Angmar Bound, Chapter 2: Where Shadows Lie

[Eonwë]

Auros:

"Nay, he was not in the tunnel," Auros said to Fainan, with a slight smile. "Aye, he is Telperos' horse." he added, facing Calion. "He must be somewhere ahead of us. Now we just have to determine which way is 'ahead'. If there is any foe still in earshot of my whistle, perhaps they will be more likely to make a mistake with us behind them. That may give Telperos an edge, if he is also hunting them. He may have several days on us, by all indications, but this is a start. We know he has come this far. And," Auros added after a pause, "I think this gives us the opportunity to cover more ground if Frali rides Telperos' horse, at least until we find him. The horse appears able to run." Auros turned to face Frali. "That is, as long as you think you can keep balanced atop him."

Directing himself back to the group, the Noldo concluded, "For now, though, have we found anything else here?"

[arienv]

Frali:

Frali shook his head. "Nothing of interest." he said. "There might be a bigger building there maybe not too far from the tunnel. Maybe the tunnel led to cellars or other underground rooms belonging to it, but other than that cannot be said without investigating closer, and i do somehow not think we have the time for that."

[Eonwë]

Auros:

"Very well," the Noldo said. I do not think we will find what we need here." He took a moment surveying the distance from the North to the East, but he saw nothing to indicate which direction they should go. He walked the broken walls aurrounding the ruins, determining if he might which direction Telperos might've headed. After doing so, he paused, and looking into the distance again, he pointed in a north-northeasterly direction. "We shall go that way. Mount up. We still have daylight."

[Eonwë]

Auros:

Onward they rode, stopping at a few small ruins along the way, if ruins some of them could be called. One was evidently the dilapidated remains of a farmhouse, by the leaning fenceposts almost the consistency of sawdust and shapes of house beams buried in tall grass. He did not bother calling the group to dismount, doing so himself only because he noticed the barest glint of a rusted anvil where some grass had been pulled away. The remains of the forge had been recently disturbed, and examining the ashes found small remains of burnt cloth.

This forge would've barely been enough for horseshoes, he thought. The fire could never have been hot enough for the quality of metal in the sword. Auros remounted Sulenar and looked around before calling the group to ride again.

The others were small outposts, one or two of them with forges of a quality to repair weapons, but they would have no written knowledge there. Any books or scrolls that were of any import would've been taken when the outpost was abandoned. The most likely remaining centralized storehouses of knowledge, such as Carn Dum, could prove perilous for such a small group, even if they might otherwise seem abandoned, and the Noldo was not eager to test the group's resolve in a place saturated with such malevolence as emanated from the Chief of the Ulairi. Even then, it was possible that there was as little information on this weapon in these resources as there was in Elrond's own repository, or none at all if its creator was more secretive in its creation than in its application. Auros had hoped some sign of recent activity along the southern borders would've provided better clues of anything stirring within this ancient realm, but had feared they might find nothing without pushing to the eastern and northern borders, where Calion's brother would have had to make his entry into Angmar. There had to be a reason he was coming here of all places.

All in all this was proving to be a fruitless endeavor, but Auros said nothing. Besides the farmhouse, he continued to have Fainan and Calion scout around for signs that anyone had been there before them while he searched in vain for any sign that maybe they weren't far. He realized, however, his best chance would be if he could come across someone roving this land, perhaps capture an orc, and from there learn something of the recent events in this land. No orc would be wandering alone, however, and it would be difficult to isolate a single orc and not draw the ire of the entire band. That too would be risky. They found sporadic evidence of orcs travelling hastily eastward; so sporadic that they could not be sure they were the same band of orcs, and by what they found they were far behind the orcs no matter how hard Auros pushed to gain ground. Still, nothing had come close to them as they rode, and so either Auros and his group remained hidden to them, or they were more concerned with haste.

Telperos' horse bore Frali with no effort. As a matter of pride, it would not let the Dwarf fall from its back. It kept pace directly behind Sulenar while they were riding, and stayed between Hithceleb and Quessalomë when Auros pulled away from the others for some reason, ensuring Frali had someone on either side to catch him if he insisted on defying the horse's every effort to keep him mounted.

In the distance there lay another set of ruins. Auros' hope rose as they drew close and it became evident these ruins were larger than the others, perhaps the remains of a large town or a small city. A fog was rolling in from the east, bathing the ruins in obscurity, and so as they approached the crumbled walls Auros motioned for everyone to slow to a trot. The hooves of the horses found their footing on the edges of a stone road, the clop clop echoing into the deafening silence that began to surround them. Auros hesitated for a moment, but decided there was no use and proceeded forward regardless. Auros dropped his left hand from the reins and reached down to the side of Sulenar, loosening Angran to be drawn in a quick motion from the scabbard fastened to his horse. They continued to ride up until they reached the gate, a large wooden door rent from its hinges long ago. The arch above had collapsed not long after, the rubble left to bar the way. Auros called the others to a halt and, after securing Angran once more, dismounted. He drew the horses behind the tallest part of the wall and stood in silence for a moment. There was something on the edge of his hearing that he couldn't quite make out. He checked his saddlebags, gave Sulenar a quick look in the eye, and motioned for Fainan and Calion to take up positions on either side of the collapsed archway as he told Frali to stay with the horses.

