It was getting dark. I sat alone with Dinengel at the fire awaiting the nightfall. Silently we sat when a stranger walked forward. A comely woman holding a letter. I had never seen her before but she wore earthen tones and had a bow slung on her shoulder. Perhaps she was another ranger?
She introduced herself as Thinnaith and she was, in fact, a ranger. She hands me the letter. It was from Candaith. How peculiar. While I was skimming over Candaith's scribbled writing, Rilvald, my third companion approached the campfire. It would appear that this three man scouting mission had now become a four man scouting mission. Thinnaith was a young woman but she was green, never had any real experience. Candaith decided to send her with us. I wasn't very keen on her at first but she proved her worth.
We saddled up and rode south to Dol Dinen. The moon had risen and the sun was nowhere to be seen. Perfect. Upon reaching the narrow valley that is the entrance to Dol Dinen, we stealthily slipped passed several orcs and made our way into a small copse of trees. The green ranger was eager for a fight and lacked patients, but she listened and remained vigilant. While in the trees, I told them all that the fewer the casualties, the better. Dinengel was silent as ever, merely nodded. Rilvald agreed, but Thinnaith wanted to fight. Soon enough.
Dol Dinen was no mere camp, it was a fortress. Wooden palisades were everywhere. Orcs were on patrol and seige towers and machines of war lined the interior. This looks grim. Trestlebridge was most likely their target.
Rumor had it that a vile and cruel Uruk named Zaukil was in charge of this assault. Perhaps if we could locate him, we may be able to kill him and put a damper on their plans. We pressed forward quietly and quickly. Out of no where, a small patrol stumbled upon us. Jumping into action we silenced them with ease. Dinengel was never even noticed and killed one orc like a wraith. Thinnaith was actually really good with a bow. Rilvalds traps helped and I ended the fight with my blade.
Another group of trees. Good. We huddled together in the cover and Dinengel pointed out a mountain. On its side was a massive war tent, most likely where we would find this warlord. Night was burning by quickly. The tent was rather far so we quickened our pace, only to discover the only road to the tent was walled off and guarded by trolls and orcs alike. We wouldn't be entering tonight. Curses!! I led my group to a small hill to get a better vantage point on the camp within Dol Dinen. We encountered a troll and a small group of orcs. Luckily we were able to ambush them and dispatch them quickly enough. Dinengel managed to get the jump on the troll and bring it to the ground fast. Rilvald laid several traps in place as me and Thinnaith launched a flurry of arrows at them. One down, two down, easy as that. Another orc fell into the trap and was silenced by Rilvald. Within seconds there was silence. We climbed the mountain to get a good view of the camp. As we climbed, we found a rather large clearing that was unguarded. This would be nice for an attack. I was satisfied with our new knowledge and we left via a hidden path through the mountains.
An assault would come soon enough...
