Chapter 29

Queen Nepthat

~o~

Rohan was an easy ride. The weather was fair most of the way and the road not sodden with snowmelt from the Misty Mountains. Making Edoras, they presented themselves at the Meduseld just after lunchtime as a courtesy to the Lord King and Queen. The chamberlain said their Highnesses would be informed.

Things were less formal at Dornlas'. Sitting on his stoop until Dornlas and Annlie returned from a lessee's, large hugs were exchanged with gossip to follow, half-pints too! And wonder of wonders, there was a true restaurant. The royal wedding made some in Edoras think perhaps they deserved amenities like other great capitals of the west. The food was fair but all sang its praises hoping they would survive.

As the heir to the heir to the Throne of Dale, Nag Kath supposed Shurran would be received even if there was no interest in him. He was wrong. No attendant came with instructions to attend at court. Annlie said Elfwine and Tilli were in Emyn Arnen visiting Faramir and Éowyn so youth would not be served either. Dornlas still heard wargs on evenings when the wind was just right but they were well away from the capital.

With so much to talk about, Nag Kath and Shurran imposed for two nights and took their leave at dawn for the familiar ride to the White City. After seeing women for the first time since Dale and his conversations with the wayward Elf, Shurran wanted to talk about them much of the way down. Nag Kath indulged him, though he did not consider himself wise on the subject, experienced, yes, but not wise.

~o~

They made good time and reached the gates at dusk on the sixth day. Both rode as far as Nag Kath's house and then Shurran went up to the sixth gate. The Elf let him go home alone with the remembrance of old Conath. They would know from letters but the young man was there.

Turnlie was out so Nag Kath rummaged through his pack for the extra key and let himself in after dropping Charlo at the stable. Now Minas Tirith did have restaurants and they were open late so he walked down the street to Vildeth's Dragon for a pint and pie. This was his neighborhood but people looked at him as an outsider, in those clothes, probably someone eating above their station from the second-level. No matter. He collected two buckets of water at the fountain three doors from his house and took them inside to clean away the grime.

After a full dinner, Nag Kath needed no breakfast before running errands. First was down to Turnlie's mother's to let her know he was back. She was shopping but her ma said she would tell her. Tim and Marie were in Osgiliath for an artists' exhibition that should last another two days. The lads at the shop would let them know as well.

From there he loped up to the sixth to see Reyald and Ardatha. Loral came to the door and let him in saying, "Oh my, Mr. Kath! The last time you came home, your hair was so short."

Two years was longer than he had ever let it grow and it reached well past his shoulders, longer than most men wore theirs in Minas Tirith. The locks were still well under Elvish length but long enough to actually lay flat. Eniecia rounded the corner and accepted a chaste hug and kiss on the cheek. Shurran waved from the hall but raiding the pantry was more important than his road partner. Finally, both Reyald and Ardatha came from the bedroom and greeted him warmly. The Ambassador stayed home knowing Uncle Nag would be there well before lunch. Second breakfast was served.

They talked about Buhr Austar and the wedding, all the things Shurran had already told them. He hadn't mentioned Graciel, and probably no related topics either. There was also no talk of handsome aides at allied embassies though Eniecia seemed cheerful and talkative. She continued to dance. Nag Kath knew how to not say much without saying much so he mostly smiled and agreed with everyone. Shurran met the brown wizard, perhaps the first man to see him since Orthanc. It was already understood that Melkor had to stay between Shur and Uncle Nag.

On his way out he gave the sixth-gate guard a note telling the King he was back if the Lord needed his service. He also stopped by the bank and presented the draft from Dale for about half of his savings there and checked his accounts. Flor's annuity still paid monthly.

~o~

"Hello Mr. Kath. Please come in."

"Thank you, Mrs. Tippi."

Tal was reading to Ecc in the main room so right there for handshakes and hugs. She was wearing her half-spectacles and didn't hustle them into a pocket like most women would with unannounced guests. They looked just the same as when he left a year before. Mrs. Tippi was off for fresh tea in an instant and Nag Kath took his usual chair. Ectilliad said, "Good to see you, old friend! Is King Bain hitched good and proper?"

"Aye Ecc. Lovely girl. It seems they have been sweet on each other for quite a while. She grew up friends with Brenen's girls."

Tal looked at his hair. She knew he was an Elf but with his mannish dress and hair to go with that enthusiastic grin, somehow he still belonged to her world. It was men and women who loved him and gave him purpose. Very well, let him have Elf hair. She would keep his smile always. Putting that aside she asked, "How was the trip with Shurran?"

