Author Note – sorry, I can't work out how to put the accents over letters,
so I'm not ignorant of Tolkien's language, just of computer technology! Be
kind, and please review. Dianor should have a stroke instead of a dot on
the 'i', and Lorien should obviously have a stress over the 'o' : ( Cannot
work damn computers!
Chapter 3
Mariel took a cautious step over the mossy earth and stopped abruptly, listening. She couldn't be sure that someone wasn't followed her. Much as she had faith in the honour of Elves, these were suspicious times full of strange occurrences: her coming to Rivendell not least so. She glanced around but saw only tall crowds of trees. But the air was alive: not with sound, but perhaps with the breath of another person. Mariel tightened her grip on the reins, and continued through the carpet of leaves.
She had dismounted in the early hours of the morning – the dense foliage and the clustered trees too close to ride between with ease. Her horse, Finrodel, placed his hooves over the soft earth with apprehensive steps. As a beast of Sueth he had a sixth sense to the environment around him. He was pawing the ground anxiously, unwilling to move forwards.
"Peace, Finrodel, peace," murmured Mariel soothingly, and reluctantly he allowed himself to be led on. "You feel something?" asked Mariel quietly, stroking his nose. "I feel it also. Something is afoot, yet I cannot tell what it is."
The pair carried on, neither carrying confidence in the place around them.
"It is a long time gone since I walked these paths," whispered Mariel, "long and neglected time. I can scarce remember that which I once knew so well. The land has changed, and I – remaining as I am – have forgotten it. Was this way the only one through when last I came here? I cannot remember; my memory deserts me."
The horse whinnied apprehensively, and the noise shouted through the silence, quiet though it was. Two birds exploded out of the bushes nearby, and Finrodel started.
"Peace!" cried Mariel, "peace, my friend!" she held his face to hers and cheek by cheek they moved on.
Suddenly there was a commotion amongst the trees. More birds took flight and soared above, startled by the disturbance; animals shot out from the undergrowth and scattered – Mariel and Finrodel drew closer to one another. Seconds later, shape came bursting out from the trees and thundered towards them.
It was an ominous sight. A dark horse, tall and fiery eyed, was leaping forwards with such power it was terrifying: astride it sat a hooded and cloaked figure, swathed in darkness and with such fearsome gaze that even from under the hood its authority beat down like the hot sun. Amazingly, Mariel seemed more relieved than frightened. She patted her horse and started across the forest floor as the terrible rider and its bearer slowed to a halt.
The rider slipped its left foot from the stirrup, swung its leg over and dismounted. Walking over to Mariel, it met her halfway and for the first time in several days of travelling, threw back its hood. Mariel managed a smile.
"Amdenia."
The dark haired rider nodded in response.
Mariel looked at her sister. She was worn with travelling, and slightly paler than usual, but her face still stood firm like a beautiful and terrible likeness of the High Elves of old. She was shorter than Mariel, and less fair, but there was no less beauty than that of all Sueth women. She had darker features and wore riding gear fashioned to her stature – fond of riding, she lived more in her riding gear than in the elegant dress of Elvish women. Behind her, her horse Aradstar snorted angrily.
"I was growing worried, sister," said Amdenia coldly, "for I despaired that I would find you."
"That is unlikely," replied Mariel; "you can ride like an arrow that knows its target even in darkness. I had despaired that I would come hence untraced, for the house of Elrond grows wary."
"You are not followed," said Amdenia shortly, "since the sun was up I rode in your wake, and none were near me. Neither were they far. It is lucky, for had they been I would have shown them the true home for the arrows I carry on my back."
"Sister you are too harsh," whispered Mariel, as ever intimidated by her sister's callousness. "They would do me no wrong."
"You misjudge them then," corrected Amdenia. "They would not harm you, but there is wrong they would do – they would wrong all of us."
Mariel fell silent. Once more, the responsibility of her own quest fell heavy upon her. "I had not forgotten," she muttered.
"I did not think it was so, sister," said Amdenia unconvincingly. "But so much relies on you. Everything, we might say."
"I had not forgotten," repeated Mariel.
Amdenia returned to her horse. "You entered the council?" she asked, preparing to mount her horse.
