One of the most important reasons why grapes could be cultivated extensively in Dorwinion was that the terrain and climate there were exceptionally well-suited for viticulture.
The Dorwinion merchants traveling through could not understand how the settlements here managed to grow grapes of such fine quality.
After making inquiries from various sources, a few of them obtained a piece of information:
"The lord went east, discovered grape seeds, and brought them back to his territory for cultivation."
"There is also mention of this in the Dorwinion Trade Chronicles."
Some traveling merchants visiting from Dorwinion for the first time discussed the matter with great interest.
"Who is their lord?"
"Garrett."
"That name sounds familiar... The last time I heard it was back at the harbor in our homeland, when traders returning from the east brought rumors from those distant lands."
"The legendary 'Shadow of War.'"
"Wait—?"
A few clues began connecting in their minds.
"Could it be the same person?"
But... what kind of lord didn't remain in his territory to govern properly, and instead went adventuring constantly?
If Bard or the various project leaders at Wayfort heard such thoughts, they would certainly display rather helpless expressions.
Today, Garrett was once again absent from his territory. However, he was not out having fun or some random adventure.
"The scale of this road is truly astonishing. It will become a solid barrier for the Free Peoples in the north."
On the high Sky Road, Garrett and Gandalf rode their horses at a leisurely pace along the right side of the bridge.
As they traveled, Gandalf couldn't help but glance down past the safety railings.
"The placement of this bridge is quite ingenious," he observed. "Although you can see the Woodland Realm's halls to the north, this road neither encroaches upon their territory nor allows anyone to spy upon their privacy."
"The tall trees growing throughout the forest, with their crimson and golden leaves, shield the realm from prying eyes, while under sun and moonlight, those who simply wish to enjoy the beauty can still be satisfied."
The sunlight gleamed off the glossy red leaves; standing on the bridge and gazing outward, the vista of this vast woodland was beyond words.
Garrett paused for a moment, gazing at the view, and said with emotion, "This is what I wanted. The first time I saw this view, I thought, everyone in the world should come and see it. That's why this road was planned."
Rustle.
The leaves whispered in the breeze, weaving a continuous, interlacing melody.
Both Gandalf and Garrett felt a deep, authentic sense of peace in that moment.
"No matter the season, this place will always have beauty."
"Indeed."
Gandalf nodded, then his expression grew more thoughtful.
"But the southern view tells a different tale."
From the Sky Road, the view northward revealed the sea of crimson trees, but to the south lay a range of dark, brooding mountains.
The range was called Emyn-nu-Fuin, also known as the Mountains of Mirkwood, whose slopes were cloaked in dense fir forests.
Beneath those firs lurked a darkness difficult to cleanse.
If one considered the dark mountains a blight upon the scenery, they were, but they also served to block Sauron's malevolent influence from spreading northward from Dol Guldur. If one deemed them useful, they were, but they also provided refuge for dark creatures, and to this day many orcs and giant spiders still dwelt there.
It was only in recent years, with the unprecedented strength of the Dale region, that such creatures hadn't ventured to show themselves.
"The threat isn't overwhelming, but there remain some hidden dangers," Gandalf remarked.
"That's why I asked you to come with me," Garrett replied, revealing the purpose of this journey, to visit the Great Eagles dwelling in the Misty Mountains.
The Sky Road passed not only through the former Goblin-town, but also near the peaks where the Great Eagles made their homes.
Destroying Goblin-town had clearly benefited the eagles; the most direct result was that goblins would no longer occasionally run out to harass the eagles' mountain homes.
But who could say for sure that this road itself hadn't disturbed their lives?
"I believe we have many shared goals and much room for cooperation," Garrett said. "It's just that I'm not very familiar with the Great Eagles and have never spoken with them before. But with you here, I believe our talks will go much more smoothly."
At Garrett's cautious words, Gandalf merely smiled.
"In my opinion, you're underestimating your own reputation."
"The Great Eagles, they are eagles, certainly, but not ordinary beasts. Whether it's Gwaihir the Windlord or the others, they possess wisdom and nobility, and they willingly aid those who are pure of heart."
"Rather than saying that the goblins of Goblin-town harassed the eagles' lives, it's more accurate to say the goblins were frustrated by the eagles constantly thwarting their evil schemes. Unable to threaten the eagles directly, they could only resort to occasional harassment as petty revenge."
In essence: they couldn't strike at the eagles, so they merely annoyed them.
"Honestly, you have no need of me for this. I would say that even if you went alone, nothing unpleasant would occur," Gandalf declared.
Garrett understood this as well. After all, his standing among the eagles had long risen above mere respect; all that was lacking between them was direct communication.
This time, he had genuinely brought Gandalf along as a witness, or perhaps simply for company.
At sunrise, the two had ridden swift horses from Dale.
By evening, the mountains loomed ahead.
Here stood numerous temporary structures, fully equipped with various facilities and amenities for the workers on the construction front to rest and resupply.
Typically, wherever construction progressed, these clusters of buildings would follow.
Such "ready-made" temporary settlements were especially common both at the starting point of the Sky Road and here near the Misty Mountains, often large enough to resemble small towns.
The starting point, naturally, served as a hub of heavy traffic and important facilities, everything one could expect from a bustling center.
As for the Misty Mountains terminus, the road's connection to the mountains provided ample space for additional buildings. Even if they weren't dismantled later, they wouldn't obstruct passage.
This had been part of the design from the beginning. After all, the road had now extended too far from Lake-town, and many people simply chose to live here, rotating shifts periodically.
In fact, during a recent planning meeting, Garrett had already designated this location as a new "settlement development zone."
If trends continued this way, perhaps one day there would indeed be one, or even several, thriving towns spanning the road itself.
After stabling their horses, the man and the wizard headed north for a short distance, then began to climb the mountain.
The eagles' aerie was essentially a cluster of massive, irregular boulders, normally accessible only by flight.
This was one reason the Great Eagles never feared goblins or orcs: no matter how skilled at climbing they might be, they could at most make noise at the base of the rocks or shout to disturb their rest. As for actually scaling the heights to reach the eagles' homes, impossible.
When the climbable path ended and Garrett was considering whether to deploy his elytra to carry Gandalf upward, two Great Eagles swooped down.
They carried Garrett and Gandalf to a flat expanse of stone at the mountain's peak.
Whoosh.
A mighty current of air swirled across the ground as a Great Eagle wearing a golden circlet descended slowly, giving Garrett a respectful nod in greeting.
Its identity was unmistakable: Gwaihir the Windlord, Lord of the Great Eagles.
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