"It was good. I must not think of him as a lad anymore. He is a big Northman now and we have become fast friends. Being back in Dale made me realize how much he looks like King Brand, much more than the other two grandsons. Did Ardatha tell you about her father-in-law?"

"She did. It sounded like he lived a fine life and went out laughing."

Ecc chimed in, "Getting to know Reyald tells me the old Thain was the best of fathers."

Nag Kath showed the valued grin and said, "He was. You would like Torrold too. He will be the best of Thains. And speaking of the best of fathers, how are your youngsters?"

Tal took that answer, "Both are fine. I think Tilla's young man is working-up his nerve to propose. His prospects in his father's business took a turn for the better. Ecth keeps that side very quiet." Nag Kath thought of the Khandian enchantress. From his face you couldn't tell which smile he was smiling.

Of course, dinner must be had within the week and of course, he would come to Tal and Ardatha's weekly tea. Of course.

~o~

Turnlie was at the house by the time he returned, singing and arranging all of the foods she bought. Fresh items were purchased every day but a kitchen needed spices and herbs and grains; items that kept well but not as long as her master was often gone. She had a man-cart bring the bags up from the market along with demi-casks of wine and ale.

"Oh hello, Mr. Kath. How were the weddings?"

"They were grand, Turnlie. I hope you are doing well."

"Right as rain, sir. I saw you unpacked. Is there anything you need?"

"Not now. I need more art supplies but I have to do that myself."

His stout domestic said, "Very good. Oh, I hear Mr. Mülto is a bit poorly. Nothing serious, but I saw Mrs. Sylveth a few weeks ago and she said he had a chest complaint. I thought you ought to know."

"Thank you for that. I will visit after lunch. I am at leisure for the time being. Is there anything you need, dear woman?"

Turnlie cackled, "A handsome husband who can cook. Oh, the crack in this stove is getting worse. It might be time for a bigger one that can handle your entertaining."

"I had no idea. Please, attend that. There is money in the cup over the towel cabinet."

~o~

"Dear Sylveth."

"Oh my. It is good you are back. Not so terribly long this time."

The Elf smiled, "Just two weddings and a funeral. How have you been?"

"I am my usual self." The woman was now in her seventies and moved around quite well. She was dowdy when they met but she did not get much dowdier, and there was always that lovely smile. "Broughter has been poorly."

"That is my main reason for coming so soon. What ails him?"

"It is his chest. He can't shake a lingering …"

From the back room came, "Nag Kath? Is that you?"

"Aye Broughter. You aren't rid of me yet."

The landlord came down the hall with a cough and shook hands. Two years younger than Sylveth, he could be ten years older. The man coughed again and said, "Sorry, got the lung fiehl in the spring."

The Elf and business partner said, "I can probably do something for that."

Broughter laughed saying, "What, conjuring and lighting me up like one of your Syndolan rockets?"

"Exactly."

"Well, I suppose we should." He looked at his worried wife and added, "Never gone in much for such things. But herbs and steam haven't helped. What do I need to do?"

Nag Kath said, "Take off your shirt and let's have a look."

Mülto did and the Elf had him sit on a stool so he could listen to his chest and back. Nag Kath took the pulses and signs. Then he placed the palms of his hands on Broughter's back and his hands slowly turned a soft, light silver. His patient wheezed and hawked but held his position as best he could. A minute later, the physician eased the spell and helped himself to cold tea from the kitchen jug, getting one for Mülto at the same time.

He sat down in the chair next to his patient and said, "It is a cold gone bad that settled in both lungs. We used to see that a lot on the water-path. I will need to do that once a week for three or four more weeks. You should grow stronger but probably will not have the wind you used to."

"I already didn't have the wind I used to."

"Then you won't miss it. But you must take more exercise. A good brisk walk every day, a block or two to start and up to a mile or more. Go up and down your stairs in poor weather."

All Broughter was going to do for a few hours was cough and spit so Nag Kath kissed Sylveth on the forehead and gave her some herbs for brew that she was to force down her stubborn husband whether he liked it or not.

~o~

It was Thursday tea. Nag Kath walked up a level to find Tal and Ardatha already at their usual table. He kissed them both and sat where he always did. A waiter brought his in a big mug rather than the little cups popular with ladies this season. Two women walked over to them. One was obviously an old friend and the other was introduced as a Mrs. Jhourden from Dol Amroth up visiting her daughter and son-in-law for the summer. Nag Kath stood and was introduced to faint recognition.

