Middle spring passed by in a blink of an eye. The faint beginning of summer announced changes in weather and maybe even violent storms.
Despite evrything, Oropher remembered the feast after the hunt with pleasure. He got to know Mirdan's daughters – two misfits, playful in conversation but with grace of the Ladies. Cennan also introduced her son and daughter, though those two were much younger and they didn't enjoy the feast at all, calling it boring. Oropher couldn't fully blame them.
But there were two things that brought Oropher a bit on edge. First of which was Raeg – Esgar told him casually at some point that he had met the councillor and they had a truly interesting conversation. Obviously, Esgar didn't acknowledge the danger about it, but Oropher knew better and he knew that Raeg didn't do anything without a purpose.
The second thing which put Oropher in unease was the King. Since Oropher brought Esgar with himself, it became obvious for everyone that they came together as a pair. But for some reason Oropher knew that Elwe was not pleased about it. He didn't know if it was because Esgar was an ellon, but he doubted it. Most likely the King didn't look with kind eye at the member of House Elmo, his beloved brother, to bond himself with someone like Esgar. Somehow, Oropher knew that if he had appeared with Rivalt instead of Esgar, the King would have had no objections as it went to their relationship. But as far as Oropher was concerned, not even the King could tell him what to do with his heart and life.
However, it was long after the hunt and the feast, though it was still a topic widely discussed in conversations on the court. But for Oropher it was high time to resume his duties and once more he took paperwork in his own hands. Quite a lot of it gathered on his desk and he wanted to be finished with it much quicker than the last time.
For a moment Oropher thought about Celeborn who left a the beginning of spring to the forest of Neldoreth. His destination was the Northern Tower that was under command of Dalgaran Egnassion, younger brother of Mablung. As many noticed, it was long since Delgaran send a falcon to Menegroth and neither the city send a messenger for a long time. It was a natural decision that someone will be send from Menegroth and now it was on Celeborn's shoulders to hear what Delgaran had to say.
Also, Oropher thought about Arvellon. They left together with Celeborn, but surely after all this time they already set their paths apart and Arvellon followed Bressil to the far eastern side of the forest of Neldoreth. Oropher knew all of them were ready to take such duty and during all their preparations and trainings their leading oficer, Alagos, didn't show even slightest concern about their progress.
And finally Oropher saw on his own eyes that Aglaron and Arvellon called a ceasefire. There may be even friendship between them and from what Oropher saw their divisions also started to grace themselves with more warm feelings as they got to know each other better. Oropher was glad that is ended like this. After all, this is who Arvellon was – although he was a formidable warrior he always preferred to choose compromise over mindless fight and he was able to gather many allies who will follow him to battle in the future. Oropher wished to see him grow for a commander such as Galadhon, maybe even a greater one.
As it went to Aglaron, then even Galathil one time joked around that Arvellon now had a new friend and from now on his old cousins will always be a second choice. Oropher watched them tease each other, while he was eating dark grapes that lied in a huge plate. But their teasing ended quickly when Erthor and Edwethon walked into the room after finished council meeting and they shot them a single glare – no arguments and weapons at the table. Since they broke both of those rules, they new better than to continue it.
Loud squawking brought Oropher back from his thoughts. A falconer passed by his office and went to Mablung's cabinet, talking silently to the hawk that sat on her hand.
'General, a missive to you from Commander Delgaran.' the falconer said to Mablung and Oropher despite himself perked up his ears, but Mablung said only his thanks and the falconer crossed the short corridor again before she was gone from the building.
Oropher managed to focus back on his papers only for a few moments before he heard a chair being sharply pulled back and fast footsteps were heard on a wooden floor. He rised up his eyes to see Mablung who almost passed by his office, but then walked inside when he noticed that Oropher was inside.
'Cougar's division was attacked in the northern part of the forest.' Mablung said immediately and Oropher got up, feeling a hand tightening up on his throat. He took a small paper from Mablung's hand who continued. 'There are wounded, some very severly, but no fatal casualties. Nothing more is written.'
'Let me ride there.' Oropher said and Mablung didn't think long about it.
'Take your soldiers and go. I will tell Egnaspen and Haerdin to send patrols immediately. And I will tell the King what happened.' Mablung said as he already walked out of the office. 'Send a falcon as soon as you know the situation!'
'I will!' Oropher said as he gathered his swordbelt and attached it to his waist in a hurry. He didn't bother to take a coat since he will wear armor anyway.
