Nag Kath

by Gelansor

This is a sequel to The Lord of the Rings following a released prisoner at the beginning of the Fourth Age. He has to adapt to changes in his world and in himself as Middle-earth copes with life after the dark lords. All chapters have been loaded as of 2/9/2020. Reviews welcome. Thanks for looking, sh

21. Chapter 21 Ring Heroes Fade

Chapter 21

Ring Heroes Fade

~o~

The next Thursday, October 18th in the diary, bells began tolling at sunrise. It took longer than Nag Kath thought but the King was gone. With more notice than for his father before him, ribbons were dyed purple and gray in the traditional colors of royal mourning. Spoiled young women thought it a shame to reserve purple for such dreary affairs but Bard was of the old ways. Usually Northmen buried their dead quickly but the Funeral was set for Sunday because Stonehelm would be attending, in state. Other kingdoms would send representatives for a memorial later. Winter put that in disarray so the remembrance would be in mid-spring and the Thainmoot immediately afterwards.

Nag Kath qualified for what was informally called the 'second circle' of funerary protocol. The first was; family, high ministers, generals, had there been any, an assortment of the highest business leaders and such Thains or government representatives who could get here. Their duties were for the more intimate observances and consoling the general population.

The second circle was comprised of; knights and high officers, the next tier of business and civic leaders, higher functionaries and a few folk who just had a lot of money. Brenen and cousin Bard qualified several ways. These people were entitled to come to the funeral and wake afterwards and assorted other events including the coronation to be held at the memorial. A broader third circle could come to the great hall for the funeral and coronation if they would get in. Everyone else could wave from their windows.

The first circle was largely occupied with succession. Bain was a grown man and his father's dying was expected. There was no need to show force as in a coup or against perceived weakness on the borders. Guards pulled double-shifts around the palace walls to keep well-wishers from stealing mementos.

Nag Kath went to the service and proclamation with Brenen and Nedille. He saw a number of people he knew but did not greet them. There would be time for that afterwards. Thorin Stonehelm was there with Tombor and a few of his court and they nodded in passing. Their procession had arrived to the respect of Daleans the day before. The Dwarf Lord had not been here for twelve years and despite his stern countenance, he was glad to be so well received as a friend of Dale. He had met the Prince once in Erebor when Bard visited six years ago. The young man was polite and kept his mouth shut, a trait he dearly wished on first grandson Thrordosh.

The Dwarves ability to stand or sit still served them well this day. Readings, dirges and the calling and answering of kingly observance took at least a bell and a half. Some of the privileged children shifted their weight from one foot to the other hoping to make it to the privy. Bard's father died in battle and did not get the farewell past kings had so this was new ground for all but the ancient. When the Magister finally closed the book, a sea of folk flooded out the main doors. Most of the first circle used private doors nearer the dais. The second circle was now invited to the reception hall which meant walking outside in a drizzle and going to the other end of the great hall. A ribbon on their coats got the three of them inside with only a cursory bow.

~o~

That still put the Kathen team at the back of the reception line so they got a cup of warm, sweet wine before taking their place for condolences, handing the empty cups to attendants before reaching the bereaved. Nag Kath was in front of the five. Brenen and Bard knew the new King from militia practice but had never met the dowager Queen. King Bain was seated in the throne. The consort throne was empty, with a sizeable contingent of ladies wishing their backside was warming it. The Queen was now in a comfortable chair flanked by her daughters.

The line came to within about ten feet of the stepped dais as people nodded and received acknowledgment. With only a family of fat merchants to go, Queen Delatha saw Nag Kath and stood with a ladylike stretch. She had sat through this, the funeral and several meetings beforehand and it was time to unkink her back. Walking forward to greet the traders personally, she waited for Nag Kath and his family on the lip of the riser.

"Thank you for coming, Lord Kath."

"It is my privilege, My Lady. May I present my step-son Brenen and his wife Nedille. This is nephew Bard and his wife Ros."

She offered her hands to both of them with a smile saying, "Thank you for coming too. It warms my heart to see so many who cared for my husband." She didn't call him the King. There was a new King now. That same King walked over to shake hands with the Elf's unusual family after giving them time to bow. "Hello Bren, Bard, good of you to come."

They introduced their wives. Bain II thanked them gratefully, "I am glad that my father left our lands in such good hands as the mothers of Dale." The ladies smiled but were not flustered.

As personal as that was, it was time for Colonel Sternboldan and his brood waiting behind them to offer condolences so they bowed again and made for home.

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~

Nag Kath really hadn't unpacked. Most of the clothes he took were rags now. His sketch satchel hadn't seen much use, except waiting in the garden compound. He thumbed through those briefly and thought his eye was out. One would have thought with time to burn he might have done better work but the images seemed blurred. They were still part of his life's record so he slipped them into the hanging folio and went to get his bow tuned with new horn.

A week after, coming as no surprise, Tella curtsied before him and asked if she could introduce a visitor. Nag Kath granted it and she opened the door for Burry, his excellent wife and their middle son, Gorandar. Burry was at ease, as usual and so was Lola who had been here for most of the Syndolan parties. Gorandar was chip off the old block. Most Northmen were. It took Nag Kath three years to tell them apart. Burry announced in his thunderous baritone, "Good morning, Nag Kath. My son has something to tell you."

Gorander was a grown man, once married, and no wilting flower. He came forward and said, "Mr. Kath, Tella and I intend to marry."

Nag Kath wondered why they all came over. Tella was his cook, not his daughter, and no spring chicken either. But the man was here to make this official so Nag Kath summoned such gravitas as he could and said, "I think that is marvelous! I insist that you let me host the reception!"

They would have married anyway and having the Elf throw the party was the spice on the fish. And speaking of spice on the fish; "Tella, do you intend to maintain your position in the household?"

"Oh yes, Mr. Kath. That is, if you don't mind my living elsewhere."

Mr. Kath couldn't think of many things he minded less. "When is the happy day?"

Lola took that one, "They thought to have a small ceremony on November fourteenth. The city will have settled down a bit."

That made sense on several levels. Second weddings were not grand affairs in Dale, for only slightly better reasons than second-hand fish. Exceptions were made for widowers. For a divorced journeyman and a spinster, despite her charms, a private ceremony was the standard. An unstated reason was that his live-in servant had been ill the past few mornings. He would need a new cook/housekeeper come spring.

~o~

Lola was right, Dale settled-down quickly. Nag Kath sent a letter to Reyald that he had enough conditional approval to bring the family for the spring moot, also conditional that Rosscranith wasn't selling cabbages next week. A large house would be available whenever they wanted it.

As it always does, the capital slowed down in October. The crops were in, the storm-shutters were repaired, firewood was stacked. In one of the rare leisure times in his life, Nag Kath experimented with Gandalf's firework powders. A large supply of something similar was said to have blown a hole in the Deeping Wall but that had been repaired by the time he saw it. For the first year at least, these would be fired from somewhere that would not burn.

Mr. Turn was long retired but his assistant still conducted party planning. His firm was engaged both for Tella's wedding and the Syndolan Eve event. The Burrys were not the sort of folk who could engage his services by themselves but Nag Kath was impressed that the man put just as much effort and care into their preparations as he would for anyone else. It helped that the Elf was footing the bill but most of his work was spent with the couple themselves. They used the Mason's Guild Hall, since he owned it, and he slipped out after his first ale.

Syndolan planning was remembrance. In the file was the very first guest list. Parts of later lists in Eniece's hand brought tears. Many of those names were gone or he had lost track. The longed-lived races like Dwarves and Hobbits had more survivors but their ranks had thinned as well.

This was bittersweet. He told Ardatha he would outlive everyone who loved him. Was part of what the Elves considered the gift of mortal life a shared experience of aging together? The life of loss did not linger. One might outlive the other but they would always be the same ages. It was his condition and he liked meeting new people so that must compensate.

What made this party special was that people who had come to his first few Syndolan parties now brought adult children. One would have thought the young folk would associate with their own sort but this generation did not seem to (or perhaps couldn't afford to) entertain as much as the last.

Everything went well. So as not to abandon his guests, he hired an old soldier and his son to launch his fireworks from the jetty. There were six rockets designed to go up and explode in different colors. Two of them did exactly that. Three just exploded all at once and the second made a beeline towards a bait shack, thankfully incinerating before it arrived. There was no advanced notice but a sizeable number of people saw the last three go up.

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~

In February, Tella announced that she would start her confinement and did not expect to return. Ros found another, older cook/housekeeper through her contacts in the city. Lupa was all business at first but slowly warmed to her eccentric householder - no unrequited lusts with Lupa, who seemed mostly of far eastern bloods, though now several generations in Dale.

