As darkness fell, so did the rain, softly at first, but
began to build intensity as the night grew on. The river grew
from the gentle, slow moving sound that most have, to what
seemed like a torrent, not to unlike the rapids at Sarn
Gebir, or the Falls of Rauros. The small encampment of Men
there, though, put these small things aside as they tried to
get a fire started, not only for warmth, but also for the
cooking of the evening meal. Six there were in this company,
all tall and grim lords, all bearing differing heraldic
emblems upon their surcoats, which were all sable. Their
armour and weaponry were one of the few things all these Men
had in common. Mail hauberks extending down to elbow and
knee, under which was an aketon of dark gray. Over the
hauberks were tabards, upon which each had his heraldic
emblem. Over their forearms where vambraces of steel, each
engraved with the lofty wings of a seabird, which were inlaid
in gold and silver, and gloves they wore, of soft and supple
black leather. Protecting their lower legs, aside from the
tall boots each wore, were greaves that had a matching effect
to those of the vambraces. Secured about each neck was a
black cloak, the cloak pin bearing, again, their heraldic
emblem.
Lighting flashed, and thunder roared as the night continued. In the backdrop could be seen the Mountains of Mist, of which this company had been following south, through Dunland to the Gap of Rohan, and from here they would proceed eastward and southward, towards the city of Minas Anor. With one last attempt, each tried to start a fire, and all failed. Giving up on their attempt to have a hot meal, they all sat semicircle about each other, sharing the provisions they had that did not need be cooked, which mostly consisted of breads and fruits, with a few pieces of dried meat here and there. Each had also two flasks of wine, which were shared amongst the group.
As morning dawned, so did the end of the rain, though the clouds remained, ever heavy with the threat of unleashing another unforgiving torrent of rain upon the company as they started the day's march. Each Man carefully accounted for all his gear, and made sure his weapon was ready to be used. Two carried bows, long, ancient steel-bows, tall as they. Three bore swords, of an overall length of five feet, and one carried a double-bladed war axe, though had an eket* upon his belt.
-------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------- ------
After a wearing trip of a many weeks, with stopovers not only at Orthanc (receiving what they could get from the Ents) and the Hornburg and Glittering Caves, but many of the small settlements of Rohan, and Edoras, they arrived at the seven-tiered city of Minas Anor, with the White Tower of Ecthelion at its peak, flying the banner of the King. Passing through the Great Gate, the Men passed up the winding road that led them back and forth across the city as they ascended, reaching the Court of the Fountain not one hour after they had started from the Great Gate.
They each walked across the Court, the silence of which was in stark contrast to the rest of the city. The Fountain and Citadel Guards stood at their posts, the former around the White Tree, the latter standing at the doors of the Citadel. They stopped, however, when they saw the pair they had come for, the King Elessar and his wife Queen Undómiel sitting at the fountain, softly conversing. The company slowly approached, and stopped when they had reached one yard distant from the King and Queen. One stepped forward, and bowed to both (as they all did).
"Hail the King Elessar and Queen Undómiel, may happiness and long life be granted to both. I, and my companions, am here as you bid, my lord, to receive to us that which you promised to give, yet would not name in thy letters."
A nod is given to all the Men as Elessar stands. "Good. As to what you are to be given, I shall now pronounce. Aelbor," He spoke to the first man. "You shall receive unto you and your heirs the lands of The Angle as your princedom as long as my line shall last." His gaze flicked to the second man. "To you, Dolgalad, I give the land of Minhiriath to thee and thy ancestors. Faellor, to thee I give the lands of Eregion to you and your heirs. Brendel, you shall have the lands from the Greenway to the Mitheithel River. Baur, you and your kin shall keep from the northern branch of the Greenway to the Mitheithel River, including Fornost. And lastly, though not last in thought, to thee Arathadan, I give thee the western branch of the Grey Mountains, and all surrounding lands up to the border of the North Downs in the south, and no farther than ten leagues north. I give to all these titles:
Aelbor, Prince of Egladil
Dolgalad, Prince of Minhiriath
Faellor, Lord of Eregion
Brendel, Prince of the South Downs
Baur, Lord of the Weather Hills and Fornost
Arathadan, Prince of the Grey Mountains.
