,on foot, toward the Dunnish town. While walking, Drukha thoughtabout something that had been put aside. "Lord," he said, turning toAeglorias, "I didn't dare ask you before, but I've been wondering—howdid you enter our town last evening?"

"I scaled the wall, and so did the thief, of course. I see what you mean, Ishould have thought of it. If we are lucky, perhaps he has left sometraces while going out of the town again. Mellyn," he said to Berek andKirdan, "will you come with me? Both of you have some huntingexperience. Elen aacute;rion? Would you like to come?" As the tall Duacute;nadan nodded, Aeglorias added, "Carangil, you should go withyoung Jiff and Master Drukha. Master Phillip, I suppose you want to

stay with your cousin?"

"Yes, sir," Phillip said smiling, "we have much to talk about. I'm goingto have to work on addressing you gentlemen properly as to not offendanyone," Phillip smiled at Elen aacute;rion. "Jiff will have to help mewith that."

"Indeed I will, Cousin, though I think you will find that duty easilymet.... But we should depart to the food cellar before the sun falls andwe are forced to return here to suffer another meal..." Jiff grinned.

"Certainly, Master Aeglorias," Kirdan replied politely, looking toCarangil for a nod of approval. "I shall help you as much as I am able."Kirdan made his way over to the Elda, standing close to him. Headjusted his belt and scabbard with some scrutiny, smiling as he gazedon the intricately designed scabbard.

* * *

Carangil nodded to Drukha, Jiff, and Phillip. "Come, gentlemen. Let usmeet them on the inside. Drukha, what lies on the other side of the wallhere? Is there something recognizable we can find again easily?"

While Aeglorias and his companions departed, Drukha, while movingtoward the Dunnish town's gate, answered Carangil, "As you can see,this is a rampart, albeit a crude one. I know it can be climbed, all themore so on a stormy night, when our guards are not as attentive as theyshould be. But if you want to go to the food cellars, they are not againstthe wall, so what do you want to do?"

"Show me the cellars, if you please, and then I will let Jiff start hisexaminations while I, or we, find the others when they're done with thewall," Carangil replied.

"Well," Phillip said looking around," I'll follow you, Jiff."

"Well, for my part, sir, I would like to take a look at the food cellars, asit would be senseless not to, having got into all that trouble..." Jiffmused. "But perhaps we should meet with our friends on the far side ofthe wall first, and undertake any investigation there, is it may provequite useful to have us all at both sites."

"I think I like your idea better than my own, Jiff," Carangil replied. "Letus meet the others. Lead on, please, Master Drukha."

"As you want, please follow me," answered Drukha, who then passed

through the gate, and then turned toward the left part of the wall,where he climbed up a stair. The four men arrived on a crude catwalk,and began to walk around the Dunnish town. The rampart was higherthan most houses, and Carangil noticed that most of them were poorlymade from moldy straw coverings and dirty walls. Some richer houseshad a slate covering, but even these houses looked poorer than in thelower town.

"Is there a shortage of wood or stone here, Drukha?" Carangil asked,genuinely wondering why the residents would choose to live in suchsqualor. "Or do the people here work so hard they can't keep betterhouses?"

"Times are hard for everybody," answered Drukha in a somewhatevasive tone.

"True enough. Even Gondor is not what it once was."

Carangil noticed that the sewage system was primitive: garbage wasdumped in the streets and then taken away by the rain. Jiff and Philliplooked moderately surprised, as there were some dirtier and poorerneighborhoods in Tharbad. Carangil sighed sadly, and wondered whythe local D uacute;nedain did nothing to improve their subjects' livingstandards. So he asked, somewhat obliquely, "I suppose the town isfairly new. Are there plans to build permanent sewers and other civicimprovements?"

Jiff visibly flinched, and a kind of blank mask fell on Drukha's face."You must have looked too superficially, my lord. This town existedbefore your people crossed the ocean."

