Lord of the Rings: Men of the Desert
Chapter 4: The West Meets The East
By Royal Decree from the Shah of Namur, we will pledge aid to Gondor and Rohan. It will be important that the two lands of Men have an allied stronghold in the East. On orders from the Shah, I am to be an envoy to see to Theoden, King of Rohan. The constant feuding with Easterlings, Haradrim, and Variags have made us experienced in matters of war
I rode for days over the seas of sand until I made it to the mountainous and rugged green lands of the West. I looked upon a hill at the sight of Edoras. Our horsemen have often been compared to the Rohirrim in terms of skill and deadly efficiency on the battlefield. It warms me that I made it this far from my homeland. My stallion, Harba, needs his rest
"Come, we are expected" I said to him
I lightly petted and stroked the side of his neck, and we rode down to the gates. I was stopped by the guards "Halt! State your business, stranger!" the guard requested of me, I dismounted my stallion. My armor made a clatter as I landed on my feet. I see in his eyes behind the mask of his iron helmet that he has no trust in me. I am not insulted in this
"I present myself as an envoy of the Shah of Namur, my reasons are peaceful as are those of the Shah" I replied, and handed him a written decree. He looked at the decree, and his eyes were studying me. I can see this royal guard has seen many battles in his past. I rested my hand on the pommel of a sword. My other is leading my horse by the reigns.
He nodded lightly "Come with me"
I walked into the Royal Hall, and I was welcomed by the scent and sight of a suckling pig roasting over a spit as well as mead and ale "Hail Theoden King, I am Mai of the Desert Realm, Daughter of Sanari, servant to Asif, Chieftain of Zahra" I said, presenting myself and my titles to the King, "I present myself for reasons of friendship between our lands,"
"And why I should I extend my hand you?"
"And why should you not?" I asked back,
"I am neither of the Easterlings, Variags, or Haradrim, I am Nazamling" I replied as I kneeled to the king as a show of respect "I come to you as an envoy to the Shah of Namur as a friend to the People of Rohan" A young lady with long hair the color of wheat ripe for the harvest is at his side. My brown eyes met hers. I can see the same distrust in me.
"Why should we put faith in one where I can only see your eyes? And that the only way to tell you are a woman is by your voice?" she asked of me "so Mai is your name, yes? I suggest you choose your next words carefully" I was not easily swayed to fear by a young lady with a sword. From the word of the king, I have gathered that her name is Eowyn
"My kinfolk are not your enemies" I stated
I stood up, and her blade moved up to my neck as I did so. I removed my dark blue cloak to reveal myself in traditional armor with my sword at my right side, and a dagger at my left called a 'Qama' "Will this do?" I asked of the King. I touched the blade, and moved it to the side. King Theoden scratched his bearded chin as if pondering an idea in mind
"Eowyn, stand down" said the King to his niece "forgive her, our relationships with men from the east have not been those of friendship in the past" he explained "I only know of your kind as merchants and sheepherders, by the armor you wear, I wish to know more about the Nazam" he requested, immediately after his words, Eowyn protested his words
"Uncle, I must protest..."
The King gently held up his hand to her to call for silence and placed it back down on the arm of his throne "Which I why I suggest a challenge, a test of skills, to prove yourself worthy of your own armor" suggested the King "to see to it that this challenge is on equal terms, you are to face my niece, which I am sure she is not opposed to this decision?"
"Until then, rest and fill your belly, I can see that you are weary from travel, your challenge will begin on the morrow at first light" he concluded, I bowed to the King of Rohan in the same manner of respect I will give to the Shah that rules our lands. Eowyn looked at me with eyes as sharp as a sword as she left. I ponder on what her intentions might be.
"You come to us with bow, spear, and sword?"
"Forgive my sister, though you are from the east, you say you are different, it is best you prove it" said a handsome man, by the color of his hair I can see that he and the one called Eowyn are related by blood. I gave him unoffended nod, a good man he is "you are Mai, Daughter of Sanari, quite an exotic title I must say, I am Éomer, Son of Eomund,"
"I am not familiar with such ways as a form of earning trust, but I will see to the wisdom of your king" I replied, and made my leave, "I bid you a good evening, Éomer, Son of Éomund" I made my leave to the chamber offered to me. I looked back at him, smiling under my veiled face. Like the very first West Man I met, I see him as a friend in my eyes