How the War Began - Part 1

Our tale began when riders from the Eastern parts of our land came bearing  an urgent message for Lord Morn. They were not your ordinary messengers, since men such as these were not respected in these parts of the Dales. I don't think even in parts where Commoners travel or live. 

I can remember their visit, the Dagger Dale Guard were disturbed by these creatures ever since our dealing with them in times of trouble - those days were dark, when Dagger Falls was controlled by the Zhentarim. We called them creatures or so called terrors of the night, since they became collaborators with our enemy, controlling the roads towards the east. Men of the Dagger Dale would seldom travel the roads for fear of being raided, enslaved, or killed by these creatures. 

That had been many years, and till this day, the people of the Falls still remember their part in the suffering of its people. We call them creatures, because we had little respect for them. They are known to the Commoners as "bugbears"; cousins to the foul Goblins, but larger. 

When they approach our gates at Dagger Falls, the men at the gate feared they would bring the war of the past. Captain Hamen of Dagger Valley called the men to arms, facing only six men on horses. Word was sent to men who were on rest. The men that came were at the Red Rock Inn & Tavern, one of them was Lord Alessandro. A visitor from the Elvish lands closest to Myth Drannor. Lord Alessandro came in haste when he got word from one of our Guards, Theoden O'Connor. Alessandro joined us - even he was surprised by these travelers.  Alessandro had the courage to meet these creatures.

To his surprise, they came bearing a message of peace - not a message of war. Alessandro met with one who seemed to be the leader. They called him Jorak, he was son of the famed Chieftain, Bungedin of the Hill Kings. The Hill King sent his son to deliver a message of unity and support. 

They were escorted by the Guard to Morn's Palace. Heavily guarded by our men, we were not sure if they would attack. Captain Hamen doubled his forces at the gate, in case of attack. 

It was told to us that Jorak knelt before Morn to assure him of peace. Both discussed a prophesy of uniting the Dagger Dale people with the creatures of the Hills. Alessandro was present with his men, and so were the Guard Commanders. Jorak spoke in a foreign tongue, similar to the language of Dwarves who long ago resided in these parts before the Zhentarim had occupied our people. The King of the Hill requested the House of Morn to come to his lands. His reason was based on a sign. Jorak handed to Morn a gift taken long ago from the people of the Falls - it was a Golden Disk, symbol of the Lathanderin Faith. Jorak told Morn of his fathers dream that the "Sun rose above the Hills bringing forth life." The King of the Hill believed it was a sign from the Lathanderin deity who wanted peace, but it can only be brought about through this offering. The King of the Hills, as the rest of his people, believed that their troubles would be remedied if they made this alliance. Jorak spoke of an evil festoring in the southern parts. It plagued the creatures of the Hills. 

At once, Morn gathered his Guard and planned a visit. Morn was a  believer in Lathander, and felt compelled to respond. Many cautioned him believing it was a trap, but Morn was no fool to surprises, nor in the sign he was told by Jorak. He assured Jorak that what ever evil lurks in the south will be delt with swiftly. He planned to journey to the Hill King with his Guards and Lord Alessandro.

When Morn met with the Hill King, Bungadim knelt before Lord Morn in joy. He welcomed Lord Morn as though he was his brother. Such a gesture was unthought of - even Lord Morn himself knelt before the Hill King, but he insisted that it would do him dishonor. I wish these stories were untrue, but witnesses told of how Lord Morn showed him honor. The Hill King begged for forgiveness, the Hill King recounted the story of their troubles and sealed a pack with Lord Morn, "Never to harm the people of Dagger Dale".

Was this the blessing we wanted from Lathander? One would say that Lord Morn was delusional, but what they both shared could not be fabricated, nor twisted by evil. Lathander was bringing peace to Dagger Dale. A dream answered for Morn, and a promise made known to the people of the Falls. 

This began the time of peace, but the Guard would enter a time of trouble.