My Lord,
It is my duty, as your most faithful, and most bounden servant, to make known to your lordship an account touching upon our time spent in the Hithaeglir, that the truth of the account may give you both knowledge and, I hope, great satisfaction.
We had the pleasure of seeing all the supplies delivered to the outposts, and we worked as quickly as possible in the numbing cold, and avoided taking anything beyond what was needed, so as not to consume that which might be needed later by our companions in arms. I believe regular issues should be made oftener, and I shall endeavor to see that the supplies are always of good quality and full weight, and that no more barley is to be sent with the stores. There was too much of this grain sent, and not enough flour, by some strange mistake.
Our search for the lost elves of the Greenwood was not as successful. The advance-guard was placed, and watchers posted, and scouts loosed. We searched over a hundred miles' area. Two bodies were recovered from the Goblin Caves, despite our efforts, which seems good proof of the fate of the rest of that folk, but hope is not so easily discouraged: Barangolf and his people left us suddenly, thinking they might yet find their kin alive and wandering elsewhere.
A horde of gold, silver and jewels was discovered, and I have not had the opportunity to count it, nor look things over to see their excellence, as all seems to have disappeared amongst various hands. But it is just as well, found treasures are best when scattered, and not held by a few, lest greed bring down a curse.
There was some strangeness involving the servant of Khalis and Elisbeth, the Man called Thendryt Morson. From the moment I met this Man, it seemed to me that he looked upon us as if he mistrusted our good intent. It is all one to me, and I care little, for I am well-used to bearing with dark, looming, and suspicious foreigners, while others are not.
Soon after we left the Valley, the Man drew attention to himself, pushing folk around and growling like a bear.
It ran in my head, that someone may be hurt, perhaps killed, because it did not seem as if anyone would guarantee us safety against this Man's rancor. And I thought, what benefit is there in bringing a Man along, if he kills or wounds one of us?
For it is a hard question, whether a desperate, bitter and angry man like Thendryt, forced to place himself under the command of Khalis and Elisbeth, and serve a people detestable to him, might do something most painful, and take a most regrettable step.
And so thinking it would never be the worse for Thendryt, I bid Limiriel to trace him, to tell me some particulars of this tall Man, and see what he is doing, thinking perhaps some insult or injury might be prevented, either to our people, or to himself.
But I was not able to clear any mists. Limiriel could tell me nothing, because somehow the Man knew she followed him. And I would be pleased to make a smooth tale of it for your lordship, and have dismissed these fears of ours, but then the sadness of Themodir's passing struck.
Lord Dolthafaer told me that he would keep an eye on things and he is well in hand with the work. It is said that no arrow of his fails to find its target. Therefore assured, I speedily returned to your lordship. I will end this reckoning of Thendryt Morson in a wish, that this Man might prove not half so bad as he seems, and better than other Men I have met. As for me, I shall be ever ready upon any occasion to show myself,
Your lordship’s most humble and obedient servant,
Parnard Teludarion,
Lord Ambassador of Bar-en-Vanimar.
