[Mithadan]

The Uruks carried the fox proudly back to their Captain who smiled at the animal. The fox shuddered. Gravlox had a fine set of fangs notwithstanding a serious need for some whitening toothpaste.

"We meet again," Gravlox said pleasantly as he nonchalantly sharpened the point of his spear. "The information you provided earlier proved accurate."

The fox's heart fell. The Elves had been waylaid by the Uruks and slain or otherwise roughed up! He had lost his opportunity to double-cross the Uruks and make an additional profit. His pink mohawk hat slipped down over one eye as he bowed his head.

"Unfortunately," he continued with a sly look on his face. "We did not arrive in time and they have entered Topfloorien. I caught a glimpse of them before they entered that foul Elven land."

"I thought you said that you found their tracks," interrupted Buzzcut. He spent the next ten minutes lying dazed on the ground and marveling at his Captain's hand speed.

Gravlox cleared his throat. "We cannot attack Topfloorien," he said while rubbing the knuckles of his right hand. "We must therefore make other plans. That is where you come in. You know of their leader? The female?"

"That would be Merisu," the fox replied.

"Merisu," answered the Captain in an odd voice. He seemed to be savoring the name in some way. Again the fox shuddered at a sudden mental image of barbequed Merisu with a side of stewed Halfullion. "Take this note to this Merisu. Do not say who sent it. We will reward you for your assistance." Gravlox shook a pouch which jangled promisingly and held the envelope out to the fox.

Glad at the opportunity for further profit (and the chance to betray the Uruks) the fox took the note in his teeth and trotted off toward Topfloorien...