The Third Branch upon 'The Burl of Hárvang'
Two years after Otacher's death, Hultvís had built a new forge. The new forge burned far hotter, and allowed the woodfolk of Hultvís to work iron at a capacity and quality unlike before. A forge such as this required either stone coal or charcoal, and in large quantities. With the nearby dwarven strongholds and mines abandoned and infested with orc-kind, a steady supply of stone coal was not available.
Charcoal was the best solution. Charcoal was made by many Woodmen as a secondary task, often in small kilns or pits. Walderbrant had made charcoal before, but never in the quantities now needed by Hultvís. A dedicated charcoal burner was required. A clearing was made in the forest east of Tríubad, where Walderbrant and Adel created their first great wood heap for making charcoal.
When the first heap was buried in its earthen kiln and lit, it smoldered gently. Adel and Walderbrant took turns in watching the kiln, vigilant against it burning too quickly or extinguishing entirely. To prevent themselves from falling asleep, the fashioned a one-legged stool each that only remained upright when they were awake to keep balance. After two days, the coaling was complete, the kiln dug up, and the charcoal revealed and sorted. Adel and Walderbrant were sure to burn wood that was free of its sap, lest they stain the soil with wood tar, and ruin the bottom-most portion of the batch.
Their first batch of charcoal was welcome in the eyes of the forge-workers, and served to support the enthusiasm and unexpected demand around the new forge. Any surplus of charcoal was used to warm homes and cook meals. Adel and Walderbrant were guaranteed work.
By the coming of autumn that year, the demand for charcoal grew. Winter was always difficult for Hultvís. The burning heap grew larger, and the waist of Mirkwood was worked by a greater number of foresters. Woodmen foresters were always mindful, however, to only take what they needed and to exceed with great caution. Their livelihood depended on the continued health of Mirkwood. Their survival depended on evading the notice of whatever lurks in the shadow.
The burning heap, however, was difficult to disguise. Adel and Walderbrant had attracted the attention of the Taurogrim, the wood-trolls of Mirkwood.
The rest is yet written...
