It is early February of the year 3019 of the Third Age.
Alas, our expedition to the Misty Mountains is coming to a standstill. We have underestimated the severity of this winter, and the Dwarves of Glóin's camp advise we should not proceed further into the gaps that are stubbornly guarded by the cold peaks until Spring arrives. Deep snow has covered all known routes, and this constant blizzard is not helping us either.
Staying in this camp until Spring, however, is out of option. I'm afraid time is not on our side, for I have received news of my scout officer Arronfaroth that the Goblins are amassing their forces beneath the cover of rock and snow, deep in the mountains. These reports came a few weeks prior to our departure from Bree, and we thought our brave expedition would put an end to the foul plans of whoever guides these creatures, but with sadness I have to admit our goal has slipped out of reach. For now, at least.
I am afraid we cannot bring any clear evidence of such activities to the house of Elrond, apart from the report that Arronfaroth has brought weeks ago. The only true enemy we've witnessed in these heights is the freezing wind combined with incesssant snowing, but I do hope his own kin will stay alert for any movements to the north of this camp.
For now, we will establish firm relations with the Dwarves who follow Glóin, allowing a smaller expedition of our own to visit their camp every month in order to maintain that relation and provide supplies to any future endeavours in this area. Glóin, who seems to appreciate my cause more than the other Dwarves in this lonely settlement, surely remembers my deeds during the Battle of the Five Armies, and such a proud Dwarf would never forget such noble acts of mine. For that reason, I expect him to be our ally even in the future, and if the Goblins of the Misty Mountains decide to descend into the valleys below, settlers of his camp will be the first one to know.
We will stay in this camp until our supplies last, with hope that the winter will lower its heavy shield and allow us to scout deeper into the Mountains.
One thing is certain - all this snow serves as an obstacle both to us and the Goblins, which gives us hope that the advance of the Enemy will be slower.
To be continued ...