"Yes. The attempt is successful. I was wary at first, that –"
"There is no time for that." Amdenia cut her short. "We must ride immediately. Dianor and Felren await, almost a day's ride from here. The sun is still rising onto noon; we can make it by nightfall. Haste, sister, lest they suspect your delay is something more than idle conversation. They know my tracking skills –"
"And they suspect my treachery," finished Mariel bitterly. "Then let us ride – on to mistrust, with suspicion at my heels. Is there nowhere I can find content?"
"Not before the end," said Amdenia, without pity. She leapt onto Aradstar and brought him round. "Keep close, sister. We are not the only people abroad."
Mariel pulled Finrodel to her, and climbed into the saddle resignedly.
"Let us ride," she repeated. Amdenia spurred Aradstar forwards, and Finrodel bore Mariel mutely in their wake.
* * *
The thick blanket of night had fallen before they drew close to the small camp where Felren and Dianor were. Suddenly, from out of the shadows, two figures sprang – so dark and quick it was as though they were shadows themselves.
"Who rides?" demanded one fiercely. "Speak before I bade my friend litter you with his arrows."
"And I am a good shot," warned the other gruffly.
"That I do not deny," replied Amdenia tartly, "yet not so good as I when my bow is already drawn."
The silhouettes relaxed visibly.
"Amdenia!" they cried. "You return – and with your sister, I should hope, for otherwise my arrow shall find its way to you whether you have your bow drawn or no."
"Sound not so eager Felren," replied Amdenia, unflinching at the threat. "I have brought both Mariel and Finrodel to me, with two days solid travelling, no less."
The dark figures laughed, and each took the reins of a horse. "Such is your way," laughed Felren mirthlessly.
"I see now the lady Mariel," said Dianor, half-mockingly as he handled her horse. "Please, my lady, allow me to relieve you from your tiresome road spent in the saddle."
"Your offer is kind, but unnecessary," answered Mariel curtly: and ignoring his hand, she swung herself off her mount. "Though you might do well to show me a place to sit."
"Indeed," said Dianor unpleasantly, and led Finrodel to a tree so that he might tie him fast.
"Make not his bonds to tight," insisted Mariel, "he needs way to graze."
"Indeed, my lady," replied Dianor, none too kindly. "Felren, stop that what you attend to! The steed of the lady Mariel must have a bed, and the finest straw to feed upon!"
"Peace!" reprimanded Amdenia, seeing to her own horse, as Felren laughed darkly.
"Only the best for our little spy," he said unctuously. "Bring them both to the fire."
Amdenia and Mariel found themselves led to a small clearing, just ahead in the trees, yards from where they had stopped. The smothered ashes of a dead fire lay on the ground. Felren knelt down and rekindled them.
"I must commend you for your swift riding, Amdenia," said Dianor, as sparks arose from under Felren's hands.
"It is Aradstar, to whom you should present your compliments," Amdenia informed him.
"I myself could not have the made the journey in any less time," said Felren, coming over from the now crackling fire. "Though Dianor and myself have in the past days done much travelling across this land. Strange things are abroad. The council is right to feel we have left this later than would be best."
"In what way do you mean?" asked Mariel anxiously.
"We are not the only ones at unrest it would seem," they told her. "Middle Earth is stirring. The One Ring is awake once more."
"It would have been folly to attempt to seize it before now," said Amdenia calmly. "We can only work with the possibility given to us, now that the hour of action is imminent."
Dianor nodded. "Change is upon us. Now we must act."
He turned to Mariel.
"That is your task."
"This I know."
"You entered the council without suspicion?"
Mariel hesitated. "I entered, yes, and I was accepted to the company to which is assigned the ring, but to say it was all done without suspicion is beyond hope."
Felren frowned at her. "You applied your skill? Your charm and grace and fair speech in the need of Sueth?"
"I…tried," answered Mariel, "but it is a constant effort. Middle Earth has grown wise."
"You are not to fail," warned Felren. "You fail, and we die or worse, survive for yet another fruitless age. But you will die certainly."
Amdenia, surprisingly, intervened. "She will not fail. She has more skill in graceful deception than all the elves of Mirkwood and Lorien. Elrond himself did not suspect."
"Galadriel is wiser," ventured Mariel.
"And she will not suspect you," commanded Dianor. "Understand this, Mariel, for without you there is no one on whom we can rely."
