Elves

For some time, I have watched these elves in the valley of Imladris, where I lurked all the spring; speaking little to anyone. Most took no heed of me, for I did not encourage talk, and kept myself apart, listening for news of my brother. None was forthcoming. I began to think he was dead, and that by the end of the season, I must betake some other plan of action.

Now Rainith has told us of her wounding during her brave battle with the Orc on the very borders of the wood, and how she stood between them and her Malledhrim friend, and suffered grave injury, almost losing her life, from the look of her. I am worried that she is too weary to travel, but she said she was not.

I returned to the Valley to find the Last Homely House almost the same as it was when I left it, with the trees around waving mournfully in the rising east wind, a promise of the end of my Lord Anglachelm.

The next day I came to see the Lieutenant, who was recovered from his wound, and he shared gladsome news. The filthy Orc were finally beaten back and scattered into the woods, for now; no doubt, they would gather their strength again, and assail the fortress. Our losses were great, but not as great as I imagined.

The elves would gladly die for gems,
They delight in keeping rankour'd
Give me a dwarf who doesn't mind, and mines -

to hit the pay dirt!

A 'Suilad Melon' may be quite continental,
But mithril is a dwarf's best friend!
An oath may be strong, but it won't pay the rental - 
On your humble halls,
Or help you when a dragon calls!

I had spent several weeks as the Lieutenant’s soldier-page, and was almost driven mad from boredom, when late one night, as I lay disconsolate on my cot, I heard the horns a-blowing. The Lieutenant leapt up, seized his bow, and telling me to come with him, ran outside the tent. The Enemy was attacking at last!

Several weeks later, I was interrupted in my duties for the Lieutenant Handelen and notified that Rodelleth wished to speak with me. I knew not to dally or put the guard off, so I set out immediately for the commander’s large tent. There Rodelleth did tell me that she had written notice to the Captain of the King’s Guard informing them of Culufinnel leaving her ranks and the circumstances of his departure.

I have been taken to a dark cell in the uppermost parts of the central keep of Nothgar. It is very tedious to hear voices speaking far below and be unable to converse with anyone. I suspect that I am the only person shut in here, but it is impossible to know as the guards refuse to talk. My bedding consists of two blankets and a straw mattress, and the ventilation is exceedingly defective, and the air damp.

I have not written in my journal for some time, for it happened that a force of Malledhrim encircled my camp and sprung out from all sides, and they bound my wrists and feet together, and seizing me, set me on the back of Morlanthir. And in this most ignominious position I was taken back to Thangúlhad and brought before Commander Rodelleth in a wretched condition, with leaves and sticks knotted in my hair, and wearing my old filthy shirt.