Tal's table could have as many as eight or just two, usually these two. The rest of the women in the room tried not to stare at the tall, handsome stranger who seemed to know both of them well. His name was whispered when the two women rejoined their parties and the rest of their afternoons were probably spent discussing him.

As Nag Kath was sitting down again Tal asked, "So, what really happened in the north?"

Ardatha would have told her the basics but not anything diplomatic. She was Thain-kin and Tal knew that. Nag Kath was not leaking any state secrets either by saying, "Shurran and I saw Radagast again. Seeing someone that old, like Tom Bombadil, reminds me how much history comes before us." He looked at Ardatha and said, "Your son did you proud, daughter. He listened and learned."

Ardatha accepted the compliment saying, "He is like you, that way."

They got a half-grin from their favorite Elf as he said, "Both of us kept waiting for the old wizard's house to fall around our ears. There is no earthly reason for it to stand so it is not earth that keeps it. We talked about healing and my trip to Mordor. I had thought he or the Shepherds of the Forest might have helped in restoring the greenery but it seems to be growing on its own. That is encouraging. Shur probably told you about meeting your nephew Devoran Carstors."

"He did. We are under strict orders to visit his family on our way home. I always got the impression he wanted privacy and now I understand why."

Tal hadn't heard any of this which got her twenty minutes of Nag Kath explaining the succession and folk walking on eggshells around Ardatha's real father. Tal had no idea and Ardatha did not fully understand the court intrigues until Shurran returned. She and Reyald simply knew that growing-up in the country was safer for their son, just as Dev's father thought for him. Shurran Conath was still second in line to the throne. Since Carstors would certainly abdicate, Shur was actually next up.

Ardatha cracked open the jar, "Shur said you met the Carstors daughters as well, one with them and the other in Dale?"

Nag Kath wasn't sure he wanted to see where this led but these were two of his best friends. The children of men did not shoulder their troubles alone. He said gently, "Yes, two girls. That is why so much falls to the men in the family. I was much in the company of Lilac's friend in Dale."

In all the world of eyebrow raising, no one alive could match Talereth Toroldinar. There might be contenders now that it was white instead of dark red but the arch was still perfection. Nag Kath looked at both women and said, "I fell in love again." He got a far-off look in his eye before adding, "Tal, she reminded me very much of you."

Neither woman had anything ready on the tips of their tongues for that little gem. They could feel his pain. Was that what kept him from being a real Elf? His long hair did not hide it. Other than the Queen, known only formally, they knew no other Elves. Elves were said to display no emotion in the company of mortals.

Tal decided introducing Mrs. Pelanties, tragically widowed and now in Minas Tirith from Pelargir, could wait a while. She would ask about the mystery woman when they were alone. Nag Kath walked Ardatha home. Along the way she said, "Thank you for taking such good care of my boy. He is grown now but always my boy. He seems much more mature with just another year of seasoning. And thank you for being there for the Thain. Having Shur must have been a help to Torrold. Tor is a good man."

Her step-da agreed, "He is, dear daughter. Torrold and Shurran spent quite a bit of time together at the lodge. He will never forget his roots run deep."

Ardatha became more practical, "He is also better dressed."

That got almost a full grin, "I couldn't have the heir to the heir walking about like a fish-monger. He stayed with me, rather than stay at your home alone. I have all those other grandkids in the commercial heart of the city. Bren and Bard are retiring this year and turning the business over to them."

~o~

Nag Kath did a pivot of his own, "What plans for you and Reyald after the posting?"

She took another twenty paces before answering, "We are of many minds about that. It is the same problem you have; family is in Dale but no future. Reyald is a vibrant, heroic man, a born leader. So is his beloved brother. If the King agrees, perhaps another five-year posting will give us some of both. And like you, we will visit because that is where we are from. I am glad about granna. We will certainly travel home at the end of this term, probably to return here whether Reyald is still Ambassador or not."

They passed through the sixth gate and she continued, "We like it here. Eniecia loves it here."

"Is she over her little, uh …?"

"Which one?"

He smiled, "Ah, the joys of youth!"

"You were as good as your word and left for a year."

"Not for that. I had business in Dale and also along the way, especially along the way."

~o~

The pair arrived at the residence with Loral greeting them and offering him something to drink. Nag Kath declined but Reyald came upstairs only a few minutes later so ale was inevitable. The three of them sat in the main room with both children out. Ardatha said to Reyald, "I told him about coming back after visiting home again."

Reyald took a satisfying pull of the local tan and sucked the foam from his moustache before asking, "What do you think, Nag? Oh, and before I forget, thank you for outfitting our first-born."