"Indeed?" Carangil asked with genuine surprise. "Then I apologize,Master Drukha. I think someone must have told me that your towngrew up around Metraith, which in turn grew up around the Thalion. Iwas obviously misinformed. Please tell me the truth of the matter—ifnot here and now, then perhaps over another meal."

The men had crossed a third of the left catwalk when they saw Berekon the other side, crouched on all fours and seemingly sniffing theearth, his face already covered with some mud, but speaking withAeglorias from this awkward position nonetheless.

* * *

With an approving nod, Berek followed Aeglorias, Kirdan, and Elen

aacute;rion to the point where the Elf had scaled the wall the nightbefore.

On the way to the wall, Berek walked next to Aeglorias. Creating somedistance between them and the other two, he spoke softly usingAtliduk, his native language. "Master Aeglorias, one thing is botheringme since you showed me your amulet. I thought my heritage to beunique, not only due to its design, but also due to its, hmmm...properties... for it can dampen the aggressiveness of foes, even calmingthem to not attacking at all. Do all medallions used by the Rangers inGreenwood, and yours as well, contain this power?"

"No, friend Berek, rest assured, your heritage is still unique," answeredAeglorias, also in Berek's native Atliduk. "As far as I know, only a fewof them had exactly the same 'properties,' as you say. But the medallionyou received was precious if it contains some magic that allows it tocalm foes...."

"Look! Here!" Kirdan's clear voice interrupted the conversation. Berekand Aeglorias quickly moved to their companion's position, and alsonoticed the muddy tracks on the wall and the thin path that went backto the lower town.

"Hmmm... let's see what we—you—found...." Berek bent over, nearlymoving like an animal on four pads, and cautiously investigated thefloor at the bottom of the wall, swerving first left and then right. Therewere no obvious tracks apart from those left by the thief during thenight, so this was not a usual route.

"Once again, Master Aeglorias," Berek said, "I wonder at your abilities.The stable boy did not see you leave the inn, and neither can I find yourtracks though you must have followed the thief's route closely. To trackan Elf seems to be as easy as tracking a bat during a moonless night!"

Aeglorias crouched, smiling, and said, "Look, here! This is a trace ofmine, but don't forget that all Elves are light-footed.... But I am notonly an Elf, I'm also a Ranger of the King, and a hunter.... Don't everleave tracks if you want to catch your prey...."

Then Berek's attention shifted towards the wall, looking for hand- andfootholds. "Maybe we can find a preferred route of our prey...."

"This seems unlikely.... The wall is rough, so a good climber wouldroutinely climb it from different spots.... But perhaps we should makesure regardless, since there shouldn't be that many places where one

can climb unnoticed," answered Aeglorias. "Perhaps we shouldinvestigate those tracks first?"

"Certainly, let's take a closer look!" And so Berek did, crouching on allfours, his face brushing the muddy earth.

* * *

At the same time, on the catwalk, Drukha had reached the sameposition with the other companions.

"Drukha, have they moved far from where we saw them last?" Carangilasked. "I do not yet recognize the landmarks. Is there anything specialabout that area of the wall?"

The Dunlending shrugged and said, "Well, we are no further than ahundred yards from the gate." He looked around, and added, "There isnothing special here, as far as I know."

Jiff observed the place, looking on the other side of the rampart, thenturning his gaze towards the tower on the northern extremity of therampart, and pondered his observations for a while. He had noticedthat the town had an oblong shape, and one could probably climb thewall unnoticed from this point. "If I wanted to creep past those wallsunseen that would be one of the places I'd use."

"Why? What's special about it?" Carangil asked.

"I forget, Sir, that perhaps you, as a child, may not have spent as muchtime trying not to be found by people as the rest of us.... I often chosethe city as a place to hide from my parents for a few hours and you getused to spotting the best ways for unseen travel.... In fact, I recall, as achild, Phillip and myself playing games of hide-and-seek around ourhomes... though if I remember correctly you always had a hard timefinding me, right, cousin?" Jiff gave Phillip a friendly jab and smiled."But my reasoning, sir, if you note the shape of the town from thispoint, and the place at which someone climbing here would enter thetown, they are afforded a great deal more protection than through anapproach at a different position along this wall, and certainly from theother, longer walls...."

