Harrowing Vision II
The elderly man showed us around the fort. Various people and tents were dotted around the walls. Some inspecting ruined trinkets, others sharpening their blade or practicing their aim. It was hard not to notice that several of the inhabitants were tending to wounds.
Frederic, the elderly man, spoke of the various troubles his people face. Orcs and strange men, wargs and worse. We explained our reason for coming to Ost Guruth. Before long, he escorted us to the Lore-Tower - the residence of a wise lore master.
We entered the tower, a damaged yet still impressive structure. Once inside, the sound of animals unexpectedly greeted us. Birds, foxes and even frogs were everywhere. Surrounding the walls were rows of old books and tomes. Kirseth looked amazed by the sight of so much history.
We introduced ourselves to the man; Radagast, he called himself. Old was he, in appearance, with a long grey beard...yet behind his elderly features was a wise and friendly face, but hiding a hint of sorrow. We told him of my dream and, to my surprise, he nodded with what seemed to be genuine understanding. He told us of the dark history of the swampland to the East. Of the battles long ago between the Kingdoms of Rhudar and Arthedain, which stained the land in blood. He told us of a corrupt maiden of the waters who had long slept...until somebody awoke her once more. She now spreads her corruption across the lands, twisting the trees and enraging the wildlife.
I was shocked, listening to this. I would hardly believe what was being said if it weren't for the eyes of Radagast. I barely knew him, yet there was something about him that made me trust him. I have had many encounters with orcs and men, but this was a far different beast. He told of a twisted creature, a gaunt man of Angmar, who had come to awaken the Maiden. I knew of Angmar, as most do, but I had thought it long lost and abandoned...it seems a dark shadow is over Eriador.
"Do not worry", he said, as if he knew my thoughts, "You are here by more than mere chance. You were clearly meant to be here at this moment in time."
He began to explain that they have not been idle against this threat - that he had been gathering a small army to assault the swamplands and attack the fortress where both the gaunt-man, Ivar, and the River Maiden, Naruhel, reside. He asked us to prepare if we wish to join, for they march in just a few days. We thought long and hard about it, and decided that this is our duty to the peoples of Middle Earth.
Before we were set to leave for the encampment further North, I asked Radagast about the strange men West of Ost Guruth; the men who have allied with wargs and orcs. I asked if they, too were from Angmar. He took a long, deep sigh before answering. He said he had heard of these strange men, yet has no knowledge of their origin...except that they do not seem to hail from Angmar. He seemed troubled by these men. I mentioned the name "Sharkey" - as we had heard from one of those who ambushed us - but alas, he shook his head and explained that he has heard the name, but not of whom it refers.
We bid our farewell, and made for the encampment, armed with more answers...but also more questions.
