A little help and some Whine

September , 1640

Morkar’s purple face says all the heroes need to know as the Captain storms up to them, “By some grace of the bloody gods you two have been granted leave yet again to chase after your brother, this time without bounds. All I can say, is find him or your end quickly so I can know how to make up the duty roster.....fools errand I say!”

Brac and Galador decide that they should visit Brac’s friend Myrick. An elderly man of some skill in magic that might know more about Eldanar Castle and be able to help them in other ways. Loading up some supplies, Brac figures wine and parchment will be welcomed by Myrick who hasn’t seen the Knight in many years.

Travelling East for half a day sees the roads sparsely travelled for to head further this direction would be foolhardy as the Angmarian border with Orc raiding parties and untold other creatures are known to guard and make forays even as far as Myricks run-down castle on the borderlands.

Myrick greets them at the door as if expecting them reaching into the saddlebags without prompting for the red Shire wines stowed carefully therin. “Come, Brac and yon woodsman friend and let us share a cup or two before you ply my aid”.

Myrick tells Brac and Galador that the help they need will be more than just maps and directions for even the steeds of the elves Nimros and Rochallor may not be enough to get the two into Eldanar castle quickly or quietly enough. As Myrick stares into the fire he breaks out his pipe tapping it smartly on the side of the hearth. “What you seek, I cannot provide my friends but I can help in some small ways none the less....a ruin in the forest east of here may provide us both with some needed help. In those ancient Edain ruins you may find a fungi of the deepest purple. Find it I say and you may find you have found yourself some help....or some trouble as well.....ware thee well for the watchtowers to the east can see through to the forest and Orc patrols are known to be found near those cursed woods.” Reach above the fireplace, the old man brings down a dusty scabbard with a sword still hidden inside, “This may help you, it is Numenorian and has slayed many an Orc in its day...or so I am told. Castle Eldanar was at one time a gift from Elindil you realise...it is a stronghold now for the Angmarian servants much to the chagrin and humility of the Eldanar family who lives in shame in Fornost....yes they may help you was well...seek them out and...yes....bring me the mushrooms...and stay off the roads”. While cryptic Brac and Galador have many questions for Myrick who tells them the story of Castle Eladanar in detail but is of little further help.

Brac waited on his horse as Galador gently rubbed the ears of his mount while talking to it as though it were to talk back when the slap of a meaty palm on cold steel had Brac turning quickly. The fire-red beard of the Dwarf was braided as if for battle...”Ya weren’t thinkin of goin off on some adventure without me now were ya?”

Galador smiled as the complaints from the Dwarf riding behind him continued non-stop...”Ya mean to tell me this foul beast below me and your back are all I’m to see all the way to Fornost...by Durin’s beard the trials that must be endured....Have I told you of how sore me arse is?”