Home from Heath

[Chained One]

It was with a distinctly subdued but heavily armed escort that returned the brother and sister to their homestead in Fitchton from whence they had been stolen by a darkly clad figure bound in a ponderous chain. Some twoscore men, armed with swords or crossbows, made sure that the two were returned safely enough to their parents.

For certain, being stolen in the dead of night by a creature that knew only enough of mercy and compassion to twist them to its own ends was not a safe ordeal. Nor would it be quickly forgotten.

Nor, Valinor hoped, would it be.

They would remember that it was Heath who had returned the children. The men of Lord Anis, and the men of other western Lords acting in accord, flying the banners of those lords whose men were present, had brought Myrkenfolk back to their home.

Why make enemies, the wraith had considered, when one could make friends?

A message would be passed along, eventually to the Governor, penned in a careful, slanted hand:


Your people are returned to you, and trade is restored. Let this mark the beginning of cooperation between Myrken Wood and the Alliance of Western Lords of Heath.

Valinor