Chapter 62

The Message

~o~

The next few years were more of the same. The Kath's ranged between Alas Forten and Minas Tirith which included trips to Ithilien. Children grew. Alas; Gervaith Bathralas died in the spring of 140. Milli was very quiet but not despondent. It was expected. That did not mean easy. Inariel wanted to stay with her that summer. Understandably, the girls did not have many true friends growing up. They became much closer when Inariel met Nag Kath and was here again. Milli needed that now.

The threat in the south had stabilized. Occasional refugees escaped but the new lords weren't much worse than the old. Chievon was gone. She and her husband went to Lhûg. Being dishonestly taken from her family left scars. She knew growing up, and from Nag Kath more recently, that the retreats might heal. Her man was devoted to her well-being. Friends said they planned to use the same route Nag Kath had on the Rhûn side of the Ash Mountains. That was safe generally and safer if you could cast fire. The Elf was glad for her as he had been for her grandfather Chûr in his time.

In November they took the ship to Dol Amroth and stayed a few weeks before making for Alas Forten. The estate called Inariel back and Nag Kath was glad to be there. Winter was mild and soon gave way to the riot of pink and yellows as the bees circled the blossoms. This year they didn't travel to Dol Amroth and invited the Ivandred clan out to stay. A number of them were the right age for the easy journey, even if they had to hire horses to make the trip. From May until October, they often entertained folk from the city with country life. When the spring of FO. 141 bloomed, it was the longest they had stayed in any one place since they met.

After planting, Nag Kath and Inariel returned to Dol Amroth to spend the summer. The mood was different. Family guests had mentioned that too. Disaffected men were more anxious for change. A poet was banished from the city for sedition after penning a play calling for the Prince to abdicate. Little symbols of their cause were inked or posted to gain attention.

The Elves had other concerns. Inariel fell ill not long after they arrived. It seemed a mild fever, but Elves don't get fevers. He examined her gently. In a person he would have called it exhaustion or lack of water.

The color test was the key. He could not be sure but he thought she was feeling the draw of Valinor, and more intensely than those who had always been Elves. Nag Kath infused her with his own life spirit, a small version of her transformation, and it made her whole within two days. It took him just as long to recover.

When they were strong, she walked out to the main room in just her nightclothes and socks with tea and sat with him on the couch. Putting the mug on the table she observed, "That was a message."

"I think so too. It was coming, I just did not know when or how. Are you fine now?"

"All better. It felt like an ague."

He considered his feet on the table and said, "It will come again."

She agreed in a small voice, "It will."

"We should prepare to go west."

Inariel put her tea on the table and asked, "Is that wise for you? I do not remember you being esteemed by the Elves who left, never mind the ones already there."

He leaned over and kissed her cheek, "I have not packed my bag. We must consider the possibilities. I think we should spend the winter in Minas Tirith. Before then, we will do a little sailing."

~o~

They saw the second Catanard and enjoyed a city that relishes its summers despite tension building in the city. More people were arrested. There were assaults. Conjecture was that there were high people involved who wanted to get higher. It came to a head on the fourth Catanard, this one to be performed in the afternoon. That was the showcase for the season and usually brought the Prince and his family. Guardi were more obvious. It was Nag Kath and Inariel's turn in their family rotation and a comedy so they went. She felt fine. Menalgar and his wife Octonal brought their son and daughter to fill the first box with a like assortment in the second. Patrons should find their seats then rise and bow as the Prince is seated. This was the most conservative audience in Dol Amroth. Rabble-rousers would not have many supporters here. The first act went fine and the audience was pleased.

As Prince Armandor and his family filed in from a room set apart for them during intermission, his lead guard was tripped. Three men ran up where space had been cleared for the Prince's return shouting, "New Men Ascend!" while pulling short swords from their jackets.

The assailants had a clean run of twenty feet directly at the Prince. Just before they got within striking distance, a silver blur swept past his Highness. It was 'the fast', but not so fast that the audience didn't see the specter inside. The lead man's body collapsed but his head rolled against the Prince's feet. A second man was lying on his back with no front teeth and the third's head was cloven down the middle. The tripped guard scrambled to his feet and the rear guard ran up in front of the Prince within moments. The accomplice who tripped him got away in the panic.

