The Adventures of Brandar Odaron
Book 1: The Hidden Continent
Foreword The History of the Northrons
I, Maneldor of Romin, Wizard of Esaereh, penned this tome, and attest to the truth of it, for I have dwelt in Andaria from its founding, and witnessed events written of herein which occurred in Andaria, even the arrival of the Northrons of Rillguman during the First Invasion, and have also relied upon copies of Sereghran Lore which Brandar carried with him upon his return from Arzultaur, and the testimony of Brandar himself.
The First Fathers of Men woke in Weyilendeh nigh to the end of the Dwarven Age. But no Fairy nor Elf nor Dwarf in those days kenned how many these were, for Men had grown numerous ere being discovered, and those Fathers, by then very aged, knew only of their own offspring and of their own homelands and but little even of other Men, and remembered only that they and the Mothers, their mates, had wakened full-grown, and had to hand about them all they required to survive. So, those Fathers of Men become great leaders of their clans, and built houses of wood, and established settlements upon lands long abandoned by the Elves and by the Dwarves, of whom Men knew nothing until by chance explorers among Men went forth to venture upon lands beyond their own. Yet, where Men in Weyilendeh first wakened may be gleaned by the spreading of their kind in various places.
First, they appeared in the farthest Southlands, hard along the edges of the Frozen Ranges, where the continent is most narrow. Then in adjacent lands east to west, from the Eastern Coast to the Western Coast; though the first of all Men did not take to sailing the oceans, but rather fished from the shores, or in the rivers and streams, and in the many lakes common to those parts. But it is from the Western Coasts that certain Men in later days took to sailing, in the Great Western Sea, and made settlements farther north, where is Kaivar, a country which was to become a wholly evil kingdom.
Next is my own homeland, which of old was named Nieosc, but later came to be called Andaria, in honor of the mighty patriarch Andar the Great, sixth in descent from one of the very Fathers of Men who woke upon the westward bank of Wordlyn Stream. This fruitful land is midmost but also in the north of Weyilendeh, and holds, here and there, many crumbling ruins of ancient cities, and mysterious monuments and fallen statues, which long puzzled the Men of Nieosc until the time when Elves from the Eastlands came to speak with them, and explained that Nieosc had once been inhabited by Elves who had fallen in ancient wars, or who had removed themselves from Weyilendeh an Age apast.
Men also woke on the broad island of Ghevelieze, not too far out in the Wide Yerhiesc, the Great Eastern Ocean, off of the Eastern Coast of Weyilendeh. And because it is so close to the continent, it is counted as resting in the Waters of the coastal lands named Eastwold, which regions have been, since the waking of the Eld themselves, owned by Elven Kind. But these Men were among the first to be discovered by Elven Mariners, and who taught them the craft of building ships, and the knowledge of sailing upon the untamed ocean.
Finally, there is a vast expanse of grassland named Ebhezieh, far to the north of Eastwold, nigh upon the barren southern foothills of the ever frozen Ice Mountains. That great range spans many leagues, from the cold coast northeast to the headwaters of the river Ebre. But Ebhezieh is only the region between the coast and the stretch of grassland at the northernmost end of the Anaurian Mountains. It was in those lands, Ebhezieh, in which the first of the Fathers of the Northrons woke to life.
Long did the Northrons dwell in Ebhezieh, hunting beasts that roamed in vast herds over the tundra and upon the grasslands; mastodon and bison, moose and elk, dear and antelope. And it was good. And whence the Ice Mountain Dwarves and Eastwold Elves sent emissaries to them, the Northrons had friendship with them, and grew prosperous trading meat to the Dwarves, in exchange for weapons, and furs to both Dwarf and Elf for tools and other goods. And later the Anaurian Dwawrves likewise befriended the Northrons, and therefore traded with them, and for many years there was peace between all of those folk.
The good Northrons grew strong and more numerous for many generations. But there came a time when Cold Drakes appeared from the north and began feasting upon the beasts of the tundra, slaying the herds or driving them away. Then the Drakes assailed the Northrons and the Dwarves of the Ice Mountains, and there was naught that could be done to stop them, for they were many and fierce. Also, Men and Dwarves in those days had little or no knowledge of magic that could be used against the Drakes. And ere the Elves could come to their aid, all the herds had been devoured or had fled far westwards.
