Book 8, Chapter 9: South Across the Plains

Thane Mildrith refuses to either trust or marry Athelward, and wants to ensure that the young Elfmar of Faldham is not relying on Athelward.

Description
Stage 1
Stage 2

'If Siflád says she is being treated well, I will keep my complaints to myself. Thank you for easing the worry in a mother's heart. My daughter is strong-willed, and I trust that she will have the sense to send word if her situation changes to ill.

'Turning now to the well-being of my people, I find clarity: we must not rely on the Reeve to protect us. I do not trust him, but more so: I feel in my heart he will see first to the defence of Cliving and not leave his walls to protect the rest of us. The other towns of the Norcrofts do not have Cliving's natural defences.

'You have been a good help to me, but I know you are eager to progress westward in pursuit of the Uruks you seek. Go south-west to Faldham by way of the river crossing, to scout and see if the crossing is held by foes. Also, I ask that you collect emblems from any Orcs you find in the Norcrofts. Show those emblems to Elfhelm, the Thane of Faldham, as proof that we must stand on our own and not rely on Athelward.

'Oh, wait! Elfhelm has gone to the Fords of Isen. His son, Elfmar, must have rule of Faldham in his absence. Show him the emblems.'

The road runs west of Elthengels for a good way before turning south. At a certain point the southward road crosses the river before it reaches Faldham.

Thane Mildrith wants you to travel to Faldham and collect emblems from Orcs in the Norcrofts to show to Elfmar.

Objectives

Collect Orc Emblems from the Orcs of the Norcrofts (0/6)
Scout the river crossing south-west of Elthengels

Elfmar is the acting thane of Faldham while his father Elfhelm is away.

Thane Mildrith wants you to tell Elfmar of the dangers that face the Norcrofts.