The sun was already up when we were packing our belongings, to venture further south. This day we walked such a long way, I still can not believe it. Yet it was not an easy path. These unknown lands hold many dangers, I believe we will not find any friendly face this far south. The constant threat of danger is making me paranoid, every man or creature we meet I deem as a foe unless he proves otherwise.
As we walked south a strong wind was blowing in our direction. I could only hear the wind blowing hard in my ears, unable to hear the company nor sounds in the surroundings. We moved from rock to tree constantly looking around us. The landscape consisted of small hills with scattered rocks and trees. On the horizon we could see a village of huts and tents, is this the first Dunlendings we encounter? It is a sign we are on the right track, and more secrecy required from us. We traveled around the camp under cover of trees.
As we ventured forth we encountered a dark forest. The air was thick and there was no sound at all, no bird, no wind, only the footsteps of our company. I saw my brother having the same thoughts, we should not enter this dark place. Yet it was Wulfreda that looked confident to throw herself into the forest, so we followed her. None dared to disturb the silence that ruled the forest. There were lights flowing in random directions as we walked deeper into the forest. I am sure elves should be near, always when unnatural things happen, elves have something to do with it. I felt lost, and my feet hurt of the long walk, yet I dared not to rest in this awful place. Wulfreda walked into a stone circle deep in the forest, such foolish action. The lights stirred and circled around my head. I felt panick rising, as whispers were reaching my ear. The lights whispered my name! What happened next is hard to describe and I do not like to think of it anymore. Fear, not a simple fear, a form of terror and dread that could make any man faint was emitted by the lights. I ran for it..
I am not sure how, but we made it out of there, after a night long walking. We walked for about 20 hours by now. Like walking over a bed of nails. Yet Wulfreda proved to be a useful guide, without her I would have been consumed by that strange place. After the forest it started to rain so hard, we were all soaked in minutes. Even worse we ran into more villages of the wild men. We could not find any place to camp nor rest. Everyone was tired, reckless and exhausted. We ran around like a bunch of wild men ourselves. Leofmund and Wulfreda were arguing about something. My mood was lost in that forest, I believe I was not good company by now. After a while we found a overhanging rock that gave us some shelter, we had to stop as none of us could go any further.
Leofmund went out scouting. When he returned he was not alone. He found the Noble Tidhelm who was captured by the local wild men. I still can not believe this, what is this man doing out here alone? I know Tidhelm as a man that enjoys his luxury, judging everyone around without looking at himself. He got separated from the others he said, it seems the company of Irwfrith is falling apart already. Not that it would suprise me thinking of the meeting we had before we started this journey. The motives of Tidhelm confuse me, I do not believe he followed us because he concerns about our safety. Is he desperate to return home? Did he came all this way to say I am a fool for leaving alone? I will have to keep an eye on him as he tags along with us, for I do not fully trust his intentions. Yet we have to stay on his good side, for we may have need of him in Rohan. I we ever make it there....
