Yesterday, under the respective command of Lords Veryacano, Khalis and the Lady Elisbeth, our companies set out from Imladris, well-furnished with arms and provisions. We met at the great Spire shortly after noon-tide, and, after brief greetings were exchanged, and introductions made, I pointed out the elves of the Greenwood to Lord Veryacano: Barangolf, his granddaughter Daelinn and Tinurendis. They huddled together in a small knot, whispering. Very low in courage, and pocket too methinks, are my kindred from the Greenwood.
Lord Veryacano looked closely at them, and said he hoped they realized there were many dangers on the road. They stared, I think in surprise; having said this, he strode off at a great pace up the path from the North Gate. Yet I slowed my paces to speak with Barangolf, who lagged behind the main group, in hopes of learning something or another of news from the Greenwood. He did not seem much in the mood for talk, and said very little. I must find some way to gain credit with this elf.
We walked for many miles along the snowy ridges, headed north to Whitecleft, where we found a small camp sheltered from the wind and offensive vermin. There being few safe places to rest in the Hithaeglir, and heavy clouds gathering overhead, Veryacano bade us halt for the day. We made a good fire, wood still being easily gathered along the lower slopes, and settled down to rest. I watched the Hound suck down a bucket full of bad drink as he cooked soup for the company. Not very choice food, it being stewed with the guts of a rabbit, fished out and plopped on a plate for me in particular to enjoy.
Khalis beckoned Thendryt over a short distance away for a talk, and hearing their conversation, I could not help but observe how a certain rawness of temper is too often the mood of this Man. Thendryt informed his commander that he was not going to make any friends traveling with us. It is just like Men to state the obvious.
I did not like to see my kindred of the Greenwood hang back, shy and unwilling to share our food and fire; we bade them come closer and warm themselves, saying, it should not be long, before we must go again, to which Barangolf consented at last. Hearing what they talked of, their missing companions, made my heart heavy, but I put on a cheerful face, and said we would do what we could to help.
It would do no good to tell them how the goblins infest the winding tunnels many leagues under the mountains, making all prey they lay their hands on. They keep spies and out-guards always, and any captives they usually torment slowly, if they do not eat them first. I have seen them dancing around their lighted-fires, the sufferer crying in anguish in the thick of the flames.
After we supped, and all lay down to sleep, there came a Warg close to the fire-side. It was tracked; and its den discovered, the Wargs were speedily slain. I no sooner lay down again, when there arose a violent wind from the north-east, and for a long time I lay listening to it. Then I slipped into a dream that I was blown off the mountain-side and woke just before I came crashing down upon the ground. But I fell asleep again, despite the coldness of the ground and the cruel wind howling, because I was sore weary.