Nag Kath was standing above the unconscious assailant holding the Prince's bloody dress-sword. Guardi flooded into the seating area. The Catanard Sayer told those who had not already run screaming to calmly return home. Prince Armandor stood stock still, staring at the head against his boot. Then he looked at Nag Kath before allowing his men to escort him, his wife and several grandchildren back to the safety of the citadel.

The Elf handed the sword to a guard and walked to Inariel. She was shocked but her new Elf instincts held her steady. The Ivandreds in both boxes had whistles for contingencies. This one was to meet at Raniece's house. Raniece and Borond's steward answered the door and let the white-faced family inside. Her granddaughter Hortence was in the middle of the pack and all business, "Granna, there was trouble at the opera." Inariel sat but Nag Kath remained standing, paying no attention to the blood spatters on his clothes. He had done this before.

Menalgar's son Menalthorn was deputized to tell the tale. It did not take long. All eyes went to Uncle Nag who seemed lost in his own thoughts. When he realized he was the attraction, he asked, "Who were those men?"

Menalthorn looked at his father and answered, "With that call before the attack, New Men."

Nag Kath looked at the faces and said, "Was anyone hurt?" Siorscia's daughter Heiri had not stopped crying the whole way here. Two others were stunned to silence but there were no physical injuries. With everyone fine, the Elf continued, "Raniece, Borond, please watch Inariel for me, else she settles these New Men." She nodded. The Princess of Gondor knew she was a target.

He added, "I will make my way to the citadel and answer questions there. I expect a few."

With that, he kissed his wife and made his way up the hill.

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~

It took a few confusion-spells to reach the palace but he arrived quickly and said he was here to assist his Highness. Then he sat on a bench and noticed the blood. The Prince's head of security stormed out of the main hall. He might have just lost his job. His deputy noticed the Elf and said, "Lord Kath? A moment, sir."

Prince Armandor was talking to his men in his bloody boots. He was angry, not scared. When he saw the sorcerer, he knew he would get answers his lot hadn't given. "Lord Kath, I am in your debt. Can you tell me what you know of this foul attack?"

The Elf bowed and answered, "Probably not much more than you sir. I saw the three come at you and pulled your sword for the two in front. The third got an elbow in the mouth."

The Prince asked, "That is your sorcery?"

"One of them, sir."

The mortals in the room were stunned at the magic. Valantir of the Palace Guards, standing next to the guard who had been tripped, asked on behalf of his Lord, "Sir, did you see someone attack this man?"

It might be to catch the accomplice or be sure this man hadn't been involved. Nag Kath could not help him, "I am sorry, I was watching between the Prince and the stage. I will tell you this for nothing …" he gathered his thoughts; "… a man walking in front of My Lord's family was not watching them or looking for a seat. He was making sure no else approached from where the attackers emerged. They had more friends than we have yet counted."

Prince Armandor looked at his boot again before sitting at the conference table saying, "Everyone, take a seat. What happened to the man with no teeth?"

A guardi reported, "He is in a cell one level below, sir, out cold. His hands and feet are bound so he cannot kill himself before we ask questions."

For half a bell they debated why someone would attack the Prince at such an event. It was messy and complicated with a crowd in the way and little time. Were they hoping to make a statement in front of the higher orders? The Captain of the Palace Guards asked, "Lord Kath, you have been silent this whole time. Why would someone try to assassinate His Highness in such a fashion?"

Without looking up, the Elf said, "They didn't. Whoever arranged this was not expecting it to succeed. Watch for the man who tries to make himself indispensable." Only then did he look to reactions around the table.

Everyone seemed stunned except the Prince who asked, "Lord Kath; is your Lady Wife safe?"

"She is, sir."

"Then comfort her and thank you again for whatever you did. I expect we will be in touch directly."

~o~

On the way downhill, Nag Kath realized his idyllic years in Dol Amroth were over. Other than healing, all of his other magic here had been discrete. In this city more than anywhere else in the world, he was just Uncle Nag. That was over. The entire audience saw him mow-down the New Men. Everyone assumed the heroic Elf had seen the danger to the Prince and sprang to the rescue. Nag Kath would have told them that the only one between the assassins and Inariel of Gondor was the elderly Prince. No one asked so he didn't say. New Men would be riled, never realizing their fellows were martyrs. Inariel would be the perfect way to settle the score. The Prince had dirty work ahead of him.