So it was that the Northrons knew hardship, and were forced to beg of the Dwarves and Elves for food. And this wore right sorely upon the proud Northrons’ hearts. Therefore, after a time it was declared by the Northron Chieftains that the people must remove themselves and go west in search of happier hunting grounds. And that was done with whatever supplies and what horses the Dwarves and the Elves would give.
Hence, the Northron Tribes, three in number, with many souls, made the long march across the plains, passed through the hills above the Anaurian Mountains, and arrived at length in the north of my fair country Andaria. And there they greatly slowed their pace, for they were weary and sorrowful.
Near to Lake Viehon the refugees made an encampment, in the grasslands stretching from its western shore. And there did they fish and hunt, and would have remained but were a burden upon the Andarians already living thereabouts, having come unbidden, very numerous, and were taking fish and game upon which the Andarians had need. So, the King of Andaria, with my counsel, commanded that the Northrons must continue their trek and go soon through the Westward Pass which lay north of the StoneCap Mountains, beyond which lay more good grasslands, but which gradually became a lightly wooded region as one continues west and then south from there, into the northern parts of the Aushoa Forest, the realm of a very great but good Golden Dragon whose name is Krakol. “Upon those lands thou Northrons may dwell in peace,” said the King, “but if thou wouldst go further, through the woodlands west, at length wilt thou discover Rillguman, the Land of Three Rivers, known to be free of Men, but overrun with game, and where the rivers are filled with fish.” And those rivers came together to form the mighty Ebre, a rushing torrent into which flowed many another stream, with surrounding lands providing much provender. Yet, the King said not that Durwolc likewise roamed there.
Then the Northrons set out for Rillguman led by their patriarchs, Dunjil, Bankar, and Forcha. But they tarried for a season in the grasslands above Aushoa, thinking at first that here was a fine country. But it had not enough sources of water for such a great throng. So then they pressed on, finding sweet water in streams flowing down from mountains north, and also more such streams the farther west they moved into the woodlands. And in this way they traveled slowly through the woods, with Chief Dunjil at the fore, leading the largest of the tribes, then Chief Bankar, with the next largest, but Chief Forcha last of all, leading proudly the least numerous people.
The three Northron Tribes had no formal names for their folk in those days, other than the names of their clans, based upon the names of their forebears or leaders. Dunjil, son of Donjor, was Chief of the largest tribe, whose people were blonde-haired, fair of skin, very tall, strong of limb, and the mightiest in hunting and in fighting skills. And when a member of that tribe spoke of the whole, they often said that they were the People of Dunjil. Yet, by tradition, Dunjil was called High Chieftain of all Northrons. And Bankar, son of Bathar, Chief of the second largest tribe, was next in authority to Dunjil. He and his people had red hair, freckled skin, and thin builds, but were only slightly less tall than the Dunjilar. Then there was Forcha, son of Fondel, whose people were brown-haired, somewhat less tall than the People of Bankar, but more stout. Yet, all the Northron folk were valiant and hardy warriors by nature.
Now, when the Northrons had come but halfway through the woods, having taken many weeks to reach that place, the Golden Dragon Krakol came to them and would have words with them. First he spoke with Dunjil, who revealed to where the Northrons were going, and for what reason. But then Bankar and Forcha were brought before the Dragon, who said to all three leaders: “Through these woods you may go to Rillguman, and there find a place to dwell, for the Dwarves of the Mountains have long let it go fallow, and do not tread there these days. Yet, it is their land, and I shall send word for them to meet with you, and you can best deal with them without my counsel. And you may hunt in my forest to one day of riding upon a horse, but no farther, for the deep Forest is my own hunting ground, and I shall not share it with Men. Else-wise, you may go as you will, but I warn that beyond Rillguman, to the west, is the land Kaivar, in which Men have arisen who are dire and evil. Do not go far west, or south, for those people will not be your friends, but will smite you, and rob you. That is their way. And you will find that Rillguman is rife with Durwolc, monsters spawned in days of old who will slay you as soon as seeing you, should any of you be found alone or few in number. Go then, with my blessing. But heed of my words”.
As the Northrons had not beforehand known of Durwolc, they asked of Krakol what kind of creatures they were, but Krakol said only that the Men would see them soon enough, and to beware of them. Then each of the Chieftains swore to Krakol, promising to obey him in all ways, and to heed his warnings, and to wholly rid Rillguman of all Durwolc. And with that, Krakol lept up and flew south and out of sight above his forest, taking the oaths of the Northron Chieftains for what they were worth to him, having learned something of the ways of Men from the deeds of the Kaivarians. But he kenned no deception nor wickedness in the hearts of the Northrons, and therefore felt that he should leave them be, and wait to discover what may become of them.
