Iron Forged Brotherhood

Prologue

-Dale, the day after-

A subtle change of the wind and the unbearable cold that freezes bones announced the arrival of the cruel winter. It would certainly delay the Rohirrim's return to the mark until it was safe again to travel. Prince Eoden, son of Eomer of Rohan, decided to venture out of the inn to check on his best friend at the stables, while the others were still asleep. His feet dipped into powdered snow, as he cupped his hands against his face, exhaling into them to keep warm.

And there was his friend Brego, a proud and magnificent horse that he named after King Ellessar's mount, with his muzzle in a trough of feed. The stable boy must have been up earlier than him to tend the animals because there was faded foot prints around the back of the stalls in crooked rows.

Dale's winter was far colder than Rohan's and Eoden was not used to it. "It's a wonder that you can withstand this weather." he said, while petting Brego. The horse whipped his tail sideways happily as he ate. "I need to go back in, and be out of this forsaken weather, my loyal friend. Perhaps some warm food will help too." He petted his horse one last time, before making his way back to the warm indoors.

The hanging weather beaten sign of The Shaggy Dog tavern was swinging with the breeze, coated with a few glitters of snow. Eoden pushed the doors open, helping himself to a table near the hearth to keep warm. He ordered his breakfast meal to the first wench he came across, a robust one. Before long, she brought him a bowl that she placed carelessly before him on the table, followed up by a spoon that she tossed in the same manner. She disappeared from sight just as fast, like she did not want to be seen much.

It was a quiet morning, save for the flickering flames of the hearth and the background sounds of the tavern workers at the kitchen.

Eoden looked at his bowl, stirring with his spoon what seemed like wet, grounded and mashed grains. The rising steam greeted his face pleasantly. "At least it's warm," he muttered to himself. Upon first spoonful, he made disgusting gestures, "And tasteless" he added after swallowing.

At that moment, the tavern doors slammed open as Kalvis, the acknowledged son of Thorin Oakenshield, made his way in. He was glad to see a familiar face first thing in the morning. "I trust your rest was better than mine. Mind if I join you?" Despite his royal wears, his overall appearance was neglected, with reddened and tired eyes, bedroom hair and yawning deeply.

"By appearance, I wouldn't doubt you're right. And that's hard to beat." Eoden chuckled, "What brings you here at this early hour, and through this weather?"

"I could start to tell you, but I am sure you will not believe me. I need a drink. A strong one" Explained Kalvis narrowing his eyes as they adjusted to the daylight.

The same robust wench that served Eoden his meal passed them by at that moment. Kalvis grabbed her forearm hardly, demanding a strong drink. Once she was far from hearing distance, he whispered; "Gold beyond measure, that's what's inside those hoards. Insane amounts of gold. By my beard, Eoden, the legends fall short, and I have my reasons to believe it is still cursed!" said a very disturbed Kalvis.

"I fear if you say anything more about your beard, you'll no longer have one to speak of" teased Eoden.

Kalvis looked sideways to make sure they were alone, "I swear I saw my father roaming about them. This is not natural, none of it! Am I losing my mind?"

"I don't think so, at least not about your tales. Legends of cursed gold are not unknown to me, as there's a fair share of them among my ancestors. However, you might find difficulty explaining your wears in this weather, or the absence of them..." It was hard for Eoden to take him seriously in his current state.

Kalvis realized he was still on his knee length sleep shirt and no pants worn. He blushed with embarrassment, "Guess I finally lost it. We can always say I'm drunk" he closed his coat in front of him just in time to see the wench arrive with his drink, which he downed from three gulps, slamming the empty mug against the table "Fill it again, go!"

"At that pace, words will not be needed. I'd suggest you slow down or eat warm. However, I do not recommend the breakfast this morning..." Eoden suspected he was served from the same sack his horse was fed to, only warmer.

Kalvis took a look at Eoden's meal, "No offense, but my wife's morning sickness looks more inviting in comparison"

That was all Eoden needed to hear before sliding his bowl away from him. "Thank you, that was very helpful" he replied with sarcasm. The disgusting mental image made him lose appetite.

The nosy wench returned with another full mug. Kalvis tossed her a few gold coins, "What in Durin's name is this piece of crap you served my friend? Get him your best bread and fruit! I'll have the same!"

"What should I do with your meal, Sir?" asked the wench humbly to Eoden. Her voice was sweet but her teeth were rotten. Eoden understood now why she was quick to leave.

"Um.. I don't know, give it to the dogs maybe?" he responded. This was definitely not the best of days for him.

The wench collected the half eaten bowl of gruel from Eoden and the gold coins from Kalvis, and headed for the door to throw the meal away. As she opened the door, a raven fled at high speed, landing on the half dwarf's shoulder. It chirped rapidly, delivering a small scroll to him. "Thanks. You may dismiss now" replied Kalvis to the raven, who took leave just as fast. Then he handed the scroll to Eoden, "I think this is for you, news from Rohan"

Eoden took the scroll from Kalvis, unrolling it to read. "Interesting..."

"What does it say, if you don't mind me asking?" said Kalvis.

"Three months from now, there will be a meeting in Rivendell. All of the allied free kingdoms are being summoned. I imagine that includes Erebor. My father has asked me to go in his stead. He is still solving some important matters with King Ellessar and he doesn't know how much longer will it take him. I am closer to Rivendell than he is, so I guess I am stuck here until winter is over."

"Which means I will probably be asked to go too as part of my grooming for the affairs of the crown." Kalvis sighed, "If that's the case, we need to depart as soon as the weather allows"

"On that note, there are things that need to be settled still. Will you be coming back with us after the meeting? I believe you must deliver the news to my cousin's father about your marriage."

Kalvis was about to answer Eoden's questions, when he felt the peer pressure of the heavy wench upon him, bearing her rotten teeth in a smile as she brought another full mug. "This is a private conversation, mind you?" he closed his coat in front of him again, hating to feel like a prey to the unwelcome advances of a needy wench.

Eoden waited for her to leave before resuming their conversation, "You know if it isn't you who speaks to her father, it will have to be me." His tone indicated that it wasn't something he wished to do.

"Inconceivable! I'm doing this journey with you so I can speak to him myself." Kalvis downed his mug quickly again from three gulps.

"If we plan this carefully, we can get many things done at once. Besides, there is a couple of halflings we need to deliver back home also." Both Eoden and Kalvis shared their dislike for Rosey and Posey.

"It is decided then. Just give me a week to get back to you with news and all the necessary arrangements. Do not worry about your accommodations, I will make sure you have a pleasant stay now that I can afford it." Kalvis abandoned the table to get started just as the wench returned with a decent breakfast for two. With all the new worries in his one tracked mind, he totally forgot his meal.

Eoden shook his head with amusement at the expense of his forgetful friend, after being left alone to eat.