Reniolwaith

Chapter One - In the Company of Elves
Part Two: The Quest is Set in Motion

As the sun finally disappeared over the hills to the west, the Haven of Duillond darkened. The small group of free peoples gathered in the council chambers looked on as the two powerful elves discussed matters. Silence hung over them like a heavy blanket. Their faces lit by the pale torch light showed grim determination as they waited to hear what news the Elf Esgaldin had brought.

Nodding gravely Saeladriel thanked her friend for making the perilous journey and turning to the gathering, advised them that the worst seemed to be true. That the Black Riders were none other than the Nazgul, abroad once more and with some nefarious purpose they were scouring Breeland.

Worse still that the meant The Lord of The Nazgul must once more be rallying his forces in Angmar, and that the recent Orc attacks in the North Downs were part of some wider campaign by the Enemy. The Golden Dawn would stand against this threat but there remained the matter of what the Nazgul were doing in Bree-land, if they were still present and what ends they had achieved already.

Esgaldin, fearing that the mortals amongst them did not know the full meaning of what was being discussed went on to explain the Nazgul were known also as Ring Wraiths and where in fact the 9 servants of the dark lord Sauron who fell to the corruption of the rings of power. That their leader was the Witch-King himself and that these are being of ancient and terrible power.

At length after much discussion and raised voices, the council reached the decision that those gathered would travel to Breeland and seek answers on this matter. While Saeladriel and Esgaldin would meet up with the rest of the Golden Dawn and travel into the North to do battle with the Orc Hoards that threatened invasion. The group were first to seek the Ranger Amdir, for he was known to Saeladriel and would have knowledge of any happenings in Breeland of such a dark nature. As luck would have it Harladwine the Captain of Rohan had seen Amdir, during his travels to Ered Luin, in the village of Archet.

And so it was that this most perilous quests was set in Motion. The fellowship would travel to Archet far to the east and seek out the council of this Ranger, questioning any along the path that may have seen or heard of the Black Riders and their purpose. But they were not to attempt to tackle them directly, but instead to find those who worked with them and do what they could to protect the free people from the spreading corruption.

Esgaldin fearing that there was not strength enough for the deeds ahead sent word to his brother Gildin and the hunter Fennas to join the fellowship. For they were already tasked with watching the Road from the east for word on this matter. Being both wise and skilful Esgaldin had also crafted rings of cunning design and intricate workmanship that would help to protect them from the powers of the enemy. These he passed out to those gathered, before then departing with great speed upon his mighty steed to gather the forces of the Golden Dawn in North Downs, ready to strike back at the Orc horde.

Saeladriel remained only to prepare hardy rations of elvish biscuits that would sustain them on the long journey to Breeland and told them that if they needed to send her word that they must speak with Butterbur at the Inn of the Prancing pony. As Gildin arrived she bade them all farewell, gave them the blessings of the Eldar and was gone, riding into the North. Gildin meanwhile explained that Fennas remained at their camp to the east watching over the road but that as the hour was late they should get what rest they could and be ready to depart at first light.

The humans and the hobbit seemed ill at ease that night, and many a muttering was uttered regarding the onerous task they where set, not to mention the arduous journey that lay ahead. Some stayed up talking late into the night in hushed whispers discussing these dark matters they had found themselves thrust into. But at length all where able to find rest in the peaceful surrounds of the elf haven, beneath the twinkling stars.

And so it was that as first rays of sunlight touched the spires of Duillond they gathered together once more, with the courage that can only be found after a good nights sleep. The morning was fine and bright with nary a cloud in the sky. Spirits were lifted as the Elves of Duillond handed out fine fruits and freshly cooked meats to the group. And as they set forth a song rose about them sung by the elves of great deeds and magnificent victories and the ending of all that is dark and troubling in the world, and the dark words of the previous night seemed to be of another age entirely. The sounds of the elves song faded behind them as the followed the winding path down into the valley below.

At length they reached the Bridge that spanned the great river flowing far below, here the wind was stronger and the morning chill had not yet been banished by the rising sun. Many in the group wrapped their cloaks tight about themselves and few words where spoken as they hurried across the great span. This marked the end of the Elvish lands, beyond the bridge lay a less certain road and fewer allies. Save one, for as they left the bridge behind them and continued on the road to the east a figure could be seen standing atop a small rise just off the road, and by his side a bright campfire burned, sheltered by a large outcrop which promising a respite for the chill wind. The Figure was Fennas and warm greetings and introductions followed as the group gathered around the welcoming campfire.

Fennas explained he had met a small group of hobbits upon the road the night before and that they had brought word of Riders in black within the lands of the Shire itself. More troubling still was a rumour that one Odovacar Bolger seemed in some way involved with them. As the group discussed this rather disturbing development over a light snack (or full blown second breakfast in the case of Medriana) the wind died down and the sun finally reached high enough in the sky to warm the deep valley they where in.

And so in a short time the group felt warmed and with renewed cheer they left Fennas pleasant little camp and together continued on the long journey into the east. Fennas led the way along with Gildin and together they talked much of the road ahead and the best path to take the group along. And so on they travelled into the lands that separate Ered Luin from the Shire...

End of part 2