Elves

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.

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

I was a fresh recruit in the ranks of Bar-en-Vanimar when disaster struck the House, and two of its soldiers were slain in lands south.

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.

It follows that physical training and conditioning of those recruited for military service must be the foremost concern of any realm at war. A course in field training must aim to attain the development of a recruit’s physical attributes to their fullest extent possible, not only so that he can fight well, but to instill confidence, so that he will be trusted to carry out his duties under any and all circumstances.

My days and nights are so busy, that I have scarcely a moment to think and there is even less time for writing in my journal. Culufinnel keeps a close eye on me and none of the Golden Host can leave the fortress without permission. The guards watch the gate carefully and know me by sight now, for I am the ludicrous person wearing the thick leather armour who can barely move or lift his arms, and I stagger around the camp as if dragging a plough behind me.

Parnard opened his eyes and stretched his limbs, feeling all weariness gone. He was glad to see the sun had gone down since he rested.

I was selected by Captain Lomdognir to send word to Thangúlhad Fortress via letter. He said that I am perfect for this errand, and told me not to loiter, but to ride straightaway. One of his men remarked that this should not be a problem, as there are no roadside taverns from Ost Galadh to Thangúlhad, which made the Captain laugh. He is in surprisingly good spirits and seems to have forgotten about his irritation with me last night.

A worn and battered manual with a cracked spine in Culufinnel’s pack, entitled, Advice to a New Recruit, opens easily to a dog-eared page: