[Mithadan]

As Nardol made ready to enter the Castle, Menelduliniel, Estelarion and Poppy emerged from that dark place and stood at the top of the steps leading down to the courtyard. Moments later, Andreth and Aislan emerged, accompanied by two others, one of whom dashed away towards the stables. The galloping of hoofs could be heard and Midnight came around the corner of the Castle bearing the stranger, but the fiery steed shied away from leaving the courtyard and threw his rider to the ground. The horse then approached Gandalf who had collapsed on the stone flags. The wizard appeared to be struggling against some unseen force emanating from Maladil.

Nardol clenched his teeth, then roared, "Enough!" He drew his sword and interposed himself between Gandalf and the shimmering shape that was Maladil. Nardol's scar writhed on his face as he raised the point of his sword towards where Maladil's face should be. The dire shade's attention shifted from the wizard to the Elf and it howled. If there were words in Maladil's screech, Nardol did not catch them.

The shade raised its blade and rushed at Nardol. As the swords clashed, Nardol had just enough time to hope that he had bought Gandalf a sufficient opportunity to recover before his opponent occupied the whole of his attention...