[Novnarwen]

It was an odd feeling which arose inside of him. The moment he had left the little hole of a cell, he'd felt somewhat different. A year had passed by, a whole year, and he had been locked up for all this time. Standing now, utterly surprised by the people he found himself facing, he was lost for words. He listened to the man who had come and set him free. Rhând couldn't make out the details as he was completely in his own thoughts. However, he understood that they were going in groups, getting weapons. After that they would find a way out. Rhând stood silently watching the others with his mouth open. How could possibly this be happening? This Grash couldn’t really expect all of the to find a way out together. They didn't know each other. Most likely, Rhând figured, they were all traitors of Sauron and fighting for the free folk. Why else would they be in the Tower? He knew that he, of course, was an exception. But it had been a mistake. He was truly a faithful servant. However, as he looked at the others, who he supposedly would be going out of the Tower with, he realised something new. There were elves here! Feeling his body getting tense and his veins getting purple, he tried to control his fury. They were evil creatures, proud and arrogant. Last of all, they were amongst them who were against His will. With disgust, he cast a glance over at the elves - two in number - two too many. They were standing closely together as if they were scared the Dark Lord would take care of them personally. Rhând smirked, but was careful not to be seen. How disgraceful.

Realising that the others were taking Grash seriously, about making groups, Rhând found himself thinking about who he should go with. Knowing that the elves were out of question, he turned to look at the others. It was very important not to mix with the wrong people. As Rhând began to think about it, it was probably best for him to mix with a possible leader. Yes, for he was now determined to follow the group, at least until they were out of the Tower.

Making no suggestion yet about whom he wanted to go with, he tried not to stare too much at the others. Intensely, he watched the dwarves. They could be good, because they were rumoured to have a strong will. Besides, they were strong, physically, and stout. But he had also heard that that was indeed all there was too. According to his sources, they were quite dumb. In that case, could he make good use of them if time came? Eventually, he would have to get away from the group, as he was probably the only one who was a servant of Sauron. Yes, for even though his year in prison, he would again prove his faithfulness, and again he would gain trust. After a few seconds thought, he realised that the elves would never side with dwarves in a confrontation. Rumour had it that the two races were highly hostile towards each other. No, dwarves out of question and elves out of question. What about the women? No, women were too emotional, and would most likely not charge for the leader position in the group. Yes, there would most definitely be a leader here. Against his will or not, a leader would be born. Rhând was not going to be that leader, but he would have to find the one who would. It would be best if he found the man who would against his will be the leader, because he would likely be easiest to have an influence on.

As Rhând turned to the remaining men, he couldn't make out their figures properly. He could, however, see some things of value. One was slightly short, and due to the uncertainty in his face expression, he would definitely not be the one who would lead the group. Not even dwarves, who were dumb, would let that happen. The two others remaining; Grash and another, seemed both to be of the calibre Rhând was looking for. The one, standing next to Grash, could possibly be a Southron and therefore most likely to be the man who would fight with claws to get the position in the company he wanted. Good, but he wouldn't be loved for it. Grash would. He had set them free, he would be the leader without really wanting it. He would be easy to trick, he would be the one Rhând would use. Yes, the pieces finally started to make a complete puzzle.

At last Rhând pointed at himself and at Grash, to symbolise that they should go together.

Just then, he had realised that his own intelligence had played him. Why hadn't he thought of it before? If he wanted to gain respect amongst Sauron's servants and make up for the mistake he made over one year ago, bringing lost prisoners back to their cells would certainly help him get what he so eargerly sought.