"She will not fail," said Amdenia again. Felren turned to her, and a rare smile was in his face.
"We would have sent you, Amdenia," he said. "But we rely too heavily on your tracking."
Amdenia smiled. Mariel had the urgent feeling that arrangements had be made in her absence.
"What is your meaning?" she asked carefully. Felren turned grimly to her.
"Your first obstacle is accomplished. But to ensure that you do not fail, or more so that you do not lead us astray, Amdenia shall follow you as requires."
Mariel turned in horror to her sister. "Sister is this true?"
Amdenia looked a little subdued. "Yes," she said quietly.
"Then why do you send me?" cried Mariel in despair to Felren and Dianor, "when none trust me?"
"Because you are the only one," said Dianor contemptuously. "Amdenia is not all. The council is also abroad, and will make their own way towards the south, with others. When the task is accomplished they will bring you back with them, so that you cannot remain with any…affections you may have compiled on the way. Others of our realm travel also. They are spread all over Middle Earth. Sueth is moving."
Mariel stared in horror. "Then they have come across the sea also?" she said desperately. Felren nodded.
"You did not think that we would place all our hopes one small woman, no matter how…charming she may be?"
Mariel rose, disbelieving. "Already I am living a lie!" she cried, "and yet you make it further so!"
"It is the only way," said Dianor firmly. "This is the need and command of Sueth. You would not deny your realm?"
Mariel closed her eyes.
"I will do my duty," she spat. "Though I hope it brings others more happiness than it has to me so far."
Felren laughed coldly. "Do not fret," he said, "maybe before the end you will find your redemption."
The other three rose. "Take your horses and ride out yonder," commanded Dianor, addressing Amdenia. "Three leagues to the West lies our camp. The council is gathered there also. We will abide here longer. Our business is not yet done."
"Farewell, my lady!" jeered Felren, as the sisters mounted. Mariel turned defiantly.
"Do not think I shall ever be in your debt, Felren," she warned. "Nor that I shall ever suffer to be in your service. I will better both of you ere the end."
"Indeed," laughed their companions, and struck the horses, which cantered off into the distance.
"Amdenia should sit in her place," said Felren, when they were out of sight.
"Not so," replied Dianor. "Amdenia, unrivalled though she is, has not the elegant disguise of Mariel. Her sister is more like the elves of middle Earth than of Sueth. The contempt of our people is alive inside Amdenia. In time, her guise would be broken. Mariel, weak though she can be, has more skill to keep up an affection."
"But the line between affections in the name of Sueth and affections of her own heart is slim. And will be crossed, ere the end, I deem."
"Maybe so," replied Dianor. "But there Amdenia will play her part. With her behind Mariel, neither will succumb I feel. The bond of sisterhood is still there, incredulous though it may seem."
"Very," exclaimed Felren. "I see nothing but hatred between them."
"There is more," assured Dianor. "I see it. Amdenia may be branded with hate and coldness, as are the rest of our people, but there is love for Mariel. She would never betray her."
"And neither Mariel her," agreed Felren. "And yet that could sway us either way. I begin to doubt even the heartless Amdenia."
"Not heartless, friend, but dormant. She will address her love ere the end. And to observe the consequences, who other than you and I?"
Felren now turned to his companion, amazed. "Us?" he repeated.
"Indeed," replied Dianor. "I trust neither sister. Nor does the council. When they depart for the south, friend, we shall follow them. Not even Amdenia will suspect."
Felren looked both pleased and apprehensive. "There is too much deception, Dianor. This cannot be good. I am reluctant."
Dianor's face was alive with flame light. "Felren! The hero of Sueth shall be neither Amdenia nor her sister, but us! We shall triumph! The council and the sisters shall chase each other and end up tracking nothing but their own foolery, but we – we shall be glorious!"
"Dianor, do you tell me that the council is not aware of your intent?"
"I am barely aware of it! I merely know I will not have the bloodline of Sueth bestowed into the hands of those waifs! We – old, wise, noble, worthy – we shall triumph! Come!" he exclaimed. "We will ride this country out. Small villages lie around. We shall make enquiries and perhaps…other things. Bring the arrows."
He gave a wicked smirk. A fire danced once more in Felren's eyes.
"Take up your sword!" he said. "People shall be wary ere this night is gone!"