"Listen to my cousin, good sirs. If anyone knows about good hidingplaces, it's him," Phillip said.

Carangil nodded acknowledgement to Phillip and exclaimed,"Excellent observation, Master Jiff! That's the same kind of thinking

needed to conduct a siege."

"Well.... Thank you for the complement, Sir.... It is well received," Jiffreplied.

"You are welcome. Part of my goal on this life-journey is to seek talentwhere it may be found, and like I said before, I like your quick wits,"Carangil replied seriously, then smiled. "Oh, and for the record, I didplay hide-and-seek as a boy—just not in the city streets. It was alwayseither in the woods or in a castle."

"My apologies, I didn't wish to cause offence..." Jiff said hurriedly.

Carangil's eyebrow went up in a questioning look. "Why would youthink I had taken offence? We grew up in very different places, buteven so we have many things in common." He smiled conspiratorially."I'll tell you what. If we have to play hide-and-seek in a city, I'll followyour lead, but in the woods or a castle maybe you should follow me."

"Indeed, sir, you are doubtless correct.... Trees and bushes are fardifferent from a building and a man.... But perhaps having talent inone will speed learning in the other?"

"Perhaps we shall have the opportunity to find out," Carangil smiled.

* * *

From the bottom of the rampart, Aeglorias had noted their arrival andheard Jiff's comment. "He most certainly used the place."

Berek, while still observing the tracks and still on all fours, also addedhis own comment. "This spot seems to provide easy climbing... maybewe should scale the wall, take a look at its top and then proceed ourinvestigations on the other side of the wall? Hmmm, I didn't notice ourfriends up there. What is on the other side, young Jiff?"

Jiff turned back to the other side. "Well, somebody obviously climbeddown here using the roof of one of these houses. I can still see themarks that he left.... As for anything else? It's just a simple town.... Didyou also use the roof for your descent, Lord Aeglorias?"

Aeglorias smiled wryly. "No, I was locked in the cellar until morning.After I was released, I simply walked out."

Down at the bottom of the wall, Berek got up from his bent-overposition, scratching away the mud from his hands. "Hoo, up there!"

Berek did not yell at all, but seemed to fill his whole body with a deep-sounding voice. "These tracks are leading away from the wall into thelower part of town.... So we have two choices again, hmmm, three infact! Proceeding our investigation at the food cellar and tracking thesefootprints in both directions... for maybe we find out the point whereour nightly burglar started his, hmmm, shopping trip, and maybe wefind some other place where the burglar dropped in before he went toour inn!"

"Lord Aeglorias," Berek turned to the Elf, who visibly flinched underthe Beijabar's voice. "We could split up to investigate the two trackingoptions. However, I would propose to do the tracking together, for Ihaven't met a tracker with your abilities for a long time and long toincrease my knowledge.

"So how about following the tracks into the lower town first. Then weshould return to the wall, and pick up the footprints tracking backalong the way the thief used in the upper part of town. There we couldmeet with the other part of the group who might take a look at the foodcellars during that time.

"Master Drukha," Berek turned and looked up the wall again, "wouldyou lead Sir Carangil, Jiff, and Phillip to the food cellars and search forhints in there? We shall try to meet you at the food cellars. If you havefinished your investigation before we arrive, simply leave word at theguards of the food cellar and we will meet our companions in the inn.Sir Elen aacute;rion, Master Kirdan, would you prefer to come alongwith us?"

"Hold, Master Berek," Carangil called back, "do you really think it wiseto divide our forces? Master Jiff and I had second thoughts on thatmatter, which is why we came back to find you rather than going on tothe cellars already. What say you, Elen aacute;rion? Aeglorias?"

"Carangil speaks wisely," said Aeglorias. "Now that we are togetheragain, the best thing to do is probably not to split up again. Perhaps wecan have a look at those cellars?" Elen aacute;rion shrugged, obviouslyuncertain of the best thing to do.

