Chapter 48
Nennûrad Tudj
~o~
The Righters returned the same way they came, joining a train of spring merchants on the road. Everyone was wall-eyed to the right where the forest neared the trail. Getting past the two rocks was worth a demi-cask for their fellow travelers that night. Nag Kath had a new batch of false-Lembas baked against hardship and mutton stew. He needed it.
They made Pashir wet but on schedule. Pedrigs went to his family, who he almost never mentioned, while the other two took rooms in their same inn. The next day started the next phase.
~o~
The Stámöe met first without the Elf for a candid assessment of their northern brethren. Two men of the Rhûnic retreat were at Hanvas during Pedrigs and Hemid's stay and explained the similarities and differences between the two. The facilities were autonomous but used the same type of organization. Pedrigs and Turlurn agreed to let Nag Kath offer his idea for another retreat when he was called in that afternoon. The Stámöe asked intelligent questions and would discuss it privately if they liked the idea. The Nennûrad contingent would have to agree. If a trip to Ûbésêsh was in the offing; that should be done before it got hot on the central plain.
They took two days to discuss matters. Turlurn was in on about half of those and did not discuss them with Nag Kath. He was a quiet man anyway and being so close to his family also occupied his thoughts. At the end of the second day, Pedrigs told the Elf to come to Mrs. Feldishda's home. They asked several more questions and with a nod among them, agreed to proceed. It was time to approach Khan Feddigh-Hoh III with a proposal.
The noble daughter's marriage was causing even more tension. Her husband had been briefly arrested outside a pleasure house when he was too drunk to remember he was above such indignity. The man was released as soon as he woke up, but the Khan was reportedly furious, not so much by what his son-in-law did but that he got caught so indelicately. Promises of sobriety and rediscovered troth kept the woman from moving home. They had not been seen out together since the incident.
Marital discord was music to Nag Kath's ears. Mrs. Felishda was as good as her word. A noble and respected member of the court was not of their order, but he was a reasonable man and had not received favor from his father's estate. Lord Ondouv-Tel asked for and was granted an audience with his esteemed distant cousin the Khan. After a short meeting, he reported that the gentleman from Rhûn would be received at the local two-bell two days after the Khagan's naming-day celebration.
That was five days out. In shades of similar frauds here and around the world, Turlurn was dutiful assistant to the man. Mr. Solvanth was reportedly of minor nobility among the barbarians. That cut no quarter with the Khan, but dressing and acting the part could help set the tone. Clothing and boots were made in Lhûg well in advance of this audience. Listracht made sure the Khan's spies reported his esteemed northern neighbor had come into baubles.
While waiting, the Stámöe had more hard looks at Nag Kath's map and talked about ways to use the property. They were as stunned as everyone else that someone had the wealth, not to mention audacity, to buy noble property for their use. The place was perfect with buildings already where they ought to be. It would need a bridge. The Elf knew about bridges.
~o~
Merchant Solvanth and dutiful Torlurn arrived early and were shown to a better reception area than the usual supplicants. They waited an hour but a steward fetched them into the smaller throne-room of his Excellency. The Khanate satrapies in Khand had a great deal of autonomy. The Khagan had plenty of spies and acknowledged men planted, but did not maintain line troops except to reinforce the Southron border. As Nag Kath already knew, the family had lands that were theirs and the rest officially belonged to the Khagan in Ûbésêsh.
Both men bowed at the instructed distance and awaited his Lordship's pleasure. The man was not as decrepit as claims against long travel. That was probably his excuse. He was said to like his wife which kept him from needing to visit places he would rather not. Some of these fellows were completely formal in dealings, speaking of themselves as 'we' or 'his Excellency'. Khan Feddigh-Hoh III may lord it most of the time but this was said to be a private embassy to the benefit of his house. He stood from his elevated cushion and gestured for the men to follow him to a small chamber with no ears.
When they were seated, Nag Kath was invited to explain his purpose. As always, he began slowly and softly. "Your Excellency, I am a merchant of the far north and would like to discuss purchasing your lodge in Nennûrad. My stock-in-trade is precious gems from Elves now departed this world. Please excuse my presumption but discretion seemed appropriate."
The man granted, "That is wise. Please explain your interest in the property."
"It seems ideal for a school for those who study lore and healing methods, close to a city yet capable of raising their own food and making things for sale. My grandmother was of that land and I have fond associations."
His Excellency had a fine Dukks-face and mulled that for a moment before continuing, "Your activities would need to be in keeping with our high Khagan's directives on comportment, and also not in league with your own Bror's interests in these blessed southern lands."
"That is understood, Noble Lord. My family's interests are trending away from Kugavod to the Rightful Bror's more stable southern regions."
The hook was set. The Khan twirled his beard in his fingers and said, "That is a valuable property, much beloved by my extended family."
"I can appreciate that, sir."
A price had to be reached. Feddigh-Hoh also knew that the right number of the right rocks would settle old accounts, perhaps gaining enough favor to be rid of the Khagan's brother-in-law in the bargain. It was more than money. He would not have to conscript farmers for the next levy either. "You may continue, Mr. Solvanth."
The merchant and his servant would have been searched thoroughly before admittance but Nag Kath nodded to Torlurn who very slowly produced a purple worm-wool pouch for his master. The trader removed the contents, laying them on the cloth before the Khan. Included among them was a very fine fire-glass. The Khan already had one but this was better so he used it to examine four small diamonds, four larger ones and one the size of a grape. It was more than enough. There would be no negotiation. The merchant had made his best offer and they both knew it.
