Sterday, 30th of Astron, Year 1417 Shire-reckoning
The Last Homely House, Rivendell
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| The Ruins at Tham Mirdain |
My friends have been spending their time here in rather more productive ways than I, so far as I can tell, but to be honest I've not seen a terrible lot of them lately, except Nephyn. The young huntress always makes it a point to see me in the morning and again before bedtime at night, but I think it is mainly just to keep an eye on me. I know she had inquired around the valley the day after we had visited Lagodir as to whether Gloin or any of his folk had returned to Imladris from their errand to Dain at the Lonely Mountain (from our last visit, if you happen to recall), but there had been no word as yet. From what Neph told me this fact had disquieted the other Dwarves who were guests in the valley, but there was little they or anyone else could do about it.
Tomorrow will be the first of Thrimidge and marks the fourth month of our companionship.
Sunday, 8th of Thrimidge, Year 1417 Shire-reckoning
The Last Homely House, Rivendell
Another week has passed and Lagodir's improvement is now quite noticeable. He is up and about on his own and looking stronger by the day. It's amazing what just being here in Rivendell can do for someone in need of recuperation.
I've noticed Minasse coming and going from the valley a few times over the past two weeks. Once I asked what he was about and he just said he couldn't bear to be idle, even in Imladris, so long as the servants of the Enemy were abroad in the Wild. I would sometimes see him and Gaelira conferring with the Sons of Elrond, and I suppose they were discussing the movement of hostile forces in the regions surrounding us. So much the better, if we are going to be setting out sometime soon.
Sterday, 14th of Thrimidge, Year 1417 Shire-reckoning
The Last Homely House, Rivendell
Today I was informed that we would be leaving Rivendell again, probably within the next few days. Lagodir has recovered to the point where he has been training with Elrohir using mock weapons, and I must say he's exhibiting himself quite well considering what he's been through. Even still, I hope we won't be forced to put his condition to the test any time soon. There's hope we shan't, since ours is supposed to be a mission of fact-finding and secrecy -- to locate Luean in the ruins of Eregion and (if it can also be managed) to learn anything about the mysterious gondath which might be used to exorcise Guloth and destroy him forever. I'm not sure how much longer we will have here in the Last Homely House, but I will try to enjoy every moment I can.
Highday, 20th of Thrimidge, Year 1417 Shire-reckoning
The Last Homely House, Rivendell
I'm told we will leave for Eregion tomorrow morning, so I have a few things to check on if I'm to be ready in time. Lagodir is doing wonderfully, though he has changed and isn't really his old self. He seems more melancholy even than before, but his eyes are still as defiant as ever. I should also point out that he's received a trim and looks quite the different Man than when I first met him. He still has the same sharp and handsome features, but his hair has greyed and he now sports a short beard as well. He's also less broad in the arms and shoulders after lying abed for a couple of weeks, but I'm sure his body will remember its strength after a few days back on the road with the rest of us.
We held another audience with Elrond today in the late afternoon. I was prepared to write down everything which was said there, but in the end it was a lot of what we (and you) have heard already: our objective was to find and assist Luean in Eregion and learn whatever there was to learn about the Ring Narchuil. Along the way we hoped to uncover anything about the gondath, the shadow-stones, which could be the key to finally ridding the world of Guloth's spirit. Beyond that there was mostly just talk about the known movements of Angmar's minions in the lands about, so naturally we would be doing what we could to avoid them. I also learned that Gaelira had asked Malkan the eagle to scout the regions to the south for any sign of Luean, but he had returned this morning with no tidings of his whereabouts, only that enemies had been sighted in Hollin north of the Sirannon. Elrond advised us to keep a low profile and seek first amidst the ruins of Tham Mirdain; an old Elf-college which was situated somewhere in the southwestern area of Eregion, as Luean had indicated in his message to us that he would likely begin his own search there.