"Hmmm...." Berek grumbled, and although he did not seem quiteconvinced, added, "Certainly every one of us can contribute to theinvestigations at the different spots. So staying together has certainadvantages, I won't disagree. What about proceeding with the tracksinside the town first, searching for the place the thief came from? Thenwe could take a look at the food cellars, and finally, try track the thief's

route into lower town that starts right here."

They agreed to meet at the town's gate, and soon enough, Berek wascrouching under the gate's low ceiling, grumbling and probably makingsarcastic comments under his beard. If Aeglorias understood, he didn'treact, and smiled gracefully to his ward and Drukha, inviting them toshow the way to the food cellar. Drukha led them, and once in front ofthe cellars, they chose to investigate the ventilator before anything else.They climbed up the street, and soon were in front of a smallventilator. From its size, it was obvious that an adult male would find itquite difficult to use it even in emergency. As Jiff had told them before,the iron bars that closed the vent had been carefully loosened.

Leaning over, Berek took a look at the area in front of the ventilator."Hmmm, Master Drukha.... I am not familiar with your buildings....Where does that ventilator lead to? Does it go straight into the foodcellar, or is it possibly connected to some other air shafts?"

"As far as I know, it goes directly to the food cellar," answered Drukha."Jiff can try to climb down it, however, if only to make sure there areno other surprises in reserve."

Though not exactly enthusiastic over the prospect of climbing down thevent, which was of course inhabited by a number of spiders and otherdisgusting things, Jiff agreed, but he preferred to do it from the interiorof the cellars. Thus they all went back to the lower part of the building,and entered it by the same door Aeglorias and the thief had used theday before. While Jiff climbed up the vent, Berek and Aeglorias had acloser look at the footprints in the cellars. Though they couldn't findany more clues about the thief himself, they found some traces of apassage near the ventilator's opening which proved that the thief hadused it.

They found Jiff in front of the door, and the young man told them thateven he, thin as he was, had had difficulties in climbing the wholeventilator. Elen aacute;rion looked like somebody whose suspicions areproved true, and said that the thief was surely one of those Halflings hehad spoken of earlier.

"Perhaps, Elen aacute;rion," Carangil mused, "but back at the Blue Oakyou never got the chance to finish telling us about them. Who are they,from where do they come, where do they live now, and what do theylook like? Are there any Halflings in any part of Metraith at all?"

"I don't know much about those scurrying things. They appeared out of

nowhere, seemingly coming from the east, but there lies only Rhudaurand its dark denizens. There are a number of them in most of thesouthern reaches of Arthedain, and they live among the commoners intowns like Bree," Elen aacute;rion replied.

"Are they generally troublesome folk, then?" Carangil asked.

But Elen aacute;rion only muttered about what scurrying thieves theywere, while Drukha asked a question: "Halfling? You mean the smallMen with hairy feet?" asked Drukha. At Elen aacute;rion's affirmativegrunt, he added, "Yes, there are some of them, but they look like nicepeople."

"Then maybe we should interview one or two, to get a look at them atleast. Where might they be found?" Carangil asked.

"I don't know exactly—in the lower town?" answered Drukha.

"Jiff, maybe you and I should try to find some of these little folk,"Carangil suggested. "You'd be the best judge of whether or not one ofthem would be able to fit through that air vent. But I suppose that's anidea for later." Jiff nodded his silent agreement.

"Hmmm..." Berek rumbled. "We surely know that the thief is of equalor less built than young Jiff, but a hmmm... Halfling... we still don'tknow. Master Aeglorias, the tracks I saw in the inn and next to the walldid not carry any uncommon characteristics to me, and seemed tobelong to a normal man. However, I have never seen a Halfling nor histracks. Do you think of anything particular considering our burglar'sfeet?"

Elen aacute;rion, though he remained silent, obviously had manythings to say on the judgement of commoners. Perhaps because of thestares sent by Berek and Carangil, he chose not to express them. Thosecommoners are really peculiar, to say the least, he thought.

