Found:
The source of all evil.
It's been a goodly while since I last had cause, or chance, to write. It's been a long journey to get this far but now, standing where I am, I wish it had lasted for far longer.
I left Huntin back in Llanuch, spent the night and thought to be on my way come morning. It didn't quite go to plan though. Whilst there, I ran into a man who was so very clearly out of place and likely to get his head staved in if he didn't do something about his attire. Bloody Eorlings always think they own everywhere and everything. Beyond telling him that he was a fool for making no attempt to hide who and what he was, in the midst of an enemy village no less, I'd had no intention to bother myself further. However, his beady little eyes fell upon my shiny new ring. Questions were asked and vaguely answered and, as it turns out, dear departed Yarassi was some manner of Eorling lordling. Great. On the bright side, it's unlikely that what little is left of his family will be all too interested in having his ring returned since they have similar ones of their own, so I get to keep this little momento. Also on the plus side is that the man I met - I'm sure he had a name - is going to return and tell them the story I gave. The truth, of course. Well, most of it. Enough anyway. With luck, I'll not have to dodge too many angry riders on my way through their lands.
I left whatsisface behind in Llanuch as well, figuring it'll be a lot easier for me to get through this place without a walking, talking banner for the Horselords by my side. I was right. My healing wrist was an issue for a little while of course. I couldn't light a fire or defend myself properly until the splint came off, which made for a good few weeks of cold nights, travel rations for every meal and a lot of stealthy dodging of people and wildlife. Fun times! No, I really did have a lot of fun. Sure, I could have murdered a decent meal and a soft bed, but the outwitting and sneaking parts were highly entertaining.
I largely traveled south through a place known locally as the Lich Bluffs. Wights! So many wights! Still dumb as a rock if you're careful not to attract attention, so they weren't too much of an issue. Wights tend to mean barrows however, and barrows mean treasure. It was tempting to go digging but I showed admirable restraint in just moving on, I think!
Dunland itself was rather quiet. It seems there's some sort of civil unrest going on here. I didn't avail myself of the details, preferring to keep a low profile lest I be mistaken for a Rohirrim and dropped down a well or something. Maybe tied up and left to be mauled by those little sharp-toothed hobbit people. Whatever Creator came up with those creepy little bastards certainly has a warped mind!
I managed to skirt the largest settlement here, Galtrev I believe it's called, as well as a much smaller one situated in an area called Carreglyn. Now, here I sit in the Gap, marveling at the beauty of the area just as much as I dread my next steps. I've been here for two days already just trying to work up the will and the courage to continue.
I can't stay here forever, though. Rohan lies between me and my goal. Come high water or horse lords, I'm getting to my intended destination and either taking the haul of a lifetime or having an end put to mine!
Tomorrow, though.