From this day forth, as long as thee shall live, each of you is welcome free to come and to go into the Realms of Gondor and Arnor, and into the Citadels of Minas Anor and of Annúminas. I have also prepared for the each of you a small company of Citadel Guards as your own, each bearing the livery of your princedom, of which I have prepared for you."
Turning to one of the near Fountain Guards, he whispered instructions. With a nod, and crisp salute, the Man walked away, and into the Citadel. Turning back, Elessar motioned to the prices. "Please, my princes, sit with us, and converse. You can share the news of your journey, which was long indeed, and give us news of the events in Arnor, and the lands between there and here."
With a nod, each sat, and in turn, was asked by the King of what news of Arnor he had, and the tale of their journey. He asked many questions at many points, mostly about the Dunlendings had given them any trouble upon their journey through their land, and the like. This talk lasted for about half an hour, for up to them came not only the Fountain Guard who had been sent away, but six small companies, about fifty Men each, of Citadel Guards, each bearing the livery of one of the six Princedoms. Here is a description of each.
Livery of Aelbor: An angle of land between two rivers, above which sat three gems of blue.
Livery of Dolgalad: Land, with trees upon it, between two rivers, above which was set two gems of white.
Livery of Faellor: A hammer above an anvil, below which sat the relief of a city, and above all are six white gems.
Livery of Brendel: A relief of downlands over which sat one gem of green.
Livery of Baur: A relief of Fornost, above which were four white gems.
Livery of Arathadan: Mountains, above which were two gems: one white, and one blue.
"Here, lords are your Guards. Hand picked from men of high Númenoréan blood, each has given their word of sworn fealty to their lord."
Indeed, they were of high Númenoréan blood, as not only stated by their faces and stature, but by their amour. It was surely armour from Númenor before it foundered. Beneath all was a long-sleeved undertunic and hose of soft wool; over these went a hauberk of heavy mail, the rings of which were beaten gold, which extended to the elbows and knees. Each wore leather gauntlets and tall boots; between the gauntlet and the sleeve of the hauberk each wore steel vambraces, the two plates of which were strapped together with leathers; likewise between boot and hauberk skirt each wore steel greaves, which were similarly attached. Over the hauberk each wore a tabard of heavy black wool, split to the groin, that was edged in leather and decorated in leather with the livery of their respective lord; fastened to this was a cloak of dark wool.
The helmet was a plain skull, to which was welded a curving plate that extended down to protect the neck. Also attached, by means of rivets, where cheek plates- that were functional- and a pair of wings to represent their Númenoréan heritage, though, they were purely decorative. Each also bore a shield, matching each man's height and breadth. Made of many layers of wood, it was edged in metal, and bore the livery of his lord. The shields were curved to help the soldier more easily deflect blows of the enemy, and the bottom edge came to a point, which not only reduced the weight of it, but also meant that it could be rested or secured on the ground while being gripped, forming a nigh impenetrable shield wall.
Each also bore swords, of Númenoréan make, three feet long over all, save the Captain of each company, who bore a sword of four feet in length. The archers, which comprised of one-fifth of each company, had the infamous Númenoréan steel bow, the arrows, which were four feet in length, resting in their quiver beside each man's sword.
"Tis like looking at a company of Númenoréan soldiers at the height of our beloved Númenor.." Baur uttered this as he looked over the gathered Men, who stood in silence.
"Indeed, it is, Lord Baur." Mused Elessar. "But, my lords and princes, stay in Minas Anor for a while, and take your rests. It will take some time to gather the number of horses, not to mention the supplies, for your long journey back."
"Pardon, my lord, but could we not simply take a ship up the Greyflood, and disembark at Tharbad? This will put us, save the Prince Arathadan, within a comfortable distance of our lands. Indeed, only Arathadan should be need of horse, for his princedom is beyond Fornost."
