'If you are making for Cardolan you'll need to cross the river at Tharbad. I'll be staying here where it's warm and dry!'1/1
1 Speak toMeneldir (Show dialog)
'Skardí is right. If we are to reach Cardolan, we will need to cross the river Gwathló at Tharbad. When the Númenóreans built the city, its great bridge provided a valuable link to Gondor, and trade with the south-lands flourished.
'But in time the Kingdom of Arnor diminished, and Tharbad was abandoned. The South Road became less-travelled than in prosperous days. Masonry crumbled over the years, and parts of the city fell into the river. The great thaw that followed the Fell Winter released the flood-waters, and portions of the mighty bridge were lost for good.
'But folk crossed the river at Tharbad before the bridge was built, and it should remain possible even now that the bridge is gone. We will travel north-west to Tharbad and see for ourselves, Player. Let us meet in the shadow of the broken bridge on the southern bank.'1/1
2 Enter areaMeet up with Meneldir on the southern bank of the Gwathló, north-west of Mossward1/1
3 Speak toWoman of Rohan (Show dialog)
'Hold, strangers! Be you friend or foe? I admit I cannot tell from your mien. Are you a friend to Rohan, and to its people?'
You assure the woman that you and Meneldir do not seek to cause trouble for any good folk, and that you merely seek to cross the river on your way north. The woman thinks for a moment, and then nods. She turns her eye upon Meneldir.
'Do not think this question too forward, but I must ask it: you are dressed as I was told the Dúnedain Rangers dress, well-suited for a life in the wilderness of the inhospitable north. Are you one of this kind? For they are the folk I seek, and my errand is urgent.'1/1
4 Speak toMeneldir (Show dialog)
'Your question is not an easy one for me to answer. Let us say I was once of that folk, but if need drives you to seek the Dúnedain your search is not at an end. Yet our purposes may align, for Player and I also seek the Rangers of the North.'
Meneldir turns his gaze upon the tumultuous river.
'Each of our paths requires we ford the Gwathló, the River Greyflood, and it will not be easy. I fear the raging waters will be too much in places for your steed to safely make the crossing, and it appears Orcs watch the shallows. I only know of the Rohirrim from tales, but I do know they are loath to part with their horses, unless at great need.
'If such is the need that drives you, I would know your name, and perhaps you will tell us of your errand on the far bank. If not, I would bid you farewell, for Player and I can no longer delay.'1/1
5 Speak toWoman of Rohan (Show dialog)
'Farewell, my Starkmód. May you find your way back to the yellow fields of the Mark. I will see you again when my task is done.'
The woman turns back to you, a cold look in her eye.
'The fate of Rohan rests upon my quest, or I would not leave one so loyal as my Starkmód. So swears Egfrith of Faldham, who has ridden here with all haste to acquire the help Théoden King requires. Now let us ford the river, and at once.'1/1
6 Enter areaReach the halfway point of the crossing of Gwathló1/1
7 Enter areaSwim to the other side of the perilous river Gwathló1/1
8 Speak toMeneldir (Show dialog)
'That was not pleasant, Player, but at least we have reached the northern bank. It would have been much easier were the great bridge still intact!
'I will need to rest for a short time before we proceed. How fares Egfrith?'1/1
timeExpiredWait for Egfrith to join you on the northern bank of the Gwathló1/1
10 Speak toEgfrith (Show dialog)
'I hope Starkmód understands. He would have followed me anywhere I would lead him, even to his death. He is the same as I am, for I would do anything for Rohan.'
Egfrith breathes deeply and rubs the feeling back into the muscles of her arms.
'On the other side of this cruel river you asked why I seek the Dúnedain Rangers. Théoden King has fallen ill, seized by a weakness of the body from which it is feared he may not recover. I was told the Rangers of the North know methods of healing that might cure the king's ailment. I am to recover one of their remedies or to return to Edoras with one of their healers, that he might heal the king.
'It is only for the future of Rohan that I would abandon my Starkmód. Any who question that will face my sword.'1/1
Iron Coin of Cardolan (5)
