[Hookbill the Goomba]

"And so we journeyed on," Fáinu continued at last, "the lands to the north were traitorous to say the least. The closer the Mountains came, the worse the land was, steeper climbs, deeper pits and fell creatures prowled the land. I would not like to think what they were, probably the remnants of Sauron's servants, wandering the wild and seeking any prey they can."

Cree's eyes flashed and she looked Fáinu in the eyes. Avalon fluttered in the silence and pecked Fáinu's arm until he spoke on. "There was one creature we came across." he said hesitantly, "I could not possible describe its horror. During the night of the fourth day from Esgaroth, we camped high in a mountain in a cave to shield us from the winds. They were strangely high and full of fell voices. I was on watch at around midnight when I heard something moving in the rocks. Turning around I roused Kili and Fundin, telling them to bring their axes. I looked above our cave entrance and saw nothing; Fundin went west down the track while Kili went east and upwards.

"The next we knew was there was a crash of stones from the east. Fundin and I went to investigate and found Kili hanging over the edge of the path, his axe stuck in the rock with his hands tightly holding the grip. We pulled him up and he instantly ran down towards the cave where we heard the sounds of growling and the drawing of a sword. When we came there we saw... something."

The Elf shook his head and drew a small knife hilt from his pack and placed it on the table with a clunk. There were remnants of the guard and blade, but they appeared burned and black as if it had been put in molten rock. Cree turned away and closed her eyes as the memories came flooding back with fresh ferocity.

"We saw a great, wolf-like thing that was coated, head to tale, in strange armour, bearing the symbol of a Dragon skull on its brow. Its face was not like the face of a usual wolf, indeed, it seemed to have very little flesh and its own skull could be spied in places. The creature snarled and slashed its claws at Cree. So, the three of us rushed forth, swords drawn and hearts ablaze. The beast turned and flew at my throat, but it was stricken down by a blow from Fundin's axe, the armour proved sturdy enough to leave the creature with naught but a bruise. Cree stabbed her sword at the back of the creature, but it turned and bit her blade and would not let go.

"Seeing this, I drew the knife and leaped forth, driving it into the unprotected belly of the beast. I stepped back as it writhed in pain and anguish. Then it leaped upon me and took the knife in its teeth and ran from the place, howling and screeching." Avalon peered at the knife, a little confused and baffled. So you hunted the beast and caught it? she thought. "After that little adventure, we decided to move on as soon as possible, for other creatures may have been roaming those parts, unbeknown to us.

"We eventually came to the Grey Mountains themselves. And a most terrible ordeal awaited us there also..."