The southern border of Forochel. April 5, SA 542
THRANDUIL sat up in the dark. The wailing of the twin princes was fading, but for a brief, panic-stricken moment, he thought he was inside Menegroth as the fire raged and the smoke filled the halls. Thranduil clutched the leather rope around his neck as he looked around wildly until his eyes fell on a spot of silvery light from above.
Thranduil glanced up at the opening on the ceiling. The moon was bright and the sky was clear.
Taking a long breath, Thranduil clenched his hands to stop the shaking. It had been a while since he dreamt of Menegroth. His stomach churned. Something bad was coming. Silently, Thranduil got up, careful not to wake Elrond who slept in the bedroll next to him.
As he left the cave, Thranduil noted the guards at the entrance. They did not have guards there until yesterday when a messenger from the White Bears arrived. Tall and lanky, the messenger had the straw hair of Sif and Yrsa. Several warriors and the elders in the village gathered in the longhouse along with the messenger, and when they came out, guards were set up at the boundary of the village and in front of the cave.
When Thranduil sought out Bodvar, he said the messenger brought news of Orcs gathering at the mountain near their village in Forochel. The Black Bears were alarmed. According to Bodvar, they were originally from farther east, at the base of the Misty Mountains. When the Orcs moved near them and began to expand into their territory, Bodvar's people left rather than engage in conflict, and to live near their kin, the White Bears. Unlike the Black Bears, the White Bears had lived in the snowy tundra by the Ice Bay for as long as Bodvar could remember. As for his people, Bodvar said his people hoped to return to the Misty Mountains one day.
Feeling the eyes of the guards on his back, Thranduil climbed the rocky hillside where the cave stood. When he found a large rock he was looking for, Thranduil sat down beside it. He didn't want to be seen but wanted to be able to look down at the front of the village.
Taking a long breath, Thranduil tried to bring out his light. A faint light flickered over his hand. It blinked a couple of times then went out. Thranduil smiled. For the past four centuries, he had been able to generate light of his own. It was faint. It wasn't steady and it flickered like a tiny firefly whose light was barely visible. And among the bright lights of others, and especially compared to the brilliance of Elrond's light, it was pathetic as lights went. But it was his, and Thranduil was proud of it. As long as he could generate his own light, there was hope. As his mother had said, having hope was to look up, to think positively, and to have faith that Eru was looking out for them. Thranduil wanted to believe that. As long as he could generate his light, even if it was faint as his was, there was hope for him yet.
Clutching his necklace, Thranduil looked out beyond the village. Under the pale silver light of the moon, a wide snow-covered tundra lay ahead. Bodvar said he had talked with Skuld, the messenger from the White Bears, who had agreed to take them to a village of Northmen which was near the mountain.
Thranduil looked up at the fading stars above. The dawn would arrive soon and he would leave here with Bodvar and the messenger. They planned to be gone before the two Silmacils who left early yesterday to scout the area around them return later today.
Thranduil had wanted to leave the day Bodvar had invited him to his home. But the Skin-changer had suggested getting more information from his brother-in-law as he did not know the area around the mountain. Just as they were going to discuss the details, Baldor had shown up. And the two Silmacils had their eyes on Thranduil making it almost impossible to leave without notice. In the meantime, Bodvar sent a raven to the White Bears.
Forced to wait, Thranduil had spent the time planning. This unexpected time had given Thranduil time to think. When he left the East Fort, catching up to Aron had been the priority. He did not know where the Orcs intended to take Aron or how long they would keep his friend alive. Now, Thranduil knew where that warg-rider took Aron. Thranduil also knew that Aron would be alive, at least until the fallen Maia got what he wanted. He was certain Sauron wanted him. What he did not understand, however, was why. He was nobody. He had no power or influence at Lindon. He was the captain of the Royal Guards, but he was also an outsider. He had limited knowledge about the workings of Lindon and the details of its military power. Having disguised himself as a cadet, Sauron would know that much.
Even as the ward of the king, Sauron would know that Thranduil did not have any negotiable value. Gil-galad would not hesitate to sacrifice Thranduil if by giving him up, it meant saving Lindon. Thranduil knew it was nothing to do with whether Gil-galad liked him or not. It wasn't personal. The king had a responsibility to his people first and foremost. If he could sacrifice one life to prevent war, something that could save thousands, why would any king hesitate?
Thranduil looked toward the east where the sky was brightening. Dawn was coming. The more he thought, the more Thranduil realized he had spent too much time reacting rather than thinking. Perhaps, he had been too hasty. What had Gilmagor said? A leader must know his own weaknesses and know how to control them. Gilmagor mentioned five failings a commander must avoid. Amongst them, the commander had said recklessness and hasty temper were worse than the other three, that of wanting perfection, having excessive compassion, and cowardice.