Finally, the six of us were given every manner of assistance you could ask for with regards to preparing for the road ahead. Our backs were filled, our clothes were mended, and our hopes were raised. Drodie had been to the valley's forge-smiths earlier in the week where his armour and shield had been repaired to excellent condition. He didn't much care for the idea of Elves working on his equipment, but I'm told he was permitted to "oversee" the process and was content that the work was performed "up to Dwarven standards," as he put it. Nephyn re-filled her quiver, Minasse outfitted himself with some exquisite Elven armour but still took no weapons, and even I had my little dagger sharpened and whetted despite my protestations that I manage it on my own. Not that I really had any objection, mind you, but I'm not used to being waited on by others, if you understand me.
I'm lying in bed now listening to the night-sounds outside my window. I wish to goodness I was not leaving again, but if there's a chance of really saving Lagodir and also of seeing old Luean again, then I suppose I can screw myself up to it once more. Besides, after we went willingly into Carn Dum itself not expecting (I wasn't, at least) to return, so when looked at in context you'd have to say this next quest of ours should be nothing by comparison!
Sterday, 21st of Thrimidge, Year 1417 Shire-reckoning
The High Moor, Somewhere in the Trollshaws
We were up and fed early today, then we assembled on the front porch of Elrond's House. The sky was high and blue yesterday, but something had happened during the night and now it was grey, overcast, and altogether icky -- rain looked to be in the offing almost for certain.
This, combined with the early rise and the prospect of leaving Rivendell behind again, had me in something of a foul mood. I did my best not to show it and I kept reminding myself that we would, hopefully, be meeting up with Luean at some point in the near future. I had always liked the Elf-scholar, with he and I becoming fairly fast friends second, I think, only to Nephyn. It was the thought of seeing him again which had made the idea of tramping through the Wild once more bearable.
As expected, we were met on the porch by Elrond himself, who wished us good speed and good fortune in our hunt. There was little more to say which had not already been hashed through multiple times prior, so the talk was kept short. Two points of interest which I noted at the time: first, Malkan had come to see us off, but he was flying on ahead south toward Eregion to once again see if he couldn't spy some indication of where Luean might be. I felt better knowing that we had helpful eyes in the sky once more and perhaps the eagle might end up doing the lion's share of the work for us, as it were. Second, we saw that Elrond had presented Lagodir with a set of fine Elven armour as well as a new sword which had been forged for him during our stay in his house, for his own gear had been damaged beyond repair in Angmar. The armour was of traditional Elven make, and so it appeared rather odd on the Gondorian's large frame (to my mind, anyway), while the sword was a wondrous sight: it was a large, two-handed blade; curved, as the Fair Folk often prefer their weapons, and set about with gold tracings and bright amaranthine gems in the hilt. It, too, struck me as not at all Lagodir's style, but he wore them both with immense pride and said no word against the gifts.
When all was finally made ready, we said our farewells to Elrond and his household, then made to depart Rivendell. We had only just crossed the stone bridge and begun our ascent out of the valley when thunder rolled across the moors and a light rain began to fall. I sighed audibly.
"We couldn't have picked a better time to leave, could we?" I grumbled. "Rain when we arrive and rain again when we depart! Oughtn't we to have taken a vote on this?"
"Gone soft so soon, Master Hobbit?" mocked Drodie from behind me. "Anyone would have thought you could stand a little shower such as this after everything we've been through up to now. Or have silken beds and warm hearths weakened your resolve already? I hear no sound of complaint coming from Lagodir, mark you, and he just back from the brink of death, no less."
I clammed up right away and eyed the Gondorian, who was ahead of me in the file. He was climbing the road out of Imladris, but he was already breathing heavily. I thought to ask whether we should be subjecting him to the inclement weather as well as the steep climb out of the valley so soon, but I considered Lagodir would know his own limitations. Besides, I didn't want to sound as if I was looking for some excuse to turn back, so I decided to hold my tongue.