News from "upstairs" was spotty. King Bain made the usual public appearances. Nag Kath had no irons in the fire but he was lobbying for Reyald so he sent a note to Rosscranith who had not come to the party. Three few days he received a reply in the form of Rosscranith himself. The Colonel was now Lord Chancellor for King Bain II. Like his father, the new King retained several of his father's councilors among the new men. Lupa was at the market buying fish that vendors kept alive in troughs rather than letting them gape at buyers in a pile. The Colonel accepted a mug of tea and they both sat where everyone did in the chair and couch by the low table.

The big man started with, "Part of the delay in getting back to you was that I hadn't mentioned Reyald to the King. I did yesterday and he agreed the man would be a good choice. Then there is the matter of his son."

King Bain II came from a family of girls. With the death of Bard II, the heir to the throne was his full sister's son Lord Carstors of the wedding portrait. He was in his mid-fifties, and still happily married at his hunting lodge south of the lake with little interest in governing. Their union had been blessed with two daughters who were married with one daughter between them. Bain's older sister had two daughters as well. The elder was now 37 and confided more children were not expected. The middle sister was a sweet but frail woman who never married.

When Bard acknowledged Ardatha as his Sister Princess, her children entered the succession which made Shurran second in line to the throne. Unless Bain had a son, the Kingship of Dale went through the unassuming sixteen-year old on the Redwater.

His parents educated him and taught him country virtues but he had no notion of sharp-elbowed politics in the capital. Nag Kath wondered if he knew he was two hearts from the crown. Others certainly did. It was possible someone lower on the list would contest his mother's legitimacy but being one of King Brand's only three grandsons was a powerful argument in his favor. More concerning was someone who might remove him for a better place in line. It had been tried only a generation before.

Rosscranith continued, "Perhaps an education in the White City would give the young man more grounding in affairs of state, don't you think?"

"I expect that has occurred to his parents, Davit. Reyald is a good man, with a good wife. They will represent his Highness with honor. You have your ears. How are conditions in the Buhrs and southward?"

"Quiet, how we like them. King Elessar was a bit embarrassed at how ill-prepared his vinelands were. I understand those positions will be reinforced."

The Elf blew across the top of his mug before taking a sip and asked, "For the ceremonies before the Thainmoot, has his Lordship invited a representative of Rhûn?"

~o~

Chancellor Rosscranith was not an easy man to surprise but that raised a furry eyebrow. He sipped his tea and admitted, "You think in terms most of us do not, Nag Kath. The answer is no, which is my fault. I keep fighting the old war."

Nag Kath leaned back on the couch and theorized, "The Bror has sons the same age as Lord Bain, men who were not even born at the siege of Erebor. At the party, which I will still invite you to even though you are much too lordly now, a number of old friends brought their grown children. The kids do not have the same misgivings. If you think it will help, I can write a note with the official invitation. I got along tolerably well with the rascal. You know the public better than me, but let us not forget that he settled fifteen hundred foot on his own soil or we would have fought that battle shooting backwards."

The soldier turned statesman ran that through his head and said, "The idea has merit. It cannot be done without Gondor. I would not put both sides in the same room without warning. If his Highness agrees, I will have riders take the proposal to the White City the day the roads clear."

Nag Kath's tea was at the perfect temperature for large sips. "You do not have to do this on my account. It just seems like a good idea. And I care less than most, but is his Highness considering making heirs of his own?"

"You and everyone else in the realm want to know that. I have no insights."

The Elf smiled, "If Durnaldar brings his younger daughter, put the King in his iron underpants."

Rosscranith broke into a rare genuine laugh. Northmen can really laugh. Finishing his tea he mused, "I have heard she is fair. Not that a man in my humble station would rely on rumors but it is said that one of Eomer's lasses might take the short ride to our fair city as well."

"Good! He is worthy of a fight! Maybe the Bror has an exotic female for the stew. Thank you for coming, my friend. Let me know if I can help." As the Chancellor rose to collect his coat Nag Kath said, "Oh, please give my best your lady wife and to Queen Delatha. I hope she is well."

That gave the Northman pause. "She has such grace that it is hard to tell, but she is lonely. Thirty-five years without peer does not leave one a wide circle of friends, a thousand acquaintances, yes, but not friends. I will convey your kind wishes."

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~

Thains and foreign dignitaries poured into Dale during the third week of April. Nature cooperated but this was still north enough that folk wore their warmest.

Official planning had started when Bard's condition was learned but its inception was thirty years before. Every king of free men had been replaced within a month of the Battle of Pelennor Fields. Éomer, Bard and Thorin because their Kings were slain. Aragorn; because he won. Prince Faramir lost his da as well. Only Imrahil of Belfalas had been Lord at the time.

Now Bard was the first of the next lot to die. This was not only a remembrance of the man, it confirmed the way of life in the Fourth Age. King Bain now ruled and his fellow lords would welcome him in their midst.

The international meeting would start with a repeat of Bain's investiture. The next three days had two two-hour plenary meetings scheduled at ten and two for large topics that crossed all borders. They would certainly run longer. Most of the Lords' time would be spent in smaller groups or private meetings.

This was also a family reunion. King Aragorn and Arwen had no children. They came from Gondor with Faramir and Éowyn who had two who stayed at home. It was unusual for Faramir the Steward to leave with Aragorn but this type of succession had not happened before. They thought it wise to present a united front.

Along the Anduin they would be joined by Éomer and his wife, Lothíriel, daughter of Imrahil. Their son Elfwine and/or daughter Éowyndl might come too. From the west, Lord Fanarbríl, Steward of Arnor, was coming in train with his retainers and half a dozen Hobbits of the Shire. King Thorin III would be here. He was a neighbor with several hundred Dwarves inside the walls and knew the place as well as most Daleans.

~o~

There were two mystery guests. One was Prince Voranush, second son of Bror Dulgov of Rhûn. They had accepted the invitation sent after exhausted riders between Minas Tirith and Dale confirmed both countries' agreement. The second was Lord Fearnold of the Silvan Elves. He was coming with a small contingent and though it was not mentioned, only planned to stay for the investiture. That was just a partial list of Lords. They were coming in state with counselors, outriders, servants and considerably pageantry. Then there were merchants, mayors, businessmen and anyone with a dog in the fight. There would be a lot of business done here among those who had worked together for years and never met. Policy eventually becomes trade.

Prices for rooms soared. Merchants used to the best took basements for twice the price. The Thains, arriving near the end of the investiture for their own moot knew where to stay if they didn't already own homes. As in Trum Dreng, people with fashionable or secure dwellings could be talked into staying with relatives for a fat purse.

Nag Kath got a letter from Ardatha as soon as the roads cleared that she was coming with Reyald, Shurran, Eniecia and their servant, Loral. Her elder daughter Haldiera was staying in Buhr Austar with her husband Gerruld and their two little ones. Gerruld was a subaltern in Conath's main force until he was promoted to Lieutenant by inheriting Reyald's troop. That also made Gerruld Librath Torrald's heir-apparent. He was a soldier with leadership talents and the dice landed his way. Their little boy was also in the royal succession. The Conaths would stay at Uncle Nag's house of their apartment inside the palace grounds until the Thainmoot ended. There was plenty of room.

~o~

Prince Voranush was among the first of the dignitaries to arrive. He had a modest train of six outriders and two counselors, dressed very differently than the last time Easterlings visited Dale. They came quietly and stayed in an eastern family's compound near the docks. It would mean daily hikes up the hill for the meetings and functions but it was secure and private. The day they rode in, Nag Kath received a note asking if the Elf might visit him for tea tomorrow. Nag Kath had no official role but he had talked with Rosscranith after the invitation was sanctioned. Both men agreed this was likely and that Nag Kath should enjoy his visit.

The Elf was shown into a modest home with a beautiful interior of both Dalish and Rhûnish styles. They fit together well. A steward brought him to the main room where two men were sitting already sipping tea. Both rose and greeted him. One was an older fellow with close-cropped gray hair and matching beard.

Nag Kath knew the Prince to be about 29. He was a good-looking fellow with a scar down his left cheek. It was not disfiguring and made him seem rather dashing. Nag Kath would not mention it, but he looked a deal more like his dead uncle than his da.

The Prince said in heavily accented but good Westron, "Ah, Lord Kath, how good of you to come. This is Minister Caoulish, an expert in diplomacy. Please take a seat." His bottom had not hit the cushion before delicious smelling tea was served by a woman who said nothing and did not make eye contact. She was gone in a blink.

Second son Voranush was perfect for the role of observer. As Nag Kath would find later, the Bror had three sons of one wife and no concubines. That was in the western tradition of one-at-a-time. First son had probably seen to the rebel infantry at the river before moving upstream to inquire about shaggy horses.

"Father was much impressed by you, Lord Kath. If your hand was in the invitation to our family, I thank you for that as well."

"You are welcome, My Lord, Minister. It seemed time to look ahead."

Caoulish said in perfect Westron, "It was a fortunate turn of events, just the sort of thing to make us realize we have much in common."