All other duties stopped being important at this moment. Their soldiers were attacked and by the time falcon arrived to Menegroth there may already be some fatal casualties. And Celeborn was with them. What about him?
'Call my division, we are moving out at once! Meeting point at the Gate!' Oropher called to the soldiers he passed by and then he turned to the others. 'Ready the horses!'
Soldiers didn't even bother to salute, but went immediately to perform those orders. Oropher entered the armory and he opened a cabinet where he held his armor. Efficiently, with skilled perfection he put it on himself, after it he gathered bow and two quivers – one he attached to his waist, the other one he will have at the saddle.
He left the armory and immediately went to the stable – horses of his division were ready and waited for their riders on the small courtyard in front of the building. Oropher jumped on Huro and turned the steed immediately on the road towards the Great Gate. From the back of the horse he saw his soldiers coming towards the stable from different sides of the fields. Oropher had to hold back his own impatience – he needed to give a bit time so his division will gather their own equipment and horses.
He bid Huro to gallop and in no time he was near the Gate waiting for his soldiers to arrive. He couldn't stay in one place and the horse sensed his nervousness – Huro walked back and forth with energetic pace while Oropher got back in control of his thoughts. Despite the threat that fall on them, he was responsible to lead his soldiers and get them safely to the Tower – at the Tower he will be in charge to help the injured. He was in no place to let his thoughts overwhelm him.
Taranir and Orthon entered the courtayrd and stopped their horses in front of him. On their heels was Saida who lead her stallion to them.
'Orders?' Taranir prompted while Saida chastened her horse to behave and stand still.
'We are riding to the Nothern Tower. From there we will get in control over situation.' Oropher said. 'Cougar's division was attacked in the forest. Delgaran send the missive to Mablung, so the wounded are already under his care and protection. From the Tower we will plan our further steps.'
Nelledir galloped towards them with Halloth on side. At the same moment Oropher noticed Galadhon entering the courtyard with clear mix of anxiousness and fright on his face. Tidings run fast – by now Mablung surely informed the Council about what happened and the wind carried it to every corner of the city.
'What's the situation?' Galadhon asked immediately, precisely as always, but as much as Oropher wanted he couldn't say much as he didn't know himself a lot.
'Uncle, I don't know. That's why I'm going.' Oropher said turning horse towards Galadhon and he leaned down to put hand on his uncle's arm. 'The missive stated that they are all in the Tower and they are taken care of. There was nothing said about Celeborn.'
The rest of his division appeared – Alagos on lead with Amrun and Tinnu beside him. To Oropher's surprise Faron also answered this call. Only when Oropher looked at them once after the other, he realised that his young soldiers reported for their duty and Oropher felt no doubts to let them join.
He looked down at Galadhon once again and took his hand that still rested on his uncle's arm.
'We will ride day and night. As soon as I will be there I will send a falcon. I promise.'
'Be careful.' Galadhon said and stepped away letting Oropher turn his horse and Oropher gave the signal to open the Gate.
'Ciryion's division was attacked in the forest! We are riding to the Tower to see the situation!' he called to his soldiers. 'Keep your eyes open! Divisions will be send after us to hunt down whatever lurks in the forest, but we are going into unscouted territory! Who knows what we will meet out there.'
Briefly he looked at each of his soldiers and his eyes fixed with Faron's.
'Faron, maybe-' he started, but his soldiers shook his head.
'I am strong enough to go with you. Trust me with this.' he said Oropher nodded, recognising well his serious and confident tone. Faron would have stayed if only Oropher would have ordered him, but Oropher trusted his soldier and he knew that Faron was able to estimate his own strength – if he was not ready, he wouldn't have showed up.
As soon as the Gate opened they formed an array and immediately springed their horses to gallop. As soon as they passed the gateway, Oropher took the lead and bid Huro to gallop even faster.
They passed by the friendly trees at the verge of the forest and Oropher quickly noticed that they were agitated. Their branches turned all around and wind sounded with countless whispers and gasps, while the ground shook with trembling roots. Maybe that's why they were so quiet previously when they were coming back from the hunt – the trees probably sensed something in the air, but they were not able to precise exactly what. Now all of them knew, but if they knew for sure – this Oropher will find out as soon as they will be at the Tower.