The Elf walked to the Quay and doubled-back to his house from the far side to collect his sword. Not hearing any lurkers he knocked next door on Callistriana's window to tell them what happened. They already knew. Everyone in the city knew. He told them to lock their door and warded it before returning to Raniece's where most of the family was still sitting in the main room trying to understand. All conversation stopped when he entered. Inariel wetted a washcloth from the kitchen and tried to rub the gore off her husband's face. He took it like a man. Heiri started crying again. Menalthorn got the Elf a goblet of pale wine. They weren't talking much but did not want to leave either. Nag Kath felt the same way and slumped next to his wife.

~o~

At Caladrion's burial the family saw emotions. This was their first look at the Elf-Lord face and it was terrifying. All these years he had been the shy, peripheral relative who seldom talked about his past. They had all heard the stories but now they knew this really was the creature who rained death on the hardest men of the last century. Inariel came to the same conclusion walking home at sunset. Quaint Dol Amroth had never been ready for the real Nag Kath. As hard as he tried to blend, it only took a few hapless assassins to ruin everything. The Princess got a mug of cold tea from the dregs of the pot and asked, "That was 'the fast'?"

"That was 'the fast'. I do not think the man I hit will wake. If he does, he'll wish he hadn't. The Prince will want my aid. I must decline. You have more enemies than you did yesterday and I cannot protect you here."

She knew that too. Inariel sat on the couch next to him and handed him the mug for a sip of very strong tea. He gave it back and she drained it before saying, "I think we should visit Minas Tirith for a time."

'Umhmm."

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~

This was a trip of unknowns. Dol Amroth was in a lather but Nag Kath's part would be forgotten in the blink of an eye as Elves measure time. In mannish time it seemed forever. Inariel had been ill once. Did the pull of the Undying Lands cause her relapse into Agar lhîw sickness? The treatment was effective which made it the leading suspect.

The couple did not know if this would be their last visit to the city of the King. With all their hearts they hoped not. It was too painful. Both of them loved Middle-earth and wanted to stay with their friends, family, places that beckoned with wonder and grace. After the usual round of visits and meals, there was important work to even consider trying to sail to the Undying Lands that fell short of wishing everyone goodbye. They stayed primarily at his house.

Not long after they arrived, Nag Kath pulled the ship-building file from the papers he brought here years ago and poured over the two smaller ships – boats, really. He was up late that night doodling with ideas how two people could sail a craft capable of withstanding blue-water passage. Inariel was reading next to him. With Elf-eyes, two lamps were enough. Not finding what he wanted, he brought the big file over to the low table and flipped through the sheets from the Grey Havens. She had seen these before but watched his face. He found the sheet he wanted. Lifting it exposed the Elvish drawing of Varda and Ulmo. Inariel saw that and said gleefully, "Oh, you have one too."

"Hughmmm?"

The Princess picked it up and recalled, "Mother had one of these, or near enough. Milli kept it."

Trying not to lose his concentration he gave his stock opinion, "Sorry, I have never learned to appreciate Elvish art … too rigid."

She stared at the witless orc and grinned, "No, silly. It is a map, a map to the Undying Lands."

Gobsmacked, he dropped the sheet. She seemed very pleased with herself. "There, you see, the hair and water-weeds form currents to the straight-path. Only Elves and those with the countenance of the Valar can travel there, lest they be lost or drowned. Mother hummed a poem to go with it."

He leaned back on the couch and sighed. It wasn't quite Gandalf's eye-closing in Orthanc but near enough. They spent another few minutes looking at what he had taken to be an uninspired sketch as she explained the fish and then the stars. She did not know what they meant in navigation.

Was this the arrogance of having lived so long that he did not consider possibilities? Here he was; creator of the greatest false treasure-map in the history of Mordor, and he dismissed the sketch out-of-hand. As her reward, he took her up to the bedroom.

In the deepest night, Nag Kath walked out on the porch to look at the sky. Passing clouds interfered a little but he saw the same stars he knew. Men had tried to position their maps using the Carnipal star at the top of the page. Inariel's little map used a different guide-star. He wondered if they changed getting closer to the Undying Lands. This map might be from before the sundering of heavens in battles with Morgoth. They could not have all been recorded.

~o~

Inariel dearly wished she did not have a secret agenda but she did not want to tell her family she was leaving if she did not have to go. On their second visit to Milli's apartments, Inariel round-aboutly asked if she still had their mother's little map. Older sister furrowed her brows a little and said, "Yes, you know, I think I do. It is with the things in her little study. I just left them there. Look in the drawers. Mr. Bentrae has the key."

