"Legolas and Ereglin, from this time forth you are under my command," said Malenech. "Work hard and pay attention and you'll be a lot more likely to survive your first rotation south. This isn't a game. There are no second chances in the field. Forget your training for even a moment and your life will be forfeit. Thranduil and his father have fought the Enemy longer than almost anyone else on Arda, and the training that you'll receive is the key reason why they've done so well. Go now to the quartermaster and get your gear. You'll be rooming with some others who have recently arrived. You've got one hour to get yourself settled then I want you back here." Malenech pointed us in the direction of the storerooms and then turned and left us standing dumbly on the field.

"We'd better get started," said Ereglin, after Malenech was out of earshot. I just nodded.

The storerooms were built into the caverns on the level of the yard with wide openings tall enough to admit a cart. There were any number of people walking in the area, all heading purposefully to one task or another. The quartermaster was easy to find. He was dressed in the field outfit of green and brown and carried himself with an officious air. He bowed graciously to me as we approached.

"Ah, Legolas, you have arrived," he said, smiling. "There are many who will be pleased to serve with you. It was an honorable decision you made, and so soon into your rein idhrin!" he paused and looked at both of us appraisingly. "My name is Nambel. I'll see that you're properly outfitted."

I explained to him that Malenech had sent us to him and he nodded. The storerooms were vast and we spent the next half hour following Nambel with our packs open, getting provisioned with everything from blankets to trenchers to socks. After we were well loaded down, Nambel found two bows for us. They were small bows, scratched and dented from a lot of use.

"These came from the South just a few days ago," he explained. "They'll give you something to use until you can have your own bows made."

"I have a bow," I said.

"Well, those long hunting bows that you use aren't much good in the field," explained Nambel. "You'll be needing to shoot at close range, often from the confines of a tree. Not much space for a grand bow up there. These bows are far from the best, but they will be better than nothing for a short time." We added the bows to our collection.

When we were done, he directed us to the barracks, a long low line of rooms on the far side of the training field. "When you've been in the South at least once, Malenech will let you sleep in a talan near the keep. Until then you'll stay in the barracks with the rest of the newcomers. First years' room is on the left."

I nodded my thanks and Ereglin and I made our way to the barracks. I lifted the latch and pushed open the door. Two large windows let light into a spacious room occupied by two rows of three beds each. The beds were narrow but tidy. The wooden floor was light and clean. Only two of the beds seemed to be occupied. Each had a blanket spread neatly across it and had a full pack set on the floor at the head of the bed. The walls were spotless, clear of all decoration save for a series of pegs for the bows and quiver, two pegs for clothing, and a bracket for our swords. I looked around with curiosity. I'd never been in a place so sparse and devoid of decoration.

"We'd better put our things down and then get back outside," said Ereglin "I'm not sure how much of our hour we have left, but I know that I don't want to be late!" After quick deliberation, Ereglin chose a bed near the door, and I chose the bed next to his. It took just a moment to spread out our blankets, hang up our bows and put the rest of our supplies away.

We returned to our place on the training grounds none too soon. Already I could see Malenech coming our way. I brightened when I saw that Talfil was trailing behind him. Malenech looked us over from head to toe.

"You'll be training with no breaks for the next three weeks," he said, "and during that time I want to see you in company issue with your boots on. After that you'll have every sixth day off, more if your training goes well. Talfil has been here for a month. He'll take you to the armory for your swords. Aranthar will fit you properly. Meet me in the southwest corner of the training field after lunch and we'll start making soldiers of you."

The three of us looked at one another as Malenech walked away. Talfil grinned at us, and shook his head. "I can't believe that you are warriors!" he exclaimed. "I'm so happy that you're here. The swordsmaster's name is Aranthar. He's amazing. He knows absolutely everything about swords. He's got some blades in there that were forged in Doriath. You'll like him, I think."

He continued chattering as we made our way across the field. By the time we got to the armory I was feeling better. I knew who Aranthar was, but I'd never taken time to talk with him. The armory housed thousands of weapons and, according to Talfil, the arms master knew the story behind each one.

Aranthar smiled when he saw us and welcomed us in. I guessed from the way that he moved that he must be a swordmaster in his own right. Like Malenech, he had dark features, but Aranthar was more long limbed with high cheekbones, and long fingers that curved gracefully when he held a sword.

