Chapter Fourteen
The march towards Angband was hard for all of them. Eonwe led the Host at a tireless pace, halting several hours after each sunset, and leading them on again before each dawn. The Edain seemed to find this particularly strenuous, and Elros had to work hard to keep his people's spirits high. After two days had passed, they began encountering groups of the Enemy's creatures, orcs, wargs and werewolves. Whenever battle took place, it became obvious that the general attitude was 'each to their own'. Elves and men tended to fight in seperate bands, though so far, they had shared food, water and healing supplies. Thankfully, there had been few casualties, though Elros knew that would change. As the weeks on the march rolled by, and the fighting became more frequent, he thanked the Valar that his brother was not here, in this terrible situation. Elros felt as if he had aged years from just seeing some of the damage the Enemy's fell creatures were willing to inflict. As time passed, though it seemed to many of them that no progress was being made, they slowly drew nearer to Angband, and the final battle with Morgoth.
Elrond, still concealed as part of Oropher's army, gazed up at the forbidding sight of Thangorodrim looming overhead. They had been travelling for over a month, and he thanked the stars that no-one had yet recognised him. They could not send him back now, they had come too far. He felt a pang of remorse for Erestor, who had by now travelled East, and who was, no doubt, worried about him, but he had to be here, to help Elros if needed. Erestor would understand that. Just then, Eonwe shouted an announcement to halt for the night. Elrond stifled his sigh of relief, and carried his pack to set up his bedroll a short distance from the others, as he had done every night of this journey, to avoid being seen. He sat down heavily, massaging his aching feet and swallowing a mouthful of water. Unfortunately, as he did so, his hood fell back. This coincided with Oropher walking past.
"Elrond?!" the Sinda half shouted. "How in blazes did you get here?" His expression was furious, and Elrond bowed his head, turning crimson. He prayed that Oropher's loud voice would not draw the attention of...
"What did you just say, Oropher?" Ereinion called, striding towards them. His eyes were on the dark-haired figure who was seated, hunched up, before Oropher. He knew what he thought he'd heard, and with a growing sense of dread, he peered more closely at the cloaked figure, desperately hoping he- and Oropher- were mistaken. Elrond was not here. Elrond was leagues away from them, on the other side of the Blue Mountains by now. There was no way he would have...
The dark-haired figure rose slowly, and met Ereinion's gaze. Even in the fading light of the setting sun, Elrond's features were unmistakeable. The blood drained from Ereinion's face. He grabbed Elrond's upper arm, and dragged him away from a smug-faced Oropher.
"What were you thinking?! I arranged for you to travel east to keep you safe! Are you trying to get yourself killed, you idiotic child?!" Ereinion's words were almost hisses, and Elrond gulped audibly. Ereinion had never been this angry with him before.
"I...I just..." Elrond suddenly wasn't sure what to say. Ereinion didn't wait for him to finish his response. He gestured to Elrond to gather his belongings, which the young peredhel did silently, then caught his arm in a vice-like grip again, and led him over to his people's camp. Celeborn and Galadriel came over to see what was going on, followed by Arafinwe, Ingwion and Eonwe. Elrond fought the urge to bury his head in his hands. This could not get worse. All six of them began discussing him, as though he were not present. He stared at the floor, wishing he was invisible, and by now, feeling very ashamed of himself.
Elros walked over to Ereinion's encampment. His people were running low on food, and he guessed that Ereinion would be more likely to share his provisions with the Edain than any of the other elves. He had to walk past Oropher's encampment to reach Ereinion's, and he moved quickly, hoping to avoid another encounter with the haughty, condescending Sinda, who had challenged Elros' leadership on more than one occasion on this journey. Naturally, as soon as he thought that, Oropher caught sight of him, and moved to intercept his path. Elros gritted his teeth, knowing that whatever Oropher had to say, it would not be pleasant.
"Greetings, Earendilion." Oropher said smoothly. "Where are you headed in such a hurry?"
"I need to speak with Gil-Galad. It is a private matter." Elros was not going to tell Oropher of his people's problem, he thought little enough of Mortals as it was.
Oropher raised an eyebrow. "Lost your nerve in this ruse of yours? I will save you the trouble: he has already been discovered." He smirked. The Peredhil might think they were something special, but they would not play their tricks among true elves and not be caught!
Elros frowned. "What are you talking about?"
"Oh, I see. Trying to play innocent, hmm? I suppose it's news to you that your reckless twin concealed himself among my people, in hopes of gaining glory in battle himself?"
Elros' face went as white as chalk. "He what?!"
Oropher's expression became curious now. "You truly knew nothing of this?"
"No, I did not." Elros' heart was pounding, he could not believe what he was hearing. "You found him? Where is he now?"
"In Gil-Galad's camp. They are trying to decide what to do with him."
Elros sprinted towards Ereinion's tent, without looking back at Oropher. He was going to kill Elrond!
The dispute about Elrond had been continuing for a while. Each of the elves present had thoroughly scolded him for coming here, saying it was too dangerous for someone so young. Elrond refrained from pointing out that he was, in fact, the elder twin, and no-one made this much fuss about Elros accompanying them! They all knew that sending him back was out of the question, so now they were trying to decide what to do with him. Ereinion and Arafinwe had tried to think of a way to keep Elrond out of the fighting altogether, until Eonwe pointed out that there had already been several skirmishes on this journey, and "the child has not yet suffered any injury. He can hold his own in battle." Also, everyone had reluctantly agreed, there was no way to shield anyone from the battles they would shortly face. Elrond was here, so, like it or not, (decidedly not in Ereinion's case) he would have to fight. Eventually, Eonwe decided the conversation was taking too long, and made the decision for them.