Thereupon, the Northrons sent scouts to spy out the lands. And the first to return said: “Monsters there are of a kind I have never seen. Somewhat like Dwarves but with little or no hair, hunched over they are, clawed of hand and foot, fanged and crooked of teeth, and altogether horrid to look upon. And they are armed with spears and bows, and thin curved swords.” So, of course, he had seen a kind of Durwolc called Gobbarin. And other scouts returned with like tales. But one who had gone south spoke of much larger creatures, similar in form, but twice as tall as Men, and fearsome to behold. These were Trollo, though Northrons knew not what to name them at that time. So then did Dunjil declare that all mounted Warriors of all three tribes must ride in front, leading the people, with Warriors afoot guarding the flanks and rear. And in this way the Northrons moved forward, hoping not to fight. But lo, the Durwolc fled as soon as becoming aware of the approach of the Northrons, in fear of such a great throng of Men, so grim and well-armed, with themselves and even their horses covered in mail.
That is how the Northrons came to Rillguman, the Land of Three Rivers, and found it pleasing and plentiful, and perfect for their needs. Dunjil led his people to the river farthest west, and who set their settlements along its eastern bank. Bankar thus arrayed his folk along the eastern bank of the midmost river, while Forcha set his along the eastern bank of the eastern river. And thus did those lands, and each river, and each of the three tribes became known by those Chieftain’s names. The Dunjilar dwelt between the River Dunjil and the River Bankar, the Bankari dwelt between the River Bankar and the River Forcha, and the Forchakar dwelt in the regions east, from the River Forcha to a day’s ride within the Forest of Aushoa. And due to the sizes of those tribes, Durwolc that had been living in those parts moved away; scurrying west or south, so that the Northrons found that they must contend only with the beasts that dwelt in the region, though that was an effort at which they were already quite skilled.
One day a small company of Dwarves came to them from the high mountains in the north and had words with the three Chiefs. Then the leader of the Dwarves, a Lord of high station, declared that the Northrons had leave to dwell upon Rillguman with only two demands laid upon them. First, they must rid all the lands thereabouts, and to the foothills north, of all the foul Durwolc, and all of the most dangerous beasts. And they must also swear to come to the aid of the Dwarves should these send messengers to that end; for the Dwarves had strife with Durwolc northwest, and were troubled by Cold Drakes in the mountains. Thus would they be happy if the Northrons could defend the foothills nigh to the southern slopes of the mountains. And to this the Chieftains swore solemnly, and it was done; the Northrons soon slaying or driving away all Durwolc in the lands as far as three day’s ride west, and cleared all of the foothills north to the very feet of the mountains. Then did they have peace for many a generation. And the Dwarves were pleased.
Long did the Northrons dwell in Rillguman, engaging in trade and prospering. The Dunjularians hunted in the Western Wood, and kept companies of mounted Warriors patrolling north and south along the borders of Rillguman, to keep Durwolc from engaging in raids from the west and the south. And the Dunjilar people traded in dried meats, and in furs and leather goods. But the Bankari became herdsmen, raising cattle and sheep, and also caught a great deal of fish in both rivers which bordered their land, while the Forchakar became ranchers, raising horses upon the grasslands east. And many of them also became carpenters of great skill; obtaining lumber from the Forest. But in time, each of the tribes began sending young Smiths to apprentice with the Dwarves in the Ice Mountains, which I myself had done in my youth. And after a few generations, the skills of the Smiths of Rillguman at making weapons and armor were the match of any of those of any other Men in Weyilendeh, even my own. And that later stood them in good stead; saving many of their people from the clutches of death.
It happens that a span of three years had passed when no more Durwolc were to be seen in the woods west or south. This was in the days of the Dunjilar Chieftain Uldor, whose only son, Odar, was hailed in the yearly Games of the Northrons as the mightiest Warrior in all of Rillguman. Then the people began to believe that the Durwolc had been defeated, or had moved far away and would never return. So, the Northrons took to settling along the western bank of the River Dunjil. And in another three years with no more encounters with Durwolc, Uldor allowed them to extend the borders of Rillguman into the forest west and into the woods much farther south, even upon both banks of the upper reaches of the River Ebre. And then too, in another three years, as peace remained, and the Northrons prospered with no end in sight, the guarding of the borders grew lax.
