"Only Lord Glorfindel and Lady Celebrian have attended him." The guard reported. His companion nodded in agreement.
"And your orders?"
"Two guards are to keep watch here at all times." The first guard stated firmly. Celeborn relaxed slightly at that news. The room that Erestor and Rúmil currently shared had similar security. "Do not hide in the shadows dear daughter." Celebrian jumped slightly but hurried over as her father stretched his hand out to her. She shifted the tray with herbs and lembas into her left hand.
"Adar, I did not want to interrupt." Her father nodded and led her into the suite, closing the door securely behind them.
"Glorfindel, Haldir and I will go with the prince and his escort to inspect Amdil's estate."
"You think there are artifacts there from the Ulairi?" Celebrian questioned knowingly. Her father eyes crinkled in surprise.
"From whom did you hear that?" He doubted her peredhel had woken.
"He woke briefly this morning." She easily read his thoughts, but her eyes betrayed her concern. They had shared an hour of bliss and whispered endearments before Elrond's weariness had overwhelmed him once again.
"He gave of himself to treat others. He should rest for much of this week." Celeborn paused, he brow furled in thought. "But I doubt it was him who spoke of the Ulairi."
"No, he asked about Rúmil and Erestor." Celebrian blushed at the memory of their stolen kisses. Her father pushed silver strands gently around her elegant ear.
"I do not begrudge you time with your beloved." His words were soft and supportive.
"I felt a darkness around him – remnants of the black breath." She shuddered slightly.
"I felt it too, but fear not his mind is strong, and the darkness is receding quickly."
"How can you be so sure? Has he suffered from the black breath before? How often?" Her voice inched up in volume. Celebrian had been fearful when she felt Elrond slip away into sleep. She grew even more suspicious when her father moved to check if anyone was within earshot. Once he sure that they were alone in the sitting room, he continued.
"During the war, Ereinion bid him to gather intelligence on our foe." Celeborn closed his eyes at the memories. He had vehemently opposed Ereinion's decision to use Elu's heir for such a dangerous undertaking. Elrond secretly employed Vilya to gather intelligence. The peredhel had discerned much to aid their cause, but the price had been high.
"He is strong. Few could have accomplished such reconnaissance. It exposed his spirit directly to the black breath. Those efforts became too dangerous and were eventually abandoned."
"What effects on Elrond?"
"He was violently ill. The black breath hung over him for weeks after each attempt." Celeborn pulled his daughter close in comfort. He eyed the contents of the tray. "His weariness and this lingering darkness are to be expected given the events of yesterday. Your presence and the Aethelas will drive it away completely. You are the treasure he has been seeking for three thousand years. Your presence alone ensures that he will never abandon this world."
"What happened? He confronted an Ulairi alone?" Celebrian urgently whispered.
"You will have to wait for Glorfindel for the full story. Suffice to say, Elrond and the Valandil succeeded in freeing Erestor. They had nearly made it to safety when Lord Amdil confronted them. Elrond ordered Valandil and Erestor to leave and turned to meet the traitor. All were surprised when Elrond unmasked an Ulairi. It appears to have covertly directed many of their actions and behaviors."
"They fought?"
"Yes, he held the Ulairi at bay until Glorfindel and others advanced to aid him."
"It was not destroyed."
"Fire destroyed only its raiment and it fled."
"Might it reappear on that estate?"
"Possibly." Celeborn paused. "That is why Glorfindel and I are going."
"Be careful Adar."
"Always." He kissed her. "You must promise me to be on guard as well. Do not go anywhere without an escort. I would prefer you keep to these rooms."
"That could be arranged." She smiled.
Xxxxxxxxxxx
"Cirulian!" Glorfindel nearly growled. "Pull yourself together. I leave you in charge of Elrond and Celebrian's security. Whatever transgression you think you have committed, you are the most experienced of the guard remaining." Cirulian tensed slightly before nodding his compliance. The lack of verbal response did not go unnoticed. The golden warrior grabbed the Teleri by the shoulder and waited for him to gather himself.