Khan Feddigh-Hoh III rang a small bell and was instantly attended by his handman and a jeweler who quickly examined the diamonds and nodded. Torlurn put the gems back in the bag and his Excellency said, "These gentlemen are to be made comfortable in the Winter Victory room with food. Send my scribe in as you leave."
With that the man nodded and his will was done. Torlurn had never eaten a meal like this. The lamb cut with his fork. Wheat, not gureeq, loaves were steaming, prepared every few hours against just such a need. No alcohol was offered but there was hot or cold tea along with sweets. When they were recalled to the same room, a short, slight man with a pair of Gondoran spectacles was sitting with his Lord. The trader and his assistant took their cushions after bowing.
The scribe said, "This, gentlemen, is a contract of sale for the property you discussed ceding all rights from his Excellency to …?"
"Kathen Properties, best of sirs."
After checking the spelling it was written on three pages. He went on, "This assumes the High Khagan's approval and that all of that Lord's instructions will be done, including taxes or levies for fighting, just as with all property in his realm. This is in exchange for unspecified consideration taken in hand by his Excellency. Are there any other conditions to contemplate, Mr. Solvanth?"
"Just one, sir. I would like to build a bridge over the first river so that travelers may visit in comfort. I expect I will need an easement from the road on the property to the north."
The Khan nodded to the scribe and it was written on all three pages. It only took a few minutes. The scribe then said, "Then Excellency, Mr. Solvanth, I will need you to sign these identical documents, one for his Lordship, one for the files and one for you to keep, best of sirs."
Khan Feddigh-Hoh III signed first for his scribe to sand and chop. Torlurn poured the contents of the purple bag back on the outside of the cloth and the man confirmed they were the same stones as agreed. Finally, Nag Kath signed the contracts with the name; 'Nag Kath Solvanth' and added, 'agent for Kathen Properties' and then added his drawn chop with the Sindarin initials he used for art. Those signatures were sanded as well. The scribe took two and gave the satisfied buyer the third.
It might not have been necessary but Nag Kath said, "A worthy exchange, your Excellency. In my own country, all taxes will be handled from other funds. I saw no need to mention my intentions in coming here."
The Khan said, "A wise decision, Mr. Solvanth. I hope we meet again as you travel here from your home lands."
"That would be a pleasure, sir."
~o~
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~o~
Dismissed, the scribe followed them out and asked for a few minutes. They sat in yet another vestibule and the man said, "A satisfactory conclusion, best of sirs. I have included a letter of instruction from his Excellency when you present your proofs at the office in Nennûrad. This will be unexpected. Here is yet another letter from the Marshal of the Guard to present to the soldiers at the property saying much the same thing. If sir does not think it unfair, they may be open to a gift after long service." There was a twinkle in the scribe's eye. Nag Kath nodded, the man rose and bowed and the Righters made their way back to the inn. Turlurn never said one word until they left the gates.
"Never met a Khan, before. He seemed more reasonable than I was expecting."
Nag Kath grinned, "That is because we knew exactly what he wanted and when." The stones were calculated so he could show respect to his Lord and ruler with enough to release or widow his daughter and adorn his wife and daughters in the highest style for a hopefully better wedding in the fall. It would also cover next year's levy without creating rancor among those who grew the food. Some men volunteered as career soldiers but that depended on crops.
The Righter drinking tea with cholla at the shop across from the inn noticed the tall fellow scratch his nose. After finishing and paying his lass, he sauntered up the high-street.
The old man never once smiled, but he did have an ale that night. Mrs. Feldishda did both. The old man didn't give his name either but the younger Stámöe was Mr. Bengarath and he was very glad to see what he hoped would be a long life not spent waiting.
As usual, Nag Kath poured a little water on the fire, "Sirs, ma'am, we need to remember that except for Mr. Torlurn here, no one in Nennûrad knows this is coming. He thinks it will be a good idea. This will be the first retreat established in daylight. We will need workers and farmers and craftsmen who do not know, and do not need to know, the full purpose. I hope the story that it is a retreat for scholars of the most boring subjects on earth will serve for now.
"Subject to Stámöe's approval, I nominate Mr. Pedrigs as head of security for a good, hard look at the grounds and defenses. It seems a secure place against attack, but putting in a bridge is an invitation. That will take a long time. I will pay for all of it. It is up to you how to tell your friends on the other side of the mountain."
Young Mr. Bengarath would ride there along with a supporter who was also a builder. Heubrandz could help make sense of the enormous amount of work needed and make the best use of trees towards the mountains. Pedrigs spent his time with his wife and young daughter. Before long, he would be back for them to go to their new home.
~o~
The trip was the same as the last with them arriving in four days. Nag Kath and the men of Pashir took rooms at two different inns as Torlurn made straight for the bosom of his family. The Righters didn't expect to see him for a couple days and tomorrow was the day of rest so they amused themselves going over the views from the city.
This was an ambitious undertaking, but as Nag Kath said, the real work was already done. A Khan's mansion and grounds on the best land gave them a good start. In the shadow of the mountains they would not get as full a day's sun as further east, but crops were proven and the deep channels of both little rivers would keep it from flooding. It seldom snowed in the flats. Three thousand feet higher would be white all winter.
As asked, Torlurn organized a meeting of the local officials and guests from headquarters. The man would only say the trip was momentous and leave the telling to the tall stranger. At Mrs. Zhurrag-Ledj's home, Nag Kath laid out his maps, contract and Khanate instructions to take possession of a parcel that seemed a shade over nine square miles as drawn. He outlined his proposal in less than ten minutes. Primary responsibility fell to the people in the room with help from the north pledged.
Now was when men who chew Halfling leaf say they couldn't 'choke the plug'. If they did, the vegetarian owned a hunting lodge.
