Horwald

An Account to His Majesty, King Harandes Rendor II,

by his Loyal Subject, Royal Chancellor Gregor Hallel,

on his Journey to the Northern Duchy by orders of his Royal Person.

Your Royal Majesty,

What follows is a detailed report for your eyes only regarding the most northern Duchy in your kingdom, known as Horwald.

My Journey began in mid-spring of the year 3010, as you are well aware. The weather was cool and pleasant upon my arrival at the Graefenaard, the grassy plains that mark the southern-most boundary of the Gendry Duchy. Our procession was met by one Halric Brovert, a ‘Thane’ as the minor nobles of Horwald are titled. Brovert administered the small hamlet of Geert, located on the eastern edge of the Graefenaard. He was accompanied by ten men of the town, raggedly dressed, but tall. They spoke the Aridisian tongue without the slightest hint of the guttural Northman Accent that we are accustomed to hearing in the north.

It took us nearly a full-day’s ride to reach Geert, though to be entirely truthful, we made no effort to hasten our travel, rather enjoying the rather pleasant scenery of Southern Horwald. I found Brovert to be a simple man, not highly educated, but deeply insightful to the needs of his subjects. Judging by his massive height, and broad limbs, I would guess that he is a capable fighting man, and from our long conversation, a popular lord. However, like most Northmen, he was unaccustomed to riding a mount, and I fear that he would be useless in a mounted battle.

Geert itself is a tiny town surrounded by a wooden wall, solidly built. I would guess no more than a hundred peasants live in the town or the surrounding farms. Upon reaching the gate just after nightfall, one of our escorts placed a hunting horn to his lips, and blew a long high note. From inside, a townsman questioned us, but after our host announced himself, we were immediately admitted through the gate with many smiles from a dozen townsfolk who greeted us.

The townsfolk were dirty, poor, and uneducated. However, I must admit that their quality of life seemed much preferable to the poor who inhabit our cities, My King. They were better fed, to be sure. Perhaps easier access to farmland allowed them better stores for the winter. Nevertheless, they seemed friendly, and respectful. We were escorted to Brovert’s ‘hall’ where we were to spend the evening.

Brovert, as Thane, lives in the central-most house of the town. I must warn you, Majesty, though his house was the largest in Geert, it is little more than a hovel. Only in comparison to the shacks around it can it be considered luxurious. I was forewarned of the lack of accommodations in Horwald by your advisors, My King, so this came as only a small shock to me.

The squalor of the hovel itself was a small matter compared to the evening’s festivities. After welcoming us to his home, many other men of the town arrived and a great ‘feast’ was held. The center of the house was reserved for a large fire-pit, around which we all sat upon skins of animals and furs. We were fed venison still on the bone, if you can believe that, Your Majesty. Large tankards of a drink made from honey were served- Meade, they called it, and the Northman proceeded to show the extent of their uncouth behavior. Drunkenness ensued, much fighting, singing ,and raising of voices followed. You should be confident, Your Majesty, that our party did not engage in such behavior.

The following day, we set off north along the eastern banks of the Sigus River. For two days, we followed this course at a leisurely pace, stopping at a nameless hamlet for the night and witnessing the same nightly behavior from the townsmen. Finally, the plains gave way to immense, imposing forests of tall, dark pines. Here, we were met by escorts from the city of High Bridge to the North, and out guides from Geert took their leave of us.

The men of High Bridge were impressive. Ten men, though not in uniform, all bore the device of House Orgreave on their cloaks and shields. They also bore the famed double-bladed axes of the Northman warriors, for these were indeed ‘Carls’ of the Lord Orgreave. I can assure Your Majesty that the rumors about these men are not exaggerated. They were taller than any Aridisian I have seen before, broad of limb and shoulders. They bore long beards, and their hair was yellow like flax. I did not have the opportunity to see them display their famed battle prowess, Majesty, but judging by their looks, it was well warranted. They walked, rather than rode, which I am told is a distinguishing characteristic of the Northmen. There are few horses in Horwald, and even fewer could bear a man in battle. Perhaps Your Majesty should look into employing some of these men in your Royal Infantry.

The next two days’ ride was uneventful save for the increasing thickness of the forests to the North and East. I found the forests to be looming, ominous. There are few trails or roads that I have seen leading into the forest. Your own royal agents have been unable to locate major towns within the forest, but we know that they exist, for our own group has encountered two parties of woodsmen traveling to High Bridge from the deeps of the forest. These woodsmen are true Northmen, Your Majesty. They speak a heavily accented dialect of Aridisian, rife with interspersements of words from that foul Northern Tongue of their forebears. Indeed, it is clear that they are more akin to the men of Dÿnmar than to men of Iradar of civilized Aridisian stock. They have golden hair, and are far larger than the average Iradar townsman.

Nevertheless, they are your subjects, Majesty, and live far in the dark northern forests.

