a descent plan... but Andrast is really far, away from the group and out of where, at least in my mind. where the Party is headed, which was probably to minas Tirith where the learned people are. I would counter and say perhaps the group that attacked Serenetys caravan is still mucking about, and was going to pounce the travelers when they left the shelter of he walled city.
Perhaps the chieftan of this raiding party has the shard as some sort of decoration or trophy from a battle that he fought or he just found and thought it looked pretty. either way, the southern partys resident scholar could realize the importance of such an artifact and seek confirmation in her library back at Rivendel.
we could be harried and hunted all the way back because REVENGE! or hey they are travellers, get em. Either way.
while your party actually finds out there is one residing at the peak of Amun sul or weathertop, Complication it has been taken over by some rebel force which is worshiping it like a golden calf. which will be played by myself and whomever else wishes to contribute.
for whatever reason, perhaps because Bennys character learns there is still a small enclave of elves who may know of another place where a piece of the sun has been hidden away or because of a multitude of other reasons, they make a pitstop in Imladris or Rivendel. and then the two parties meet.
Then as a full party we can head to angmar which can be filled with all sorts of bad guys.
what do you think about that?