"More than wary! They shall be terrified!"
And laughing cruelly, the pair set off towards their own horses, and rode out to the East, charging on like the dawn was at their heels.
Chapter 3
Mariel took a cautious step over the mossy earth and stopped abruptly, listening. She couldn't be sure that someone wasn't followed her. Much as she had faith in the honour of Elves, these were suspicious times full of strange occurrences: her coming to Rivendell not least so. She glanced around but saw only tall crowds of trees. But the air was alive: not with sound, but perhaps with the breath of another person. Mariel tightened her grip on the reins, and continued through the carpet of leaves.
She had dismounted in the early hours of the morning – the dense foliage and the clustered trees too close to ride between with ease. Her horse, Finrodel, placed his hooves over the soft earth with apprehensive steps. As a beast of Sueth he had a sixth sense to the environment around him. He was pawing the ground anxiously, unwilling to move forwards.
"Peace, Finrodel, peace," murmured Mariel soothingly, and reluctantly he allowed himself to be led on. "You feel something?" asked Mariel quietly, stroking his nose. "I feel it also. Something is afoot, yet I cannot tell what it is."
The pair carried on, neither carrying confidence in the place around them.
"It is a long time gone since I walked these paths," whispered Mariel, "long and neglected time. I can scarce remember that which I once knew so well. The land has changed, and I – remaining as I am – have forgotten it. Was this way the only one through when last I came here? I cannot remember; my memory deserts me."
The horse whinnied apprehensively, and the noise shouted through the silence, quiet though it was. Two birds exploded out of the bushes nearby, and Finrodel started.
"Peace!" cried Mariel, "peace, my friend!" she held his face to hers and cheek by cheek they moved on.
Suddenly there was a commotion amongst the trees. More birds took flight and soared above, startled by the disturbance; animals shot out from the undergrowth and scattered – Mariel and Finrodel drew closer to one another. Seconds later, shape came bursting out from the trees and thundered towards them.
It was an ominous sight. A dark horse, tall and fiery eyed, was leaping forwards with such power it was terrifying: astride it sat a hooded and cloaked figure, swathed in darkness and with such fearsome gaze that even from under the hood its authority beat down like the hot sun. Amazingly, Mariel seemed more relieved than frightened. She patted her horse and started across the forest floor as the terrible rider and its bearer slowed to a halt.
The rider slipped its left foot from the stirrup, swung its leg over and dismounted. Walking over to Mariel, it met her halfway and for the first time in several days of travelling, threw back its hood. Mariel managed a smile.
"Amdenia."
The dark haired rider nodded in response.
Mariel looked at her sister. She was worn with travelling, and slightly paler than usual, but her face still stood firm like a beautiful and terrible likeness of the High Elves of old. She was shorter than Mariel, and less fair, but there was no less beauty than that of all Sueth women. She had darker features and wore riding gear fashioned to her stature – fond of riding, she lived more in her riding gear than in the elegant dress of Elvish women. Behind her, her horse Aradstar snorted angrily.
"I was growing worried, sister," said Amdenia coldly, "for I despaired that I would find you."
"That is unlikely," replied Mariel; "you can ride like an arrow that knows its target even in darkness. I had despaired that I would come hence untraced, for the house of Elrond grows wary."
"You are not followed," said Amdenia shortly, "since the sun was up I rode in your wake, and none were near me. Neither were they far. It is lucky, for had they been I would have shown them the true home for the arrows I carry on my back."
"Sister you are too harsh," whispered Mariel, as ever intimidated by her sister's callousness. "They would do me no wrong."
"You misjudge them then," corrected Amdenia. "They would not harm you, but there is wrong they would do – they would wrong all of us."
Mariel fell silent. Once more, the responsibility of her own quest fell heavy upon her. "I had not forgotten," she muttered.
"I did not think it was so, sister," said Amdenia unconvincingly. "But so much relies on you. Everything, we might say."
"I had not forgotten," repeated Mariel.
Amdenia returned to her horse. "You entered the council?" she asked, preparing to mount her horse.
"Yes. The attempt is successful. I was wary at first, that –"
"There is no time for that." Amdenia cut her short. "We must ride immediately. Dianor and Felren await, almost a day's ride from here. The sun is still rising onto noon; we can make it by nightfall. Haste, sister, lest they suspect your delay is something more than idle conversation. They know my tracking skills –"
"And they suspect my treachery," finished Mariel bitterly. "Then let us ride – on to mistrust, with suspicion at my heels. Is there nowhere I can find content?"
