Party settled in camp by the stream. Another argument broke out about wether the party should take the mission. It briefly appeared that a coalition of the Elf and Dwarves would userp Bors' leadership. After some considerable debate the threat past and everybody agreed to go into Tannoth Brin the next morning. The night past with only distant howling disturbing the party's rest.

After the an early breakfast the party headed for Tannoth Brin. As they grew closer they began to quail at the sight of the defences. There was a deep dry-moat surrounding the town. The only entrance was through a well guarded gate. The buildings look well made and the guards were well armoured and had the look of honed warriors. Above the town towered a great cliff. Protruding from the top of the cliff was a large tower. The only apparent entrance to the tower was from half way up the cliff. To reach the entrance you would have to climb up a steep, narrow and exposed path. The task of rescuing Alquawen now really seemed an impossible task. The party showed the report given to them by Belechor and were admitted without question.

The party began looking for an Inn. They noticed that the majority of the population seemed to be of a military nature. However there were also a number of merchants and traders. The Inn was found quickly as the town contained few buildings. The Inn's primary function seemed to be as a kitchen and mess hall for the soliders in Tannoth Brin. Bors and Claybeg entered the Inn while the others stabled the horses. The party were offered a room free of charge seeing as they were on official business.

After speaking with the Innkeeper Claybeg learnt that the cook, would be in at lunch time to serve food. The party were still unsure if this cook was their contact so John asked the Innkeeper if his old friend Sigwerd worked in these parts. It turned out that Sigwerd was indeed the cook for the messhall. The Dwarves also settled in the hall drinking mead, while Bors and Calorn stayed in the room to try and attract less attention. While serving the Dwarves the Innkeeper mentioned that supposedly Dwarves had made the tunnels in the hill years ago. However he revealed little else of interest. From various conversations the did learn that it was rare for people to enter into the tunnels or tower.

Claybeg struck up a converstion with a solider at the bar. They discussed the recent political upheavals. Supposedly Mashbram had been taking his orders from the Witch King in the north. The solider also spoke extensively about Braggha's ambitions in the west. He reckoned that if Rhuadar attacked Arthedain they would loose, but if the could draw the Dunedain out of their own lands it might be a different story. Men started to arrive in the for their lunch. At noon the food was served. For two hours men continued to stream into the hall to be fed.

After about two hours things had calmed down in the messhall. Bors, Claybed and John slipped out of the Inn to make contact with the cook. They entered the kitchens through a back door. After introducing themselves to Sigwerd he agreed to meet them for a drink later in the afternoon. The Dwarves visited the smithy's to see if anywork was to be had, nothing was available. Back in the Inn the others gathered in the hall to await the cook's arrival. Eventually the Sigwerd joined the party. He told them that he knew exactly why they were there. The then got on to some useful information, past the gates into the hill lay the Dark Watch. This is a place of extreme darkness. Only those specially trained can make their way through this defence. An expert group guide visitors to the keep through the Dark Watch. He also mentioned that there were rumours of other entrances to the complex but he had no details. After Sigwerd had revealed all he knew, John brought the converstion to a lighter level until the cook left.

The party gathered in their room to form a plan. The party could enter the keep to deliver the report. If three party members entered and left while visible, three invisible members could infiltrate the keep. The could then stay there for somedays, possible even finding another exit. John mentioned that he would be able to make himself and one other invisible. Calorn could also to this with his ring of invisibility. Once invisible they reckoned that they would be able to follow someone through the Dark Watch by placing a hand on their shoulder. That would get the party three members inside the fort.

They also discussed getting a forth person in by using the belt of change. To do this Calorn would enter invisible, one of the Dwarves would enter visible then slip away from the group. Then Calorn would change into a Dwarf and leave to keep the guards happy He could then try to re-enter while invisible. This however would only work if Calorn reckoned he could get back through the Dark Watch without a hand on a friendly persons shoulder. Also he would only be able to remain a Dwarf for a short period of time. Pleased with their plans Calorn, Claybeg and John practised trying to follow someone around the room while blindfolded. It was decided to deliver the message and spies first thing the next morning.