We had finally reached our destination...
Echad Dagoras was an excellent vantage point, with a view that covered most of the plains of Enedwaith. Once a vibrant land populated by those who lived through the foundations of Arnor, now an empty husk due to the servants of Angmar. Few live within the lands this age. The Hillmen who marched from Dunland, claiming it as their own. What did it matter? Why where we sent this far south, when Annuminas could have continued to use our aide? A foul shadow had been cast, over the region of Fordirith.
Those stationed at Echad Dagoras explained, that a dark presence lingered with what is now known as the Black Dens. A woman of Lhanuch, had came to Echad Dagoras seeking the aide of the Rangers in helping to find a missing boy. The Hillmen had sent their own party to find the boy, but had yet returned. Two Dúnedain would then go forth, yet only one would barely return, with word of a terrible creature laying in wait. From shock, the man could not describe in detail what layed within the Black Dens which is where my company came in.
Calenglad saw this as a mystery and with few men at this time, stationed within the lands of Enedwaith would send us onward from Tinnudir. Myself and Lirita, amongst others took the call and set forth. On our arrival, the woman from Lhanuch was still within the camp at Echad Dagoras. She explained it had been several months and she had made peace that her son and kinsmen had left this world. But she would seek vengeance for what had become of them. After speaking with Lirita about the death of my parents, vengeance had been a recurring motion on my own mind. Though I may never find my own, I could help in finding such for another unfortunate.
Nightfall approached and I prepared Illith for the ride over the plains. As I did, I would watch Lirita by the campfire. She continued to write her journals, chronicling our adventures as she had done since leaving Imladris. This would bring a smile to my face, before I felt that of someone approach from behind. Kervan had already saddled his horse, claiming he would ride for the Black Dens. The man was a fool to think he would be trusted with such a task alone, so for arguments sake I agreed we would both venture forth. I had a bad feeling about this...
We reached the entrance of the Black Dens. A howl could be heard within the distance, though it did not seem that of a common wolf. We were about to enter the heart of darkness, as I drew my sword and entered first. It was difficult to see, though Kervan discovered an unlit torch on the cave wall. Using a flint to cause a spark, the torch lit but bizarrely the flame was not that of gold, yet violet to the eye of the beholder. If things where not eerie enough. We continued deeper into the Black Dens, following that of the howling sound. I could tell we drew nearer, as with every footstep came a crunching sound...
Bones and the remains of those who ventured before lay scattered. Kervan began to distance himself a little, holding back as I pressed forward. One final corner and then I saw it. This was no ordinary wolf. It was three times the size of any wolf I had crossed paths with its eyes where blood red and it had an aura of darkness surround it. The beast howled once more, baring its teeth once it noticed my presence. It pounced upon me as my sword flew from my hand. Luckily, Kervan kicked it in the gut and drew its attention. It snapped at him and gave chase. I tossed a throwing dagger at it, which lured the beast back. As it lunged, I narrowly dodged which forced it to collide into the cave wall near where my sword landed. I attempted to pull it from the ground, but the beast snapped its jaws and secured my arm. It must have been instinct, as with my other arm I reached and took clasped my hands together. With great difficulty, I struggled with the beast. Knowing where it was, I forced the beast’s neck against the blade of my sword, grating its neck upwards and down. It was over and the beast lay dead... So we thought.
As I bandaged my arm for the time being, a faint whimper could be heard in the corner. Brushing back the leaves that lay there, we discovered five young wolf pups. Was the beast that now lays dead their mother? Was she under some form of dark magic? These pups seemed to appear normal wolves. Kervan drew his blade once more, but I would stop him. We had done what was asked and granted the vengeance for the Hillmen and the boy, the woman had asked for. The dark aura still infested the Black Dens, yet these pups where unharmed by whatever caused this. My patience began to grow thin and voices began to rise. It was time I called Kervan out. I said he must return to Tinnudir immideatly, as his lingering presence has hovered over that of Lirita and I for far to long. Which is where I made my mistake.
I turned my back a moment to check on that of the wolf pups when I felt it. With the hilt of his sword, Kervan struck the back of my head. I was dazed and disorientated, only hearing the whimpering of the wolf pups as Kervan killed them all. He would then approach me, pointing his sword at me. He laughed and shook his head, before one swift kick to my own. Laying there, slipping in and out of conciseness, I watched Kervan walk off. The darkness grew darker and the flame light dwindled. All had faded to black and I lay stranded in a cave once more, though this time I would be stranded alone.