After lunch, the Kaths had the steward unlock the door for them and walked inside. Considering the expansiveness of Aragorn's office, this was a closet, but it let Arwen get away from the palace with her own things and thoughts. Nag Kath looked at the discoloration on the wall where the Princess's masterpiece had hung. She rummaged through a chest of wide, low sliding drawers until she saw the map.

They took it outside in the hall for better light and she showed how her mother had imagined the sailing of Elrond and her and kin. Nag Kath wondered again if the Queen had anticipated that her little girl might need to leave. Arwen never said it directly. Elves seldom do. The picture was slightly different than his, but the star pattern was the same. Legolas probably had one. That was no guarantee he found his way.

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~

It was just as hard for Nag Kath to pretend that this was just another visit with the Conaths. He and Inariel might not leave for a generation but his time was at last finite. Over the years he tended to think of these folks as the Northman branch of the tree and the Dol Amroth folk as the Dúnedains. By looks that was certainly the case. Both tended to have small, close families. Neither thought themselves as pretenders to rule. They had a lot of money in property. Some were indolent but only a few had ever been black sheep. As heirs of Kath and Reyald of the Celduin, however many generations removed, they took their militia training seriously. At least one in every clutch was an archer and someone in the family always owned a horse. Nag Kath was very proud of them and told them so.

Against the backdrop of troubles in Dol Amroth, the Elf watched the Kathen families quickly learn to be jewelers or builders or do something other than wait for their parents to die. That seemed a harder lesson after twenty eight generations of Princes in Belfalas. High-born boys of Dol Amroth were marrying rich merchants' daughters to maintain appearances. Inariel's infuriating Elf grinned, musing that he had married above his station, given his origin; well above. She gave him another reason to smile that evening and then lay on his chest to say, "You have not asked me about the mirror, husband."

"No."

"Why not?"

"That was for you. I told you what I saw because it affects you. I am sure you will tell me if I need to know."

A little of the petulant Princess showed through, "That is so unfair! Men are supposed to ask their ladies so they can refuse."

After one hundred and forty years, he still did not recognize gentle teasing from the gentle sex. Orcs only had vicious teasing. He responded thoughtfully, "That does not seem wise."

"Oh, you are a nuisance! Now I cannot even gloat!"

~o~

Over the winter, Scholar Kath scoured the archives for Elvish navigation. It was thin. They always seemed to know where they were going, having done it for ages and seldom going new places. Inariel spent the time visiting her brother and sister and their families. Neither remembered their mother's poem for the drawing.

There was no actual plan for the Kaths to leave. Inariel's illness seemed far away. That came crashing down in February. Nag Kath returned from visiting his newest niece to see Inariel listless on the sofa. He ran over and felt her neck. She was breathing but cold with little pulse. Her Elf dashed to the kitchen and ate an entire Lembas cake with half a pitcher of tea and returned to his wife. The healer applied the same spell as in Alas Forten but brought it up very slowly and held it for several minutes. Then he fell into deep sleep. She woke him the next afternoon by stretching and hitting him on the ear. Both were disoriented but could stand. That confirmed; she flopped back on the couch while he fetched the last cold tea in the kitchen.

She drank almost all of it and said softly, "Same thing, my dear. Are you sure it is the call?"

"No, but I cannot think of what else. You will not survive another bout."

"Then I must go."

"Then I will take you. You are my wife and we will face what we find together. It is time to tell those we love."

~o~

In the Kingdom of Gondor, the King comes first. Inariel and Nag Kath walked up to their apartments on the seventh and asked both the King's and Princess' stewards if they could meet shortly. That was arranged in two hours. The three children of Aragorn and Arwen met in the King's quarters with Queen Aranthal and Nag Kath for moral support.

Inariel started to cry and begged their forgiveness. When she was able, she said, "Brother, sisters, I must go to the Undying Lands. My difficulty has returned twice, near to death the last. My time in Middle-earth is ending. I had fourteen years more than I would have and was returned to you, for which I am so very grateful. We will return to Dol Amroth after settling our affairs and take a craft across the waves in hopes of finding our kin. I will miss you all so terribly …"

That was as much as she could bear. Her siblings were stunned. Eldarion managed, "When must you go, dear sister?"

