Scrapping and clawing, I finally made it. The first glimpse of daylight certainly rejuvenated my energy for a brief moment. Who knows how long I lay within the Black Dens...
Kervan had betrayed me. I knew from the day we were introduced, that the man had no honour and was not to be trusted. His scheme to accompany myself to the Black Dens would seem to have been successful. Though the mistake he made was leaving me alive. I slumped myself down against the Cliffside. The blood had soaked through the sleeve of my armour, after the vicious attack from the cursed beast. I took my dagger, cutting and tearing the sleeve off. Luckily, I still possessed that of a fresh bandage to wrap my arm with. Resting a few moments more, I regained my footing. One thing would fill my mind and consume any thought... Kervan.
The mere mention of the man’s name would make my stomach turn. I began the long journey back to Echad Dagoras, in hope to speak of Kervan’s Betrayal and be reunited with the one person I knew I could fully trust. But what of Lirita? What lies and deceit has Kervan told her? Eager to make my return, my pace quickened significantly, though it would become too much and I would fall. It was in that moment that I saw a familiar face. A fellow ranger, who went by the name Halbrandth. Our paths had crossed once before, at the rescue of Calenglad at Annuminas. He rushed to my aide, lifting me to my feet and placing me on his horse. Halbrandth would lead us to his camp at Echad Saeradan, a little south from Echad Dagoras and lying at the foot of Amon Min.
On our arrival, his betrothed Gilaenah was preparing a meal. I can remember the scent of roasted ox well. Though within an instant, I was lowered from the horse and she was by my side aiding my injured arm. She asked Halbrandth who I was, but he said he did not know. This was a lie, though I believed it to protect her and myself. Halbrandth made up a story of a wolf pack attacking me to the west, explaining how I come by my wounds. Gilaenah did not ask any questions, only mentioning that Saeradan would ask questions on his return from Lhanuch.
Questions where the last thing on my mind. Gathering all my strength, I got back up. Breathing heavily, I staggered back towards the horse and climbed upon it. Halbrandth pleaded that I take a moment to rest, but would lead the horse away from the camp. Quietly, he told me something that I feared. The company I arrived with had been told I was slain by the beast and only Kervan had survived. They had begun the return back north to Tinnudir. I asked of Lirita, but he did not know. With that information, I thanked Halbrandth and rode swiftly. I must reach Lirita before her mind is poisoned by the foul words of Kervan.
I stopped in hope that Lirita had remained in Echad Dagoras. I asked all who remained there, though none where to helpful as they were shocked to see me amongst the living. Kervan’s lies had clearly been believable. Though it was the mother of the boy, the woman of Lhanuch who told me. Lirita had left, but did not believe my demise to be true. The woman then presented me with one of Lirita’s elvish daggers and a lock of her hair. The woman said that to find Lirita, to follow that of the trail she has left. What trail? Though her words cryptic, it was all I had. I took the lock of hair and the dagger, securely fastening it to my belt.
It grew dark once more, though I had made my way almost to the borders of Eregion. The most peculiar item laid within a dirt mound. A journal, written in Sindarin. There was no mistaking the handwriting, this was Lirita’s journal. As I picked it up, I noticed another lock of hair used as if a bookmark. I opened it up onto the page. Lirita had written me a note. She explained that she sank once Kervan came crawling back, speaking of my death. But she knew deep within her heart, that I was still alive. Lirita spoke of the company choosing to leave Enedwaith, heading back to Tinnudir. Though a messenger raven found on the road and their path was to be diverted to the old dwarven gates of Moria. Moria... I would have not thought it so, that our path would lead us there. One could only hope that I would reach Lirita in time, before the company would enter the deep mines of the Dwarves. I snapped at the horse’s reigns, not looking back...
