I apologize for the wait, and hope this longer chapter makes up for it! Gwin heads back with Eowyn to Edoras, and some unexpected visitors arrive. Enjoy!
Chapter 133The ride to Edoras is swift, but done with a little less urgency than before. The baby I held was sleeping peacefully, seemingly untroubled by the heavy sense of loss surrounding the small company. I closed my eyes and felt reassured by the steady heartbeat of the child. At least two had escaped the carnage alive, along with their Thane.
Eowyn was pale but strong as she rode at the front, eyes hard and her mouth a thin line. I could tell she was dreading bringing the news of the destruction to her council, but it had to be done. I wondered how Edric would react to hearing that he had left children behind when he gave his report, but I was more concerned with what would become of them. Was there an orphanage in Edoras? I was certain all the children would be coming with when we went to Dunharrow, but it would be a difficult transition for them.
As we rode through the gates, I could see Candaith running down the hill, eyes meeting mine in concern. I gave him a swift smile, even if it was a little forced, and it seemed to reassure him. However, he looked puzzled at the bundle in front of me, and I realized he would not be able to tell what it was from his vantage point. "Meleth, I need to ride up to Meduseld first, can I meet you there?" I asked.
"Can I not swing up on your horse and ride with you?" He replied quizzically.
I tipped my head down at the baby to bring more attention to her. "I have a gwinig here that I do not want to disrupt with the addition of another person on this horse," I explained.
A soft smile formed on Candaith's face. "Ah, I see. Best not to disturb her then. I will see you soon." With that, he gave my thigh a squeeze and I continued on. I could see our presence was drawing more attention as we went, with the citizens of Edoras making their way into the streets at hearing Eowyn was back. The little boy, still sitting in the wagon, was huddled under the cloak he was given, trying to hide from all the attention. This had to be very overwhelming for him.
That is, until he jerked in surprise to the shouting of someone. "Aedwald!" An elderly woman was rushing up the street as fast as she could hobble, eyes trained on the wagon. I could see the boy's eyes fill with relieved tears as she approached and swept him into her arms. Clearly, he had family here, and I was glad he would be safe with them. Eowyn had turned around at the commotion, and I could see a flicker of relief on her stern face. She seemed startled when the woman came up to her horse and curtseyed, still carrying Aedwald in her arms. "Thank you, my lady, for bringing him here safely." Her voice wobbled with unshed tears. "I…I thought he was g-gone."
"You may rise, Eldwyth," Eowyn replied kindly.
Eldwyth hesitated before speaking once more, "What of his parents?" but it seemed as if she already knew the answer, due to the grief in her expression. Eowyn just shook her head and murmured, "I am sorry, they are gone."
Tears were rolling down the older woman's face, and she snuggled Aedwald close, who seemed grateful for the love and attention. I wondered how they were related, and if the child in my arms would be so lucky as to have family here. After a short conversation, Eowyn said her farewells as we continued on.
It seemed like an Age before we finally made it to the top of the steps of Meduseld, where Elric was standing in the secure grip of a soldier tasked to guard him. His countenance was grieved, knowing deep down that his people were lost. I carefully dismounted, the baby in my arms still fast asleep. I was unsure what to do with her now, but decided to keep her with me until suitable guardianship could be found. Eowyn eyed me closely, and gave me a small nod as if in agreement with our unspoken decision.
To the surprise of the guard, Elric sank to the ground, chest heaving with sobs he was unable to contain. I could hear him whispering "My people, my people…" over and over, and I knew he felt like he had failed them. To my right, Eowyn hesitated, before moving closer and crouching down to his level. At her gentle touch on his shoulder, he shied away from her, clearly ashamed of his behavior. "My lady, I…I am sorry for what I did to you, when I arrived," he said, voice gravely with tears. "It was wrong of me, and I will accept whatever punishment you deem to be fit, even if it be the loss of my life."
Eowyn frowned. "We have lost enough lives, Elric. I do not wish to take yours."
"Then what would you have me do, my lady?" he asked, a little surprised but still clearly afraid.
"Stay and help with the organization of the supplies we need," she said simply, and his head shot up in shock. "I need every hand I can get, and I do not wish to waste further time on incarceration when there is work to be done. I believe you are sorry for your actions, and doing your part here will be atonement enough."