"It is not for me to judge your actions. You will tell our Lord when he wakes and accept his judgment. Until then, I expect you to perform to the best of your abilities. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes, my Lord." The guard acquiesced. It gave Glorfindel little joy. Celeborn called from across the field. He had readied their horses. Haldir and a group of ten other elven warriors had joined them.
"Glorfindel, we are ready to hunt the Nazgul." Celeborn declared.
"May Elbereth watch over you." Cirulian said as he saluted the Seneschal.
"And you as well." Glorfindel whispered as he mounted Asfaloth.
"Whose black stallion?" King Meneldil asked as he warily eyed the beast. The horse had free reign of the small meadow for no one dared to approach him.
"Corer is Lord Elrond's stallion." Glorfindel smirked.
"I would not have guessed that such a calm and dignified elf Lord would favor such a stormy mount." Meneldil laughed.
"Corer is infamous among the stable hands at Imladris, and Elrond usually cares for the horse himself." Valandil smiled as they rode off. "But now to the more serious matters at hand. I thought to send half of our group by boat while the rest of us approach by land."
"You think there are more of the rebels at the estate?" Arandur asked.
"Not many but I would cut off their escape route. We need to assess what risk remains there. A two front attack would narrow their options."
"It is a good plan Penneth." Lord Celeborn praised.
Xxxxxxxxxxx
Lúnril bent closer so she could better inspect Rúmil's wound. She had bathed the area again and packed it with fresh herbs. Then, she carefully bandaged the wound.
"Is it healing well?" Celebrian entered carrying a tray with two steaming cups.
"Your Adar inspected it before he left. He was pleased with Rúmil's progress."
"But he has not woken yet." Celebrian set the tray down and brought one of the cups closer. Lúnril helped her lift Rúmil's head and position pillows to support it.
"But his eyes are sensitive to the light and there are other encouraging signs."
"Will he recover?" Erestor's voice was weak and hoarse from disuse.
"Lord Erestor, forgive me. I did not know you were awake. Rúmil suffered a serious head wound, but Lord Elrond was able to operate. We are hopeful that he will make a complete recover. But only time will tell. I do not expect him to wake for a few more days." Lúnril crossed over to him with the second cup.
"Not a sleeping draught." He shook his head.
"No my Lord, it is a brew against pain and inflammation." Lúnril helped him to sit up. "How do you fare? Is there much pain?"
"The ribs throb, but it is much better than yesterday." Erestor gratefully accepted the draught.
"They should deliver lunch shortly." Lúnril smiled at the loud gurgling sounds she heard. "You must be hungry. You have not eaten since yesterday."
"Is Elrond well?" Erestor was worried that he had not seen his friend yet.
"Elrond was not injured but is in healing sleep. The events of the last week drained him." Celebrian answered as she gently coaxed the healing draught into the unconscious Rúmil.
"He was exhausted before the latest events. I should have not insisted on staying behind at the healing halls. I thought to further investigate Salabart's death."
"You could not have guessed how far the conspiracy went." Celebrian reminded him gently. "We rejoice that you are still with us."
"I should have not." Erestor started, but his words were cut-off by Celebrian who had abruptly set down the draught and crossed over to him.
"It does no good to dwell on what ifs Erestor." Celebrian said firmly as she bent to take his hand. "Focus on recovering. We need you."
Xxxxxxxxxxx
Amdil's plantation.
"The other force docked a mile up from our position. They send word that the Nazgul arrived on a winged mount. He entered the building not more than thirty minutes ago." Valandil folded the message and passed it to his cousin.
"There must be something very valuable in the house if the Ulairi risks returning here." Glorfindel mused.
"What could it be?" King Meneldil mused.
"What indeed?" Celeborn rubbed at his temples. "It can be nothing good."
"Do we know how many enemy soldiers are in the house?" Glorfindel tensed as he mentally reviewed different strategies to flush out the enemy.
"They sighted but ten outside. It is anyone's guess as to how many remain inside."
"Still we should engage them immediately before the Nazgul has time to flee with whatever he came to retrieve."