Once we emerged from the valley we only went a few more miles before Lagodir was obliged to rest, though I was happy for the opportunity myself. The rain had continued, though it was of the gentle Spring variety and so not entirely unpleasant. We took shelter under a thicket of young chestnut-trees, but this proved less than optimal because the long, pointed leaves seemed ideally suited for funneling the raindrops down on top of us. After only about ten minutes we decided to move on again, and we covered several more miles before the rain finally let up and dusk began to enter the sky. We made camp on the edge of the High Moor, looking down toward the Ford of Bruinen far below us. The clouds were swept away and the stars leapt into the heavens as we all enjoyed our evening meal. We were trying to keep our passing as secret as possible, so there was very little talk among ourselves for fear of being overhead in the lonely hills. I fell asleep while covertly watching Lagodir lying on his back and staring up at them, as though he was trying to count every single one.
Sunday, 22nd of Thrimidge, Year 1417 Shire-reckoning
Along the Banks of the Bruinen, Somewhere in the Trollshaws
The weather cleared last night then turned fine and hot today. We crossed the Bruinen without incident, then turned southward and continued along the river-banks. We took long and numerous rests throughout the day because Lagodir was clearly still recovering from his ordeal, though he himself would not admit to it. Because of this and the rough terrain we did not cover much distance today. I spotted some rock-worms eyeing us hungrily from the far side of the river, but they didn't seem eager to brave the swift currents and let us pass unmolested.
Monday, 23rd of Thrimidge, Year 1417 Shire-reckoning
Somewhere in the Land of Hollin
There is little to report from today's efforts. We came upon some tumbled old cottage in the early morning, but there was nothing of interest to see, so we passed it by. It was well into the afternoon when we came upon a road climbing upward. This we followed a ways, over a log-bridge, and down into a shallow gorge before emerging from it in the early evening. A sweet, tangy smell entered my nostrils and I breathed it deeply.
"Welcome to Eregion!" said Gaelira joyously. "Or, as the Men of the North term it, Hollin, land of the holly-trees. Ah! I had nearly forgotten their reinvigorating scent!"
"I could never forget it," said Minasse, his eyes shining eagerly. "Ever did that fragrance greet me when I journeyed here of old -- the realm of my lord Celebrimbor, most excellent in all of Middle-earth that remains since the loss of Gondolin, and once my home."
We camped that night beneath the holly-trees and I rejoiced in the sight of their emerald leaves and vermillion fruits, studded like so many minute rubies among the branches overhead.
Trewsday, 24th of Thrimidge, Year 1417 Shire-reckoning
Somewhere in the Land of Hollin
All day we travelled under the boughs of the holly-trees, maintaining our southerly course. The foliage was so thick and the canopy so complete that it became difficult to know exactly where we were going, but we trusted that the holly-forest would eventually end, and so it did.
It was early evening by the time we finally broke free from the trees only to discover that we had somehow turned too far to the east: the white heads of the Misty Mountains, which should have been to our left, had swung in front of us as we were facing to the southwest. We used what little daylight remained to us to correct our bearings and make up for lost time in the morning. Lagodir appears to be doing much better ever since we got out of the Trollshaws and onto more even ground.
Hevensday, 25th of Thrimidge, Year 1417 Shire-reckoning
Somewhere in the Land of Hollin
Nothing significant to report today... we turned south and marched hard all day, but this part of Hollin is pocked with these little natural ditches that have a way of throwing themselves right in your path in the most annoying fashion. This forces you to scramble down them and back up the other side over and over until you are positively knackered. It was hard enough for me, but Lagodir was not taking the exertion well at all and we were forced to slow our advance for his sake. We ended up camping at the bottom of one of these little gutters, which kept the wind from stealing your blanket and helped me to sleep very soundly indeed.
