The year is 1670 TA and it is late summer. It's about 8 degrees celsius with otherwise Irish-style weather. Thirty years ago the Great Plague devestated Gondor, Rhovanion and Southern Arnor. Some, but not all, know that the Witch King of Angmar rules in the far North. In the south Minas Ithil fell during the plague and became the sinister Minas Morgul.

Eldarion met the Dwarves in Bree and picked up the Eoithrim and the halfling along the road. As the party headed east the River Mitheithel was visible in the distance. Approaching the bridge, they saw a group of men gathered on the far side. They did not appear hostile and the party, particularily Eonan, felt little threatened.

Once on the bridge an obvious leader presented himself. He informed all that the Kingdom of Rhudaur had been seized by a Lord Fardwith. There was a considerable drop in tension when it was ascertained that no member of the party had any problem with the change in power. He then demanded to know the business of all who wished to cross the bridge and insisted on checking through the possessions of each traveller.

In return for right of passage through Rhudaur the party was requested to perform a task. An area to the north, Herubar Gular, was to be mapped. This area could be easily found by travelling upriver until reaching a tributary. This stream marked the southern edge of the unexplored land. The party were instructed to head north, explore this area and report back to the watch at the bridge. In the past settlers had moved there but had not been heard from for many years.

The party agreed to perform this service. It being now late afternoon they quickly set out upriver. The going was quite tough and slow, in particular for Eonan's horses. The river roared down the stony cleft it had made through the forest. The group travelled along a short gap between the rushing waters and the dark forest. An uneventful night passed in the forest and the march resumed shortly after first light. By mid-afternoon the stream had been located but it was deep and wild. The rest of the day was sent following it trying to find a place to cross. This, however, is quite a task when travelling with dwarves.

Before settling down for the evening Eldarion and Lotho went hunting for fresh food. While they were out the howls and animal sounds that had been around all day started to close in. The hunters returned shortly with only a rabbit. Supper was had and Eldarion took first watch. The noises of the forest were quite intimidating, all the while the howls were getting closer. It soon became obvious that many beasts were approaching the camp fast. Eldarion swiftly kicked awake the rest of the party and drew his Longbow. Everyone readied weapons and the halfling disappeared up a tree.

All of a sudden a small grey animal of unidentified species darted through the clearing. It was swiftly followed by three wolves. The wolves reeled in obvious surprise at the sight of people and the camp fire. Missiles were released by the tense party, but all missed their marks. The wolves got their bearings and started to act. One vanished back into the forest while it's comrades leaped into melee. The animals were lightning-fast and quickly started to bite and tear at Eldarion and Thorin. Neither of them could land a blow. Eldarion was humbled by being cast back and stunned by his savage foe. Dwalin fortunatly stepped forward to bear the brunt of the attack. The attacks of the wolves could do little damage to their armoured foes and the party were beginning to rally. Thorin crushed the wolf attacking him with a mighty blow from his warhammer, breaking its back as if it were kindling. He then strode forth to aid Eldarion who was still being savaged by the remaining wolf. Once again he struck, stunning the animal with a blow to the head. Eldarion finished it with his sword.

The night was otherwise quiet, spent resting and tending to the many scratches and bites received during the short but savage battle. Dawn broke with a loud crash, and the sun fell from the sky as Morgoth broke through from the void were he had festered since the end of the first age. Everyone made ready to set out once more....