Pedrigs and Mr. Bengarath had not been here before but were known as senior men of the council. The builder was at the inn enjoying a better grade of ale than in the plains. There would be time for him later. A letter was presented from the Ghurate of Hanvas Tûr, not identifying them for obvious reasons, expressing support and best wishes.
It was time for someone else to say something. Mr. Dourdhan, who with Mrs. Zhurrag-Ledj co-chaired the district said, "I for one, would like to see this through. Mr. Kath, friends of Nennûrad and friends new to this lake, this may take longer than I have. How do we proceed?"
This part of the presentation was planned too but would take a lot longer. Nag Kath started with, "First, Mr Bengarath and I present the contract and the Khan's letter to County Administrator, the honorable Mr. Brigeth. I will include a contribution to his favorite charity making it his job to take care of his folk. Then some of us ford the river and present another letter to the house guard and more donations in honor of long service. They will probably report back here to Mr. Brigeth for reassignment but we want to keep a few who know the grounds. With a builder's eye, I will make preliminary drawings of the entire parcel. Another man from Pashir is along for that as well. Lesser jobs will go to local folk as soon as they are ready.
"So, in answer to your question, best of sirs, you really don't have to do anything for a while. Rumors will spread like wildfire. We douse them with tidings this is a school for subjects of interest to noble persons. The Khan's blessing is already implied. Spread the news there will be work for townsmen by fall. To do that, we will need to have an office here for hiring, purchasing and transportation. I recommend those people not be of Stámoe. We are the scholars who arrive later. For now, everyone is just working for a living.
"And with that, who feels like a refreshing trip to the country two days hence?"
~o~
The trip to the administrator was the same place Nag Kath went for the city map. The same helpful man showed him in. Mr. Brigeth was a typical provincial officer sent from the Khan's capital. He was competent, smart and practical. The man read the letter twice after verifying the stamps and said, "Nice property, Mr. Solvanth. Its care falls to the Marshal but I expect you have that in order as well. His Excellency asks that I make my office available to you in furtherance of building a retreat and school for the study of lore and healing. Is that correct?"
"It is, best of sirs. His Excellency's capable scribe explained that the property is subject to taxes and administrative charges, as are all in your lord's and the great Khagan's lands."
The scribe hadn't said anything about administrative charges. This began the dance to assure the civil authority knew this project was friendly to a modest retirement. The tall, blonde man continued, "I assume your office will let us know how to stay in compliance with appropriate regulations." Not many people summed the situation as concisely as Mr. Solvanth. But everyone else was trying to pay as little as possible. That was third on the tall man's agenda. First came having friends, from the Khan down.
Mr. Brigeth smiled a professional smile, "I will see to that when we have a better idea of your needs." What he meant was a letter there and back that confirming local fees were a local business. This Solvanth seemed to know his oats. Perhaps they could enjoy a civilized cup of tea when schedules weren't so unsettled. Unexpectedly the man added, "What are your plans for the smaller parcel just outside the city?"
Neither the Khan nor his scribe mentioned anything on this side of the river. "I need to give that more thought, best or sirs. Perhaps you could lend me a man to walk the boundaries?"
"Of course."
~o~
As with the aqueduct, there are advantages to the driving force not needing sleep. The local Stámöe would have no trouble staying out of the way. They had no one in high office or positions to influence except for Mrs. Zhurrag-Ledj and Mr. Dourdhan. Both were excited about lore and knowing they had not carried the banner alone.
~o~
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The next morning, Nag Kath, Pedrigs, Torlorn, builder Heubrandz, Mr. Bengarath and Mrs. Zhurrag-Ledj's daughter Helvadis rode out to the lodge. Snow in the lower heights had already started melting so it was a cold ford about knee-high on the riders but with a flat rock bottom. On the way home the Elf would sketch where the bridge footings would have to go.
They presented the Marshal's orders to the senior man, a Lieutenant. He read it twice too. He might have gotten shirty but this was not the career path it seemed when the Khan's children were single. The new owners were shown inside. It was quite grand and only needed a little upkeep. They sat at the dining table and the officer summarized, "There are twelve people here who tend the property, home and grounds, not including the tenant farmers nearer the lake. They contract through my office every year but some have done so for a decade. Then there are ten soldiers under my command. Whenever his Excellency or members of his esteemed family come, they bring their own contingent of guards and personal retainers according to their stations along with cooks. Foods are brought from town in advance and during the stay.
"You would not have seen it but closer to the lake there is a ferry put out when we need to keep delicate feet dry." He allowed himself a chuckle. This was his chance to make for Pashir earlier than his five-year commitment.
The signal for the others to wander about was the Elf saying, "Mr. Pedrigs, could you see to the kitchen area, please?"
Everyone got up leaving Nag Kath and the Lieutenant at the table. The Elf said, "His Excellency's secretary hoped the new owner, Kathen Properties, would appreciate the soldiers' dedication." Nag Kath handed him a purse with two Florin in convenient denominations. "Would you be so kind as to share this with them as a token of our combined thanks?"
As much as the man tried not to feel the coins in the leather sack, he couldn't. The tall man continued, "Lieutenant, we would like to retain the civilians for a time. In addition, do you have a local sergeant or corporal who might be interested in keeping an eye on things while we prepare?"
"I do indeed."
The Lieutenant walked towards the wing housing the soldiers, only stopping to pour the purse on a table for a true count. They were already there wondering what in the world was occurring. Without preamble he said, "We are going home. I was given a Florin to give you in thanks for fine service. He doled those out three parts for his sergeant, two for two corporals and one part to the troopers. Even pocketing one Florin for himself, that was a very nice gift from the new owners and the men were generally glad to be leaving the dull assignment.