From Menegroth they moved north, surely taking the same route as Celeborn and Arvellon did before. In no time they crossed the river where shallow waters of Esgalduin allowed it, and only then they fully entered forest of Neldoreth. Sounds of hooves echoed in the forest and everything that was once on their path fled quickly upon hearing their approach. Though Oropher didn't really look all around it was not hard to notice all the animals fleeing deeper into the forest, escaping the danger, and birds often spooked and flew from one branch to another.
The forest was clearly restless and the animals mirrored anxiousness of trees. Sometimes Oropher even sensed that some trees were desperate in telling them something, but he couldn't afford to stop and listen closely. Besides, he couldn't understand them so well to know perfectly what they were saying.
After a long while of gallop Oropher slowed their horses to trott to save their strength. Though, the tenstion was clear in the woods, nothing indicated that the enemies were still around. The trees didn't behave as if they were – if the yrch and wargs were still in Dotiath, the trees would rise in great anger and track down the beasts, leading Oropher and his division towards them. But so far Oropher sensed nothing of this sort, the trees were vigilant and reached up branches to hear more closely what their distant kin in other corners of the woods were saying through the wind. Only brief shivers stated that they were not asleep.
'They want to talk to us!' Faron galloped closer to him, and Oropher turned eyes away from the chestnut tree that seemed more agitated than other trees around. 'Some of them know about something.'
'I sense their unease, but I can't understand them well enough. And I can't waste time to stop and reach out to them' Oropher shook his head. 'If you are able to, try to find connection with them while in the move.'
'I will try, but I can't sense them so well as the ones in Ossiriand. But if I will learn anything I will let you know.' Faron said, then he glanced at Oropher cleverly. 'You should try as well. Not now, buy maybe in the Tower when everything will settle down. They know who you are and that your House rules over Doriath. They want to speak to you.'
Faron was confident in saying it as he knew that Oropher was able to reach out and hear the trees. Every Eldar was blessed with great understanding of nature, but those were the trees that were especially beloved by them - and they were loved in turn. But only few of the elves were truly able to hear their thoughts and find true connection with their hearts. Some elves were not even able to learn it - they didn't feel enough understanding for their own spirit and it blocked their way of seeing the core of another spirit. But Oropher knew how to do it - Denethor tought him, long ago, and thanks to his teachings Oropher was able to hear all that wished to be told him and in turn, he was able to form thoughts into words that passed by between him and the spirit tree.
'Our top priority is getting to the Tower and examine the wounded.' Oropher said. 'If there there will be a bit of time, then maybe then I will try. I learned that it's not wise to dismiss the will of a trees.'
With this Faron slowed his horse and came back to his place in the array and Oropher gave signal to gallop forth. He meant what he said – they will ride as fast as their horses will allow them with full knowledge that they will still probably overstrain them. But Oropher knew that they couldn't affort to wait – Dalgaran wrote that some soldiers were sevelry injured and if that was the truth then they needed to be taken to Menegroth as soon as possible so they will receive all the necassary help.
And the fact that he didn't know a thing about Celeborn put him on edge. It was always Oropher who left the city for countless travels and duties and it was always his family who was worried about him. Oropher could always perform his orders with knowledge that everyone in his family was whole and safe in the city, but now the sides had changed and Celeborn's fate was unknown to Oropher.
The worst possible feelings were the wait and uncertainity while expecting the loved one to be back home from duty, but Oropher felt this same mix - this uncertainity what he will see when he will arrive to the Tower and anxiousness if Celeborn was alright. Last time he felt this way was during the war. After countless clashes and battles Oropher always looked out for his family to come back. He waited for Celeborn and Galathil to come back, for his father, for his uncles, for Thala, for Celduin, for Denethor. Not everyone came back home whole and safe and their loss was like a scar.
After some time, Taranir joined him on lead and Oropher looked to the side at his friend.
'If we will keep up the tempo we will be in the Tower at next sunset!' Taranir called to outshout the wind caused by their fast gallop and Oropher nodded at those words.
'That's my plan! But our horses will need a lot of rest after this!' he said. 'Mind Halloth, Tinnu and Amrun if you can!'
Taranir nodded, knowing what he had in mind. Their young soldiers left the city for the first time and though Oropher felt no doubts to let them, their first duty outside the city should have looked different. They were ready, there was no denying it, but such things should be done step by step while right now they were thrown on the wild sea.
