tunnel connecting the two towers. Its sole purpose was for evacuation, should one of the two towers fall to a some future enemy.

By all accounts, this was not a likely prospect.

On the way to the meeting, Anest and Lily noticed a large company of men from Brand who had arrived the day before. Several dwarves also roamed the halls, messengers and scouts from Ghund, chief city of the Dwarf Kingdom of Darkhun.

When they arrived at the meeting, they were amazed to find both Dorain and Brogan already there. Dorain's leg was splinted to prevent her from tearing the stitches that closed her wound, and Brogan sat beside her like a man who had no right to tell her to stay in bed when he himself was injured.

They were joined then by Belloc and Celedhan who sat on the other side of Dorain and Brogan. The wizard and the old weaponsmaster were deep in conversation, but nodded to Anest as they seated themselves. Soon after, Finrod, the Master of the Fortress, entered the hall and initiated the proceedings.

Without preamble, Finrod said, "As most of you know already, the enemy is on the move, and Master Belloc requires our assistance, both in ascertaining the enemy's strength, numbers and activities, and in reaching Lund with all speed with the purpose of coordinating the Four Kingdom's defences. His company will depart at dawn, supplied with rafts to speed his journey to Lund. I don't feel I need remind anyone here about the strategic importance of Lund. Most of you




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