[Regin Hardhammer]

Marreth had led his men forward to the shelter of the snowy banks even before dawn had broken. Now, he stamped his feet impatiently and gripped the hilt of his sword, eager for things to get under way. He was sick of planning and plotting, and would welcome the chance for action.

His eyes strayed to a nearby snow bluff where Jynne and Jarlyn were hiding. Jarlyn looked no better than before. Once they had demolished the Elves and returned to their ship, he would insist his friend rest a day or two to help regain his health.

Strange how things went! The sicker Jarlyn looked, the wider the self-satisfied smirk that spread over Jynnne's face. For one instant, Marreth considered that his friend's illness might not be just an accident. Then he brusquely rejected that idea. Marreth could have understood if the two men had come to blows, or even if one had plotted to slit the other's throat. But he knew little of poisons and how they worked, and could not have imagined that any of his men would use such a cowardly means to rid himself of an enemy. For all his commitment to Umbar and his ship, and to a life of looting and piracy, Marreth was not a naturally cruel man and did have a certain rudimentary sense of honor. He privately vowed to keep an eye on Jynne, and to trust him only so far. He would tell Diera to do the same.

Marreth watched as the lead team of Elves made its way out onto the ice. He cursed as he saw the rope entwined about Luindal's waist with two others standing a ways off anchoring it down. He didn't know whether to laugh or explode in anger. Still, let the Elves keep their toys! It won't matter at all. I would rather put a blade in an Elf's backany day than to let the current do my work.....

Looking down from his lofty perch, he saw a familiar face and grinned. This one had proven both faithful and useful. His mind ran back to their last meeting. Remember what we spoke of.... One snake in a den of mice can do a great deal of damage. He vowed to reward the informer as soon as they returned to the ship. He'd offered a token of gold the last time they'd met. This time, he would be more generous.

Just a bit further, thought Marreth, as he mentally urged the Elves to be quick about their business and step further out onto the ice. As soon as they hit the concealed holes, we'll be able to show what we're made of.....