Oropher gave a signal to kept moving forward and when they rode into sandy path they released their horses in even faster gallop. Night fell on them faster that Oropher expected, but on the other hand that meant they were getting closer to their destination. Still, they should keep their vigilance – they didn't know if there are some wargs till lurking in the woods and those beasts had better night vision than horses. Oropher sincerly hope they won't meet any of those foul creatures on their way.
Moonlight tried to peer through branches, but it was not enough to light up a path for them. But despite the darkness, Oropher followed the road with ease and when the first weak beams of sunlight appeared, they rode into much wider path n the northern parts of the forest of Neldoreth. They were almost there.
Faron sounded a horn to let the Tower know they were approaching and in a moment they heard an answer sounded in middle tone.
When they passed by the bend in fast gallop the wooden gate was already open to allow them entrance and they rode into the tower like a strong tide. They slowed their gallop, but didn't stop until they reached the main courtyard and only then they dismounted, letting the soldiers of the Tower take care of their horses.
Oropher barely managed to look around and give orders to his own soldiers, when an elf was already going towards him and it was no one other but Delagaran.
'General!' Delgaran called when he was close enough. 'First things first. The state of some wounded got even worse than it already was. Their condition is stabile for now, but they should be taken to Menegroth as soon as it's possible.'
'Start gathering wagons from nearby settlements, maybe some of them can even give us horses.' Oropher said. 'My soldiers will help as soon as they will examine the wounded and after their talk with your healers. In the meantime, I will send a falcon to the city, maybe Mablung will send one or two more divisions to aif us.' he sighted. 'I am glad all of them are alive. Thank you for your assistance.'
'It was pure luck our soldiers appeared there on time.' Delagaran said, but his voice was grim. 'But let's not fall in such relief. State of the wounded is very serious, some of them won't be able to continue their duty.'
Oropher let out a breath in a hiss and he shook his head. So it was as serious as he expected.
'Let's go and see.' Oropher said and Delgaran lead them towards the infirmary, while his soldiers walked close to him expecting orders. 'Check the state of the wounded, we need to know how many wagons we should prepare and how many medications, herbs and bandages we need. We also need blankets, food and water.' he started. 'As soon as you will do that, later on you will ride to nearby settlements. Try to gather as many useful things those elves can spare us. Time is crucial and we have to do everything to get the wounded to the city.'
They entered the infirmary. The building was wide and clean, each room was separated and fitted one bed. It provided privacy and peace which the soldiers needed to rest and heal.
'Gathon will brief your soldiers.' Delgaran said and without further ado Oropher's soldiers were left with the healer to gather information that Oropher required. And Delgaran's eyes turned once more on Oropher. 'Do what you must. All of my soldiers are at you disposal. I already send some of them to scout the area, now I will dispose my units and start sending them to the settlements.' he nodded to his own words. 'Once you will be done here, join me and we will plan further steps.'
Oropher nodded at those words, knowing that they have a lot of planning to do. Taking all the wounded soldiers to Menegroth will require a lot of resources, mostly wagons and draft horses, and they have to make sure that the wooden wagons will be as much comfortable as possible. And of course medications, bandages, food and water - all of that was essential to make their way as peaceful as possible. Oropher will have to ask Mablung to send two or three more divisions for their aid.
But among all of this, now he couldn't hold back himself more from asking w he wanted for all the time he was at the Tower.
'What of my cousin?' Oropher asked without even caring that it sounded absolutely unrelated to anything that they spoke about. 'What of Celeborn?'
Delgaran stared at him and his first confusion turned into understanding. He nodded at Oropher's words, but he remained a bit in thought.
'Lord Celeborn.' he started with serious voice, far from eased one, Oropher noticed. 'He is not well.'
'What of him?' Oropher asked more persistently and Delagaran sighted.
'Wargs jagged him mercilessly, almost teared off his arm.' he finally said. 'Hopefully, it can be saved with right treatment and strong medication. And he suffered a severe fall, most likely he was crushed by his own horse. But his back is well, so of this there is no need to worry, but some bones are cracked.' he shook his head. 'Come, I will take you to him.'
After hearing all of this, Oropher followed Delgaran with heart in throat. All that was just said crossed Oropher's mind like a lightning and imagination oh what happened and how he will see Celeborn only made it worse. But he followed Delgaran who slowly walked the small corridor of the infirmary. He passed by first five or six door and he stopped at the next one. He turned to Oropher who looked at him, waiting for anything more the commander would say.
'He didn't wake up yet.' Delgaran finally said. 'But healers assured me that he will. He will stand up from it.'
