((A summary of the last year in West Rohan, and the events leading up to it. Get ready for links!))
Last night Cerrynt(?), Danhadlen, Gryffudd, Khyus, and Morydd, assisted by the forgoil Burgweard, infiltrated a homestead in the Stonedeans, where they left the family and farmhands tied up in the house, the door nailed shut. The only blood shed was the hound, who threatened to wake the whole family at once and force the Dunlendings’ hand. His death spared them all. The horses were stolen and ridden to a hill within sight of Fréasburg, where they were left, tied to the banner of Wulf, as a reminder and a warning.
This event comes after a long summer of attacks and disappearances on both sides of the Isen. Farms, fishing villages, and homesteads have been targeted up and down the river, leaving many dead, but more missing. The most gruesome saw a gold tongue nailed to a door, though the person who put it there was never found. They have become more frequent in recent weeks. No one knows exactly who is responsible, but one thing’s clear—they have help. They are quick, secret, and move with knowledge of the land and its inhabitants. If it isn’t Dunlendings and Rohirrim both, then it’s people who know them.
The garrison at Fréasburg, commanded by the Oathsworn, have issued a plea to citizens who live in the valley and hills to retreat into the city for the winter. They have meanwhile ridden out, investigating reporting attacks and reinforcing outposts. There is even talk of reaching out to the Dunlendings across the river to find out what they know. Meanwhile, dark-haired figures in grey cloaks are already learning secrets.
Canwr, a druid of the Blaidd-lûth, has been urging Gryffudd to show strength against the Dragon-clan, who are suspected of aiding in this treachery. The prince of the Eagles has invested in his alliance with Khyus’ clan, the Caru-lûth, neighbors and protectors of the lesser clan, the Dwrgi-lûth. The small Otter clan has long been loyal to their stronger cousins, but some time ago a new warrior named Trindân became their brenin’s champion, and has been fraying the ties between the two old friends ever since. When the old champion’s daughter confronted him over the rumors he sympathized with the Dragon and challenged his position, she was bested, and both her and the troubling news made their way southeast. At Ysbrydnos, Cerrynt arrived, bloodied and bruised, and shortly after was taken in by Danhadlen, princess of the Eryr-lûth, and her clan.
It is not just the Dragon clan that must be watched. The eagle-prince and the Riders of the West-March across the river have long been enemies at the worst of times, fragile friends at the best. Thorvall, the third son of the West-march’s Reeve, Aelle, honed his blade on Gryffudd’s people when he was in his youth, before he went north to escape the shadows of his brothers and father. In Bree-land the Oathsworn were born—a warband that wandered all of Eriador, setting their spears against the Enemy, aiding the Rangers in their efforts and seeking the same aid when it was needed, in particular from one among them named Agamaran. More than one Eorling fell in those northern lands, and if you go to Archet today, it’s said there is still a standing stone by the lake, carved with the names of many fallen brothers, and one faithful hound.
It is fifteen years since the last name was carved on that rock in the Archet marsh. Since then, the Oathsworn have lessened, dispersed, or fallen one by one until only its Lord and his faithful huntress remained. Raising her daughter, Dytha, turned Thorvall back on the path to warbanding, a path that she hopes to follow in his footsteps.
Why so long, though? His youth was not the only time to see the Lord of the Oathsworn ride against Dunland. On a fated campaign south over twenty years ago, Thorvall and his kinsmen lent their swords to troubles that had been brewing between the Eagle and Dragon, when they faced treachery and tragedy. Innocents were sacrificed, and the Oathsworn earned themselves exile from the Mark.
Haeneth, the loyal huntress, has been working the last ten years, making friends, silencing enemies, and finding a way to allow her beloved Lord to return to his homeland. While Thorvall and his adopted daughter ranged from Dale to Gondor, honing her sword on the Easterlings as he had against the Mark’s western enemy, Haeneth managed to earn a charter from the King allowing their return, as long as they spent their days in the service and defence of Rohan at its border.
Seven months ago, the Oathsworn came close to finding out who exactly was responsible for the killings and kidnappings in their fields. With the help of a huntress named Adriwyn, a wandering Vales-man named Barst, and some strangers from the East Company Road, the regiment were able to repel an attack against Woodhurst. A Rohirric boy from a nearby village was taken alive, but it was soon discovered he didn’t know who he’d been working for. Taking pity on the doomed man, Dytha paid the thane his weregild, and Willelmh has been with the warband ever since. More have joined, hoping for glory or a challenge or simply a place to belong. Warriors like Aethelwal, Handarthol, and Thurchill have taken the chance to lend their spears, and more drift in every day.
Now, any Rohirrim who face execution or exile for crimes they did or did not commit might find hope in the warband. The King’s decree and offer of freedom include any who swear to the watch on the Isen. Life and freedom will be the reward to any who defend The Isen’s Brittle Peace.
If you want access to the Chronicle linked above, let me know and I’ll add you. If you want to get involved or just learn more, contact Dytha or join us on the Rohan & the Wild Hills Discord.
