*Hilfar sat down in the Othrikar office after he returned from the elven settlement Lin Giliath. He had a big tankard of ale beside him. He leaned back on his chair for a while recalling all the happenings of the last month. After taking a big gulp of ale he grabbed his Trade masters record and started writing.*
Skaril's Bertayal
What had begun as a healthy rivalry between trading companies has turned into a war. A war for the great amount of gold that lies deep under our tunnels. Yes, Ebenizer Goldthumb has locked us in our own mines, efforts to stop our operation here. Even worse, he threatened the workforce of the DFTC. For a week we were shut down in our mine, and it went from bad to worse. There were suspicions about a spy of GMC among our own workforce. I have evaded this rumor, but the gossip did not stop. I decided to simply ask around if someone was working for Goldthumb, with Mahal as my witness. A simple but effective approach it was, nobody less than our trusted scout Skaril could not answer this question. It almost resulted in violence until he finally admitted it. He claimed that Goldthumb threatened to hurt his nephew and his family if he did not spy for him. So Skaril passed on our plans to dig for the gold father-lode, currently claimed by the GMC. And to capture the GMC miner, Jormund, that was stealing from our mines. Due to Skarils betrayal we were locked in our own mines to starve. A strike of an enemy may hurt, but a strike of a friend cuts far deeper. Skaril faced the fury of the entire group, only the maiden pitied him. I had to make a decision, I broke Skarils contract and decided to let him go. My father and Tholdurin wanted to drag him before court, but I decided otherwise. He was my responsibility in the end, and Skaril seemed torn and heartbroken by his own betrayal, I wished no further punishment done upon him. The miners dug a way out of our own mines, and we breathe the free air again, Skaril ran off before any of us could do anything about it.
Ullfar’s decision
Ebenizer must be grinning if he knew his schemes were taken effect. Not only have we lost our scout, also my father could no longer bear to stay in Othrikar. I can guess his reasons, he claimed he was getting too old for this. But I know better, the betrayal and the ill will among his own kin is something he simply cannot take, and I cant blame him, such are the ways of the race of men not dwarrows! We are not beaten yet, Tholdurin and Fryjpora remain, or at least I do hope so. So much depend on them now. Another resource caravan is prepared, and as a final service to Othrikar Ullfar will see this caravan safe to Thorin’s Halls.
Skaril’s fate
Augir Hammerfist arrived at Othrikar after receiving my letter about his uncle. A strong looking dwarf with a similar nose as Skaril. He held another letter which he received from Skaril, therein was stated that Skaril sought redemption in death. He was planning to attack the orcs at Nan Wathren, and by his death finding Mahal’s mercy. My father and Tholdurin thought it was a proper death for a traitor, but I saw no glory in throwing his life away needlessly. I offered Augir my aid to search for his uncle or whatever was left of him. Augir wished to first seek aid by the elves of Nan Giliath, south of Othrikar. I had not visited that place before, a secluded and harmonious place located between large trees at the edge of a marsh. No warm welcome given, nor did I expect it, yet a tall slender elf lass approached us. It turned out, she had shot Skaril in the leg close to Nan Wathren before Skaril could perform his suicidal act, so the elf brought him there in Nin Giliath for recovery. Skaril showed himself before me, limping. He sought forgiveness, but it was not mine to give to him. Nor did I have any advice that would help him. Yet I showed him no bitterness nor resent. His search for redemption is a road he must take by himself. Skaril's life was spared, is this due to the strange ways of elf-kind? Or was it Mahal, giving Skaril a second chance? Yes, I believe Mahal has already shown his mercy, he only needs to find a way to forgive himself. Augir begged his uncle to come with him, but he declined. In the end, I believe Augir and I share the same dedication. Whatever ill fate befalls a family member, it matters not. There is no stronger bond, than a family bond.
*signed* Hilfar
