The forest canopy shudders. Heavy, iron-shod boots crush the leaves beyond the gate path, closing from the west.
Eldred
They followed the flare. Stay near the gate stones, Tuiwen. The message must reach the White Council.
Eldred draws his blade and steps between Tuiwen and the advancing shadows. The sealed case at her side answers with a faint, rhythmic heat.
The Ashen Pursuer
Daughter of Thranduil, surrender the king's message. Saruman's word carries farther than your father's seal.
A hooded figure enters the broken light, iron greaves dark with mud. Behind them, two more silhouettes spread through the trees, cutting off the western path.
Eldred
The gate road is barred, but the old north passage remains open. If we break their line, it leads toward the road to Isengard.
✓ Quest Accepted
Escape the ambush
✓ Quest Accepted
Reach Isengard safely
“"Fool!" She draws her bow.”
SUCCESS (Superb Ranged Weapons, rolled +1)
Tuiwen
Fool!
Tuiwen's bow clears her shoulder. The arrow flashes from the gate stones and drives into the Ashen Pursuer's raised staff, wrenching it aside with a sharp crack.
The Ashen Pursuer
So the king's daughter chooses defiance.
The struck staff spits gray sparks across the leaves. The two flanking silhouettes recoil, their western line broken for one breath, while the sealed case burns warm against Tuiwen's side.
Eldred
Now, Tuiwen. The north passage is open.
Beyond the staggered pursuer, the old north passage gapes between leaning stones. The Ashen Pursuer tears the arrow free and raises one hand. The trees answer with a violent shudder, branches lowering across the opening.
The Ashen Pursuer
Run, then. I will make the forest close around you.
“She follows the north passage.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Agility, rolled +2)