It really was. The only principal who didn't come out smelling like flowers was dead. The Bror reigned supreme. Borders were secure. The battle brought Dale and Gondor closer and Rohan won laurels as well. The Bror accepted three of his men back for every horse. The animals remaining were worth about the cost of defense. No money could replace the men lost or severely wounded but their families would not want.

Nag Kath was fairly sure the Minister was the Bror's ears but there would be no shaking him to talk with the Prince privately. The young man accepted that. Voranush said, "My reason for asking you here is that you and my father understood one another. Few men in his experience share his … humor. I was hoping, if it does not betray confidence, if you could explain what the assembled Lords might expect, or, not want to happen in this most fragile time."

The Elf looked both men in the eyes and said, "No, My Lord, counselor, I would have no trouble sharing what little I know. But I would ask a modest favor in return. Since you are the guests, I will start. I believe you are in a strong position. Your father, rightful Bror of Rhûn, could have more easily waved goodbye from the bank than destroy his ill-advised brother's army. That is both the perception and the truth known to wise men of the west; a powerful combination."

Caoulish agreed, "We appreciate that right action should be honored."

"Gentlemen, I do not believe that His Highness need do no more than be earnest in his conversations. Do not demand anything. Do not require anything. Show these men that you are as reasonable as his Excellency and listen carefully.

"I would add that among the Lords present are important men of business. If your people grow, mine or create things of value, there will be no faster way to open our lands than trade. All governments have high ministers interested in such things. I humbly suggest your esteemed father invites some to your enlightened capital to discuss possibilities in comfort."

The Prince looked at Nag Kath saying, "I believe my honored father would consider that favorably."

Minister Caoulish agreed, "We had discussed impressions mattering greatly after so many years of misunderstanding."

~o~

Nag Kath now raised the second half of the agreement, "There is more. I believe this is more important but should not, perhaps, come to all ears on this visit. The Usurper Frûnzal was in league with those who yearn for the dark past."

Caoulish asked, "Forgive my interruption but there is something I must ask before we go further; was it you on the Dwarf Road all those years ago?"

"Yes, Counselor, it was."

The two men looked at each other again and Caoulish said, "Lord Kath, the men you dispatched then are likely the fathers and uncles of the riders crossing the Khelduish. They were our fiercest soldiers when we are allied with the Dark Lord. Loss and disfavor has made them bitter."

Nag Kath sympathized, "They are not alone, friend counselor. If claims of congress with dark powers are possible, we have a mutual and terrible enemy. This is known to high councils. An understanding that we will work together against those seeking to resurrect evil will get you further than farmers or traders."

Nag Kath pulled a small sheet of paper from his pocket. On it were four of the eight runes from the glyph. "Have either of you gentlemen seen writing like this before?"

The Prince looked closely but his face registered nothing and he looked to the Elf. Caoulish looked longer and said, "Chey symbols, of the Balchoth. East of Khand."

The changeling said, "I cannot say I know of it." Civilized maps were blank in that direction.

Caoulish said softly, "Few do. Not even Those Named go there."

The Elf followed the thread, "Are these associated with Sauron?"

The Minister thought about that but seemed to relax a little, "I do not think so. The orcs did not show this. Warriors of that region sometimes had this one …" pointing to one of the four, "on their shields. Traders brought them back from burials to sell in the bazaar."

Caoulish took a sip of tea and continued in the same reasonable tone, "Such magiks, if there are any, would be from the south."

The Elf said with quiet assurance, "I do not exist. You have but to nod and I am a word in the right ears."

The men of Rhûn did not have to look at each other. Caoulish said softly, Let it be so, Mr. Kath."

The all rose and shook hands, not an Easterling custom. As he made for the door Prince Voranush said, "Thank you again, Mr. Kath. We are in your debt."

A bell rang and Nag Kath asked, "Oh, speaking of debts, was the old fellow I stayed with in Kugavod sent home?"

This time they did look at each other but when neither had an answer the Elf added, "This was in settling the Khan of Mistrand's obligations."

Caoulish shook his head before saying, "The Khan of Mistrand died two years ago. His position was filled with an administrator from the capital. Should I enquire, Mr. Kath?"

"I probably misunderstood him, Minister. Enjoy your stay."

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~

Nag Kath bowed at the door. Before him were the Kings and Queens of Gondor and Rohan with Prince Faramir and Lady Éowyn of Ithilien. King Elessar said, "Thank you for coming, Nag Kath. Please have a seat." They were sitting in no real order around a dining table that could seat as many as sixteen. It would see hard use this week. The Elf sat next to Faramir and the two shook hands.

Aragorn said, "Hard fight on the Celduin. You brought honor to many houses."

Nag Kath replied, "Thank you, My Lords and Ladies. Captain Telfurmir showed fine colors, as did your Fenuldorn, Lord Éomer."

The King of the Reunited Kingdom continued, "Before the conference, we would like your assessment of the incursion."

The Elf started slowly, "It might have worked. I traveled with a dozen of the late King's best to investigate reports of orc troops along the Iron Hills Road and Easterlings along the Redwater."

King Éomer could not resist, "See any wargs?"

"Just one, sir."

Arwen asked "I, for one, would be very interested in hearing that tale, Nag Kath." It was the first time she had used his name in his presence.

"Yes, ma'am. I spotted a brigade of about one hundred thirty soldier orcs with swords and bucklers traipsing behind the Iron Hills and confronted them. The Anglachor, that's a Colonel, had a warg with him."

The Master of the Mark had started this so he asked, "You faced a brigade with a squad?"

"It was just me, Lord Éomer. Stealing sheep and making footprints made no sense. I told the Anglachor not to treat with the Easterlings. He said there was famine in their land and they had been promised spoils from the Redwater campaign. I convinced him that the crops would fail this year and offered to take food to them if they went home. Their Lugnash took the deal and that was the last anyone has heard from them."

Éowyn, who had slain her share of orcs, said, "A hundred to one? They weren't that hungry."

Nag Kath gave the grin that proved to Arwen that he was not really an Elf saying, "I puffed up like Gandalf and spoke in echos. The orc chief was a reasonable sort. We sat for a few minutes before he sought shelter from the sun. I think they already suspected the Usurper of deception since they had marched the northern fields themselves. Easterling cavalry was making the same ruckus along the river, not fighting but riding to and fro to make it seem there were many. The idea was to keep Dalish allies on their own borders before hurrying south to attack Dorwinion in strength."

Faramir said in his quiet voice, "And then you went to the Bror?"

"Yes sir. I went south to skirt the rebel holdings and there I learned the Usurper had stolen most of his brother's horses, not something the Bror wanted widely known. With cavalry, the winelands would be easier to take than fighting at home. I rode to Kugavad for an audience and told the Bror we were preparing for the rebels on our side and he could put paid to the threat by cleaning up on his. He got the infantry but not the cavalry since they were making noise up the Redwater.

"My Lords and Ladies, I apologize for representing your authority without leave." No one took exception, "I spoke with the Rhûnic Prince and his Minister two days ago and told them that their ruler's decision to stop the attack on their soil would be appreciated in high councils.

Even among this august group, King Aragorn might have secrets. Before going any further Nag Kath asked him, "My Lord, did you receive my letter?"

The King said to all, "Nag Kath sent me a tracing of a stone from the battlefield between the Bror and his brother. It had markings not known to our scholars."

Taking that as ascent, the Elf continued, "The rebel Prince was in league with a sect of Sayers who yearn for the days of Dark Lords. They call themselves the Visitors. I interrogated one at the infantry battlefield in Rhûn. He did not understand the Black Speech. I convinced him to tell me how to praise his men to the Darkness and he told me where he had hidden a small stone with ancient runes. The Bror's man said they were quite old

Lady Lothíriel, daughter of Prince Imrahil, was no stranger to armies of the east. She delicately folded her hands on the table and said to Nag Kath, "He did not tell you that willingly."

The slightest smile formed on the corners of the Elf's mouth, "I borrowed the confusion spell I learned healing your esteemed brother."

Lady Arwen knew more about dark powers than all combined. "Where does this leave us?"

Everyone looked at Nag Kath. He spoke matter-of-factly, "I see three unknowns: One is that they are using symbols of past glory that hold no power. Two is that these are runes of when Sauron held Mordor many years ago. If he is destroyed, again, there is no power. Three is that they hope to summon or nurture the next dark lord and return to favor. The Witch-King still has many he condemned to living death waiting his call. I killed one a week after we parted, Sire.

"Someone knows. Against the wrath of the Bror, he is either on the run or well disguised. I suggested to the young Prince that commerce is the way to make friends in the west and would let us converse about our common enemy. Whether he likes it or not, we are on the same side."

Faramir laughed and lightly hit the ball of his fist on the table. "Was there anything else to help with our councils, Nag Kath of the Water?"

The Elf leaned on the table with his elbows and again flashed his obscene grin, "The Easterlings are cheap. We bribed the orcs with something under two Florin in wheat and whisker-fish. If the would-be Bror of Dorwinion had bought the same fish first, I would have never crossed the Celduin."