After a lengthy moment of Elric thanking her profusely, Eowyn strode into Meduseld, and I followed shortly after, unsure what to do. She approached Caelwed, whom was one of her stewards, and gave a brief explanation of what happened in Entwade. He paled but stood firm as he listened, and in turn he shared with her what news he had about the short time we were gone. I relaxed as I felt a familiar hand squeeze my arm gently, and found Candaith at my side. His lips quirked up in a smile, before he peeked down at the bundle in my arms. "Does she still sleep?"
I nodded with a smile of my own, "Despite all the goings on, she seems blissfully unaware." I sighed, "I hope to find someone who could search for any family here, and if none are to be found, a guardian who can care for her." I felt that twinge of longing for a child of my own, but shoved it back in the little corner of my heart where I kept it locked away. "I am sure there is a man or woman who runs Meduseld who will be of assistance."
Candaith eyed me knowingly, but thankfully did not comment on my desire for a family, "I will help you look." I startled a little as I felt the baby stir, and I looked down to see a pair of sleepy green eyes blinking at me groggily. With her little hand, she reached out and grabbed a lock of my hair, which had come loose from my braid, and tugged. I sucked in a breath, again reminded of my sister when she had done the same thing to me so many years ago, and had to look away from her curious face as I blinked back tears.
Instead of acknowledging this somewhat distressing realization, I strode away from Candaith before he could question me, in search of someone who could help. I heard him sigh before he followed me, eventually entwining his fingers with mine. I squeezed back instinctively, and was secretly grateful for his presence at my side. I quickly found someone who could direct me, and after a short conversation with the Matron of Meduseld, I stood quietly as my arms felt too empty, now that the child was under the care of another person. Candaith pulled me into an embrace, and I hugged him tightly. No words needed to be exchanged, and I immediately felt a little more at peace.
The rest of the day was spent helping out wherever we could. I stuck close to Candaith and the other Dunedain who had stayed here in Edoras as we did our tasks, drawing strength from their presence. I had to fight against my instinctive urge to ride off and aid in the battle King Theoden and the others were likely engaged in. I was so used to being sent into danger that it was strange staying out of it. I knew it was to my benefit, and that I didn't truly want to be fighting, but I had been doing it for so long it was almost a part of my identity. The physical tasks I was doing kept me busy and quieted my racing thoughts, at least temporarily.
It was getting near dusk, and I was wandering down towards the gates when I heard a commotion just outside. I found myself running as a familiar voice was shouting angrily at the guards. Sure enough, Nona was standing there, and one of her arms was in the grip of a tall, grim-looking Rohir I didn't recognize. When she caught sight of me, Nona's eyes widened. "Gwinthilnel! You're alive! How do you come to be here?" Instead of answering right away, I trained my narrowed eyes on the mystery man and he grudgingly let go of Nona's arm. She shook it out and made to move to my side, but froze as the guards drew their swords.
I rolled my eyes, "Stand down, she is a friend and an ally to Rohan and will not harm you." She opened her mouth to speak but I glared at her before she could say something that would only make things worse. The Rohirs didn't react to my words, and I realized I had no authority to order them to do anything.
"She is a Dunlending, which makes her our enemy," the mystery man said gruffly, his mane of blonde hair whipping around his face in the strong wind.
"Who are you?" I asked, unimpressed. He was in sharp contrast to Ergothorn in regards to his demeanor, and held the stereotypical Rohirric views of Dunlendings.
The man drew himself up and answered, "Horn, son of Reeve Ingbert of Eaworth."
I knew that a Reeve was a title of leadership, meaning his father was the head of the town of Eaworth. I had no idea where it was, but found it strange that this man was wandering by himself. He seemed like a soldier, so why was he not with an Éored? "Well met Horn, son of Ingbert. I am called Gwinthilnel."
He squinted before his eyes widened in disbelief. "You are an Elf!" I held in a frustrated sigh, but let out a surprised laugh when Nona whacked him in the shoulder and said, "Wow, how observant of you, duvodiad!"
Horn rounded on her, eyes blazing and face red with embarrassment. "You have been calling me 'duvodiad' the entire time we've journeyed together, and it sounds like an insult." I managed to hold in another laugh, knowing all too well what the term meant but not wanting to share.
"That's because it is, horse man," Nona replied bitingly.
