Bree, March 15
Dear Ada
I have been in Bree for some weeks now, without finding any opportunity to explore further north in search of Nana’s kinfolk. Things are very bad here, Bree-Land being infested with brigands, goblins and yrch, which makes it hard to leave, both because I know they have sore need of my sword arm, and because it is perilous to travel into Evendim or the North Downs, with yrch roaming freely, and sacking the smaller settlements. I am scouting when I can, and seeking companions to mount an expedition towards the hidden fastness of Esteldín, which is marked on our maps as Dolindîr, but most of my time is occupied in assisting the Constables of Combe and Staddle, or in patrolling the Greenway. The Bree-folk are doughty, good-hearted people, although there is much poverty here, and little compassion among the town’s more prosperous citizens. They are not over keen on strangers, and many of the people mislike me for my speech, but their roots go deep into the soil of Bree Hill, and it is hard to think of them driven off or enslaved, so I hope that I can remain here long enough to do some good for them. I have begun to make some friends, though many of them are not Bree-folk, as there are many travellers here. It is not easy yet for me to speak of the situation to the North, but with yrch infesting the northern reaches of the Greenway, and the recent sack of Trestlebridge it seems to me that there must be some force driving them on towards the South. I have met some of the Dúnedain in the North Downs, and they speak of a new Shadow risen in Angmar, but it is only rumour, and we know the King of that place is now in Minas Morgul. When I reach Esteldín I should have more reliable news. I hope you and Nana are well, and that the news from Ithilien is good.
All my love
Your son Deredan.