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~

Nag Kath had no official part in the conference but old friends and people who wanted specific information sought his input. By all accounts, the Easterlings surprised everyone by being reasonable and polite. Nag Kath expected Aragorn spoke with Thorin Stonehelm and perhaps a few others about orcs. A deputation of merchants planned to visit Kugavad at the Bror's convenience.

Thain Peregrin Took and his wife Diamond were among the Hobbits visiting. He enquired after Nag Kath and was invited to dinner at the Elf's home with the Brightens brothers, their wives and Mr. and Mrs. Barleycroth, a very respectable couple. It being past the five-bell, ale and wine were served. Nag Kath told them about the Barrow-wight that had changed into a fish-monster and the Bombadils.

One must not think Lordly councils are limited to Lordly councils. Reliable sources said that there was only one real fight among the outriders when the troopers from Arnor insulted horses of Rohan. You can say anything you want about the riders but not their horses. The instigators spent the rest of the week shoveling.

Of greater import, this was the best chance of its kind where eligible ladies of high birth might meet future husbands. King Bain was nearly thirty so lovelies tried getting invited to any number of soirees, dinners, entertainments and hunts that week. A few of them floated near the dashing Prince of Rhûn until someone at his compound loaned him a wedding ring to show he was not available, at least not as his first wife.

~o~

This was never more intense than when the Lordly conference was ending and the Thains finished trickling in for their moot. A celebration at the Great Hall was scheduled for the last night with the Thains invited. Old Zandro of Celduin Village brought his daughter along. She was a plump, pleasant young lady with a good sense of humor.

Everyone wanted to come but planners kept plenty of elbow room. High Lords didn't need everyone getting too close. Reyald and Ardatha arrived with Nag Kath fashionably late.

Aragorn and his Lady were often apart for duty or conversation at such events. The King saw Nag Kath above the crowd and walked over to say hello. "King Elessar, may I present my daughter and son-in-law Ardatha and Reyald Conath."

The King shook their hands. Nag Kath had told him of his family here but it was another thing to actually see it. As if one King wasn't enough, Bain fled a flock of admirers and kissed his favorite aunt on the cheek. To Aragorn he said, "You may be seeing a lot of them. Major Conath will be our next ambassador to the White City."

Aragorn shook his hand again and said he would look forward to receiving his credentials before walking over for a word with Thorin. Reyald asked King Bain, "My Lord, how fares your mother?"

"She is well, but begged off tonight to dine with her brother. I will give her your best." Turning to Ardatha, "I am sure she would like to see you." The man excused himself to another corner of the room but called an attendant over to have an invitation issued on behalf of the dowager Queen.

By themselves again, Reyald looked at his wife and said with a smile, "The interview went well. I suppose I'd better learn what to do."

Nag Kath said, "You won't leave until late summer. I know a few people who can help." They left early.

~o~

Among the young ladies at the reception was Tilli of Nauthauja. She was dressed to perfection and exquisite, but not pleased. Was she to be paraded like a prize filly at the fair? Her handsome father guided her through the throng, managing introductions to many who mattered, including her liege. No magic flew when their eyes met. While Durnaldar was talking with two gentlemen of Dorwinion, Tilli walked over to the high windows and looked at possible storm clouds covering the stars.

"I hope those can hold off for a few days." It was offered by a tall, good-looking young man gazing at the same horizon. He had long, ginger hair in the fashion of Rohan but unlike everyone else from that land, he was dressed in city clothes rather than a uniform.

She thought he must be one of the scribes or clerks these kings keep about. The man was fair and gracious so she smiled back saying, "We just got here. I hope they can wait two weeks. You are leaving my lands soon, good sir. I hope your stay was enjoyable."

"It was. I hadn't been here since I was fourteen."

"She held her hand out in the way of modern women and said, "I am Tilli."

"Pleased to meet you, Tilli. I am called Elfwine."

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~

It rained when the Thains went home. Those who hadn't already pledged their fealty to the new King did so. Mugs were raised, deals were done and one young lady was invited to the Riddermark.

Reyald and his family just stayed at Nag Kath's with plans to make for Gondor in August. They could leave anytime but Reyald did not want to push the current ambassador whose brief ended that fall. Shurran liked visiting Brenen's son's jewelry shop and learned useful craft.

Eniecia was a quiet girl. She was friendly with a cheerful outlook but did not put herself forward. Eniecia also favored Eniece, a good thing for girls. She certainly had a future in Minas Tirith or anywhere else she landed. The lass devoured the few books Nag Kath had here and helped the servants with the large dinners now needed. Reyald already knew Rosscranith and they got on well. He could not get better advice than from the lordly Northman. Edelbras now ran the guardi. He knew the secrets.

One of the nicest parts of their stay was that Ardatha often visited Queen Delatha. Now that her son wore the crown, the dowager thought she might travel back home next summer. Delatha had only been there twice in her long marriage and a spot of country life might put her at ease. Ardatha and her family also spent considerable time with her grandmother Mrs. Borenne on the lake. That was bittersweet.

~o~

In late July, the family gathered around the table to look at Nag Kath's picture archive. He seldom looked himself but the teenagers wanted to see all of the impossible places and people he had drawn. People believed his tall tales … but they didn't. Suddenly, there was the Wild Huntsman glowering for all time. There was the water project they would see themselves shortly. Kings, Queens, Hobbits, Gandalf fussing with his pipe.

Two later pictures he pulled after the youngsters wandered off seemed unfinished. They were of Orlo at his hut and another sketch of his hut from behind the cucumber patch. They were not up to his standards but part of the archive so he didn't throw them away.

There wasn't much keeping him here so he decided to guide the family to Gondor in three weeks. He knew the road. Nag Kath asked for one delay along the river while he explored Lorien. There was no guarantee he could find it or get in, or that he would be able to leave, but if they could amuse themselves for a week along the road, Nag Kath might add one more answer.

~o~

Merchant trains still kept to the Great River across the Old Forest Road. Bold souls could stay to the eastern edge of Mirkwood and cut the distance but the road was not maintained and not everyone was friendly. Loral was in her forties and not an experienced rider so the smooth road was better. For reasons Nag Kath didn't share, they camped by the western forest's edge at noon and stayed the rest of the day.

The weather held fair except for a two hard summer hailstorms. The first they watched from one of the inns now dotting the road. The other caught them by surprise and they dried their clothes at the next inn. Five days later, they reached the Celebrant coming from the Misty Mountains. There was an inn there too! A generation after the war; folk were traveling in safety.

Nag Kath promised to be back within a week and took Charlo into the forest of Lorien. There was a clear path but as sure as he was of anything, the way to get to Caras Galadhon would seem impossible to the untrained eye. The Elf had directions from friends in the Woodland Realm but he needed instincts as well.

A day up the path he felt he had gone too far. Turning Charlo back, he saw a pair of rocks to his left that looked like one rock going west. Nag Kath dismounted and let the horse on the faintest of tracks towards them. Beyond the rocks it became a path.

Another hour and he saw the magnificent Mallorns reach the sky. Unlike Rivendell, this place was alive. There was still deterioration of the handmade things but the trees might live another age. The slower he went, the less likely someone would send an arrow his way before asking.

A central grouping of trees, perhaps a half mile across was cleared from the rest of the forest. It was surrounded by a moat that had seen hard fighting in the war. Caras Galadhon was attacked three times before Dol Guldur was finally crushed.

They crept to a stone bridge directly on the road with a gate left open. Two steps more he heard in Westron, "That is far enough." Nag Kath scratched Charlo's muzzle to let him know things were fine, though, that remained to be seen.

Two Silvan Elves came down from the gate and approached, one with an arrow nocked. Nag Kath remained motionless save rubbing his horse. When they saw he was an Elf, with hair purposefully past his ears, the one slipped the arrow back in his quiver and they both came to within ten feet. Nag Kath bowed in their fashion and they returned the courtesy.

The Elf who had not had an arrow ready said, "We have not seen you before, friend. Who visits us this day?"

"I am known as Nag Kath and only come in passing." When that did not sway, he added, "I was told the way here by Lord Fearnold this spring."

The first responded, "He is known to us. Come this way."

They crossed the bridge. Nag Kath was in awe of the grandeur. It was Minas Tirith made of trees. Little flets were tucked in the rising branches, some natural, some sculpted in the living wood like lily pads.

Even in high summer it was cool below the canopy. His escorts said nothing. Other Elves stopped what they were doing to watch him lead the handsome horse across the grass.

Winding their way up the path, they reached a handful of ohtars who had been observing. His guards spoke in Silvan to the others and one of them said in Sindarin, "You are still here. The Undying Lands have not drawn you away?"

"An invitation has not been extended."

They had to consider that a few moments. It was time to seek a higher opinion. One of them climbed a spiral staircase up a tree to the right with astonishing speed. He came back about five minutes later but no one said a thing. Charlo started grazing. Nag Kath hoped this was not sacred grass.