Stepping through the rubble of the arch, Auros stared into the fog. He could hear the horses' muffled sounds behind him, but he wasn't so far in that he could not still see the outline of the archway where Fainan and Calion waited. The sound drew closer, and as it did, it became more urgent, more hurried. It went from a shuffling to a thump, to a pounding on the pavestones. An orc emerged from the fog, and as it saw Auros it hesitated for a moment. It barely gripped the sword in its hand as it looked for a moment beyond Auros. Seeming to steel itself as it opened its mouth in a voiceless roar, the orc charged at Auros, lumbering forward more than running. Auros did not reach for his sword. An arrow flew from behind him and landed in the orc's chest. The orc stopped, fell to its knees, and collapsed forward. It wasn't the arrow shot from Fainan's bow that had determined the orc's fate, however; it was the three that were already protruding from its back.

Silently, a tall figure emerged from the fog, sword drawn and a long bow slung across his back. His piercing grey eyes had the look of one who had just spent an indeterminant amount of time as both hunter and hunted. Auros stood unfazed. The figure reached for the three arrows before noticing the shape before him obscurred by the fog. He squeezed the hilt of his sword. A glint shone in Auros' eyes as he loosened the sword on his right hip in its scabbard, but still he did not move to draw it. Suddenly a look of recognition appeared on the figure's face as he relaxed his stance.

"Auros!"

The figure checked that the orc was truly dead before stepping around it to come before Auros. "I suppose I have been out for a while, if you have come for me." He glanced for a moment beyond Auros. "Or perhaps not. I know that is not Malril and Aldawë back there, and you would've recruited no one else to aid you. You must be here for another reason."

"Partially true," Auros said. "You are part of the mission, Telperos, but you left us precious little to track you by since your moment of,... arrogance,... on the borders of Angmar." Auros said the last with a bit of a smile.

"Well I had great teachers," Telperos responded as he and Auros clasped hands in friendship. "In arrogance and in taking care. Unfortunately, the lessons somewhat overlapped!"

Looking into the fog, Auros asked, "Are we expecting others?"

Telperos shook his head. "This was the last one." A scowl came upon his face as he walked back over to the orc. "He had his chance. It seems I am not as persuasive as you are." Pulling the arrows from the body, Telperos cleaned them as best as he could, but put them aside to go over them again later and make sure the arrowheads were still serviceable. "Still, I would not spend overlong in the open. An unwholesome air lingers here, and not all shadows are as they should be." The look came into his eyes again, then was gone just as fast. "Come, let us meet the rest of your search party!" Saluting the others, he introduced himself. "I am Telperos, son of Meneltir, son of..." Telperos grinned. "Well, I could go on for several generations, but we do not have that much time. Suffice it to say I am an associate of Auros', and any cause he has pledged himself to is also mine by default."

[Varda]

Fainan:

"If Auros trusts you, then so do I. Nice shooting! My name is Fainan, scout of Mirkwood." She drew her arrow from the orc's chest, the shaft broken in the fall. She kept the arrowhead as it was still good.

[arienv]

Frali:

The young dwarf followed the Elves silently, actually pleased with the paces and handling of the horse although he hated to be wedged between Auros and Fainan. It gave him no chance going exploring himself, having a look at ruins, search for adventures or make use of his knowledge about forges or stonework.

As they now stopped outside what clearly had been a major settlement, Frali felt curiosly drawn to the place. Grumbling, however, he took the reins of the two other horses spiited beasts but without malevolence or ill manner. In fact he admired the beauty of the beasts, although their size still scared him somewhat and while he was waiting he mustered their kit and saddlework and the way the baggage was packed. So while he was waiting, Frali couldn't help wondering where in all this, that sword was that he had been using back in Mirkwood. The thought only brushed him for a moment for then a strange Elf stepped towards Auros and he watched him intensely.

[ArPharazon]

Calion:

Saluting back, Calion smiled at the new ally. "My name is Calion, and it is good to see a friendly face out here. A friendlier one than Auros, by the looks of it!" Thrusting his thumb over his shoulder, he added, "And I think we've found your horse."

