Sirion rides his horse slowly as he looks at the hills, "What a desolate place..." He pulls out a map and looks at it. He looks at Arnafel, "It is here that many of the battles of the Last Alliance were fought."

Sirion turns now and looks at Analdin and Nials, "Are you prepared to begin scouting?"

From Gwathandir's saddle > Arnafel nods, his gaze slowly traversing the forbidding hills. ""Tis as I had imagined Lord. A place touched by the Dark One."

Following his lord's horse, the squire Nials rides in silence. At Sirion's question Nials nods, "Yes my Lord," he answers loud enough to be heard, "I am."

Nials grabs the reigns, places a foot in the stir-up and mounts Ithildin.

Riding quietly at the rear of the small scouting party, Analdin seems to be most interested on keeping his horse in line. However, at Sirion's words, he nods quietly, though his attention doesn't waver from his mount at all and a look of grim frusteration over the beast's behavior - or perhaps reaction to an inexperienced rider - touches his face.

Sirion nods, "Indeed squire. It was not a friendly place when I dwelt here."

From Gwathandir's saddle > Arnafel turns to Lord Sirion, surprise writ large on his face. "Thou didst dwell here, Lord?"

Sirion is mounted and conversing with Arnafel. The scouting group is mounted and ready to proceed. Sirion now says, "Indeed, after the Black Riders came to Cair Andros I fled hither in my madness." Sirion sighs, "And where is Beladan, the Lord-Marshall? And his vassal Torelin?"

Beladan hearing his name, even as he guides his mount quietly into the arena, speaks softly. "I am here, good Sir Knight, and my squire-son at my right hand. What news, my Lord?"

From atop Ithildin, Nials waits for the order to begin scouting. Watching Analdin fight with his horse, the squire smiles knowingly at the memories of his own learning to ride.

Sirion looks at the hills, "Lord Boromir has comitted us to begin scouting yonder hills. Yet the ride will be long ere we can find entry beyond this escarpment. If we are to go, then we should ride at once."

Torelin stands at Beladan side and awaits to hear any orders.

Sirion takes out his map and shows it to Beladan, pointing with a gloved hand the pathways into the twisted hills.

Muttering a sharp curse as his beast sidesteps, Analdin, temper none the better for the ill-tempered horse beneath him, looks to those around him, mumbles to himself, "Can we not be off before this cursed horse decides to hate me further?"

From Gwathandir's saddle > Arnafel lapses into silence as the Knight Marshall and Torelin appear, his brooding gaze seeming to be fixed in the far distance.

Sirion turns and looks at Analdin and laughs, "It is best not to anger a steed good swordman. They have a wit beyond Men."

Beladan appears to consider the words a moment before nodding to Sirion. "If thou wilt honour us with thy skill and steady hand in the van, Lord Sirion, we wilt endeavour to match thy horsemanship with our own," Gazing about quickly, he notes and nods to several of the men; Nials, Arnafel upon whom his gaze lingers, and a warm smile to Analdin. He straightens in the saddle and and murmers to no-one in particular. "And may Ulmo guide us back to our bay home safe."

Sirion nods and says, "Aye Lord. But rather I would give praise to Aule, for no water runs into the hills - rather rock." With that Sirion turns his steed and gallops along the escarpment to the northeast.

(Logger's Note: Here there's a whole lot of travelling. I've cut out all the "So-and-so has left", etc. and the room descs... But left the poses in there.)

You head over to the northeast along the cliff face and head down the thin shelf.

From atop Ithildin, Nials salutes the Knight Marshall as his gaze passes him, but never a word passes his lips. The look in his eyes has lost that defiant tone to them replace by a look of duty and trust in the commanding officer.

The wind whistles cooly from the hills as Sirion says, "This long wall goes on for many miles, haste must be given."

You follow the cliff to the northeast.

Sirion raises up his hand and slows his steed. He says in a slow voice, "We come upon the Dead Marshes." His voice seems to quake....

Beladan wrestles with his beast's obvious reluctance to press forward. "On into the fell fen, Lord Sirion, for Amroth and Gondor. And now again, I forsee the wisdom in invoking Ulmo."

From atop Ithildin, Nials rides his horse closer to his Lord's. Scanning the area around the group, the squire places on hand on the hilt of his sword while using the other to hold the reigns of Ithildin.

From Gwathandir's saddle > Arnafel urges his horse closer to Lord Sirion's steed, an expression of concern on his face as he hears these words delivered in a tone such as this, for never before has the Lord Sirion apperaed frigthened, and yet his manner indicates so now.

Sirion replies, "It is not there we seek Lord. No man goes there. Yet we trail along its outter edges. Can you not feel the fear come from it? It is said the shades of Men and Elves are there, haunting that land since the days of the Last Alliance in days so long ago they cannot be numbered in years. Let us ride on."

Slowing his horse with little in the way of finesse, Analdin looks out on the land before them, seeming to forget the nervous movements of his mount for the time being. Keeping near the rear of the party, he has to step his horse sideways and look over the shoulders of the taller men before him to see the land.

You head northeasterly along the cliff-bottom.

Sirion rides now more swiftly, passing along the escarpment, the hours tick by.

You head northeasterly along the side of the cliff face.

Sirion says, "We are almost at the end of the escarpment, it has been a hard days ride and there has been naught to see. Let us go on for there is still many miles ere we find the pass to the Emyn Muil.""

A loud gurgling noise can be heard not too far off into the marshes.

You head northeast along the cliff face.

Sirion stiffens but continues his ride to the northeast.

You follow the cliff face to the northeast.

Torelin rides quietly beside the knight marshall, attempting to stay near as the road becomes ever colder.

Sirion says to the company, "This is well, the cliff face turns here. I think it may be good to head northward Marshall."

Beladan nods quickly. "You are my eyes in this, Lord Sirion. I defer to thy judgement."

Sirion nods and urges his horse northward.

You head north, following the cliff face.

Sirion comments, "Winter lay heavily upon the north..." He rides on.

You head off to the north.

Sirion looks to the endless plains to the east but continues his ride north.

You head north alongside the diminishing cliff face.

Sirion checks his steed and points to a narrow path to the southwest, "That is the way if I remember aright. It will take us to the Amon Llaw. Now my friends I urge you, forget food and weariness and let us ride."

You move off the main path and begin climbing up the gentle slope to the southwest.

Sirion continues the journey southward now...

You head southwards, upwards onto the Emyn Muil plateau.

Sirion says, "The map says the place we desire is near here. These lands are a knot and I cannot imagine finding anything save stone. Yet keep alert."

You head farther up into the Emyn Muil.

Sirion trots his horse slowly down the path, obviously looking frustrated. Suddenly he puts up his hand and points to several mules, "Look!"

Beladan punches his stalwart mount forward to follow the aim of Sirion's finger. "What thinkest thou of this portent, Lord Sirion?"

Analdin follows behind the party, a definitly sour look to his face as he once more adjusts his position in the saddle. At Sirion's cry, his etes immediatly leave the back of the person in front of him and he strains for a glance at whatever it is that has grabbed the attention of those in the lead.

From Gwathandir's saddle > Arnafel checks his steed as they arrive at the clearing, startled by Lord Sirion's shout. His gaze falls on the mules and a startled exclamation escapes him as he slowly dismounts, amazed to see signs of the presence of others in a place such as this.

Sirion dismounts from his steed and approaches the mules. They skitter but Sirion looks upon the ground, "I do not know Lord, but there are footprints. Plain to see heading thither into the hills. But my eyes grow dim. Perhaps a younger man may discern more." He rises and looks to Analdin, "Tell me Swordman, what do your youthful eyes see?"

Arnafel slides a leg over the grey stallions back and dismounts Gwathandir.

Nials slides a leg over the black mare's top and dismounts Ithildin.

After dismounting his horse, Nials quickly walks to Lord Sirion's side. Looking back at the Lt, the squire awaits his aproach to answer the Knight's question.

Beladan continues to wheel his mount while Analdin and Sirion take conference. He looks to Torelin and nods his apporval to the youngster.

Analdin dismounts quickly, obviously relieved to have an excuse to be off his horse, and takes the few quick steps to Sirion's side, his gaze intent upon the ground and the footprints upon it. "I see not much more than that, sir," he says contemplatively, "Though they seem to go some way into the hills, aye, and end near a large black spot... A cave, it would look like, if I can trust my eyes from here."

Sirion nods and then looks to Beladan, "M'lord? What is the order?"

Torelin checks his horse to a halt, turns and gives a brief, fleeting smile to his lord. The young squire assesses where they are, looking from side to side and gauging where a possible attack could be hatched while they await Analdin's and Sirion's examination of the tracks

Standing beside Sirion, Nials turns his gaze to the Knight Marshall and awaits his orders.

Arnafel approaches the mules, a frown on his face as he bends to peer at the footsteps. "Strange indeed" he murmurs to himself. He looks towards the Lord-Marshall and awaits his decision.

Beladan looks dour. "The mules worry, Lord Sirion, for they hint at the presence of others, and the footprints confirm it. Whither to wait here or investigate the possibility of a cave is a harsh choice. Still, we may not leave what might be hostile forces to nip at our heels. We shall follow the footprints and see what we shall see."

