(Archived documents now reside in the town hall. Some of the parchments look to be at the least several decades old by their decay, and certain names are deliberately blotted with ink or torn away.)
16th, Rethe III 2988
There is a reported sacking of a homestead half a league North-west of the Cross-roads, via wanton violence of fire. Culprits unnamed. Family house of... (illegible) deceased; Master of the house and Mistress have both perished. Reported next of kin missing F-(illegible). Search is ongoing for the boy. Master Butterbur, proprietor of the Inn of Bree, and his son Barliman offer (illegible). Townsfolk unsettled. Chief Watcher (illegible)...met with (illegible)...supposed Uncle of the boy.
21st, Rethe III 2988
The boy has been found. Description: copper-haired, shoulder length. Appears (illegible) older than ten winters or more. He refuses to clarify. In need of a good wash!
Master (illegible), the uncle of the poor boy has agreed to take him in for now, we await official adoption. Culprits have also been named, Watchers are to muster a (illegible) at first light.
23rd, Rethe III 2988
(illegible), (illegible) and (illegible) have been arrested. Their hideout discovered among Stone-quarter dwellings. Their defence and confession: Master (illegible) found in debt, owing the total ghastly sum of sixty and eight silver coins to these culprits. Upon failure of payment, they launched retribution on the homestead via fire.
The culprits are found guilty of murder, two counts. To be hanged until dead on the morrow.
24th, Rethe III 2988
Convicted men hanged (all illegible), early morning...quite the turnout of folk. Grave-digger summoned. Boy (illegible) safetly residing at master (illegible)'s stead. Adoption document filed.
* * *
3rd, Wedmath III 2990
Master (illegible) grievously wounded by pitchfork to the left leg, on the mend. Refuses to name the culprit. His adopted son is also reported missing, named (illegible)-nchley. Active search ongoing for the runaway. Adoption files confirm Master is the boy's uncle and guardian.
5th, Wedmath III 2990
The missing boy has been reportedly spotted among the streets. Unfortunately evaded the Watchers thrice this last week. Master has (illegible)... notice for his safe return.
10th, Wedmath III 2990
No sight nor sound of (illegible). Watchers have been berated, and...(illegible)... suffering public humiliation. Rumours are running dry. Next sweep scheduled in the area notably named 'beggar's alley'.
30th, Harvestmath III 2990
Watchers have lessened the search, the infirm yield nothing more than false rumours. Only two appointed to continue the investigation. Master (illegible) still offering public reward for news or the boy's return.
* * *
(A new set of documents are filed together with the previous, cross-referenced.)
7th, Blooting 2993
Master (illegible) passes away at the age of fifty and two winters, next of kin Fyn-(illegible)... earlier archives identify him as missing and presumed dead. Homestead and all effects to be claimed by the mayor and his office, re-distributed at his whim to the benefit of Bree. Chief Watche-(illegible)...case hereby be closed.
* * *
13th, Lithe 3007
A pauper, as yet unidentified, has claimed ownership of the homestead via report to the Town Hall. Claim is disputed by (illegible)...Pauper refuses to divulge his name, and has been dismissed. He has been cautioned by the Watchers to cease harassment of the current proprietors.
The deeds have been given to a Master (illegible) Quincy. Renamed as the Quincy homestead.
(New parchment file inserted)
15th Lithe, 3007
The Town hall has been broken in to during the early hours of the morning. Attempted and successful theft of the documents concerning the Quincy homestead. Eyewitness claims to have seen a "skulking fellow". Description poor. Identified as a beggar. Watchers suspect this to be the same pauper who inquired about the deeds of the Quincy homestead. Renewed search has begun.
* * *
(Fresh parchment note)
2nd Mede, III 3010
Archivist's note: Last entry
The documents have been returned anonymously, although they are damaged beyond reason! Several of the names are struck from the pages by the thief's hands, for reasons unknown to myself. As such, we remain unable to retrieve the missing names.
The thief in question is also unidentified, and so, these documents must remain partially illegible and thus unreliable to my great annoyance. Unless some knowledgeable fellow of Bree comes forth to illuminate the missing names, these files shall be closed and locked away. Regrettable.
