To Vanquish the Shadows
By Priscilla Stafford
Author's Note: Hello, sorry for the bit of a delay in putting out this chapter. It was a bit hard to write since I had to explain what has happened since Shannar's death. And 1300 years is a big gap to fill! I hope you enjoy the entrances of new characters, including Minnar, Danorath, Lord Palannar, and Gwendolyn.
Chapter 3: The Calm Before the Storm
Since the days of Ennar, the Forgotten Hills, as the mountain range was called, had changed. The people were divided into the House of the Branded Ones and the people descended from the villagers, the Resideres. Soon, the valley was becoming too small as the people multiplied. It was around the year 352 that it was decided that the House of Mithlin and some of the Resideres would settle in another valley not too far. The village was named Mithlinan in honor of Mithlin. By the year 800, there were two more settlements, Daenan and Gwenoran. Presiding over each village were the Captains from the each of the Houses and in Shannaran, the Lord of the House of Shannar resided.
It was not until the year 966 that some of the Resideres began to resent the powers the Houses had. It was not long before they openly began to demand equality. But when Rannar was made the Lord in 971, he proved to be an honorable and just man. He gave the Resideres of each village the choice to be able to elect two of their own people to be their representatives. Though the Lord of the House of Shannar would still be their leader, the new consuls would now be part of the Council of Forgotten Hills. The people were satisfied and it seemed things were once again peaceful.
Throughout all the years, the Houses continued to send their warrior spies, the Eligeres, to many parts of Middle Earth. It seemed the people of Middle Earth did not realize even the existence of the small settlements in the Forgotten Hills. But rumors were frequent about men who would silently travel the lands who never revealed their identities. These mysterious men were soon given the names of 'shadow spies', spies for the powers of evil. The Houses shook their heads at these groundless accusations. But even if they were to tell the truth, they doubted their story would be believed.
********** Third Age Year 1300
Minnar walked towards Shannaran and found the people all gathered at the town center. Minnar was puzzled; he had only been gone for a few hours to scout the area, what had happened? After scanning the scene before him, he finally realized why. With a smile he spurred his horse towards the center of the crowd.
"Danorath, over here!" Minnar's friend turned towards him.
"Minnar!" Danorath weaved between the villagers as he tried to reach Minnar. Minnar leaped off his horse to pull his friend into a hug. He had not expected his friend to show up for the next day's meeting. After a while, the two friends stepped apart.
"Where have you been, you old scoundrel? You're about a week late! I was wondering whether you had decided to live in Rhovannion!" Minnar pretended to be indignant but he was too relieved of his friend's safety. He looked his friend up and down. Still the same person as two years ago, Danorath was a well built man in his early thirties. A handsome man who was quick to smile, his dark blonde hair was now cut longer than usual in the manner of the Northmen.
Danorath playfully punched the other in the arm. "Well, I must admit that the thought had crossed my mind. I traveled down towards Wold. You should see the plains! The horizon seems to stretch for miles!"
Minnar couldn't imagine a place as such. Almost his entire life he had lived in the Mountains, though he sometimes ventured into the lands of Arnor. "Now that is a sight to see. Anyway, you still haven't answered my question. What took you so long?"
Danorath's whole mood seemed to change as his green eyes hardened. He looked around him then whispered, "I'll tell you later. It's a matter I have to bring before the Council."
Minnar nodded. Danorath would never have been late unless he had a good reason. He would respect his friend's wishes, though he was incredibly curious. Whatever it was the other had on mind could wait. For now, he and his friend were going to catch up on recent news.
**********
It was only a few hours later that Minnar was before Lord Palannar. Danorath had gone to see his family who lived in Daenan, after promising to meet the next morning.
Minnar stood before the older man and bowed. "My Lord."
Palannar nodded. "Has everyone arrived?"
"Not everyone. The Council members from Danan, Mithlenan, and Gwenoran have not come but they weren't coming till tomorrow morning anyway." Minnar bit his lip before continuing on the subject which worried him. "Also, we still have no word from our people from Rhudaur."
Lord Palannar sat up straight in his seat as his features hardened. "Rhudaur is the closest realm from here! There has been absolutely no word from them?"
"None whatsoever my Lord."