On the way out, the Lieutenant said, "Menigarn, a moment."
"Sir."
"You are from Nennûrad, yes?"
"Close enough, sir."
"These greenbottoms are looking for someone who knows which end of a sword to hold. Are you interested?"
"Yes sir. Not much work chasing pickpockets in Nennûrad."
"Talk with the tall one."
~o~
Menigarn, corporal for another two weeks, found the tallest visitor standing on the front porch overlooking the lake. He reported in military fashion, "Pardon, sir. I was told you might need a hand."
Nag Kath turned and said in his own military voice, "What's your name, Corporal?"
"Bruth Menigarn, sir."
"When your archers face horse coming the next day, what is the first thing you do?"
"Dig and spike the trenches, see to the supply lines and dougsh, sir."
"You're hired. Starts at a silver a month. Lieutenant give you a little something to tide you over?"
"He did indeed, sir."
"You married, Menigarn?"
"No sir."
"Find a fellow named Pedrigs, about your height, bald, walks like a soldier. Tell him you know the place. Tell the staff I want them here in a bell, you too. That's all Menigarn."
"Sir."
~o~
It took longer than that because several of the groundsmen were up the hill tending grape vines. Only Pedrigs of the city folk joined them. The others were inspecting and wondering what they would do with this place. None of the staff had ever sat at this table. They would have been caned for it this morning. Nag Kath said, "Any of you who want to stay at your current wages, remain here." Two men went to their quarters to pack. "Going around the table, give me your name and what you do."
Pedrigs took notes. They had three of four groundsmen, a carpenter, two of three cleaners who also did handiwork, two cooks for the soldiers, a man who replaced candles and the majordomo who kept them occupied until a contingent came out with their own staff. The Elf asked, "Which of you gets supplies from the town?"
Majordomo Hulviesh said, "That is me sir. I send an order into town once a week and things are either floated across the river here or using the ferry for heavier things. We have an account in the city through the administration office."
Mr. Hulviesh, please continue doing that but give your requisition to Mr Pedrigs here. Who knows the forest above us?"
"Me sir. I am the hunt-keeper so those grounds fall to me."
"Good man. Are there any horses here?"
The last man to get here said, "We have one nag and a donkey, mostly to bring supplies up from the lake."
"Thank you, now when do you get paid?"
Steward Hulviesh said, "Last day of the month, sir. I fear we are in arrears." It was the sixth, which might explain why the two civilians took their leave.
"If you would let me know what is owed, we will handle that today. Now, we are making a school using the existing buildings and will add to them as we can. You have a problem, talk to Mr. Pedrigs. Any questions?"
The senior cook, a woman in the Rosas mold, asked, "Sir, how many are we cooking for?"
Pedrigs said, "Yourselves and at most six others for now. We will let Steward Hulviesh know when more are coming."
Nag Kath left so Pedrigs could explain the rules and went outside to join builder Heubrandz on the front porch. The man said, "Good timber in back, can float it down too. Soil is deep, better for farming than posts, but it will do. All the stones in the buildings are from a quarry near the lake."
The Elf added, "I am going to make some sketches. I'll cross the ford but you can take the rest down to the ferry.
Mr. Bengarath and Miss Helvadis had explored the mansion together the whole time, never out of sight of the rest. The Elf chuckled to himself as Tal would have done and prepared to leave. Pedrigs would stay two days to get the feel of the place.
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At the next Stámöe meeting, the Elf had a confession, "That was interesting. I admit I have approached this incorrectly. I have been thinking of people who come to the northern retreats. Mr. Bengarath, when the Khan or his son came with a full hunting party, how many people were brought?"
The man held his short beard and said, "Well, twelve to fifteen people of name and twice that many support plus a company of soldiers. Sixty or seventy people all told."
Nag Kath said, "That is what I thought. Add ten at least who are already there and say eighty people, many of who had high standards. My friends, we really don't have to do much to the place at all. We couldn't get that many people here unless we paid them. The place is ready. Let us consider what to do there and folk will find us.
"Mr. Dourdhan. We will need an office in town with room for three people and several horses. In it we need a manager with a clacker and a lad to run errands to start. Can you attend that, sir?"
"I can, Mr. Kath."
"Thank you. Tomorrow I will go to the women healers of Nûrad to ask their counsel."
~o~
Things slowly came together. Nag Kath found he had to stop thinking of the King of Gondor ordering five hundred men for his purpose. This was a small town. It had wrights and craftsmen and clothes, but not a lot of them and they were busy.
Walking through the mansion and buildings, it was rather grander than right-living scholars needed. They would not need escort rider barracks or room for sixty horses at a time. The servants who lived here were used to doing for themselves. A blacksmith was added to the staff. When planting season arrived, the tenant farmers were offered a program to pay in crops they grew or cash with a list of different vegetables for variety and to have something to harvest at more times of the year.
The trip to the Nûradi healers was curious. He had a very hard time convincing the Thourah that they could come live and learn there for free. No, they only had to bring themselves and their things. No, they didn't have to abandon this place. No, they didn't need to pay rent. The woman said she would discuss it with their council but the Elf was never sure he made his point. The healer in town understood well enough but she would understandably stay where her customers were.
Nag Kath worked on bridge designs, he improved the ferry. It was easier to bring supplies by boat and use a wagon from the lake edge to the lodge so they did that too.
Their big break came when Mr. Bengarath went back to Pashir with the builder. He seemed very sweet on the chaste Miss Helvadis but that was none of the Elf's business. When the man returned home, he began telling scholars and retired folk with interest in lore about Nennûrad Tujd, a blessing in Variag. He also told people with aches and illnesses that had not healed.
