Chapter 2
Maedhros rose early on the morning the company was set to depart. He had only slept a few fitful hours through the night for anticipation of what's to come. Maedhros did well to keep his composure in front of his siblings, but truthfully he was quite afraid of what could happen. No one in all of Arda trusted Morgoth and to walk into his fortress was not far from suicide. Ignoring his feelings of doubt, Maedhros began to dress slowly before going to find his brothers. He did not know how this would end so he would be sure to say goodbye.
Maglor was the first that Maedhros found on his way to the dining hall. They met and walked with one another in silence, neither daring to speak first. However, neither of them needed to for the silence was broken for them by a Feanorian scout running up the path to meet them.
"My Lords." The scout said, out of breath, as he bowed respectfully.
Maedhros and Maglor bowed in return before asking, "What news do you bring us?"
The scout seemed rather nervous as he stumbled to get the words out.
"Calm down, good sir. What is your name?" Maglor asked trying to make the other elf more relaxed.
"Rhoveleg, sir." the scout replied quickly.
"That is a wonderful name. Now, Rhoveleg, what have you seen?" Maglor tried again.
"Well, my watch was to the east and the north." the scout started before being interrupted my Maedhros.
"Near Angband?" Maedhros said glancing at Maglor. "What cause do you have for leaving your post?"
"A large company of orcs, sir. I had moved closer to the mountains and caught sight of them. I assume about 1500 strong," the scout finished.
"Anything else?" Maedhros asked with a stale expression. The scout shook his head. "You are free to go. Take a day to rest before returning to your duty." The scout thanked him before turning in the opposite direction. Once he was gone, Maglor turned to his brother.
"Maedhros?" he said, trying to read the blank expression on Maedhros's face.
"Go find the rest of our brothers. Bring them to my tent." Maedhros said. Maglor was going to stop him but Maedhros had already turned his back and started walking. Deciding it would be best to follow his brother's wishes, Maglor turned to find the rest of their siblings.
Maedhros reached his tent and stopped in the middle before letting out a cry of rage and slamming his hand on the table. He then started pacing the room before Maglor came in followed by the remaining Fëanorians. He stopped and turned towards them, regaining his composure.
"What causes you to be so anxious brother?" Curufin questioned as he saw the state of his brother. Everyone else looked towards Maedhros expectantly. There was a moment of silence before he responded to them.
"The plan has changed." Maedhros said before looking at his brothers. "Maglor, Caranthir, how quickly can you gather you own companies? At least 800."
Maglor and Caranthir glanced at each other. "We will need at least three days." Caranthir spoke up, quite surprised at the sudden need for numbers.
"Great. You have two days before we leave for Angband. The rest of you shall aid in preparation." Maedhros said as he left them all in shocked silence for the second time that week.
"What is this about?" Celegorm questioned. "What has caused his change of heart?"
Maglor spoke up to answer the question. "A scout came to us this morning. He said he had spotted a company of orcs at least 1500 strong. I think Maedhros believes they are planning an ambush." The brothers quickly understood where Maedhros' solemn attitude had come from, for they now felt the same.
"So now he just hopes to outnumber Morgoth? He has realized that this could be nothing other than a trap?" Amras said, trying to work out Maedhros' reasoning in his head.
"How can he still want treat with that foul being? There are other ways to get the Silmarils back." Amrod continued.
"But this would be the simplest, the least damaging if all goes according to plan. Maedhros wants to keep us and our people safe. If Morgoth doesn't go back on his word, we will be closer to fulfilling our oath without more bloodshed." Maglor sighed, remembering Alqualonde. He understood Maedhros' thoughts but the chances that Morgoth would keep his word were very slim.
"Well, he has made up his mind, and now we have two days to gather companies of 800 so I suggest we get started." Caranthir said before leaving the tent. The others followed him shortly.
Two days later, three companies stood just outside the Feanorian's camp. Maedhros stood in front of them all, ready to give instruction.
"Today, we set forth to treat with Morgoth," he started. "I hope you all understand that this will most likely be no average surrender, for Morgoth has not been known to keep his word often. It is a dangerous situation that we are walking into today, but the outcome may be far greater than the peril. There was a company of 1500 orcs sighted by Angband two days ago. I have had my brothers gather their own companies," Maedhros said pointing at the extras, "in case all does not go as planned. My company will ride with me to the meeting while the other two will stay to the side as a precaution. We do not want Morgoth to know of our unplanned backup." Maedhros directed the last statement at Maglor and Caranthir. They nodded in return. "The time has come for us to ride." Maedhros said at last, giving the signal for the companies to move. Maglor couldn't help but feel a bout of dread as they took off. My dear brother, I do hope your assumptions are correct.
A/N: Let me know how you guys think this story is going so far! Feel free to leave a review telling me what you think. I am very open to constructive criticism. I know I'm not perfect.