Macthad's Adventures Entry #2 - READ MORE
- Day 7 "A New Friend"
I am sitting next to a hearth in my new friends home. Tomorrow we venture to the depths of Goblin town. Gloin was all too ready to make an assault on the dourhand's strong hold, seeing as how they betrayed his kin back in the Blue Mountains. I held counsel with him however before he made such a rash decision. I reminded him that the dwarfs were not acting alone. If he were to focus all his efforts on dealing with the dwarfs there would still be the bigger threat of goblin town to deal with. A grim look took over his face when I reminded him of that wretched hole that he had once fell victim to. I think he was trying to avoid Goblin town, but he knew it had to be dealt with. Then what I knew came forth... he asked me to plunge into the depths of a place he dared not to go(or send any of his dwarfs for that matter). I did not relish the idea of stumbling around in the filth and darkness. However I knew for the sake of the future ventures of the dwarfs and other travellers; it had to be done. Now I do have concern for other not as experienced travellers, but I think it was a much more selfish reason I took on this task. It was my yearning to have an adventure like heroes of old. After all Gloin was just reciting his tale of Goblin town last night. Gloin recruited others to assault the Dourhands, but I was sent alone to see what I could accomplish in Goblin Town. Gloin had a lot of confidence in my ability to accomplish this venture. I think it may have to do with the stories he told of Gandalf, who he had traveled with in these very mountains. Over some ale and a few pipes I showed them some tricks I had picked up in my travels. Again and again he would say with admiration, " Me old friend Gandalf use to do that one!" I am in no way in the same class of Gandalf, I am just simply a traveler with a few learned tricks. In Gloins mind I fear there was little distinction between my trick and Gandalf's abilities though. So with Gloin's confidence, some supplies, and my friend Fela I set off for Goblin Town.
The weather began to take a turn for the worst as we closed in on our destination. I remembered the story Gloin told the night before and I retraced his steps to find Goblin Town. We just went over the last pass when in the distance I could see the sharp edges of a small dwarven structure. The wind was picking up and actually started blowing straight up. It would have been unwise to not take a nights rest before going down in to the halls of filth, that is Goblin Town. Fela was snuggled under my arm in my coat trying to stay warm any way he could. We struggled against the stinging winds as approached the building. We came upon its walls and began searching for an entrance.(Dwarf buildings often have entrance from tunnels not from the outside.) We came to one side and saw a small hole big enough for a small goblin to fit in. I didn't smell fire so i was doubtful that a goblin was taking refuge inside. However one never sticks their head in a hole without knowing whats on the other side, or one could be clobbered by a large club wielded by a Hobbit.( a story for another time). Fela was all to happy to get out of the frigid wind and ice. He waddled in and I waited for a few moments then I heard a screech. In I slid feet first to see my poor Fela pinned down by a lynx. With my staff I pushed the lynx off Fela, who flew up and perched on a shelf in the corner. The lynx was about to sprint out the hole in which we came when I called to her, knowing that out there only cold and death awaited her. I told her that there was no reason we could not all benefit from this sanctuary. She was quite skittish and very unsure. She definitely did not want to go outside however. I slowly reached for my backpack and set it on the stone floor. I then pulled out a piece of goat meat from the supplies the dwarfs had sent with me. The tension in the room lessened and she agreed to stay. We settled in, but there was still some tension present between Fela and our new friend Lynxy.(Which is still Present to this day, it is however a more friendly tension). I stared up a fire in the hearth, handed a slab of goat meat to Lynxy and began to cook the other slab of goat for me and Fela.
One of the first skills you pick up while traveling is how to cook a nice meal. A nice meal can turn the most foul mood around. That reminding me of my first encounter with "The Dunedain of the North". Fela and I had set up camp right on the border of The Old Forest and The Barrow Downs. Now depending on who you ask, you will get different stories. The way I remember it, we had just set camp. Fela and I were arguing whether we should camp here or not.(He has always been overly cautious). I thought it was fine and began to start a fire. With the fire lit I threw some lamb I prepared earlier on the fire. Apparently we made more of a ruckus then I thought. Fela became very un-easy and in turn made me uneasy. Now I said Fela is a bit of a worrier, but he very rarely becomes alarmed for no reason. I stood up, took my staff in one hand and Fela perched atop it. We stood vigilantly looking into the darkness and heard a crack from behind us. Turning to the source of the sound; I threw a bit of powder on the fire, making a large green flame.
When from behind us we heard a calm voice,"Put down your stick and you tricks, I mean you no harm."
A man walked out from the bushes very calmly. He was dressed rather drab, with a grey hooded cloak, dark armour, and a halberd in hand. He looked much like the ruffians I saw on my way here. All I could muster was,"Where is the rest of you?"
"We are everywhere,but as for right here I am the only one." he said confidently.
I was beginning to feel quite uneasy with the confidence he spoke with. After all he did just come onto me in a most suspicious manner. With my staff still in hand and Fela off perched in a tree I ask," what are you doing in these part?"
"I was passing through... Same as you. You know this isn't a great place to set up camp?"
"Its well enough, and I can manage myself." I said trying to sound more confident then I was.
"Don't mistake my concern for lack of confidence in your abilities."
He talked to me as if he knew who I was, which just made me even more uneasy. "You have me at a disadvantage it seems, for you talk as if you know who I am."
"Excuse my manners, I am Bestone, Elder of the Dunedain of the North."
I had heard of such a Kin. He certainly fit the description and even wore the silver brooch shaped like a pointed star. I began to loosen up a little and to confirm his identity I asked," When Was Anor found?"
"Second age 3320 by Eleldil." he said quickly.
I was much more comfortable for I knew that some common ruffian would not know such history. I loosened the grasp on my staff and Fela swooped down from the tree. Bestone saw that I was comfortable with him coming closer. He sat down next to the fire; removing his cloak and setting
his halberd down. I asked ask how he found me, because I know the old forest in which I passed threw was a most awful maze. He answered,"I did hear some squabbling, but most of all this lamb you are roasting can be smelt from Bree. That night we shared some lamb, drinks, and some stories. Over the night we found out that our destination was the same, we were both heading to Rivendell. That meal turned what was a most peculiar night into the start of my journey with Bestone to Rivendell and how I am now a member of "The Dunedain of the North."
Now that's how I remember it, I do believe however Bestone has an alternative story, but enough about that.
That night Fela, Lynxy and I took refuge next to the fire. I began to think what was in store for in Goblin Town. Lynxy told me that she had been to the entrance of Goblin Town. She continued to tell me that she was not always alone in this dwarven building. She had cubs of her own and told me that some goblin scout had raided her den while she was out hunting. When she came back she could smell the filth of goblins but not the sweet scent of her cubs. I could tell that it was very difficult to speak of. I advised her that vengeance is never a good motive to do anything, but if she would like she could accompany us to Goblin Town. I could see the fire of determination behind her eyes as she agreed. I partly invited her, because everyone should have the right to make things right, but also I know that Fela did not like caves and being underground. Discussing it with Fela he wanted to at least see us to the entrance, but then would roost here in Lynxy's den and scout the area. With that settled we all are falling a sleep for we have a big day tomorrow. I now sit listening the gentle purring of Lynxy; It is most relaxing.
by Macthad - LM - Proud Commander of the Dunedain of the North