Not long after, an Elf in the mold of Fearnold walked down and approached. Nag Kath bowed and the Elf did the same. His host crossed his arms and said slowly, "You are known to me, Nag Kath. What brings you here?"

"Curiosity mostly, but also whispers of troubles, Lord Elf."

The leader nodded and his men disbursed. "Walk with me, Nag Kath. You can leave your horse here."

Nag Kath dropped the reins and they climbed the staired-Mallorn two levels to a large flat area that reminded him of a lily pad. Except for the extraordinary care, it also reminded him of the little forts children make in the branches of oak trees. The leader sat on a stool and gestured for his guest to do the same before saying, "You have a good reputation in the northern Halls. Their views are similar to ours."

The changeling replied, "That was generous of them, Lord …"

"Gilfandros. And not Lord."

"Lord Fearnold came to the King of Dale's investiture this spring and we spoke briefly."

"What do you hope to do while you are here, Nag Kath?"

"Not much, Gilfandros. If you have a library I should like a look. I have healing skills and always want to improve those. With your permission, I should also like to draw your city. Mostly I wanted to come. It might not be long before these places are closed to such as me."

The leader said nothing so Nag Kath continued, "I told your ohtar of small troubles too. A sect of Easterlings wishes for the dark days. They have been destroyed by arms but that never gets the root. I may be in these lands for long years. It is probably nothing, but if you catch the scent of foul sorcery, please know you have friends among men of good will."

The fellow held his chin in hand and said, "I have not heard. Those were born of Maiar, or even Valar in their time. We are ever mindful, Nag Kath. As to books, there is nothing here. It was all taken by Celeborn when he left. My people are returning to the forests that nurture us. We hold in memory that which we cherish."

"I respect your choice, Gilfandros. Are there any of the Ñoldor left?"

"No. Thranduil's son was here a few seasons ago but I have lost track. He, like you, is much among men, Dwarves also."

"Then I will take no more of your time. Thank you for your courtesy and for the chance to visit this lovely place."

~o~

Nag Kath climbed down the stairs and collected Charlo. Gilfandros said he could sleep in a small hollow that was unclaimed. No one else spoke to him though many peered. Dinner was Lembas and so was breakfast. He spent the next day sketching. Late in the afternoon he heard a rasping voice say, "Orc Six."

Logass was standing not five feet away. "Good day, Master Logass. I wondered if your people were here."

"Just me and my wife. These Elves remain so we are not really needed."

"It is good to see you just the same. These folk do not seem to sing or tell stories. I was sorry to hear there are no secret volumes."

"Hugghm. No. All gone. Do you still pursue healing ways?"

"I do, but just for men. I have been disappointed by how little I can do for ailments that linger."

Logass held his own pointed chin, "Ask the mirror. You are of water."

"Galadriel's Mirror?"

"The same."

Nag Kath shook his head, "I thought she would have taken that first among all possessions."

Logass shook his head too, "Can't. It is set in rock. It might only work here. I will show you." The chief keeper led Nag Kath along a twisted path somewhat downwards among the massive Mallorn roots. Light did not penetrate far. Logass climbed on a step and looked down on a silver dish set in an altar of stone. "Hugghm. These Elves never wash anything. Give me a cloth."

Nag Kath rummaged in his satchel for a rag that was not very clean and handed it to the keeper who then rubbed the dull plating of a shallow bowl anchored to the pedestal. The Elf poured some of his canteen water in to help with the shining and then refilled it at a rivulet not fifteen feet away.

"Hugghm. The Elves here now do not have your powers so they do not bother. Pour your water in and then several more. Nag Kath did so as Logass stood down and away from the mirror.

Frodo's account was more about his emotions than specifics but this was a seeing tool for the most powerful sorceress of Elfkind. After the third canteen-full, Nag Kath peeped in the bowl and then back over to the keeper. "What am I looking for?"

"How would I know?"

Nag Kath leaned over the basin again and saw nothing. After a few minutes he touched the side of the bowl and his hand glowed silver. Pulling it away he began to see outlines.

There were faces. Some were Elves. He wondered if they were spirits of those who lived here. The last face was a handsome man with raven hair and white skin. He might be attractive to women but there was no living warmth at all. Like the other images, the face was not in focus. If that were a true face, he was looking over Nag Kath's shoulder. The image dissolved into a fist driving into water. Then all was blank.

It seemed only a few seconds but when he looked about, Logass was sitting on a rock near the rivulet. "Logass, how long was I gazing?"

"Not long, two or three minutes."

"I saw faces, frozen in time. It felt as if they were all long past, but not my past."

"Hugghm. I expect you are tired of Lembas, Orc Six."

Back at the small keeper's quarters, the Elf quickly sketched the last face in the mirror. He seemed more important than the rest. He thanked his hosts and left at dawn, making the inn before dark.

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~

"Oh, Mr. Kath! You're back! Come in, come in!" Turnlie curtsied to the five people behind him and grinned as they trooped in. There would be even more room for them here than in Dale, probably as much as the ambassador's residence on the sixth. The Daleans were thunderstruck turning the bend and seeing the White Towers spiking to the clouds. Nag Kath's drawings could not compete with the scale.

It would be dinner soon. Loral saw to her Ladyship's things and everyone else saw to theirs. Once arranged, Loral returned downstairs to help Turnlie with the evening meal. They still had time to market so both women chatted as they left with their baskets. Touching all the people he wanted to see could wait until tomorrow at least.

The servants returned with a man-cart. There was not only dinner but many other things to feed a pair of teenagers for merely two days. Turnlie arranged deliveries of known needs while she was in the stalls. After placing her baskets in the kitchen, she gazed at Nag Kath with a look that said they might have a word.

"Tum sent a letter that he saw Mrs. Florice, Mr. Kath. He said she was in a terrible way. That was about three months after you left. He told Mrs. Talereth but I haven't heard since. That doesn't mean there isn't more, but I don't know and I haven't seen her." Turnlie started to cry but soldiered on, "I'm so sorry, Mr. Kath." Tumlen must have said she did not have Helien with her.

"There, there, Turnlie. Don't you worry. Let us just take care of this family and all's well, eh?

The stout cook wiped her eyes with her sleeve and said, "I got chickens for the family and trout for you."

The Conaths took the tour with the Elf guide the next day. They walked the switchbacks, visited parks, had an 'Elvish' lunch on the fourth and started shopping for all of the things they would need for diplomatic life in the world's capital. A little time was spent boarding their horses. The neighborhood stable couldn't take six new ones so three stayed there and the other three were placed at the main stables on the first.

That evening Nag Kath dashed off quick notes to everyone saying he was back, resulting in a rash of appointments here and there. He had better throw a party soon to see everyone!

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~

Since it was business too, the Elf visited Broughtur and Sylveth Mülto. She had just turned seventy and he was only a couple years behind. The hundred Florin had been almost all invested in business or family rentals on the third level, where they lived. Other than a roof falling in after the purchase, the places were rented and cash was coming in. Nag Kath got a list with no plans to inspect them.

From there he walked to the home of Amiedes Tallazh. If he was still with us, the man would eighty eight in a month. A grown grandchild answered the door and recognized him immediately. Tea was on its way before he sat. The woman disappeared down the hall and came back holding the arm of his beloved mentor. They shook hands and he was helped into his favorite chair.

"I did not expect to see you so soon, Nag Kath." The man chortled and coughed a little. "A cold from the spring has been slow to leave."

"I can probably do something for that."

"Oh, would you?" Tallazh offered a frail arm. The Elf gently took it in one hand and placed his other hand on his counselor's chest. Both hands offered the barest silver pulling the faintest yellow. Most men of Middle-earth, to say nothing of their wives, would have blanched at the healing, but the old scholar knew almost everything there was to know about his physician. He coughed a couple more times into a handkerchief produced from a sleeve and said, "Yes, I think that will help."

In mock gravity, Nag Kath pronounced, "That means I will have to visit frequently to finish the work."

Tallazh offered a wan grin, "I will make sure to be here. Now that we have finished …" Both of them gratefully accepted a mug of tea. "… finished with hello, I am sure you are hip-deep in new intrigues. I heard of the battle at the Rhûn."

"That could have gone worse." Nag Kath pulled two papers from his satchel and handed them to Tallazh.

The former scholar took his spectacles from a blouse pocket and muttered, "Yes, I have seen some of these, this one in particular." Amiedes pointed at the same rune the Easterling Minister recalled. "Sometimes they are embroidered in clothing. I saw them in Transagri. That close, they may be of Harad too."

The old man stared off into the room for a moment. "But you are not buying clothes, are you?"

"I traced that off a rock used by one of the Usurper's acolytes. He seemed to think it could summon powers."