The armory was a large building with row upon row of shelves. Against one wall was a table that held the blades that were ready to be tried. In the center was an open space where the soldiers could test out the swords.

Aranthar let us look around for a moment then nodded, "Here to be fitted with a new blade, eh? Or do you want one with some history?" He put his hand on Ereglin's shoulder and spoke softly. "Ereglin, I heard that your father fell. I know it must be difficult for you and your family." He paused, "You'll want your father's sword, yes?" Ereglin took a deep breath and nodded. "You are a bit smaller than he was," Aranthar continued, "but I think it would be a good match."

Then he turned to me. "Now, Prince Legolas, from what I know of you, you'll probably train as an archer. You'll need something light and strong. Let me see you hold this one." He handed me a slender blade. I gripped it tightly. "No, she's too small for you. Not so good when you're out in the field. Let's try this here." He pulled out a sword with a smooth gray blade. The grip was wrapped in leather and deep etching was carved into the pommel. "This one has seen some battles. Hold it firmly now. It won't bite."

I went into the middle of the room and swung the blade experimentally. It felt heavy compared to my knives, but it moved easily. I looked at Aranthar.

"Well, you've got the basic idea, but there is a lot of training ahead of you. I can tell you're used to working with knives. Those won't be useful to you as a soldier." He looked critically at the sword in my hand. "You could use something a little bit longer. Wait here."

We must have tried a dozen swords before finding one that pleased Aranthar. The one he finally settled on was a beautiful single edged sword with a blade inscribed with vines. It had a wide guard that flared outwards towards the blade. The grip was thick enough to feel secure in my hand, but did not feel heavy or unbalanced. The pommel was unadorned save for two small sapphires surrounded by more of the vine.

"Your sword is your friend," said Aranthar, nodding his approval. "She will serve you well, but you must take care of her. Keep her clean and well oiled. Never return her to the sheath soiled." He handed me a leather sheath that was tooled to match the blade. I bowed as I accepted it. It was a fine gift.

I was glad that Talfil was with us for the noon meal. We ate in a wide pavilion down in the yard with the company that had been practicing during the morning. There was a great number of them, nearly a hundred, and the cadence of their voices filled the pavilion and spilled out into the heat of the midday. For the most part, they ignored us, which was fine by me. Talfil, Ereglin and I had our trenchers filled by a soldier who looked incongruous serving food, then we went to sit at one corner of the pavilion. I looked with longing across the yard. I could see Sedeliel's bakery, but I knew I had no leave to visit with her. The maple tree in the center of the yard beckoned me, but I knew that I should not climb. I sighed and turned to my trencher. The food was adequate, but I had no appetite. My musings were interrupted by the arrival of another youth. His dark hair fell to his shoulders, and he walked with the open gait of one from the village.

"Eh, Talfil!" he exclaimed. "What have you caught? Two fine fish for Malenech to eat?" He set his trencher on the table and sat down on the bench. "My name is Doronglass, but I go by Doron," he said, nodding in my direction. "You're Prince Legolas, and you must be Ereglin. Oh shards, I probably should bow or something." He blushed and looked down, then looked up again. His eyes were sparkling. "Say, you don't know how to play hrithca, do you? Talfil doesn't know how to play, and it's hard to teach him without a partner. He grabbed the pitcher that was on the table and poured himself some water.

I grinned, "I love to play hrithca, but I'll warn you, I'm good. Do you have a set of dice?"

Doron nodded, and spoke around the food in his mouth."My father made them for me last time he was home. I keep them in my pack. We can play tonight by moonlight."

"You don't think Malenech would mind?" asked Talfil worriedly.

Doron laughed, "A good game of hrithca will help you to sleep better, I'm sure of it!"

By the time we had eaten and changed, the heat of the day was upon us. The issued clothing was not too uncomfortable, the brown cloth was lightweight and there were no sleeves in the tunic, to allow, I supposed, for more freedom of movement. But the boots were sturdy and stiff. I felt like I was walking in mud.

Malenech led the four of us to the edge of the training ground. The field was brilliant and flat in the hot sun. A different company was practicing swordsmanship. The sweat dripped from their faces. They were silent, save for a few grunts and an occasional oath as someone got hit.

