Under the clear moonlight, Allen rode the howling wind, skimming swiftly over the mottled Hillside.
Yes, he had just crossed the cloud-piercing Misty Mountains.
A few days earlier, he had left Heidelberg and returned to Fisslet. Once again, he had not stayed long, instead making the most of his time to write several letters to his important allies and subordinates, briefly explaining the situation in the Grey Mountains.
The larger his operations grew, the more preparations he needed to make.
One letter was addressed to the ruler of the Woodland Elves, the Elvenking Thranduil.
Allen hoped the Elves could watch over the Old Forest Road for a year or two and, if an emergency arose, lend a hand to his territory beside the Redwater River.
After all, he had withdrawn much of Heidelberg's military strength, along with three adult Skin-changers. That left the human defenses against Dol Guldur far too weak, while other places also needed guarding, particularly around the High Pass, where the Half-orcs had already begun stirring.
This left Allen's forces stretched thin, so he needed the Elves' help to keep his plans on track.
The second letter was for the de facto ruler of Calenardhon, his good friend Thengel, Prince of Rohan. Yes, King Fengel was still alive after his recovery. Though he rarely handled affairs anymore at the advanced age of eighty-one, he had not abdicated and remained king.
Allen hoped Thengel would send out several scouting parties to keep constant watch on Isengard and the Brown Lands.
He had received troubling news about the White Wizard. Orthanc had closed its gates during the summer, and Saruman no longer received any visitors. No one knew what he was up to inside that tall tower.
Keeping an eye on him could do no harm. What if they