'Thank you.' Oropher said and without thinking much he opened the door, walking inside the room where his cousin was.
Candles on the small shelf and table were enough to illuminate the room. And even while being at the entrance Oropher could easily see bruises on Celeborn's face and neck. As he got closer, he noticed that Celeborn's left arm was tightly bandaged and Oropher recognised a strong scent of young ferns that cleaned the wound and fastened healing. Blood was still visible here and there, but Oropher had not pulled away the blanket to see the wounds on Celeborn's chest and waist. Warg's bites were terrible to heal and long teeth caused great bleeding – he didn't want to see it.
Oropher sat on the edge of the bedding and looked at Celeborn's face. He was a bit pale, but he seemed to be sleeping peacefully. His head was also bandaged around forehead and purple-green bruise around it only strenghtened the guess that Celeborn had to hit something hard when he suffered a fall.
He sighted and delicately patted Celeborn's healthy arm before he put blanket more tightly on him. That such thing had to happen. Oropher shook his head at lone thought of it. But what mattered most is that Celeborn was alive and Oropher should just wait until his cousin will wake up.
Still, Oropher had to write about all of it to his uncle – Galadhon had a right to know what was happening with his son and Oropher knew better than leave him with own thoughts and unsaid words. All the more that in a long time Celeborn will stand up fully from his injuries.
But Oropher was not blessed with more time alone with his cousin. Oropher heard someone entering the room and he turned to see who it was, but his irritation fell low when he noticed those were the healers who arrived.
'My Lord, I kindly ask you to wait outside.' the elleth said as she walked into the room with two assistants at side. 'We will change the bandages and apply new medications.'
There was no discussion with the healers and Oropher knew it. Besides, he wanted the best for Celeborn and the healers were doing their work. He got up from the bed and allowed assistants to approach Celeborn. They already started to take away the bandage on his forehead and removed blankets that were in a way, but the leading healer turned to Oropher.
'His state is hard, but stabile. Treatment is working as well.' she said. 'We have to wait until he will wake up.'
'Thank you. Inform me of any changes.' he said after he nodded at her confident words and he slowly started walking out of the room. 'I will work around with my soldiers.'
With those words he was gone and he closed the door after himself. With head weighting down with the tragedy that fell on them, he went back the corridor of the infirmary to check what his soldiers already knew. Then he will write a missive to Mablung and Galadhon.
He walked out of the infirmary and he already noticed Taranir. Seeing him out, his friend approached him immediately and there was a bit of worry in his eyes.
'How is Celeborn?'
'Not well, but treatment is working and it's going for the better.' Oropher said and sighted, all of sudden very tired. 'What have you learned from the healer? Do we know something about the wagons?'
'We need more time with the wagons.' Taranir said. 'And Ciryion's division...well, it doesn't look good. We definately need aid from Menegroth. Mablung should send us at least two divisions with first-hand items, healers and their medications. I bet they will know what to bring.' then he sighted delicately. 'Right now we are waiting for any of Delgaran's soldiers to be back from nearby settlements, we will see what tidings they bring. And I sent Halloth, Amrun and Tinnu to check on the horses. They are a bit lost among all of this.'
'Maybe I shouldn't have allowed them to come.' Oropher muttered, but Taranir shook his head.
'Don't treat them like whelps. They are able bodied soldiers.' he said. 'They want to help and they are doing fine while facing such tragedy. I just don't want to overstrain them.'
'Then I'm glad to hear it.' Oropher said and this was probably the best information he heard in a while. As much as such information can be good. 'I will write to Mablung then join me for the talk with Delgaran.'
Taranir nodded, but their conversation barely finished when no one other but Delgaran walked close to them.
'Oropher, a word.' he just said and Oropher nodded at Taranir, leaving his friend to his own work, while he moved after Delgaran who lead them closer to the grey wall of some building, so they were hidden beneath its shadow.
'We should be careful with sending the soldiers back to the city.' Delgaran said with more quiet voice. 'I was just informed that Norgalad had a collapse and they were not able to tell me if he will be well.' he paused for a moment. 'Silef has jagged chest and waist. Wargs treated her very roughly, but as for now she is in quite good shape. Arth has clawed face and he lost right eye, also serious bites on neck and legs. His one leg is broken and those wounds will fester. Ciryion lost arm up to elbow and the wound heals very slowly, it still bleeds.' he shook his head. 'They may not survive the ride back to Menegroth.'
