[maikafanawen]

The trio, consisting of Ani Dao, Arlome, and Belfalod, entered the Inn just as the guard had begun questioning Mr. Butterbur, requesting information on a certain dwarf, Bali. The elf, man and dunedain ran into Burzdol as he came running down the stairs. Ani Dao, noticing the bruise on his jaw, rushed to him, concerned. He brushed her away, and told them of their situation.

“Bali is wanted!” The three newcomers exchanged concerned faces. Burzdol acknowledged them by producing the notice he had retrieved from the bulletin board. He handed it to Belfalod who whispered what it read:

WANTED: For robbery and murder in the Shire.
(Dead or Alive)

Name: Bali
Race: Dwarf
Age: Middle Aged (55), but appearing young.

Dwarf is about a foot smaller than a grown man. Bali has a long brown beard and a scar over one eye. Carries a large, single-edged fighting axe, with a curved blade in the style of the Erebor Dwarves. Also, he carries a number of throwing axes (miniatures of his war axe).

If found, please bring to any police force in the Shire or Bree. Reward is 50 gold pieces.


Dismay crept across the faces of the three and Belfalod gave the paper back to Burzdol who folded it and put it inside his tunic.

“What do we do?” asked Ani Dao, her mind working to think of a plan.

“Well we must hide Bali,” said Burzdol, refolding the rag, revealing his bruised face, he gently replaced it and resumed. “I have shut him in his room. I am giving each of you a designated position: Ani Dao,” he looked towards the elf assassin, hardened and ready for her duty. He immediately wished the circumstances were different. “Your place will be the stairway leading up to the dorm area, let no guard pass you! Arlome, I want you and Belfalod to find Yanithe and Belegond and search for an escape out of Bree.” As the two rangers left he turned back to the elf. “Help me round up the others. They will take the common room and dispose of any one who means to capture Bali. And if you find Astarielle, tell her that she will guard the opposite stair way to you.” Ani Dao nodded and rushed to rally the remainder of the company.

Ani Dao found the dwarves Gromfelt, Durin, Dain and Kili talking merrily with some new recruits and brashly informed them of the company’s situation. Standing up immediately, the dwarves began to follow Ani Dao to their designated places. The elf gave a secret smile to her dwarven friend Durin and drew her sword. As soon as Belegond and Yanithe left with Arlome and Belfalod, Butterbur and the guard turned and spotted them. While half of the company made it to their places, Ani Dao stood with Durin to blockade the guard’s passage to Burzdol as he made his way up the stairs to join Erulon in front of Bali’s room, Or prison, thought Ani Dao. The friends drew their weapons in defense of the oncoming guard ...

[ March 06, 2003: Message edited by: maikafanawen ]