Nag Kath took a long sip himself and responded, "I was telling Ardatha he needed Lordly togs. They came in handy. As to staying; yes, but you need something to do, whether you return for a second term or privately. I brought a hundred Florin down with me. I would like to give it to you as part of my property business."

They both looked at each other in an instant and she said somewhat affronted, "That is not necessary, Nag. We are managing quite well."

Reyald looked concerned, but not so much that he couldn't keep listening. Her step-da had another sip and said, "Nonsense. I'm your da and I take care of my own. I gave Bren and Bard something like four hundred so you are the poor relations."

Nag Kath told them about his interests here and in Osgiliath. They had no idea. They knew he came into a stake with the troll hoard but nothing like this. And then he told them he still had that much in Dale. Digging deeper he said, "Broughtur Mülto runs things here and he is ready to retire. My thought would be to ease you in as a gentleman shareholder, feathering the nest for a retirement of travel and leisure. My part stays quiet so I can slay dragons."

Reyald grinned and said, "There is no way my wife can talk you out of that?"

She said more earnestly, "Yes! Da, this is unseemly. We have always earned our way."

Nag Kath reached over and held her hands in both of his, "Reyald's da just went to his ancestors. Your blood father died forty years ago. Your step-da not much later. You have their legacies but you will not outlive me. Can it not be my turn to give you what I have created for being such a wonderful daughter?"

Oh dear! He was right! Eniece had refused her later settlement to maintain her freedom but the first payment for Ardatha's birth was well spent in giving her advantages she never took for granted. Torrold inherited the Thainhold. They had about ten Florin banked with all expenses here paid by the crown. Steady rents would make things more certain.

There was no challenging his Elf Lord demeanor. She capitulated, "Yes, da. We will accept it gratefully." Reyald relaxed. He liked his job and would be glad of a second appointment, but if King Bain was grooming a man of his own generation, Reyald could retire without worry.

His spare father-in-law said, "Broughter has been ill with the fiehl. When he is on his feet, I will sound him out on how much work he still wants to do. He has his own property and runs mine. Since this is new money, it does not reduce his share and I think he would be glad of a reliable partner. Let us keep this under our hats, eh?"

As their benefactor strolled home, they sat next to each other without saying anything. Mostly it was in shock that Nag Kath, the reluctant war hero and artist, had another side to him. They wondered how much else he had never mentioned.

~o~

The next morning, never too early, Nag Kath got a surprise visit in the form of Talereth. Turnlie was out getting groceries and seeing to a new stove just the way she wanted it. He gave her a kiss on the cheek and showed her into the main room before getting a couple mugs of cool tea.

She sat holding her hands in her lap the way she always did when she was thinking hard before slowly saying, "Nag, I'm sorry to have teased you about the woman in Dale."

"What teasing? I tell you because you understand these things."

"No, I was making old-lady banter and I embarrassed you. Please forgive me."

"If you insist, but I didn't notice. She was quite lovely and perfect except that any woman I want deserves someone who will stay by her. That has been hard medicine to swallow. I told you before, I love females. I love them for themselves. I love intimacy. Men in my position often have had concubines or long-suffering wives they can order about, taking what they want. I cannot bring myself to do that."

Tal was ready to cry. She knew this, which made loving him so much more complicated. He couldn't have an ordinary human life. Nag Kath collected his satchel and showed her a picture of a pretty young woman, "This is Grace. She doesn't look like you but you were cut from the same bolt. I wished she would have come with me, but I did not beg."

His next thought netted the famous grin, "I took a page from your book and tried to reunite her with a very handsome young man. And I feel better for that. I want the best for her, just as I did for you, dear Tal."

Tal did start to cry. "Nag, I want that for you. Can you not live with a woman like you did with Eniece all those years?"

He wiped a tear from her cheek with his thumb and said, "Yes, yes I could, and I would. But it was not so long ago that every man and lad who could bear a sword was called from those they love to fight, fight and likely die. It happened over and over again. It happened to your first husband. I am the last soldier of a war that never ended. Tal, I wish with all my heart it had. I was saved, time and again, for that purpose. Please understand."

She did. She finally did. It did not mean he couldn't enjoy himself in the meantime, though. His meantime could be a life of men. She knew just the candidate. Tal had never gotten over Florice, her greatest achievement in matchmaking, her greatest disappointment. She saw Flor not a month ago. The woman was not with her beau but that did not mean he was not still around. They chatted for a few minutes about nothing in particular. Neither offered how they could be reached, although Tal was where she always was.

