After the sun had shifted a little to the west, the deserted North Nindalf grew increasingly lively.
Fili led the Dwarves Cavalry there ahead of the Elves and began a brief rest and refit.
Before the Elven cavalry arrived, the Scouting Cavalry Allen had sent out returned first, panting for breath and bringing news of South Nindalf.
Compared with the difficult crossing at North Nindalf, South Nindalf farther downstream was much more passable, though it did not offer shallows where large numbers of cavalry could ride across at will.
Still, with the troops properly organized, half a day would be enough for these several thousand riders to cross a few stretches of shallows, ford the ever-widening river, and enter Rohan's territory.
Allen, who was speaking with Fili, glanced at the sun overhead and knew it was already past noon.
After a brief discussion with Fili, he decided to send word to Círdan that the river was easier to cross at South Nindalf.
The two of them planned to lead their respective troops to South Nindalf first and prepare for the crossing there.
Fili suggested that the Dwarves cross first and secure the opposite beachhead, followed by the humans and Elves. If enemies appeared on the other bank, the Dwarves would be better suited to holding a fixed position.
Allen agreed with Fili.
Yet before Baren, who had been ordered to deliver the message, could leave Allen's side, a squad of Elves arrived before them.
"What? An army of Half-orcs of unknown size has come out of Mirkwood in broad daylight?"
At this news, Allen instinctively looked toward Dol Guldur, then knitted his brows.
At some point, a mass of dark clouds had begun gathering over Mirkwood. By now, it was large enough to cover the entire Brown Lands and was