"Elrond son of Earendil will be placed in Ereinion's guard. This will ensure he is not on the front lines, and he will be as safe as any other warrior. He will be able to aid the healers as well. I hear you have considerable skills in the healing arts?" this was directed at Elrond, who nodded mutely. This was the first time any of them had asked for his opinion, and he was somewhat taken aback.
"Good, then that is settled. If there is nothing else?" The Maia waited to see if anyone else spoke, then turned and left the tent. He shook his head slightly. He would never understand why elves took so long to make obvious decisions. He almost felt admiration for the young Peredhel, concealing himself and coming all this way, just to remain with his kin. It showed courage. After the Maia left, the group of elves dispersed. Ereinion and Elrond were the last ones inside the tent, though neither of them spoke. Ereinion looked at his young ward, his expression resigned.
"Come, bring your things. We need to explain your presence to the others in my guard. Then you can get some rest." They walked outside together, though Elrond did not look up from the ground, afraid to see disappointment in his mentor's eyes. He spoke up eventually.
"I know I should not have followed, but I...I just could not bear to watch everyone I care about go to war, knowing I might never see any of you again. I...don't want to be left alone." His voice broke as he said this, and Ereinion immediately turned to face him.
"I understand how you feel, Elrond, but you need to understand, I feel the same way about you. I did not plan to send you east because I doubted your skill in battle, but because I could not bear to lose you. I have very few family members left either." His eyes were glistening, and he embraced Elrond. "I am sorry for my anger earlier. I only wanted to keep you safe." Elrond returned the embrace briefly, before they broke apart, and Ereinion put a companionable arm round Elrond's shoulders, as he led him towards the rest of his guard, and found him a place to sleep. Elrond settled for the night, and Ereinion returned to his tent, to get what little rest he could, with another worry on his shoulders.
A few minutes after Elrond closed his eyes, he was disturbed abruptly by someone kicking him awake. He jumped to his feet hastily, fumbling for Hadhafang, when his eyes adjusted to the darkness, and he realised his 'assailant' was his twin.
"What do you think you're doing, coming here?!" Elros demanded, furious.
Elrond groaned, rubbing his eyes. "Good evening to you too, Brother." Elros shoved him back several feet.
"Do not joke about this! What do you think you're playing at?! You are supposed to be on the other side of the mountains, far away from here, and safe!"
"Is this the thanks I get for trying to ensure that you stayed safe?" Elrond asked, narrowing his eyes.
"I do not need you to protect me!" Elros ran a hand through his hair, trying to calm himself. "You have never seen war-"
"Neither have you!"
"I have seen more battle than you! You have no idea what you are doing! Now I will have to mind you, as well as defend my people! You should have gone East." The anger seemed to fade out of Elros as he ranted, leaving him somewhat calmer, though still not best pleased with Elrond. "You had no business following the armies. Valar help me, you are an idiot..."
Elrond had had enough. "So, what you are saying is, it's perfectly acceptable for you to risk your life in war, but I am not permitted to do so?" he challenged, his eyes flashing. "If our situations were reversed, if I was permitted to go and you were not, would you have remained behind?"
Elros sighed heavily. "...No, I would probably have done exactly the same as you."
"Then can we please stop arguing? What's done is done. I have been assigned to Ereinion's guard, and will fight alongside them. I believe they often aid the Edain also?"
Elros nodded in agreement, and Elrond managed a slight smile. "Shall we agree then, to keep each other safe, as much as we can?" He extended his hand to Elros. The twins clasped forearms, in the traditional warriors greeting, and Elros nodded.
"We will protect each other."
"And we will both survive." Elrond finished resolutely.
Elros suddenly clapped a hand to his forehead, remembering why he had been heading to Gil-Galad's camp in the first place.
"I need to speak with Ereinion. The Edain's food supplies are running low, and we may require additional provisions."
"Ereinion is in his tent. I will accompany you."
Elros smiled at his brother's words, and they walked towards the tent together, their quarrel forgotten for the present.
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The march continued, and outside of Ereinion's guard, no-one really noticed the new arrival. Ereinion had indeed been willing to share his people's provisions with the Edain, so the two groups mingled often, and aided each other in battle whenever it was needed. Another week passed on the march before the terrible Gates of Angband were in sight of the Host of the West. They set up camp on the Anfauglith, and assembled into formation, facing Angband. More Maiar revealed themselves at this time, standing alongside Eonwe on the front line. The Elves of Valinor formed the second part of the formation, and the Elves of Beleriand and the Edain stood behind them. Their host was impressive in size, but they all knew that their numbers would be matched, at the very least, by the Enemy's forces. Yet, there was no sign of life within Angband, and the eerie silence was causing the resolve of many to waver. A great noise filled the air, loud enough to be almost deafening, and seemingly endless. Eonwe and the other Maiar had sounded trumpets, issuing a challenge to Morgoth. All the allies of the Maiar who heard the sound recovered their courage, while any enemies that heard it trembled.
A loud rumbling shook the very ground beneath them, and the Gates of Angband opened. The challenge was answered. The warriors in assembly drew their weapons, pointing them skyward.
"FOR MIDDLE EARTH!" the shout went up, as all girded themselves to fight. Morgoth's hideous forces began to pour onto Anfauglith. The last war of the First Age was beginning. Elrond and Elros had ended up beside one another in the formation. They exchanged determined glances. They each had the same thought: Stand or fall, we will do so together.
To be continued...!