[Mithadan]

Mithadan and Pio raced up a spiral staircase leading the the top of the wall. There was a wide walkway there upon which three could stride comfortably abreast. The wall was lined with Elvish archers all of whom were looking down on the plain below. Mithadan looked over as well and saw a sight he would never forget. The plain around the foot of the hill writhed with dragons. Many were spouting fire and those near the streams which flowed down the hill were causing great steams to billow up. Others were clawing at the glassy slopes seeking a way up to the walls. None were able to find purchase. Behind the worms strode several tall figures, black but wreathed in flames, bearing whips which they used to spur on the great beasts. Still farther out on the plain was a mighty army of orcs who were rapidly approaching Amon Gwareth. In the red light, it seemed as if the entire plain were covered in ants moving in unison with horrible purpose.

One of the tall, fiery figures stepped forward and guided a dragon to the foot of the hill. Then a second was placed lying upon the first. The Elves, who had cheered when the worms had failed to climb the slope, now grew silent.

Piosenniel shook Mithadan, shouting "We haven't much time." The two ran along the parapet seeking any Hobbits. After a moment they found a group, standing with bows in hand and grim expressions. Pio stepped up to one and asked "Maura Tuk?" The Halfling shook his head and pointed to another farther along the wall.

Mithadan ran to the Hobbit and shouted above the din, "Maura Tuk, we are seeking Child and Rose. We must find them now!" Maura tore himself away from the sights below to look up at the man with a quizzical look on his round face. "Who?" he responded. Pio interrupted, "They may have used other names. Our travelling companions, a girl and an older Hobbit maid."

"Oh, Nitir and Azra," he said. "I haven't seen Azra but Nitir is in my hole with my family. I'm not sure if she wants to see you though."

"Please..." began Pio, but a great roar drowned out her words. The dragons had nearly reached the North Gate and the Elves had loosed a stream of arrows and rocks upon them, to little effect save to raise their ire. Maura and his companions ran to join the Elven archers. Mithadan followed him, only to be stopped by Piosenniel. "We have no more time and they want to stay. Even if we find them, we may be slain while we attempt to convince them to join us. We must go. Now!"

"No!" cried Mithadan. "I told Child that I would bring Rose with us!"

Piosenniel grabbed Mithadan by his hood and pulled him close. "We must go!" she shouted. "If we die there will be no hope for Child, Rose or any of these Hobbits. Come now!" She pulled Mithadan along the parapet and down the stairs. As the reached the ground and began to run south, there was a great creaking behind them. They stopped and turned in time to see the great gate topple with a crash. A dragon's head appeared under the arch and loosed a great blast of flame. A shout came from the plain below and orcs began to appear in the doorway, only to perish in a hail of arrows.

Then, from above them, they heard Bird's voice calling "There, there! That is the house!"

They hesitated but a moment, then ran down a narrow lane even as a company of Elves charged into the fray behind them. They began pounding on the barricaded door.

[ August 08, 2002: Message edited by: Mithadan ]