[Alkanoonion]

******HARAD/UMBAR******

‘Fuinur chuckled in agreement, great plan Herumir, devious but masterful. I will prepare to leave within the hour.'

‘Great. When you are ready to leave stop by the palace and we will leave together.’

Later that day while Herumir was putting on his sword, a shadow passed by the window. Herumir turned to look and noticed that a great winged hawk had settled down on the windowsill. Herumir approached the hawk with caution, slowly moving forward so as not to disturb the bird. When Herumir was a few feet from the hawk, the bird snapped its beak just missing his hand. 'Dammed buzzard!’

The bird hopped onto a chair and across the table. Herumir had noticed a message was tied to its leg. Curious Herumir once again tried to capture the hawk. The secret parchment could be important. However, the bird seemed to have taken a dislike towards Herumir. Each time he got close to the bird, it would hop to the next chair or table. After several attempts, Herumir started to get annoyed at the bird. He was about to swing at it with his sword when a great booming laugh sounded across the room.

Herumir spun around to see who would dare laugh at him. He saw that it was the Dragon returned from making his preparations.
‘What is so funny Fuinur?’, demanded a wounded Herumir.

‘You, you old dog. Why are you dancing around the room with a bird? Are you attempting to court it? I never knew the women in these parts were so scarce.’

‘If you must know it has a message on its leg and I was trying to catch it.’

‘ Although I have enjoyed seeing you dancing with a bird, let me try to capture your message.’ So saying, Fuinur put his arm out and whistled sharply. The bird returned the call with one of its own and flew into the outstretched arm of Fuinur. The Dragon untied the letter and handed it to Herumir with his free hand. Seeing the expression on Herumir’s face, Fuinur quickly hid all signs of mirth.

Herumir took the letter and read its contents and screamed for a scribe.

‘What is the matter’ said Fuinur.

‘Our plans have changed it seems, read this. Herumir passed the letter back to Fuinur who took the letter in his free hand. The hawk meanwhile had started to pick at a gold thread that was loose on Fuinur's tunic.

"Fuinur gazed at the letter in disbelief. Urken the Bear had written to them offering to help them find their way through the city's secret passages and fortifications. All he wanted in return was to be taken along with the delegation."

Fuinur looked up at Herumir
‘What is your reply? Do we risk the attack, or do we accept the Bear’s proposal?’

Herumir looked at Fuinur, ‘we accept. Urken has the power to destroy us. It does not hurt us to be diplomatic, but… if we refuse, things could get disastrous. You do not refuse one of the "Kingmakers" and live long enough to regret it’.

Herumir walked to the door and called for a scribe to write a message.

Urken the Bear, Warrior Priest of the Guild of the Black Numenoreans. Greetings.

After receiving you message, and consulting with Fuinur the king of Leowenna, I am happy to accept your offer for help. We will meet with you on the outskirts of Umbar one day hence.

Kings Herumir and Fuinur

[ September 26, 2002: Message edited by: Alkanoonion ]