Palannar became deep in thought. "These news do nothing to ease my heart. It has been a while since I realized that a shadow has been coming to our lands. Subtle, but everyday the shadow is becoming more evident, black and frightening."
Minnar was surprised for the Lord of Shannaran had expressed his exact same thoughts. His dreams had been troubled of late, always the dream a black hooded figure, shrouded in darkness. From him spoke a terrible voice, naught but whispers but seeming oh so loud upon his heart, "Ash nazg durbatulúk, ash nazg gimbatul, Ash nazg thrakatulûk agh burzum-ishi krimpatul." The branded words on his wrists would suddenly begin to burn like the very fires of Orodruin. It was then he would always awake.
The young man shuddered from the memories of the dreams which haunted him. They meant nothing to him, then why did the dreams affect him in such a way?
Minnar once again forced himself to focus upon his task at hand, to finish the reports for that day. "Besides the Eligeres from Rhudaur, everyone has arrived. Tomorrow's meeting will be on schedule."
Lord Palannar also seemed to shake himself out of his reverie. "Very well, you are excused now young lad. I will see you in the morning." Then almost as an after thought, he added, "Tomorrow promises to be one full of surprises, both good and bad I imagine."
Minnar did not know what to answer so he bade good night and left.
**********
Minnar woke up in a cold sweat. The dream had come back. He could not bear the darkness of his room and immediately lighted a candle. It seemed forever before his thundering heart calmed down and he could once again breathe steadily. After a few more moments, he closed his eyes and tried to remember the dream.
It was the same dream. The same black hooded figure, darkness so thick one could hardly breathe. The same words were spoken, his brand burned his skin. But tonight there had been a new twist. The figure had spoken again, his words were, "I am coming! I, the Witch King, am coming!" He would then utter a terrible screech, a sound so horrible Minnar would then bring his hands up to cover his ears.
That was all he could remember. Minnar paused and pondered a new question besides the countless ones he already had: Who was the Witch King?
**********
"I would not worry about it if I were you," said Danorath. "Your dreams will go away." He slyly looked at his friend. "I did not think you one to believe in dreams." Minnar and his friend were both at the gates of Shannaran. Danorath and the others from Daenan had been the first to arrive the next morning and were now waiting for the other Council members to arrive.
Minnar shook his head and answered back darkly. "You will not be taking the dream so lightly if you had dreamed it yourself. Words cannot describe it." After he the dream, he had not slept at all. A night with hardly any sleep was already taking its toll on him. He had to watch himself to keep himself from letting his mind wander.
But he was obviously not trying hard enough. It was only a few minutes later that Danorath had to grab the other's arm to get his attention. "Minnar, I strongly suggest you sleep before tonight. If you dare fall asleep during the meeting, I will seriously consider asking the Lord Palannar's permission to personally throw a bucket of water over your head," said Danorath with a glint in his eye. There was no reason to doubt he wouldn't actually do just that.
The Shannaran grimaced at the threat. He had to agree though that a short nap during the afternoon sounded very good to his tired mind and body. But not until after the Daenans and Gwenorans had arrived.
Luckily, both the Gwenorans and Daenans were promptly on time and it wasn't even noon by the time Minnar had made sure someone would have the newcomers all settled at the town house, one of the main buildings in Shannaran. But Minnar was disappointed to hear that one of the Consuls from Gwenoran would arrive a bit later. He would have to remain at the gate to welcome the guest. And he had been looking forward to some rest.
Danorath left to oversee the guests while Minnar lingered at the gate. The gate faced one of the main mountain paths used by most of the people of the Forgotten Hills. This was also one of the paths leading to the bottom of the southern border of the hills. Minnar was lost in the memory of the last time he had traveled down this same road. It had only been two years ago, the day he had seen his best friend off. How sad he had been at the time. He remembered that even his ever cheerful friend had been subdued in manner. Minnar smiled at that thought, it would have to be something very serious to subdue Danorath.
The lone Eligere was glad when a rider came only a little while later. He hailed the rider to stop and approached who he supposed was the late Consul.
But Minnar was surprised when the rider took his hood off to reveal the face of a beautiful young woman. Her blonde hair was tied severely back but did nothing to subdue her youthful vivaciousness. Her eyes were an intense green, emerald in color and Minnar could not help but feel he was looking upon the most beautiful lady in Middle Earth.