Mersday, 26th of Thrimidge, Year 1417 Shire-reckoning
Somewhere in the Land of Hollin
More marching. It turned out we had very nearly reached the end of the ditches yesterday, though we did not know it at the time. There were only a few more to scramble through before they ceased altogether and we had a much easier time moving forward. Around noon we could spy a tall hill in the distance to the southeast which was crowned with trees. I suggested we might scale it and have a look-about, but Gaelira insisted we would only make ourselves an easy mark for any unfriendly eyes, so we did not go that way.
Before I forget: Malkan returned to us this evening and, through Gaelira, we learned that he had seen no sign of Luean in all the leagues of Eregion he had covered from the air. We thanked him for his efforts and Gaelira begged that he bring news of us to Elrond in Rivendell. The bird departed soon after we had fed him some food from our bags and given him some water to drink. I wonder how he manages it with all the errand-running we put his poor wings through.
Highday, 27th of Thrimidge, Year 1417 Shire-reckoning
Somewhere in the Land of Hollin
The clouds had become heavy overhead, but it never turned to rain. There was something ominous about the dawn today, although nothing seemed out of the ordinary. We continued our march in silence and every footstep seemed to echo in the earth.
That tree-crowned hill continued to loom closer and closer and once I fancied I caught the howling of wolves borne to me on an easterly breeze from its direction. I found myself thankful Gaelira had spoken against us going toward it, and suddenly I felt myself very exposed, as if we were surrounded by hostile forces that were hunting us in all the crannies of the plains.
As the day drew near its close we descended into a shallow dell out of which rose a single upright rock which thrust skyward like a finger. We camped at its base and wondered how many more days it might take to reach Tham Mirdain, wherever that was, exactly. Nephyn, Lagodir, and I were strangers in this land, but Gaelira and Minasse seemed to know our course.
"We continue southward until we strike the Sirannon, the Gate-stream," Minasse was saying. "Then we simply follow it west until we reach the region of Mirobel, near which lies Tham Mirdain. It cannot be missed for there was once a bridge which spanned the Sirannon from south to north, and even if that bridge has long-since fallen it was of such a size that there must even now be some remnants which will speak to its location, and that of the college as well."
"We should be drawing near to the river," said Nephyn as she poured over one of her maps. "Judging from our location relative to that hilltop yonder, I'd say we ought to strike it sometime late tomorrow."
"I need no map," said Drodie as he gazed toward the southeast and pointed with the blade of his axe. "There lie the three Mountains of Moria: Barazinbar, Bundulshathur, and Zirka-zigil! Beneath them lies Khazad-dum, greatest kingdom of my people."
"Moria?" I asked. "Even I have heard the dark whispers about Moria. Surely we're not planning on getting anywhere near that place, are we?"
"Not by design, no," said Gaelira. "I remember that Tham Mirdain was a day's journey along the Sirannon road west, away from the Walls of Moria."
"At least a day's journey," Minasse cut in, "Quite possibly a little further, as I recall it."
"There you are, Padryc," said Gaelira with a smile. "We shall be in no danger of accidentally getting you enmeshed in the net of Moria. Come! Help me gather some dry branches and leaves for the making of a fire -- we shall all be glad of the warmth if this wind turns to chill during the night."
Sterday, 28th of Thrimidge, Year 1417 Shire-reckoning
Somewhere in the Land of Hollin
We made good time in the morning, but by noon we were climbing a steep ridge of rock-clay and our progress was slowed considerably. Nephyn and I had wanted to search east or west for a smoother slope to scale, but Gaelira insisted that we continue in a straight line. The result was an exhausting morning, though the good news was Lagodir seemed to handle the effort better than I had expected; perhaps his strength was returning to him in some measure.
Once we were all atop the ridge, we saw that the ground fell away from us in a gentle but rocky slope toward what looked to be an ancient and once much-used roadway. Gaelira gave a cry of exclamation.
"Ah! See, we have once again come to far to the east. There is the archway which marked the end of the Noldorin lands and the beginning of the Walls of Moria. I remember well the Elf-ruins we see there now just outside that gateway: they were tall and proud once, but now they are fallen into rubble. What bittersweet memories these sights bring back to me!"