[Eonwë]

Telperos:

"Auros? Not friendly?" Telperos posed with mischievous grin as he gave a glance toward his target. "That greeting was outright celebratory!" Auros snorted. In a loud whisper, Telperos added with a grin still plastered across his face, "But his friends wouldn't have him any other way."

"Telperos-" Auros began.

"No, you're right," he interrupted, raising a hand. Telperos sighed. I did say we should not spend too much time in the open. Fear not! There are no visitors expected here for several days. This, I did not have to extract from the orc. I overheard him speaking with the others he found here when he arrived, with me closer on his trail than he expected. They had hoped to have their "Elf problem" dealt with by then. I would say that it has been resolved, though not much to their liking." The Elf shook his head, then continued. "Come! Let us tend to this orc, then I think we may have a place to spend the evening. Though I don't know if I would risk a fire, it will be safer, cleaner, and warmer. But first," he added, with a nod and a smile towards Calion, "let's check on my horse."

Telperos strode over to his horse and gave him a gentle pat, and the horse nuzzled him. "It is good to see you as well, Palanrana." He gave a look to the left shoulder. "It's good that orc did not get its teeth in so deep as we thought at first, my friend. He regretted that immediately, didn't he." With a smile, Telperos patted the horse again, and satisfied, turned his attention to the orc. The group found a clear place outside along the broken wall but away from the main path, and there the orc was buried. "Now that our trail is covered for now," declared Telperos, "you must see this."

Telperos took the group, horses and all, further a little down into the town in the thick fog, the silence making the clopclop of the horses on the street all the louder. Suddenly he stopped at what appeared to be the remains of an inn, the sign fallen off long ago and now some orcish symbols scrawled across the stones making up its wall. Telperos motioned for them to be silent, though that may have seemed redundant, and took them around to the inn's stables. The doors, surprisingly, were still standing, though they appeared askew of the building to which they were attached. Telperos motioned for them to stand where they were, and walking over to the doors, he swung one of them wide effortlessly. The missing element was immediately noticeable: the hinges did not creak.

[Eonwë]

Auros:

The Noldo's countenance darkened slightly, but he couldn't decide if this revelation should be exciting or disturbing. "Someone has gone through alot of effort to give these doors the appearance of age and disrepair," he finally said, quietly so that his voice would not carry far. "Yet, they have cared for them enough to ensure they could enter without being heard." Auros motioned for Fainan and Frali to stay with the horses. Drawing a sword, he motioned for Telperos and Calion to follow him. Telperos followed Auros' example and drew a short, broad-bladed sword that usually sat on his hip with his quiver. That, and his bow, almost as tall as he was, he left with Fainan. He gave a smirk as he handed her the bow, seeing she had her own, and silently welcoming her as a fellow archer to try his.


Auros stepped carefully over the threshold, giving his eyes a moment to adjust to the darker interior. It was clean inside. Well, relatively clean. There was dust, but there was no old hay at any stage of decay, no dirt, no evidence the stables had been used for anything, which was only another indication that it had been cared for for some time. Auros looked to Calion, then looked to Telperos. Telperos directed his attention to the loft, and there he saw several small bales of straw for horses. "This isn't for wargs," Auros whispered. "Whoever they're expecting, they're not expecting orcs."

"And the orcs who brought it were careful with it," Telperos whispered back. "They didn't treat it like they normally treat, you know, everything. Whoever this is for, they're being careful not to face his wrath. But this isn't everything. Follow me." Telperos motioned for them to follow, and against the back wall he found a catch that revealed a hidden cellar with a stairway leading downward and a wooden door leading right. "That leads into the inn," Telperos said, motioning to the door. These shelves up here are mostly preserved meats of various kinds, things the orcs seem to enjoy, or at least have permission to." Telperos shuddered. "Downstairs is more interesting, but even we will need some light." Telperos then sheathed his sword and produced a torch, and with some materials from one of the shelves lit the torch and led Auros and Calion down the stairs.

It wasn't a large flight of stairs to descend, and it was not long before Auros absorbed the view of shelves full of food: preserves, rations, wine, all of it rather mundane in appearance, but it was evident someone expected to spend some time here, and the kinds of foods indicated it was someone with a palate more discerning than the average orc. Then, in the far corner of this little room, Auros saw something he had not expected. Atop a table were piled stacks of books and scrolls, some spread out, some still rolled up. Auros' heart leapt, but he couldn't tell if it were excitement or dread. He started to take a step forward, and Telperos put a hand on his shoulder. The torchlight dimmed. "We need to leave." There was urgency in his voice. Auros had been lost for a brief moment in his focus on the mission, but now he was aware of his surroundings again. Auros nodded, and they made their way upstairs and out of the stable. Telperos closed the stable door, securing it as it had been before.

