It was sunset when two Riders arrived at the gates of Harwick, a man and a woman hailing of Snowbourn. They were tall in stature and mighty, but their faces were weary. When they were halted at the gate they swiftly claimed that they came to speak with Reeve Aldor Harding, sharing news.
Thus they were granted entry into Harwick and stabled their steeds, paying their respects to the stable-boy who would take care of their steeds while they spoke with Harding. The streets were quiet and the folk were preparing for supper, many closing their doors and shutting away the cold to enjoy their families in their warm houses. The sky darkened and stars sprung forth like little gems in the sky, and the moon glimmered bright above the two Riders as they walked over the cobble-stone paths that were dimly lit by torches along the way.
When they came before the Reeve's doors they were halted once again by the Door Warden who requested to know of their business, then the woman spoke: "We're bringing and gathering news about the Riddermark," and the man added, "We have come to speak with Aldor Harding of this, and to him this news goes." Then the Door Warden could not stay them. He beckoned to the Guardsmen and gave them a gesture to seize the weapons of the two, but when a young man named Haedley sought to seize the woman's shield she frowned and rebelled, complaining that it would do no harm. Yet the young man was solid on his ground and demanded that the shield be taken, and with a little intervention by the man she gave her shield.
Only then were they allowed to the enter to the Reeve's hall, and the two double-doors were opened before them. They stepped in and their were many folk eating and conversing. There were warm fires in the pits and merry servants going here and there, bearing trays laden with drinks and foods. Some strange glanced were given to the two Riders of Snowbourn, and the folk wondered what their business might be, though none would ask. Evidently their supper was more important to worry much of the matter for most, but there were those who gave them an untrustworthy look. Thus the two passed through the hall and approached the alter upon which Reeve Aldor Harding was sat.
"Westu hál!" They all greeted one another and Reeve Aldor inquired, "Greetings, upon what task have you come here?" To which the woman said similar words as she did to the Door Warden, and the Gate guards before. However, Aldor would not yet hear them. He could see that by the look upon their faces that they were weary and needed respite, thus he spoke.
"Very well. Go now and eat with my folk. After we shall hold counsel on the matter."
Then the Riders thanked Aldor Harding and went to sit themselves down upon a bench alone. They noticed that some glances were given to them as they sat and ate, and others spoke in murmurs amongst one another. Before long some platters and mugs were set down before the two Riders and then they conversed of matters that have passed as they ate. Slowly some folk of Harwick were finishing their meals and making their way from the Mead hall to their homes, benches were open spaces and tables were messy. Though it was not long until the two Riders had gotten up once more and sought for Harding upon his alter.
But Harding beckoned to them and lead them up some stairs to the second level of the Mead Hall, and there was a table bearing maps and tools of the likeliness meant for strategies of war. The mood of the Riders had changed significantly after they have eaten, and the Reeve preferred them so when they spoke with him. He looked upon them and asked, "What news?" Getting right to the matter at hand. The woman mentioned "Langhold," but Harding quickly interrupted, "This is old news to me, I know of what is become of Langhold, many of the folk now take refuge here, in Harwick. I know what happens upon my boarders, what of the rest is what I wish to know?""
Then she responded again:
"I see the main threat here seems to be the Easterling. Still, there are orcs too, and not just from Isengard, that are pressing form the east and to the north as well. South of here, orcs are moving, and arrogant"
And her companion added:
"They roam the Norcrofts unchallenged, where the Marshalls are, I cannot say. But they have done naught, we have heard no word of Eomer, and no tidings from the Westemnet. We are in the dark, merely waiting for a knife to cut us. If these are Saruman's hosts then there is plight nigh Isengard; orcs of the Dark lands roam the Crofts, robbing us of our horses and putting them to evil use. Orcs come pouring from the East-wall, and their numbers ever seem to grow greater - so they say. But It is against the law of our king to assail them, thus none have do so. Of the Vale nigh Entwash I cannot say, for we have yet to go there. The Easterlings march upon your boarders, building camps."
Then Harding was thoughtful and spent a moment in silence, however he would later take counsel of this matter with his own advisors - not the two Riders, thus he bid them, "Very well, you have my thanks. Spend the night here, in Harwick, I shall assure you some beds in barracks."
Harding beckoned to a servant and gave orders of the Riders' weapons to be returned to them and for the necessary preparations to be made. Then they were off and went to the barracks where they happened to spend more than one night. They met some folk of Harwick, and they had an eventful stay. The woman met the guardsman named Haedley once more and spoke a lot with him in the times that came, but I will share none of what they had spoken of. It is for a different tale. However, the man received a letter from the woman who he was courting, but he was unlearned in the ways of words and letters. He could not read it and thus sought for his companion's aid. To his advantage she could, yet she also happened to be the sister of the woman who he was courting.
The letter read:
My beloved,
a traveling merchant was selling these beautiful books and I thought of you, of your boring nights while waiting for sleep, traveling. I know my sister is not of great company, and I wanted you to be entertained during the long hours of wait.And perhaps, maybe, think of me.
"Poor company!?" exclaimed the woman immediately in annoyance, but the man looked at the book and frowned, he was unable to read it and then he looked at his companion. They did not know what to do with it, and she would not take it either. For a while they argued, but the woman said this to him, "Then you tell her that you gave her gift to me!" And then the man could not say more against it. He took the book and cast it into nearby bushes. Some soldiers standing nearby suppressed there laughter, the two said that they will claim that the book was taken by orcs and that was that!
It was not long after then before it was time for the Riders to leave Harwick and continue upon the venture.
