Hi Everyone,

So sorry for leaving it so long. My life has got... ummm... well... complicated is probably the best way to put it! Unfortunately the reality is more dramatic than most stories and I wasn't in the right place to be writing. But I suddenly needed to today and so you have another chapter. Hope you enjoy.

A


My dear friend,

Upon receiving your letter I decided to act on your advice to retrieve the scroll. It was encased in leather so I still hold hope that its contents is not lost to us forever, though I fear that it has fallen into the hands of the Enemy. This is why I pursue it now; I dare not risk its loss or the consequences that should follow. Though I believe I was close to the hiding place of the Belt, I have spent many a night ruminating upon what I can remember of the contents of the scroll and now believe that attempting to retrieve it without its sage advice would be folly. I am also more certain that I am being tracked for the very purpose of taking it from me once I had reclaimed it, by whatever foul means necessary. The Belt is calling to me even now, stronger than before, I believe that it seeks to use the longing for power that we all possess. Though it was forged of good I am wary of such an object.

Either my trackers will wait for me, for I am sure they hear the Belt's call too and begin to suspect its location, or they will follow me. I do not know which will be worse. In the meantime I do my best to cover my tracks, though I have not the skill of a Ranger when it comes to such things.

I turned back the way I had come, with the Iron Hills to my right and I began to follow the River Carnen, the very same that the scroll was lost in, downstream. Though much of the land here is deserted, save for a few mortal farmsteads, as I travel further towards Rhûn my minds cannot help but worry about the fate of the scroll. Without it the Belt cannot be regained but, it carries many words of Power and secrets known only to a few. I can only hope that the Valar are merciful and it has not been washed into the very Sea for then I fear that it is lost to us forever.

Once Redwater has meet the River Running I intend to find transport upon the river and to make my way to Dorwinion. It is long since I have visited there and the pastures are already beginning to look fuller and greener than through much of my journey so far. Those lands are by far some of the most beautiful and plentiful I have known – not for nothing is it called the Land of Wine!

But, though my travels have presented many trials, at least my surroundings are fairer. It seems you are not finding the desert suits you, nor the townships? Indeed, I am saddened to hear of the squalor of the place, and can hope that you bring the poor mortals some respite from their suffering. It must be hard to live so short a life, to face death so often. I confess I cannot understand it, but the Secondborn's mortality was a gift from Illuvatar himself, who are we to question his judgement? I hope that your plans continue to go well. Be careful what you write! We must make sure to protect the safety of your men, for they risk much by even meeting with you and must take care not to betray them through carelessness.

I wish you well in your endeavours and leave you with the hope that we will soon triumph in our mission.

Erulisse