^ ^ ^ ^ Erebor/ Lonely Mountain ^ ^ ^ ^
Stonehelm was surprised that the spiders retreated so easily, but he was also dismayed to see the loss of the elf. He called out to Thranduil's heir,
Look, ho, they've taken her. What are your plans? You know the venom of these spiders. Was she dead before they cocooned her? Shall we follow after?
He then turned to his dwarves, who were also stunned by the sudden retreat.
We've got the one pony left here, and wagon, held by the thoughtful actions of Hringa. Stonehelm nodded a thankful, rewarding acknowledgement at the faithful dwarf.
Quickly, Pain and Stain, run to round up what other ponies have survived. Even spiders that huge cannot easily or quickly carry away a four-legged beast. Go after them to recoup what we may be able to, but be wary and cautious.
Stonehelm turned to Frain, the other engineers, and Hringa,
Gather what we can of our scattered effects. Hringa, you hold fast to our nervous pony here; we don't want him running off now. Where are the Men of Dale? What are their losses?
[ October 06, 2002: Message edited by: Bethberry ]