WWXXXV: Werewolves among the Wolf-men

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

At that time, news reached Túrin that the Orcs are assembling once more to cross Teiglin with great force, and Beleg set forth with some of his companions to learn more about their numbers, while Túrin decided to stay and guard their hideout for the few days.
"I will return shortly," Beleg said to Túrin when they parted. "But until then, do not admit anyone you do not know to Amon Rûdh. My heart warns me that there is some greater peril ahead than our eyes can perceive."

Thus Beleg departed, and Túrin heard nothing of him for some time. He spent few days with the old Dwarf, listening to his lore and the tales of his life. Mîm seemed well pleased, and showed much favour to Túrin in return; eventually he would admit Túrin to his hidden smithy, and there they would talk softly together. But as days passed, Túrin's heart became unsettled, and every evening he would look westwards to see Beleg returning with news from the Crossings. But Beleg did not come, and Túrin's heart was restless.

But it happened one evening that Ibun son of Mîm returned from gathering of food, and brought news about the Outlaws in surrounding camps, for the fame of the Helm and Bow has brought many men to these lands. And then it was when Túrin heard this strange tale: of a young woman coming from the East, in likeness of the fair women of the House of Hador, seeking for the bearer of the Helm of Dor-Lómin.
"Who was she?" said Túrin, suddenly in fear and doubt, though he knew not why. But at that moment a hooded man appeared beside them, and Túrin, startled, drew his sword. But the man took off his hood, and lo! In the light of campfire Túrin looked again in the face of Beleg Cúthalion: but the face he saw was weary and fearful.
"I bring grave news, my friend," said Beleg before Túrin could ask anything. "The might of the North has moved. Before we could even reach the Crossings, we were waylaid by a troop of Orcs who must have secretly crossed the river. The men fought valiantly, but many of them were slain by the first unexpected strike and the rest have fled into the woods. I do not know what happened to them."
And Túrin said: "So it is as I have feared. I pity that loss, for they were brave men. But even then there is some hope. Mîm's son, here, said that there are men gathering in the nearby woods to join the Helm and Bow. Is that not a good sign of fate in the darkness of this time?"
"Your fate is all dark, and not good, son of Húrin," said Beleg. "But I do not understand what you say."
"I say," Túrin answered, "that we send Ibun for the outlaws down in the nearby camps. We need more men and if we have enough, we can at last go and throw back the Orcs."
Now Beleg was alarmed and said: "But surely you cannot plan to bring those you hardly know to our hideout? The Enemy is searching for you everywhere, and who knows his counsels? Remember that it was for the treachery he achieved his ends in the Battle of Unnumbered Tears. Choose wisely whom you admit to your presence!"
But Túrin would not listen, and against the counsel of Beleg he sent a call to the men from nearby camps to join him; and he let a chosen number of them come to Amon Rûdh. But Beleg remained quiet and unsettled, and he covered his face with hood, so that none of the men recognized him.

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

And it indeed was as Beleg said: for it came that Morgoth resolved that the Orcs alone would not serve him in this case, as he needed to discover the hideout of Gaurwaith first. And he called forth the werewolves, fell beasts inhabited by dreadful spirits, and sent them across Anfauglith to the marshes of Serech, and then down through the land between Sirion and Malduin. And when they reached the Crossings of Teiglin, they took upon themselves the forms of Men, and in secret, unknown, they joined the scattered bands wandering in the woods.

