The Company followed Tony and the other Heilres through the darkened forest, every moving shadow causing them to turn.  Their senses heightened by caution and fear of attack, they were ready for Makwraiths to come charging at them at any given second.  But the Heilres knew where they were going.  They knew where to walk where no creatures, shadow-born or not, would find and disturb them.

            "Thank you, Tony." Sam whispered to the Heilres as they reached a small hole in the darkness.

            Frodo led the way through the hole, his sword in his hand.  They others followed cautiously.  Sam patted Tony quickly before following Merry into the king's home. 

            "Could we have a little light, Gandalf?" Sam asked, his voice small in the dark room.

            "No, Sam.  We do not wish to attract attention to ourselves." was the wizard's hushed reply.

            "We must find Legolas." Gimli whispered, reminding them of their purpose.

            Frodo strained his eyes in the darkness. "But where to look.  I see nothing but blackness."

            "And I smell and hear nothing but blackness." Aragorn sighed. "What good is a Ranger here?"

            "Perhaps if we find the king, we will find Legolas." Frodo said.

            Merry laughed mirthlessly. "And where is the king?"

            "Where is the door?" Sam asked. "How are we to find the king if we can't find a door?"

            There was a soft sound from behind the wall across from them.  The Company quieted and Aragorn crept to the wall to listen.  He heard muted voices speaking.  One was a female's.  The others were in a strange language that he recognized as the one the Makwraiths spoke.

            "Bring the Elf here.  The shadows are cruel to him, and grow impatient because they cannot kill him.  I will end his life and his shadow will become a leader among Makwraiths." the female said.

            The others replied in the strange language, but it was obvious that they were agreeing to whatever the female said.

            "I believe we have stumbled across the king's throne." Aragorn whispered.

            "What news of Legolas?" Gimli asked.

            "It is not good." Aragorn shook his head. "He is to be killed."  The Ranger smiled grimly. "But when he is brought up, we will fight for him."

            Just then, the female voice called out: "There is no need to hide when you are seen.  Come forth, Fellowship of seven."

            The Company remained in the shadows, surprise freezing them for a second.  But the shadows around them pulled out and dragged them into the room, so that they faced the king of the shadows.

            She smiled at them, watching them struggle against the shadows that held them.  Standing, she waved the shadows away, knowing that the Company would not try to fight until their friend was brought out.

            "I am Shadara, king of the shadows." she said, almost cordially.

            Gandalf stepped forward. "Why do you send your minions after us?"

            "I thought it to be a challenge, hunting down the famed Fellowship.  After all, they had destroyed the Ring, and defeated Saramun.  But what challenge is it when your prey comes to you?" Shadara replied.

            "What now?" Merry quietly asked Frodo.  But Shadara overheard.

            "Now, my little Hobbit?  Now I will kill you all."