"Not before the end," said Amdenia, without pity. She leapt onto Aradstar and brought him round. "Keep close, sister. We are not the only people abroad."
Mariel pulled Finrodel to her, and climbed into the saddle resignedly.
"Let us ride," she repeated. Amdenia spurred Aradstar forwards, and Finrodel bore Mariel mutely in their wake.
* * *
The thick blanket of night had fallen before they drew close to the small camp where Felren and Dianor were. Suddenly, from out of the shadows, two figures sprang – so dark and quick it was as though they were shadows themselves.
"Who rides?" demanded one fiercely. "Speak before I bade my friend litter you with his arrows."
"And I am a good shot," warned the other gruffly.
"That I do not deny," replied Amdenia tartly, "yet not so good as I when my bow is already drawn."
The silhouettes relaxed visibly.
"Amdenia!" they cried. "You return – and with your sister, I should hope, for otherwise my arrow shall find its way to you whether you have your bow drawn or no."
"Sound not so eager Felren," replied Amdenia, unflinching at the threat. "I have brought both Mariel and Finrodel to me, with two days solid travelling, no less."
The dark figures laughed, and each took the reins of a horse. "Such is your way," laughed Felren mirthlessly.
"I see now the lady Mariel," said Dianor, half-mockingly as he handled her horse. "Please, my lady, allow me to relieve you from your tiresome road spent in the saddle."
"Your offer is kind, but unnecessary," answered Mariel curtly: and ignoring his hand, she swung herself off her mount. "Though you might do well to show me a place to sit."
"Indeed," said Dianor unpleasantly, and led Finrodel to a tree so that he might tie him fast.
"Make not his bonds to tight," insisted Mariel, "he needs way to graze."
"Indeed, my lady," replied Dianor, none too kindly. "Felren, stop that what you attend to! The steed of the lady Mariel must have a bed, and the finest straw to feed upon!"
"Peace!" reprimanded Amdenia, seeing to her own horse, as Felren laughed darkly.
"Only the best for our little spy," he said unctuously. "Bring them both to the fire."
Amdenia and Mariel found themselves led to a small clearing, just ahead in the trees, yards from where they had stopped. The smothered ashes of a dead fire lay on the ground. Felren knelt down and rekindled them.
"I must commend you for your swift riding, Amdenia," said Dianor, as sparks arose from under Felren's hands.
"It is Aradstar, to whom you should present your compliments," Amdenia informed him.
"I myself could not have the made the journey in any less time," said Felren, coming over from the now crackling fire. "Though Dianor and myself have in the past days done much travelling across this land. Strange things are abroad. The council is right to feel we have left this later than would be best."
"In what way do you mean?" asked Mariel anxiously.
"We are not the only ones at unrest it would seem," they told her. "Middle Earth is stirring. The One Ring is awake once more."
"It would have been folly to attempt to seize it before now," said Amdenia calmly. "We can only work with the possibility given to us, now that the hour of action is imminent."
Dianor nodded. "Change is upon us. Now we must act."
He turned to Mariel.
"That is your task."
"This I know."
"You entered the council without suspicion?"
Mariel hesitated. "I entered, yes, and I was accepted to the company to which is assigned the ring, but to say it was all done without suspicion is beyond hope."
Felren frowned at her. "You applied your skill? Your charm and grace and fair speech in the need of Sueth?"
"I…tried," answered Mariel, "but it is a constant effort. Middle Earth has grown wise."
"You are not to fail," warned Felren. "You fail, and we die or worse, survive for yet another fruitless age. But you will die certainly."
Amdenia, surprisingly, intervened. "She will not fail. She has more skill in graceful deception than all the elves of Mirkwood and Lorien. Elrond himself did not suspect."
"Galadriel is wiser," ventured Mariel.
"And she will not suspect you," commanded Dianor. "Understand this, Mariel, for without you there is no one on whom we can rely."
"She will not fail," said Amdenia again. Felren turned to her, and a rare smile was in his face.
"We would have sent you, Amdenia," he said. "But we rely too heavily on your tracking."
