[piosenniel]

Child and Pio’s collaborative post

Pio rubbed her hands together as if they were cold and stiff from the chill of that winter’s day. ‘It cannot have been the Necromancer, yet,’ she said, considering the words of Thranduil’s son. ‘Still, even before he came to Amon Lanc, there must have been a few of his minions seeking to cause what troubles they might in his dark service. Her words here chill me more than the thought of that meager fire hissing in the icy rain.’

Mithadan chafed her hands in the heat of his, and drew one of the coverlets folded at the end of the bed about her. ‘Lean against me, for warmth,’ he prompted her, taking the ledger onto his own lap. ‘Let me read for a while.’

~*~

The rain has stopped, and we are making good progress.

Late this afternoon, Legolas led us to the hobbit encampment, or rather what was left of it. It lies within the foothills, in a clearing protected and half-hidden by a hedge of overhanging gorse bushes. On the ground there is clear evidence of a fierce conflict that raged here no more than a week ago.

We saw the half-mangled bodies of four ponies looking as if some giant bird of prey had attacked them, lying cold and stiff on the ground and frozen into place. We managed to round up three stray mounts, one of whom belonged to my eldest son. Thankfully, I saw no dead hobbits, but there is a newly built mound that fills my heart with dread. Still, whatever may lie within those rocks, someone had to be alive to dig it, and evil creatures would not take the time to bury their dead.

There was a small gasp; a half strangled ‘no!’ as Pio leaned against him heavily, peeking at the place where his finger marked the passage on the cairn.

From that point, Legolas guided our party further up the slope on the path he feels the hobbits took. We skirted the lower ridge of the mountain and clambered over a narrow rocky ledge where there were further indications that a struggle had taken place. In the midst of one clearing lay the body of an Orc.

None of the other hobbits in our party even knew what the creature was. I know too well from my days in Beleriand. Legolas was not surprised. Such things are not common in Greenwood, but the Elves have seen small Orc bands in recent months and these seem to be increasing in number.

Legolas has assured us that at least some of those in camp made it to safety, apparently fleeing deeper into the hills. He seemed puzzled by the great nets and traps that had been expertly laid out on the hillside. He questioned the lads to find out if there were any hobbits who’d had prior experience battling Orcs. Apparently, someone had devised a clever plan to outwit the brutes, someone who understood the ways and weaknesses of these creatures. Not only was one Orc killed but two fled on foot.

I have kept my counsel to myself. We are to camp tonight in this mournful place and resume our journey on the morrow deeper into the hills.

Nervously awaiting the return of the sun, 24th Blotmath.