Carangil turned to Drukha. "Drukha, what should we call the variousparts of this town, or collection of towns?" Carangil's sweeping gesturetook in all of the nearby habitations.

"Well, the lower town is called Metraith by the D uacute;nedain, thiscomes from the old Dunnish name of our town, which you would finddifficult to pronounce. The people from the lower town call this placethe slum, the Dunnish town, the high town, depending on theirfriendliness toward us."

"Which unfortunately is not constant," Carangil shook his head. "Oh,well, there are always problems like this when two different peoplescome together, I suppose. I, for one, wish for no friction between ourpeoples, and so I shall call them the upper and lower quarters ofMetraith—for it appears to me they are in truth parts of one city, nottwo. It is unfortunate that the rulers hereabouts have not taken morepains to enhance the living standards of the upper quarter."

While Drukha looked like a man offended by this proposal of charity,Elen aacute;rion looked like a man on the verge of a fit, and wouldprobably have launched himself into a speech on what he thoughtabout the Dunlendings, but when Aeglorias spoke, neither of themdared interrupt the Firstborn. Both hid their feelings, and listened tothe quiet Elf. "I'm afraid we must try to follow those tracks, becausethere is seemingly nothing more to find here," said Aeglorias, wholooked around, waiting for his companions' decision.

"Lead on, then, if you please," Carangil nodded.

"Hmmm, let's follow those tracks. I want to get close to that villainbefore rain or even snowfall washes away his marks!" Berek added.

The Elf half-crouched, and then began to follow the thief's light tracks.Berek, close on his heels, crouched even closer to the ground, and theysoon re-entered the lower town, where the tracks were soon lost on thecobbled streets. The Elf was not an ordinary hunter, however, and withBerek's help, he soon discovered near-invisible traces of the thief. Theyresumed their half-crouched walk, and their following companionssoon realized that they were not so far from the Fattened Ewe whenAeglorias stopped in front of an old, decrepit house. He signaled theothers to follow him to the next alley, where he told them, "The tracksend in front of this house. The thief entered there, I have no doubtabout that. Perhaps we should have a look inside. Elen aacute;rion, Idon't think we could convince the guard that we followed the tracks;they would probably see the evidences for what they are. Perhaps wecan try to enter at night?"

The tall D uacute;nadan knight looked once more at a loss. Why do wehave to ask permission? But if Aeglorias says so, I'd better agree. "Idon't know. But how will we open the door? Will we break through?"

"I suppose we could try to enter by the door, once we have announcedourselves. Of course, this does not preclude the fact that we round thehouse and make sure no one can escape," Aeglorias replied.

"Aeglorias, I'm fairly sure I can secure the guard lieutenant's co-operation," Carangil smiled. "I think we got along rather well. And ifMaster Drukha made the request with me, I'm virtually certain hewould honor it, and perhaps lend us a guardsman or two. While we'regone, the rest of you could make sure no one goes in or out of herewithout your knowledge—and for that matter maybe someone shouldkeep an eye on the Fattened Ewe just over yonder."

"'You don't have to knock to enter a spider's net,' the saying goes,hmmm.... I would say let's do some investigation first about possibleescape routes before knocking at the door right-hand. How about if oneof us took a closer look at and around the house, maybe just afterdawn, so we all can plan where to enter the house and where toposition ourselves. I think that might very well be a task for youngmaster Jiff," Berek nodded approvingly, "or, maybe even more for you,Sir Aeglorias. For the Firstborn eyesight is unsurpassed and, hmmm..."Berek took a small break and looked around at the members of thegroup. "Master Aeglorias and I can communicate, hmmm, a least somerudimentary signals, without being noticed by others, therefore the twoof us should split. Hmmm... that might as well qualify myself for thattask, for though I am, hmmm... not a small person I am capable at,hmmm... not being noticed in the open.... Perhaps we should form ateam, young Jiff, what do you think?"

"I would like that, Berek, my friend...."

