[Meneltarmacil]

Thoronmir sat at a table with Menecar and Veryadan, continuing to put X's on the map as the patrons told their tales.

"This is worse than I thought," he said. "The attacks are happening a lot more frequently and a lot farther away from their source. The later the attack happens, the farther away it becomes. They're definitely getting closer to Bree."

"That's not all," Veryadan said. "They're spreading farther east as well. I figure it won't be long before they reach the Angle. And judging by your encounter in the North Downs, they've expanded farther north as well."

"Thoronmir, look at this." Menecar pointed to a corner of the room. Thoronmir looked and saw Silruth talking to a man who appeared to be crying. He thought it might be one of the farmers who had been attacked, but then he recognized the man. It was Fen Shepherdspurse, the same man who had been watching him and Menecar intently the night before. Shepherdspurse would never act like this unless he was trying to fool somebody.

"I see," Thoronmir said. "Shepherdspurse. And I don't think he's up to any good. I'd better warn Silruth about him when they're done talking."

"Why do you think so?" asked Veryadan.

"Because he's the man that was eyeing us suspiciously last night, and he's the kind of person that would never try to appear weak unless it could profit him somehow," Thoronmir replied.