As I neared Alder Hill, I was struck by the defensive pallisade that encircled the rown. This was a necessity caused by the infrequent Bírdun raids. Bírdun are fierce creatures that little is known about, save that they are adept at burning and pillaging. I shuddered as I looked at the defenses and wondered what past horrors had caused them to be built.

My arrival at the town gate was greeted with a none-too-friendly, 'What?' from the Gatekeeper. He readily admitted me, though, after I had slipped him some small coins. The town itself was fairly modest in size, though bustling and vibrant. I made a beeline for the market place and immersed myself in the cornucopia of smells, sights and sounds. I sampled some of the local cuisine, which was satisfying, if a little unadventurous. I purchased a slightly tacky tankard bearing the legend, 'My friend went to Alder Hill and all I got was this lousy mug!' on the side.

Wandering through the town, I noted that although the vast majority of the townsfolk were humans (Midlanders local to the area around Alder Hill) there was a smattering of other Arlavré races represented too, especially in the Market. I saw there a stall, selling examples of smithcraft, run by a couple of Dwarves, and I witnessed an Ifrin being arrested by a Town Guard for pick-pocketing. I was assured that this was typical behaviour for the Ifrin by one of the Dawrves, who professed himself 'none too keen on those light-fingered imps.'

The town hosts embassies from two other human societies, the Melskháur and the Iðavi . Relations between these two and the Midlanders are fairly good at the moment, as the presence of the embassies indicates. There is also a fine town hall, with many interesting scrolls contained therein. I pored over some of the maps available, picking out landmarks I had seen on my journey. Tourist versions of these maps are available for purchase, on either hide or parchment. I chose hide as rain threatened and I didn't want my map to get soggy.

As I made my way to the west of the town, I was increasingly aware of two hills looming nearby. To the right, an ancient, ruined fortress stood, in terrible disrepair but still somehow threatening. (There are, indeed, ruins throughout Alder Hill, and the locals often pillage the stonework for building purposes.) To the left was the Alder Hill itself, from which the town gets its name. It is an ancient hillfort, with ramparts made out of grass-covered earth encircling it. Atop the hill is a brooding stone circle, a source, locals say, of great magick. According to the lore, only the brave or foolhardy venture up there after dark. Seeing as I am neither, I statyed firmly put in the town!

As evening fell, I sought accomodation. This was found at the Alder Hill Inn, the focus for the town's social activities. I was welcomed by the innkeeper, the charming Radelia, a woman with a ready smile, and yet . . . there was an aura about her, something I could not quite put my finger on. I paid for my room ( a small, but comfortable room, with a marvellous bed) and went to the bar. It was full of sturdy looking furniture and sturdier looking people, none more so than Bert, the genial (and huge! ) barman. He served me with a tankard of quite delicious ale and a plate of stew, which I readily tucked into.

The Inn's regulars seemed an interesting, if mixed, bunch. An old man in the corner held forth about every topic under the sun and was frequently told to 'shut UP, Mekhaul!' I even noted a hooded Soalvyn Elf in the corner, though he kept himself very much to himself. At one point an argument broke out between two young men, but one glare from the Troll bouncers was enough to dissaude them from fighting. I spent the evening talking to people, listening to stoires and joining in with songs. Thoroughly enjoyable.

Alder Hill has a rustic charm all of its own. As a travel destination, it must rate highly. It makes an excellent base for the exploration of the Midlands, and the ruins alone are worth the visit. Do yourself a favour and take a trip to Alder Hill . . . but watch out for those Bírdun!

For more information about Alder Hill, you are invited to visit