'Queen's assistance is needed in all those cases.' Oropher said will full confidence. 'But if the healers will be strongly against it, then those most wounded will stay here, while we will take the others back to the city. We will try to make this travel as fast and comfortable as possible, but time is crucial.'
'We can spare few healers to ride back to the city with you. They will also start preparing medications and herbs.' Degaran said. 'I send first soldiers to the to the settlements, but I keep waiting for my patrols to be back. Though I suspect that the enemy already left our woods, some lone wargs may still lurk somewhere.' he looked around. 'I wouldn't be surprised. The forest is full of tenstion and trees are anxious.'
Oropher felt it too during all their ride through the woods. Faron sensed it as well and he took it to heart, so maybe Oropher should too? Everything that was happening in the forest couldn't be unseen by trees unless a powerful spell was casted on them. Maybe it was worth to reach out to reliable witnesses – the trees knew for sure what had hapened.
Oropher shook his head at lone thought about Ciryion's division. Whatever attacked them must have been much more numerous and well armored. Oropher doubted it was a planned trap – the enemy had never done that as it would have taken a lot of magic and spells to make the trees unaware of what was happening. Also, it was highly unlikely that it was an attack of opportunity. Ciryion's division travelled throught the heart of the forest which meant that the enemy's forces must have passed through Doriath as well. And it ended in a clash.
Oropher rubbed his forehead and sighted deeply. It was so long since the enemy was spotted in the forests of Doriath, their patrols didn't even reported single fresh tracks. And Oropher hoped that this peace will last for long centuries. Now, he knew that it was a peace before the storm – the enemy once more decided to reach out and shorten the way through the plains by passing Doriath's territory. But could Oropher be sure that those yrch wanted to just pass through Doriath? Maybe those yrch that attacked Ciryion were scouts and some bigger attack was planned? When it will be set into motion? Should Oropher alarm Mablung so he will get the soldiers all ready and vigilant?
He couldn't possibly know this, but maybe he should take few soldiers and ride to the place where Ciryion's division was attacked. Actually, Oropher was surprised that the trees didn't sense the enemy that walked so far into the forest. Usually they were informed on time of any movement of enemy's forces, yet now, the trees didn't sense a thing. This indicated strong magic. Maybe Oropher will learn something in the place of battle and how the yrch passed by the woods without being spotted.
Oropher focused back from his thoughts upon hearing the thunder of hooves. Few riders rode into the courtyard in mad gallop, looking around in search of their commander. When they spotted Delgaran next to Oropher they approached closer without bothering to dismount.
Oropher immediately noticed specific look on their faces, nervous, full of tension and gleaming eyes with sparks of fright. Their horses were all sweaty and breathed heavily, surely they were forced to run for all the way. When they were close enought they started to speak, but their words turned Oropher's blood to ice.
'Commander!' one rider called immediately. 'There was a battle in far eastern part of the forest!'
The spilt of overwhelming calm lasted a blink of an eye and this was a blissful moment when Oropher didn't realise what it meant. Among all that was happening he didn't even think once about it. Because it couldn't happen.
'All that is left are cinders. Bodies are scattered all around, but there was no living soul.' the second rider continued, great sorrow spilled with his every word.
At the same time Oropher's heart froze and stopped dead, but his blood warmed up impossibly going to his head in a wave of panic. Weird feeling in his throat couldn't be compared to anything.
'Hold down the units travelling to the settlements!' Delgaran said immediately. 'Prepare them for the move out-!'
Delgaran barely managed to say it to the soldier when Oropher interrupted him, getting to the closest rider and holding him tightly by uniform. He needed more information, more answers, maybe even denial.
'Where exactly?' he asked, but his questions spilled mindlessly from his mind, not even waiting for riders's answer. 'Was it beyond the dens? Beyond the stream? How many of them were there? Tell me someone was left alive!'
'Not yet beyond the stream, but close to it. It happened on a wide clearing...all the bodies are left there.' the elf said, a bit confused how Oropher could know of this, but of course he knew. He spoke with Bressil about the route they will take through the wild forest of Neldoreth.
'Tell me there was someone alive!' Oropher demanded with itching throat and shaking hands. His heart pumped so powerfully in chest that it pained him. It pained horribly.
'If there had been, we wouldn't leave him out there.' the rider said quietly and Oropher understood perfectly. They came back alone after all.
