The castle was dark. Everyone who had attended the banquet had either returned to their chambers or had ventured out in the forest to partake in a merrymaking circle. Everyone, save one…
Lord Orlindel made his way down the long dank hall that led deeper into the dungeon. The guards posted outside were surprised to see Orlindel, but as he was the king's nephew, they did not question his presence. As per his request, the guard opened the cell door that housed Gollum and closed it behind Orlindel.
Gollum was awake and muttering to himself when Orlindel entered. At the sight of the Elf Lord, Gollum quickly shuffled back against the wall in fear.
In a hushed tone, Orlindel spoke to the creature. "Do not fear me, for I have come to aid you."
Gollum watched the elf carefully and cocking his head to one side replied, "Why would you aid us?"
"You can do something for me and in return, I could help you escape."
"Escape?" Gollum looked away and muttered to himself, "Don't trust the tricksy elf…But what if he's telling us the truth. What could it want from us? Ask him my precious." He turned back to Orlindel, who regarded him with an irritated look on his face. "What do you want from us, master elf?"
"I seek an audience with the Lord of Dol Guldur. I know you are aware of whom I speak and if I get you out of here, you must promise to convince him to meet with me."
"The dark master is wicked. Why would you meet with him?"
"My reasons are my own, as I trust yours are for wanting to escape."
Gollum nodded his head thoughtfully. He remembered the dark master's promise to help him find the precious. Escape could bring him that much closer to claiming it once again. Finally he said, "We will help you, master elf, just tell us what to do."
Orlindel leaned in closer and whispered his instructions into the creature's ear.