I see that you plan on using VHDL. Are you using Synplicity or FPGA Express? I can send you an example design for Synplicity. The example design connects a loadable counter to the E5's internal bus.

Also, just FYI, you can also use schematic capture with the E5 if you prefer. This is a 'free' version of OrCAD available from the SpinCircuit.com web site.

http://www.spincircuit.com/download.html

This version works with the OrCAD libraries shipped on the FastChip CD-ROM. The 'free' part is that you have to log in via the Internet every time you use it. I think they also serve up advertisements but I don't remember for sure.