Day 200 at Duin Dae
I am iron, I am stone. I cannot be moved. I cannot be outlasted. I cannot be overcome.
The training has increased, so much so that in the past days and weeks I have had no energy to do anything but sleep and eat. But I notice the effects, and my muscles no longer scream when I lift my spear, my arm no longer complains when my shield rests upon it for many hours.
Last week was my Unit's first Patrol, Captain Sornic leading us out into the lands around the fort to find and weaken a band of goblins that has been harassing caravans at the Undeeps. It was the first action we had seen against enemies since our arrival at Duin Dae. We travelled into the Wold, where the goblins sprung at us from shallow holes dug into the bleak landscape.
The beasts outnumbered us three to one, almost 40 strong. I anchored the line beside our Captain, two dwarves to my left and an elf to the right of Aren, whilest the other half-dozen or so formed up behind us, bladesmen at the flanks and bowmen in the middle. We bore the assault stoically, our shields turning the crude blades of the goblins with ease, as sword and spear and bow and axe claimed their lives without mercy. It was a massacre. Only one of our party was injured, a dwarf by the name of Tinur, who hails from Erebor. He is one of the dwarves who built Duin Dae, though his hammer is as good at claiming lives as it is laying foundations. He took a goblin arrow to his shoulder, but was not seriously injured and has already begun to recover.
When we returned to the fort, we were praised by Commander Magnos for our actions, having slain at least a score and a half of goblins. We were given a week's leave, and double rations at lunch. We are still in training however, not yet given the privileges afforded the Watchers. I will be glad when we are permitted to drink again, and allowed a less strenuous schedule, despite the benefits.
