((The kin members do not feel happy continuing writing the series of battles in this planned story line at the moment, due to world events. This is a short winding up of the tale so far. Others may post their summary as well. Further writing after the summaries will focus on more peaceful matters. ))
And so we have a time of peace again. A respite. I know, I think most here know, that the enemies of Bancross have not departed forever.
This attack, mostly by Easterlings, has been repelled by Captain Denholm and the Garrison, by our scouts and villagers. We lost four riders. Three more lie seriously wounded, but well attended by the village healers. Several folk have lesser injuries. We lost one man from poisoned water. Two others, and Waelden’s woman seem to be recovering from the poisoning attempt that I suspect was the actions of the traitor, Criba.
Five of the villagers are wounded, and are being tended by Ymma in the Mead Hall.
Six horses are lost.
We escaped lightly.
There was an attempt to set fire to Waelden’s house, which seems to have been averted by Hildfrith and her daughter, aided by one of Waelden’s goats. The large one from the fells I believe. As a result Criba now lies dead.
Thankfully the girl from the ‘Roaring Dragon’, Bronna, had the mithril bowl with her. It was brought by Sergeant Thilwend straight to me, and I lost no time activating it’s protection. I shall investigate Bronaa’s tale in the finding of the bowl, gifted to a distant ancestor of mine, much later.
So it was a thick elf-born fog descended inside our gates, that those who made it into the village stumbled and took many a wrong turn, while the guards and other defenders walked true to memory of their home.
To the north, several Easterlings had broached the barricades, and were heading for my house, about which they were not well informed. As expected, the ward, the Pukel Man, was effective, causing them to view their deepest fears, and flee.
There was also some fighting down by the village market, that I suspected they sought to set flame to our food supplies, and also the stables further south.
But I also had the Sword of Seeing. The defenders would find their way to those they needed to slay, aye, even those of lesser skill.
I did not order Denholm to stand down until I was as certain as possible there would be no further waves of attack.
We knew there were Dunlendings nearby. A trusted scout reported quite a few had gathered to the north east. They did not attack, rather seemed to disappear in the weatherfront, like rain soaking into the ground.
They are still near. I know that much. I will send another scout soon, but I do not think they will throw themselves into a battle they are not sure they will win. Not yet.
As expected, no patrol passed us close by. Certain ‘Thanes’ in Edoras made sure no help would be forthcoming. Thank Bema we managed alone. Well, not quite alone.
I have learned much these past months. I have learned my village is stronger than it looks. The folk work well together. They are led well in my absence. I am proud of my people.
So tomorrow we will mourn our dead, see again to the injured and do the best we can to resume a normal life.
I shall not return to Edoras. I am a wanted man anyway, so I am safer here. But more importantly Bancross is safe.
Ealdbriht remains also, and will lend his services to Captain Denholm.
So I have three of the artifacts, and strong suspicion of where the fourth lies. Some time in the near future I shall attempt to regain it, likely with Denholm’s assistance. Maybe that man Eadrinn will also want to come along? There will come a time when Bancross, indeed all of Rohan will need all the aid it can get. I will help as best I can.
Now my mind wanders to years past, to spring festivals and midsummers and autumnal deer hunts of my youth. May it be we will have a few years to enjoy life again. To make good memories?
And we shall be ready when the darkness returns.
Averel, Thane of Bancross.
