Sleep does not come easily to me that night. My dreams are feverish. I see the disappointed face of my father when I abandoned him. The pale and beautiful face of Annatar grinning at me. The face of my mother, full with silent reproach. The thousand faces of my people looking at me with bitterness. I am their lord. And my weakness doomed us all. I awake in cold sweat. Dawn is near.

After a light breakfast we march out of the city. Two thousand of cavalry, five thousand of infantry. Banners are flapping in the wind. The crescent moon of Elu Thingol, the stars of Fingolfin, the sun of Finarfin. And a single banner with the star of the house of Fëanor. I will not hide. Sauron will know where I am.

It took us until midday to reach Glanduin. While the troops are eating, I call for a council of captains. I stand as the ruler of the city and Celeborn as the lord of the Sindar. Among the present leaders is Arminas, the one that meet Tuor and Túrin. His name means the noble tower. A fitting name for one who survived the battles of the First Age.

The captain of the archers is young Tarborn. He wanted to be a musician, but after his father died in a goblin raid, he took a bow instead. He is clearly nervous, for this is his first major battle. No shame in that. Most of us are jittery. We have no idea where Sauron will cross. He might even split his forces. Glanduin and Mitheithel are no great obstacle. We take a position near Nîn-in-Eilph. With the march defending our front, our swift scouts on horseback will bring us news of Sauron's movement, and we will move according to what he does. It was a solid plan.

I have positioned my tent on a small hill with good view across the river. My elven eyes can see his forces, a shadowy snake moving across the green grass. Although the battle seems distant,the first strike is not far away. And his attack will be strong, for he has strength to spare, while we are weak.

We could not sleep that night. Celeborn and I played a game of chess. We try chasing the darkness away by remembering the happier times. The founding of Eregion. The firm belief of the elves that darkness was vanquished and the hope and faith they poured into the very foundations of the country. Why did I have to destroy that?

Celeborn does not judge me. I am quite surprised by that. Shouldn't I be the guy that fancies his wife? But he acts almost like I am his favourite nephew. Never will I understand these bloody Sindar. But I have grown to respect him during our time together. We have grown close since I discovered Sauron's treachery. He doubted me once, but after seeing I was deceived, he was quick to offer me his friendship. I have never regretted accepting it. The scouts report that the enemy will attack tomorrow.

I equip my armor. It is of typical Noldorin design, the colour is golden. The star of my house is engraved in the chest-piece. My hands fit perfectly into the ornamented gloves. The helm can strike fear into the hearth of even the most hardened orc. It has a single diamond on the forehead, cleverly placed to blind the enemy in battle. It is a beautiful piece. It has to be. My father made it for me when I was younger. Maybe I will meet him soon and we can reconcile in the halls of Mandos. My blade was made by grandfather himself. It is unbreakable and ever-sharp. My thoughts take me to another time. Uncle Maitimo taught me how to fight with a sword.

Despite having only one hand, he was still the best swordsman in our house. I have never been able to beat him in a duel. But practice with him had given me the skill to beat almost everyone else. My shield is leaf-like, like most elven shields, but despite little weight, the protection it offers is superb. Chain-mail covers my legs. I exit my tent to see Celeborn waiting for me, already dressed in an ancient Doriathrim armor. He gives me an encouraging smile, and I nod in return. I am ready. We are ready.