Kaldon waited until the elf left the table, and went over to the bar to order something. He moved swiftly.
Approaching Bali's table slowly, he swept off his hood and straighted his jet black hair. "Good evening, sir. I noticed your note asking for warriors to accompany on your journey to Erebor. I happen to be a fighter who will soon be leaving for that very mountain. I am friends of the dwarves, you see. I will gladly accompany you and lend my skills to your cause."
"Ah!," said Bali. "You are just the person I am looking for. I wished for one more man to come along, and here one just pops up next to me! You say you have friends in that area?"
"As a matter of fact, I came this way on a mission for the dwarf lord himself." "Why, then you must know my friend Eruantalon, here. He also was in the service of the king."
Kaldon had never seen him, but kept of an excellent pretense. "I doubt I ever had the pleasure of meeting him, but I believe that I saw him once before I left the king's hall." He shook Eruantalon's hand warmly.
"My name is Kaldon. I am a ranger from the north of Eriador, and have made the journey to Erebor many times alone."
It was obvious that Bali was quite happy to have another warrior along, but Eruantalon was not so sure about him. "What skills would you have that can aid our cause?"
Kaldon smiled. "I am an expert knife thrower, and also carry a broadsword. I need no other weapons, and have never lost a fight which I engaged in."
Bali was impressed. "I would be most greatful for your services, sir Kaldon. Here, sit down and have a drink, on me of course. We plan to leave early in the morning, tomorrow."
What a fool. "Yes, we do want to get an early start. By the way, do you have any idea who is behind this dreadful attack on our homeland?"
Bali's face turned stony. "Aye, 'tis a man named Galdon Finllo. He was once a prisoner, but was released and now has returned for revenge."
"Oh." Kaldon tried his best to act like he had never heard his father's name before. Then he noticed the elf coming back from the bar. The elf that didn't trust him. "Who is that elf over there?"
"That, my friend, is Burzdol, and a fine elf he is. When he gets over here I will introduce him."
Kaldon squirmed for a way out. "I would love to meet him, but I have some personal business to attend to before the night is over. I will be waiting for you downstairs tomorrow." With that he stood and disappeared.
*******************
Kaldon had not been quick enough, for Burzdol had seen him. What is that man doing at our table? He came over and sat down, setting the roasted herring, fresh bread and several pints of ale down on the table.
"Bali, what was that man doing over here. You know I don't like the look of him."
"Now Burzdol, he's actually quite a polite young man, and he offered to go along on our journey. Give him a chance, at least."
Burzdol sat in silence. He would give the man a chance, but would not lower his vigilence. That one was trouble.
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