[The Barrow-Wight]

* * * * * Rhûn * * * * *

The sun sank quickly below the western horizon, leaving the company in a mirky land of shadows. The hard-packed white gravel of the road shone palely, a wavering line that ran straight to the crest of the next hill. The darkness seemed to muffle the sounds of the horses even as they quickened their pace. The riders lit small lanterns, which cast away some of the gloom as they crested the hill and could see a light in the distance, not more than a league away.

“There is the hostel!” shouted Kasteni, startling everyone. “We have taken long to reach it, but now we are safe.”

He snapped his reins, and his chariot rushed forward with the rest of the riders fast behind. But his claim of safety was too soon. For as they plunged down into the wide valley there came suddenly the loud howl of many beasts from both sides of the road. Dark shapes crossed front of them and from behind could be heard the sound of claws on the hard rock of the highway. Kasteni drew his sword and urged his horse to more speed.

“Were-bears!” shouted Kasteni. “Like those in the great Khandian Circus that sometimes comes to Ozvalda. But these are wild and much larger than the captive creatures in their cages. And they hunger for the blood of Men.”

The Guards surged forward to surround the Advisor and his companions, but before they could reach him a snarling animal, covered in thick black fur and nearly as massive as Kasteni’s horse, pounced on the chariot, overturning it and sending its occupant rolling into the shoulder of the road. The riders slowed to protect him, but they were already past him before they could come to a stop. The party watched, aghast, as two more creatures leapt onto the road by where Kasteni stood, and the monster that had attcked him sprang over the remains of his chariot and leapt toward him, great fangs bared. More of the were-bears could be heard approaching in the darkness.

[ October 01, 2002: Message edited by: The Barrow-Wight ]