Woe was wrought from that lack of foresight. And Uldor paid for it with his life, and that of all who dwelt west of the River Ebre and the River Dunjil. For, of a sudden, vast armies of the Durwolc surged swiftly from the woodlands west and south, and assailed the Dunjilarians with much slaughter and destruction. Then also came Gobba from hills to the north, descending upon Dunjilaria and slaying all in their path, eating the cattle and the sheep, and even people, and burning every village to the ground.
Uldor, after mustering his forces by the west shore of the river Dunjil, sent his son Odar across the river with a company of the best Warriors he had to hand, and bid him make ready for battle upon the far shore. And Uldor ordered all of the villagers who remained to cross over and flee eastwards, to Bankaria, while Uldor commanded what Warriors remained with him in a final desperate stand; making a line along the riverside.
There Uldor fell, and all his Warriors, as Odar and his company watched in horror from across the water. Then the Durwolc took to building rafts while archers rained so many arrows on Odar’s men that he perforce must order a retreat from the river, and so gathered what men he could out of the reach of the enemy’s archers. Yet, another great army of Gobba was soon seen coming down from the north along the eastern bank of the river, just as the Durwolc from the west began crossing on rafts.
It was surmised by Odar too late that the Durwolc had long been breeding in secret, in lands well removed to the west and to the south, until this very day. But what Odar could not have known was that these Durwolc were but the first part of a great invasion from the West, from the land of Kaivar, ruled by an evil Sorcerer named MorLome. And it was he who had mustered and sent the Durwolc to make war.
Lo, as Odar began to believe that his doom had come, a great company of Bankari Riders swept down from the hills of North Bankaria and assailed the Durwolc that had been coming south beside the river, just as the enemy that had crossed on rafts were mustering, making ready to charge upon the Dunjilar. But so mighty were the Bankari that their foes were defeated, though it cost them dearly. Then they joined the Dunjilar with little time to prepare against a renewed attack from the West.
Leading the Bankari riders was a Warrior Princess named Elloeth, a friend of Odar since childhood, and then a lover; the two at times meeting to engage in romance, though they had not yet pledged their troth. Thus, Elloeth saved Odar from death, but together they would fight a terrible battle; pushed slowly east by the press of their foes, and leaving fallen behind untold numbers of friends and countrymen.
At length they made it to the River Bankar, where they were forced to swim with or without horses, and where many a horse and Warrior were pierced by arrows as they made the crossing or scrambled upon the far bank. Then the remnant of those men continued swiftly, fleeing the enemy’s arrows, knowing as well that not long would it be ere the enemy crossed in numbers too great to resist. And they fled as fast as the Warriors afoot could run, with those still mounted, led by Odar and Elloeth, guarding the rear of the retreat, and keeping a watch upon the enemy.
As in Dunjilaria, the enemy arrived also in the hills north of Bankaria, and villagers were fleeing south in fear for their lives; saying the monsters were hard on their heels, while the remnant had been urging all of the villagers they came across to flee now eastwards, cross the River Forchar, and go thence to hide in the Forest of Aushoa. So did many of the folk of Rillguman escape, and gathered in the eves of the Forest, as Odar’s remnant, and those who remained to Elloeth, crossed the last river ere the enemy had come. Then did the remaining Dunjilar and Bankari warriors gather with those of Forcharia in a wide clearing north of that place in the Forest where the people had taken refuge.
As feared, the Durwolc came from crossing the River Forchar, and also down from the hills in the north, and took to spreading so as to surround the Northrons on three sides. But suddenly the great Dragon Krakol fell from on high and in short order destroyed all of the foremost and greatest of the Durwolc, then chased the survivors into the rivers west, where many struggling drowned, for Durwolc detest bathing, and submersion in water, and thus know not how to swim. So it was that Krakol teh Gold saved the Northrons, and spent two days scattering what remained of the enemy westwards.
Now, the Northrons at first rejoiced at this, but must then make what they could of their plight by building fires for cooking and for the nights, and sleeping in huddles under trees. And early upon the third day, Krakol came back to them and spoke to the Northrons’ leaders.
