Harrowing Vision I
Not long after my last entry, Kirseth and I began to discuss our journey home. Upon seeing these people in need, we agreed that we should delay our journey. There is darkness here, and the people need us. Our conscience - nor the oath we took would allow us to leave the peoples of Eriador behind.
"By sword and steel, by bow and shield - This oath I swear to thee.
My hand to guide, my steed to ride - My will to help guide ye.
Guide my sword, brothers in arms - whether sword or man or field.
I swear to thee, to guard from harm, with all that I may yield.
Orc or shade, bow or blade, my shield shall keep ye safe.
And guide the lost into the light, a sacred hallow place.
All that wander shall be free, by hammer and by mace.
This is my oath, I swear to thee, Loyalty and Grace."
We have spent a long time with the Eglain since that day; helping around the Inn, and fighting the dangers that threaten the people. The Innkeep has allowed us to keep our room, free of charge, as long as we continue to help their hunters in providing food and bedding.
It has been mostly uneventful - save from the occasional raiding party from the south. It seems that the enemy is growing more bold, as orcs and wargs have moved in to the nearby ruins, making it a base of sorts. They are numerous, but luckily seem disorganized and their raids are less than effective. If they were to obtain leadership and become organized, they could become a very real threat.
I awoke today with a cold sweat, after very troubling dreams. I saw rivers of blood and corruption...a dark shadow spreading across the land - enveloped by the ominous sounds singing insects. I discussed my dream with Kirseth - and she seemed to take it seriously. She is one of the few who knows of my harrowing dreams, and understands that they are very rarely meaningless.
We decided I should share my dream with the Constable of the Eglain, as we had hoped he may have some understanding of the imagery; having more knowledge of these lands. Sadly, he did not. He did, however, share the location of a settlement to the East, in which resides a wise loremaster who may have answers.
We made our way Eastward once more, taking in the beautiful sight of the towering hill. The further Eastward we journeyed, the more we started to see black birds circling above - and the more strange men we saw. We could see them watching us, but they left us alone, save from various scowls and ill mannered expressions. It took us roughly two days to reach the fort the Eglain call "Ost Guruth."
Upon approaching the entranceway, men atop the wall drew their bows and trained them on us.
"State yer business! What brings you to these lands?" - One of the men called.
Kirseth and I both held up our hands, we knew these were good folk who had little trust in strangers...and their mistrust was warranted. Before we had a chance to respond, an elderly man approached us and asked our names. Upon telling him, he raised his arm and commanded the archers to lower their weapons.
"We received a raven telling of your arrival. We do not know you, but several of our men posted in the West have vouched for you. Welcome to Ost Guruth."
