Khalis returned to Imladris with the others of the banner of maethor which rode south to look into the security of the border after the recent troubles to the north at the bequest of Hiril Elisbeth after speaking with Council. After seeing to the others and rubbing down his horse he walked back to his small home and stripped of his leather hauberk placing it on the stand outside. His unsheathed the sword he always carried at his side and stared down at the blade. He had found it many years ago now at the bottom of a river bed and oddly it had never rusted. His gaze followed the length of the blade which for some unknown reason never reflected light of any kind. Bringing himself back to reality he placed the spartha back in its sheath and laid it by his hauberk. He then strode to his reading library and sat down taking quill and ink to pen his report.
Hiril Elisbeth,
This is the journal of the banner of maethor under my command which was tasked to look into the security of our vale from threats to the south. The initial journey to Echad Gwingris proceeded without incident, indeed it gave us time to renew our ties with the rangers in that area. The elven sentries watching over the pathway down to the Bruinen seemed ever vigilant and we were challenged several times as we rode.
I took time at Echad Gwingris to outline the task which had been given to us making use of the maps I had brought with me. After that with everyone content with their roles we proceeded to make good time towards Echad Eregion keeping off the main roadway in skirmish order to maximize our ability to review the area.
Once at Echad Eregion we took time to feed the horses and give them time to cool off. I am sure they, like ourselves feel confined when out in their barding. Again we took time to speak with the warders in the ruins and share a meal with them. We spent the night in their company to allow the Thendryt to sleep, on him I will need to speak with you mylady. The time we spent with the warders raised their spirits as we have often seen when they see the flag of Imladris and their Lord fluttering as we ride along, so our visit southward served dual purpose.
At first light after breaking breakfast we rode further south towards our objective Echad Mirobel. We knew that Urchs had begun to spread into the lands between Echad Mirobel and Eregion so their presence was expected after the reports from the activities of Bar En Vanimar were made known. So we proceeded on foot ready to engage any watchful of our approach for we did not wish our passing to be known at this time. As we drew closer to Echad Mirobel those in our company began to see several disturbing signs including the local fauna being generally more agitiated and a lack of harvestable flora. Such signs could indicate perhaps the passing of more Urch in the area.
Our arrival at Echad Mirobel was well received, it was evident right away that the sentries here were under constant pressure from those who would seek to drive them away on all compass points. I took the opportunity to exchange letters with the commander and he gave me a tactical over view of their situation. At least they are well stocked and supplied for many months. Killandra Greymare whilst spending time to bolster the morale of the wall sentries did see sails on the river, something which Mirobels commander confirmed as a recent change of events. It seems that the opposition was bringing in more supplies something which those inside Mirobel could do little about for they did not have any light siege weapons. I informed him that we would endeavour to find out what the ships were bringing in and to where. The skills of those who rode in our company would be ideal for this task. So we rested for two days before taking our leave of Echad Mirobel and its defenders leaving our steeds in their safe company.
Part two to follow.
