In the lands near the Hobbits of the Shire, lay a land once loyal to Sauron during the Second Age. With the help of the Witch King of Angmar, men of the land were corrupted into dark, skeletal creatures. The lands were among the poorest in the region. It was a pariah in the region. Feared by most. The elves were able to take the South and keep the Barrow Wights up in the northern region. The tense relations between the Barrow Wights and the elves remained strong. However, the rise of Lartuen and many unofficial secret meeting, had led to the two leaderships at agree to not attack.

In a small mound, lays a Barrow Wight known as Basikov. Like most Barrow Wights, Basikov lived in a mound with his treasure. Due to limited exports, adaptability was key. The only one to not live in a mound was Lartuen, who lived in North Barrow Downs Palace which was for the leadership of the country.

Basikov left his mound, and started to walk towards the dark marshy forest area away from most mounds. He was on his way to meet his friends. The forested land did not belong to North Barrow Downs, but was on the borders of the North, desolate and abandoned due to the fear of wandering into North Barrow Downs.

"Welcome Basikov" said Lareneg. "I have important news to tell."

Lareneg showed a nasty cut on his arm. "I said how Lartuen handled some of his policies poorly, and they cut my arm with glass."

For even the free peoples, freedom was not the priority, the priority was to control Sauron's expanding influence even if it had meant supporting authoritarian strongmen.

Lareneg said "I have heard that some who have spoken out many times, were locked up in solitary confinement and deprived of their sleep."

Basikov said "I can agree, I heard about the one instant where a Pro-Sauron General had his ribcage scorched due to his opposition."

Lareneg told Basikov "It is best we keep quiet about our distaste for Lartuen or we will be in danger. I don't want you to get in trouble and be punished like that, but you're smart so I am not worried about you doing anything like that. I got you something."

Lareneg handed over a book that he stole, which was about the history of elven kingdoms.

Basikov said "Thank you. The elves really anger me. They claim perfection and righteousness yet they refused to help the dwarves at the time of an attack by a dragon. They are the ones almost certainly supporting Lartuen and they want to keep North Barrow Downs poor. They occupy our rightful land yet their kingdoms are everywhere yet we are only here."

Basikov calmed a little and said "Sorry, I rarely get angry, but I don't find it unreasonable to be mad at those responsible for our suffering."

Lareneg said "I agree and we best keep silent about our conversation for we could end up tortured."

Basikov said "I know, but I know that I am of no concern. I study history and cultures and am no way a true fighter. Brute strength is the key for success and I have been told many times that I amount to nothing."