When Inariel could not answer, Nag Kath said, "We will leave here in two or three weeks and make for the sea. There we will have a boat made to follow those who have gone before. We may not find it or not be accepted, but there is no other path for us now." He looked at his wife who could still not speak through her tears. Millicend was in shock. "You will see us several more times, my friends, and we hope to say goodbye to the Prince and Princess in Ithilien as well as your families."

The Elf was tearing-up too. However many times he had repeated this in his head, this, the first admission of finality, was another piece of his endless emotional puzzle. The Queen was able to say, "I will arrange a dinner with all of our children as soon as may be, perhaps when you return from Emyn Arnen. Husband?" She looked at the King who nodded gravely.

Nag Kath took Inariel back to her apartments and let her sleep. He would need to sleep tonight too but he willed himself to visit the Conaths first. Inariel would see them before they left but he wanted her to give as few heartrending tidings as possible.

It was late in the day. Fieldar was home. He and Mazienne had seen Uncle Nag only a few days before and invited him in to share their evening meal. He shook his head and sat on the couch muttering, "Field, I remember teaching you to shoot when you were seven. You had a little bow with padded arrows. You were so good that your da and I got you a real bow. We were so proud, like the hero of the lake reborn to men."

He broke down. All those years of loss for everyone he had loved became the loss of everyone left. There were so many. Nag Kath had told himself over and over in times of terrible doubt that with love he could conquer because it alone kept him from the pit. And now, for the love of one, he must leave all else. It was the right decision. If the slaughter in Dol Amroth was any guide, his time here was ending as surely as Inariel's.

He cried while Fieldar and Mazienne waited patiently. After a pull of tea, he composed himself enough to say, "Inariel is failing. I must take her to the Undying Lands or lose her. We make for the sea in two or three weeks. I will not return." He wiped his nose on his sleeve and made himself finish, "I want to tell everyone. Can you arrange that for me? There is much to do."

The Conaths were as stunned as the royals. Mazienne finally breathed, "Of course, Uncle Nag. When?"

"Ten days, or thereabouts. The King and Princess Millicend will be doing the same thing on their end and their schedules are harder to change." He let himself chuckle at that. "We will see Barahir and Talienne in a day or two. And this is not a funeral! We are off on a long journey like many I have taken before. Throw us a party to remember."

Ten days, or thereabouts. For someone who had all the time in the world, it seemed the blink of an eye.

~o~

Nag Kath and Inariel slept until the afternoon three-bell, unheard of in their years together. When they woke, they felt fairly good and decided to ride to Emyn Arnen with the dawn. They helped themselves to two Lossarnach mounts from the officers' stables and rode hard to Osgiliath, feeling the wind in their hair. The couple made the palace just after the lunch bell and waited to be announced.

Barahir was seventy-eight and Talienne sixty-nine. Time was catching them too. Since the Kath's were seldom the bearers of bad news, the Prince started almost immediately by apologizing that his book was in the second draft and not fit to be seen.

Inariel smiled and gently touched his hand, "Then I am afraid we will miss it, old friend."

They stayed three days. Inariel did read the draft. It wasn't very long. She even had the presence to note a few things His Lordship might consider before offering the tale to a wider audience. Their children and grandchildren joined them the night before they left. Nag Kath made heir Tyaldran swear that he would never replace the sign under the Dunlending. Talienne might be the last of the Queen Nepthats. Time would tell, time they did not have.

The Kath's spent the night in Osgiliath. He wanted to say goodbye to Gred and let him know there would be new shareholders shortly. Mostly he wanted to feel the place one last time.

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~

There is a lot to consider when leaving a legacy. The morning after they returned to Minas Tirith, Nag Kath walked to Hermiston Calader, a fine notary, and said he needed his undivided attention until his affairs were settled. A nipper secured that. All of the property was to be divided between the Shurran and Eniecia branches of the family along with all of the bank accounts. There was the possibility that they would be rebuffed in the ocean and return, but they would not arrive any worse off than they left. Nag Kath would take a sack of gold and half of the remaining diamonds, which he reckoned were fungible among the firstborn.

The hard part was his art. It was a large collection since he hardly ever sold anything. Nag Kath made three stacks. One was for the archives. They could catalog it or burn it as they saw fit. Most of those were architectural renderings including the aqueduct but also spares of the great buildings of Middle-earth. A second, much smaller pile was for the families here and in Dol Amroth. It had pictures of places too but it was more of people and commemoration of time. The third, of about the same size, were the ones he would take with him. Those were mostly folk too. Some were places that meant a great deal to him but it was the people he would hold dear.

