Chapter 65
Meliath
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The ship pulled into the docks early in the afternoon on purpose. It gave Nag Kath and Elurín time to take lodging in a fine inn and let the spymaster's 'eyes' know they were here on business. Nag Kath stayed to his room. Elurín ate out. When he returned, there was nothing unusual to report except that the port was bringing in more iron and steel than usual. Nag Kath told him about iron smuggling on the Anduin and how crates were mislabeled in the fraud. Naitë Mélamar had few iron mines but they could buy all they wanted. 'Eyes' watched that lately.
It was a four day ride to the capital Arnost on a flawless road. They saw early-wheat harvested but it was still too soon for militia. Inns were pleasant and the food was good. It might be a long time before Nag Kath took rooms without wanting to inspect them for lice. On the afternoon of the fourth day they rode to old-fashioned walled-gates. A stout surround, never less than fifteen-feet high, encircled the entire palace built on a modest hill in the city center. The outer gates were open during the day but there were skid-marks on the ground showing they were closed each night, against whom was unclear. Quick glances showed the wall-walks could handle archers at least three deep but Nag Kath saw no pitch or arrow louvers to shoot down.
Under various names, Elurín had been here several times. He used the unlovely Festular for the occasion. It sounded Rhûnish to the youngster. The representatives of Yandieth and Solvanth took lodgings at the Inthorn, a good but not superb inn near the commercial sector of the city. Nag Kath's room was the better of the two. Elurín's was closer to a stairway leading either out or down to a cellar with a service hatch on the side of the building.
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For the first day they did absolutely nothing public. At the appointed time, one of Elurín's local lads walked by to signal no one else was watching. The spymaster explained Arnost was more like a mannish city than most. Quendi could have their own businesses and keep what they made, less taxes. That meant in addition to hereditary lordship, there was a merchant nobility who liked to dress the part. If selective word was spread, all the wrong people would like a look at the jewelers' inventory.
For security reasons, in Middle-earth a real gem peddler would make customers come to a fortified building after paying the right officials. In their case, they visited their customers where something might be learned. One family had a stranglehold on window-glass. The father and his ambitious wife were among those who were targeted for the first presentations. Solvanth and Festular were admitted by a gate guard and escorted to the main house where massive oak doors were opened in anticipation.
It had been an age, in the fashion-conscious sense of the term, since quality gems had been available. Aman had no Dwarves or mines except for those of the Valar. What was here had been here forever or came from Middle-earth. Jewels were spoils of war and these weren't the warring folk, at least, not yet. Solvanth could have asked the moon and gotten it. He was more interested in access. Mr. and Mrs. Jesherion had their own jeweler present to examine the stones and suggest settings if they were up to snuff. They absolutely were and the couple purchased a pair of white stones about a quarter-inch across for matching rings. They might have bought every rock young Solvanth had except his more experienced advisor cleared his throat before mentioning that they had just received a special request for another viewing. That implied someone up the hill and the Jesherions were glad to get what they did.
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Elurín was a bit surprised they hadn't received a summons from on high. In the meantime, young Solvanth had leisure to pursue his passion for celestial interpretation. There was what looked like an observatory tower inside the palace grounds, well out of reach of commoners. Among the private enterprises allowed here were; alchemy, astrology and divining the future.
The gem merchant strolled that quarter and had a hard time keeping his grin at bay. Naitë was much more like Middle-earth than anyplace he had seen in Aman. In this district, one would expect the denizens to be wizened old women or men in clothes that had seen better days. Here, everyone was handsome and had no holes in their shoes. Nag Kath found a shop with a tasteful sign that said; "Portents from the stars explained for discerning patrons." The door was freshly painted so he started there. A small painted swan was at eye height on the door jamb.
Such a place should be filthy too, but this one had been swept regularly. A bell over the door brought the proprietor from the back to bow in their fashion saying, "Ah, good morning, sir. I am Ordonir. Do you need help with an important decision?"
The astonished customer exclaimed, "How did you know? No matter, I am considering a proposal of marriage to a woman at home in Alqualondë and want to know the most propitious time to ask her parents. If the union is favored, I should also like to know the best day for a ceremony." As if confiding a secret, "Sooner is better because another suitor might not take the same care."
The astrologer held his smooth chin as he appeared to consider what he always said, "Two dates … let me see. First, young sir, give me the birth-date of your intended."
"July eighteenth of the Third Age 2871."
The fellow started flipping through on of several bound volumes on a back shelf. This was the newest. He made a few notes on a sheet of paper and then said, "And now, your date of birth?"
Dare he lie? He decided not much, "April fourth, 2912." That put him at two hundred fifty years old, barely marriageable, but he was a rich kid. That sent the soothsayer towards the front of the same book for several more auspices.