Two of these beasts were now among the men heading towards Amon Rûdh. And when the company reached the hill, sun was setting; and Túrin was standing at the hilltop, watching the company as they passed silently. And suddenly he gave out a cry, but was silenced by Beleg, who once again appeared behind him.
"What is it?" whispered Beleg, as last of the company passed. And Túrin said: "I ordered eight men to come. But nine they entered the hill!"
And Beleg answered: "Does your heart not know the answer? There went rumour among the men in the camps about a young woman they encountered in these lands. She is Nienor, your sister. She was searching for you, but shortly after you sent the call, she disappeared."
Túrin's eyes widened. "My sister? So do you say she is here?" And he turned to follow the company, but Beleg stopped him.
"And what if," Beleg said, "there are some who wish to harm you, as I said? Is not your sister in danger as well?"
Then for a moment it seemed to Beleg as if he saw a glimpse of fear in Túrin's eyes. "But what should I do then?"
And Beleg answered: "Now you ask me for a counsel? But I will give you one: hide your helm and conceal your heritage, as you did before. These men recognize the Dragon Helm, but they know not your face. And if there are indeed some who seek to harm you, they will at least not know whom to focus on. Only then you, and your sister, are safe."
Now Túrin, not because of fear for his life, but for his sister, took off the Dragon Helm and covered his face with hood; and unknown he and Beleg joined the ranks of the newcomers. And when the company entered the hill, Mîm the Dwarf and Ibun his son came out and welcomed the outlaws.
"New friends have come to the halls of Amon Rûdh? Mîm welcomes everyone in his house gladly," said the old Dwarf, observing the newcomers closely. And a fair man among the Outlaws, clothed in blue-hued cape, turned to him and spoke: "Where is the bearer of the Helm of Hador? I come a long way to see my rightful master." But another man, standing nearby in the crowd, said: "Why should we care? He will surely come when he wants to speak with us."
Then some of the outlaws looked around, and there was question in their eyes. But at last there came a voice heard from further end of the hall, and all the men and women turned around; but what they saw was not the Dragon Helm of Dor-Lómin. And there stood a man tall and strong, but dressed in with worn-out clothes and with a smirk on his face. And he spoke to Mîm, though he was not looking in the Dwarf's face, and there was contempt to be heard in his voice: "We care not of Dwarven greetings. This day was long and we are tired enough to listen to blethering of old dwarf-kin, nor to look for a man who called us here but has surely important matters at hand than welcome us himself. But let us go to sleep now, as we have a long journey behind and are in need of a rest."
"Surely," said Mîm with a glimpse of smile on his face, "I will not trouble your sleep. Mîm will go to his room and work a little. But the Men may rest wherever they find space."
So every man found his place to rest, some in the chambers opening out of the halls, some even in passages between them, and all fell asleep. Silence fell on the mountain and its many halls. And as the pale full moon rose above Doriath in the east and its white shine lightened the crown of Amon Rûdh, the two werewolves rose from their sleeping places and came together in an empty hall, and with low voices they started to talk about their plans...

These are the names of the inhabitants of Amon Rûdh at that time:

Mîm the Petty Dwarf
Ibun his son
Rikae
Shastanis Althreduin
Nogrod
Macalaure
Isabellkya
Brinniel
Lhunardawen
xyzzy
Gil-Galad
the guy who be short
Mithalwen

Night 1 has begun. Wolves, you may start PMing and talk your plans. Túrin and Beleg, you may do so as well. Others, wait for dawn.

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

It was still deep night and Mîm the Dwarf had finished his work. "We go to sleep now," he said to his son. "Take these arrowheads, we will hide them on a safe place." Ibun took several fine-shaped arrowheads they made during this and the previous nights and quietly they crept out of the room. Together they passed through empty and silent corridors. Suddenly Mîm stopped. A sound of soft voices was coming from nearby chamber.
Mîm looked at his son, then beckoned to him to stay in place with the arrowheads, and he himself took a turn and with his lamp's light dimmed he entered the room. "Do not the Men yet sl-"
But he did not finish the sentence. In the dim light of half-covered lantern, two large beasts in wolf-form were sitting there, their eyes staring at him. Mîm gave out a loud cry and turned to run, but he was too slow. At the same moment something big and furry knocked him down from behind, and he fell to the stony floor. Sharp-fanged jaws opened to inflict the deadly bite, but suddenly retaliated, and the wolf gave out a sound of pain, as a thrown sharp piece of metal hit his side. The beast turned, and saw Ibun standing in the nearby entrance. He was just preparing to rush forth to his father's aid, but faster than eyes could see the wolf jumped over Mîm's lying body and ran to Ibun, nailing the Dwarf against the wall. Half-shaken by the pounce, Ibun struggled to set himself free, but instantly he felt terrible pain, as sharp fangs pierced his throat. The Dwarf's death rattle echoed the empty corridor, followed by annoyed growl and Mîm's scream.

But there was no time for the old Dwarf to wonder. The second wolf came out of the room, preparing to finish off the second witness of the monsters' presence. But before he could move toward his helpless prey, a hooded figure appeared in the corridor entrance. There was a plunk of bowstring and an arrow nearly missed the snout of one wolf. The newcomer was already pulling the string of his long black bow for the second time, but the monsters understood the peril quickly. Swiftly, both wolves turned and disappeared in the other empty entrance.