Elessar chuckled lightly. "Indeed, indeed. You do have a point, Lord Faellor. It shall be done. I shall send an errand rider to Pelargir, with orders to have ready in a fortnight four ships, three for you princes and your Guard, and one for the horse needed for the Prince Arathadan and his Guard."
"My lord," spoke the aforementioned Prince Arathadan. "What of stoneworkers and other such craftsmen? I'm sure each of us will require some, to build our citadels and the rest? I do not favor sleeping in Carn Dûm." This got a light chuckle from all present.
"Nay, nay, my lord Prince. Carn Dûm shall be your capital, but it shall be rebuilt. I'm sure that the Dwarves of the Ered Luin would be more than happy to accommodate each of you in turn, and you might be able to get the Elves of Lindon to help also, if any be left."
"Also, the artisans of Imladris, which have not all taken the boat Westward, will help their Dúnedain brethren." The Queen Undómiel, her voice light and soft, like the gentle breeze of a fine day, spoke this.
The prince bowed to them both. "Indeed. I thank you for your answers."
Elessar smiled. "Now, we have kept you over long. I have room prepared for you, and I'm sure each of you wants your rest. Though, stay for a bit longer, my lord Prince Arathadan. I have need to speak with you, concerning your princedom."
-------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------- ------
As the others left, the Guard of each following, save Arathadan's, which waited near the Gate of the Citadel, or the seventh gate. Elessar spoke softly to the aforementioned prince. "My lord Prince, when you reach Carn Dûm, I'm sure you will find many folk of many types that will speak the old language." An eyebrow was raised quizzically. "My lord? Old language?" A smile. "Indeed. The name Carn Dûm it's self is not Elvish, from the carn, nor is it Dwarvish, as one might think from dûm. The Angmarian language could still be in use. I want you to learn this language, for there are records of it here at the Citadel, and turn it into not a language of the Lord of Angmar, the Lord of the Nazgûl, but to that of one that could perhaps be used in exchange for Sindarin, for not many will speak that fair language in that land."
A nod. "Yes, my lord, I shall." Another smile. "Good. Now, get ye to your rest!"
-------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------- ------
Hey all. This is my third work. Here are a few notes.
Eket: Númenoréan for short sword.
Princedoms: Most of these lands where in the hands of the Kingdom of Arnor, save Eregion and Carn Dûm, but they have been added, purely because Eregion is empty as is Carn Dûm.
Description of the Guard: This description was taken from The Lord of the Rings: Weapons and Warfare by Chris Smith, though has been adjusted to fit my idea of their look.
Angmarian: I learned of this thanks to The Encyclopedia of Arda, which one can find at www.glyphweb.com/arda to find the entry, just look for Carn Dûm.
Lighting flashed, and thunder roared as the night continued. In the backdrop could be seen the Mountains of Mist, of which this company had been following south, through Dunland to the Gap of Rohan, and from here they would proceed eastward and southward, towards the city of Minas Anor. With one last attempt, each tried to start a fire, and all failed. Giving up on their attempt to have a hot meal, they all sat semicircle about each other, sharing the provisions they had that did not need be cooked, which mostly consisted of breads and fruits, with a few pieces of dried meat here and there. Each had also two flasks of wine, which were shared amongst the group.
As morning dawned, so did the end of the rain, though the clouds remained, ever heavy with the threat of unleashing another unforgiving torrent of rain upon the company as they started the day's march. Each Man carefully accounted for all his gear, and made sure his weapon was ready to be used. Two carried bows, long, ancient steel-bows, tall as they. Three bore swords, of an overall length of five feet, and one carried a double-bladed war axe, though had an eket* upon his belt.
-------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------- ------
After a wearing trip of a many weeks, with stopovers not only at Orthanc (receiving what they could get from the Ents) and the Hornburg and Glittering Caves, but many of the small settlements of Rohan, and Edoras, they arrived at the seven-tiered city of Minas Anor, with the White Tower of Ecthelion at its peak, flying the banner of the King. Passing through the Great Gate, the Men passed up the winding road that led them back and forth across the city as they ascended, reaching the Court of the Fountain not one hour after they had started from the Great Gate.