He could now understand why Feanor, as brilliant and incomparable in every way, failed as a leader. Instead of thinking clearly and carefully, he reacted to what happened around him. Feanor was emotional after the death of his father. He allowed his emotions to color his judgment. His anger and the desire for revenge had clouded his mind and hindered clear thinking. He unwittingly furthered his enemy's goal, that of spreading misinformation by repeating the lie to his people. He was a good example of a charismatic leader who could not think beyond his own hurts and pride. And Morgoth had played upon Feanor's weaknesses.
Noldor may blame Feanor's failure on the doom or even promulgate it as the realization of glory, but as an outsider, Thranduil saw it as a failure of leadership that brought Noldor pain and suffering. They may sing of all the glory and valor they have achieved, but in reality, their early actions lacked wisdom. The high and mighty Noldor who considered themselves the wisest were deceived by Morgoth. They had allowed their pride to blind them. Thranduil was sure the Noldor did not mean to educate him of their failures, but he saw the reflection of his own flaws and learned more from their failures than from their successes. And here he was being hasty and reckless again.
Perhaps he had been too hasty and too focused on pursuing Aron that he had not given a thought to Elrond and his position. And those two Silmacils. What kind of burden did he place on them? There were very few of them left. Every Silmacil had important assignments. And what was he doing trying to do this almost impossible task with only Bodvar? What would happen to Bodvar's family if something were to happen to him? If Bodvar got injured, or worse, Thranduil knew it would be his fault. He had only thought of going after Aron never thinking about the consequences to others who tried to help him.
Thranduil touched his stomach. This uneasy feeling he felt, it was a warning. He was about to jump into something very dangerous without having any coherent plan. Gilmagor said planning is everything. Even as plans change, one must think of every situation before making a move. Success depended on knowing yourself, your enemy, and being prepared to counter every move the enemy was going to make.
One by one, Thranduil went over the events of the past few days. Sauron trained with them as a cadet. That necromancer knew him and knew Elrond. He knew Thranduil's temper and tendencies. That Orc telling them that his master wanted both Elrond and him was probably not just a slip of a tongue. He had learned about Sauron and knew the lieutenant of Morgoth was a careful planner. That snake would have known how he would react to Aron's abduction.
Thranduil took in a long breath to calm himself. Was he playing into what Sauron wanted of him?
Just then, down below the entrance of the cave, he saw Elrond. The Half-elven looked around, then approached one of the guards. Elrond pointed to his hair, then to the ruby stone of his dagger. The guard pointed upward.
His first thought was to hide, but Thranduil decided it was time he talked with Elrond. He could hear Elrond's soft footfall climbing up the rocky hill.
"Elrond," Thranduil waited until Elrond was near and called out. "Why are you up so early?"
"I should be asking the same thing of you." Elrond sat down next to him.
"Are you keeping an eye on me, Peredhel?"
"Well, until Thoron and Baldor return, I am to stick to you like a tree sap." Elrond grinned.
Thoron and Baldor had gone to scout the area along with the guards from the village. As soon as they return, they were to leave for the Hills of Evendim where the king's army had a hidden camp.
"So, tell me, Elrond, what do you plan once we get to the camp in Evendim. How will we rescue Aron?"
"The Orcs attacked us. It is a different story now. We need to inform the Council."
"To do what? Outright war? Are we ready for that?"
"No one is ready for war, Thranduil. We fight because we must."
"What happened does not amount to a full engagement. None of us died. And unlike us, Sauron lost half of the Orcs and the wolves and the whole of the wargs he sent. Only Aron is lost for now. The king, and more importantly the council, will not entertain war until they feel it cannot be avoided. If I was the king, I wouldn't."
Elrond's face was aghast. "You speak as if you do not care that Aron was taken, that he is still in the hands of the enemy. Wasn't this all for Aron?"
"Of course, I care. But I know now where to find him and I know they will not kill him."
"How could you be so sure?"
"Because you and I are what Sauron wants. I think Aron is meant as bait, which means he would not kill him until he has us. Do you remember what that Orc said?"
"I do, but I don't understand it. How did he know about Aron and you? Even as Gelir, he did not know Commander Aron. And why would he want us?"
"You, I understand. You have all the military information on the king's army. I am more puzzled about his interest in me. I don't know anything important."
"Well, you did stab him."
"No. He stabbed himself. I told you he took my hands and did the stabbing."
"Before that. After Astarno struck Sauron, that Maia blasted him off the cliff. I thought you struck him with my dagger."
"That was more out of desperation. I don't know how much damage I caused him. Astarno was the one who faced him."
