[Mithadan]

As the Orcs retreated, Nardol smiled grimly, then jumped down from the wall and raced across the courtyard. As he approached the castle he saw a startling sight. Maladil stood before Gandalf radiating a palpable menace. The wizard slumped a bit, as if affected by Maladil's projections of malice. Then he straightened and sent a glowing bolt from his staff into the chest of the shade.

As Nardol approached, Maladil hissed something inaudible and the other spirits advanced on Mithrandir. But they did not threaten him with their weapons. Instead, the wizard spoke to them and they turned together towards the gate. In doing so, Gandalf turned his back on Maladil, who, after a moment's hesitation seized his sword and raised it. Nardol leapt forward and stepped between the shade and the wizard, holding only his bow.

"Thou wouldst strike an opponent from behind?" Nardol shouted. "Look a kinsman in the eyes and then strike a blow if thy heart has turned so far from the ways of honour." With that, Nardol dropped his bow to the ground and spread his arms wide...