A Journey to Carlingford

Dear Captain,

It is wonderful to hear that you achieved such success at the swap meet, and that you had such an enjoyable experience! It is beyond pleasing that you and the doctor found the area as charming as I had. On the topic of the cipher you discovered, have you managed to open it? Such a peculiar device, I can most certainly think of several uses for it, hiding small treasures or a map to a larger prize seems fitting does it not? Hm, I shall ponder a bit longer for what we should stash inside; Just the thought is making me excited for the sheer potential!

During my journey I spotted plenty of autumn-blooming flowers, one being goldenrod; I had learned from a travelling weaver that goldenrod flowers may be used to craft the most beautiful shades of gold and ochre during their blooming season. I had thought of you and the plentiful bounties you may harvest, like I remembered the crone whom taught me such a beautiful sight with such boundless knowledge. Now that I think of it, I had first encountered her upon a journey in this area the last I was though, mayhaps I may encounter her again and find more beauty to see in my upcoming travels. My apologies again captain, I have always been one to be long-winded and sentimental, quite odd for one whom travels alone, is it not?

Continuing on, I have made camp after a sprawling trek to the northeast of my last sent location. My travels led to where I have made my current stop; as the news I had gained from some passing merchants was exceedingly peculiar. Within the kingdom of Calloway, there is a small Irish village known as Carlingford, which is where I am presently writing from. The village is in search of a new mayor and the candidates are what is most intriguing; The local sheriff is in the running, but that may be where the normality ends, as his political opponents are the local witch, an ogre, and for some odd reason, a rat. Nevertheless, Carlingford is a lovely spot with many craftsmen, merchants, and bards gathering soon in the celebration of the wild hunt. The festivities are sure to be grand and plentiful bounties to be gained. After conversing a bit more with the local shops, I also discovered that they are very welcoming to pirates and their crew and are ecstatic to hear of the tavern’s upcoming arrival should you choose to venture; And that they, as well, have some local pirates despite not being a seafaring town.

Following the celebration the town is partaking in, the legends of it are likely that which you’ve heard before, Captain. The wild hunt was a very common legend amid my homelands; Though known by a different name, the tale remains unchanged. In a haunting parade of the dead, a score of ghostly hunters ride atop their ebony steeds flanked by their pack of hounds; They are known to stampede across the lands during the cold, storming season, and that locals are to be wary if they hear their cries in the distance for they may be spirited away by the hunt. The village of Carlingford celebrates the wild hunt this year, and there is word that the hunt has already arrived near the village. I have not noticed any irregularities yet, but mayhaps by the time the tavern arrives there will be more signs of their lodging. Keep your wits about you captain, there may be more in Carlingford than meets the eye.

I will recommend being wary of fae in the region, the trickster type roam in force this time of year; I imagine many of the common folk will be using disguises to ward off the spirits as well, as is tradition. I will continue on my path in a few days to make further progress, I hope your journey to Carlingford and your stay with the locals is as eventful and enthralling as I imagine it will be Captain. May your path lead joyful and true.

Your well-worded wanderer,

L. Winthers