"I am not sure I would be the best man to spy on the house," answeredthe Elf. "I can be easily noticed, while Jiff would certainly remainunnoticed for much longer."

"Gentlemen, shall we go pay our friend a visit?" Phillip asked with anevil grin, "I think maybe I should go first as he would probablyrecognize all of you."

"Hmmm, Phillip, let's not be hasty.... Although I am not, hmmm,accustomed to that formalism when pursuing a thief, I think Carangilhas a good point: If we break into the house, then, informing theguards before we do so might save us trouble afterwards, right, MasterJiff? And if you, Drukha, agree, and Aeglorias gives you and SirCarangil company I doubt that the guards would not follow your,hmmm, request to investigate that house.

"In the meantime, Jiff and myself go take a look at possible escaperoutes. We must gain further information before we try to enter. Sowhen we meet again at this spot in the side alley we can discuss where

to enter the house and what places have to be watched. Hmmm.... Howabout you, Sir Elen aacute;rion, Master Kirdan, Master Phillip? Youcould either join or stand watch...."

"I shall stand watch," Kirdan replied calmly, "just in case this man isnot home and returns while some of us are... looking for him." Helooked to Carangil, not knowing if his master wished him a differingtask or not. He stood patiently while the others discussed their tactics,his eyes keeping watch on the streets near the house.

"I think that Elen aacute;rion and Carangil should go with Drukha topay a visit to the guard lieutenant," answered Aeglorias, "but I might bemore useful here. Kirdan, your idea is a good one. I'm sure our friendswill benefit from your attentive watch."

Carangil nodded and smiled. "We will hopefully return soon, myfriend. Stay well until then."

"Very well then, let's meet right at this spot!" Berek exclaimed. "Jiffand I will do our investigations and come back here once we arefinished. Jiff, how about if you took a look on top of the roofs? I will tryto get a look at the different sides of the building."

"Indeed, friend Berek, I'll check the rooftops, for I fear if the task wasleft to you, you might first climb to the top, but then simply fallthrough and to the floor...." Jiff laughed.

"Is it agreed then? Shall we all begin?" Phillip asked.

Jiff looked around, attempting to spy out a position from which hecould watch either the Fattened Ewe, or else this place—perhaps both?—without being seen from either. He soon saw a shadowy back alley,and decided to go spy from there. Meanwhile, Berek had a look aroundthe house, but he noticed nothing extraordinary. There were no backdoors, for the house was attached to its closest neighbor, but Bereknoted that a nimble man could easily run from roof to roof if there wasan access from the potential thief's house. He then went around theblock to meet with Jiff unnoticed.

Jiff then used the shadowy dusk to climb up the houses, and hesurveyed the roofs. As Berek and he had expected, there was an exit onthe roof, which the thief would probably try to use in order to escape.The roof door looks too well used for a normal house... hmmm,thought Jiff. "Berek, the roof door is obviously well used, do you think Ishould take a position nearby so I can see, or else pursue our thief?"

"Hmmm, young Jiff, you sure have found an exit worth watching. But Iwould not like to lose our possible thief again on the rooftops, so Iwould propose to try to block the trapdoor or to make sure a thiefcoming out can't escape or even fight his way through. Was thereperhaps a bolt or was it opened from the inside? Do you think itpossible to block it by simply putting weight upon it? It would be wisefor one of us to join you on the rooftop, waiting for an escaping man. Iam sure a trapdoor opening to the outside won't budge if I take a seatupon it..." with a smile on his face, Berek clapped at his impressivebelly, "...though I am sure a roof like this will withstand my weight."

Smiling back at his large friend, Jiff said, "I don't believe there to be alocking method, from the outside, but indeed my friend, I would expectthat your weight would prevent our thief, especially if he is one of thesesmall people, from leaving the building.... Though I ask you to move assilently as possible across the rooftops, for I fear the buildings'occupants would otherwise give away our secret!" Offering Berek ahelping hand for the climb, Jiff started to lead the way back to the roofof the suspected thief.