After two days leisurely ride, the river turns sharply west, away from the forest and then suddenly back north. At this bend in the Sigus lies the town of High Bridge. Though the men of the North refer to High Bridge as a city, for it is the second largest habitation in the Duchy, it is little more than a small hamlet in the fertile regions of the south. Were I to hazard a guess, I would say no more than a thousand, perhaps two, live in High Bridge. The city straddles the river with the largest portion located on the west bank. A tall earthen embankment surrounds the city proper on both sides of the river, reinforced with timber stakes and squat, wooden towers at the gates.

Just past the east embankment is the Royal Bridge. The Royal Archives tell us that the bridge was built over the course of some 30 years by the royal treasury some 300 years ago to replace the ferry that existed here. Further north, the banks become steeper, and the water current builds speed, making this the last feasible place to construct the bridge.

The bridge is not overly large, nor is the river extraordinarily wide at this point, so it is not a particularly impressive work to behold. Rather, it is a serviceable stone and wood bridge that receives nearly all overland traffic heading for the northern coast.

Once across the bridge, we were met by a troop of 10 more Carls, these bearing the emblems of House Gendry. The men were wearing uniforms, and I believe they were Carls of the Duke’s own house. I am led to believe that this was somewhat of an honor for me, Majesty, though what these barbarians consider an honor is a slight among civilized peoples. I must admit, Majesty, it has been at least a decade since a high ranking royal official has visited the North, which could explain much of the lack of etiquette for these people.

We were escorted to the Orgreave Keep. The Keep, named for the ruling family of the town, is a squat, solid stone structure, and the only wholly stone structure in the town. It is well built, though not large or luxurious. I wager that it could serve as a fine defensive work still, as it has at times in the past. Your Royal Majesty might perhaps wish to send royal engineers to the town, however. It is a pivotal point of transit between the south and north, and the entire town, save the keep itself, looks entirely vulnerable to fire. At the least, your Majesty may wish to consider the expense of royal funds to rebuild the defense works around the city in stone.

Lord Algernon Orgreave is a bullish man who earned fame fighting for your Majesty’s army in the border skirmishes of 3002. He is widely known as a fine warrior and strong leader of men. He is descended not from Northman stock, Your Majesty, but from Aridisian minor nobility. I would suggest that Your Majesty open a line of communication with this Lord. Though he is not high ranking, he is a natural leader of men who might prove to be a valuable asset to the Crown and ally in this foreign, though subject Duchy.

We spent nearly a week in High Bridge. I learned that Orgreave is himself on very friendly terms with the Duke in Greywater Deep. He is an excellent hunter, and fine horseman. What he lacks in formal education, he makes up for in natural charisma.

After six days, we again set out in the company of the Carls from the Duke’s House for the Deep itself. The road continues above High Bridge now along the West Bank of the river. To the West, the land slopes ever upward into the foothills near the Silver Mountains. Our guides tell us the land is nearly devoid of settlements save for a few scattered homesteads. To the east, the Forest overhangs the steep banks of the river which here grows to a loud rush. Again, our guides mention various towns and settlements deep in the forest, but have no inclination as to the numbers of people who might actually live there. I have begun to believe that perhaps no one, not even the Duke Gendry himself, knows how many people live in his Duchy.

The forest finally gives way some half-day north of Greywater Deep. Farmsteads become a bit more common, on both sides of the river as the land becomes slightly arable. The road, also is paved some 15 miles from the city gates with wide, flat stones, making travel easier as well.

At last, we reached the City of Greywater Deep. The Deep itself is a medium sized city by our standards, encompassing both sides of the River. But by the standards of the towns in the North, it must seem simply monstrous. It is defended by high, strong walls of stone and earth and surrounded by a deep dike. The main gate is guarded by two strong towers and manned by a company of city guardsmen, uniformed and trained. At the Gate, we were met by Haaric Gendry himself, and his son Orric. If Lord Orgreave was a bullish man, then Haaric Gendry is an absolute beast. He is a full head taller than even the tall Carls who serve him. He bears a heavy beard of dark hair and has hands that might engulf a lesser man’s head between them. He is harsh and uncouth, as much as any man I have met. It is obvious that he is not formally educated save perhaps in the arts of war. I am told he is the finest axe man in the city, as well as a fine swordsman. His men seem to afford him a great deal of respect, as do the inhabitants of the city. I think, Your Majesty, that it is fortunate he was not formally educated. He could, in my judgment, prove to be a major threat to your rule in the North.

The city itself is an impressive sight. The west banks of the river are much higher than the east, and two great bridges span the distance between them. Both are old, and both must have been undertaken at great expense. They slope gently up from the east bank to the higher west banks of the river, making it a very tiring crossing for the mounts. The view from the west side of the city when looking east is impressive. The lands and eastern portion of the Deep are laid out before for many miles.