Auros glanced at Fainan for a moment as he walked toward the horses, bearing a look somehow both grim and yet tempered with excitement. The Noldo walked past her and Frali and stood on the street, thinking. There was too much here to be happenstance. It was too good, too easy, but it was all real. There was too good a chance that Calion's brother, or rather the fëa controlling him, had this all set up, that those books and scrolls could have some piece of knowledge they need.

While Auros thought, Telperos retrieved his bow and quiver with a word of appreciation and an attempt at a smile. He left it to Calion to describe what they found, if he would.

[Varda]

Fainan:

Fainan recognized the love of a special bow and desire to share its wonder with one who could appreciate it. She laid her own cautiously to one side, away from hooves, and examined the beautiful work. This was built in the old style... no, it *was* the old style, truly magnificent. It should be in a vault for safekeeping. Without need to try, she could see that the draw weight would be too much for her, so she did not string it. She set it back, carefully, and picked up her own again. Its familiar feel seemed comforting against the fog creeping in around them, a weird version of the Dol Guldur- tainted darkness in Mirkwood.

She stepped close to Frali. "I'm glad you're with me, stalwart one. This place... even the shadows are wrong."

[arienv]

Frali:

Frali watched the meeting between Elf and horse with mixed feelings, part of him smiled and felt the joy of the two companions, part of him was jealous of the obvious friendship between the two. "Of course I miss out on this again" he thought to himself with a slight scowl. "No chance now that I ever get to be an expert rider or a horse friend - not that one has ever heard of among Durin's people. I am not even worthy enough to be introduced to this guy."

With a sigh the young dwarf watched the group disappear into the old house. Immediately he noticed they had opened the door without effort - not as one would expect in a place that should be have been abandoned for several centuries. In response he loosened the sword in his scabbard and made sure his shield was easily in reach should the need arise. Intensely he stared into the suddenly arising fog and nodded at Fainan: "Something stinks", he confirmed. "The stones in the houses doesn't feel right if you know what I mean. Not as .. well solid as they should. It might be age of course .. but it doesn't feel right." He groped for words. "A bit like I felt, when I had that sword .. not quite right." - ..

[ArPharazon]

Calion:

Following the others out of the stables, Calion noticed Auros deep in thought, and realized it would be up to him to tell the others what they'd seen. He walked over to Fainan and Frali, took a breath, and started, "Well."

He told them about the state of the stables, about the straw for horses - momentarily glancing at his own mount - rather than wargs, and the care with which it had been stored. About the shelves full of meat, with some disgust on his face, though admitting silently to himself that it'd have to do if all other supplies ran out. He continued about the better-looking inventory in the inn's cellar, adding with a short smile that they should probably bring some with them if there was time, and finished with a description of the books and scrolls.

"Auros seemed particularly affected by those, and I can imagine why. The knowledge in them could be vital to our mission, but why they're here should worry us. Someone has been using this place. Not an orc, but one who commands their respect, or at least their fear. Possibly whatever is controlling my brother... and judging by the readiness of the supplies, the orcs expected him here again soon."

[Eonwë]

Auros:
After a few minutes, Auros returned to the group. "Telperos, how much time are we sure to have?"

Telperos paused as he thought. "I spent enough time hunting these orcs throughout the town, listening to their conversations, to judge that we have less than a fortnight, but at least 5 days before anyone comes to check on things here. "

After a moment of silence, Auros concluded, "This is the best chance we have right now. We cannot pass this up. We must be sure that we disturb as little here as possible, but I must have a look at those books."

"I still do not know what it is that brought you to Angmar," Telperos interjected, "but I would caution against moving about this town at night, and especially about that room. I have already warned you that the shadows here are not all as they should be, and while perhaps we may have little to fear of harm, if your goal is secrecy, I do not think shadows will aid your secrecy here. However, I for one have no qualms using the spoils of our foe to thwart him, such as is wholesome enough to be salvaged, and the straw at least could provide for the comfort of our horses, and deny him, whomever it may be, the like in turn."

Auros closed his eyes in silent contemplation, then looking at Fainan, Calion, and Frali, he asked them, "Where do you stand?"

[Varda]

Fainan:

"Auros, before that can be answered, how will we hide our group's presence of five days, including that of our horses?"

[Eonwë]

Telperos:

Auros turned to Telperos. "I assume this is not the shelter you spoke of."

"Of course not." Telperos shot back. "On the northern edge of town the wall is not so dilapidated, and there is a guardhouse that I spent a few sleepless nights in. The orcs did not spend much time there when they weren't searching for me. The upper room sits on the wall and gives a clear view northward. If anyone comes from that direction, we will know. The building is warm, dry, and easily defensible. The stables next to it are smaller, but the guardhouse has a door leading directly into the stables, so we can make an escape if need be. The terrain outside the wall might also be favorable for our purposes."