Most people would rather suffer than travel but there were a few. Scholars made the easy trip. One enterprising fellow built an inn at a scenic place halfway between. The Nûradi healers grudgingly sent two women who had little to do until seven folk from the Khanate capital arrived in carts to take care. Those women were famous but very shy about putting themselves forward.
The retreat was not billed for right-living, per se. That was a northern approach. The Stámöe adopted some of those concepts that one should not take and must prevent others from taking. The next step was when two men from Yhammâs Fruhir and four from Hanvas Tûr took the pilgrimage to the third retreat. One from each party was a Ghur. Another was a masterful Poet/Sayer. There were still more employees than guests but in the late summer, Poet Seduathû sat in the fading light and recited the epic poem Banghir in its entirety. Activities were arranged so people could listen. Those who worked here were encouraged to attend. Everyone was mesmerized. There were traveling minstrels and Sayers all over Khand but that poem was over two thousand years old. Word would get out.
A Ghur Nag Kath met briefly in reporting the Kugavad ward was also a Lorist and he held both lectures and discussions on right living principles of the past, avoiding the political for good reasons. One of the men who came from Pashir for healing his neck spent all his time looking at the books the folk of Lhûr brought, most copies of the things the comedic scholars stole from the real scholar's estate when Nag Kath brought Chûr back. When he finally left, he started telling friends in the capital too. A group coming out in August brought Pedrigs wife and daughter. She was seven and liked to draw.
By winter, the Nûradi healers accepted the offer to come, live and train there gaining a great deal more practical information on taking their skills where they were needed.
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The year 99 started with a serious snow storm that left four inches in Nennûrad. They had no notion of how to remove it. Nothing moved in the city. The retreat had food. Small flocks of sheep and goats picked through the back pastures with lads and dogs to keep them from the crops in front. It melted in a week. Children learned about snowballs.
For travelers from Pashir and now further cities in the realm, winter was the time to travel. Some were snowed-in, which is enjoyable if it doesn't last too long. It was also the time to start the long-awaited bridge from the main road a mile away. The north bank was solid rock for several hundred feet with a number of tie-points. The south bank would have to be built with stones brought there from the quarry nearer the lake. Men dug a ramp for wagons to pull even with the stone floor and rocks were loaded for the slow trip up the grade. There weren't any large stones and they could not have moved them if there were. Fortunately there were mines of the soil that hardens when wet. That had been ordered and supplies were building.
The Nennûradi are not Dwarf masons. A skilled builder from the town accepted a contract to live there over the summer to help build the south foundation. It took several tries before his laborers understood that they have to use the drying soil right after they add the water. It was not a big job. Nag Kath showed them how to make the wooden support to grout-in the rocks, just like hundreds across the flood-plain of Osgiliath. This was a span of about eighty feet with a stone center support. In Gondor, supervisors would have been cursing and extolling the men. Right-livers can't do that. They worked slowly, took breaks and ate well. The wood frame was up before Gelansor and the bridge was done two months later. It was no thing of Elvish beauty, but a small wagon would fit.
~o~
That fall came another signal event. One of Khan Urgrid of Alagoth's sons had hurt his neck and shoulder riding ten years before. He was a strong man from a strong family but was wearing down. Friends made in the wedding between the two Khanates told him of the care available no further from him than from the northern city. He finally relented to visit after his aide came for an inspection. Lord Urgrath arrived with staff, retainers, friends and his younger son.
The man was made comfortable in a suite built for such as him. Branool, one of the Nûradi healers' best, attended his Lordship with treatments. His bones had grown new bone where it shouldn't be and those were gradually worn down. The curious blonde man attended to care personally. Nag Kath knew that was cheating, but if he didn't tell anyone it was sorcery, they wouldn't know. Fixing-up a Khan's heir would open new interest.
The man would never be entirely restored, but a month later, he could swing a sword. During that time, a woman wise in herbs and remedies came to stay as well. She did not have the inductive powers but knew at least as much as Nag Kath and which of those healing plants grew around the lake. Folk came at first for healing of the body but often left soothed in mind too. More books arrived. A young Sayer from Lhûg came and decided to stay. He was green but had potential with a nice voice. Others learned to sing the old songs. Some of the Alagoth nobles lent their voices.
Before they knew it, it was harvest season. Pedrigs formed up a haphazard militia to defend the bridge. If anyone attacked by boat from the lake, they would win. Grains were fair. Fruits were better. More fruit and nut trees were planted in the deepest loam. It would be ten years before they bore but this was a place of growing. At the end of the year, they had the sense that it would work. Folk coming, donations, selling what they grew all added up. They had no debt and could afford both the regular tax and the levy tax.
People kept coming. Not much of it was for right-living but some seeped into everything they did. With friends in both Khanates to their west and no threats to the east, folk were at ease, the first step to peace. Another group of representatives came from Hanvas brought both Lorists and Sayers. They also had practical ideas for running a place that might eventually get as large as theirs. Folk who worked the fields and made crafts moved there. Pedrig's girl had children her own age to play with.
Nag Kath finally got around to seeing the property near the city. It was about fifty acres originally intended for quartering troops well away from the market square. The city had grown that direction over the centuries. Of course, no one here would have dared ask the Khans to use it and they had forgotten they owned it. Kathen Properties gave it to the newly chartered Stámöe Partners so they could sell-off bits and pieces for operating money.
~o~
If only the first century of the Fourth Age didn't have to end.