Here before Krakol stood the tall Dunjilarian Odar, heir to the High Chieftain, and Elloeth, the Bankari Princess, the daughter of the Bankari Chief, whose name was Meneldil. And there too was Chief Harlan, of the Forcharians. But behind these stood all the Dunjular and Bankari Warriors who remained, and the foremost of the Forcharian Horsemen. And behind these gathered many people, emerging warily from the Forest. Yet, all of these forlorn survivors would later be named the Northron Remnant. Of them, the Dunjilarians had become the least, though formerly the very largest tribe. And the Bankari were now less in number than the Forchakar, though they had been much greater. Indeed, so many Dunjilar and Bankari had fallen that the Northrons together were here less than half of what they had been. And they were wholly destitute, with many wounded; sickened from poisoned arrows, so that these were feverish and were dying. But the elderly and small children were also growing weak from hunger. So, those who gathered before Krakol were eager to hear what he may say, and hoped he could aid them. But the dragon, while indeed a Good Dragon, had not the means to provide for them. And then he said: “Go not back to your homes in Rillguman, for they are no longer safe. Send the strong among you to glean what can be saved, but do not tarry, and go now east, to the land of Andaria, where only is your salvation, for the enemy that came against you is but a small portion of a those amassing in the West, in the land of Kaivar. And before those arrive, you must all be far from this place. Long has the vile emperor MorLome been preparing this war, and vast are his armies. Flee then to Andaria, and tarry not upon the way."
The Northrons heeded the words of Krakol, and after a few days of collecting what goods could be found in their former lands, burned and trampled by the Durwolc, they traveled east by the way their forbears had come generations before, and thus left their woodlands and their rivers behind.
Slow and dolorous was that journey, where soon were lost all of those who had been wounded by enemy arrows, even by mere scratch. But the Forchar gave many a horse over to draw biers upon which sick and elderly and small children could ride. And the Warriors hunted to get meat, while the People gathered nuts and berries and what other food they may find along the way. Yet, many ranchers they expected to see were gone, and many a horses’ bones were found about the remains of great bonfires. Therefore, the Northrons grew wary, and scouts were sent to spy out the way; some never to be seen again.
As the Northrons later entered into the pass above the Stone-Cap Mountains they were attacked by Durwolc running up from the foothills to the south. And these were a kind called Kobo, who are as tall as Men, and much like to Men, but fanged and clawed of hand, and deformed of face. And they were armed with spears and swords made of iron, but held no bows, nor did any of them ride horses, so that they attacked on foot in large companies.
There fell Chief Harlan defending his folk un-mounted, and many a good Warrior besides. But the Northrons defeated the Kobo, and drove their small number of survivors back into the hills, but did not chase them far for fear of leaving the People unguarded. And the Remnant did not linger in those parts, but moved even through the nights, and at last made a weary camp in grasslands far to the northeast of Andaria. Yet, their water was spent, and they intended only to rest while the Warriors hunted and sought streams thereabouts. But ere that could be done, a huge pack of wolves attacked from the north, and slew many who were not well armed, especially the young. And that was a dire sorrow.
The Warriors were hard pressed fithing the wolves, for there were scores of them. But horns were suddenly heard blaring from the southeast, at which the wolves broke off and ran north, howling in rage. Then there rode up a company of Andarian Rangers who pursued the wolves for a while, but soon returned to lend aid to the Remnant, who were glad indeed to have been rescued.
That is how the Remnant of the Northrons of Rillguman came to Andaria, in the days of the First Invasion from the West. So, the fighting in Rillguman was named the First Battles of the Invasion sent by MorLome, the evil Sorcerer of Kaivar, and self-proclaimed “Emperor of the West”. And those attacks are called the Battles of Rillguman in the Chronicles of Andaria which are kept in the King’s Castle in Romin. So also does this mark the beginning of all the terrible Wars of MorLome, and thus the beginning of the Days of Exile of the Northron Remnant.
The Rangers sent for food and water, and tents and bedding for the weary Northrons, and then listened to their tale. Then the Ranger's Captain sent messengers to the King, and after a few days led the Remnant south and then east, and thus into Andaria, at which he and his Guards rode beside the three Chieftains, and so conducted them on into the presence of the King, Thoron Dol.
I was there when the Rangers brought the Northron Chieftains before the King in Romin. And all the Court heard Odar give his tale of woe, and beseech the King to give aid to his people. But Odar spoke also the words of Krakol, and warned of the coming of Durwolc in large numbers from the West. Then did the King know that war was upon him, for of late reports had come of trouble from Durwolc which had lately swarmed in the Stone-Cap Mountains, much too near, and of large armies of the Men of Kulahn in the South massing at a place but six day’s ride from Romin, as one follows the course of the River Theweg. And Dwarves from the Ice Mountains north, there to engage in trade, spoke of war with Durwolc in mountains to the northwest, and Cold Drakes from the northeast, who were ruled now by a Frost Demon the Dwarves had named Kruensaur. But Elves of Eastwold had also spoken of the Demon. Those Elves had departed some months before, and neither they nor any other Elves had returned to do their accustomed trading in Andaria. What is more, no Andarians who had lately set out to trade in the Ice Mountains or in Eastwold had yet returned. And indeed, none were seen again.