'Oropher, what-?' Delgaran placed a hand on his arm and pulled him away from the rider. Only then Oropher shok off from this stance and his mind focused on something else entirely - on immediate action.
'Arvellon, he was there! With Bressil and Aglaron!' he called as he already freed himself from Delgaran's hand and he walked towards the place where they left their horses. 'I'm going there! Now! Right now!'
Delagaran was saying something behind him, but waves of panic and chain tightening on his through prevented him from thinking about anything more than Arvellon. Everything fixed now on a sigle purpose - to find Arvellon.
As soon as he got to the horse, he jumped on its bac and immediately he bid the steed to gallop. He did it with no second thought nor informing anyone of what he was doing. He didn't see it, but Taranir was aware about the commontion. His friend was just behind him and he already called the rest of their team with a short but loud whistle. But Oropher didn't wait for them, he didn't even wait for Taranir - he raced forth only speeding up his horse to faster run and in a blink of an eye he passed by the half closed gate to the Tower. He didn't see it, but his soldiers got to their own horses and springed immediately after him, one after another, with no array or second thought.
A battle. All cinders and bodies. Only those words bounced back and forth as Oropher lead his horse blindly through the forest to the east. Taranir called to him, but Oropher didn't hear him.
He heard thunders over the hills and lightnings flashed somewhere far on the dark sky. The storm was gathering, but it didn' even cross Oropher's mind to go back. He kept fastening his horse, desperately trying to deny what he heard from the riders. He tried to deny what he was doing now, it would only make more real all the thoughts that crossed through his mind.
Maybe it was just exagerration. Maybe he mindlessly rode out for nothing. Bressil's team was prepared to take down few wargs, they were ready for-
Oropher stopped sharply as soon as he arrived to the small clearing. Huro foamed up and breathed heavily with a strain after such long run, but Oropher kept looking around easily seeing that the rider was right. He was right to say that all what remained were cinders.
There was no living soul around. Overwhelming silence was only interrupted by rising thunders. All too well Oropher recognised the view if front of him. It was a scenery of lost battle.
'Arvellon!' he called as he pushed the horse to gallop inside the clearing. Huro minded his steps and tried to avoid puddles of thick mud, but Oropher blindly turned his horse all around to see even a blink of movement, some weak sign.
His heart bumped so painfully hard that he was already too warm in his armor. And his throat tightened only more, though he tried to swallow this desperately. It was not the end. But the last words of the rider were all too vivid now - if there was someone alive they wouldn't have left him out here. And Oropher could clearly see that there was no one who survived.
He rode closer to the bodies and looked at each of them. Bloody shreds of elves lied deep in the mud, open gleaming eyes stared up to the sky. Horses lied beside their riders, often crushing them with weight and the ground was all dark around them. Open bodies spilled vitals on the grass, rising terrible smell in the air. Some of the bodies were half eaten and naked bones were noticed immediately. Sometimes, the bodies were so mangled that it was hard to recognise which part was an elf or a horse.
And he couldn't find Arvellon. Oropher went there and back staring at terribly mauled bodies and he couldn't find him. All the panic, stress and fear mixed in one showing off in shivers and nervous pulling on his horse's dark mane. Then he noticed a known form, laying on the side, under the body of half-eaten horse. He rode closer, just to see a terribly bitten face of Bressil, barely recognisable. Oropher turned his eyes away, overwhelming sorrow rising in his heart. Just as he did that he noticed dead body of Falch and Nadhor lied right next to him.
All of them payed with their lives, why Arvellon should be spared?
Oropher shook his head cut off those thought. He will find Arvellon and bring him home. There was no other option. It couldn't be any different.
Then a sudden flash got Oropher's attention. Like a hunting dog, he turned to the object he noticed and bid his horse to trott closer. He rised up a sword from a mud. With red handle, a bit curved at the tip, and wide steel at this beginning. Arvellon's sword. He was always so proud of it.
Oropher once more looked around, at all the bodies that could possibly be on this clearing. Some of them were taken. There was not enough bodies. Bressil's team was more numerous than this. And Oropher held on tightly to this thought - he will get Arvellon from those who took him.
First large drops of rain started to fall and Oropher got a sword to the sheet at his saddle, then he jumped back on the horse. He turned to his soldiers who in the meantime were looking for any survivors.
'Were did they go?!' he called to Alagos who immediately looked up at him. 'Where?!'
