Two days later found Eowyna busily unpacking at Vend 'en She Sul in Eldador. A scratching sound caused her to open a pantry door, and she stepped back with a start as a large and quite fat rat ran out. "Corp Por!" The rat squeaked, its tail smoking at the tip, but it scurried away. "Vermin!" said Eowyna to herself. "It could have at least dropped a gold soverign or two. Albert will have to see to that."

About that time Albert himself appeared in the doorway. "Madam, ummm THE Dread Pirate, Bob is here. He wishes to see you. But I must say, his Boots of Really Fast Running are quite muddy and I hesitate to bring him into the parlor....."

"Nonsense!" said Eowyna and ran out onto the balcony. Sure enough, The Duchess had slid silently into the small cove and was beginning to unload her cargo. And, she was EARLY! "Albert, open the secure doors to the cellar so that the men can store the goods." She smiled and made her way downstairs.

THE Dread Pirate Bob was waiting for her on the small unloading dock by the house. "Greetin's, Lady!" Bob's old eyes sparkled excitedly as he directed the men to carry the cargo down the cleverly concealed recessed steps into the cellar under Vend 'en She Sul. "If you'll just show me where you want this lot stowed?" He followed Eowyna down the steps and into the dim cellar. The cellar was fairly large and equipped with many heartwood storage chests. The air was a little stale from infrequent entry, but it was quite clean and smelled pleasantly of casks of elven wine. Eowyna indicated an area for the temporary storage of the cargo.

"What have you brought us this time?" Eowyna asked conversationally as they watched the men bring in load after load of goods.

Bob chuckled raspily. "Well, the usual gewgaw's" he waived his hand dismissively. "Like some nice plate of honor, and a little rare black and orange statuary...should bring a good price. And of course the regular tribute of power scrolls--a few more this time. I'd say Maddux and DiP have been real busy spreadin' a little 'fear of the Valar' here and there!" he laughed again and spat upon the floor. "Oh, and a pretty good Orcish Longbow! And then there's a load of real good rum from Serpent's Hold AND a few bolts of right nice turquoise silk for yourself."

He watched as a large wrapped, irregular parcel was carried in. It was apparently quite heavy for it took several of the men to bring it in. They dropped it on the floor, and it made an odd ringing thud on the stone surface. Immediately, Eowyna felt a strange disorientation and slight nausea assail her. It felt almost like.... She took a step backwards and leaned against some shelving to steady herself.

"And then there's THIS!" Bob continued, apparently unaffected. "We managed to acquire THIS!" He stepped over and unwrapped the parcel, revealing an enormous piece of rock, so densely black that it had the appearance of void.

"Bob," Eowyna said faintly, eyeing the stone, "It's extremely large... Is it..???"

"Yep, blackrock!" Bob finished for her. "Just a right grand size, wouldn't you say? An I know just where this piece come from, but the edan scum won't be tellin' no one else!" Bob grinned from pointy ear to pointy ear. "I figured Maddux would want to put that knowledge to good use. Corner the market, so to speak."

"I daresay you are right about that," said Eowyna faintly. "I'll just leave the stowing of the cargo under your supervision and send word to him right away. Well done, Bob!" She steadied herself and made her way up the stone stairs clinging tightly to the rail.

High upstairs in the bedroom of the house, she felt somewhat recovered and grabbed quill and parchment and wrote a quick note:

Maddux, a'maelamin.
There is something very important here that you must see. Tula sinome! Asca! And have Feanor hire additional miners right away. You will understand when you arrive.
Cormamin lindua ele lle, Eowyna

She hastily placed the parchment in a message tube and fastened it to the parrot, Amar's leg. "Amar, you silly bird," she said sternly to the red parrot, "Find His Awesomeness! And deliver this message to him. Asca!" and she cast the bird into the air.

"*hic* His Awesomeness, His Awesomeness!!" squawked Amar as he launched himself unsteadily into flight. "*hic, hic*"

Eowyna frowned and sniffed the bird's water container. Ale..... "BOB!!!!"