They each walked across the Court, the silence of which was in stark contrast to the rest of the city. The Fountain and Citadel Guards stood at their posts, the former around the White Tree, the latter standing at the doors of the Citadel. They stopped, however, when they saw the pair they had come for, the King Elessar and his wife Queen Undómiel sitting at the fountain, softly conversing. The company slowly approached, and stopped when they had reached one yard distant from the King and Queen. One stepped forward, and bowed to both (as they all did).
"Hail the King Elessar and Queen Undómiel, may happiness and long life be granted to both. I, and my companions, am here as you bid, my lord, to receive to us that which you promised to give, yet would not name in thy letters."
A nod is given to all the Men as Elessar stands. "Good. As to what you are to be given, I shall now pronounce. Aelbor," He spoke to the first man. "You shall receive unto you and your heirs the lands of The Angle as your princedom as long as my line shall last." His gaze flicked to the second man. "To you, Dolgalad, I give the land of Minhiriath to thee and thy ancestors. Faellor, to thee I give the lands of Eregion to you and your heirs. Brendel, you shall have the lands from the Greenway to the Mitheithel River. Baur, you and your kin shall keep from the northern branch of the Greenway to the Mitheithel River, including Fornost. And lastly, though not last in thought, to thee Arathadan, I give thee the western branch of the Grey Mountains, and all surrounding lands up to the border of the North Downs in the south, and no farther than ten leagues north. I give to all these titles:
Aelbor, Prince of Egladil
Dolgalad, Prince of Minhiriath
Faellor, Lord of Eregion
Brendel, Prince of the South Downs
Baur, Lord of the Weather Hills and Fornost
Arathadan, Prince of the Grey Mountains.
From this day forth, as long as thee shall live, each of you is welcome free to come and to go into the Realms of Gondor and Arnor, and into the Citadels of Minas Anor and of Annúminas. I have also prepared for the each of you a small company of Citadel Guards as your own, each bearing the livery of your princedom, of which I have prepared for you."
Turning to one of the near Fountain Guards, he whispered instructions. With a nod, and crisp salute, the Man walked away, and into the Citadel. Turning back, Elessar motioned to the prices. "Please, my princes, sit with us, and converse. You can share the news of your journey, which was long indeed, and give us news of the events in Arnor, and the lands between there and here."
With a nod, each sat, and in turn, was asked by the King of what news of Arnor he had, and the tale of their journey. He asked many questions at many points, mostly about the Dunlendings had given them any trouble upon their journey through their land, and the like. This talk lasted for about half an hour, for up to them came not only the Fountain Guard who had been sent away, but six small companies, about fifty Men each, of Citadel Guards, each bearing the livery of one of the six Princedoms. Here is a description of each.
Livery of Aelbor: An angle of land between two rivers, above which sat three gems of blue.
Livery of Dolgalad: Land, with trees upon it, between two rivers, above which was set two gems of white.
Livery of Faellor: A hammer above an anvil, below which sat the relief of a city, and above all are six white gems.
Livery of Brendel: A relief of downlands over which sat one gem of green.
Livery of Baur: A relief of Fornost, above which were four white gems.
Livery of Arathadan: Mountains, above which were two gems: one white, and one blue.
"Here, lords are your Guards. Hand picked from men of high Númenoréan blood, each has given their word of sworn fealty to their lord."
Indeed, they were of high Númenoréan blood, as not only stated by their faces and stature, but by their amour. It was surely armour from Númenor before it foundered. Beneath all was a long-sleeved undertunic and hose of soft wool; over these went a hauberk of heavy mail, the rings of which were beaten gold, which extended to the elbows and knees. Each wore leather gauntlets and tall boots; between the gauntlet and the sleeve of the hauberk each wore steel vambraces, the two plates of which were strapped together with leathers; likewise between boot and hauberk skirt each wore steel greaves, which were similarly attached. Over the hauberk each wore a tabard of heavy black wool, split to the groin, that was edged in leather and decorated in leather with the livery of their respective lord; fastened to this was a cloak of dark wool.
