Found:
An old key - not sure what this is for.
A button - too modern in style to be of any real interest.
Rotted drum - useless. Not worth restoration.
A handful of arrowheads - Ancient. Good for the right collector.
Ceramic plate - Glaze is cracked, otherwise good condition.
I find that I really do like it here. Whilst not all of my discoveries have been worth the effort, more than enough have been, making a later return worthwhile. If my project in Evendim works out as planned, then it shouldn't be too difficult to come back again in time. Indeed, there is a lot yet to be found and I get the distinct impression that there is something here, just beyond my reach, that will prove to be of great interest. Although I cannot be certain if this key is connected in any way, I think I shall keep hold of it anyway, just in case. The style is certainly in keeping with some of the interior locks I saw on my foray into the fortress proper. I question the wisdom of entering that place again though; so many orcs within make it a rather more dangerous prospect than it would otherwise be and whilst my ruse worked then, it may not do so a second time around.
Careful thought on this matter will certainly be required.
For now, I feel that it is time to pack up my things and be on my way. If I allow myself to become distracted now then I shall never complete this trip and all that it entails. I would never go so far as to suggest that I owe those people the chance to finish what they started so long ago, but I do feel that I owe myself the chance to put it to rest.
More than that, the horse grows more skittish the longer we stay. Steel, of course, is as steady and stoic as ever. A firm beast, stubborn and willful, I think he feels that I'd gain some underserved satisfaction from him bolting when I chose to stay. The little pack horse I brought with us however... he is not so used to such surroundings as myself and my longtime companion.
The hour grows late. One more night in the mists and by mornings first light I shall be gone.