"Horse man! Why you-" he went to grab her arm but Nona side-stepped him easily and came over to my side with a mischievous grin, boldly ignoring the still-armed guards around her. Horn turned back to me, "So you know this woman, Gwi…uh…Gwithiliel?"
"It is Gwinthilnel," I corrected lightly. "And yes, Nona and I are friends and have gone through many trials together." Out of the corner of my eye, I could see how pleased Nona was with me referring to her as a friend.
"I see," he said lamely. "Well, I came upon her trespassing near Middlemead to the Northwest and decided to bring her to the King for judgement."
"The King is not here," a stern voice stated, and I moved aside as Eowyn strode forward. She must have heard the commotion and came to investigate. She gave the order for her guards to sheathe their weapons. "Who is it that asks for him?" Horn reintroduced himself and gave her a bow, clearly knowing of Eowyn and her royal status. "Westu hal. You say you bring a trespasser?" Eowyn looked at Nona and clearly noted my familiarity with her.
"She is a Dunlending," Horn stated, like it was the only thing required as evidence of such a crime.
Eowyn, for her part, was clearly suspicious as well. "Why are you in our lands?"
"They were our lands first," Nona ground out foolishly.
"They are yours no longer," Eowyn replied, voice hard. "I would have you thrown in jail, if not for the clear regard Gwinthilnel has for you. From what little I know of her, Gwinthilnel's judgement of character has proven trustworthy."
There was an awkward pause where Eowyn considered what to do. Horn was shifting uncomfortably; there was more to his story than he was sharing. Nona was glaring at said Rohir, daring him to say something inflammatory. I prayed he wouldn't, for I doubted I could hold back an irate Nona. Finally, Eowyn directed her attention to Nona and said, "Let us go to Meduseld, for I have recent news of a plot to sabotage our evacuation efforts and wish to be certain you have nothing to do with it."
I could tell Nona was seeing red, so I reached out and grasped her arm tightly while pulling her to me. "Do not do anything rash," I whispered urgently into her ear. "I will make sure you are not punished for something you are innocent of." I highly doubted Nona would have anything to do with such a scheme; she knew what it was like to lose everything and would not wish it upon these people. Nona huffed a frustrated sigh but said nothing in reply, stalking next to me as we made our way back into Edoras and up the now familiar stone steps. Unfortunately Nona's presence garnered a much more negative reaction than mine had; some women were even grabbing their children and running from the road into their homes. I tried not to roll my eyes at their prejudice, for I understood why they held it, but I knew Nona to be a good person who was undeserving of such treatment.
The guards of Meduseld seemed to want to restrain Nona, but held back due to my stern glares in their direction while I shook my head slightly. Eowyn thankfully did not ask for Nona to be restrained, and I finally came across Candaith, along with Golodir and Corunir, sitting at a table near the large hearth. Nona perked up a little at seeing more familiar faces, and I felt her relax slightly.
"Lady Eowyn, may I speak?" I asked politely, before she could start throwing more accusations around. She nodded, and I continued. "You say there is a plan to sabotage the evacuation efforts? How did you come by this knowledge?"
Eowyn eyed Nona before replying, "Some suspicious writings were found in Wormtongue's quarters. They spoke in vague and shrouded terms, in order to keep the identities of his allies a secret, but we have found some few of them already. Hebeca, Léofing, and Forthere have been imprisoned for their part in Gríma's schemes." I could tell she was looking for some sort of recognition in Nona's expression, but the Dunlending's face was void of any emotion. "It seems there is a fourth conspirator who has evaded our nets, one whom we don't have the name of."
"They say Grima had a Dunlending mother," Horn interjected suspiciously. "What a coincidence that I would find one of those peoples wandering a little too close to Edoras."
"Nona is not conspiring with Wormtongue," I said gruffly, annoyed at how Horn was jumping to conclusions.
"Says who? You?" Horn replied scornfully. "Why should we believe you, Elf?"
I held up a hand as three irate Dunedain were about to jump to my defense. "A fair question. I have little evidence to offer, but I will give it nonetheless. Nona has travelled with me several times, and has behaved honorably and bravely against the evils of Saruman and other dark creatures. I would trust her with my life." I paused, and gave Nona what I hoped was an apologetic look. "Her town was burned to the ground by half-orcs and Uruk-hai soldiers. She is a refugee herself, and would never support the suffering of innocent people trying to survive these evil days. Nona would do all she could to help and not hinder these evacuation efforts."
