[Aylwen Dreamsong]

It was an hour or two after noontime when the group of trackers came to stand in front of Deriath’s home, according to Jorgen. One of the guards grumpily went inside to wake his master, for Deriath had been resting after what one of the servants called ‘A very long, frustrating day.’

Whisper and the three men had just begun to take in their surroundings when a plump, older man came bustling towards the entryway, rubbing his hands over his scalp to smooth tousled hair. The bloodshot eyes darted to and fro, as if looking to see if anyone was watching.

“To what do I owe this visit, boys and girl?” The man spoke, his voice thick and oily. “Something I can provide you with?”

“I’m called Whisper, and this is Jorgen, who I’m assuming you’ve met.” Whisper began, and Deriath nodded slowly to Jorgen. “These other two…sluggish louts are Jair and Seshan. We wish for information.”

Deriath glanced over the group, and nodded slowly. The oily voice became audible again, as the man invited the trackers inside. The group trudged into the home of Deriath, following the man inside and down a long corridor. Seshan punched Jair as he attempted to steal a small vase, and then Seshan moved to the left, revealing two following guards. When the group finally neared the fire, Deriath bid them sit and make themselves comfortable. The merchant then took his place on a chair nearest the fire, and began to warm his hands.

“Tell me again, why are you in need of my services?” Deriath began as soon as Jair had quieted his gear and weapons.

“We want information about a group that passed through here earlier,” Whisper replied, and then remembered the hour. “Or, more likely, yesterday. It was a man, who may have asked about two travelers, and his company. A smith, a guard and a girl, and an axe-man.” Whisper spat out the last title, hoping that in the end, the axe-man would be repaid for all he had done.

“There are so many people that go by these parts. Would you remember them all?” Whisper was about to answer this, but Deriath hushed her and continued to speak. “I did not think so. There are so many people who have dealings with me, and probably many fit your description.”

“I’m sure you remember this group,” Whisper replied confidently. They couldn’t have been so far ahead of us that he would forget. “They were looking for a man and a woman, and I’m sure they left here as quickly as they came.”

“I know naught of what you speak. Perhaps there is another way by which you can identify them?” Deriath suggested, with a gleam in his eyes.

“The girl had a sickly cough…the axe-man had, well, an axe. One man, Halasan,” Whisper mentioned the only name she knew of the group. “Halasan would be the one looking for the two. You’ve heard that name, I know it.”

“Indeed, I have.” Deriath confirmed slowly and slyly. “Indeed. Well, I’m sure you must have something to offer for my services, should I choose to help you?”

A bribe. He wants to get every jewel he can out of this chase we are giving.

“I’ll say…one-hundred and sixty silver pieces for your information, and I’ll also get my top guard to help you find speedy fare away from here.”

“You realize you ask for more than we have. Merchants are good at that.” Whisper hardly raised her voice, trying her hardest to stay calm in the presence of the pig Deriath. Practically any deal he would offer would be too much to Whisper…she had given all her money to Jorgen, Jair, and Seshan’s leader.

“If you cannot pay the price, I suggest you leave now.” Deriath spoke smoothly. He snapped his fingers and his henchmen were at Whisper’s back. She stood, as did Jair and Seshan, deadly glances directed at the guards. Without being asked Jair unsheathed one of his several daggers and tossed it to Whisper. Then he and Seshan confronted the guards. Jair grabbed the fabric of the first guard’s tunic at the shoulders, and brought the man’s upper body down as he raised a knee. The henchman’s head collided with Jair’s kneecap, and the guard was down on the ground with dizziness. Jair wasted no time and drew his sword, raised it high, and brought it down into the guard’s stomach. Seshan was busy at work with his guard, his daggers a blur as he slit the throat of the second guard.

“Why must you bring such violence here? I am merely a servant of Gondor trying to make my living in peace!” Deriath wailed, and at this Whisper strode over to his chair and put her dagger to his neck.

“If peace is what you seek, tell us what has happened to Halasan and his friends!” Whisper retorted, her voice a poisonous breath of air.

“They left just yesterday! They went to an Inn…but by now they will probably be at the docks! They were going after someone named Kiatus and Catrina…please, leave me be!” The fat merchant whimpered and Whisper released her weapon from his throat.

“Lets go.” Whisper grumbled hoarsely, and in seconds Deriath was the only one in the room left breathing.

~*~

They arrived at the docks of Cambere three hours afternoon, and looked frantically for a ride over the Anduin. None of the ships seemed to have been built for speed, however, save for two or three at the very end of the minor piers. Whisper was nearly at a sprint when she reached one of the small, speedy vessels, her hired help behind her. The ship was empty, except for three young children playing with small wooden toys. Jair picked one of them up, and quickly hurried the whining boy off the boat. Whisper scooped up a little girl and a chubby boy, and dropped them off onto the wooden boardwalk, pleading with them to hush for a few minutes. Jorgen was already at the front of the vessel, behind the helm.

“Keep your eye out for them, boys!” Whisper cried as the ship began to sail away from the docks.