A Long Winter
Vulnerable, I hate to admit it but it is the only conclusion I can make after making up the balance. Our supplies are plenty, our storages are filled and the ores we dig are numerous but we are simply undermanned. The ore caravans needed protection so they are guarded by a handful of Othrikar guards, leaving us vulnerable. Even worse, our military forces are so caught up in the war of Sarnur, they could not answer our call for aid should we have need of them. Luckily that war will find its conclusion soon, now that the elves of the havens have send a legion of their forces to our aid. But all in all, we must thread with utmost care not to make a wrong move now in such a hostile land as the North Downs. Desperate times such as these ask for more desperate measures, hence I hired two sell swords until our guards from last caravan will return. Two stout looking fellows, a dwarf who goes by the (nick) name Frostbitten and a man called Geirdrifa. Their loyalty lasts as long as the silver does I reckon, which should work fine at this moment.
Wanderers
Once the guard reported a group of wanderers passing by south I was surprised but reluctant to get involved. We had closed our gates to foreigners, other than those seeking business for the moment. Yet they did not walk to our gates but headed further down south. After a few days, orcs were sighted close to Othrikar, they must have passed from eastern Nan Amlug region. Their number were too few to cause any direct threat, yet it was an uncommon sight. Not much later I received reports that those same wanderers were assaulted by the orcs, and as a result we locked up Othrikar as a solid brick expecting a strike on our outpost. A strike that never came. After a few days the orc threat diminished, no doubt due to the Rangers. Once the order seemed restored I marched out with a handful of guards and the two mercenaries to find what was left of these strangers. All we found was a bloodbath, many corpses of orcs and men. As we examined the orc corpses it was likely these orcs belonged to the eastern tribes. We followed a trail of footprints leading off to the road west in northern Kingsfell. The sun was falling, and coming close to edge of the forest of Annundir we saw a light in the distance. Upon closer inspection we found their encampment upon an old ruin of elder kingdoms of men.
The confrontation
With a steady march we approached their camp fully armed and armored. We took heed, apparently this company can withstand a wave of orcs. Once we approached their camp we halted and I requested an audience with their captain. The company looked surprised by our coming, no doubt they have already been through a lot this week. A dark haired and bearded man approached, friendly manners, welcoming even. Nevertheless, was there a tension in the air as both parties did not know which way this meeting would go. After proper introductions I noticed that this conversation was going to be a pleasant one. Their motives remain hidden, other than that they were chasing a band of orcs. After describing what consequences such a hunt would mean for the stability of this region, he showed understanding. Once I told them of the conclusion of the report of our trusted hunter Fryjpora, that some giants or earth-kin tribes sided with the orcs, I believe they realized how grave the situation is. Master Fiontann showed understanding and was most welcoming to my kin, a gesture not easily forgotten. I returned satisfied by this turn of events, yet the mercenary Geirdrifa gave me reasons to distrust the captain Fiontann. Apparently the mercenary and Fiontann have a history together, for a few silver he hinted of honorless deeds on their account. Discomforting at least, but I will not judge a man on past actions, only on holding his current promise towards me and my kin.
*Signed,
Hilfar