Sirion nods and says, "Yes m'lord." He turns and says to Nials and Arnafel, "Go forward with torches and enter the cave. The others including myself shall have weapons drawn against any foes to protect the Lord-Marshall." He looks to Beladan, "M'lord, I ask that you take rear-guard, if anything should happen, it should happen to us first."

Sirion draws his long blade and it shines in the waning sunlight.

Arnafel nods and looks towards Nials, taking a deep breath. "Forward into the darkness, Nials.." he murmurs softly.

Beladan nods. "Reluctant I am to heed thy words, Lord Sirion. None shall enter the cave but after I have done so." Dismounting and bringing forth his own blade he walks to the dark opening.

Sirion nods but looks to Arnafel and Nials meaningfully.

Arnafel takes his war helm, inlaid with silver and with two wings of Mithril sweeping back from either side, and sets it firmly on his head.

Arnafel slides his left arm into the leather straps at the back of the large tri-cornered shield.

Nials nods and returns to his horse long enough to take a torch out of his pack, "As you command Lord Sirion." Turning back to the cave, the squire steps into the darkness with little thought to his actions.

Torelin nods in approval at the decision of Beladan, his eyes gleaming with the excitement of adventuring into the unknown. Torelin's axe appears in a flash and he starts to walk forward infront of Beladan and behind Sirion, not so much out of fear but out of loyalty to his lord.

Nials draws his blade, Silme-Raana from it's sheathe with a steely ring filling the air as the blade is wielded.

Arnafel strides forward swiftly and takes up a position at the Knight-Marshall's right hand.

Emyn Muil, Scarp over the Marshes
The land of this area gently slopes downward to the northeast, and levels out to the west. The rolling and pine covered Emyn Muil lay all about the north, while the sheer dropoff of the cliff that marks the southern edge lies just to the south. The cliff apparently curves off to the northeast in the distance. A small chert-strewn and frozen path follows the top of the cliff to the northeast and southwest. The early afternoon weather is cold around you.
The sky is clear and the sunlight shines brightly.

Contents:
Arnafel
Gwathandir
Ithildin
An opening to a dark cave
Obvious exits:
NorthEast and SouthWest

You enter the cave.
An opening to a dark cave

It is a dank smell. A dank uncomfortable smell that permeates this cave. A larder would be a more appropriate term. Scattered about you see various chests and bones and other such things. Some items look to be of great worth, while others grimy and indiscernible in the gloom. In one corner however, a large chest catches your sight and its lock seems to glint in the wan light.

Contents:
Torelin
Nials
Sirion
Beladan
Marcael
Azim
Aishah
A large chest

Sirion sniffs the air. His face pales though only elven eyes could see it, "This place smells of death."

Stepping into the darkness with one hand holding a torch and the other his blade, Nials takes careful steps on the dark, uneven floor to prevent himself from tripping and falling.

Torches flicker low in the darkness ahead of the newcomers; a small party of men, and one silken woman, are ahead. Two strong men struggle with a chest, while a majestic-seeming fellow in curled-toe boots looks on, another more average man beside him. The woman is off to the side, making disgusted faces.

Beladan stands tall, eyes squinting in the gloom. "Hsssst!", he whispers hoarsely. "There is a light ahead!"

Analdin holds nothing but his drawn blade as he walks carefully behind the larger part of the party, and he blinks a few times as his eyes adjust to the darkness of the cave.

Sirion halts in his steps.

Except on closer examination, one of the strong men is not struggling at all but merely fiddling with the chest. He looks more like a rock than man, does this strong man.

Dropping his torch to the ground, Nials steps forward into the darkness with no light in an effort to learn more of the people in the cave.

Torelin comes up quietly beside Beladan and stops, leaning forward to attempt to catch a better look at the unexpected and rather familliar looking party ahead.

Arnafel grimaces as he sees the bones scattered around, then stops and softly draws his blade at Lord Beladan's words. He squints in an effort to discern the details of the strangers who are present in the cave.

Arnafel sweeps Maeglin from it's scabbard and a gleam of light plays coldly along the blade's sharp edge as it's silver hilt settles into his hand with the familiarity of long use.

The other with the chest, clad in rust-brown, looks up--he is first to spy the intruders. A quick word in a harsh tongue alerts the tall man and his companion, and the beautiful woman--rather than the chest, the lordly figure of Azim moves to intercede between the newcomers and the woman. His other guard places a hand on his sword--

--but it is noteworthy that no Southron trader draws a blade. That is for the warlike Gondorians.

Standing halfway between the Gondorian party and the Southron's, Nials halts as he notes the southerns noticing the party. Not knowing what else to do, the squire continues forward holding his blade in a non agressive manner, "My Lords," he shouts, "Please do not be alarmed"

The grey clad man, the one that looks like a rock, slowly stands up from his kneeling position in front of the chest and watches the approaching people. His face, all hard planes and angles, contains no expression of outward emotion..it is only locked in unreadability.

Aishah's dark eyes flash as she hears the alert; she shifts perceptibly against the cavern wall and attempts to see past the approaching Azim to those at the cave entrance. Failing to see through the man, she glances to him in an attempt to meet his gaze, her dark head tilted back.

At being espied in the gloom, Beladan steps quickly forward, his hand resting lightly on his own undrawn blade. He enters the brighter circle of light surrounding the occupants of the cave. "Ah, master ::merchant::, we cross paths again. Tell me, you have silk in that chest but your tent-erecting guard has lost the key. And the lovely lady sensed an orange to be had within?

Azim meets the slave-girl's gaze, and his tanned face might be familiar--even made devilish as it is by the torchlight--to more than one of the Gondorians. "Why, look here," he suddenly booms out, voice filling the cave in rich and merry Westron. "It is our friends of Gondor! Good day, noble sirs; Azim welcomes you!" He then dips in a certain eloquence to bow.

Arnafel steps forward to stand beside Nials, his blade by his side, lowered, yet ready to defend as he silently watches the strangers, awaiting the Lord Marshall's decision on what course of action to take next.

Nials lets out an explosive breathe of relief as the Southrons recognize Lord Beladan. Turning his back to them the squire leans down and picks up his torch again.

Beladan turns to Sirion. "Here, my Lord Sirion, thou hast the most marvellous crafter of lies in all Harad." To Azim, he quickly returns the bow. "And what have we here, Azim, that taxes your patience so?"

Sirion crosses his arms in front of him and comments, "At least it wasn't a troll Lord. I think this place was long abandoned." Sirion laughs.

Torelin frowns on hearing the name Azim and though Sirion laughter seems genuine, he refuses to lower his axe, prefering to remain alert beside his lord. His eyes slit in the darkness to try and see deeper into the cave.

Sirion comments, "Well Lord, we seem to be in greater numbers than this cur. Shall we tie him up now?"

Aishah recognizes Beladan's voice, she makes an attempt to glimpse the man by leaning to Azim's side and also pushing upwards on her bare toes. Such an endeavor she does with a touch of subtleness; the girl would not anger her owner...

Azim draws himself up, looking puffy-faced and now highly offended by the forked tongue of the snake, or rather the 'knight' Beladan. Dark eyebrows arch in certain indignation. "Have I offended you, Effendi," he asks Beladan politely, "...that you would wound me so? I see that I am not the worst liar in the lands of the south..."

A mournful sigh escapes Azim's lips. "That prize must go to the bards and storytellers, who claim that men of honour live in Dol Amroth."

Beladan glances quickly at Sirion. "Ware thy words Lord Sirion, for thou thyself didst note the smell of death upon this place. A word to you all, watch this one for his sword is as sharp as his tongue." He continues, "Lord Azim. Please step away from the chest."

Sirion steps forward, "And why are you here then Southron? Perhaps you have come for the better weather here?" The last statement is sarcastic.

Arnafel's lips tighten at the trader's words, and yet he restrains himself, recognising the words for what they are - an attempt to provoke the Gondorians.

You hear a snuffling in the recesses of the cave.

Azim shakes his head, sad and sorrowful that these lying lizards who masquerade as knights would treat him so unfairly! Oh, the poor, poor man. "I have done nothing to grant such action or slander from your lips, good Sir Beladan," the tall man sighs, "..but I will not allow your shaming words to intimidate me. Davor--Marcael--we will take the chest out with us."

Still halfway between the two parties, Nials turns back to face the men of Harad (and woman). Watching the Southrons curiously, the squire tightens his grip on his blade just to be sure. Then there is the sound of snuffling, a sound alien to Nials which makes him turn back to Sirion to see if his lord knows what that sound is.

Beladan speaks in a low, urgent tone. "Ware, my lords! We are not alone in this cave. Surrender now to us and we will protect thee and the chest."

Beladan brings forth Hyarmenmacil from its resting place.

Arnafel moves back, fading into the darkness as he hears the sound, striving to locate it's source.

Marcael moves nary an inch at either the words of Azim or Beladan. He only stands there and stares straight ahead; Straight at the Gondorians. His gaze is eerie, being harder than the walls of the cave itself, especially when his stare meets yours...

Pressing her slim body against the cave wall, Aishah looks towards the source of the snuffling. Not overly alarmed; she cannot see with the merchant directly in front of her and passes it off as a man with a cold. A bad cold.

Torelin turns to Sirion as his ears capture the faint sounds from deeper within the cave, the older man's presence being the nearest to the young squire. He leans forward and quietly says under his breath, "Lord we are set upon..."