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King Aragorn stared across the table. Only Chancellor Derenbar remained seated as the council filed out. They had prepared. They were ever vigilant. Militias trained.
Similar reports; enemies of the Dead Marshes were more visible, roaming, straying from the water encasing them. Slain Angmari and Algraig mercenaries had been seen in the Mournshaws the same way. The ghost stories had always been there but reliable folk had seen apparitions of warriors. No one on earth knew the destructive force of undead soldiers as well as the King of the Reunified Kingdom. They decided the battle of the Pelennor for the alliance.
Why this? Why now?
What was it Nag Kath said all those years ago; those two places and others had never been at peace? Somehow the changeling could tell. The one thing all sites had in common was that they buried soldiers or fell creatures at one time under the command of the Witch-King of Angmar. No western king had supported a probe-in-force to the northern wastes yet.
What happened to Nag Kath? Had he given up on the Witch-King? Had the west given-up on him? Had his King? The Elf spent long years looking for an eastern sorcerer. Did he look still? Was he healing? It was not unusual for him to disappear for years at a time.
Derenbar saw the concern in his Lord's face and needed to know; "Sire, this is before my time but what do we face here?"
"I cannot yet say. Right now; phantoms, men who died opposing our forbearers."
The King knew that if they had the power of the Oathbreakers he summoned, no blade could harm them. So far it was mist. The King made a decision, "Do you know Nag Kath?"
"I have heard the name, a soldier, a painter, yes?"
"Oh yes. I need him found and brought to me, very gently, he is a friend. If told I need him, he will come. Send as many men as it takes."
The healer had friends here. Some of them may still be alive. A quick check showed one of his grandchildren was the noted architect who designed the façade near the fountain but he died four years ago. Nag Kath said they had children. When found, they had not heard in years but thought east. His great, great granddaughter, wife of Lord Barahir, was told east as well, but east was a big, unknown place.
Riders were sent forth. One went to Rohan and was to make for Dale afterwards. Others went to Lindon and Arnor. Two men took the ferry to Pelargir and then to the river mouth before sailing to Dol Amroth. A friendly merchant would ask in Rhûn. Each of them carried a letter, signed and sealed by the King, asking Nag Kath to help him attend old friends.
Aragorn told the Lady Arwen after the working day. She was his north-star in all matters and this harkened to her experience. Not old as Elves go, she still had nearly three thousand years experience in a world nothing like the one they had now.
"They were moving?"
"Yes." The King touched his gray beard and added, "I have sent men to find Nag Kath. He felt their presence all those years ago."
"I think that wise, beloved husband. What were these soldiers doing?"
"Reports said they seemed lost, as if looking for a commander."
The Queen said, "I shudder to think who that might be." In her heart she added; please, let it not be the changeling.
~o~
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There were no such risings on Lake Nennûrad. Many of the same breed died here as in the Dead Marshes but they were not led in battle by the Angmarach. The dead were dead.
Nennûrad Tudj prospered. Four children were born here. It was a place of healing and thought. It also had little to do with the traveling Righters who still patrolled for those who did not heal or think.
Nag Kath felt it was time to go west again. This place did not need him anymore. Some men would be angry at losing their mandate. He saw one more successful grandchild standing on two feet. Eniecia was getting old. In the fall he would hand over the reins to Pedrigs and look back in pride.
That April he began feeling pain in his chest. It was not the known sensation of a failing heart. This was coming from outside. It was coming from darkness. It went away after a few hours but was back two weeks later, stronger. In another two weeks it was worse. That was the night the palace in Nennûrad burst into flames.
They had not told the people there of the ward. Watchers said no one stayed there except for occasional traveling nobles, sometimes headed for the retreat or going home, certainly no one with sledges to smash two-inch thick granite floors. It was a clear night with a good moon. Nemren would have to trust him like Charlo had in Pelargir. He had his bow and scabby sword. With the bridge, it was only a twenty minute ride to the western edge of town.
The grand hall had been torn to rubble. Crews of volunteers and soldiers stationed there were already putting out fires. Astonishingly, very few people were hurt and only one woman killed from falling stones. Witnesses reported hearing terrible screams as if the very heavens were wailing in anger and vengeance.
It was just the palace. Nag Kath did not smell trolls. There was another smell, but not trolls. He saw Mr. Brigeth a block from the palace. The man said everyone for two blocks from the place was ordered to leave. Some didn't, his men weren't going to go get them. Nag Kath asked him a guilty question, "Sir, was there a group of nobles or building work being done?"
"Not that I know, and I would have. Just a few night watchmen playing dice . They got out and told me. It is as if the terrors of old have returned. I must see to these folk. Be careful."
By high-night the fires were out. Nennûrad was mostly stone so a few roofs caught fire but burned themselves out. Nag Kath crept towards the wall nearest the hall and hopped the fence. He heard the breathing; long, impossibly long, breaths ending the exhale with a growl. When he rounded the antechamber to the reception hall, he saw it sitting on a balcony.
~o~
A drake; silver in color and very small for their kind. In Dale he heard no end of the size of Smaug. This fellow was no more than forty feet tall from feet to snout. Its wings were folded against its body and it seemed to be waiting. As silently as possible, Nag Kath crept to see around the corner of the hall. The roof was ripped off, open to the stars and moon to see by. The creature broke out of the pit. No man prized if free.
What was it waiting for, sitting still as a statue, not really looking at anything?
The Elf felt bad. Telling anyone would have only set it free sooner. That wasn't the same as giving people the chance to move if they believed him. As the sun rose, he left his bow and quiver against a wall and pulled his sword, creeping along a corridor so if the drake tried to burn him, he could dash behind a stone barrier.
