We departed from Forlaw with our supplies checked and our weapons sharpened, this would be the last time that we would step into a town and have the chance to do so, at least for a while. The road was covered with snow, the sun being reflected upon it had made my eyes hurt for a while. I suppose that I had just gotten used to it, but after not seeing it for a while, it made me blink. While we were on the road, I was thinking about some rumors that I overheard some men say in the tavern, that the trees in Balewood are one of the most ancient trees in all of Middle Earth. I could not believe it, but I suppose we will have to see. The fact that I could carve something out of the most ancient woods would be spectacular, perhaps a figurine of a deer, or a walking stick. Father and mother would be so proud, a gift, it would be, for letting us go on this trip. More-so, letting me go on this adventure. The rumors also say that some of those trees can move, act on a free will like ours, and are angry. Angry that they have been killed and chopped and burned over the past years. I doubt it though, trees coming alive and grasping strong men with their branches? Something out of legends, I would say. Like those moving trees in Fangorn. Well, they also say that Fangorn is surrounded by mist and shadows, always twisting, always rustling. They say the trees make it that way, but I doubt it.
Another rumor I heard is that those ancient trees in Balewood, are the very same in Fangorn, I can't believe it! It is just simply not possible, I mean, trees just going up and moving. Roots and all. "You best not believe those foolish rumors and legends, Sig, they are nothing but trouble coming from drunk men in a tavern. That goes for the both of you, I shan't have both of my sons convinced by false rumors that trees can walk and talk! Now, dispel these thoughts, and think about what we are going to do when we arrive at Balewood. We won't be going to see towns or merchant caravans for a while, and by a while, I mean a good month," He said this so quickly after I had asked if these rumors are true, that it almost shocked me. He was not a man of patience, nor haste, but between. And when he had spoke with disappointment and haste in his words, it had surprised me, but not the point that he stopped me from thinking about those rumors.
It was a good hour or so after my thoughts were dispelled, for good. Wargs had ambushed us out of the tree gate of Balewood. Luckily, my spear and shield were already out, so I went closer to father, he knew how to get us out of this, and so did Sigehelm. They had been training longer than I, and weren't afraid of killing. So, I followed their lead, particularly father's. Spear in hand and shield in the other, we charged against them. I didn't know what to do at first, but I had recalled a tactic which father had taught. If a warg or wolf attempted to pounce on you, plunge your spear into its chest before it can get to you. Of course, you had to have good reflexes and aim. There was no time to think further about it, action had called and I needed to respond with a quick response. So, I got ready to plunge the spear into the beast's chest. I hoped that I was able to kill it, and my hopes were not misplaced. With a swoosh in the air, and a yelp from the beast, it fell to the ground. Father and Sigehelm had dealt with their opponents as well. I walked over to the beast, and twisted the spear deeper into its chest. The beast's eyes were filled with clouds of anger. But I dismissed it, and with a final yelp from the beast, it was dead. To my shock, my brother had came over and put one hand on my shoulder, smiling approvingly at what I had done.
"Good job lad, I knew you had it in you, perhaps one day you will be a fine warrior like myself, but until then, don't get your dreams up," He smirked, going back to retrieve his spear.
"Aye, indeed. You have swift reflexes and aim, you remind me of myself when I was younger," Father was going to say something, but let his sentence trail off. He had stroked his chin, pacing back and forth for a moments before clasping his hands and telling us of his plan. "We'll make a camp here, skin those wargs, and cook the meat up for dinner. Sigebyrht, you'll make the camp, Sigehelm, you and I will skin the wargs. Night is some hours away, so we best be swift."
I went along with father's plan, unpacking the supplies in order to make the campsite. I had set up my tent first, then father's, and lastly Sigehelm's. I set down the bedrolls and double-checked that I secured the tents one last time, then had went off in the direction of south. There was stream nearby, and I had planned to wash my face and gather some stones and wood for the fire. The trees had swayed in the fading sunlight, the stream flowed nosily throughout the forest. I felt a sense that someone was watching me, which only quickened my pace. I gathered the stones and wood, cleaned my face, and returned to our campsite. I was glad to see that the fire's light was sending the shadows back, at least a few feet. I tended the fire until father and Sigehelm had came back with the pelts and meat. They soon had started to roast it, and within time, we had a good dinner. Night had fallen, and we were sent into our tents while father had took the first watch of the night. It would soon be me, then Sigehelm, and repeat until the day.