Sirion nods slightly and grips his sword more tightly.

Having so far remained at the back of the Gondorian party, drawn sword not leaving his hand for a moment, Analdin finally takes a good couple steps forward to get a better view of those before them. He pays no real attention to the bantering of words, but his eyes remain steadily upon all those in the cave as best he can keep them in his gaze.

Azim, meanwhile, ignores the snuffling. he is every inch the merchantman, and his wounded pride is fair to reeking from him. This foul 'Beladan' has played him false, and he is wounded.

Beladan looks as flinty and resolute as any harad warrior. Even in the darkened light of the cave his eyes glitter dangerously. "Thou art not a foolish man, Azim. Look about thyself. Thou art most heavily outnumbered and we *will* take by force that which we hath come to obtain if needs be. Still, I am loath to shed thy blood within this cave and offer thee safe conduct as well."

Nials stands transfixed by the happenings about him. Turning his body again to face the Haradrim, the squire doesn't move further nor does he say anything.

"You speak one moment with the tongue of the snake and the next with the voice of the angelic warder, Beladan of Girithlin," Azim says indignantly, his mistrust for the two-timing knight seeping from his ever word. "It is my thought that you say only what fits your need of the moment, Effendi, and so do not be offended that I do not trust you more than the cockatiel trusts the mongoose."

As the others draw their blades and brace themselves, Arnafel walks softly along the walls of the cave, ignoring the exchange taking place between Lord Beladan and the Haradrim, his left arm extended, right arm gripping his sword as he peers ahead.

The snuffling noise grows louder...

Torelin takes a quick step forward, leaving Sirion and the others behind him as he takes his place beside Beladan. Letting his axe swing idly with one hand, he appears anxious to get on with taking the chest by force, since talking seems to be doing nothing.

Beladan laughs, yet mirthlessly. "I am responsible for the honour of Gondor, my fine, fat fellow and care not for thy impunities upon my character. Hasten now, your chance fades with my patience."

As the snuffling noise grows louder, you think you hear a slight grunt, then a loud yawn echoes through the caves. As Beldadan and Azim begin to argue over the chest, a giant form of a beast emerges from the shadows, curious as to the sorce of the distruption...

Beladan continues to argue menacingly with Azim, the trading of insults looking ever more like becoming the trading of blows.

Nials's eyes widen as the massive form of the Olog-Hai steps from the shadows. Reacting quickly, the squire readies his blade, drops the torch in his hand and points with his free hand, "Lord Azim beware."

Having had no success seeing those that address the merchant via leaning or adding height to herself, Aishah goes another route -- she allows her back to slide downwards against the hard and uneven surface of the wall. She will peek from a lower vantage point. She rises with haste upon hearing the renewed snufflings; confusion etches her beautific visage and she now looks to Azim.

Arnafel backs slowly into the light, his blade held upright before him, eyes on the gigantic figure as he calls out in a low yet urgent tone, "My Lord, ware! We are not alone!"

Sirion suddenly shouts, "Ai! Ai! A troll has come!"

Paying less than no attention to the arguing going on before him, Analdin's gaze wanders over the cave. His eyes narrow slightly as he strains his ears at sounds coming from the darkness of the cavern, and, eyes widening once more, he stifles a loud gasp as a large form accompanies the sounds from the shadows.

Torelin curses as he spies an emerging form appear from the shadows. He looks over to Beladan and barks, "Lord, a troll! A troll!"

Azim's grey eyes widen, but he is already moving; quick as a fox, and far more deadly. "The chest," he cries, but Davor has already leapt forward, away from it! The merchant lord springs between Aishah and danger, his other guard close behind.

Goth roars angerly as he notices his guests. Not wishing to take anytime, the giant beast quickly steps forward, the giant hammer that resides in his hands flies around for his closest target, Sirion....

Bashfrom the darkness, sniffs the air at the odd smells of live flest that come to him form the outside of the cave, and smiles as his boss leads the way to meet them. He then grabs his weapon from the grond and beings to move forward to join the all powerful Olog-hai and lets out a rubble form he mouth "Mez think we eats well this dayz!!"

Sirion turns and holds up his blade against the troll, ready for the onslaught.

Bash wields War Hammer.

Sirion grasps the jewelled hit of Umbardacil and it glitters as he draws it forth in a flashing light.

Marcael's stance barely changes from that of watchfulness to that of stoic defensiveness. Still, the grey clad soldier does not move an inch, even if his stance does change stubtly.

Arnafel leaps forward to his Lord's defence, his face grim, then halts, cursing as another gigantic figure emerges to block his way.

Without thinking of concern for himself, Nials runs at the massive form holding his sword before him with both of his hands gripped on the blades hilt, charging the Olog-Hai as if weilding a knight's lance.

Goth attacks Sirion with his War Hammer, but he misses by an arm's length.

Without thinking of concern for himself, Nials runs at the massive form holding his sword before him with both of his hands gripped on the blades hilt, charging the Olog-Hai as if weilding a knight's lance.

Nials attacks Goth with his Longsword, but Goth parries the attack with his War Hammer!

Sirion ducks the blow and thrust forward with his own blade against the scaly hide of the beast!

Sirion attacks Goth with his Longsword, but he misses by a mile.

Azim's third man, neither Davor nor Marcael, takes advantage of the confusion among the warlike and charging Gondorians to slip their ranks. He exits the cave quickly, to all appearances a deserter--but the merchantman either does not notice, or does not care. His eyes are all for Aishah, whom he seeks to guard at all costs, in any case.

Arnafel attacks the beast who bars his way, striving desperately to reach Lord Sirion and aid him, his blade glinting in the dim light as it darts forward.

Torelin turns to Beladan once again, his face calm but his eyes wild. "I follow you my lord.." he says, waiting to see which beast the knight-marshall will attack first.

Somehow, Sirion misses the giant beast that lunges at him and his longsword goes wide from the huge body. From behind, Nials' longsword also flies wide just after the attack from Sirion. The troll turns his to brother and nods slightly, "Yes, dinner like we have not had in a long time" With that he turns back to Sirion, the hammer flying quickly around towards the head of Sirion, a slight grunt escaping the lips of the troll as he swings the hammer around.

Goth attacks Sirion with his War Hammer, but he misses by a mile.

Bash chuckles as he sees all the humands then grabs his door shield he pulled of a old tower yeats back and shouts to the mighty Olog-Hai "It was me turn to bash them first!! " he then readys his shield and truges forward and makes his way into the masses.

Arnafel attacks Bash with his Longsword, but he misses by a handspan.

Sirion ducks the blow of goth and again lunges forward saying, "Dinner shall be hard bought!"

Sirion attacks Goth with his Longsword and mildly wounds him!

As the large figure is joined by yet another and the troll begins attacking the party, Analdin hangs back only a few seconds, just the blink of an eye to gauge the scene, before he puts his own blade to use. Stealing up to the side of the second beast, the Guardsman presses the small advantage of being one in a crowd to use his blade handily against the beast, stabbing at its side.

You attack Bash with your Longsword...
Bash dodges your attack.

This time Sirion's blade connects with the thick troll skin, yet no blood or flesh is drawn. The thick hide of the giant beast protects him from the small wound. With a quick step towards Sirion, the hammer flies around again, this time sweeping low for the legs of the human.

Goth attacks Sirion with his War Hammer, but Sirion parries the attack with his shield!

Flying wide of his mark, Nials trips on the uneven surface but manages to fall into a roll in which he comes to his feet still wielding his sword and set to attack. Noting Sirion still fighting with the larger of the two orcs, the squire once again moves to attack the Olog-Hai this time striking at his backside.

Nials attacks Goth with his Longsword and mildly wounds him!

Bash chuckles as one of the small humans attack him and chuckles as it's blade seems to bonce off his hide, and then the ring of a second humans weapon sound clear. He then swin out in a large arc at the attacking humans and yells "BASH, BASH You!!!!

Sirion thrusts down his shield and wards off the blow though the shock of it reverberates through him. He swings his sword on high and bears upward at the thick stony neck of the beast.

Bash attacks Arnafel with his War Hammer, but he misses by an arm's length.

Sirion furiously attacks Goth with his Longsword and mildly wounds him!

It is surely worth nothing that none of the Southrons are anywhere near the trolls. The Gondorians seem quite intent on fighting the beasts, and after all, the Northrons are the professional soldiers here. These Haradrim are but a handful of merchants....

Arnafel sees the massive hammer swinging towards him and steps aside, the weapon cleaving the air where he had stood just moments ago as he responds with a swing to the olog's knees, attempting to bring him down.

Arnafel attacks Bash with his Longsword and mildly wounds him!

Analdin's blow glances off the beast's thick hide, making no mark and doing no damage. This does not cause him to lose heart, however. And though the fury of battle present in many of his countrymen is missing from the Guardsman's eyes, it is well replaced with a cool calculating, and he swings his sword once more at the large beast, this time with a cut to the back of its leg.

You attack Bash with your Longsword...
Your attack against Bash mildly wounds him!

Just after the troll brings his hammer around, Nails' swings strikes the backside of the troll, doing even less than Sirion's attack moments before. The thick hide turns the blade, the blade almost bouncing from the armor of the troll... Sirion's blade once again strikes the troll again, the sword striking the mid-wasit of the troll, this time drawing a thin line of blood from the wound. With a quick step forward and a grunt, the troll sends the hammer flying around, the swing aimed for the side of the human before him..