Before Mîm could lift himself from the floor, swift steps were heard and from the other side a man came with sword drawn and a torch in hand, and he stopped at the terrible sight. The hooded figure, still holding the fine carved black bow, turned to him.
"What is this evil work, my friend?" said Túrin. "What happened here?"
"It is as I told you," answered Beleg, taking off the hood, "you brought the evil with you. This is the deed of Morgoth's servants. I saw them: they are werewolves. They are hiding among the outlaws."
Now Túrin saw again that his choice lead him to peril, and that Beleg was right. But the Elf said: "Alas! You may do well to pity that you rejected my counsel, son of Húrin, but too late. The evil is here."
Mîm did not listen to the talk of two men. Crawling on the ground, he moved to his son's dead body, lay his head on Ibun's chest and soaking his beard in son's blood he wept with voiceless cry.
"Stand up, Mîm," said Túrin. "You are alive, thanks to Beleg, though it is too late for your son."
"I pity I came too late," said Beleg. But Mîm looked up, and there was a red light in his eyes. "Late!" he said. "You should have let the beasts kill Mîm as well, then! For what is now left for me here? My sons are dead! Yes, you came too late, Elf, as your kin always does!"
"Do not be hasty in your sorrow and anger, Mîm," said Túrin. "You are alive only because the beasts were disturbed. But with your aid, we can make revenge on those who caused you this pain."
Now Mîm looked at Beleg, but was silent. "Speak to us!" said Túrin. "How many did you see?"
"Two," answered the Dwarf.
"I saw two as well," confirmed Beleg. "I doubt they will do anything more tonight: they surely want to cover, now that they know their presence is revealed. In the morning, we should move the others to seek for the threat in our ranks."
"And how shall we learn?" asked Túrin. "How shall we discern the werewolves from innocent men?"
"We must hope," said Beleg. "But we should not reveal ourselves to the others, not yet. I am sure the Enemy wants you, Túrin, more than anyone else, and if the werewolves learned, they would waste no time to harm you."
"But Nienor!" said Túrin. "She is in danger too! And how can I save her? I do not even know who she is!"
"Then you have to find the werewolves and destroy them before they find you - or her," answered Beleg.
"So it shall be," said Túrin and turned to the old Dwarf. "Mîm, we appreciate you told no one about the two of us. Keep this knowledge in secret still! But I swear I will avenge your son, and once this is done, I will pay you even greater ransom, for I owe you my life now."
And Beleg said: "Do not swear when you cannot see the end! But now you will do well to sleep. I am going to stay awake for the rest of the night and guard, as well as tomorrow and other days if it is needed. I may watch you or another one whom you choose to trust, to protect him from danger. I can stay awake and alert at nights, but you, Túrin, are a Man and have to sleep."
"Nevertheless, I will keep my sword close," said Túrin.

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

Mîm did not sleep at all that night: after the talk with Túrin and Beleg he took the dead body of his son together with the arrowheads they forged that night and carried it through the empty corridors to his secret room. He was downbent by his heavy burden, but carried it all the way. Then he buried his second son's body, as it was a way among the Dwarves; and when the stars were beginning to fade, he left his secret room and blocked the entrance with a stone.

And it came when the outlaws awoke in the morning, Mîm spoke to them in the great hall and, as Túrin asked him before, told them what happened at night. And when the men and women heard about werewolves being present among them, some were afraid. And one of them, a long-haired woman dressed in dark green, expressed the feelings of some: "If there are werewolves among us, we should leave this place!"
But another one, a grumpy-looking man, said: "And how do you want to survive in the woods if there are such monsters around? No, we have to stay here. And if these beasts go out, they will bring their friends."
"You are right," nodded another, shorter man. "The location of our hideout should not be given away."
"And you remember the way inside?" asked a woman in worn-out clothes, with long black tangled hair. "I think no one of us does. There is quite a maze of rock out there."
"But what are we going to eat?" asked a very young-looking man, almost a boy. "We surely cannot let this place's location be revealed, in this I agree with the short guy. But from what I saw, there is not much food here for the lot of us, or is it?" he said, turning to Mîm.
"Truly, there is not," said the old Dwarf. "For a few days, maybe. But Mîm can bring food from the outside."
"No, no!" said the grumpy-looking man. "We will not allow this, surely? We would never see the old rascal again."
"Why should he betray us?" muttered a young woman in gray cloak. "This is his home, after all."
"Someone should at least watch him," proposed the man in blue-hued cloak. "If we send someone with him, he cannot simply run away."
"But we said that no one should leave!" shouted the short guy.
"If we send just one," said the boyish-looking man, "then even if he were a werewolf, he would not want to leave his fellow here alone. And as someone said, he could not find his way back without the Dwarf's aid."
"Then the only question remains – who will go?" said the woman in dark green.
There was a moment of silence.
"I will," said the woman in gray cloak after a while. "I trust the Dwarf, but for your sake I am going to look after him. We'll be back at sunset, good?"

As no one obliged, the Dwarf and the woman took each one bow and a sack and went off. The others watched them, until they disappeared among the rock...

