Tell me, Easterling. Have you ever heard the tale of Tallûch?
He was a Wain-Warrior, mighty among our people. He bore a great axe and a golden helm, and took for us all the lands of the Dorwinions, long ago. It is said that our brave village was once the site of his stronghold, and all about were grapevines, grown and harvested as tribute to him.
But long ago he passed Westward, and he was set upon by men of Gondor, and his helm was lost and his wagon sundered. And he fled homeward, yet his legend ended, for he did not win another battle and was slain by a single blow to the head. And so it was that we were beaten back by Gondor, and our wains were burned, and our conquests plundered. We were left naught but a few strongholds West of the Inland Sea, and such wine as we might have was bought at exorbitant prices from those who bested us. From here we have not returned Westward.
And so I warn you, traveler. Old Fool I may be, but I say that if you go West you will find only Curses and Defeat. Oft have men of our lands looked Westward, yet always are they beaten back!
But if you insist upon this journey, I can sell you a very fine wagon, very fine indeed..!
