Field Journal #2 - On the road

Northern Road. Sunny and a bit breezy, although my allergies are killing me. Now a day and a half out from Burle en route to Burnside. After a relatively uneventful couple of days from Saltmarsh to Burle, we were set upon yesterday afternoon by a gnoll raidpack along the road! Four months ago I hardly would have believed my own tales. What with all that has gone on these past few weeks, I sound like Drunk Todde and his ramblings back in the Meyersen's tavern in Neuw Kirche... Regardless, the forest had overgrown that part of the road furthest from both Burle and Burnside and while the road was clearly visible, new tree growth made if difficult to get a glimpse more than 10-20 yards to either side! We debated trying to go around the Overgrowth via the plains to the west, but decided to chance the forest path as we didn't know how far the new growth continued... I'd heard this strange laughing cry the nigh before last and despite the Cptn's protestations, it turned out I was right - there were things watching us! The gnolls set upon us about 1/4, 1/2 mile into the tangle and it was pure chaos! I was thrown from my horse and everything descended into another frenzy, with arrows whistling by and nets being thrown. Thorongil is truly a master with both blade and bow though, and the Cptn can be quite fierce when the mood strikes him. Thanks to them, we three managed to struggle clear after Thorongil killed their packleader with an arrow (although I did shoot the beast with my hand crosxbow!!). I must continue to note these events down, for no one at the Departement will believe me. Speaking of V, I'm anxious to learn of Dra. Proskouriakoff's response... need to call Mr. Seneschal and Mr. Pavel asap. With any luck there'll be good news and I focus my attention on recording the Fire Festival at Burnside tomorrow (nb. Fyre Festival? Spl'g was unclear from merchant's account in Burle..).