After the glances between them, the dwarves lowered their brows. Dwimmer and Hoggstari walked over toward Rahjawyn who was still in signed conversation with the rider. Dwimmer seemed at complete ease approaching the stranger, an Elf in fact, on horseback while Hoggs approached with caution.
Over the years, the old metalsmith had learned to relax around at least one elf, but that was one rare exception, not a rule. In fact, Hoggstari looked upon the girl as a niece, kin. After all, Dwimmer's adopted daughter had been raised with Dwarven morals, culture and language. Men and Hobbits Hoggs had come to know and tolerate because of this trade. He had the utmost trust and respect for Dwimmer but still regarded all other Elves with apprehensiveness.
The two stood aside Rahjawyn watching the conversation for a moment before the woman introduced them to the elf who called herself Arahen. After some pleasantries were exchanged and introductions made by Dwimmer, the subject of finding a location with a cave nearby was raised. The elf claimed to know the area very well so after some urging and nudging by Dwimmer, Hoggstari showed Arahen a scrap of paper with a quick drawing of some hills which indicated the location of the cave claiming exploration was the reason for the mission.
Explaining that there were many caves tucked into the sides of the hills and mountains in the area, Arahen suggested the ride to an encampment where she knew of a ranger that might be of more assistance to the search. Hoggstari, though hiding his unease at going anywhere with the Elf, agreed because there was treasure at stake! The party now grown to four, one Man, one Elf and two Dwarves, gathered their things and crossed over one of the wood slat bridges, heading west along the southern slopes of Angmar.
They rode slowly over the fell, cold soil that had a sickly yellow colour. Deep furrows appeared in Hoggstari's brow as they passed strange fire breathing drakes and massive turtles. Giant bewitched statues emitting eerie sounds acted as sentries as they headed further west. Sensible beings would turn around and leave the hostile place but Hoggs was driven to find this promise of riches, wanting to be the first to enter the cave and first to leave alive. If adventure was the colour of steel, that would be the colour of Hoggstari's blood.
Leading confidently, the Elf guided the small party into a thin rift that led up a long, narrow path. If they were to be ambushed, Hoggs figured it would be then so he steadied his hand on the hilt of his axe as his goat plodded upward into the crevasse in the rock. Around one corner, the opening through the hill leveled out into what would be a complete shock to the Dwarves. Hidden in this hillside was a Dwarven settlement! They would discover it was called Gabilshathûr, mostly a mining settlement kept quiet to attempt to avoid notice of the lethal forces of Angmar. It was here that Arahen introduced them to the ranger she had promised.
There were two Men there, rangers. One called Banfuir and the other Braigiar. With urging from Arahen and Dwimmer, Hoggstari handed the two rangers the slip of paper he had with the location of the cave scribbled on the surface. The two men looked over the pseudo map and shook their heads, explaining there wasn't enough to go on, it could be any of a dozen or more locations. Banfuir asked Hoggs if he knew anything else about the cave. Before replying, Hoggstari asked Dwimmer if he would be good enough to see that their goats were given a good long drink. His friend, agreed and soon as Dwimmer was out of ear shot, Hoggs leaned in closer to the rangers and said quietly, "I was told it was the home of spiders and their queen."
With that information, the rangers and Arahen grimaced. Braigair said, "I know which cave you seek, but I would suggest it would be completely foolhardy to attempt entering it, turn back now and forget about the place." Hoggstari insisted on finding the cave, however, the rangers refused to guide him. Arahan, the Elf, without prodding, said she would take the party but agreed with the Men it was madcap, just before Dwimmer returned to the discussion.
Within the hour, the band of four rode out of the protective walls of Gabilshathûr, now turning northward.
to be continued...