The diviner's next line would have been the same here or Osgiliath, "I will need to consult the oracles since there are two distinct dates and the one must precede the other. My calculations will be completed by this time tomorrow. The modest charge will be six silver Delsui."
Nag Kath was fairly sure that was based on the quality of his boots, not the effort to consult the auguries. It didn't matter. He was already married. The Elf said, "Splendid." Counting out the silvers he added, "I am so pleased to find this district has wise people such as yourself. Alqualondë is much enamored of 'modern' advisors, if you can imagine such nonsense."
The changeling was not wise enough to read Elvish faces but was sure the astrologer was thinking; 'a greenbottom paying top price and thinks this is excellent news! What advice might he need tomorrow?' That needed pre-selling, "Why thank you, young master. I am sorry these arts are not esteemed further north. I have been doing this for long years with many satisfied customers."
Ordonir oversold, "Did you know our own Talifür is Master of Celestial Interpretation?"
If the soothsayer hadn't mentioned it, Nag Kath would have. The greenbottom displayed his youth saying, "Talifür? An astrologer?"
"Indeed he is."
The young Quendu was impressed, "That certainly puts your efforts in the best possible light. He must be much honored here in Arnost."
"Oh yes. I know him well. He is consultant to Chancellor Selvas himself, who is said to have powers of old.
The northern lad seemed concerned. Talk of 'old powers' might have upset his delicate sensibilities. Biting his knuckle softly, the gravity seemed to pass and he said, "Then I am sure your liege is well served. I hope Lord Talifür is of good family."
With modesty the soothsayer salved, "I am not privy to such matters but he could not have reached his position without worthy ancestors, not like these come-lately folk along the mountains. I am proud to display the swan on my door."
Again, the look of concern. Had the astrologer erred in thinking the greenbottom was of those regrettably returned to Aman? The would-be groom-elect smiled and asked, "Forgive me sir; swan?"
"The mark that we cater to those who never abandoned our lands."
The young lovebird made the connection and relaxed, "Oh, I have seen those on other buildings but did not know the meaning. Does that represent the Swan ships that were burned by those correctly exiled?"
"Exactly, sir."
The customer assured him, "Such things cannot be taken for granted in these perilous times, honored astrologer Ordonir."
The soothsayer was solicitous. The coins were his. The young fellow was certainly coming back for the reading. It was time to plant the seed, "Just let me know if you need any assistance with your business decisions."
As if struck with insight, the tall youngster recalled, "Now that you mention it, father's own advisor at home saw my visit here as an opportunity. We are in the jewelry business. The timing seems good, but we have noticed that people here are much distracted. Perhaps you could broker a meeting with your friend Master Talifür."
Ordonir hardly knew Talifür, but the up-and-coming counselor was fond of pretty things and this handsome young fellow appreciated celestial advice. The soothsayer tried to puff the exclusivity of his intercession by saying, "He is terribly busy. I will see what I can do."
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Elurín was sitting in the dining hall nursing a mug of tea when his charge walked in and joined him. The spymaster said, "We have another appointment with a merchant prince this afternoon." He did not sound enthused.
The greenbottom countered, "I am consulting the stars for my proposed marriage."
Elurín just stared. The changeling continued, "Astrology is an esteemed vocation in the city. I was just gouged six Delsui for a soothsayer to pick the best auspices for me to ask my beloved's hand. We go back tomorrow for the joyous news."
Elurín's mood did not sweeten. "What does that earn us?"
"The soothsayer claims to know the astrologer who advises this Selvas. I doubt that, but I implied I would make it worth his while to arrange an introduction. Our Talifür seems fond of pretty things. If he gets wind that the people seeking the introduction are the same ones with rare jewels; that might get us in the door.
Elurín did not see the point until Nag Kath added, "Chancellor Selvas is said to have powers of old." The changeling grinned and said with his colloquial drawl, "Now, where do you suppose a right-proper Elf came by those?"
Elurín turned to the server for two goblets of wine and admitted to himself that this refugee was from a harder-school of diplomacy than Aman had seen in an age.
My Dear Master Talifür,
Please accept my congratulations on your recent appointment. I have found a situation to your advantage; a young merchant came for advice concerning an intended marriage in his home to the north. He believes deeply in celestial guidance.
His business is jewelry, evidently of fine quality. If either his wares or support of our views are of value to you, please let me know and I will arrange an introduction.
With best regards, your devoted servant, Ordonir
Ordonir thought his chances poor but worth the paper and a walk to the palace gate. He handed the letter to the adjutant who sorted many such missives to take inside every hour.