"Perhaps you wounded his pride. And he wants revenge."
"Sauron starting this conflict to avenge his pride? That doesn't sound like what I read about him."
Elrond pulled at his front braid. Thranduil took Elrond's hand away. "Stop worrying, Elrond. I have been thinking. I don't think Sauron will attack us here."
Thoron and Baldor had tried to convince Thranduil to go to the camp at Evendim, telling him staying here would endanger the villagers.
"How do you know?"
"We have been here for five days and he has not attacked us yet. Either he does not know we are here, which seems unlikely if Thoron was right that we were being watched, or he is waiting."
"For what?" Elrond looked up, his face tense and drawn.
"For me to come to him."
"But you won't go to him. Why would you?"
Thranduil looked away at the tundra beyond the cluster of pine trees that marked the boundary of the village nestled around the arms of the hill where Bodvar's house stood.
"You are not thinking of going to him. You are not." Elrond yanked Thranduil's arm, forcing him to look at the Half-elven. "There is something I need to tell you."
"I am to meet with Bodvar just before sunrise. His wife's clan, the White Bears, they live near the Ice Bay in Forochel. There is a mountain near a human village there. The Orcs are gathering there. I think Aron is there."
"Thranduil, this is a trap. If he wants you there, then that is more reason why you should not go there. I feel you and I should not be anywhere near Sauron right now. Who knows what his intention is? We haven't heard from him for the past four centuries. He must have plans, to plant seeds of discord among us or maybe even war. Whatever it is, we must not give him what he wants. We should take Thoron's advice and go to Evendim. Leave Aron to Baldor and Thoron. They said they will join Lord Gilmagor and will work to rescue Aron. You trust them, don't you?"
"I don't know. If Sauron wanted war, why spoil the element of surprise by taking Aron and Gwinion? That has only garnered our attention. He wanted us to focus our attention on the abduction. I can't help the feeling that it was a diversion. There was something else he did not want us to pay attention to." Thranduil got up. His mind was churning now. The things that had made little sense seemed to fall into place one by one. "Remember that incident with the wolves and the children Eryn mentioned? How hunters were sent out and two went missing?"
Elrond frowned but nodded.
"What if that is related to this abduction somehow? I don't know how, but I can't help the feeling that somehow they are related."
"Stop changing the focus, Thranduil. Whether or not they are related, that is not relevant to what we were talking about. Those hunters may have been delayed. We don't know. What is important is that you do not go to Forochel. I hope you are not trying to convince Bodvar to give you a ride to that mountain, are you? Please tell me that is not your plan. That is suicide. For once, stop being reckless and listen to me."
Thranduil sighed. "That had been my plan. I just needed to go find Aron. But, you are right, Elrond. I jump into things without thinking too much about consequences. And I do not listen enough."
Elrond's eyes rounded. "What have you done with Thranduil?" Elrond stood up, then poke his finger into Thranduil's chest. "This can't be you. You rarely listen."
"I am trying. Help me, will you? Even if Sauron has a war on his mind, I don't believe he is ready yet. If we attack him first…"
"Attack? How? The four of us?"
"The troops at Evendim."
"Impossible. We will need authorization from the council. And even if we had it, we do not have enough information on Sauron and his strength. If we attack now, we will be attacking blindly. Never mind the distance we have to move our troops."
"I wasn't thinking full frontal assault, Elrond."
"Then, what do you have in mind?"
"You said Lord Gilmagor is at Forochel with some of the Silmacil. That means they are looking for information on Sauron and the strength of his arms. I am sure Sauron is already aware of the Silmacils. How about we distract Sauron. I will go to him." Elrond crossed his arm and shook his head. "Wait, just wait, Elrond. Hear me out. You and Eryn go to Evendim to move around the troops there. If your authority alone cannot, I am sure Thoron or Baldor could authorize that. Just move them from one place to another. You are not doing anything else so you wouldn't need the authorization from the Council."
Elrond tilted his head. "You are counting on Sauron watching us and having also his eyes on our troop movements. You just want Sauron to think we are moving our troops. But Thranduil, that can be dangerous. If Sauron feels threatened…"
"If he is not ready for battle as I assume he is, he will either offer Aron to appease us or send out what army he has to deceive us that he is ready. But, if it is the latter, he will empty his mountain, allowing Gilmagor to take advantage of it. I could also use the diversion of Sauron's attention to rescue Aron."
"But if you are wrong and he is fully prepared to start a war, we would have provided the reason without the authorization of the king and the council. This is no light matter, Thranduil. Let's discuss this with the Silmacils. Thoron and Baldo are due to return this afternoon. Perhaps we could go with them and journey to Forochel. Seek the counsel of the Lord Commander."