The helmet was a plain skull, to which was welded a curving plate that extended down to protect the neck. Also attached, by means of rivets, where cheek plates- that were functional- and a pair of wings to represent their Númenoréan heritage, though, they were purely decorative. Each also bore a shield, matching each man's height and breadth. Made of many layers of wood, it was edged in metal, and bore the livery of his lord. The shields were curved to help the soldier more easily deflect blows of the enemy, and the bottom edge came to a point, which not only reduced the weight of it, but also meant that it could be rested or secured on the ground while being gripped, forming a nigh impenetrable shield wall.
Each also bore swords, of Númenoréan make, three feet long over all, save the Captain of each company, who bore a sword of four feet in length. The archers, which comprised of one-fifth of each company, had the infamous Númenoréan steel bow, the arrows, which were four feet in length, resting in their quiver beside each man's sword.
"Tis like looking at a company of Númenoréan soldiers at the height of our beloved Númenor.." Baur uttered this as he looked over the gathered Men, who stood in silence.
"Indeed, it is, Lord Baur." Mused Elessar. "But, my lords and princes, stay in Minas Anor for a while, and take your rests. It will take some time to gather the number of horses, not to mention the supplies, for your long journey back."
"Pardon, my lord, but could we not simply take a ship up the Greyflood, and disembark at Tharbad? This will put us, save the Prince Arathadan, within a comfortable distance of our lands. Indeed, only Arathadan should be need of horse, for his princedom is beyond Fornost."
Elessar chuckled lightly. "Indeed, indeed. You do have a point, Lord Faellor. It shall be done. I shall send an errand rider to Pelargir, with orders to have ready in a fortnight four ships, three for you princes and your Guard, and one for the horse needed for the Prince Arathadan and his Guard."
"My lord," spoke the aforementioned Prince Arathadan. "What of stoneworkers and other such craftsmen? I'm sure each of us will require some, to build our citadels and the rest? I do not favor sleeping in Carn Dûm." This got a light chuckle from all present.
"Nay, nay, my lord Prince. Carn Dûm shall be your capital, but it shall be rebuilt. I'm sure that the Dwarves of the Ered Luin would be more than happy to accommodate each of you in turn, and you might be able to get the Elves of Lindon to help also, if any be left."
"Also, the artisans of Imladris, which have not all taken the boat Westward, will help their Dúnedain brethren." The Queen Undómiel, her voice light and soft, like the gentle breeze of a fine day, spoke this.
The prince bowed to them both. "Indeed. I thank you for your answers."
Elessar smiled. "Now, we have kept you over long. I have room prepared for you, and I'm sure each of you wants your rest. Though, stay for a bit longer, my lord Prince Arathadan. I have need to speak with you, concerning your princedom."
-------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------- ------
As the others left, the Guard of each following, save Arathadan's, which waited near the Gate of the Citadel, or the seventh gate. Elessar spoke softly to the aforementioned prince. "My lord Prince, when you reach Carn Dûm, I'm sure you will find many folk of many types that will speak the old language." An eyebrow was raised quizzically. "My lord? Old language?" A smile. "Indeed. The name Carn Dûm it's self is not Elvish, from the carn, nor is it Dwarvish, as one might think from dûm. The Angmarian language could still be in use. I want you to learn this language, for there are records of it here at the Citadel, and turn it into not a language of the Lord of Angmar, the Lord of the Nazgûl, but to that of one that could perhaps be used in exchange for Sindarin, for not many will speak that fair language in that land."
A nod. "Yes, my lord, I shall." Another smile. "Good. Now, get ye to your rest!"
-------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------- ------
Hey all. This is my third work. Here are a few notes.
Eket: Númenoréan for short sword.
Princedoms: Most of these lands where in the hands of the Kingdom of Arnor, save Eregion and Carn Dûm, but they have been added, purely because Eregion is empty as is Carn Dûm.
Description of the Guard: This description was taken from The Lord of the Rings: Weapons and Warfare by Chris Smith, though has been adjusted to fit my idea of their look.
Angmarian: I learned of this thanks to The Encyclopedia of Arda, which one can find at www.glyphweb.com/arda to find the entry, just look for Carn Dûm.