"And yonder lies the Sirannon," said Minasse with a point of his finger. "Or, rather, there it lay, once, only there seems to be no sign of it now! Let us go and see what has become of her happy song!"
We hurried down the slope toward the dry river-bed Minasse had sighted. Sure enough, there was hardly a trickle of water to be seen in the basin. The Elves wondered greatly at this, but I found myself impishly tickled by their confusion.
"Well!" I said with a chuckle, "At least now we needn't worry about whether or not Minasse's mighty bridge is still standing! Even if Time has reduced it to naught but pebbles we shan't have to swim: a hobbit-lass of two summers could ford this river!"
"Could there be some evil at work in this land, do you think?" asked Gaelira, ignoring my jest. "What might have caused the Sirannon to cease her cheerful singing? It pains my heart to know its sounds are stilled after all these centuries."
"The weather, perhaps?" Drodie said with a shrug. "Mayhap some storm shook loose a few boulders which fell and blocked the source? You can get big storms up in the mountains. I think we ought to go and have a look: I could lead us all the way to the Stair Falls! You follow this path until it climbs a set of beautifully carved steps and from there you can see the magnificent --"
"No you don't!" said Nephyn as she playfully shoved the Dwarf by the shoulder. "No making excuses to see your people's long-lost realm! We did not come all this way to go sight-seeing."
"Nephyn is right, Drodie," Lagodir said, "Our mission is to find Luean and assist him in his task. I do not think he would have gone into Moria, unless something dire happened to him that we cannot see. Let us search westward!"
We travelled along the Sirannon-road for a short distance, but we were all tired after the morning's climb, so we eventually made camp a short distance off the path. Gaelira asked that we light no fire, and she stood gazing off into the night while the rest of us spoke in hushed voices.
Sunday, 29th of Thrimidge, Year 1417 Shire-reckoning
Mirobel, Somewhere in the Land of Hollin
The day was long and dull: all we did was march, march, and march some more along the Sirannon-road. The Walls of Moria faded into the Spring-haze behind us while out in front the landscape seemed to stretch on endlessly forever. Then, just as dusk was entering the sky, we could make out the a tall, curving shape on the horizon.
"There!" said Minasse triumphantly as he pointed. "There stands the bridge into Mirobel! Even after all of these long years it still stands -- a testament to the ingenuity of the Noldor."
"The supports could be better contrived," said Drodie as he squinted at the bridge.
"Nonsense! How could you possibly tell that at such a distance?" Minasse asked heatedly.
"It's an Elf-bridge," Drodie answered with a mischievous grin. "What's more, the height of the arch seems to me rather -- how shall I say it? -- pretentious." Minasse did not speak to Drodie again for a long while after that.
Monday, 30th of Thrimidge, Year 1417 Shire-reckoning
Mirobel, Somewhere in the Land of Hollin
It did not take long to cover the remaining distance to the bridge. Once across it, we found ourselves in an impressive set of ruins which covered one entire side of a tall rock-spire. Within it, we were surprised to find many Elves! They were led by a stern-faced fellow named Maegamiel, but he welcomed us kindly. We learned that the college of Tham Mirdain was nearby and that it had two major structures: the School, which lay a little ways to the southeast on the side of a hill, and the Library, which could be reached by descending a short path and fording a stream. What's more, we were told that Luean had indeed come that way and spent time at that very camp!
"Yes, he was among us for nearly three weeks," Maegamiel told us. "He would disappear into the School or the Library at first light and we would not see him again, sometimes for days. He never did say what he sought, but we did not hinder him for he claimed to be on an errand from Lord Elrond himself."
"He spoke the truth," said Gaelira. "But where is he now? You speak as if you have not seen him for some time."
