The Hall of Fire 28.pdf - Fan Modules - Free

Hall of Fire The Unofficial Lord of the Rings Roleplaying Game Webzine Issue 28 March 2006 Page 15
that have come north from Rivendell. The second order then
commands that this upstart Host out of Arthedain be crushed
and the leaders be brought before the Witch-king - that is the
order that set the Angmarim and orcs upon us. With this last
order, it would seem that Arkish emptied his castle leaving it an
easy mark for our small force. I think luck had shined upon us
when we captured the messengers that we did, for the Ashâktur
did not get a chance to re-fortify. If the Witch-king discovers
the status of Eldanar, he will not waste a moment in setting a
large host against us to take back what was his. Whatever we do,
we must be rapid in our decision making.”
“Then it is clear,” replied Dirnhael, “we must ride north and
catch the wain unawares before the Enemy finds out what has
occurred here.” He looked around to the men. “We still have a
chance! Those who are too wounded to fight should consider
riding south. If this was indeed a ploy of the Witch-king of
Angmar, then I do not think we shall be able to hold Barad
Eldanar. It will not be a safe place for respite and healing. The
Enemy has spies all around us... we must strike quickly and then
make haste for Fornost.”
Eradin walked over to the hearth to warm himself. He
looked around at the dining hall, seeing Lûnduf lying wounded
upon a couch, as well as the other Dúnadan soldier of Dirnhael’s
Company. He thought about what Dirnhael had re-counted to
him and how only 25 had ridden forth from Fornost and have
come so far and had such a victory here at the very gates of
Angmar!
He turned back to Dirnhael, “May I make a suggestion
Dirnhael… perhaps a ruse? We have stung our enemy - yes,
perhaps only slightly, but he will take notice. Understand, we
have seen much over the last few weeks hiding throughout these
lands and I will tell you, the Enemy is powerful, but even his
forces have been ravaged by the plague. So, here is my
charade…” Eradin paused a moment as he thought of how best
to make his presentation. “Perhaps we should make it known
that Barad Eldanar is in our hands. Perhaps we make it look as if
the castle is now garrisoned with a great host of men. This most
certainly will draw the Witch-king’s attention and he will send a
great force to remedy this affront to his might. And while all of
his attention is bent on Eldanar, a small group may slip into the
Iron Land and rescue Camentir.”
Eradin paused for the others to grasp his idea, and then
continued. “Now do not get me wrong, my men and I have
made great efforts in our struggles against the Enemy and I do
not offer them or myself up as a sacrifice, but we will play our
part in this plan so that the man who had led us for so long can
be retrieved from the Witch-king’s hands. We will work out the
details as to how we can escape from Eldanar but hold it long
enough to give those who ride into Angmar a chance to enter
and exit with Camentir. In either case, I do believe we have at
least a day to make any decisions and allow both our hosts of
men to rest and heal. What say you to this idea?”
Dirnhael considered Eradin’s plan. Once before, Camentir’s
soldiers had distracted the Enemy at great cost to themselves so
Dirnhael and his Company could slip by unnoticed. While they
had been successful, Dirnhael recoiled at the idea of sacrificing
good men once more - he did not want their blood buying his
escape, and there were far too few Men of the West to hold the
lines as it stood already...
He had to admit, however, that the young commander’s
plan had merit. Perhaps there was room for compromise.
“I have no wish to see you or your men die defending a keep
we cannot hope to hold. But I see wisdom in your plan.
Assuming we can recover Camentir, and make our way back -
the forces of Angmar will undoubtedly be in pursuit. They will
want both their captor and their keep back. I suggest that we let
them have one and keep the other...”
He could see the confusion in Eradin’s eyes, but the man
simply listened intently. Dirnhael stroked the scruffy cheek and
continued.
“Let us slip away under the cover of night. Two days
afterwards - when we will be near the wain - raise your banners
aloft Barad Eldanar. This will catch his eye and keep it focused
on the keep. It will likely take time for the Witch-King to gather
his forces for an assault, but not more than a scant few days. In
that time, we will try to catch up to the wain and free Camentir
from his captors. We will then turn tail and make haste for the
keep - hopefully still ahead of the Angmarim forces. We will
reach Barad Eldanar, and then you and your men will abandon
it. The Angmarim will find their keep - but no other indications
that we were ever here. We will all make for Fornost together -
armed, ready, and at speed.”
He saw the flicker of light in Eradin’s eyes - Dirnhael knew
the look well - the look of a man who sees the possibilities...
“What say you?”
Eradin smiled, “I say that you have become as wily as my
commander Camentir! This plan is very sound! We shall do
this… you just promise to bring Camentir home. I will see to it
that my men and I escape from this cold, harsh land.”
That said, Eradin then turned towards the others, “Come
then, is there no food in this place? Let us find it and discuss our
plans further.”
Barad Eldanar was re-manned with the Dúnedain of the
King’s Third Host, now under the command of Eradin. The
towers were mounted and guards posted and some of the soldiers
worked in earnest to build a barricade before the main gates. All
the while the commanders worked within the donjon devising
their plan.
During the preparations, a moment was taken by Daelhun
to make amends and to extend the hand of fellowship. He
walked to the couch that the dwarf Nain was resting on. They
had barely had time to rest and think about the things that had
happened since they had first met.
“Well met, Nain.” Daelhun said as he approached the
warrior. “It is good to have another of your kind amongst our
ranks, you fight well.” The Dúnedain warrior held his hand out
to shake the hand of the dwarf.
Nain had been trying to listen to the conversations of the
men but the distance and his wounds had made it difficult. Now
one of the youngsters had come over to chat.
He extended his hand and took Daelhun’s, “Likewise…
thank ye for the compliment but I’m no warrior. I only fight
because I have to. I’d just as soon be pounding dwarven steel as