Eowyn was listening closely, her fingers hovering over the hilt of her sword. I knew her father had fallen in battle when she was a child; could it have been a Dunlending who had ended his life? "Will you be responsible for her conduct while you are both here in Edoras?" she asked, her gaze piercing.
"I will," I replied, barely needing to think about it. I just hoped I wouldn't live to regret it.
"Very well," Eowyn said. "The only clue we have to the fourth person's identity is a reference to a red brooch he or she wears, in a gold setting around their neck. It is possible they no longer will wear this article, but it is all we have at the moment."
"There she is, I told you!" We all turned around at the sound of the childish voice to see a small gaggle of children standing in a group together, and one of them pointing a shaking finger towards Nona.
Horn, to my surprise, strode forward to crouch down to their level. "Greetings, children, how fares the city?" His voice was pleasant with an almost musical quality to it that I hadn't noticed at first.
"W-why should we tell you anything?" A little blonde girl asked stubbornly.
"What have I done to cause you insult? What would your father's say of such discourtesy?" Horn replied quizzically.
"How should we know? They are all gone!" the boy next to him interjected, tears heavy in his voice.
"Because of Dunlendings like HER!" the first child yelled, clearly directed at Nona.
Next to me, I could see Nona's eyes blazing, and her hands were clenched tightly in fists at her sides. "Step aside, Gwinthilnel, I will not let these children speak ill of my people." I gave her a stern look, warning her not to do something she'd regret. Striding forward towards the children, she said, "You need to learn something, you weak-legged foals."
"Get out of here, Dunlending witch!" the boy shouted angrily.
"You know nothing of my land," Nona spat.
"We know enough! Your people want to…to kill us all!" the boy replied, but his voice caught in hesitation.
I could sense Nona changing tactics before she replied, "How many Dunlendings have you slain, small one?"
The boy rocked back on his heels in surprise, and squeaked out a small "What?"
Turning to the little girl, she asked, "How about you? How many Dunlendings have you killed?"
"None…but I am not yet of age!" the child replied stubbornly, but I could tell she was thinking hard.
"I have slain more than two dozen Dunlendings," Nona stated grimly. "They were allies of those who killed my brother: servants of Saruman." There was silence as the children, along with everyone else in the vicinity, stood speechless. "Have you nothing now to say?"
"Can you teach us how to fight?" a small voice piped up, and another little girl with reddish-blonde hair strode forward, the smallest of all the children. "Please teach us!"
A rare smile quirked up Nona's lips, and the atmosphere relaxed. The rest of the children clamored around her, and even Horn's eyes had softened a little at the scene. Eowyn made her way over and got Nona's attention. "Your actions of valor speak for themselves. Another fellow warrior is always a boon to have in these dark times." There was still some mistrust, understandably, but it seemed to be less now that some of Nona's deeds had been brought to light. "Children, Nona can teach you how to fight tomorrow, but it is almost your bed times, am I right?" The little ones shifted guiltily. "Go to sleep and dream about being just as valiant."
Once the children had departed, Eowyn made sure to provide accommodations for Nona near my room, and Horn found a place somewhere near where the other soldiers who were still here resided. Candaith huffed a laugh as we sat on the stone wall after sunset, my eyes finding the comforting twinkle of the stars. "I did not expect that turn with the children, Gwin! It seems Nona has an affect even on the children of Rohan. I suspect she will be too busy instructing them in sword-play to get up to much trouble."
I smiled in shared amusement. "Oh, I am sure Nona will find enough trouble on her own. Or, like me, the trouble seems to just find her wherever she may be." Candaith nudged his shoulders against mine and I laughed softly. "You know it's true, meleth."
"Well I will endeavor to keep you out of it, at the very least," Candaith murmured. "Although considering past events, my efforts will likely prove futile. You always tend to end up in the middle of something." He wrapped an arm around my waist and I settled my head on his shoulder.
"What can I say? Trouble finds me even when I try and avoid it," I said mischievously. "Trouble like you."
"Oh, I'm trouble, am I?" he whispered, his lips right next to my ear. "Come to bed and I will show you just how much."
Suffice to say we did not get much sleep that night.
Nona has arrived, and escorted by a mysterious Rohir named Horn. Why is he here, and how will he fit into all of this? Thanks for reading!