"It is true, we have not," Maegamiel replied. "It has been at least four days, now that I consider... possibly a week? I am not certain since we have our own business here in Mirobel which demands my constant attention. However, if you were to search the School and the Library I suspect you would find your friend within one of those places -- whatever manner of relics he seeks, there are many and great varieties in to be found at both sites. Be I must warn you: servants of the Enemy have been seen recently in these lands, so you should go warily. I hope no ill luck has befallen your friend, but we did not think to search for him since he would often vanish for days at a time and we never knew if he meant to return here. Moreover, as you yourselves can plainly see, my people are no warriors."
We thanked Maegamiel several times and quickly laid our plans: Gaelira, Minasse, and Drodie would search the School while Lagodir, Nephyn, and I would scour the Library, then we would meet back at Echad Mirobel before sunset. Without further ado, we split into our respective parties and began the search.
My group found the Library without difficulty and proceeded inside with purpose. It was an old and musty building, the rich engravings on mossy stone mostly crumbling into obscurity, but the majesty of its former inhabitants still shone through. Of much greater concern to us, however, were the Orcs.
Orcs and goblins, to be more exact. They were not numerous nor were they well-armed, and they mostly fled before the bow of Nephyn and the sword of Lagodir (even in his weakened state the Man could summon the will to strike down his enemies at need). We slew only a handful before the rest vacated the place, leaving it to us. A few of their kind bore strange badges: a small white feather (or maybe it was a hand?) on a black background, but none of us knew what it might convey so we decided to save one and ask the others about it later.
With the Library yielded to us by the Orcs, we started to sift through the rubble for any sign of Luean. Hours passed, but nothing presented itself to us -- just walls full of moulding tomes and crinkly scrolls. Some of these looked like they might have been taken out and looked over, but it was impossible to tell how recently or whether it might not have just been some of the Orcs causing mischief. Finally, with the Sun sinking toward the West, we decided we would have to return to Mirobel and share our uninspiring report with the others. We were just heading out of the Library when I noticed two side-rooms which we had missed during our search.
"Oh, look!" I said, "It wouldn't do to search the rest of this place floor to ceiling but leave these two rooms untouched. Let's have a quick peek before we go. You two take that one and I'll take the one over here."
"By yourself?" asked Nephyn as I scampered off to investigate the room on my side. "I don't know if that's such a good idea."
"Oh, poo," I said loud enough for her to hear me. "It's less than a stone's throw from yours. Besides, it's been dead quiet in here since we drove the Orcs out, so what could possibly go wr -- AAAAH!!!"
"Padryc!" Nephyn shouted as she and Lagodir came running toward me. "What happened?"
"It's -- it's -- " I pointed a trembling hand into a rubble-strewn corner of the small room.
It was Luean. He was dead.
"No," breathed Nephyn. "Oh, no..."
His scholar's robes were covered with marks from old, dried blood and there was no colour in face as his lifeless eyes stared up at the ceiling. The body was partly buried in loose debris, but even at first glance one could see he had been slain by a number of blade-strokes. Nephyn quickly knelt and closed Luean's eyes while tears sprang into my own. I thought of how we had first met and his unfailing kindness toward me. I remembered his strange and aloof way of looking at the world, his love of riddles and his curious sense of humour. I seemed impossible to know that unique and gentle soul had been removed from the world, but my eyes were not deceiving me, no matter how much I wished that they were.
"May you find peace with your kindred beyond the Great Sea," Nephyn whispered. Lagodir bowed his head and I wept.
"What shall we do now?" I asked in a croaking voice after a short time. "We can't leave him here in this rubbish."
"Indeed not," said Lagodir. "Among my people 'tis said the way of Elves is to inter them in the earth but to also build a cairn of stone over them. If that is so, then we should have no shortage of stone, for it is plentiful in this ruin. It would seem fitting to me, also, that the stones of this place be used for such a purpose, if he was a lover of knowledge as you have always described him to be."
