<b>Despite the darkness, Allassiel could see the outlines of several riders. “They must have followed us from the barrow,” she whispered as she crept back to her bedroll for her bow. “Allasea, what do your animals say? How many are there?”</b><br/><br/>“<b>They can't tell. The animals only know what's living, not those things that have already passed.” <br/>
</b><br/>“<b>It would seem they have yet to detect our presence.” Timberlane reached for his staff. “We have the advantage of surprise, though they may have more numbers than those we can see.”</b><br/><br/>“<b>Numbers or no, we can make use of whatever edge we have.” Allassiel handed Thorgan's sword to him and stood. “Pegawen, can you dim us?”</b><br/><br/>“<b>I can, but … oh.” Pegawen reached for her rune and began chanting.</b><br/><br/>“<b>Wise.” Timberlane nodded. “They won't spot us until the last possible moment that way. I believe I can strengthen whatever spell she does.” He mumbled a few words and the end of his staff glowed as the air around them grew still and silent. <br/>
<br/>
The small group spread out, each taking position in the silenced shadows and waited for the wights to approach. As they drew closer, the air filled with the scent of death – both old and new. Allassiel shuddered to think of what unfortunate souls had recently fallen prey to them. Silently, she gave thanks to Elbereth that Flagdon was perceptive for a dwarf and nocked her bow, readying for the fight ahead. <br/>
<br/>
As the wights drew within meters of them, their mounts slowed, treading cautiously despite their riders commands to go faster. One of them drew to a halt, hissing at the others as they looked around in unison. <br/>
<br/>
Allassiel counted at least two dozen of them. Were there more behind? Would Pegawen's spell hold? It seemed to, though not on the simpler minds of beasts. Still, the element of surprise was enough, against their foes.</b><br/><br/><b>As she raised her bow to fire, she saw that both Thorgan and Lotharn too were prepared. The shot flew true, hitting the forward most mount, causing it to scream and throw its rider and startling those behind it. Even as she readied the next arrow, another flew past her, hitting a second mount, even as Flagdon swung his axe at the closest one to him, crippling it and causing it to fall. <br/>
<br/>
The wights, aware they were under attack, drew their weapons and advanced, still looking for the source of the attack.</b>