No one has given the Toad Witch their complete trust yet except for the moony archer lad, and for all we know he may be spellcrossed. For what gain, who could guess? Or perhaps she is only playing him for the fool that he is.

When she declares she's seen riders approaching, though, we all jump up like a flock of flushed partridges. Baine stays still, caught by the sidhe's stare, until Hadaig gives her a rough shake. I gather up my pack but keep a sly eye on Winter Mist. It could be a trick.

Sure enough, I hear Sean whining at her. She wants to stay! The poor gander is heartbroken, torn between danger and love. Or lust.

Five equal sacks of loot, the treasures Faramir left, stand ready. Five, one for each of us, with none for the toad-monger. If she wants her share, she'll have to come with us. What does such a creature want with precious gems and metals anyway? What does a raven want with a shiny pebble?

Shiny pebbles indeed. Maybe she knows about the secret passageway. Why else would she want to throw us off the scent? Or maybe she knows these approaching riders and has still another game in play?

'Daig and Baine hate the cave anyway. I can understand why they would leap at the chance to go elsewhere. Nion? I am surprised at his ready acceptance of this warning.

I hoist my sack up onto one shoulder. My arm is still afire. A spasm shoots down to my hand as I lift the bundle. No time to think about that now. I will find a way to circle back and return here soon.