The city seems to be highly regimented also. The higher one journeys, closer to Greywater Keep, the more luxurious and spacious the dwellings. On the East side, the homes are little more than hovels. Some of the Homes and structures near the Keep look to be quite lavish. The Duke has informed me that most hereditary nobles in the Duchy live in the Deep rather than on their estates outside the city.

I was then taken to Greywater Keep. From the land, it seems to be a normal keep. It is not overly large, nor does it appear to be the strongest of structures. However, it sits atop the highest point of the city, perched atop the sheer cliff that overlooks the harbor itself. By some miracle of engineering, the walls of the keep on the side of the harbor meet the cliff face perfectly, forming one unbroken wall that reaches from the top battlements to the harbor obviously more than one hundred feet below. The keep would be impossible to assail from the harbor, which, I believe, was the intent. It might be vulnerable by land, but such an assault would prove difficult with the rising terrain. Inside, it is warm and small. It is, without a doubt, the smallest and least lavish of the Ducal Seats.

I spent the spring at Greywater Deep. During the months, I was shown about the city, and met frequently with the Duke himself. It was obvious, My King, that my presence was a burden on him. However, I was able to accompany him to North Tower and several other outlying provinces.

I was relieved to find the first sign of royal presence in the North at Greywater Deep. On the east shore of the city, a small garrison of about 75 royal troops and tax collectors overlooks the harbor. The men are not overly intelligent, or impressive, but their commander, Captain Honores Ferete, is an able man, loyal to the crown. He has, it appears, an adversarial relationship with the Duke and the Mayor of the city. I would not recommend allying yourself to closely with this man. Though he is capable and loyal, he is not widely liked by either the townsfolk or the Nobility. Should conflict arise, his would not be the side of popular support.

North Tower is northeast of the Deep along the shore of the sea. It sits about five miles inland, but the land drops off toward the Sea, giving it a commanding view of the area between the forest and North Sea. In ages past, there was a port city on the shores north of North Tower, and the ruins can be seen from atop the tower itself. It was burned and sacked by raiders and pirates so many times over the centuries that it was eventually abandoned, and one of your predecessors, King Hacendes Rendor III, authorized the building of a new keep at North Tower. The tower stands in defense of the Kingdom’s northern coast where it is easy for ships to put ashore troops, as was often the case in the past. It is administered by a member of House Gendry, either a close relative of the Duke or someone loyal to him. It is not an inherited position, although the Lord Haargen Gendry, the Duke’s brother, has named his daughter "Heir to North Tower" in defiance of the custom. The Duke has yet to recognize the claim, and will no doubt stall as long as possible to deal with the issue. Haargen Gendry is a tall man as well, thinly built, with far more etiquette than his brother. Indeed, I have learned he was educated at Ordeaz in the Bordermarch. He, too, does not seem well liked by the people of the town, who are admittedly few.

The town around the tower is small, less than a thousand people all told, of which some 100 or more are Royal Soldiers, and some 25 are House Gendry Soldiers. It appears that there has been a vacancy for the position of commander of the royal troops for some time, and they have answered to Lord Haargen Gendry for several years. I would question their loyalty, Your Majesty, should they be asked to choose between the crown and their lord. They are all of local stock, recruited from men in the Deep and at North Tower.

Farreach is located in the extreme northwest of the duchy sandwiched between the Mithgan (Silver) Mountains that form the border of the duchy and kingdom, and the North Sea. It is largely cut-off from overland travel, though there are trails leading through the Jarlingen Hills from Junnisten. These trails are dangerous, and poorly kept as they are primarily a network of game trails. Still, the occasional traveler does indeed have need of a visit to Farreach, and pays a guide to lead him. These trails are winding and difficult to follow, and no signs or markers tell which way is correct. I accompanied a small party of Carls who were escorting a tax collector to the town in mid-spring. My mind was addled at the many paths and hidden pitfalls on along the route.

Farreach itself is a small village, laid out in typical Northman fashion, with a central area of wooden buildings, each with doors facing different directions (keeps confusion during attack at a minimum). The village is surrounded by an earthen wall with a wooden gate, and a few scattered farmsteads can be found without the village walls. There is a small cove just north of town from which small boats can put to sea, and this is the main method of contact with the outside world for Farreach. Unfortunately, Aridisians very rarely brave the North Sea in any craft small enough to use the cove there, so the majority of trade or contact comes from Dÿnmar across the sea. Even this is limited to a few lost ships per year who put ashore to stock provisions. The people of Farreach are independent, and live their lives as free men and women oblivious to much of what goes on outside their sheltered world. There are no more than 200 people in Farreach and the surrounding farms.

There is much more to report, Majesty, as I hope to travel to at least one of the isolated villages in the Forests to the south before I must depart in early fall. But I will withhold further reports until I can speak directly to Your Royal Person.

Your Loyal Subject,

Gregor Hallel

Royal Chancellor

Greywater Deep, Mid-Summer 3010