Dear Helvari,
I trust that our kin continue to be safe under your watch, and that this letter finds you all in good health.
I have sent for the last but one of our guards from Ered Luin to join you in Erebor. I grow ever concerned that there are durthurathâkh attempting to stop me from making the journey myself. These are not the ramblings of an old dwarrow; I am sure there is a plot against our family, but I have no doubt that Erebor would demand proof, and I shall need to investigate myself.
Helfór no doubt believes that he can protect you all, but he is growing older and in my absence you should do what you can to take the burden from his shoulders. I am sure you can do this aztâk, and the additional guard will help you in such duties.
I look forward to leaving Bree tomorrow, having fended off orcs to the north these past few weeks. Though we do our best to turn the blight-like creatures back on themselves, it seems as though there are more orcs and goblins in the region this day than the previous.
On a more positive subject, I met a rather interesting zantulbasn by the name of Bingo Boffin at the Prancing Pony here in Bree, though I believe I may have drank him under the table. The hobbit appears to want to travel, and has paid well for the advice of travellers, though I do wonder if his mind resembled cheese even before drinking as he seems to frequently forget who he has asked for help and where he has left his belongings.
If this fellow should pass your way, be sure to give him one of your axes, I will pay - I am sure you are a legendary weapon-smith by now, and Erebor is lucky to have the skill you undoubtedly provide!
If luck be with me, I should see Imladris by the spring; there upon I will send treasures by waggon ahead to support you all.
Zihdal,
Anvari, Son of Helfór.
Translated by the scribes of Erebor upon payment by an elderly man presumed to be from Lake-town, during the reign of Dáin II, King Under the Mountain.
