The following story is inspired by Crannog's Challenges.









What life and vibrance Nan Amlug had offered had long left the land that Norgald now journeyed across. The Ram Dúath was the natural border between the North Downs and Angmar and Norgald had never been in a more unwelcoming place. He could scarcely believe anyone could survive here.mused Norgald.Norgald was surprised when he saw, across a particularly daunting mountain pass, signs of an encampment. He approached slowly and carefully to the gates of this camp when two Hill-men approached him.said one of the men.Norgald chose his words carefully.The Hill-men chuckled to one another and one spoke,Was this a trap? Norgald readied himself for battle until he saw one of the hill-men smile at him.Aughaire could scarcely be called a settlement. What little shelter there was was put together by scraps of animal leather and fabric. The very pond on which this settlement lay was a metallic red hueue. Who would choose to live in such a place?Norgald had little time to ponder such a question as he soon found himself before the leader of this tribe of hill-men. He was an imposing man who bore a bandage across his right eye and draped himself in furs yet he undeniably bore a noble stature.he spoke, roughly.Crannog tasked Norgald to meet with Tasgall, a scout camped on the fields of Angmar. He explained to him that a Fém was a purpose, a task given to each member of the Trév Gállorg and their allies.If the Ram Dúath was cold and unforgiving, then Angmar was completely lifeless and barren. Nothing sprung from this land. Norgald soon reached a lone Hill-man upon a sickly lake.said Tasgall to Norgald.Norgald had only ever heard stories of Hill-beasts. He could scarcely believe such creatures truly existed.They approached the mountain pass of Nad Nathair in the dark of night. Though they walked in silence, the hill-beasts saw them first. Norgald could not believe what he saw before him. A creature, larger than even the most monstrous bears of the Blue Mountains, raced on it’s hind legs towards them.This monster was soon joined by it’s siblings. Norgald and Tasgall fought bravely against them. They made their way to their nest. They had little time for respite as the Matron ambushed them.The matron, furious at the death of her children, fought to her last breathe against them. “But where is the master?” gasped Tasgall as he cleaned his sword atop the body of the matron. They didn’t go far when a group of Hill-men emerged. Norgald relaxed himself but Tasgall readied his weapon.remarked Norgald.whispered Tasgall, eyes locked on the approaching men.spoke the leader of the group,the group laughed.spoke Tasgall fiercely.sneered Drostan.wondered Norgald.spoke the woman beside Drostan.No sooner than she finished her words when the master hill-beast appeared. The Trév Duvárdain ran and Drostan smiled menacingly at Norgald and Tasgall.Norgald and Tasgall fought valiantly and felled the great beast. They had succeeded in their mission, but Tasgall looked concerned and troubled. As they made their way back to camp, they spoke on what had transpired.he said solemnly.Norgald asked him of Clúcath.he said patting Norgald’s back.Norgald approached Crannog who was lost in thought as his advisors spoke to him. They retreated as Norgald arrived, leaving Crannog and Norgald alone.he spoke, suddenly.He walked towards Norgald and placed his hand upon his shoulder.he said with a smile.The people around the area wore a shocked expression on their faces. Some cheered and others look concerned. The preparations were made and the challenge was sent. Norgald, Crannog and his people marched to Fail-á-Khro to meet the Trév Duvárdain.Their chieftain, Domongart, spoke first.yelled Cána, Crannog’s chief advisor.sneered Domongart.Norgald and Cána fought and defeated the Trév Duvárdain.chuckled Domongart.spoke Crannog.laughed Domongart.Norgald and the Hill-men returned to Aughaire victorious. Their people cheered and celebrated at their triumph. Crannog spoke to Norgald in private.he said with a smile to Norgold.spoke Norgald. “spoke a voice behind him.There stood a ranger of the North, disheveled and weary,Norgald handed him the falcon’s letter that had been sent to Daervunn. Corunir held it for a brief moment before speaking.He sighed.