<b>Allassiel followed Lotharn's lead, readying her own bow for whatever lay within the barrow. “We'll need light to see.”</b><br/><br/>“<b>Easily accomplished, my dear elf.” Timberlane muttered a few words and a flame erupted form the end of his staff.</b><br/><br/>“<b>Handy,” Haldir said, as he slipped up to the doors and peered inside. “I can hear movement, though not close. They've had time enough to get well within. Allasea, any word from those two rapscallions of yours?”</b><br/><br/><b>She pointed down at the tracks in, the bare hint of paw marks mixed in with the shuffled trail of feet. “They're here though. And these are no men that have entered.”</b><br/><br/><b>Haldir studied the trail before nodding. “She's right, and we'd best be prepared. Pegawen, stay back with the hobbits, guard the entrance. You know of such spells to repel wights if you need?”</b><br/><br/>“<b>I do, but I'm going in with you.”</b><br/><br/><b>Allasea leaned into Jax and whispered a few words into his ear. The bear huffed, standing and shaking off before trudging over to Pegawen and the hobbits. “He'll stay here with you. We need someone outside, should others arrive. We need not be surprised by more company.” </b><br/><br/>“<b>I'll stay with the lass. She'll suffer no foes while I'm here.” Flagdon pulled his axe from his back, </b><br/><br/>“<b>Good then.” Allassiel motioned inside. </b><br/><br/><br/><br/><b>The first chamber of the barrow was silent, empty save the sad remains of a few rats that had once called it home, now piles of white reflecting the light from Timberlane's staff and the sun peering in from the doorway. Along the wall were two doorways, leading further into the tombs. Another such door led off to the side.</b><br/><br/><b>Once more, Haldir crouched to study the ground. They've already gone that way,” he whispered and pointed left at one of the two doorways on the far way, “and returned. What hey found there, who knows. The are trails also into the other two, though none returned. Whichever way we go, we're likely to meet the foul beasts within.”</b><br/><br/><b>One of the guides spoke up. “Both lead down to the same place, the king's burial chambers. That one,” she motioned to the side, was a side route created when these were built, so workers didn't get sealed in by collapse. Perhaps we should split up and --”</b><br/><br/>“<b>No. We stay together.”</b><br/><br/><b>The sharp order had the young woman narrowing her eyes even as she snapped to attention. “Then I would suggest the side route. It appears they sent the bulk of them down the main passage, which is good.” She smiled at Haldir's raised brow and continued. “I, too, can read tracks elf. And I know these barrows. The main path will slow them, as there are three thick stone doors to get through. The side is narrow and winding, but it is a clear shot down.”</b>