"Meet the Lord Commander? Do you have a death wish, Elrond? He will probably hang you upside down for disobeying him, and I don't want to think about what he will do to me." Thranduil shuddered. He had learned to have a healthy dose of fear for Lord Gilmagor as did everyone else.
"Nothing we don't deserve." Elrond chuckled. "But if you are serious about not being reckless and listening to advice, then this is what we should do. And there is something I should tell you." Elrond's face turned serious.
"Perhaps, there is something I should tell you also."
He wasn't sure if it was the right time, but Thranduil felt it was time he should tell Elrond about the pain in his arm, and even maybe about the dragon blood. He wasn't sure if it was related to Sauron, but if he was ever to open up about it, he felt this was it. The dread he was feeling, Thranduil felt it was somehow related to the blood.
"Let me go first, Thranduil." Elrond rotated his neck as if to release tension there. "Three nights ago, I had a dream."
"Prophetic kind?"
"I am not sure. I never know for certain." Elrond turned and looked away at the tundra. He was quiet for a long time.
The sky on the east turned bloody red. Thranduil looked toward Bodvar's house. He could see Bodvar leaving his house with that messenger from the White Bear village. They were heading to the back of the village boundary where Thranduil was supposed to meet them.
"Hold your thought, Elrond. Let me go tell Bodvar of the change in the plan. Then, we will talk."
"All right. I will go see Eryn and see how Gwinion is doing. But, you and I need to talk before the Silmacils return."
Leaving Elrond, Thranduil hurried to the meeting spot. Although it was close to the village, it was private as the rocky hillside hid it from the view of villagers. Bodvar had shown it to Thranduil while giving a tour of the village. Although Elrond and the two Silmacils had been with them, they had not been able to understand the words he exchanged with Bodvar.
"Thrandu," Bodvar greeted when Thranduil entered the closed-off area. He handed Thranduil a large bag. "Your things, ya? And I have more good news. My father will give you as much help as you require, ya. I told you my father would understand." Bodvar smiled widely.
"Thank you, Bodvar," Thranduil bent his head. "But as I said before, you need not accompany me. I would have gone with your messenger on my own." Thranduil nodded to the pale-haired messenger who he met briefly yesterday. "But that is unnecessary now. I have talked to my friend. I think your prior advice is a sound one. This matter is too dangerous for just us to handle. I will wait for the rest of my friends to return and discuss this matter further before proceeding."
"Ahahaha!" Bodvar laughed out loud. "I am glad you listen to my words, ya? I know you wise. My father is right. You deserve this." Bodvar took out a pouch. "My brother-in-law sent it, ya. A very precious, this." Taking a step closer, Bodvar took out something golden, then clasped it around Thranduil's neck.
Thranduil looked down at the golden collar.
"What is this?"
"A fine gift, ya? My brother-in-law sent one for my father, and another for you. For saving Hroar."
"How did he know about that?" Thranduil asked. He felt strange. Something was happening, but he couldn't tell what.
"Huh?" Bodvar tilted his head. He turned to Skuld. "Ya. How did Frodi know about Thrandu? About him saving my Hroar? I didn't mention it."
Skuld shrugged. "I know not. I just follow Frodi's command."
Thranduil felt a sudden thirst. Something ignited and spread through his veins. And from somewhere deep within him, soft laughter rose, faint like a spark of fire that burned slowly at first but roaring into a flame that rose higher and higher, burning through and consuming all.
Feanor (Sindarized Quenya name, Feanaro, Spirit of Fire)—Known as the greatest of Noldor both in beauty and strength of mind and body, Feanor was famed for being many things, among them craftsman, jewel-smith, warrior and a loremaster. He is credited as the inventor of Palantir, the seeing stones, Feanorian lamps, and his greatest achievement, the Silmarils, the three jewels that brought about the War of Jewels that lasted through the First Age. He is also known for improving the lettering system, Tengwar. He was to Elves what Melkor was to the Valar, the greatest and the brightest who fell. He was the eldest son of Finwe, the first king of Noldor. Fingolfin (Gil-galad's grandfather) was Feanor's half brother. He led the Noldor from Valinor to Middle Earth to seek vengeance for the death of his father and to get back the Silmarils from Morgoth. The oath he made in pursuit of those goals led ultimately to the three kinslayings of the Teleri and Sindar by the Feanorians.
A/N: Happy Holidays. Thank you to all who have read my stories, and for leaving me comments and likes. Thank you very much. This was a tough year for everyone. Please stay safe and let us hope that the New Year bring much better times for everyone.
Also, I will be taking some time off from work and take some much needed rest. And on that note, I may skip a week or two from posting. I will try not to, but it is a possibility. Please know that I will return as soon as I can. Thanks.