Goth attacks Sirion with his War Hammer, but he misses by an arm's length.

Again the Olog-Hai ignores his attack and again Nials repeats his attack this time striking at the beast with more force.

Nials attacks Goth with his Longsword and mildly wounds him!

Sirion leaps backward and dodging the blow backs off to the cave wall. He looks to where the merchants of Umbar are. And decides to allow his squire to carry on the fight for the moment, and guard the entrance instead.

Torelin stands just beyond the fray and assesses which Gondorian is in greater need. Seeing the louder troll attack Arnafel and Analdin he decides quickly to assist. Charging forward, like a bull, Torelin's enormous body barrels down on the Olog. He reaches the creature in a very short time, his axe swinging wildly for the troll's head.

Torelin attacks Bash with his Axe and mildly wounds him!

Bash frowns as the human's blades bight into his legs and Yells "OUCH!!! You is not to do that!!!" He then brings his weapon back and swing down at Analdin head as he shouts "Now me is going to make you head into a mushy mess!!"

Bash attacks you with his War Hammer!...
...and he misses!

Goth roars with anger as Sirion gets away, "Come back here human!" he then remembers the small pricks from Nials behind, and he spins around, a giant grin upon his face, "You next, eh?" and wth a slight chuckle, the hammer flies around towards the head of the human..

Goth attacks Nials with his War Hammer and badly wounds him!

Aishah has finally had a glimpse or two of the tableau unfolding around her; it is all she needs to see to slip with instinctual grace and deftness from behind Azim. With silken skirts lifted into her bunched fists, the girl bolts towards the cave entrance.

Sirion shouts seeing the plight of Nials and rushes back into the fray. With a scream he charges with his naked sword toward the troll again and attacks recklessly!

Sirion attacks Goth with his Longsword and mildly wounds him!

Using what advantage his agility holds, being so much smaller than the troll and better able to dodge its blows, Analdin ducks out of the way of the huge beast's hammer blow. Encouraged by the small success of his previous attack, the Guardsman once more swings at the troll's leg, a little lower and at the back if its knee.

In the middle of the chaos, Marcael Balinoit remains firm, only moving to get out of the way of a stray blow. One must wonder if the rocklike man is completely sane...

You attack Bash with your Longsword...
Your attack against Bash mildly wounds him!

Davor casts a look toward Azim as Aishah flees the cave, but the merchant lord is already ordering him out after her with a bellow. "Don't let her come to harm!" His voice rings out in the cave, resonating in its basso rumble; the tall man himself pauses near the exit as Davor disappears moments after Aishah.

Arnafel smiles grimly as the Olog's blow goes awry once again, missing Analdin, and his own blade darts forward like a snake toward's the Olog's chest.

Arnafel attacks Bash with his Longsword and mildly wounds him!

The sound of a crunch comes from Nials' arm as the Olog-Hai's massive war hammer shatters the mans shoulder blade, missing the mark only because the squire moved his head slightly to the side. Gritting his teeth with the pain, Nials' sword arm, still on one peice, lashes out in a wild strike at the massive trolls midsection.

Nials attacks Goth with his Longsword and mildly wounds him!

Arnafel pages Analdin and Torelin: heh..keep this up and we'll finish him off in a coupla hundred years :)

Bash hisses as something hit's him in the upper chest and smiles at seeing it's an axe useing human, he then pulls backhis weapon to attack this new human whenthere is the ring of metal on his stone hide from two blows on his body. Bash then lets out a howl of pure rage and lashes out maddly at the axe useing human hopeing to shatter some of it's bones.

Bash furiously attacks Torelin with his War Hammer and lightly wounds him!

Upon seeing blood on his hammer, the troll's smile grows wider. The pain from Sirion's longsword not nearly enough to make the troll yell out in pain, or even wince. Nials' longsword flies around, and also strikes, yet the thick skin turns the blade easily. With a quick step forward, and a grunt, the troll's hammer sweeps low and tries to send Nials' feeting flying out from under him...

Goth attacks Nials with his War Hammer and badly wounds him!

Arnafel steps forward yet again, seeing that the troll's attention seems to be fixed on Torelin. He strikes the beast from behind, his blade sweeping down toward's the enemy's head, striving to prevent him from wounding the other squire.

Arnafel attacks Bash with his Longsword and mildly wounds him!

Torelin is garred slightly as his shield takes a blow and deflects the terrible war hammer off it and lands on his shoulder. Letting a smile touch his lips he yells out coldly, "For that, foul creature, I shall send you back into the darkness!" He lets his axe fly forward again, using his massive shoulder to attempt to take the trolls head clean off.

Torelin attacks Bash with his Axe, but Bash parries the attack with his War Hammer!

Sirion takes the moment of the trolls attack and with great strength swings his sword at the troll again!

Sirion attacks Goth with his Longsword and mildly wounds him!

Nials feels the massive war hammer hit his legs which knock them out from under him. Dropping his sword in his fall, Nials lands on his injured shoulder with a loud grunt of pain. His eyes glaze over in pain, and his face pales slightly from the wounds inflicted upon him. Struggling, Nials rolls over and moves to grab his sword again to strike at the olog with what little power he has left.

Beladan holds a moment, watching Goth before striking in a low, flat arc towards it's knee, looking to cripple the beast.

Beladan furiously attacks Goth with his Greatsword and mildly wounds him!

A growl escapes Analdin as, from the corner of his eye, he catches sight of Nials's plight. However, locked in battle as he is, he can make no move to help thesquire, only once more attacks the beast, this time with a firery rage in his eyes not seen before.

You attack Bash with your Longsword...
Your attack against Bash mildly wounds him!

Nials feels the massive war hammer hit his legs which knock them out from under him. Dropping his sword in his fall, Nials lands on his injured shoulder with a loud grunt of pain. His eyes glaze over in pain, and his face pales slightly from the wounds inflicted upon him. Struggling, Nials rolls over and moves to grab his sword again to strike at the olog with what little power he has left.(repose for Goth

As Nials falls to the ground from his attack, the troll turns to his brother troll, "Looky what I got here" he then turns back to Nials, his blade dropped... With a quick swing from overhead, the hammer flying in a wide arc...

Goth furiously attacks Nials with his War Hammer and moderately wounds him!

Bash chuckles darkly as the mild cuts that the humans have given him have only fulled his rage, then as he blocks the foolish attack by the axe useing humaan the beast howls with joy and shouts "Now me has 3 to pick to eat first..now with one?" he then glances at each of his attackers then shouts "You!!!" and swings out at....

Bash attacks Arnafel with his War Hammer, but he misses by an arm's length.

The strikes from the various others just get turned away, the skin upon the back of the Olog-Hai incredibly thick... No blood can be seen upon the giant, as it has only been drawn once, the wound already closing itself..

Torelin takes the advantage of having the troll flanked and quickly swings now to disable the beast, aiming for the lower back. He throws all his large weight into his blow, crying out, "Amroth!" as he does.

Torelin attacks Bash with his Axe and mildly wounds him!

Sirion shakes his head, sweat dripping from his brow. Again he attacks.

Sirion attacks Goth with his Longsword and mildly wounds him!
 

Arnafel ducks under the blow, the massive war hammer nearly clipping his head. The troll's blow has left him open to retaliation, and he joins Torelin, stiking the bast from the other side.

Analdin snickers quietly as his foe misses the squire Arnafel, and he casts an encouraging nod to his companion, regardless of the animosity usually there. Following Torelin's example, he brings his blade up and over at the troll's shoulder, with a loud shout against Torelin's 'Amroth' of, "Gondor!"

You attack Bash with your Longsword...
Your attack against Bash mildly wounds him!

Arnafel attacks Bash with his Longsword and mildly wounds him!

Being knocked to the ground again as the hammer hits it's mark again, Nials screams in pain but struggles to keep moving toward his dropped blade. Slowly but surely the squires' hand fits on the pommel of the sword then the hilt upon which he drags his blade to him. Using the adrenaline flowing through his veins, Nials forces the pain away and stands holding his sword read to attack again. Using the last bit of strength in his arms, the squire strikes with all his might, his eyes still blurred in pain.

Nials attacks Goth with his Longsword and mildly wounds him!

Azim, meanwhile, has paused near the entrance. Aishah is fled, and safe; the brave Gondorians fight on against the pair of trolls. His grey eyes firm with a gleam of strength, and he draws his cutlass; only now might one note the glisten of light mail beneath his silks. He moves carefully forward to join his fellow Men....

Azim reaches down to the gilded hilt of a scimitar, worn on his left hip. Sliding the weapon from its sheath, he hefts it expertly.

Bash chuckles then stops cold as Torelin lands a blow on his left flank and then spins and lashes out at the axe-useing human, this give the other two attackses time to land there blow. As he swings he yells "Now Bash Mad!!, Me no play nice no more!!!"

Bash attacks Torelin with his War Hammer, but Torelin parries the attack with his shield!

Beladan continues to duck and wend in and through the combat about him. Again his blade flicks out seeking a weakspot in the hide of Goth.

Beladan furiously attacks Goth with his Greatsword and mildly wounds him!