Thus, it happened that all trade routes east, north, and west were cut off. And many travelers upon the roads went missing, while scouts the King sent now in those directions never returned.
The King in those days was Thoron Dol, called Good King Thoron by his people, so much did they love him, for he was kind and wise, and generous, though a great Warrior, in the right line of Andar himself. And he ceded to the Northron Remnant a portion of land northeast of Romin, in an area that had no dwellings, along a stream that had beforehand been used only for hunting and fishing. And he gave of his own vast treasure so that they may have tents and bedding, and clothes and supplies, and may not want for anything of which they had need. And later he built fine houses for the Three Chieftains, but Odar, the High Chieftain, he declared should thenceforth be held an Honorary King of the Northrons of Rillguman. Then Odar became one of the most trusted Counselors of the King, for Odar was himself very wise. But the sad Northrons never forgot their former homes in far Rillguman, nor forsook the desire to return, someday, to the Land of Three Rivers. And they sang to their children the Tells of their folk, filling their youth with dreams of going back “where grows green grass tall, and flowers of every hue. And where there is such abundance that none go hungry, and where there is wealth of land unfathomed, in Rillguman, where the Northrons once dwelt, and cared not of the West. Nor did we know then of war nor of sorrow.”
So many people had the Remnant lost in fighting, and upon the road, that they came to Andaria as only a tithe of what they had been. So, King Thoron decreed that they should not engage in war until their numbers should be restored. Therefore, none of the Remnant took part in the defense of Andaria at that time, though their Warriors were given positions as Guardsmen in Romin, and as teachers in the Military Arts, at which they excelled, even their women. And while the people of Andaria had pity upon them, they earned their keep, for they were willing to labor hard for little in return, so glad were they then to be given land by the King. And so it was that the Northrons came to Andaria, and the kingdom was much the better for it.
Soon in truth was war loosed upon Andaria. And we were swiftly surrounded, and then besieged for three years. But with the aid of magicks which I and my brother Wizards imparted to weapons we gave to the Rangers of the Marches, we had victory, and then drove away the enemy with great slaughter. But that was rather a sad victory, for many Rangers had fallen, and many villagers were lost ere they could flee to the City. And therein many people lost their lives to poisons and pestilence sent upon them by users of magic in the enemy’s ranks. And there were Evil Dragons, and other flying monsters, who wrought death and destruction from above. Furthermore, while the Marches were made safe, Andaria had not the strength to free the nearby lands west and south of Durwolc and other monsters, who therefore remained in far off Rillguman, and within the Stone-Cap Mountains, and also in the Jungles to the South. And at whiles Durwolc of various kinds would engage in raids, doing great harm to the villages round about, but would then flee swiftly from whence they had come ere Rangers could arrive to stop them. Yet, apart from that, we Andarians had peace after the First Invasion was ended. And Odar and Elloeth were married, and had many offspring. And I grew to love them all as though they were my very own kin. But to Odar I gave a special gift, the same as that which I bestowed to the Kings and the Wielders since the days of Andar himself. And that was the gift of a prolonged life, thrice that to which Men are accustomed. And so long did Odar keep living that his people named him Odar the Old, ere his end.
Many generations of Men passed in peace in Andaria, so that trade was restored with the Dwarves and the Elves, though the Marches west and south had ever to be patrolled and constantly manned with large armies of Rangers. And ever did the Durwolc stage raids, and tested our strength. And it became known that MorLome, the vile Sorcerer of the West, would send men as spies amongst us, to learn our ways and secrets. But I did my best to uncover them, and slay them, if I could, though such ones were an ever present trouble for the Kingdom. Yet, that is another tale.
It came about, in time, that MorLome unleashed his Second Invasion upon Andaria, starting suddenly with hordes of evil Durwolc attacking the Westmarch, and throngs of the Men of Kulahn striking from the South. Yet, by then, the Northrons had restored their former numbers, and partook in those battles; much to the ire of the enemy. For the Northrons were fell, and mighty of limb, and wrecked at last their vengeance upon the Durwolc in memory of their long lost land of Rillguman.