Up, and sat long thinking of the best way to go about my business for Lord Veryacano before he brings the hammer down on my head and banishes me from the valley. Only just the other night, he asked for an account of my progress, and little satisfied was he to learn that I have still not spoken with Lord Anglachelm! As I told him, it is not so easy to find a good opportunity to speak with our Tûr, and even on the best of occasions, it seems hard for Lord Anglachelm to take notice of me at all.
Sogadan said this is what comes of meddling in matters that are none of my concern. He also asked of the money I owed him. I told him I would have to go fetch it, and then I got up and went to the library. I sat and read a book or two, my mind still running despairingly on my business, until I decided to tell Lord Anglachelm plainly and truly my reflections.
That our scouts report of great armies moving to fortify the southlands. That there is some fear of an invasion, and some expectation of the Enemy blocking us here. That everyone is complaining of the weather, and how it has become unseasonably cold. That all is so gloomy and uncertain, it makes one reflect on the uncertainty of all. That for too long, our people have been scattered and spread far over the face of the earth. That now we must come together and make one another daring and resolute. That the Hammers struck a severe blow to the goblins of the North, but now sit idly in the valley. That it is much safer and more pleasant to stand and watch while others do the fighting. That this is not a very good way to win a battle. That if we would gain the prize, we must run the race. That by sending the Hammers to Lórien, we reinforce and encourage our kinsmen as they face the growing darkness. That it is our duty to exhort and stir them up. That we must do it. That there is no one else left to do it. That by sending our troops to the heart of the Lady, we can hope to usher in peace quicker, put pressure on the belligerents, and hasten the war to a close. And so on and so forth.
I drew up a rough letter to Lord Anglachelm, and read it three times and changed it until I was satisfied, then rewrote it, signed it and left it on his desk.