Torelin again finds the dexerity to raise his shield at the oncoming blow of the enormous Bash. He retaliates quickly not wasting any more time with words, a smile still alive on his face. He aims again for the sore spot on the troll's back.

Torelin attacks Bash with his Axe and mildly wounds him!

Finally, with one fluid movement Marcael moves to draw his cutlass. Simultaneously, his stout fingers grip the hilt of the blade and his large forearms tighten with the movement of the draw. A rasping sound accompanies his movements, but still the man does not spring into action as one might expect...

With Bash's attention focused on the other two attackers, and being left alone for however long, Analdin turns it to his advantage, taking the chance to swing heavily at the troll whenever possible. His blows are strong, with a smith-like arm behind them, and he once more stabs at the beast, the point of his sword aiming for the troll's side.

It soon becomes obvious that Azim means to aid the very Knight that was so cruel to him before--Sir Beladan! The Southron merchant, tall and fell somehow with his cruel sabre in hand, rushes forward toward Knight and Troll--still too far to help immediately but closing... closing....

You attack Bash with your Longsword...
Your attack against Bash mildly wounds him!

Suddenly spins around, the Greatsword of Beladan striking his backside, drawing a decent stream of blood from his thick hide, the first. Nials' blade literally bounces off the thick hide, perhaps even chipping the blade. As he faces Beladan, the troll grunts and steps forward, the hammer flying around towards the feet of the human, hoping to knock him to the ground...

Goth attacks Beladan with his War Hammer, but he misses by a mile.

Marcael slides his blade slowly out of his scabbard; The rasping sound is eerie, almost.

And once again Arnafel attacks, his blade weaving a deadly pattern as it swoops towards the troll's already wounded chest, his gaze calm and fierce at once, a deadly rage simmering slowly n his eyes.

Arnafel attacks Bash with his Longsword, but he misses by a mile.

Sirion grunts and cries out, "Marshall! It is like hitting stone!" Again he swings at the beast.

What faint light trickles through the mouth of the came suddenly lessens, as if the light from without had been overshadowed by someone - or something...

In truth it is over a score of someones, each to a man bearing with him the thin curving blades of the southern lands... of Harad!

At the fore of the streaming multitude is a single man garbed entirely in drab blacks and greys - cutting a wicked silhouette against the remaining lights.

His grin is apparent.

Sirion attacks Goth with his Longsword and mildly wounds him!

The monster's hammer misses Beladan--now is Azim's chance! He springs to the side of the Knight, shouting in a harsh and ancient tongue! Wha--? The tongue of Numenor?!? But what does he say?

"<Adunaic> *** *** *** for **** **** ** ******, ******** ***," cries Azim!

Oh no. heavens, no! His black-steel sabre arcs toward...

Beladan.

Azim attacks Beladan with his Scimitar and mildly wounds him!

Bash eyes now red with rage and hunger leading his attacks now, he swings his weapon in a wide arc to make the humans take a step back as he lashs out at all of them, to he weapon come closed to analdin.

Bash attacks you with his War Hammer!...
...and he misses!

From afar (to Torelin and Analdin), Arnafel grins..me still got full HP's left.

Sirion spins on his heels and his eyes open wide at the treacherous Haradrim.

Stumbling back from the beast, Nials sees the attack coming at Beladan, but he is to late to warn the knight marshall. His strength fading fast, Nials forces himself on in his attack of the stone skinned beast. Raising his blade once again in a strike at the leg of the Olog-Hai.

Nials attacks Goth with his Longsword, but Goth parries the attack with his War Hammer!

Beladan reacts with surity and confidence, leading the dance in the strike against the troll. He spins past the incoming blow with adroit ease, yet becomes easy prey to the typical treachery of the southern dogs, his fine words about honor belied by his cowardly strike. Realizing that he faces multiple foes, he cries aloud to the other Gondorians a warning before retreating from Azim, using his momentum to roll a blow in at the thigh of the troll.

Azim is now backed by two-dozen of his own men, led by the captain Hashim, and the proud swords of the Gondorians are caught between Southron steel and Troll might. It might be worth wondering--asking Beladan if he would only answer--Who has the upper hand now?

Beladan attacks Goth with his Greatsword and mildly wounds him!

Torelinever aware of the going on around him cries out as Beladan is betrayed. He turns about to head for the traitorous "merchant" leaving the troll, Bash in Analdin's and Arnafel's capable hands. He begins to rush forward, his axe high about his head, to protect his lord.

Beladan reacts with surity and confidence, leading the dance in the strike against the troll. He spins past the incoming blow with adroit ease, yet becomes easy prey to the typical treachery of the southern dogs, his fine words about honor belied by his cowardly strike. Realizing that he faces multiple foes, he cries aloud to the other Gondorians a warning before retreating from Azim, using his momentum to roll a blow in at the thigh of the troll.

Suddenly, the rocky Marcael springs into action. His stocky legs propel in the general direction of the fray, and he seems to not be attacking anyone yet, just making a few feints at the Gondorians. Even though he runs about, the planes and angles do not move into any semblence of emotion....

Sirion turns and now forgets the troll. With a shout, "Treachery! Treachery!" He comes at the rather well-tanned Southron, his sword bared. He attacks stoically!

Sirion attacks Azim with his Longsword and lightly wounds him!

Analdin leaps back out of the way of the troll's hammer, keeping himself from injury with the small show of agility. However, the corner of his eye catches sight of a number of figures approaching and a loud curse escapes him. Yet, in the middle of combat, he cannot leave the beast to attack his friends and once more brings his blade down against the troll, a nicely aimed blow at Bash's arm.

You attack Bash with your Longsword...
Bash dodges your attack.

With a quick flick of his wrist, the Guard Captain Hashim sends fifteen of his men into the fray - leaving the others behind to guard the entrance.

The swart captain of the southern men - clutching his curved blade with too great a glee - charging headlong for Torelin!

"Come get yer spankin', wot!"

Hashim attacks Torelin with his Scimitar, but Torelin parries the attack with his shield!

Arnafel's lips tighten as his stroke goes awry, and he attacks once more,aiming for the troll's shoulder. Even as his blade rises, he sees the treacharous Haradrim attack, and is caught in a dilemna. He sees Torelin rush to assist the Lord Marshall, and turns to the troll again, keeping an eye on the Haradrim as he does so.

Arnafel attacks Bash with his Longsword, but Bash parries the attack with his War Hammer!

Azim's sabre is sharp and his reflexes swift, for indeed he is no merchant but a Lord of Umbar revealed! Sirion's sword slices through cloth to reveal the gear of the Lidless Eye, and the Sword of Sauron laughs! "Long will you rue this day, Gondorian," he cries, flinging his shield up toward Sirion and lunging at Beladan.

Meanwhile, the Haradrim guardsmen have their foes well outnumbered now.

Azim attacks Beladan with his Scimitar, but Beladan parries the attack with his Greatsword!

Beladan's blade strikes the thick skin once again, yet the skin turns the blade away quickly, perhaps a dent left in the greatsword. With a grunt, the troll's weapon flies for Beladan again, this time the pick from the minnig tool flying for the head of the human...

Goth attacks Beladan with his War Hammer, but he misses by a mile.

Once again ignored by the massive beast, Nials makes his strike again.

Nials attacks Goth with his Longsword and mildly wounds him!

Sirion pauses. For a moment he looks upon the brand of the eye. His eyes narrow but he backs off. Then suddenly he shouts aloud in a strange tongue.

Bash chuckles as he sees that some of the humans have begon to battle with themselfs he then takes a step back and is able to doge a attack and block the second. He then swing his hammer low and trys to shatter Arnafel's legs with a bowerful attack.

Bash attacks Arnafel with his War Hammer and badly wounds him!

Still running, Marcael finally picks a target and with scimitar held straight out in front of him, Marcael runs directly towards...

                                   Arnafel!

Torelin is stopped as Hashim appears out of no where and tries to land a blow but manages to hand the attack with his shield. He smiles and makes a slight bow. "So now we will finally have it out will we?" he says coldly. With that, and with amazing speed for one so large, Torelin swings out at the man's head.

Torelin attacks Hashim with his Axe, but Hashim parries the attack with his Scimitar!

Sirion backs away from Azim and dashes to the far side of the cave, clearly getting the troll between himself and the Southrons.

Sure now of his position, Beladan becomes a dervish of motion, his finely tuned martial skills leading him wide of the strikes that are aimed at his person. He moves quickly behind the troll, placing the hulking brute between himself and the haradrim, striking at the troll again.

Beladan attacks Goth with his Greatsword and lightly wounds him!

Swords fall upon the back of the occupied Gondorians: Analdin, Arnafel, Torelin and the like must answer to the fifteen of twenty-four Haradrim falling upon them, or risk sure death.

With ease does the southern Captain swipe away the blade of the Squire, turning back against his parry to flick a strike at the Gondorian's cheek!

"Your mother was an Uruk, boy!"

Hashim attacks Torelin with his Scimitar and badly wounds him!

Goth spins to meet the eyes of Nials as his longsword strikes the hide, drawing a small trickle of blood from the beast. As he spins, the greatsword slams into the side of the leg of Goth, the wound opening a small gash on his leg. With a step towards Nials, the hammer flies around, attempting to knock him out of the fight...