Only fifty feet away, he called in the Black Speech, "Why are you called to do this harm?
The dragon slowly opened its eyes and moved its head to identify the sound. Then he said in a voice lower than any yet, "I am called from old and away. Long years have I waited."
A troop of foot soldiers had slipped in the gate and stood by the main entrance at the other end of the hall from the beast. Nag Kath saw them and held out his hand not to approach. They saw him before the drake and then froze in their tracks.
The Elf called, "Who summons you at this late hour?"
"The Angmarach , always the Angmarach. He made me, placed me here and told me to wait."
Nag Kath said, "He is now long dead. Another must have called to you."
"I was given the call. If not from him, from his servant."
The Elf wanted to find a way out of this. People had been hurt, but not nearly as many as the trolls killed. This creature was capable of that. Now bathed in rising light, it threatened more than a single night of bloodshed. Nag Kath called, "You were given a false command to kill a man who lived here a thousand years ago. You were left in slumber too long, my friend. What will you do now?"
"There was never an ending. I came forth." The creature flapped its wings slightly. At first the men in the entry thought it would leave but were not prepared to shoot harmless arrows at the armored beast. It saw them but paid no heed. Its movement was like a duck drying its feathers.
"I must ask you not to harm the folk of this city. They are dear to me. Is there a place you can go for respite after restless waiting and toil?"
In sadness the creature asked, "What is that to you?"
"I did the same. Now I am restored. The dark lords are gone after failing. If you must return to your home, I will help, as others helped me."
The dragon hopped down from the balcony with a single flap of its long wings and approached the Elf unsteadily. Nag Kath heard the command to nock arrows and yelled in Variag, "Stay. We parlay."
Watching the dragon step closer he dared not look at the soldiers but they seemed to be holding. The monster craned its neck so its head was level with the Elf's and said, "I was not meant to live in this or any other world. That is my sadness. You can do nothing for me."
"Perhaps you can do something for me. If the servant is dead, do you know who called you to this doom?"
The creature said, "I do not. It was no great summons, barely enough to wake the spiders, almost as if unintended. I will leave now. Thank you for your kindness."
With that he hopped back up to the balcony and then the remaining lip of the roof. With a huge flap of its wings, it soared east and then righted, making north. One man shot his arrow but missed. It was gone. Nag Kath sheathed his sword and walked to the men saying, "What has the beast wrought?"
The Lieutenant, a different one than relieved at the lodge, said, "One dead, several injured or burned."
The Elf said, "I will attend them. It is the least I can do."
~o~
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The last rider was back in the White City after five months in the north looking for the healer. There was no sign of him in the west. He could only be in the east, if alive, unless he had sailed to Valinor.
Minister Derenbar delivered the last report personally along with news that a troll had broken out of the ground in Kugavod a month before and laid waste to the Bror's palace before rampaging through the city, finally dying with dawn. The Bror was in a new mansion in Kelepar. Others were not so lucky.
The next day, the Minister was summoned back to the King's office for the queerest command. Aragorn said, "There is a supply of Syndolan powders somewhere in storage. If they cannot be found, have a new supply readied. I want rockets made that will go high in the sky and explode."
"How many, Sire?"
"Use all of the powder. I want them taken to the pass in the Ephel Duath above the Poros and shot into the sky, one every week. Save one for utmost need."
"At once, Sire."
~o~
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The Elf stayed in town healing the injured. Donations for the hurt and killed were very strong from contributors who did not leave their names. Almost everyone in Nennûrad saw the fell but beautiful silver creature lift into the sky and fly high away. Folk wanted to know why and if there were others. They were also curious why a dragon would destroy an empty palace. The administrator had questions too. Nag Kath was instructed to visit the man. Wasting no time Mr. Brigeth said, "Troopers saw you conversing with the beast. Would you care to explain that?"
"In my travels I have heard of other ancient traps being tripped. There was one on the Anduin long years ago. Learned men said they were pits laid by Sauron left unopened when he was destroyed. And like when a storm pulls a forgotten rabbit snare, they come to life for one day to destroy where they were hidden."
Brigeth said, "Plausible, but that does not explain how you spoke with the beast and it left."
"Oh, yes, I am come from the lands near where the Great Smaug long sat on a treasure of Dwarf gold, where it is said the other great dragons were created in stealth."
The administrator was sorry for the injured but if this beast was sitting on another pile of gold, that signified. Nag Kath saw the reaction and added, "The trap beasts were merely buried, though it would not hurt to examine their lair." Back to the original thought, "I spoke to him in that tongue saying that he had been called to life too late for the Sauron's service, hoping he would not take vengeance on our friends here in Nennûrad. His work done, he flew away. I do not know the direction."
The administrator said, "North, he flew north."
For a little extra credibility, Nag Kath added, "It seems he broke through the floor of the palace. I had not been there. Was it an ancient place of fierce rulers?"
"Yes and no. The building was quite old but destroyed several hundred years ago and rebuilt after the war, including a stout stone floor over the old."
The scholar of Nennûrad Tudj, which was contributing nicely to the local economy, held his chin, "Perhaps that was kept him from escaping sooner. I am just glad it was not worse."
Brigeth accepted that at face value and said, "Thank you for your courage. Not many men would have walked up to a dragon and told him to leave like a drunken guest."
"We all want to be heroes once in our lives."
~o~
Nag Kath went back to the retreat in mid-May. Folk there were sorry for the trouble and glad it was no worse than if the building had fallen in from neglect. People who saw him thought he was deeply troubled by the fell creature even though he had talked with it in his strange, northern tongue. Thankfully, they did not know Westron from the Black Speech. He was more concerned with why it snapped under two inches of massive floor stones on top of that much old stone. No mortal let him loose. And what of the ward in Kugavod? That only had six inches of dirt over it.