Amdenia smiled. Mariel had the urgent feeling that arrangements had be made in her absence.
"What is your meaning?" she asked carefully. Felren turned grimly to her.
"Your first obstacle is accomplished. But to ensure that you do not fail, or more so that you do not lead us astray, Amdenia shall follow you as requires."
Mariel turned in horror to her sister. "Sister is this true?"
Amdenia looked a little subdued. "Yes," she said quietly.
"Then why do you send me?" cried Mariel in despair to Felren and Dianor, "when none trust me?"
"Because you are the only one," said Dianor contemptuously. "Amdenia is not all. The council is also abroad, and will make their own way towards the south, with others. When the task is accomplished they will bring you back with them, so that you cannot remain with any…affections you may have compiled on the way. Others of our realm travel also. They are spread all over Middle Earth. Sueth is moving."
Mariel stared in horror. "Then they have come across the sea also?" she said desperately. Felren nodded.
"You did not think that we would place all our hopes one small woman, no matter how…charming she may be?"
Mariel rose, disbelieving. "Already I am living a lie!" she cried, "and yet you make it further so!"
"It is the only way," said Dianor firmly. "This is the need and command of Sueth. You would not deny your realm?"
Mariel closed her eyes.
"I will do my duty," she spat. "Though I hope it brings others more happiness than it has to me so far."
Felren laughed coldly. "Do not fret," he said, "maybe before the end you will find your redemption."
The other three rose. "Take your horses and ride out yonder," commanded Dianor, addressing Amdenia. "Three leagues to the West lies our camp. The council is gathered there also. We will abide here longer. Our business is not yet done."
"Farewell, my lady!" jeered Felren, as the sisters mounted. Mariel turned defiantly.
"Do not think I shall ever be in your debt, Felren," she warned. "Nor that I shall ever suffer to be in your service. I will better both of you ere the end."
"Indeed," laughed their companions, and struck the horses, which cantered off into the distance.
"Amdenia should sit in her place," said Felren, when they were out of sight.
"Not so," replied Dianor. "Amdenia, unrivalled though she is, has not the elegant disguise of Mariel. Her sister is more like the elves of middle Earth than of Sueth. The contempt of our people is alive inside Amdenia. In time, her guise would be broken. Mariel, weak though she can be, has more skill to keep up an affection."
"But the line between affections in the name of Sueth and affections of her own heart is slim. And will be crossed, ere the end, I deem."
"Maybe so," replied Dianor. "But there Amdenia will play her part. With her behind Mariel, neither will succumb I feel. The bond of sisterhood is still there, incredulous though it may seem."
"Very," exclaimed Felren. "I see nothing but hatred between them."
"There is more," assured Dianor. "I see it. Amdenia may be branded with hate and coldness, as are the rest of our people, but there is love for Mariel. She would never betray her."
"And neither Mariel her," agreed Felren. "And yet that could sway us either way. I begin to doubt even the heartless Amdenia."
"Not heartless, friend, but dormant. She will address her love ere the end. And to observe the consequences, who other than you and I?"
Felren now turned to his companion, amazed. "Us?" he repeated.
"Indeed," replied Dianor. "I trust neither sister. Nor does the council. When they depart for the south, friend, we shall follow them. Not even Amdenia will suspect."
Felren looked both pleased and apprehensive. "There is too much deception, Dianor. This cannot be good. I am reluctant."
Dianor's face was alive with flame light. "Felren! The hero of Sueth shall be neither Amdenia nor her sister, but us! We shall triumph! The council and the sisters shall chase each other and end up tracking nothing but their own foolery, but we – we shall be glorious!"
"Dianor, do you tell me that the council is not aware of your intent?"
"I am barely aware of it! I merely know I will not have the bloodline of Sueth bestowed into the hands of those waifs! We – old, wise, noble, worthy – we shall triumph! Come!" he exclaimed. "We will ride this country out. Small villages lie around. We shall make enquiries and perhaps…other things. Bring the arrows."
He gave a wicked smirk. A fire danced once more in Felren's eyes.
"Take up your sword!" he said. "People shall be wary ere this night is gone!"
"More than wary! They shall be terrified!"
And laughing cruelly, the pair set off towards their own horses, and rode out to the East, charging on like the dawn was at their heels.