Goth attacks Nials with his War Hammer and badly wounds him!

This is all that Azim needs--Beladan's unprotected back. The Lord of Umbar should not be able to resist such an inviting target--yet he at least is a man of honour, and does. No Torus or Kayle is this man, but a Lord of the Black Numenoreans--and so it is that a few shouted words of the Westerling Tongue form silken prelude to the liquid strike he directs--at Sirion.

Azim shouts out, "<Adunaic> *** * ***** ***** *** *** ***** ** ******, *********! ** **** man ***** **** ** *** *** **** *** ***** **** **** *** *****!"

Arnafel gasps aloud as the hammer smashes into his legs, his legs buckling as a bone snaps. He falls, rolling to regain his feet, gritting his teeth as agony sears through his body. He sees the Haradrim charge towards him, he limps forward, his blade sweeping before him in a deft stroke.

Chink-chink... chink-chink... chink-chink... the sound of chain mail shaking from a mounted knight, galloping as quickly as possible given the territory, greets the ears of those whose ears are not already deafened by the shouts and grunts and cries of battle. Then cries a mighty voice from outside: "Amroth for Gondor!!"

Torelin, seeing that he is outnumbered and his fellow knights falling back towards the trolls, momentarily loses his concentration and pays for it--a gash to his upper chest as he attempts to escape the oncoming scimitar. He winces in pain and quickly attempts to fall back towards another serious foe--the trolls.

Arnafel attacks Marcael with his Longsword and lightly wounds him!

Azim would not normally take the unprotected back of a Gondorian--inviting target though it may be--as a sheath for his scimitar. However, this man is Beladan, who did happen to slander his own good name not an hour before. Thus it should be no surprise that the wrath of Castamaite's own Sword, wielded in the hand of Sauron's own Sword, comes down in an evil blow toward the Knight's helm.

Azim attacks Beladan with his Scimitar and moderately wounds him!

As the trolls hammer glances off his injured shoulder, Nials steps back. Striving to focus his eyes as they grow more and more unfocused with each passing blow from the Olog-Hai. Inching his way over to where Sirion and Beladan are standing, behind the massive troll, Nials strikes again, aiming for the Troll's leg.

Nials attacks Goth with his Longsword and mildly wounds him!

Seeing Sirions plan and hearing his words, Analdin makes his way behind Bash, attacking the large beast on the far side, the side away from the Haradrim, an easy transition for the man to make so near to the troll.

Torelin lashes out quickly at Hashim, not really to hit, but at least to keep him back as he tries to manoeuver through the occupied guards wit his shield up and his axe readied.

Torelin attacks Hashim with his Axe, but he misses by a mile.

You attack Bash with your Longsword...
Your attack against Bash mildly wounds him!

Azim watches as the 'brave knight', Beladan of the Girithlins, moves to put a monstrous Troll betwixt himself and his certain death: The Sword of Sauron. That Lord of Umbar laughs heartily, and then calls out in a foul and cruel tongue.

"<UNINTELLIGIBLE SPEECH>"

Marcael's running has reached a barreling speed, and he is not able to stop nor deflect Arnafel's blow with his scimitar, but luckily the Haradrim has leather armor and he does know how to 'roll with the punches', so the blow serves to throw him off course and slice his shirt and outer layer of armor only a little bit. Grunting, because he has not the angle he wanted, Marcael is forced to make a very poorly aimed slash at the torso of Arnafel. Actually, the slash has no direction whatsoever...merely a instintive counterstroke...

Marcael attacks Arnafel with his Scimitar, but Arnafel parries the attack with his shield!

Bash chuckles faintly as he sees yet another human brake off it's attack on him and go to battle the other humans, he then glanes about to see where is last target has gotten to, then frowns as he hears the ring of metal on his stone like flest and spins to attack the human that got behind him.

Bash attacks you with his War Hammer!...
...and he hits! Ouch!

So slow a weapon as an axe could not manage to keep so quick a man as Hashim at bay for long! The cruel haradaic soldier slices viciously at the retreating Torelin, his swipe aimed low at the retreating man's exposed leg!

Hashim furiously attacks Torelin with his Scimitar and lightly wounds him!

Though luck and agility have gotten Analdin through the battle so far without a scrape, and as he is now the only target of the large beast, Bash's blow catches him in the side, glancing off his armor yet still causing a hard blow to be placed on his all too human body. A growl escapes him, and he once more brings his blade to bear on the troll, another slice aimed at the beast's hard flesh.

You attack Bash with your Longsword...
Your attack against Bash mildly wounds him!

Arnafel staggers as his blow hits the Haradrim, his leg folding again beneath him. Swiftly, though, does he come to his feet, and his shield swoops sown, blocking the other's pporly-aimed blow. He moves backward slowly, striving to gain the security of the cave-wall and put the trolls between himself and the Haradrim, levelling a blow at Malcaer's shoulder as he does so.

Meanwhile, the forward press of the Haradrim and the retreat of the Gondorians has enabled Azim's men to reach their goal--the chest! Laughing heartily, the dark Lord says, "Three of you, seize the chest! Leave the faithful swine to the mercy of these servants of the Shadow, who will dine on their bones this night!"

Bash smiles and locks his eyes on Analdin and yell "You is now going to getz the bashing of youz life!!!" he then swings his weapon out at the humans head in the hope to knock it out or slam it into the cabe wall.

Arnafel attacks Marcael with his Longsword and moderately wounds him!

Torelin again feels the sting of Hashim's scimitar on his leg and he grimaces again, but his shield remains up and his axe steady in his hand. Retreating past the Harad guards, who more concerned with Elphir, the squire reaches his companions and returns to his flanked position on the Bash, and prepares once again to dodge war hammers.

Bash attacks you with his War Hammer!...
...and you block his attack with your shield!

Sirion pushes his back against the cave wall, not attacking the troll.
Goth brings his hammer around in a wide arc, taking a step backwards slightly, giving himself more room. As he prepares the strike, the backwards siwng of the troll knocks a nearby Haradrim to the ground, the warrior unconcious. The blow nearly slows the troll's swing as it flies towards Nials..

Goth attacks Nials with his War Hammer and severely wounds him!

Torelin hangs back behind the busy troll and looks over to see Azim and his men trying to carry away the very thing that has brought them here to be slaughtered. He cries out, "The chest! They are taking the chest!"

The sun sinks in the sky and falls below the horizon. Nighttime takes over.

Sirion sees the Southrons and cries, "The Chest! They are taking the troll's chest!"

Marcael is badly off balance after his poorly aimed blow, and so Arnafel's strike takes him in the shoulder, making a long gash in it. Not even make a wince of pain, Marcael slowly backs away from the Gondorian, inching his way towards the chest...

And so it is that three of Azim's men seize the chest, and the the Haradrim begin to force a strategic withdrawal. They begin to exit the cavern in slow pairs, continuing to lend support to those of their comrades who remain engaged in the battle.

Azim, meanwhile, watches the scene with a cold fury of triumph flickering in his thunder-grey eyes. The tear where the Lidless Eye shows on his chest is then torn fully by his free hand, and he cries, "Know who has defeated you this day, Men of Gondor! Adrazor, Son of Castamir, Flame of the Eldakhori, Lord of Seaward Tower and Sword of Sauron! Look upon the works of Morgoth Bauglir and tremble!"

Adrazor's voice--for it is he who shouts, yes--resounds terribly in the cave.

Goth spins suddenly as he hears Sirion yell out, he eyes the humans who take the chest, now ignoring Nials. He ignores all other battles as he pushes his way through towards his chest, "Who dare that me chest?"

With the cowardly retreat of Torelin, the way is made clear for the Haradrim's true goals! At the command of Azim, three of Hashim's guards break ranks near the middle of the cave and heave the chest into their hands - the third of the guards protects their retreat towards the Cave's mouth...

A pair of trolls and two more than competent Haradrim - Azim and Hashim - stand between the foe Gondorians and their prize.

The last thing that Nials saw before being hit full in the chest by the beast massive war hammer, was the warriors of Harad making for the chest. As the Olog-Hai's blow landed, a rush of air could be heard from the squire as he is lifted off his feet and throw into the wall by the force of the blow. Hitting his head on the rocky surfuce, Nials falls to the ground unconcious.

The troll's behavior draws a dry, humorless chuckle from the angry Gondorian, and Analdin doesn't let the troll's words go without comment, "Oh really?" Bringing his shield up to protect his his head from the angry blow, he winces slightly as the hammer glances off his shield, bruising the arm beneath. He makes to plunge his sword into the beast's side, yet before he has the chance, cries over the chest are heard ringing through the cavern, followed shortly by the yell of one of the Haradrim. Those do not catch his attention so much as a falling companion nearby. Ducking aside, he avoids the troll, and rushes the few long steps across to reach his friend. Leaving the troll behind, he stands before the wounded man, a daring glare to his eyes, challenging anyone, troll or otherwise, to try and attack the sounded squire once more.

As the Haradrim make their ways towards the entrance, the troll becomes enraged. He roars at the humans and suddenly brings his hammer around, all his strength and weight behind the troll's swing. The hammer connects with the wall, the entrance to the cave crumbling from the vibrations of the monsterous swing....