The Princess had seen him sort through these before but there was more to learn. This was his measure of time, how he created the childhood he never had. Other than Pelargir, her Elf seldom visited cemeteries. This was his burial ground - faces rather than stones. She watched him burn the illustrations back into his extraordinary memory, adapting Saruman's dubious legacy. On many he hefted the sheet in his hands as if weighing it before finding the pile.

Inariel did her legacy planning too. She owned a lot of little things, some worth quite a bit, but they needed to stay in the family. Her two large assets were the half interest in Lossarnach and Alas Forten. The horse farm was easy. When she was gone, it was Milli's. Alas Forten she decided to give to the people who had served her so faithfully. Mr. Calader devised a transfer for the Kath's to take with them.

Eldarion's farewell was solemn. Nag Kath had no sense of the history but he was, by any stretch of the imagination, the greatest hero of the Fourth Age. He never saw it. He just tried hard. As requested, the Conath family party was anything but somber. The heirs of Bard sent the Kath's out in style. There were tears at the end but there was no avoiding that.

Two days later, they took the ferry to Pelargir. Here were two more goodbyes; Helien for all the children who never had a chance, and Phylless for his mortal loves.

~o~

~o~o~o~

~o~

In Dol Amroth Nag Kath booked a room at an inn under the name of Solvanth near the commercial harbor for a month to stash the things they brought with them. Inariel waited while he walked to the respected shipwrights Laksiel and Teranfirith. They specialized in very fine smaller ships and boats, mostly for the navy but also private citizens.

Nag Kath took the Elvish sketch of a four-man boat that could me managed by two with skill and a number or drawings he made to Mr. Laksiel Junior. The fellow looked them over closely and said, "I remember da used designs like this years ago. When the Navy went to the forward-keel models, they fell out of fashion, but elements remained. Where to do you plan to travel?"

"We have property near Nargond. There are times I would rather sail than travel by horse."

The boatwright did some chin-holding and said, "Tricky waters, and you might see swells. You would not want anything smaller. Will you be carrying cargo?"

"No, or so little we may need ballast in a squall."

Laksiel Junior asked, "This was built for that. When do you need this, Lord Kath?"

So much for keeping this quiet. "I want it to be the next craft you make and will pay whatever that costs."

"Normally it would be four Florin. If we drop everything else and make apologies, call it six. I need two weeks."

"I will be back then."

Nag Kath stopped at a mercantile office for half a bell and then he and his Princess rode to Alas Forten.

~o~

Usually there was advance notice that the Lord and Princess would arrive. This time they rode to the stables and walked in the back door. Over the next week all noticed the couple was not their usual selves, not something identifiable, just a different sense about how they approached the same things. Inariel spent time with Miss Told. The woman had done very little lady's-maiding in the last fourteen years. Nearing seventy, she would not have to do even that much longer.

At the start of the third week, they explained themselves. It was not the collective gasp of the first farewells. The folk of Alas Forten were dear but also employees. The gasp came when they were told that the farm was theirs. Inariel presented the deed and shares along with a purse of twenty-five Florin in gold. Folk could take their interest in the property or cash. The Lieutenant and Miss Told would see to the arrangements. Again, they were sad except for Miss Told. Her fairy Princess was going away with her love to live forever in the land without strife. It was romantic.

~o~

There was one more chore on the mainland.

The farm hadn't changed much in the last four years. Even in winter there was work in the garden or caring for their animals. Delthandir and Beksa were planting the late cabbage. Inara was further down their lane tending the lamb pen. They saw the Elves arrive and came to greet them. There were handshakes and hugs all round. Auntie Inara said to her namesake, "Child, look how you have grown!" Inara grinned and shrugged. She was at least two inches taller than her mother.

The girl looked behind her and squealed before running back to open gate of the pen. This was not the elbow and knee run of a lass. She covered the ground quickly and did not take the feint of an escaping lamb.

Delthandir agreed, "She is tall indeed. We had thought she might be more womanly at this age."

Lady Inariel said evenly, "That is why we have come."