The inhabitants of Amon Rûdh - dead:

Ibun son of Mîm, killed by a Werewolf on Night 1

The inhabitants of Amon Rûdh – living:
Mîm the Petty Dwarf, outside on the gathering of food
Rikae
Shastanis Althreduin
Nogrod
Macalaure
Isabellkya
Brinniel
Lhunardawen
xyzzy
Gil-Galad
the guy who be short
Mithalwen, outside on the gathering of food with Mîm

Day 1 has begun. Everyone stop PMing. Everyone start to talk.

[Nogrod]

Old Nogrod woke up with the general hassle. He had thought that this dwarf Mîm was no good and should be done away with anyway. The way Mîm presented the case of the Night was not going to make him thinking better of the shortling.

“C’mon! You said there are two werewolves of Morgoth inside here, but how come you tell us that:

[I]In the dim light of half-covered lantern, two large beasts in wolf-form were sitting there, their eyes staring at [me]. [I] gave out a loud cry and turned to run, but [...] was too slow. At the same moment something big and furry knocked [me] down from behind, and fell to the stony floor.

So you saw two but still one came from behind? And what is your part in this you cobbler of a dwarf? As soon as we realise who of us you are, I say we bring you to the gallows just to be sure with you.”

Nogrod drew breath and watched the others as they tried to come to grips with his strong accusations.

“Just listen to what he tells us and think for yourselves. There is something rotten there. Either there are more Morgoth’s servants around here and he lies to us deliberately or then he himself is a lesser baddie and wants to mislead us with cunning schemes. Both ways I’d like to see that dwarf getting the blade as soon as possible.”

Nogrod streched for his pipe and after reaching it and the tobacco started filling it.

“The Two Captains should stay concealed for their own good... and lady Nienor, if she really is here... I do fear that her fate is tied to the fate of our Dragon-helm of Dor Lómin. But how can we avoid jumping on the child of Húrin or the renowned Beleg Cúthalion, or Her? That is the puzzle for us to begin with in concerto with spotting these cursed Morgoth’s apes.”

After lighting his pipe Nogrod set it aside and took his blanket to fold it neatly. Then he looked around for the others in the chamber and grasped his pipe puffing a few smoke-rings from it.

“Mith is away for toDay as she is out with that dwarf. I would not think her suspicious just for the reason she will not have a possibility of defending herself toDay. But the dwarf I would really like to hang. So let’s see who is the one that will not take part in our discussions toDay and reason out the dwarf’s identity that way? Or do you have better ideas?”

With that Nogrod leaned back and fell into his thoughts. He was puzzled and waited in eagerness for the others to contribute their thoughts.

[Nogrod]

After a moment's silence Nogrod coughed pardoningly and managed to utter the next words against his personal pride.

"Oh... after some thinking I must say that the dwarf actually said that he had turned around before someone ran over him from behind. But I still wonder how he managed to stay alive albeit being run over by a werewolf. So is he telling us the truth? It's easy to allocate brave deeds to those who do not speak any more... And anyhow I dislike these dwarves so I would rather see them gone first."

With that he grumbled and fell to his back again...

[Nogrod]

After a while of napping Nogrod woke up again just to realise that no one had said a word.

"Now what's wrong with you guys? Don't you think we have something to do?"

He bursted and relit his pipe that had went off. Adjusting himself to a better position he scanned the people around. Most of them seemed to have fallen asleep yet again even as it was a high morning outside. He cursed silently to himself... well, being the only one who doesn't need so much sleep around as I'm old enough and have slept my share already, or what? Or the cunning of Morgoth to lay us down and not to even try?

As a sudden reaction he threw a small rock on the short guy.

"Hey you! You we're busy telling us things a while ago when the morning broke... How about you cleared your mind now? Or you blue-hued cloak-man? Or the woman in dark green? We don't get anywhere if you just stay quiet and I'm the only one to talk in this wretched cave..."

His words were absorbed into the silence of the cave and not even the echo answered him. Nogrod sat still for a moment puffing his relit pipe before he rose up and took to the doorway to look at the bright daylight outside.

The morning had actually broken and the sun was travelling quite high already. The forest around Bar-en-Danwedh was glimmering in the day that was already nearing it's peak. Nogrod sat down on a boulder by the entrance of Mîm's hall and looked around him.

The different hues of greens of the forest that danced in the daylight were enchanting and carried Nogrod's thoughts out of the present to the days of his childhood. But then he suddenly came back to the here and now. Darn fools... how do you think to catch the slaves of Morgoth by sleeping on it...?

EDIT: language-affairs...