Journal, 234th Entry: Othrikar

Dear Mother and Father, We are staying in Othrikar, which is a dwarven city in the hills of western Nan Amlug. It took us nearly a month to get here. I know I have mentioned this in previous entries, but we have come looking for gold. Well I have anyway. So I have been out every day since we arrived, searching the hills. Rua seems very happy to be among fellow dwarves once again. I'm sure he will join me once I actually find a vein we can work. But until then I am quite happy to go looking by myself while he drinks ale and exchanges stories with the locals. I have been told that there are lynxes and bears and even renegade dwarves in the hills, so I must always be on the lookout. Not that I am afraid, my daggers should keep me safe and failing that I know how to blend into the foreground and escape that way. I have also taken to wearing leather clothing which should stop any glancing blows. So you can see that I am well prepared against any attacks that might befall me. Yesterday I saw what looks like a promising vein to the north but when I got closer, I found a renegade dwarf encampment. I scouted it out, assessing the number of foes and reported back to Othrikar. The dwarves there were not surprised when I told them. Apparently the renegades occasionally even raid Othrikar for food and supplies. Rua considers it a blemish on dwarven honour to let them exist another day so is busy rallying the Othrikans for an attack. He will not drink another drop of ale until the renegades have been rooted out. So today we spent convincing the locals to join us and getting ourselves prepared. So far we have four locals willing to help and I think that should be enough with Rua and me besides. A larger party might lose the element of surprise, which I think will be key in attacking the encampment. I am rather frightened at the thought of killing a dwarf, enemy or not, they are formidable opponents, but tomorrow we will attack. Wish us luck in this expedition! Your loving Zara