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There were only three letters today for Talifür's secretary. He opened them as soon as delivered. One was a note that sample steel blanks had been delivered in Huorëlorn last week and were on their way. The second was from an astrologer seeking an advantageous discussion. The third was the monthly report from the horse farm forty miles west saying fewer breedings than they hoped were successful. The minister's last appointment left an hour before so the secretary knocked on the door-jamb and was motioned inside.
Talifür was not a Worm Tongue. He gained his position from force rather than connivance. His secretary approached, bowed and remained standing to say, "We have received word that the first of the steel blanks are safely in port and will be loaded on wagons forthwith."
The Minister's head hurt. That was more common these days. Frequent contact with Chancellor Selvas did that. Sometimes his bones ached too, a fair exchange for advancement and enhancement of his modest talents in summoning. He leaned back in his chair and said, "Anything else?"
"Not much, sir. Many of the breedings in Marlbath did not take, same as last year, but we knew that. Then there is this …" He sorted the letters and continued, "The astrologer Ordonir wants to introduce you to a young Quendu from the north."
"What?"
"It seems the lad believes in consulting the stars and sells jewelry. I would not have bothered you but it is a slow day."
Talifür knitted his eyebrows and said, "Let me see." The secretary handed him the note, he read it and said, "What do you suppose this is about?"
"I cannot say sir. Shall I enquire?"
"No, it is probably nothing."
While the secretary was leaving, Talifür helped himself to a goblet of the fine pale wine smuggled from Thrauduil's lands. The unblessed had their uses.
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After porridge, Nag Kath returned to the astrologer's shop with Elurín for the auspices. Elurín seldom smiled or his employer would have reminded him not to. The two Quendu sat while Ordonir shuffled his arcane conclusions. The astrologer cleared his throat and said to his client, "I have consulted both my records and others, leaving no stone unturned." Elurín showed no trace of humor.
The soothsayer continued, "It is my considered opinion that the pattern of stars and the auguries they produce favor your desired union. I further believe that the ideal date for you to ask the lady's parents for her hand is Saturday, March ninth. I realize that is some time away but a strong second will be October twelfth, six weeks hence."
Mr. Ordonir shifted in his seat slightly and said, "If the auspices hold and you use the sooner date, AND (he emphasized) your suit is accepted, the best date for the nuptials would be February tenth when the moon will be in alignment with the constellation Soronúmë."
Young Solvanth gently pushed his retainer's shoulder and said with glee, "There, you see! The lass is nearly won."
His father's trusted servant said glumly, "A most fortunate pairing, Mr. Solvanth. I must remind you that we are seeing clients within the hour back at the Inthorn."
"Yes, quite right. Mr. Ordonir, your care is appreciated. Was there any news on our other business?"
The astrologer said sadly, "I have not yet heard."
Both of the guests rose and the tall one said, "Thank you again for such splendid tidings. Good day."
It was worth the effort and the soothsayer now knew his alias and where he could be found without it seeming too easy.
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At the same time in the highest council, "What is this news that the northern militias will not train until September! I wanted them in the sun a week ago!"
Lord Meliath was capable of great rages. Impetuous, intemperate and judgmental, he found the world often failed to understand his will. General Tonjum said evenly, "Late wheat for the second harvest was not planted until May because of rain, My Lord."
His Lord had known that for months. Something else was bothering the ruler of Naitë Mélamar and not one of the people seated around the table was about to ask what. Meliath continued fuming, "Why is it that I cannot be apprised of even the simplest things?! Yesterday I learned that fine Dwarvish diamonds are on sale to peddlers in the city and yet I have not been told!" He looked at his Minister of Trade.
In most Elvish realms, the community worked as a whole. If you needed something, it was provided. You did what was required in exchange. Naitë was more a mating of Elves and Easterlings. Everyone was out for himself but the Lord had a hand in all of it. The Minister of Trade was, by definition, the taxation authority for the fief. Every deal, transaction and thing produced was subject to a variety of tariffs. If rare jewels were being traded, Meliath would have his cut and he wanted the first rights of refusal on the inventory. This would have been impossible in the days when Fëanor was exiled for drawing a sword on his brother, but standards had slipped down here in the south, which was why these provinces were governed as they were in the first place.
Talifür was there on behalf of Selvas, who never attended meetings. The star-gazer had no great love of Trade Minister Flories but he took the pall off the table by saying, "I may be of some use, Rightful Lord. My contacts learned an astrologer of the city consulted a young jeweler just here from the north. Shall I enquire?"
Slightly mollified, Meliath grunted, "Humph." That meant yes.
Returning to his office, the Master of Celestial Observance passed his secretary and said, "Bring the astrologer here." As the clerk rose to comply, Talifür added, "Gently."
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