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Minastir and Ereinion had been in the south of Middle Earth for two years. The humans there had not been hostile to the Numenoreans, but they were very different from the Middle Med of Eriador. They did not look upon the seapoeple in the same matter. They did not long after the lembas bread; neither did they want to learn the language or customs of the Numenoreans.

Ereinion had hoped to find his exiled relatives, but nothing had come out of his search and the Numenoreans were running low on supplies. Minastir had stayed at the coastline and learned what he could about the southern people. It was clear to him that the south of Middle Earth had never been visited by the Valar. Here many creatures and unknown dangers would encounter the Numenoreans should they ever dare to go there.

Ereinion gave order for the three ships to leave the bay. He wanted to return to Vinyalonde as soon as possible.

He ordered; "We will cross the bay and sail for Ras Morthil. The weather is favorable and we will be able to keep contact throughout the journey. Should we lose sight of each other, then we will meet in Vinyalonde.

Minastir said; "I advise against this. The blessed people will not protect us here and the weather can change before we reach Ras Morthil."

However, Ereinion was tired of the travelling and reminded Minastir who was in command; "You will follow your captain's order, or I will find someone who will!"

Thus, the three ships left Umbar and set sail directly north, but as Minastir feared, the weather deteriorated. After two weeks at sea, a storm hit the ships. The Numenoreans had little experience in sailing under such conditions. Two ships capsized trying to fight the waves, but the ship of Minastir survived as he reefed the sail, and let the ship drift in the waves. The next day the storm had subsided and the waters were calm. Minastir realized his ship was alone, and that Ereinion was lost. The next day the spotted Ras Morthil. Several of the men on board asked Minastir, if he thought the other ships had made passed the cape, but the captain had little hope to offer them.

Minastir was surprised when he learned that no one of the sailors on his ship had been to Vinyalonde more than when they followed Ereinion and his ship. All the experienced sailors had been on the other ships.

Minastir thought he had found Vinyalonde, but as he approached the shore, he realized he was further south and this was at the mouth of the White River. Minastir was about to order the men to head ashore when the ship was attacked by the kraken. The kraken took the strongest of his men, but Minastir manage to save the ship and return to the sea.

Exhausted and low on food and water the ships turn north. Minastir tells the sailors they should head for Lindon, but realizes that he will not be able to reach it before his supplied are empty. With their last strength the Numenoreans set the ship a ground on the shores at a dark forest where the branches of the trees of the coasts reaches far out beyond the ship.

The Numenoreans could have been lost there, if it was not for Cirdan of Lindon travelling the shores in silence. He ship noticed the Numenoreans and came to their aid with food and water.

What is this place asked Minastir when he regained his strength.

Cirdan answered; "it is called Eryn Vorn, the dark forest. Here no humans lives, and the forest itself has little life as light seldom comes to its ground."

Cirdan and Minastir sailed to Lindon, and Minastir told his story.

Gil-Galad said; "Be careful of the south, we know little of these lands and their people. Perhaps the lack of protection for your ships is a signal that you should not go there."

To his surprise Minastir answered; "The Numenoreans can go everywhere other men goes. We shall return in bigger numbers and create safe havens everywhere. The Numenoreans have already settled in Middle Earth and their numbers will increase to the benefit of all."