She seemed puzzled by his silence and was the first to speak. "Is something wrong?"
Minnar found his voice and admonished himself for forgetting his manners. "I'm sorry, nothing is the matter. May I ask who you are?"
"I am the Consul member from Gwenoran. I apologize for being late. I assume the others have already arrived."
Astonished, Minnar tried to comprehend was she just told him. "You're the Consul member?" He couldn't help but add, "But, you're a woman!"
The vision of beauty frowned and raised an eyebrow. "You're very observant, Eligere.?"
"My name is Minnar."
"And I am Gwendolyn." She got off her horse and thrust her hand towards him.
Everything she did surprised the Eligere. Was he supposed to shake hands with her? He had never seen anyone shake hands with a woman. He had no experience with women very much, he didn't know what would offend them and what would not. Minnar hoped to Valar he would never be out of favor with the enchanting Gwendolyn.
He decided to take a chance so he took her small hand in his but instead of the usual handshake, he bowed down and placed a kiss on the back of her hand. He straightened up and searched her face to see her reaction. Happily, he saw that she seemed pleased. Minnar felt his discomfort slip away as he somehow felt as if he had passed some sort of test.
"Once again, I must apologize. It gets tiring whenever people don't believe I'm a Consul just because I'm a woman. It's very frustrating."
"Then it is I who must apologize for making you feel that way." Minnar knew from that moment on, he would do anything for Gwendolyn. "May I count myself being lucky to be a friend of the Lady Consul?" He said gallantly with a bow. He was inwardly chiding himself for acting so silly but he cast that thought aside.
Gwendolyn laughed, a lovely sound upon those who heard her. "We shall see though seeing the way things are turning out, I feel I can already call you a friend." With those words, Minnar felt his whole being become lighter. In his mind he thought, he wouldn't mind if someday perhaps she would be more than a friend to him.
**********
After leaving the company of Gwendolyn, Minnar returned to his quarters and felt himself longing for sleep. Seeing he still had time before that evening's Council meeting, he lay down on his bed. With his thoughts full of Gwendolyn, he found himself drifting into pleasant dreams.
He was suddenly rudely awakened. Minnar tried to get his bearings. He looked outside the window, the sun was only just setting, which meant he had still a few hours left. He then focused his attention on whoever woke him, the reason would have to be very, very good.
Before him stood a nervous looking boy, from the Houses since he had the brand. Still young, he had still to receive the armband of the Eligeres before he would become one. The boy spoke in a rush, "I'm so sorry to wake you up sir. Eligere Danorath told me to tell you that it's a matter of great importance. He is waiting at the gate."
Minnar tried to rub the sleep out of his eyes. "All right, tell him I will be there shortly." Seeing the young boy still looked a bit nervous, he reassured him. "I am not upset young man, if you hadn't come I would have slept until the morrow morning."
The boy smiled, relieved at the words, and in an instant disappeared from the room. Minnar immediately dressed and left for the gate.
There he saw Danorath holding on to the leads of both of their horses, all saddled and ready. "Come on, oh lazy one, we have to hurry."
"Where exactly are we going," said Minnar as he took the reins of his horse, Thane. A beautiful roan mare, Thane proved to be a trustworthy and dependable horse. He wouldn't part with her for the world. Fortunately, she also seemed to love Minnar and nuzzled her owner with her face.
"Down towards the southern border of the Forgotten Hills." As he spoke, Danorath mounted his horse and waited for his friend impatiently.
Minnar got onto Thane and followed Danorath down the path. But things were still not making sense to him. "What happened?"
"One of the scouts found someone inside the borders."
Minnar shrugged his shoulders. "That's not really unusual. Rarely do they come up the mountains, they're too frightened."
Danorath's next words made Minnar's flippant manner change to one of seriousness. "This someone doesn't appeared to be frightened. Even now he is approaching the first post." Then he added, "And he's not veering off the path. He would be able to arrive in Shannaran by midnight if he's not stopped."
**********
Author's Note: So, what do you think? Who is this mysterious person approaching the Shannarans? For Lord of the Rings nuts, I'm sure they'll be able to recognize the name but I won't reveal anything till the next chapter. :D Please review! I'm hoping I'll have the next chapter out by next week. I'm hoping to put some action in the next few chapters, please be patient if you find the calm a bit boring. Thing's will pick up after the Council!