"He was that," said Nephyn, "And I think that his grave should be just beyond the gates to the Library, on the banks of the stream which flows by the entrance here."
"I agree," I said, "Though we should probably tell the others as well as the Elves back in Mirobel. They might best know how to lay him to rest, don't you think?"
"You are right," said Lagodir. "Come, I am weary, but I have strength enough left for this task -- I will carry him."
"I will help you," said Nephyn as she made to lift the Elf on his final journey.
"And I will make sure no debris blocks your path," I said. "The last thing we want is for a solemn procession to be interrupted by an -- OW!"
"Now what?" asked Nephyn.
"It's nothing," I said as I reached down to rub my toe. "Just stubbed my foot on that beastly rock there. Hullo? What have we here?" I had noticed a small scrap of paper on the floor which seemed rather out of place. I scanned it quickly, then my mouth fell open as I read it again.
"What?" asked Nephyn. "Padryc, what is it?"
"Nothing," I said quickly as I jammed the note into my pocket. "At least, let's not talk about it now -- not until we have laid Luean to rest. Besides, Gaelira is going to want to see it too, that much I can promise you."
We bore Luean's body from the Library and lay him by the banks of the stream in the light of the setting Sun. Lagodir and I remained there on guard while Nephyn returned to Mirobel to inform the Elves of what had happened. A short time later (for it was not a very great distance), we could see a line of people approaching. It was the Elves of Mirobel, and they were walking in a funereal procession while singing the most enchanting and sorrowful music I think I've ever heard. They reached us just as the Sun set; it was then we saw Nephyn and Gaelira, Minasse, and Drodie were with her. The six of us stood off to one side as Maegamiel led his people in a solemn ceremony during which Luean's body was interred in the earth. Then, the procession snaked into the Library and brought small stones from within which were laid atop the grave to form a cairn. When it was all over, night was fully descended and Luean was at rest. We joined the Elves in their slow march back to their camp at Mirobel.
Once there we thanked Maegamiel for honouring Luean in such a manner. He smiled grimly and nodded his head.
"We did not know him, but he seemed full of life and purpose," he said, "And it pains me to see another of our kin thus ended. You have made it clear from your talk that at least some of you knew him well, and so I will leave you now to your own thoughts. Namarie."
With Maegamiel gone, our Company spoke of how we remembered Luean while he was among us. Minasse kept silent, for he had not known the Elf-scholar, but he showed great respect for our feelings and our memories during that time, which I greatly appreciated. We also asked Gaelira whether she, Minasse, and Drodie had discovered anything of value in the School of Tham Mirdain, but they had not -- only more Orcs.
"They were a weak lot and did not withstand us at all," said Drodie. "I could have taken them all myself, of course, but I decided to let these two have their fun as well."
"The sight of Orcs in that place burned my heart," said Minasse. "The slow decay of Time I can stand, but such defilement was not to be borne."
"Certainly not," said Gaelira, "Though our time there proved fruitless except to rout the foul folk from within. But tell me: how did Luean die?"
"Surely it was the Orcs," said Lagodir. "What other cause could there have been? He was clearly covered in sword-wounds."
"I am not so certain, Lagodir," said Nephyn unexpectedly. "He was far too clever to allow himself to be taken unawares. And we have still not heard from Padryc and the secret he has decided to withhold from us."
"What is this?" asked Gaelira, and the rest of the Company also turned to me with great interest.
A felt a pit cratering in my stomach as I looked into the she-Elf's face; many unpleasant memories were flooding back to me, for I knew what I must do next. From my pocket I drew out the small scrap of paper I had found as we were carrying Luean from the Library.
"I found this near the body," I said. "I will reveal it to you all now, for the first time." I cleared my throat and read these words aloud:
Volfren,
We are told the Elf-scholar has gone to Hollin to search the ruins in the South. Find him, learn what he knows, then do what you must.
Signed,
INAR
Supreme Leader of the
Seekers of the Seven Stars
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