Tallazh put on his spectacles back on and studied the sheet more closely. The runes were rough and the tracing rougher. He handed the sheet back saying, "That was Sauron's ground, off and on, for thousands of years. But even dark Lords have to speak in terms folk can understand."

He looked softly into Nag Kath's eyes and said, "I know you must know, but please, Nag Kath, turn aside if you feel drawn to such things. These are probably just symbols reminding men of when they were important."

"I am ever mindful of that, old friend. As it happens, the Usurper's lads are hoping to bring dark sorcery on their side. For now they are floating in the Celduin but I killed a few of their da's back when. I would like to know if there is anything to this."

Tallazh was at peace, "I trust you, dear boy. Remember Mendies?"

"No."

"He was the scholar who brought me to your interrogation."

"Red hat?"

"Yes, he dropped dead twenty years ago, but he had a pupil who dabbled in arcane arts and then earned a lot of money in higher counting, dividing large numbers and such. I do not recall his name but they keep records of who studied under whom. You have influence. Just ask.

The intelligence showed through in the next sheet, "You have been saving the best for last."

Nag Kath handed him the drawing of the dark man in the mirror. Tallazh pulled his spectacles off his forehead and studied it closely. "This does not look like your work. I hope you aren't slipping."

For the first and, he thought, last time, he had to name the source. It needed impact, "I saw him through the mirror of Galadriel. The image was unclear."

Tallazh looked up at the Elf's face with genuine surprise, or awe, or even a touch of foreboding. Then he absorbed the face again. "He is a bad man, well, not man, a bad Elf I should think. He wears no regalia. Is this someone living?"

Nag Kath shook his head slightly, "I have no idea. There were other faces, all frozen in time. This one stayed with me and I tried to draw him afterwards. You are right. He is not someone to mind the children." Tallazh was tiring. His protégé said, "I will come back in three days and see to that malady. Until then, old friend."

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~

Reyald was visiting the current ambassador so Nag Kath took Ardatha with him to meet Tal for tea that afternoon. He would be lucky to get a word in edgewise. Talereth was nearing sixty and finally losing the battle with her prodigious appetite. She had always said someday she would have to choose between her face and her bottom. Ardatha was no slip of a girl either. He was sure they would get on famously. And there was nothing either of them couldn't know about him.

Tal kissed both his cheeks and did the same for Ardatha. His step-daughter was not priggish but this told her she would have to adapt to big city customs! Elvish dining was already out of fashion on the fifth level. This place featured small game birds grown like chickens for thrice the price. He had tea. And he was right, the women talked about things to do for the children, places to go, where to get the right clothes and all else.

Ardatha's mother was his second love. Talereth was his first. Ardatha saw his tastes. They were good tastes. Risking a raw subject, Tal asked, "What news of old friends, Nag?" It was the look after that gave it context.

"I heard Tumlen saw some in Osgiliath, maybe a year ago. I'll be over there shortly."

"Say hello to the dear man for me. Say hello to the bootmaker on the second too. I never seem to get down there anymore." That would be Florice's sister. Did he really want to know? Tumlen first.

Talereth and Ardatha were dear friends for as long as they lived.

~o~

Timalen and Marie got his letter but Tim almost never wrote back. There were probably notes from Nag Kath first return to Minas Tirith in the middle of stacks piled about the man's studio. Marie kept the third floor as clean as a whistle and poured tea before sitting down. Tim said, "I hope you gave Tal my best. Her daughter is a real artist now, parlayed her water acquaintances and now does family pictures like you used to. I didn't say it but there's a handsome, unsuitable man interested."

Marie said, "Oh Tim, you're terrible. Nag, he's a dear fellow."

"Finished at the river?"

"Oh yeah. Lords over here decided they want busts. Paintings are for commoners. I'm six months behind with a former student roughing the stones. Too messy for here so I hired a shop on the first. You know, Nag, there are some people who oughtn't to be remembered forever. Oh, that reminds me, your going to love your statue."

"What?"

Tim said, "My lips are sealed. You'll know when you see it."

That night at dinner was lively. Ardatha had a full-quiver of ideas thanks to Tal's inside knowledge of things to do in upper Minas Tirith. Tal already knew better than half of the ambassador's wives. Ectelliad was fully-retired now but still active managing his shares. The son's attitude was better.

Reyald reported that Ambassador Miranad would be quietly relieved to give up his post a little early. He had been a stop-gap appointment when Bard's health began to fail and had business back in Dale. If Reyald could give him two weeks to pack his bags, they could discuss pending matters and wave farewell.

Shurran decided he would be a Scholar! It seemed such an august position. His mother reminded him that his reading and writing needed work so they decided to hire a tutor, hoping to bring him up to city standards. Eniecia was still overawed. The country lass was wide-eyed at teeming Dale. Here was that much more again! Talereth came to the rescue. There was a girls' reading class on the fifth she would have no trouble joining.

Their new home on the sixth seemed awfully grand to barkers on the first but to do anything interesting, one had to walk downstairs. Most of those structures were government offices. The residence was slightly to the north of the prow so at least it wasn't far from the switchback.

Shurran's scholarship reminded Nag Kath of an errand. He appeared early. This would have seemed an august hall as well but its few windows were jealously guarded by seniority and sharp elbows. More than a few fires had started when candles in the interior fired ancient pages shuffled in haste.

In Gondor he was still Kath of the Water. The desk clerk greeted him by name and Nag Kath explained his search. Remaldagar had been there thirty years and remembered old Mendies. That helped as he pored over ledgers retrieved from an even darker archive. Only knowing about when the student was engaged meant beetling through half a dozen of the books. Of three possibles, one stood out.

~o~

It was a nice home in a middling neighborhood on the second, the sort of place successful merchants lived when they wanted to stay close to their business. Nag Kath knocked three times. Elf ears heard movement inside but it took a few minutes for someone to slide the peep-hatch open and look up at his face. An aged female voice asked, "Yes?"

"Esteemed Scholars thought Mr. Vientis could consult."

That took a few moments to digest. The face in the port said, "I will ask." The hatch slipped shut and he waited another five minutes until the door swung wide open revealing a middle-aged man with spectacles and the five-inch hair-part favored by academics. He said nothing.

"Good day, Mr. Vientis. I am Nag Kath and wanted some of your time to consult on matters of antiquity."

Making no invitation, the fellow said, "I am long past such lore. Are you sure you have the right man?"

"I assist Mr. Grown." That was a polite way of saying this was official business.

Vientis moved aside and said, "Please come in. I hope Mr. Grown is recovered from his ailments. Mother, I am sure this gentleman would love some of your delicious tea." It was delicious. And it would take a long time to make. The former Scholar led Nag Kath to a very nice studio catching good light most of the day. He motioned for the Elf to be comfortable and sat across the low table.

It was Nag Kath's turn to talk. How much dare he reveal? "One of my oldest friends is Amiedes Tallazh. He remembered one of Mendies' adepts studied lore of the far east."

"Kath … Kath of the Celduin?"

So much for the element of surprise. "Among other places."

Vientis sat back in the cushion. He took a closer look at his visitor's face and said, "I am now a private Scholar of counting."

The Elf pulled the tracing from his satchel and handed it to the Counter. "Do any of those bring back old times, Mr. Vientis?"

The man set the tracing on the table and excused himself to fetch a large round glass circled in silver with a handle. It was a huge version of Nag Kath's fire starting crystal. The finest Mordor glass; it would have cost a stack. He looked closely at all eight markings before laying the sheet and glass on the table and having a sip of tea.

The Elf asked, "Do you know the meaning of any, Mr. Vientis?"

"Three. Pointing to the one everyone recognized he said, "This is Fûl, the rune of strength. A much altered version of it is used in Harad even still. This one is Granzth, hard for our tongues to say. It means patience. This last one I'm not so certain. I think it is Fïlsh, symbol of lasting or endurance."

"What are these, sir?"

The Counter said, "Now there you get differing opinions. I was taught these are the symbols for eastern godlings, their version of Maiar. Each has a strength or weakness so they are combined for the blessing or curse. There are more than these."

Nag Kath leveled with him, "It could be of great moment that the intention does not come to pass, part of the bother on the river."

"Mr. Kath, may I ask how this concerns Mr. Grown?"

Nag Kath needed this man's help. An obsessed scholar searching for eternal darkness would abandon the quest for mere money. Vienties began, "Mr. Gro …"

Mother bustled in with a two steaming mugs and nodded before placing them on the table. Both men smiled and thanked her. Nudging; "Mr. Grown's concerns?"

"The unsuccessful Easterling had adherents in his army exhorting men to battle believing this had power. They were carved on a stone that may itself have held power. That stone was crushed. So was the army. Mr. Grown and others want them to stay crushed."

The Elf handed Vientis his card if he thought of anything else.

~o~

Now three days here, the Conath's had more places to visit than time. The man of the house was hardened Thain-kin and his wife was a Princess of Dale so Nag Kath wasn't needed. He saddled Charlo and made for Osgiliath. Men were fiddling with the water spout across the bridge again. They probably always would.

