It would take them a few days to negotiate the pass. It twisted and turned through the mountains and here and there were places that had been set up for those traveling it. More or less way stations where people could have some shelter from the elements. The Pass was a route for those that wished to travel and trade between the kingdoms on either side of the mountains, or had been a long time ago. Now some merchants would pass through them, and their goods always sold for good prices. Opening trade with the kingdoms further to the east would be something that Thorgan would see out if he had the time. It was at one of the Way Stations that they stopped to make camp. It had a corral for the horses and some wooden structures, upright poles with other ones making a roof, in front of some shallow caves, that had been carved out of the rock.<br/><br/>When Allassiel and Haldir began talking about when they should leave and then tactics, Thorgan and Lotharn just listened. Flagdon joined in with the conversation and Thorgan just shook his head. They would leave when there was light to see by. It would not do riding around in the dark, and at night it got dark in the pass. Anything could lie in wait for them in the dark. It was bad enough having two high walls of rock on either side where an ambush could be set up. But he let them argue and debate. It gave them something to do as they set up camp for the night.<br/><br/>He heard the comments that Pippen made and smiled. Common Sense, and one that was not filled with things that made one think unclearly. Yes he would have to see about sending a delegation to the East and the Shire. See if any of the Hobbits there would wish to come to the East. He felt that some of them at the courts of the kingdoms would be very benifical. Clear heads and their common sense could sort out differences and keep conflicts down. He was glad that they had showed up. Once everything had been taken care of, he would find a suitable place for them. Pippen and Merry would help in that since they knew the needs and desires of their people.<br/><br/>The rest of the passage of the pass was uneventful. It seemed that Morgan and the Orcs had perhaps other things to think about. Or at least Thorgan thought so. They left the pass and before them was a grassy plain as far as the eye could see in either direction. Not far away, perhaps a couple hours ride, was smoke coming from many campfires. From their position a bit above the plain one could see in the distance what looked to be a semi permanent encampment of some kind.<br/><br/>"One of the Clans of the Plains." Timberlane told them, "A good size one at that to. Probably best to go talk to them before traveling through their territory. Don't want any trouble with them." A gradual decline lead down to the floor of the Plains. About an hour away from all sides riders galloped up. Men and women wearing soft leather tunics and breaches and boots. Each had a long slender sperar, a sword and a round wooden shield. They were a handsome looking lot, with long black or brown hair and brown eyes. They were strong looking and lith, not much unwanted fat on them anywhere. Timberlane held up his right hand in a sign of peace. "Greetings. We come to see safe passage to the north. We wish to speak with your Clan Leader and discuss terms."<br/><br/>One of them moved forward and looked at them. His eyes fell upon the Hobbits and a look of confusion appeared on his face. "I have seen Elfs and Dwarfs before, but none like these two. Finally he tore his eyes from them and looked at Timberlane. "Follow us." he said, and a group of them headed to the Encampment while the others scattered to go back to their duties of patrolling about the Encampment.