Nag Kath slyly reminded her of another introduction, "Tal, were you behind Eniecia and Caladrion?"

She smiled her best enigmatic smile, "Fraid so, dear man."

"How is that progressing?"

Tal offered, "I think well, but the young man travels quite a bit. The child still dances and hums those curious southern opera songs."

"Not a child anymore. Yes, I am afraid we put her on the spot going to Rohan. I thought she might strangle Shurran but she was beautiful and much lauded. Sometimes we must be pulled from our shell."

Just as she knew he had been. "Nag, I will be a better friend. No, no, please do not protest. And, if I happen to meet someone you might like, forgive me for that too."

He had always thought she tried to join him with females to replace what he could not have with her. She left him. Nag Kath recovered and was married long and well but Tal still felt responsible. He laughed and admitted, "Yes, you have excellent taste. Please, just no one whose heart I will break."

~o~

It was several weeks before he heard from the King. Aragorn had been at his farm in Lossarnach much of the late spring and only returned six days past. His pattern was to visit Arnor every other year as the northern capital of Annúminas was restored and then to either stay at the stud or travel elsewhere in the off-year. The Elf was shown into the private study he liked so well. He thought it odd that he had never made a study of his own. Both of his homes were barns, good for entertaining but not very personal. He might change that.

The last day of his visit with Radagast he decided not to talk about the picture of Melkor. Shurran was sworn to secrecy by some Dalish blood oath. Explaining the Dwarf ring turned out poorly, a lesson learned. This was just a picture of a dream but might be more. Nag Kath also stayed with his decision not to mention Elrond's book. As long as Elves lived, it may take a deal more time before Arwen was ready to treat with him as kindred.

Conversation stayed to Radagast and the unsolved mystery of the right-living sorcerer. Aragorn enjoyed the company of wizards, though he had only met Radagast once, long ago. The brown wizard was a favorite uncle; sweet and a bit scattered but fiercely protective of creatures that could not defend themselves. That he seemed to be growing into his forest made sense considering Gandalf said Radagast saw the need to stay behind.

His Lordship made a suggestion, which, like many lordly suggestions, was of moment. "You might enjoy visiting Ithilien and seeing the growth there, Nag Kath."

Nag Kath had seen almost nothing but Ithilien for eight years. When his expression stayed the same, Aragorn added, "I mean further south, below Emyn Arnen. That is most of the land. It was much abused by Sauron but is becoming beautiful again. I understand there are still water problems."

"Then I will, Sire. May I ask a favor while I am here?"

"Of course."

"I would like to bring my granddaughter here to see the painting of King Turambar in the magistry room. Perhaps one of the lady escorts could explain it to her."

"Yes, she does look like the Queen. Come anytime."

~o~

Three days later, Lady Eniecia and Lord Kath walked the short way to the seventh gate and were admitted at the preferred palace entrance. Staff knew they would come and could take good care of them. On the way up he asked her, "Are you still dancing the Water Blossom?"

The girl gave him a knowing look and said, "It is one of my favorites."

"Good. So you are no longer mooning over impossible matches?"

Eniecia laughed as a woman, not a child and said, "Almost. Now, what deviltry have you got in mind, grand-da?"

"We will retrace some of your poor Uncle Nag's steps."

The docent arrived and introduced herself as Nathalda with a curt bow. This was not the leisurely tour most visitors got. Nathalda strode at a fair pace back towards the interior ministry offices and stopped outside the double-doors of the court-room. With no royals there were no guards so they just stepped in.

Nag Kath took Eniecia's hand and led her to the painting that created his first impression of beauty, and probably saved his life in the bargain. At first the girl looked at the scope of the large work until her eyes found the woman he had described a year before. Her eyes got wider and she put her hand over her opening mouth, as girls are taught by fifth and sixth level parents.

Eniecia walked closer and touched Queen Nepthat's face gently with her fingers. She turned to Nag Kath without saying anything and then turned back to the lovely face observing dour lords signing some forgotten treaty. This is what the old Nag meant. It was her, and great granna too. Had she been reborn in a familiar form so there would always be a Queen Nepthat in the world?

When the initial awe faded, Nag Kath asked Nathalda to explain what she knew of the piece. She started, "Well, Lord Kath, Lady Eniecia, this was the protocol of Burgiss in the year 614 of the Third …"

When he could get a word in edgewise he asked, "Tell me of the Queen. She is why we are here."

"I am sorry, sir. All we know is her name and that she had two sons."

He thought the scholars might have more information buried in the archives. "Thank you, Nathalda. Eniecia, are you ready for some lunch?"

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~