I am fit once again and ready to get a move on, we had just returned from our final charge in the Old Forest... At first I was loathe to venture once again into that place, but I have more confidence now in the skills of my allies.
We took an old path through the Barrow Downs up towards the Old Forest itself, we travelled quietly, seldom speaking to one another, the chilling mists and distant howling of Barghests set us on edge, for the Barrow Downs is an evil place and if it were not for our desperation, we would have avoided the place entirely.
Luckily though we made it towards the Forest and down the hill towards what looked like an Orc encampment hidden within the trees. We remained hidden, observing this band of Orcs and Half Orcs... There was a massive great big pyre lit, the smoke wafted through the air and smelt of death. There was a great wagon of wood being constantly thrown onto the fire. These Half Orcs, wretches spawned by the one they call 'Sharku'. They are cruel and evil but on their own they are no threat. But banded together with a powerful overseer they can be deadly.
They were lead by a overseer called Zardu, a large Half Orc who's very presence had seemed to drive the other lesser Half Orcs in a terrible frenzy.
These Orcs were the reason the forest has grown dark. They have been plighting the land with their filth and corruption and the very trees themselves have turned twisted and evil. Now was our chance to end this plight once and for good.
We observed them for a while, waiting in the cover of the darkness and trees to find the most opportune moment to strike. Though none could expect what happened next.
Zardu had instructed one of the Orcs to jump into the fire as part of their ritual. I didn't see exactly what happened as the large wagon of firewood had obstructed most of my vision, though I heard the terrifying screams, then a loud roar. It appeared that whatever fell power that was given to our good ol' friend Kurbor, the same power was being given to these wretches in this ritual.
We had to interfere now, Thorontir gave the word, we fell upon them with our blades and we had keen archers in the trees. We took them by surprise and once again, my sword sung for battle!
Zardu and the few Half Orcs he empowered were not going to be defeated that easily however, they endured far longer than we expected and their strength was that of a troll perhaps! They struck our captain down and marked him for death. If it were not for my courage he may have fallen that day.
Though I shall not be taking all the credit for winning this skirmish against the enemy.
Megorin was hurt badly in the fight, though he was very cunning. He had thrown one of the traps straight at Zardu in a desperate attempt to be rid of him and it collided straight into the Half Orc's face, clamping down and biting hard. I believe the wretch ran into the forest and died of his injuries not too long after.
So the battle was won and the main threat of Bree Land at the moment was curbed, though some darkness shall inevitably creep in to fill the gap, we are ever watchful and shed our own blood defending the good people of Bree so that they do not need to die needlessly. I am lucky none of our company has fallen yet, we have faced great danger and lived to tell the tale...
I received news that we are to head towards the Lone Lands for the enemy have found many footholds in that desolate land. I go gladly now with my companions and friends into lands less ventured in the name of the Free Peoples.