Trivia: The names Resideres and Eligeres are both Latin words for 'residents' and 'elite'. And for those who have no clue where Rhudaur is or anything about it, more will be revealed in the next chapter.
Author's Note: Hello, sorry for the bit of a delay in putting out this chapter. It was a bit hard to write since I had to explain what has happened since Shannar's death. And 1300 years is a big gap to fill! I hope you enjoy the entrances of new characters, including Minnar, Danorath, Lord Palannar, and Gwendolyn.
Chapter 3: The Calm Before the Storm
Since the days of Ennar, the Forgotten Hills, as the mountain range was called, had changed. The people were divided into the House of the Branded Ones and the people descended from the villagers, the Resideres. Soon, the valley was becoming too small as the people multiplied. It was around the year 352 that it was decided that the House of Mithlin and some of the Resideres would settle in another valley not too far. The village was named Mithlinan in honor of Mithlin. By the year 800, there were two more settlements, Daenan and Gwenoran. Presiding over each village were the Captains from the each of the Houses and in Shannaran, the Lord of the House of Shannar resided.
It was not until the year 966 that some of the Resideres began to resent the powers the Houses had. It was not long before they openly began to demand equality. But when Rannar was made the Lord in 971, he proved to be an honorable and just man. He gave the Resideres of each village the choice to be able to elect two of their own people to be their representatives. Though the Lord of the House of Shannar would still be their leader, the new consuls would now be part of the Council of Forgotten Hills. The people were satisfied and it seemed things were once again peaceful.
Throughout all the years, the Houses continued to send their warrior spies, the Eligeres, to many parts of Middle Earth. It seemed the people of Middle Earth did not realize even the existence of the small settlements in the Forgotten Hills. But rumors were frequent about men who would silently travel the lands who never revealed their identities. These mysterious men were soon given the names of 'shadow spies', spies for the powers of evil. The Houses shook their heads at these groundless accusations. But even if they were to tell the truth, they doubted their story would be believed.
********** Third Age Year 1300
Minnar walked towards Shannaran and found the people all gathered at the town center. Minnar was puzzled; he had only been gone for a few hours to scout the area, what had happened? After scanning the scene before him, he finally realized why. With a smile he spurred his horse towards the center of the crowd.
"Danorath, over here!" Minnar's friend turned towards him.
"Minnar!" Danorath weaved between the villagers as he tried to reach Minnar. Minnar leaped off his horse to pull his friend into a hug. He had not expected his friend to show up for the next day's meeting. After a while, the two friends stepped apart.
"Where have you been, you old scoundrel? You're about a week late! I was wondering whether you had decided to live in Rhovannion!" Minnar pretended to be indignant but he was too relieved of his friend's safety. He looked his friend up and down. Still the same person as two years ago, Danorath was a well built man in his early thirties. A handsome man who was quick to smile, his dark blonde hair was now cut longer than usual in the manner of the Northmen.
Danorath playfully punched the other in the arm. "Well, I must admit that the thought had crossed my mind. I traveled down towards Wold. You should see the plains! The horizon seems to stretch for miles!"
Minnar couldn't imagine a place as such. Almost his entire life he had lived in the Mountains, though he sometimes ventured into the lands of Arnor. "Now that is a sight to see. Anyway, you still haven't answered my question. What took you so long?"
Danorath's whole mood seemed to change as his green eyes hardened. He looked around him then whispered, "I'll tell you later. It's a matter I have to bring before the Council."
Minnar nodded. Danorath would never have been late unless he had a good reason. He would respect his friend's wishes, though he was incredibly curious. Whatever it was the other had on mind could wait. For now, he and his friend were going to catch up on recent news.
**********
It was only a few hours later that Minnar was before Lord Palannar. Danorath had gone to see his family who lived in Daenan, after promising to meet the next morning.
Minnar stood before the older man and bowed. "My Lord."
Palannar nodded. "Has everyone arrived?"
"Not everyone. The Council members from Danan, Mithlenan, and Gwenoran have not come but they weren't coming till tomorrow morning anyway." Minnar bit his lip before continuing on the subject which worried him. "Also, we still have no word from our people from Rhudaur."
