The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum - View Single Post - The Lonely Star -- Chapter 4

Child of the 7th Age · 10-23-2002, 04:08 PM

Mithadan's post:

He looked out at the many faces before him, some hopeful, some doubtful and a few openly hostile. He chose to remain seated so that he would not appear so different and threatening to the Halflings. With a smile, he began.

"I have travelled long and far to reach this place and stand before you. I have stood at the sides of Nitir, Azra, Piosenniel, Bird and Levanto and have worked with them for many months now and at last we can see our long road ending. I am Mithadan, and if by act or deed, by life or death I may aid in your rescue, I will do so.

"Those who made these tombs and tunnels and enlarged these caves built well and thoughtfully. The tunnels to the northwest and the path to the guards' quarters in the southeast are the only means to enter and exit this prison other than the river. The guards discount the river because few of you swim and even if you could, where would you go? The tunnels are the key. They were made narrow by intent to lessen the risk of an escape, but more so to make those paths easy to defend in the event of an uprising. Few Men could easily hold back a much larger force for a long while in those tunnels. And of course they do not expect an uprising. Not any longer.

"But the very thing that allows the guards to defend the tunnels also allows the tunnels to be defended against the guards. Three days hence, at one hour before midnight, we will enter these caves via the river. We will not be many. Four warriors from the Lonely Star together with Nitir and Azra and perhaps a dozen or so Elves from the ships that are en route to here even as we speak. We shall hold the tunnels against the guards and release those Hobbits in the Locks. It would be best if we reached the tunnels and the locks unseen. For this reason we ask you to help us select our routes, act as our guides and perform one more task."

Mithadan looked several of the Elders in the eyes each in succession. Then he continued. "You must attack with stealth and slay any guards who stand in or enter the routes you select for us. Then once the entryways into the caves are held, all the remaining guards must be slain and the rescue may begin..."

"This is madness!" cried one of the Elders. "This Man will lead us to our deaths! And how, if this folly were to somehow suceed, would we escape?"

"Through the river to the waiting ships," answered Mithadan calmly.

"As you have said yourself, we cannot swim!"

"We will have friends in the water to assist you and air bladders to hold your heads above the water," replied the Man. "Using one, I have brought you these."

He lifted a sack and opened it revealing 15 knives of various lengths and shapes and the swords and weapons from the Numenorean vessel. The Hobbits gasped. One elderly halfling stood and walked up to Mithadan. "You mean to do this? To save us? Even at the risk of your own lives?" Mithadan nodded.

The Loremaster rose and said gravely, "Let there be no dissent! Let us agree to allow Nitir and Azra and their friends to bring us from bondage!" Some cried out, others nodded, but there was no dissent.

"We will designate several captains to speak with you of the details of your assault and our rescue later," said the Loremaster. "And Mithadan. Thank you!"

[ October 24, 2002: Message edited by: Mithadan ]

10-23-2002, 04:08 PM	#263
Child of the 7th Age Spirit of the Lonely Star Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 5,133	Mithadan's post: He looked out at the many faces before him, some hopeful, some doubtful and a few openly hostile. He chose to remain seated so that he would not appear so different and threatening to the Halflings. With a smile, he began. "I have travelled long and far to reach this place and stand before you. I have stood at the sides of Nitir, Azra, Piosenniel, Bird and Levanto and have worked with them for many months now and at last we can see our long road ending. I am Mithadan, and if by act or deed, by life or death I may aid in your rescue, I will do so. "Those who made these tombs and tunnels and enlarged these caves built well and thoughtfully. The tunnels to the northwest and the path to the guards' quarters in the southeast are the only means to enter and exit this prison other than the river. The guards discount the river because few of you swim and even if you could, where would you go? The tunnels are the key. They were made narrow by intent to lessen the risk of an escape, but more so to make those paths easy to defend in the event of an uprising. Few Men could easily hold back a much larger force for a long while in those tunnels. And of course they do not expect an uprising. Not any longer. "But the very thing that allows the guards to defend the tunnels also allows the tunnels to be defended against the guards. Three days hence, at one hour before midnight, we will enter these caves via the river. We will not be many. Four warriors from the Lonely Star together with Nitir and Azra and perhaps a dozen or so Elves from the ships that are en route to here even as we speak. We shall hold the tunnels against the guards and release those Hobbits in the Locks. It would be best if we reached the tunnels and the locks unseen. For this reason we ask you to help us select our routes, act as our guides and perform one more task." Mithadan looked several of the Elders in the eyes each in succession. Then he continued. "You must attack with stealth and slay any guards who stand in or enter the routes you select for us. Then once the entryways into the caves are held, all the remaining guards must be slain and the rescue may begin..." "This is madness!" cried one of the Elders. "This Man will lead us to our deaths! And how, if this folly were to somehow suceed, would we escape?" "Through the river to the waiting ships," answered Mithadan calmly. "As you have said yourself, we cannot swim!" "We will have friends in the water to assist you and air bladders to hold your heads above the water," replied the Man. "Using one, I have brought you these." He lifted a sack and opened it revealing 15 knives of various lengths and shapes and the swords and weapons from the Numenorean vessel. The Hobbits gasped. One elderly halfling stood and walked up to Mithadan. "You mean to do this? To save us? Even at the risk of your own lives?" Mithadan nodded. The Loremaster rose and said gravely, "Let there be no dissent! Let us agree to allow Nitir and Azra and their friends to bring us from bondage!" Some cried out, others nodded, but there was no dissent. "We will designate several captains to speak with you of the details of your assault and our rescue later," said the Loremaster. "And Mithadan. Thank you!" [ October 24, 2002: Message edited by: Mithadan ] __________________ Multitasking women are never too busy to vote.