[Hookbill the Goomba]

Taurthol could do little at this time. He and Tâlmor were sent to search the surroundings in case of spider attack. Taurthol knelt to the ground and listened carefully. Tâlmor shivered and looked around. The surroundings were not pleasant and the threat of spider attack hung heavy on him.

"Sir, I don't think," began Tâlmor, but he was interrupted by Taurthol

"Quiet!" he said stubbornly, "there may be something a foot!"

Tâlmor quivered and shrank down behind Taurthol. He looked up into the trees as if he expected a spider the leap out of there at any moment. Taruthol got up and turned to Tâlmor. He nodded his head and slowly moved on.

After a short time, they saw a clearing; a small sword had cut the remnants of some spider webs. Thirteen small sacks made of web lay upon the floor. There was evidence of some sort of a struggle.

"Wretched Dwarves," whispered Taurthol, "They caused a lot of trouble here."

"What shall we do?" asked Tâlmor shivering, "Go back? Or investigate further?"

"I'm not sure," said Taruthol, "Let us explore a little further." he stepped cautiously into the clearing and peered about. The spider tracks were not easy to miss, large trees pulled from their roots were left thrown upon the ground and there was a path cleaved going southwards. One small spider crept up behind them and squirmed, Taurthol saw it and it dashed away.

"What was that?" asked Tâlmor, "A sentinel?"

"Yes" answered Taurthol scratching his head, "Come, we have lingered here too long. No doubt that small fellow will tell others of our position."

Swiftly they made their way back to the rest of the party. Tâlmor was beginning to regret coming on this mission, all the hairs on his back were stood on end. Taruthol sheathed his sword and knife and readied his bow.