Xxxxxxxxxxxx
"Please give me, your humble servant, the strength to aid both the callous and the kind. Help me to persevere and to carry out your will." She heard the prayer in her mind although it was not her praying. Someday, she would ask Elrond about the prayer's origin.
"Forgive me Lúnril, I must check on someone." Celebrian excused herself and darted through the corridors. Delia, her guard, was fast on her heels. She hurried down the hallway to the small suite of rooms that had been set aside for Elrond and his escort. Cirulian and Durgin were in the sitting room guarding their still sleeping lord. They were discussing maps that were haphazardly laid out on the small table. They rose in surprise when Celebrian burst into the room.
"He is waking. Fetch a light broth." She ordered abruptly as she crossed the room, picked up a wrapped waybread, and softly opened the bedroom door. She felt his disorientation as he tried to sit up. Gently but firmly she pushed him back into the pillows, gifting him a feathery kiss on the lips. Lids closed over the silver orbs, and she knew he was closing out a spinning world.
"Easy Meleth (love), you have been asleep for a long time. It is not unusual to feel light headed. You must be quite hungry as well." She snuggled next to him and kissed his brow. "Can you manage a bite of lembas?" At his nod, she unwrapped the waybread and broke off a piece. She held it to his closed lips. Whispered words encouraged him to eat.
"I hear that it is the custom among men for the bride and groom to feed each other." She slipped a small piece into his mouth and gifted him a kiss.
"How long?" He whispered.
"Three days total apart from the hour you woke yesterday." She slipped another piece of the lembas into his mouth. "Eat beloved. I have been justly chastised for not seeing that you took some food or water yesterday." He smiled at the memory and drew her down to kiss her.
"You provided something far much more nourishing." His playful whisper sent shivers through her. A knock at the door interrupted them and Celebrian quickly sat up and smoothed the covers around Elrond.
"Enter." She called in a steady voice. Cirulian came in carrying a tray with a steaming broth and a plate with breads and cheeses.
"It is good to see you awake my Lord." The guard said formally. The use of the title alone caught Elrond's attention. Cirulian uncharacteristically looked away. He mumbled apologetically as he set the tray down on the small table. "The Edain cooks believe bread and cheese to be staples for every meal. I could find no fruits or vegetables."
"It is early in the spring, and there are few other things available." Elrond sat up slowly and tentatively swung his feet over the edge of the bed.
"Let me help, my Lord." Cirulian steadied him as Celebrian helped him with his robe. After a few moments he regained his equilibrium and shook off their help. He was able to walk over to the table unaided. As he slowly ate the broth, color returned to his face. They were encouraged as he heartily dug into the bread and cheese.
"It is unusually pungent." Celebrian's nose twitched at the odd smell. "I did not dare to taste it."
"Perhaps it is an acquired taste, although their sense of smell highlights different aromas than ours." Elrond spread the blue cheese on another slice of bread.
"How do you know?" Celebrian laughed.
"It took me awhile to adjust to being an elf." Elrond smiled at the memory. "Everything - sights, tastes, textures and smells seemed different. My first thoughts were that I was dreaming. Elros had a similar experience. It seems peredhil were different yet than either men or elves."
"Men are inferior," Cirulian mumbled under his breath. His guilt was eating at him.
"Not inferior." Elrond's eyes flashed momentarily. "Different and unique. Eru made us all different. Perhaps most elven noses could not stand the scent of this cheese, but its taste and texture are truly wonderful." He caught Cirulian in his gaze. The guard met it but flinched slightly under the powerful probing.
"Forgive me my Lord Elrond. I failed to protect you. I failed to see that the makeup of the guard was changing. I resign my position. I am no longer fit to serve in such a capacity." Cirulian bowed his head. His shame was palpable.
"You were not the only guard who was fooled." Elrond's voice was both authoritative and gentle. "Neither Valandil nor I noted the changed in our guard."
"You had not slept in days. You and the prince were focused on determining whether the healer's death was murder. Your safety was my responsibility, and you nearly died because of me." Cirulian paled as he saw the bandaged that poked slightly above the collar of Elrond's shirt, which hid the cut at base of Elrond's neck.