"Ho, young Jiff, do not rush. We, hmmm, should first share ourfindings with our friends and tell them what we are up to. Then I willgladly accept your lead on top of the roof, and ready myself there."Saying so, Berek turned to meet Kirdan in the side alley.

"Ah, of course, Sir, I was getting overexcited...." Jiff climbed, easily,down from the rooftops and joined the small group at Berek's side.

Coming back from their investigation on and around the house, Jiffand Berek joined Kirdan and the others in the dark side alley. With amuffled voice, Berek told them about their findings. "Hmmm, MasterJiff found something important on the roof: a trapdoor, opening to theoutside on the roof..."

"...and often used, it seems," Jiff interjected.

"Hmmm, we surely have to keep an eye on that exit. As for me, while Itook a look around the house I did not see anything special, apart fromwindows of course, which might suit a desperate thief as a last exit aswell. Jiff and I thought it might be best if we both climbed back on therooftop, once the others have returned and proceed to knock at thefront door. We will block the trapdoor on the roof, and if we feelsomeone opening it, trying to escape we will yell and enter the rooffrom above. Still, I would propose to have two of us standing atdifferent sides of the house, watching these windows. That would leave

another three, hmmm..." Berek halted and juggled a little with hisfingers, "...or so to knock at the front door. Let's hope the rabbit is athome, so we can hunt him down!"

Phillip looked at the house. "Why don't I go to the front door andknock? I think I can hold him off if he tries to run."

"Cousin, be stilled, the others have gone to fetch the guard, and thenwe'll have some 'official' help in addition to our own wits andstrengths.... Besides, if we were simply to manhandle our thief, surelywe would be breaking the laws of this town as much as he, perhapsmore besides...."

"You are right, but I do not really approve of these, hmmm, laws oftown.... I wish we could be out in the woods..." Berek mumbled, moreto himself than to his companions. Checking his woodsman's axeclinging to his side, its blade covered by a leather pouch, Berekremembered that he had decided against wearing his armour, spear,and shield so he would not frighten any of the townspeople.

"I just don't like waiting," Phillip said, looking around nervously.

* * *

Meanwhile, Carangil, Drukha, and Elen aacute;rion had quickly arrivedat the Thalion, were they were soon ushered into Lieutenant Gailen'spresence. They told him about their discoveries, and Gailen agreed toinvestigate the house. He called a sergeant in from the corridor, andthe D uacute;nedain and Dunlending soon rode back toward thealleged thief's house, in the company of five guardsmen and theirsergeant.

Seeing the guards approach the house, Berek whispered, "Here theycome.... Jiff, let's move silently on top of the roof. Aeglorias, Kirdan,and Phillip: Could you stand watch in the streets in sight of the house,just to cover all sides of the building?"

Phillip turned to the others as Jiff and Berek left. "Where do you wantme, gentlemen?"

Kirdan did not answer; he was already striding rapidly to the east.Aeglorias glanced around quickly and replied, "Kirdan is already goingeast, so why don't you go north? I should be able to cover both southand west." Phillip nodded and took Aeglorias' advice.

Jiff led Berek to the spot where he had climbed the building before and

gave him a helping hand in scaling the roof. Silently, they moved to thetrapdoor and stood behind it. Berek took his woodsman's axe out of hisbelt. As the Beijabar held the "tool" in both of his hands, Jiff gasped.While clinging to the giant's side, the axe had looked like a normalworking tool, but from a closer perspective, it clearly was made for agiant. Jiff was not sure he could swing it at all. Recovering from theshock of Berek's unsheathed axe, Jiff stood just out of the way of thelarge Man, to the side of the trapdoor. From this perspective hethought he could get a better look should anyone try to exit through theroof, and might be able to stop him or give chase, should he evadeBerek's grasp!

Berek crouched on one knee, ready to drop his weight on the trap doorif it should open and a person should start climbing out. Waiting in hisclinched position, Berek's tension rose. Hmmm, won't they knock onthe door soon? Usually they are so hasty in all they do! he thought,unable to see the door from his position up on the roof.

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