The elf lord was dead.
Behind him, his young attendant that had journey deep into the woods with him, stood fidgeting nervously as he eyed the ones that had ensured his masters death.
The white haired, aged dwarf grunted, as he nudged the elf with his foot. "Let's bury him and be done with it," He ordered, "You two, go on ahead of us. Bul and I will stay behind with the attendant and make sure we're not followed."
They obeyed immediately; the two ordered ahead mounted their ponies and trotted out of sight while the old dwarf and the giddy younger one, began digging a grave for their victim.
"These elf lords aren't very bright, eh?" joked the youngest of the quartet of dwarves as he and his old leader finished their task, "This was too easy."
"Yes," mused the elder dwarf, "Too easy. I wonder…was it wise to kill him thus?"
The young, handsome dwarf laughed heartily. "Yer age is getting the better of yer instincts Kran!" He teased, "He was, after all, under the impression he was working with us!"
Kran, captain of the order of Feyd sighed, and wiped his hands on his breeches; "I've never, never thought one of Thranduil's own would divulge such secrets to us," He explained, "Thank Mahal that his information will be pleasing to Thror…and I will finally be free!"
The young dwarf, Bul, startled and chuckled nervously. "Free?" He asked, "What do ye mean sir?"
Kran sighed and looked over the young elf, whom still paced nervously, waiting for Kran to tell him what his own task was.
"I mean I have grown old and tired of this…work. I asked Thror to give me leave as the captain of Feyd and he has granted it."
Bul's eyes widened and, forgetting his training, he smiled widely; "So I am to succeed you?"
Kran sighed and looked over his shoulder at the frightened elf again; he leaned close to his companion and, placing a hand on his young comrades shoulder, said: "No. You will not take command."
Bul scoffed; utterly shocked. The rage began to grow inside of him but, as Kran had taught him long ago, he let his face betray his leader and he easily hid his true feelings.
"Who then?" He asked calmly, "Who is to be our leader after ye retire?"
Kran cleared his throat and shook his head. "Boheeka," He announced, "I know this hurts you m'boy but…you are too eager in your missions and, also, too hungry for personal power. Boheeka is calm and calculating and thinks more of others than him self. I had to make the right decision for all of us and, of course, our King. Do you understand?"
'Stupid fool!' Bul thought, struggling to maintain his façade of peace, 'He'll destroy everything!'
"I knew you would be distressed at this revelation," Kran said suddenly and softly, "That is why I decided to tell you first before I handed my responsibilities to Boheeka."
At hearing his long time comrade, Boheeka, had yet to be promoted, an idea formed in Bul's mind so quickly, that a wide smile spread across his handsome face.
"You are right," Bul sighed, "I am distressed but it will pass, sir; As-all-things-do!"
Kran was old and his reflexes had slowed; in a flash Bul had pulled his dagger and slid it across his leaders throat; enjoying the surprised yelp that preceded the panicked gurgling of his one time leader. Bul watched in complete satisfaction as Kran tried desperately to close his wound with trembling hands.
He watched as the old fool slowly dropped to his knees, all the while the old captain staring wide eyed, up at the young Feyd solider.
"I'll make us a power many will fear even above Thror's army," He said softly as Kran rolled onto his side and gulped his final breath.
Hearing the whimper, and sighing as though he'd suffered a grand climax, Bul turned and eyed the frightened attendant that had slumped against a tree for support with gleaming eyes.
"My, my," He said with terrifying grin, "Ye killed my leader…that can't be abided now, can it?"