'West, towards the Tower!'
This was all Oropher needed. And knowing what was coming, his soldiers quickly mounted their horses to follow him, since he didn't wait for them again. And Oropher cought a trail with ease. Large battalion of heavy armed forces passed by the woods, making out deep tracks. Trees on the path were dead. Without leaves and without a soul.
For Oropher only one thing mattered - the enemy took some of their soldiers hostage and Arvellon may be among them. He needed to find him and bring back home.
Blindly, he followed the trail that lead him with huge curve around the Tower. It was clear the wargs were running, in haste to leave territory of Doriath. Thunders were now heard above their heads and followed their every step, rain poured from the sky like a waterfall. Leaden clouds overwhelmed the sky and covered the land with darkness. It was hard to know if it was even a day or night, but Oropher tirelessly forced his horse to gallop still. To follow the trail that started to slowly blend in the mud.
After a long time of impossible effort and stress, Oropher stopped at the verge of the forest. He looked on the distant plains to see even slight shape of enemy's forces, but he noticed nothing. And rain made it only worse.
Blending trial only showed him to move north and that's what he did. With no more moment of rest he left the Girdle and rode into territory full of danger. His soldiers barely managed to catch up to him when he already moved forth. But they followed, as they always did.
It was not the end. Oropher will get Arvellon from whatever took him. He will get him back safely to Menegroth. It was not the end.
Rain was mercilessly blinding him, wet armor and clothes weighted down on him, his horse was sinking in the mud, barely rising legs from exhaustions, but Oropher forced it to further effort. He will get through the wide plains before Ered Gorgoroth if he will have to, he will get once more throught the Mountains of Shadow. There was no stopping him now.
It felt as if days had passed since they left the Girdle. They were riding north, towards Ered Gorgoroth and rain kept pouring down with heavy, all too big drops. And soon there was no trail to follow.
Oropher slowed his horse to trott, desperately looking down on the ground to see even slight shape of warg's trail, but he looked in vain. All around him was a deep mud and every trace that was once there was entirely lost.
Long ago he let go of pulling away hair that sticked to his face. He had water everywhere and not a single piece of his clothing or equipment was spared from the rain. His horse was all soaked as well and stepped from one leg to another to not sink in the bog too much.
Getting himself together, Oropher decided to turn north-west. Even the enemy's forces didn't pass by Ered Gorgoroth and they had to change their direction. And the probability was great that they rode west.
But before Oropher pushed his horse to gallop, Taranir rode close to him and blocked his way with his own steed. Only then Oropher realized that there were only two of them on wide plains.
'Where are the others?!' he called to outshout the loud rain falling down to the ground. 'We have to ride forward!'
'I turned them back!' Taranir said and he cought Oropher's arms almost desperately. 'Oropher, I beg you for everything that that is worth! We have to turn back!'
'No!' Oropher immediately shouted, rage rising up in him. 'I won't, I can't! I won't stop now!'
'We have to go back!' Taranir said once more and he stubbornly held Oropher arms, their horses bucked and snorted and conflicting signals, but Taranir didn't let Oropher pull away.
'Let me go!' he finally snarled with wrath. 'Go back if you want! I can even order you to go! I will go alone if I will have to!'
'Oropher, please-!'
'I can't leave him out there!' Oropher shouted furiously, but he didn't even realise how desperate his voice sounded like nor he didn't fully comprehend the meaning of words he just said out loud. He almost managed to pull away from his friend. 'I cought a trail and I will follow it!'
'Look around! There is no trail to follow!'
At those words, Oropher closed his eyes and refused to look around on the mud. It would only confirm what Taranir just said. There was only bog all around and a wall of rain.
'We lost their tracks.' Taranir said quietly, but Oropher shook his head and still held his eyes tightly closed, his throat tightening even more. He couldn't see it, he didn't want to look at this mud around. And he slowly felt it creeping into his heart. It was a sense of defeat. Horrible, cruel defeat. His failure. All that he was saying to himself before, his promise to bring Arvellon home was lost to heavy rain.
Taranir embraced him and brought close to himself, as much as it was possible while being on horses, but despite the rain and thunders around Oropher heard clearly his quiet words.
'I am sorry. I am so sorry.'
Only then he stopped fighting Taranir and his throat pained so much he couldn't hold back tears. He realised it was the end. When he cried on the plains before Ered Gorgoroth, he knew this was the end and he won't bring Arvellon back home.