"It's good that you have one another for training," said Malenech, looking us over. "We'll keep you together as much as possible as you train, but eventually you'll each join your own company. We try to keep the companies mixed so that the Sindar can share their strengths with the Silvans."

Doron glared at Malenech. "Indeed?" he asked evenly.

Malenech leveled a long look at Doron, "We have many good Silvan soldiers," he said at last. "That is in spite of the fact that wood elves are simply not made for battle. There is a lot we will have to train out of you to get you ready for war, so let's begin."

The afternoon was long and hot. Malenech had us running the perimeter of the training field more times than I could count. There were no trees, save for a copse of birch at the back of the field. I missed the presence of the Song. My feet were hot and heavy in the boots. Still, I gave it my best. Talfil and Doron had no problem keeping up, but Ereglin was winded long before we were done.

"Three extra laps for you after supper, Ereglin," said Malenech. "Yrch will easily catch up with you at your pace."

When we were done running, Malenech set us to wrestling. It was similar to the wrestling that I'd done with Brethilas, but there were any number of new tricks to learn. Doron was quick and nimble and had already mastered several of the holds. He had both Ereglin and I on our backs more than once. By the end of the afternoon we were all exhausted. Malenech finally dismissed us with a terse nod of the head. "Supper, then running for you, Boronelion."

Supper was a silent affair. We were all too tired to talk. Ereglin cleaned his plate and looked despondently at it. "Well," he said with a sigh, "I'm off for three more laps."

It didn't set well to have him so miserable. "Running?" I said lightly. "Ereglin, you shouldn't have to do that alone. Do you mind if I join you?"

He looked at me, "You're joking, right?"

"No," I said, making up my mind. "If you run, I run." I stood up, "Well," I asked the others, "are you coming?"

Talfil and Doron looked at one another and then looked at me.
"Why not?" said Doron with a shrug. Talfil nodded. The four of us made our way to the training field. The sun was well past its zenith and the heat of the day was giving way to a temperate evening. The leaves on the birches in the corner of the training field shimmered in the light. Without speaking I turned and set an easy loping pace. Ereglin, Doron and Talfil fell in beside me.

Unlike the morning run where we had each gone our own rate, this run was for Ereglin. We all met his stride. It was a soothing rhythm to run like that, making music together as our feet hit the ground. We ran the field twice, keeping stride with Ereglin. As we entered the second half of the third time around the field I glanced over at my meldir. He was sweating hard. He breathed deeply as he ran, but he wasn't running his hardest. Very slowly I increased my pace. The other runners kept up with me. I increased my pace again. Again they kept up with me. I heard Ereglin swear softly as I increased the pace yet again. When we came to the end of our run, I slowed to a walk.

"Legolas!" exclaimed Ereglin between breaths, "What was that for?"

I grinned at him, "I knew you could do it."

When we got to the barracks the first thing I did was to take off the heavy boots. They hit the ground with a thud. Everyone else was taking of their boots as well. Doron dug around in his pack and pulled out six cylindrical dice. We sat on the floor in a circle and he set the dice down in the center.

"It's a game of patterns," he explained to Talfil, pointing to the different leaf shapes carved on the faces of each six sided die. "You play for patterns. The best pattern shows each different leaf, the least pattern is two of the same. There are any number of others. I'll teach you as we go. You get four rolls to build the patterns into your set."

Doron went on to describe the scoring for the game. He gave Talfil a few tips to get started and then the game got underway. Ereglin and I had played hrithca often as a twosome, but playing with partners was much more fun. We played a few rounds.

"So, what's it like being Prince?" asked Doron casually, tossing the dice for the fourth time.

"What's it like not being Prince?" I countered.

He looked at me, "You live with the Sinda, you look like a Sinda, but Malenech put you with the rest of us Laegrim in his comments today. I was just wondering how you count yourself."

Slowly I turned to Doron, and took his measure. "I am of the Laegrim," I said at last. "I come from Celthar's village. I learned my child songs there; I first ran the ropes there. My family is there. But I am also Prince and I can act with that authority. I have no love for protocol, and for now it suits me to be counted as one from the village." I looked at the floor where the dice lay, "You also just threw the milt hand. That puts Ereglin and me in the lead. Now what kind of Sinda could beat you like that?"

Doron looked at the dice, looked at me shrewdly then grinned, "I'll take you as you are, Legolas of the village. It's your turn."