He tied Charlo to the post outside of Tumlen's home and knocked. A short, cheerful young woman opened the door and was about to ask his business when she recognized what must be her new husband's partner. There were not a lot like him. In barely more than a whisper she said, "Tum's at your old headquarters."

He courteously asked, "And who might you be, miss?"

"Missus. Tum is my man. I'm Antille."

"Then I'm sure I will see you again soon. Thank you."

~o~

"Nag Kath, you old rascal! Thought you were off for years."

The Elf shook his head, "I even surprise myself."

"Heard about the fight."

"Has anyone not heard about that?"

Tumlen was philosophical, "No. But the more who know it now, the more will forget in six months.

"I am still trying to shake 'Kath of the Water'."

Tumlen stifled a laugh and snorted out his nose. He recovered quickly and added, "Or Kath of the Wargs!" The young businessman was following Brenen's example of getting broad abeam. What was it about estate agency? "I met the little woman. Good for you Tum."

"We've been sweet since we were ten. It was time. Business is good. I used the money to buy the Fierven wharf, a couple warehouses and a place across the river. It collapsed in the right spot so we'll put something in its place."

Tumlen lost a little of his buoyancy, "Turnlie tell you I saw her?"

Nag Kath sat down in his usual chair. "She did, a year ago?"

"A year ago August. Almost walked into her by the Great River Inn, of all places. Flor did not recognize me. I am not sure what she recognizes. I'm sorry, Nag. You come back here and all you get is misery. She was filthy and wandering around like she was lost. I tried to keep an eye on her but she went into a tea shop and never came out. I had to get back here so I went in and she was gone."

Tum said the next part slowly, "She didn't have the girl."

"Girl's dead, Tum. So is the fancy man."

Tumlen favored Nag Kath's habit of not making a bad thing worse.

Nag Kath kept on, "I set up a bank draft for her if she ever claims it."

"Want I should talk to her, Nag?"

"You can, but you don't have to. Give her some money if she needs it."

There wasn't much more to say about Florice Kath. To break the pall, Nag Kath asked, "What tidings of the water?"

"It still works well. Dirt under the south sluice caved-in. They shut the gate and rebuilt it. Not much fever, but it was a dry winter so that doesn't signify."

"Tim said I should see something but didn't say what."

Tumlen gave his same snort/laugh. "Let's go."

~o~

According to ancient Gondoran protocol, the master builder of a project was entitled to a statue or relief carving respectfully away from the high Lords. Someone in the government sent him a letter that seemed to say he could put whatever he wanted in the space so he had Tim craft a sculpture of a worker in remembrance of the men killed in the landslide. It was completed after he left.

Administrations being what they are, Osgiliath insisted one of their sculptors complete the dedications on the base of his statue. After they walked past grand Aragorn and Faramir, Tumlen made a theatrical arm wave to show the name 'Nag Kath' carved in huge common letters on the pedestal of a life-sized Dunlending holding a shovel.

A man of breeding and stature would have been appalled. The Elf started laughing until his sides hurt. He had to sit down. Tum howled through his own tears, "I think he captured you perfect."

Neither of them stopped laughing all the way back to the office.

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~

Seeing everyone in Osgiliath and taking a ride to the Cascade got the Elf home three days later. No one missed him. He did get a reply from the King the day before asking him to come to the palace two day's hence.

His waking rest was unsettled. He might have to be an Elf another thousand years before things like this got easy. If he had to do something, he could without fear or hesitation. If he didn't, he thought too much. The decision was whether to visit Flor's sister Ernielle. He liked the woman and would have no problems wishing her well. But he wasn't sure he wanted to know what happened to Florice. In the end he decided he was immortal and would get over it.

Ernielle's husband Waldor was a cobbler with two journeymen and an apprentice, so they did well. His shop was on the second, north of the prow. Nag Kath walked down and knocked on the door of the home above the leather works. Waldor came out from the shop and looked at the visitor. On this level, he watched that sort of thing. When Nag Kath came over to the rail the cobbler shouted, "Hello Nag Kath. Ernielle should be back any minute." He climbed the stairs slowly and unlocked the door.

Nag Kath had not been here before. It was a comfortable home and showed the signs of two well-loved children bumping and chasing through the furniture. Waldor hung his stout apron on a peg by the door and said, "Always got cold tea."

"Thank you, Waldor. I need some moisture for this."

It was hard to tell the man's expressions through a moustache that seemed to cover his whole face but it seemed thoughtful. Waldor brought two mugs and sat in one of the four chairs around a small eating table. Nag Kath sat next to him. Neither said anything. This was Ernielle's conversation. It was more like ten minutes but she opened the door and closed it without noticing either of the men. When she turned with her basket she stopped a moment before silently setting it by the basin and getting a mug of her own.

"Hullo, Nag. Been a while."

"I went north."

"We heard. You're famous again."

"I never get used to that."

Ernielle drank about half of her mug. "What have you heard?"

"My man in Osgiliath said he saw her last summer. I wanted to see both of you too. You always treated me fair."

Waldor said, "Thank you."

Ernielle wrung her hands like she was shuffling a deck of cards and said, "She came here in May. The baby died. I suppose you know that. This time she was in clean clothes. She said she might stay a while and I wanted to believe her but she got on the ferry two weeks later and I haven't heard since."

Nag Kath said, "How is she getting on?"

"She don't say so I don't ask. Figure she has a man. She always has the wrong man." Ernielle realized what she said and started to cry, "I didn't mean you, Nag. Not you. You were so good to her."

"I divorced her before I went to Dale. She is free to do what she wants. There is a small monthly income for her at the Royal Bank if she goes in and signs for it. That's whether I am here or not. Would you tell her if you see her?" That was impossible largess for working folk on the second. She left behind his back and he still would give her money? They knew the child wasn't his but didn't care. Both of them wanted a baby and she did what she had to.

Waldor said, "We'll tell her if she ever comes back. She was in Pelargir. Don't know now."

Nag Kath said, "This doesn't change things with us. You are friends and welcome in my home. I've got my first family with me now so there's always tea, maybe something stronger after work."

As he rose Ernielle asked, "If she shows, should she come see you?"

The Elf stood stock still and finally said, "Yes. Yes, I'd like to know she is all right."

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~

"The King will see you now, Lord Kath."

He rose and was ushered into Aragorn's office. The king had not arrived so the attendant had him take a seat and posted a guard by the door. Not everything in this room was for public viewing. Aragorn came in half a bell later and accepted the Elf's bow before shaking hands and sitting next to him. His Lordship said, "We have been much on the road. Maybe next year we can take our ease."

"True, My Lord, but the road is so safe with fluffy beds, it is almost like taking home with us."

Aragorn grinned, "I still take the shortcuts. Now, I received your request, what news?"

I found a former Scholar with his own business able to make sense of the runes. He will quietly rummage the files and let me know what he finds. I apologize Sire. My main purpose is more for your Lady Wife." Nag Kath took the mirror's image from his coat and handed it to Aragorn, saying nothing but watching the man's eyes closely.

The King earnestly said, "This is more of her people than mine. Not a merry fellow; this. Should I know him?"

"I doubt it, Sire. He may belong to the ages."

Aragorn got the sense that he should see if Arwen was available. He took the picture with him. It was another bell before the royal couple returned. Nag Kath rose and bowed again and was seated as they took their places.

Arwen started, "I did not recognize this figure either, Nag Kath. It seems less defined than your other work."

"My Lady, it is an image taken from your grandmother's mirror in Lorien."

He had the couple's full attention. Arwen's initial reaction was to ask him how he entered Caras Galadhon and left alive. She knew better. Elves who had not seen him emerge from the dungeon would see him as he is now.

"Tell me of your visit."

"It took me some time to find the entrance off the Celebrant. When I entered, I was challenged and escorted by two Silvan ohtars to their leader, a fellow named Gilfandros. I told him I was only there briefly, thinking I might never get another chance. Once they knew my purpose, I was completely ignored. I made some sketches with plans not to leave my family waiting long at the inn."

The Rulers of Gondor were stone silent. The Elf continued, "Logass the keeper approached me. He and his wife are the only of their kind there and wondering why since the place bustles with Elves. He is a gruff creature but inoffensive. He asked me of my healing and I said I had not made the progress I had hoped. Since he knew me to be of water, he took me to the mirror. We had to clean and fill it. It took some time to respond but then I saw a series of faces. They were lifeless, as if I had painted them. Four or five came and went before this one who lingered. I saw a fist splash in water and the mirror surrendered no more secrets."

She asked gently, "Do the other Elves use it?"

"Logass said they could not, My Queen."

Arwen knew it took power to drive the mirror. Nag Kath had gained in strength. His experience was more like her own than her grandmother's who saw images in motion. How skilled was this creature? How powerful would he become? He had matured.

Arwen wondered, "Did you learn of healing?"

