[Mithadan]

"Now where were we?" said Piosenniel. "Oh, yes...

Then Morgoth came. For the last time
in those great wars he dared to climb
from subterranean throne profound,
the rumour of his feet a sound
of rumbling earthquake underground."

At that moment, a figure clad entirely in black appeared at the top of the gangway with a cloak billowing in the breeze like wings of shadow. Kali shrieked and hid behind Child. Angara unfurled her wings and stepped forward with a snarl. Piosenniel drew a knife and stepped forward to meet the stranger.

The dark figure reached up and pulled back his hood. The dim lantern light revealed the face of Mithadan who stepped wearily forward to take a seat on a barrel.

"Mithadan!" cried Child. "You did give us a fright! Did you find Khelek? What did he say?"

Mithadan looked at Rose with a faint grin. "I hope that you are up to some more sewing, Mistress Rose," he said. "It appears that we are in the need of some finery. But it appears you will get your wish and see the King again."