Lord Palannar sat up straight in his seat as his features hardened. "Rhudaur is the closest realm from here! There has been absolutely no word from them?"
"None whatsoever my Lord."
Palannar became deep in thought. "These news do nothing to ease my heart. It has been a while since I realized that a shadow has been coming to our lands. Subtle, but everyday the shadow is becoming more evident, black and frightening."
Minnar was surprised for the Lord of Shannaran had expressed his exact same thoughts. His dreams had been troubled of late, always the dream a black hooded figure, shrouded in darkness. From him spoke a terrible voice, naught but whispers but seeming oh so loud upon his heart, "Ash nazg durbatulúk, ash nazg gimbatul, Ash nazg thrakatulûk agh burzum-ishi krimpatul." The branded words on his wrists would suddenly begin to burn like the very fires of Orodruin. It was then he would always awake.
The young man shuddered from the memories of the dreams which haunted him. They meant nothing to him, then why did the dreams affect him in such a way?
Minnar once again forced himself to focus upon his task at hand, to finish the reports for that day. "Besides the Eligeres from Rhudaur, everyone has arrived. Tomorrow's meeting will be on schedule."
Lord Palannar also seemed to shake himself out of his reverie. "Very well, you are excused now young lad. I will see you in the morning." Then almost as an after thought, he added, "Tomorrow promises to be one full of surprises, both good and bad I imagine."
Minnar did not know what to answer so he bade good night and left.
**********
Minnar woke up in a cold sweat. The dream had come back. He could not bear the darkness of his room and immediately lighted a candle. It seemed forever before his thundering heart calmed down and he could once again breathe steadily. After a few more moments, he closed his eyes and tried to remember the dream.
It was the same dream. The same black hooded figure, darkness so thick one could hardly breathe. The same words were spoken, his brand burned his skin. But tonight there had been a new twist. The figure had spoken again, his words were, "I am coming! I, the Witch King, am coming!" He would then utter a terrible screech, a sound so horrible Minnar would then bring his hands up to cover his ears.
That was all he could remember. Minnar paused and pondered a new question besides the countless ones he already had: Who was the Witch King?
**********
"I would not worry about it if I were you," said Danorath. "Your dreams will go away." He slyly looked at his friend. "I did not think you one to believe in dreams." Minnar and his friend were both at the gates of Shannaran. Danorath and the others from Daenan had been the first to arrive the next morning and were now waiting for the other Council members to arrive.
Minnar shook his head and answered back darkly. "You will not be taking the dream so lightly if you had dreamed it yourself. Words cannot describe it." After he the dream, he had not slept at all. A night with hardly any sleep was already taking its toll on him. He had to watch himself to keep himself from letting his mind wander.
But he was obviously not trying hard enough. It was only a few minutes later that Danorath had to grab the other's arm to get his attention. "Minnar, I strongly suggest you sleep before tonight. If you dare fall asleep during the meeting, I will seriously consider asking the Lord Palannar's permission to personally throw a bucket of water over your head," said Danorath with a glint in his eye. There was no reason to doubt he wouldn't actually do just that.
The Shannaran grimaced at the threat. He had to agree though that a short nap during the afternoon sounded very good to his tired mind and body. But not until after the Daenans and Gwenorans had arrived.
Luckily, both the Gwenorans and Daenans were promptly on time and it wasn't even noon by the time Minnar had made sure someone would have the newcomers all settled at the town house, one of the main buildings in Shannaran. But Minnar was disappointed to hear that one of the Consuls from Gwenoran would arrive a bit later. He would have to remain at the gate to welcome the guest. And he had been looking forward to some rest.
Danorath left to oversee the guests while Minnar lingered at the gate. The gate faced one of the main mountain paths used by most of the people of the Forgotten Hills. This was also one of the paths leading to the bottom of the southern border of the hills. Minnar was lost in the memory of the last time he had traveled down this same road. It had only been two years ago, the day he had seen his best friend off. How sad he had been at the time. He remembered that even his ever cheerful friend had been subdued in manner. Minnar smiled at that thought, it would have to be something very serious to subdue Danorath.
The lone Eligere was glad when a rider came only a little while later. He hailed the rider to stop and approached who he supposed was the late Consul.