"No, My Lady, just the faces. Some I thought I recognized at first but never did put names to them. This man, if man he is, seemed to be looking behind me. He chills the blood. My question for you, Lady Arwen, is if Elvish peoples kept portraits or paintings." I earned a living drawing them for weddings and such. If such art exists, it may offer clues."

She said, "For a time yes, but most were destroyed long ago in the calamity of Elvish wars or fire drakes."

Aragorn asked, "What will you do next? I have no great quests for you."

"I will stay the winter, Your Highnesses. Reyald and Ardatha are settling-in and it will be nice to spend time with my grandchildren. I do not know them very well. Come spring, I may return to the Rhûn. Something tells me we have allies there, long hidden allies who have taken the measure of darkness."

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~

Reyald presented himself as the representative of the Court of Dale in early October and the family moved to the sixth. They tried to eat together once a week. The children were adapting, even shy Eniecia was making friends in her reading circle.

It seemed very quiet in the home now. Turnlie still sang and hummed to herself and he was glad of her. She had friends who had permission to visit when he was in Dale and he still allowed that, though while the Conaths were here there wasn't much time. There was still the unfinished first floor with its buried secrets.

Nag Kath had not heard, nor did he expect to hear from Enielle. His offer of friendship was earnest but they had nothing in common now and there would always be pain. He saw Tal and Ecc. He laughed with Tim asking of the Dunnish inspiration for the statue. The sculptor still had the inscription, 'in honor of those lost' in the warehouse. Nag Kath could complain but Tum was right, it caught him perfectly. He did not want to be famous.

Mr. Tallazh was feeling much better after three healings and even watered some of the herbs in his little garden. Nag Kath continued to see him twice a week whenever he was in Minas Tirith.

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~

Two weeks after he arrived, he got a note from Scholar Vientis asking him to visit his home the next day at the five-bell. Nag Kath presented himself but was still inspected from the peep-door before admittance. There seemed no other people around even though the old woman could not have kept the home up by herself. He was shown to the airy office where the Scholar offered him the same seat.

"I was not expecting to enjoy the work as much as I did, Mr. Kath. It took longer because there was more there than I thought and because the archives were near a popular section on Elvish languages. Now that the Elves are gone, men's hearts grow fonder."

Nag Kath might not be considered an Elf so he took no offense. "Thank you. Was there any other interest in ancient runes?"

The Scholar said, "Everything had been restacked and cleaned perhaps ten years ago but these had as much new dust as the rest. I didn't feel any eyes looking over my shoulder."

When Nag Kath waited patiently, Vientis opened a small folio sitting on the table and turned it right-side-up for his guest. Then he pulled away the top sheet of paper. "This a list of every symbol I could find of the same time as the ones you brought. Five of your eight are included along with six that were not.

"Now, all this assumes that I was taught right and these represent immortals known by those qualities or defects, sometimes both. Now, and this is material, the sequence of the symbols matters. Ancient men of this far land ordered them to stress some qualities and mitigate others. Think if it as a recipe.

Nag Kath said, "With three missing it will be hard to learn the desired effect."

The Scholar said, "It is worse than that. I do not know how to interpret how each counteracts the others or even which direction to read them. What I have are the symbols, the immortal they represent and what little is known of their character. With the five of yours and six more I have six males and five females. If they are based on our teachings, you should have the same of each."

This was interesting but did not get Nag Kath much closer to purpose. "Mr. Vientis, did you uncover anything to suggest Sauron had a part in this?"

"No, but remember he could, or it was claimed he could, change at need. If he insinuated himself into these beliefs, it would accomplish the same goal.

Nag Kath prepared to leave. "Thank you. Every piece helps. Have you considered your compensation?"

"Tell me where this leads you."

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~

Nag Kath wasn't sure he wanted to host a Syndolan Eve party this year. At the end of October he had a banquet in Osgiliath with friends from the water crew. Most were found and largely landed on their feet either with positions maintaining the line or, like Mr. Sepulvath, helping others bring water into businesses and homes. He especially enjoyed seeing Fanos Talfurmir and recalling stories of his brave brother on the river. They closed the tavern with many tales left for the next time.

Now, what about the holiday? It bothered him was he had no Neurae or Lady Hostess. That still hurt. Ardatha would be a perfect replacement but this being Reyald's first season; the Conath's needed to attend the King's competing party. And he was scandalously short of Hobbits and Dwarves. In the end, he decided that organizing was better than moping so he hired Mr. Gerandis to organize things and made his guest list.

In an experimental and mildly dangerous side-project, Nag Kath contacted the man who did the King's fireworks. Aragorn would have brought a trove of the best fire-powders from Orthanc in time for last year's festivities but no one seemed to remember them.

Rubend Doroust was what Nag Kath would have drawn if someone hired him to sketch a Scholar/bricklayer. Doroust heard of the rockets fired over charging Lings at the river along with everyone else so he gladly agreed to meet.

His workshop was on the second level, less than a hundred paces from the cobbler. The man made all sorts of mechanical devices and tools by special order. Failed projects were three-deep on wall pegs waiting for something else that could use the parts. Nag Kath was glad the little portion of the large shop reserved for fireworks had no weed-pipes or stoves.

"Pleasure to meet you Lord Kath."

"Just Nag Kath."

"Still a pleasure. You simply must tell me about those river rockets."

"Those were fairly easy. You just have to pack the tube tightly enough so it can only burn on one end. Too loose and it all goes at once. Shape the tip like an arrowhead to fly true and don't stand too close."

"That's how I do it! Try mixing a shot of strong barley spirits with the powder so it sticks together when you stuff the tube." When they got to ingredients the man admitted, "To be honest, Mister … Nag Kath, I just hate making the powder. Composting chicken dougsh and cow pee together aren't how I like to spend my day." Nag Kath pressed him slightly on the process. Considering the filthy pod pits in Orthanc, it was no wonder that Saruman had enough waste to blow a hole in the Deeping Wall.

Doroust had not mentioned receiving Gandalf's powders. If the King had other plans for them, it wasn't Nag Kath's place to mention it. He gave the inventor a supply of his own and showed him how to wrap spoonfuls in paper like dear Belfalas' meat pies and put them in the sharp end of the rocket to explode in different colors.

Now, where would he shoot his? Doroust could fire them off the prow with little risk. If Nag Kath shot his off the fourth, they might land on the fifth. Perhaps the Osgiliath bridge? Nearly incinerating the Dale wharf was a concern until the soldier shooting them from the jetty admitted he hadn't secured the rocket and it fell over as he lit the fuse.

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~

The big day came. Nag Kath needn't have worried. The house was packed. There were five musicians this time including a young woman with a beautiful voice. Everyone sang Syndolan songs until they sang tavern songs. To the Elf's surprise, there were a few Catanales too.

Tall and Ecc came just in time to see Nag Kath's fireworks fired from the Anduin on the eight-bell with Shurran and Eniecia in tow. Tumlen arranged for a boatman to shoot them while floating through the city. They wouldn't compare to the show in an hour from the prow but locals in Osgiliath lined the banks in their hundreds to watch. Nothing burned down.

Ectilliad was still a distinguished man. With Tal on his arm they were a fine couple. Her hair was now almost completely white. Having just looked at the picture he drew of her thirty-some years ago, he thought she had aged very well. Teldamir came with his wife. He hadn't made the Osgiliath banquet so it was good to know he was well.

At the ten-bell people started trickling out for the walk or cart ride home. It was a pleasant night so after seeing Mr. Xhandar and his daughter out the door, Nag Kath sat on the porch bench and watched the stars. A minute later Tal sat next to him while Ecc talked to the Youndors and collected the kids. "Good party, Nag. They always are."

"Thanks, Tal. I almost didn't have one this year. A lot of water has flowed down that river since the last."

She said softly, "I know. Do you miss her?"

"And the baby."

Tal murmured, "And the baby." In a stronger voice, "I have just the girl for you. Almost brought her."

"Oh no you don't."

"You have no choice, Elf. Old ladies need hobbies and that is one of my favorites."

"It is likely I will be doing something dangerous come spring, might be gone a long time."

"Can you tell me?"

"No. I can't tell anyone, let alone a lady love."

Tal stated unconvincingly, "I'll try. It won't be long before Ardatha has to chase the boys away from Eniecia."

"I noticed. Is she making friends?"

"Yes. She is still quiet, like you. She doesn't say something just to fill the silence."

"She got Eniece's looks, even more of Eniece's mother. Granna Borenne is eighty one and still striking. I do not know how those delicate features survive hulking Northmen. Going by the statue in Dale, Ardatha looks more like her da with enough of Eniece to not have a Dwarf nose."

Ecc appeared at the door with their charges. Tal kissed Nag Kath's cheek as she rose and said softly, "You must take better care of yourself, here and in the wild. We cannot follow you, but we can love you in our time." She winked and took her husband's arm up the path.

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~