Beladan reverses his attack against Goth as the hulking brute turns to harry the Haradrim, yet even so fury is lit in his eyes, wrath impressed upon his brow. He takes the moment of respite to catch his breath and curse the Southrons. "And thou shalt fall at my hand, if ever we cross again, knave, for from this day our houses are at war."

As the foul voice echoes in the cave, Arnafel turns, an expression of rage on his face as he finally recognizes the Harad 'trader'. "Adrazor", he calls out, ignoring his fleeing foe, "Lord Mernilas didst thou slay, and I could not avenge him, but today, it shall not be so."

Even though his shoulder is slashed, and one hand occupied with his scimitar, the grey clad Marcael aids the other two Haradrim in escaping with the loot!

Sirion shouts, "We are trapped! The cave is collapsing! Cut our way out!"

Bash glances up as the Olog-hai yells something about the box and then looks to see what is happing in the back of the cave. At seeing the humans about the box, he lets out a howl of rage and brakes off his attack and begins to move toward the box, lashing out at any human that gets in his way.

Sirion swings his sword at the troll wildly, the panic of claustraphobia overcoming him.

Sirion attacks Goth with his Longsword and mildly wounds him!

The taunts from the Gondorians seem to do little more than... amuse... Lord Adrazor. "The true Lord Girithlin already serves me, boy," the majestic lord of evil quips ironically in reply to Beladan. Nor does the collapse of the entrance seem to worry him; he only moves forward in his business, calmly falling into position to slay a troll, two trolls, or any Gondorians foolish enough to try and stop him. "Daerith, to me," he cries!

Goth's eyes watch humans as they try to get out with the chest, the entrance collapsing upon one of the humans carrying the chest, trapping him under rubble. The troll makes his way towards the others trying to get away with his prize... As he moves, his side scraps against the cave walls, a small bag falling to the ground. The troll does not notice, and as he reaches the Haradrim, the hammer flies around, striking him upon the head, knocking him to the ground beside his companion...

The Guardsman Hashim - answering to the name of... of Daerith? Yes! That same man paces gingerly to the side of his truest companion; prepared to meet what may come at his side.

"This rather reminds me of our march on the Citadel, Adrazor... all dressed up and nowhere to go. Come then, and fortune speed our blades."

Bash smiles darkly as he see that the Olog-hai has things well in hand, he then looks about the cave and shouts "You kill them good, you show them not to take stuff." he then taps his chest with his hammer and says loudly "Me is going to finnish bashing the foodz, you getz to cookz it this time!!!" he then chuckles and starts to look for the nearest human about.

"Fortune, indeed," remarks Adrazor, "..because my arm is growing too tired for it." The casual nonchalance of the Men of Umbar is in direct opposition to the panic of the Gondorians, as Lord and Captain fall upon Goth the Incredible Bulk. The Sword of castamite, all black steel, is first to swing.

Adrazor attacks Goth with his Scimitar and mildly wounds him!

Sirion notes the pouch and scurrying over snatches it. He slinks back against the wall gathering his strength.

Torelin rushes over to Analdin and attempts to see if Nials has survived. With horror he watches the battle rage between the olog-hai and the treacherous Umbar.

The sword of a lesser house - the blade of the Sang-harji follows the measured strokes of the Tower Lord...

Daerith's face is grim, but not in panic - quite the opposite - he is steeled with determination to do what must be done.

"For Castamir!"

Beladan continues to gather his strength behind the turned back of the trolls, watching their movements critically and appraising their technique.

Daerith attacks Goth with his Scimitar, but Goth parries the attack with his War Hammer!

Analdin makes no move from his solid position. The wall of the cave is to his back, the wounded Nials between him and the wall, and the battle between the other men and the trolls going on before his eyes not a stone's throw away. Yet he doesn't move to join his companions in their struggle against the large beasts, for none have come close enough to him, and he seems almost unwilling to leave his seriously wounded companion behind without protection.

Goth turns as he stopped all from escape. He looks to his brother and nods, "Yes, my turn to cook" his words are cut off by those of Andrazor as he suddenly brings his Scimitar around, doing virtually no damage to the giant troll. With a turn, he faces the human, and smile upon his face, "You want my chest too?" and with that he takes a quick step forward, the hammer flying around in a low arc towards the feet of Andrazor, hoping to clip them out from under him...

Sirion reaches into the pouch and feels something. Suddenly he smiles broadly and looks over at Beladan.

Goth attacks Adrazor with his War Hammer and lightly wounds him!

Adrazor and Daerith are succeeding in their gambit--it is not long before Marcael and his fellows have begun to clear the rubble away, while the Troll is distracted by their leaders. Yet the Lord himself suffers for it--his feat are clipped by a trollic weapon, and he snarls in rage; the might of Melkor surges through his veins, and he leaps once more into the fray.

Beladan catches the look from Sirion, his eyes lingering on the incongruous smile. Moving to Nials, he stoops and quickly assesses him with hurried care.

Adrazor attacks Goth with his Scimitar and mildly wounds him!

The stoic Captain of Seaward Tower fills the gap of his Lord's fall - long enough to cover Adrazor's recovery. Freed from defense by the press of Adrazor's attack, the grimly visaged Haradrim sidesteps to the Troll's right and aims a swing at the back of the creature's knee!

Daerith attacks Goth with his Scimitar and mildly wounds him!

Sirion approaches Beladan, "..., ... ... ... ... from .... ... ... ... think ... Haradrim ... have ... ... with ... ... .... Let ... ... ...."

Nials lays in a crumpled form against the caves back wall. Blood flows from his mouth and his breathing is short and ragged, but still he continues to draw air.

Analdin almost glares at Beladan as he moves in on Nials, yet recognition dawns in his eyes a bit slowly, and he moves aside a bit to allow the Knight-Marshall to see the wounded man, "What now, Lord Beladan?" he questions quietly, though his gaze remains grimly on the downed man, "Worry not about Nials, I will care for him. Just get us out of here..." he trails off as the battle between man and troll continues.

Outside the cavern, unchallenged by Adrazor's men, calmly sits the Prince Elphir atop his mighty grey steed. Sword in hand, he simply watches Adrazor and the troll battle it out. A look of contempt comes from his visage as he looks upon the Haradaic rabble, mixed with gloating at the state Adrazor is in fighting the troll. He looks over to the Haradrim, and nods his head to the woman in the midst of the guards. "Like as not, thou'lt not have a Lord to take thee home." The Prince remains at ease, watching the ongoing slugfest.

Torelin looks over at Beladan and frowns, "I agree with the commander, we are far outmatched here."

Sirion puts his arm on Analdin's shoulder gently, "We must extricate ourselves from this prison."

Both weapons hit the mighty Olog-hai, yet the troll skin turns them away once again. This time the troll turns to Daerith, the hammer flying around in a wide arc, flying for the ribs of the scimitar wielding human...

Arnafel limps towards the Corsair Lord, a fell fire burning in his eyes as he cuts down all who stand in his way. Yet, abruptly, he stops, for his eyes fall on the broad smile on Lord Sirion's face, and well knowing what it signifies, he changes his direction and heads to the Lord's side, albeit reluctantly, for his blood boils for vengeance. Yet, he guards Lord Sirion, letting no Haradrim approach him.

Goth attacks Daerith with his War Hammer, but he misses by a mile.

Bash moves around the cave and chuckles as the humans have been trying to stay close to the walls, as he walks past Analdin hideing spot, he notes Arnafel next to the wall a few feet away and moves towards the humans and swings his hammer in such away as to, if he hits, will make the human part of the wall.

Bash attacks Arnafel with his War Hammer, but he misses by a handspan.

Adrazor's face hardens; a seasoned veteran, he is perhaps Umbar's finest swordsman, and the man at his left the second-best. With grim determination he eschews any feints--trolls are too thick-skulled to fall for it--and simply strikes in a lunge for the monster's groin--aiming to maim it and end this charade.

Adrazor furiously attacks Goth with his Scimitar and mildly wounds him!

Sirion watches the trolls swing and stabs forward at the troll in response for his squire.

Sirion attacks Bash with his Longsword and mildly wounds him!

Beladan cries, "At the beast!" and lunges at Bash.

Beladan attacks Bash with his Greatsword and mildly wounds him!

The agile Captain Daerith springs back - away from the swipe of the troll - only to spring forward again once the massive weapon has passed! Spinning away to his left to drive the point of his cutlass into the thigh of the creature!

Torelin sees the troll attack Arnafel too late and rushes to his aid, forgetting his wounds. He swings with fury at the foul creature.

Daerith attacks Goth with his Scimitar and mildly wounds him!

Torelin attacks Bash with his Axe, but he misses by a mile.

Sirion's hand on his shoulder calms the Guardsman slightly, however, Analdin still has the look of battle - and worry - in his bright eyes. Falling into silence, his posture is still stiffened, and his blade is up and ready, "Aye, that we musy. You," he looks with challenge in his eyes to Sirion and Beladan, "get us out, I'll get him out." he nods to Nials. And, as those around him begin attacking the beast, he only tenses, hesitant.

Arnafel throws himself aside, the hammer missing him as he stabs up, trying to pierce the troll's thick hide, throwing a grateful look at the others as they rush to his aid.

Sirion nods and says, "Shall we Marshall? We shall be the rear guard while the others evacuate?"

