Mirkwood

I had spent several weeks as the Lieutenant’s soldier-page, and was almost driven mad from boredom, when late one night, as I lay disconsolate on my cot, I heard the horns a-blowing. The Lieutenant leapt up, seized his bow, and telling me to come with him, ran outside the tent. The Enemy was attacking at last!

Several weeks later, I was interrupted in my duties for the Lieutenant Handelen and notified that Rodelleth wished to speak with me. I knew not to dally or put the guard off, so I set out immediately for the commander’s large tent. There Rodelleth did tell me that she had written notice to the Captain of the King’s Guard informing them of Culufinnel leaving her ranks and the circumstances of his departure.

I have been taken to a dark cell in the uppermost parts of the central keep of Nothgar. It is very tedious to hear voices speaking far below and be unable to converse with anyone. I suspect that I am the only person shut in here, but it is impossible to know as the guards refuse to talk. My bedding consists of two blankets and a straw mattress, and the ventilation is exceedingly defective, and the air damp.

"Oof!"

I have not written in my journal for some time, for it happened that a force of Malledhrim encircled my camp and sprung out from all sides, and they bound my wrists and feet together, and seizing me, set me on the back of Morlanthir. And in this most ignominious position I was taken back to Thangúlhad and brought before Commander Rodelleth in a wretched condition, with leaves and sticks knotted in my hair, and wearing my old filthy shirt.

Making their way along the gloomy paths of Mirkwood, the company pressed onwards toward their goal for the day.

The Lady Danel thanked me for my help before she departed to speak with the Lords Bele

I dearly miss Swan-Hoof, and I racked my brains to find a way to smuggle her out of Thangúlhad Fortress, but came to the bitter conclusion that it is sheer folly to return there.

Parnard wearily headed straight to the barracks without stopping at the mess-hall to eat. Although he was hungry, for not a morsel of food had gone in his stomach all day, he was too tired to eat. Lately he was always tired, irritable, and anxious. A rest day had been denied to him again.