Beksa thought a moment and called to her daughter, "Inara, take a few coppers from the cup. You and Enedith go to the village and see if Mrs. Hellith has any more of her rhubarb pies. If not, see what else you can find for dessert. Uncle and Auntie will be staying for dinner. Be back before then, mind."

That meant she would have time to see her friends. Inara showed the same closing speed she used to nab the lamb and collected Cook. Enideth left the house draping a shawl over her shoulders, looking at her employers with a mix of curiosity and understanding. The Leavens needed privacy. Delthander motioned for his guests to go inside.

The Elves and Delthander sat at the table. Beksa took a pitcher of cool tea from the pie safe and brought four cups before taking her seat. It was the Elves turn to talk. Nag Kath began, "This is not bad news. It might be very good news. And it might not be news at all. We …" looking at Inariel "… need to reintroduce ourselves. I am what I said, a wandering healer of Elvish extraction with small sorcerous powers." He looked again at his lady.

"And I am the Princess Inariel Telcontar."

The Leavens started to rise and bow but Inariel quickly said, "No, please. In this happy home I am Auntie Inara. We are just old friends."

Both sat down. Nat Kath continued, "Only three days before your Inara was born, I had to heal the Prin … Inara from a malady unseen in thousands of years. She had been born a woman but the Elf in her blood rebelled. I restored her in favor of her mother's people to save her."

Inariel took the next leg, "We believe that the orange glow we saw was my father's life spirit transferring from me to Inara. If so; she may have become a Dunedain, after a fashion."

The parents looked at each other. This was not how they thought the day would go. Delthander asked, "Is my daughter healthy?"

Nag Kath took that one, "I imagine she is healthier than anyone you know. Is she ever ill?"

Beksa answered for him, "She has never been sick a day in her life. A jagged cut she got two years ago healed without a scar."

Nag Kath said, "She is fast, too."

The tension broke. Delthandir laughed, "None of the boys will race her anymore."

Inariel said thoughtfully, "She is taking after me and my father. I was tall and athletic at her age too. Both of my bloods are slow to develop. We are still not certain, Nag Kath will have to do a simple test, but she could live 200 years. The difficulty is that she will probably outlive her grandchildren. It is an adjustment."

Beksa looked at both guests and ventured, "It would be hard to wed ..." and immediately put her hand to her mouth, put in mind of Princess Millicend's recent loss.

Inariel reached to the mortified woman's other hand with silent comfort.

Nag Kath thought it was time to come clean. "Delthandir, Beksa, I do not offer an apology. I had to save Inariel's life and then we had to save your life and your daughter's. I would do it every time. That is why we have returned to see our niece. She is a lovely child and will become a beautiful woman."

He became graver, "Right now, only we four know. The story will need to stay that way."

It was time for the segment Inariel had rehearsed, "There is more. Through spirit and magic, if not blood, your daughter is my sister, and daughter to Aragorn, Lord of the Reunited Kingdom."

The Leavens were taking this well. Nag Kath continued, "We have had fourteen years to think about this. It seems Inara is indeed who we thought. Inariel and I suggest you consider taking her to Arnor for a year, there to spend time with the King's Dunedain kin and see if you like it. They are mostly farmers, just as here. I will make sure you are welcome. It is there she will most likely find a match to last her lifetime."

Beksa handled the family finances and said, "I'm sorry to tell you, Nag, but we really can't afford to take a year away from the farm."

Lady Inariel cleared her throat and looked to her husband as if he had failed to buy a promised round at the tavern. Nag Kath caught her gaze and righted, "Oh, yes." He pulled a fat purse from his jacket and set it on the table. "There is thirty Florin to ease your time away. Please do not think of this as a bribe. Inara is your daughter and this is entirely your decision."

Beksa blurted, "Thirty … ! Nag, your Ladyship, I hate farmin'. And I think Delthandir is getting tired of it. For thirty dented, I'll gladly go anywhere you say." She looked to Delthandir who nodded enthusiastically.

Nag Kath thought to practicalities, "You will need to wait until spring. Have you traveled much?"

They shook their heads. He added, "It is not the hard road it was, but it is still no casual stroll. Delthandir, can you handle a sword?"

He said, "I practiced with the militia every summer but I've never wielded it in anger." With that he went to the storeroom and produced a dusty sword and scabbard for Nag Kath's inspection. This was my grandfather's."

The Elf looked at the hilt and guard then thought for a long moment. "Delthander, a northern name, yes?"