Nials pages Sirion, Beladan, Torelin, Analdin, and Arnafel: surely there has to be a back entrance to this cave :)

Arnafel attacks Bash with his Longsword, but Bash parries the attack with his War Hammer!

Bash hisses as humans jump out of the shadows from behind him, he then spins quickly and brings his hammer across in a low arc and trys to shatter the legs of his attackes, to Sirion will be the one most likely to take the full force of the attack. And with luck his back swing blocks one of the humans attacks.

Bash attacks Sirion with his War Hammer, but he misses by an arm's length.

Beladan nods to Sirion. "It shall be as you say, my Lord." He spreads the words amongst the others quietly and quickly before striding to the troll and menacing him again, seeks to draw his attention.

Beladan attacks Bash with his Greatsword and mildly wounds him!

And lo! What comes but bright starlight, as the Men of Umbar finally succeed in clearing a path through the rubble at last! The gambit of their Lord and their Captain has succeeded, and they begin to heave the chest outwards while those two brave men continue to draw the troll's attention.

Goth brings his hammer around to connect with Adrazor's, yet the troll cannot keep a firm hold upon the blade, and he merely manages to knock it off course. The blade slams into his leg, a small trickle of blood dripping on the ground below. Daerith's blade also strikes, yet not as severly. It bits the thick troll skin, yet draws no blood. With a quick step forward, the hammer flies around towards the head of Adrazor.....

Goth attacks Adrazor with his War Hammer and lightly wounds him!

Torelin curses as he misses the troll and turns back to see Analdin still against the wall. He quicly moves over the the guard, "Can you carry him alone, commander?"

Sirion stands to the right of Beladan guarding the exit of the Gondorians.

Beladan pages Nials, Analdin, Torelin, Arnafel, and Sirion: once the haradrim leave, you guys duck under the trolls and leave too.. me and sir will beat on them some

Adrazor blocks the blow of the troll with an upraised shield, but recoils in pain as his arm absorbs the full brunt of the creature's strike. "<UNINTELLIGIBLE SPEECH>" He yells at Daerith, sharp barking of orders. "<UNINTELLIGIBLE SPEECH>"

Nials pages Beladan, Torelin, Analdin, Arnafel, and Sirion: who ever is getting me out can pick me up

Bash has disconnected.

With an approving nod and a touch of a humorless smile, Analdin picks Nials up and tosses him like a sack of grain over his shoulders. At Torelin's approach, he shakes his head, "Go, get on, Torelin. I would be not my father's son if I had none of his strength." Alluding to his past as he does so rarely, the Guardsman ducks past the trolls and towards the cave's mouth. However, the Haradrim are still there... Hiding himself and his burden in a shadow, he watches the entrance nly, trusting his back to the lords behind him.

At the shouted commands of his Lord, the able Captain shows little hesitation - he harries at the troll one last time - buying himself the time he needs to turn tail and obey his orders.

It is not reatreat, after all, but advancing in the opposite direction.

Stalwart, indefatigible, granite as the land that bore him stands Beladan, drawing the wrath of the troll upon himself, allowing his me to seek escape. He turns his wrath on Goth, seeking to buy time to allow their passage from the cave and what might become his tomb.

Beladan attacks Goth with his Greatsword and lightly wounds him!

Daerith dodges aside Goth, and manages to escape!

Torelin smiles and follows behind Analdin. His leg and chest bleeding, he probably looks as bad as he feels.

Sirion swings with Beladan assaulting the troll!

Sirion attacks Goth with his Longsword and mildly wounds him!

The rest of their men fled and Daerith himself now gone, Lord Adrazor springs forward for the exit. He pauses only to glare defiance at the Gondorians before ducking through the rubble-strewn pathway.

Adrazor dodges aside Goth, and manages to escape!

Arnafel backs away from the troll slowly, then spins and swiftly comes to Analdin's side, flanking him as they move towards the entrance to the cave, sweat beading on his brow as the pain from his leg grows ever worse.

As the last of the Haradrim leave the cave, Analdin motions withhis head towards the entrance, "Torelin, Arnafel, out!" is all he says, waiting for them to get ahead of him and out of the cavern before he follows, stooping beneath the burden of the wounded and unconscience man.

Adrazor takes A large chest.
Adrazor heads downslope to the northeast.
Adrazor has left.

Bash flees to the back of the cave to nurse his wounds.

The two attacks from Beladan and Sirion both strike the troll's legs, and hard. Suddenly the troll falls to his knees, his lower legs giving out on the beast. The troll is still strong enough to lift the weapon without trouble, and swings it at Sirion...

Goth attacks Sirion with his War Hammer and mildly wounds him!

Arnafel leans against the entrance wall, supporting himself as he turns and face the troll. He says tersely to Analdin, "Thou hast the burden of Nials. Leave and I shall follow."

Torelin turns back once more to see Beladan and Sirion continue to rage against the enormous enemy. His eyes burning with the want to assist his lord, however, Analdin's words still hold a certain authority to him and he sneaks his way out of the cave.

The troll's hammer drives in the chain of the knight. In response Sirion swings wildly at its head!

Sirion attacks Goth with his Longsword and mildly wounds him!

Beladan follows Sirion's example and strikes a splitting blow at the exposed head of the troll.

Beladan attacks Goth with his Greatsword and mildly wounds him!

Analdin casts Arnafel a hard warning glare, though finally shakes his head, "I don't plan to die here, Squire, nor to leave Nials. Now get out." With that, he makes his own way to the entrance and ducks out, ducking much further than he would normally have to with the burden of dead weight on his back.

The two blades connect upon the hed of the troll, and a groan erupts passed the lips of the giant beast. The eyes of Goth go blank, and his weapon falls before him, the hammer flying straight of Sirion's toes as he falls to the ground!

Goth furiously attacks Sirion with his War Hammer and mildly wounds him!

Sirion gets hit - hard, and flies out of the cave entrance!

Arnafel lets Analdin slip past him, then follows, leaving the cave hastily.

Emyn Muil, Scarp over the Marshes
Goth's lantern provide a circle of illumination that shows you are on a chert-strewn and frozen path which slopes off gently to the northeast and levels out to the southwest. Off to the south and southeast, the top of a sheer cliff can be made out. The area north and west of the path is hilly and sparsely forested. Around you, the nighttime air is cold, befitting a winter night.
The sky is clear and the stars shines brightly.

Sirion finds himself in a stupor outside the cave. He gets up and reaches down and sighs, the pouch is still there.

Beladan moves quickly to his horse and returns with a satchel. Bending quickly he begins to administer aid to Nials. His hands and fingers, so recently used for murder turn now to healing and he nods grimly.

Analdin drops the unmoving form of the young squire down outside the cave, on a rather smooth piece of ground, as smooth as could be found. A long, almost relieved sigh escapes him as he stands once more rubbing his own well-bruised side as he shakes his head at the squire.

Sirion sighs and says, "How is Nials?"

Beladan turns to Sirion, "Sore wounded, my Lord, but not fatally. He shall live, yet I fear his ability to continue with us."

Torelin sits down and rests against a tree. He looks over to Analdin and tries to smile and loosen up his tense nerves, saying, "I should have died in there, for if we make it back to Minas Tirith alive I shall be run through by Aiesha. I promised her no more trolls."

Sirion looks at him, "Perhaps we can make a litter for him and bear him back to our land?"

Sirion sighs, "While we continue our quest."

Analdin nods at Beladan's words, "Aye, he did nice enough to bleed all over me at the least. But he shan't be travelling horseback anytime soon." Looking to Torelin, a wan smile touches his face, and he shakes his head once more.

Beladan nods. "We cannot turn aside, Lord. Arnafel? How wounded art thou?"

Nials lies unconcious upon the rocks where he is lain by Lt. Analdin. One arm hangs limply at his side while the other holds tight his blade. A trickle of blood runs from the corner of his mouth, and his breathing is slow and ragged.

Sirion nods and reaches into the pouch and pulls out a large iron key.

Torelin turns as Sirion holds up the key. He does a double-take and then smiles wider. "So our fight was not in vain?"

Beladan's features betray his puzzlement as he looks on the object held by Sirion; then slowly and in gathering strength, he begins to laugh! "Sirion! Thou art a sight most majestic!" He looks quickly to his foot.

Beladan tends quickly to Torelin and Analdin also.

Sirion laughs for a moment, "Aye, but they do have the chest. As soon as we may we must track down these Haradrim and take the chest. But for now, let us rest."

As Sirion holds the key up to be seen, the smile on Analdin's face actually grows some, "Then we need not worry about the Haradrim taking the things from the chest? If you have the key in hand..." Trailing off, he looks over the sorry group that emerged from the cave.

Torelin lets his head fall back against his tree and sighes, letting sleep take over him. His axe remains across his lap and it will probably be a long time before he lets it go again.

Sirion replies, "I do not think they could open that chest with a sledgehammer. Do you not remember seeing them accost it before we met them?"

Analdin nods, "Aye, I remember it, from what I could see. Then can it not be opened witout the key? Must have been some master of a smith who put such a tight lock on it."

Sirion sits down upon the ground and smiles again, "Perhaps it is Numenorean. It is indeed old. But now my friend, let us rest ourselves."

Nodding once more to Sirion, and finding a tree just away from his companions, Analdin lays his sword beside him and stiffly sits down to take his rest.