Westward Patrol from Imladris (Journal Entry 16)
I was speaking with my old commander Lord Elladan at his encampment in Thorenhad. His words always bring a smile to my face, indeed my own look upon life and the future owe much to the manner of his leadership and charisma. We shared food over the campfire and I spent some time with his warders to bring them news from Imladris, their home. I think his men enjoyed hearing some of the things their commander used to get up when we both rode together.
At first light I packed up my belongings and tied them to the saddle of my faithful steed before saying farewell to those gathered at the encampment. As I went to mount my steed I was approached by Elladan who spoke quietly over his concerns for the old stronghold of the North Kingdom, called by the Eglain Ost Guruth. The roving patrols from Imladris had always maintained communications with the brown robed Istari there and also with the stronghold elder Friderick. Elladan placed into my hands a small wrapped bundle and said to speak words of friendship and support to Friderick. We both know the importance of allies in these times when the numbers of Imladris were less numerous with the slow tide of elves choosing to head westward out of the Grey Havens. In the future Imladris may have to depend on men to defend its western borders, so I took on this task gladly.
I made good speed along the western road through the Trollshaws towards the bridge that spanned the River Hoarwell into Talath Gaun. My keen eyes a gift of my elven heritage soon marked out the Orch scouts keeping an eye on the walls of Ost Guruth. As I rode closer keeping my horse at a canter a few chose to block my passage, and they soon realised this was a poor choice as the beleriand steel of my blade bit deeply into them barely slowing our pace. The Orch soon fell away when we closed within the range of the archers of the fortress. They had no doubt learned long ago the perils of getting within the range of those bowmen who kept the walls of the fortress well manned.
TBC