~o~
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As things were getting back to normal, Corporal Menigarn looked at the Elf and said softly, "You seem lost in thought, Nag Kath."
The Elf brought his eyes back to the man and said, "Sorry, I was. I should check on Mrs. Sorrech. That leg poultice needs changing."
Nag Kath took his bag from the table on the porch and walked down to one of the converted barrack huts where lay a very grouchy old woman. He knocked on the door and entered without permission. The patient shouted, "About time!"
"It usually is. Let me look at that burn."
This was not from the dragon attack. The woman lived in town and dropped a fire poker on her calf a week before. He unwrapped a bandage exposing an infected sore that was far from healed. The Elf looked for a minute and felt around the edges. Mrs. Sorrech winced and scolded, "Be careful!"
Nag Kath gave her a lordly stare and she added, "Please."
He kept the same face and said, "You have not drunk your tea."
"It tastes like privy-ale."
"Such is the nature of things that are good for you. I am going to give you a fresh poultice but if you do not drink your tea, I will treat the wound with honey and leave you on an anthill."
The silence of contrition was only disturbed by crickets. The healer re-dressed the burn and gave the woman another supply of truly foul medicine. As he was leaving, her daughter-in-law blanched at the tongue-lashing sure to come for steeping the next batch.
Nag Kath walked back for the evening meal at peace. There were still people he loved in many places of the west, and now here. But they did not need him. When they met, they were glad and shared stories. He kissed their children. It would be time to return soon.
Pedrigs was still at the mess hall when the Elf returned. The man took a pull of his tea and said, "After helping her, no dragon could stand before you."
A middle-aged couple joined them at the first dinner bell and they started a gentle conversation about the Poet who had just left for Lhûg. He was very good. The last had been only fair but welcomed and celebrated just the same. All felt that was a vocation deserving encouragement.
Somewhat unexpectedly, forest-keeper Bvred-Chousan walked in and announced, "The most curious thing!" A comet was seen in Nûrn, a great red thing said to explode over the Duath!"
Sergeant Menigarn proclaimed, "No doubt a terrible omen for the misbegotten Nûrns!" He looked around the table and asked, "What became of Nag Kath?"
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If the weather held, Nemren could reach the pass at Khûr-Khand in eight days. It would take four more to pick their way through to the grasslands of Mordor, Nûrn nowadays. He said quick goodbyes. They knew this was coming in fall. It just happened sooner. He might be gone a month or forever, but he would love them always.
There was good road for the first half through Pashir following the river to the Temple of Kondri Hochi. From there it was only fair. Nag Kath took this path long ago inciting the Nûrnen Alignment, as it was called now. It was tricky footing in places but not high or foreboding. Two weeks after leaving Tudj he was in the land of Culduin, realm of Hurm Urghbad. The comet was unreliably said to be seen at high-night, the twelve-bell in most places. When it was too dark to push Nemren, the Elf scampered up a rock and fixed his gaze at the mountains bordering Gondor until Tillion had nearly completed guiding the moon. There he rested.
They took their leisure to the capital since he could now see the mountain range. Urghbad was a cousin of Rhorzah, ally of Rydovosh in the Alignment. His elevation was said to not be entirely smooth but he had ruled for seven years and did not seem any worse than the rest of the Hurms lining the Nûrnen. Nat Kath paid his respects but camped outside and shared in neither their food nor their women.
He did share their information. Comets were not the harbingers of doom as in Khand or, especially, Rhûn. A century after Sauron, shooting stars could still not compete with the Dark Lord's brutal legacy. They were interesting and Urghbad's second counselor explained that the red one was seen almost four weeks ago. A week and two weeks later, silver comets flew across the sky at the same time of night. Folk waited outside last week but saw nothing in the rain. If it happened on the same day again, that was two days hence.
Nag Kath cautiously made his way west to Nûrnen, catching fish making for the lake and spending warm nights watching the sky. Men of Mistrand came here to make fishing boats a few years back. Lake water was still undrinkable but the bigger fish caught further from the bank lost more of that taste. He sketched children brave enough to approach.
~o~
That was Gandalf's green! No other fire-maker had the tail that stretched like a cock-plume. It was shot from the gap below the beast-pool they used on their embassy here so long ago.
~o~
He stopped in Emyn Arnen. Elboron and Angalaca were their usual merry selves. The children were in Dol Amroth for a short trip but their little grandchildren were causing mayhem in a corridor just down the hall. They did not know him but were not afraid. He kissed them goodbye in the morning.
Osgiliath was hot. Taverns were busy. Being two nights before the Feast of Tellarian, folk were getting an early start. Nag Kath stopped at Tumfred's house as the sun went down.
"My stars! Look who wandered in! Fred, Nag Kath is back!"
The round little woman with rosy cheeks pulled him close for a hug and kiss. The grandson of Tumlen and his wife were now in their early sixties. The city was climbing back after the flood of 98 and most of their space was rented. The Dunlending statue had been spared. They had a quiet evening. Daughter Tumlier was cooking for a friend whose mother was not expected to last the week. Business was fair. Nag Kath did not even ask what his share was worth. It was more than he needed since Nennûrad Tujd was built with a spoon-full of rocks.
As blandly as possible, the Elf asked the local situation. In Osgiliath things were fine. White City customers said the same. The King was still hale and Eldarion was taking on more of the formalities. Tumfred looked at the ceiling and remembered, "Oh, along your former line; a troll tore through the capital of the Bror."
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