"I am healthy and well. You were not the only one who was fooled. Have you talked with Beleg about the signs that were missed? We will talk with Rúmil once he is well. Our enemy planned this strike well. Their guards were outfitted to look very similar to those they replaced. It would seem to me that your resignation is premature. I charge you to gather insights from both our guard and from Valandil's security. Why did none of those present detect the enemy before it was too late? How can we avoid being taken unaware again? I expect a full report on the matter. Is that clear?"
"Yes, my Lord." Cirulian bowed.
"Are the rest of our party well guarded? Are all within the palace grounds?"
"Steps have been taken to ensure the safety of elves within the palace grounds." Cirulian's voice faltered. Elrond straightened as he realized the implication. His manner and bearing showing that he had quite recovered.
"Where did the others go?"
"Prince Valandil led a contingent of men and elves to search Amdil's estate. Lord Celeborn and Lord Glorfindel were among those that went."
Xxxxxxxxxxx
"Why were you protecting one of the Edain? Perhaps he is one of my kin?" The Nazgul voice was cold and piercing. "He will betray you elf. Your kind's arrogant superiority inspires men's lust for domination over you."
"Do you even remember what it was to have kin?" Glorfindel held his ground, inwardly laughing at the Nazgul's threat that Elrond would ever betray him. Clearly the Ulairi had no idea who he had fought against, and Glorfindel intended it to remain that way. "You have forsaken them all."
"They are dust, transient and fleeting. Not immortal like us."
"Immortality at what price?" Glorfindel snorted, but the enraged Nazgul threw a ball that suddenly burst into flame. Glorfindel dove sideways to avoid it.
"You perished by flame once. Perhaps you are susceptible to it again."
"He is not alone." Celeborn jumped out from behind the Nazgul. His sword flashed, cutting through the strap of the bag the wraith held, penetrating into its cloak and into extreme cold that was the wraith's spirit. The bag fell to the ground, and Celeborn kicked it away.
"You will regret your actions Celeborn of the golden woods." The Nazgul swung its broadsword, but Celeborn quickly parried. "If the opportunity ever arises, we vow to take our anger out on those closest to you. Perhaps on one of those gold and silver haired ellith." Anger pulsed through Celeborn at those words, but he kept it from his features. The swords rang against each other as around them the battle raged, but the tide was turning towards the allies. If Celeborn could have surveyed the scene, he would have noted the advance of Valandil and his cousin, who were trying to halt the Nazgul's escape by focusing arrows and munitions on the three winged mounts.
Xxxxxxxxxx
"Lord Elrond?" Muriel paused as she watched the elf assess his patient, one of her royal guard. His richly embroidered robes spoke of his high status, but his demeanor and aura gave off no haughtiness only peaceful reassurance. Somehow, merely being in his presence made one feel safe.
"Queen Muriel." Elrond smiled. "Is it back to titles?"
"No Elrond, I merely did not want to startle you. I am thankful to hear that Erestor and Rúmil are recovering."
"I am sorry for your losses." Elrond took her hand. "So many good and loyal men's lives were cut short."
"I shudder to think what might have happened to our people if the coupe had been successful. Especially, since there was a dark influence over the perpetrators." The Queen's words drew attention back to the Nazgul.
"Is there word from Valandil?"
"A messenger has just arrived at the sentry station. He should be here within the hour. I would like you to be present when." Muriel's voice trailed off. She was worried for her son and for those that had accompanied him. Elrond quickly moved to take her hand in his.
"It is my honor to stand by you." Elrond's voice seemed to swell around her in reassurance. She reached over and embraced him. "All will be well."
"I know, I just worry."
"A mother's prerogative." Elrond squeezed her hand and looked up. Celebrian stood in the doorway with a curious expression on her face.
"A messenger has been spotted." He whispered. Celebrian's look immediately turned to worry.
"Let us go hear the message together." Muriel turned to meet Celebrian's gaze and took her by the hand. Together the three of them walked to the Queen's study.