"My great grandfather, a villain as the story goes. He came here after trouble in Arnor and died in an Umbar raid."

Nag Kath said, "Please give me your hand."

After the slightest hesitation, Delthander did. Nag Kath took his wrist gently but firmly and closed his eyes. In a matter of moments, the farmer's arm began to glow, yellow at first and then deepening to a light orange. To his credit, the man stayed calm. It was over in a few seconds. There was no pain but Delthander did feel a residual tingle.

Nag Kath looked at his hosts and said, "Well, it seems little Inara is getting Dunedain from two places. Do you come from long-lived folk?"

Leaven replied, "Aye. My mother is over seventy but looks fifty."

Inariel asked, "Will leaving cause her hardship?"

Beksa stifled a laugh through her nose. Delthander explained, "My mother is a harridan of the first water. Not only did your miracle save our babe, it gave us the best of reasons not to name the girl after mum."

Nag Kath said, "The leader of the Dunedain people is Tougas. I will give you a letter of introduction. May I suggest that you visit as retired farmers with your young daughter to explore family history from that proud land? You will need a guide. A Dunedain who is often in Dol Amroth for trade has been retained and will contact you in that city at the Inn of the Knight on the first of May."

The Princess offered another small cough.

"My Lady reminds me that the fellow is a bit coarse and perhaps not the most genteel company for ladies of the blood." That did not relieve him of the stare. "I will speak to him about that. His name is Wallandar."

Unimpressed, Inariel took charge, "You can tell anyone about Nag Kath. It might be better if you leave me out. People will talk. And do not mention the passing spirit, lest some might seek to elevate dear Inara and put her in jeopardy." The next sentence was said as the daughter of the King, "Passage from Dol Amroth to Mithlond will be arranged next spring and thence to the city of Annúminas. People have been retained to be sure you are properly provisioned."

After dinner they played a game to see what colors Nag Kath could conjure from everyone. As with the horse ride years ago, Enideth declined. Auntie and Uncle were silver. Mother was yellow. Father was slightly darker and daughter giggled because she was the shade of pumpkins in the garden.

~o~

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~o~

Prince Armandor dug deep. The man with the broken face did live long enough to answer questions. New Men were not as tough as they thought, including the Prince's second son Albreton. Lowly New Men were banished. Those in government were executed. Higher men got a mix of the two. Albreton fell on his sword after using it to kill his son. That wounded the Prince and Princess to the heart. His line had taken casualties in service to their beloved land before, including many who did not deserve it. Breton was buried in a lime pit.

Expecting as much, Nag Kath and Inariel waited until they were nearly ready before reporting to Raniece's. The older Ivandred line knew for weeks. Talienne's letter arrived with them. After having done the presentation so many times, it became a trek for health and new adventure. There were tears, but the pain of having said it once was the worst. Shares, money and jewels were spread here too along with the pictures and two horses. Orlon and Shadro were getting up there in years. A soft Dol Amroth billet was the best retirement a horse could ask.

The younger folk were told what they already knew and assembled for a farewell dinner. Word of the royal return would be known across the city. They would visit if the Prince asked but did not request an audience. The man might feel having the avenging sorcerer leave this world was a heaven-sent way to salve raw wounds. Lord Kath was not really a creature of the new Fourth Age.

Saying goodbye was mostly for afternoons and evenings. In the mornings, Nag Kath and Inariel practiced sailing. She had watched the many ships she had been on and understood how to position the hull based on the waves and wind. Fishing with Nag Kath helped. She learned quickly and, most importantly, was not afraid. She did take the luxury of bringing several pairs of dainty Princess gloves to protect fast-healing Elf hands.

Raniece's home was the last party. Everyone came except for Salvie, her husband Rohtho and sister Callistriana. Salvie was expecting a child any moment. The royals were prepared to run to her aid if she went into labor. If not, they would sneak by in the morning. It wasn't the bash at the Conaths, but not somber either. The youngsters were excited to hear how Uncle Nag slew the traitors. Heiri was not. Nag Kath explained that on the porch.

In the morning the Kath's did drop by Salvie and Rohtho's house to check on the expectant mother. The baby would be her second and she was fine. They spent a few minutes at Callistriana and Poldarin's next door to leave a few parting diamonds and get hugs. Inariel decided she liked hugs and had better get them on this side of the sea.

Hand in hand, they walked to the boat.

~o~

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~o~