But Minnar was surprised when the rider took his hood off to reveal the face of a beautiful young woman. Her blonde hair was tied severely back but did nothing to subdue her youthful vivaciousness. Her eyes were an intense green, emerald in color and Minnar could not help but feel he was looking upon the most beautiful lady in Middle Earth.
She seemed puzzled by his silence and was the first to speak. "Is something wrong?"
Minnar found his voice and admonished himself for forgetting his manners. "I'm sorry, nothing is the matter. May I ask who you are?"
"I am the Consul member from Gwenoran. I apologize for being late. I assume the others have already arrived."
Astonished, Minnar tried to comprehend was she just told him. "You're the Consul member?" He couldn't help but add, "But, you're a woman!"
The vision of beauty frowned and raised an eyebrow. "You're very observant, Eligere.?"
"My name is Minnar."
"And I am Gwendolyn." She got off her horse and thrust her hand towards him.
Everything she did surprised the Eligere. Was he supposed to shake hands with her? He had never seen anyone shake hands with a woman. He had no experience with women very much, he didn't know what would offend them and what would not. Minnar hoped to Valar he would never be out of favor with the enchanting Gwendolyn.
He decided to take a chance so he took her small hand in his but instead of the usual handshake, he bowed down and placed a kiss on the back of her hand. He straightened up and searched her face to see her reaction. Happily, he saw that she seemed pleased. Minnar felt his discomfort slip away as he somehow felt as if he had passed some sort of test.
"Once again, I must apologize. It gets tiring whenever people don't believe I'm a Consul just because I'm a woman. It's very frustrating."
"Then it is I who must apologize for making you feel that way." Minnar knew from that moment on, he would do anything for Gwendolyn. "May I count myself being lucky to be a friend of the Lady Consul?" He said gallantly with a bow. He was inwardly chiding himself for acting so silly but he cast that thought aside.
Gwendolyn laughed, a lovely sound upon those who heard her. "We shall see though seeing the way things are turning out, I feel I can already call you a friend." With those words, Minnar felt his whole being become lighter. In his mind he thought, he wouldn't mind if someday perhaps she would be more than a friend to him.
**********
After leaving the company of Gwendolyn, Minnar returned to his quarters and felt himself longing for sleep. Seeing he still had time before that evening's Council meeting, he lay down on his bed. With his thoughts full of Gwendolyn, he found himself drifting into pleasant dreams.
He was suddenly rudely awakened. Minnar tried to get his bearings. He looked outside the window, the sun was only just setting, which meant he had still a few hours left. He then focused his attention on whoever woke him, the reason would have to be very, very good.
Before him stood a nervous looking boy, from the Houses since he had the brand. Still young, he had still to receive the armband of the Eligeres before he would become one. The boy spoke in a rush, "I'm so sorry to wake you up sir. Eligere Danorath told me to tell you that it's a matter of great importance. He is waiting at the gate."
Minnar tried to rub the sleep out of his eyes. "All right, tell him I will be there shortly." Seeing the young boy still looked a bit nervous, he reassured him. "I am not upset young man, if you hadn't come I would have slept until the morrow morning."
The boy smiled, relieved at the words, and in an instant disappeared from the room. Minnar immediately dressed and left for the gate.
There he saw Danorath holding on to the leads of both of their horses, all saddled and ready. "Come on, oh lazy one, we have to hurry."
"Where exactly are we going," said Minnar as he took the reins of his horse, Thane. A beautiful roan mare, Thane proved to be a trustworthy and dependable horse. He wouldn't part with her for the world. Fortunately, she also seemed to love Minnar and nuzzled her owner with her face.
"Down towards the southern border of the Forgotten Hills." As he spoke, Danorath mounted his horse and waited for his friend impatiently.
Minnar got onto Thane and followed Danorath down the path. But things were still not making sense to him. "What happened?"
"One of the scouts found someone inside the borders."
Minnar shrugged his shoulders. "That's not really unusual. Rarely do they come up the mountains, they're too frightened."
Danorath's next words made Minnar's flippant manner change to one of seriousness. "This someone doesn't appeared to be frightened. Even now he is approaching the first post." Then he added, "And he's not veering off the path. He would be able to arrive in Shannaran by midnight if he's not stopped."
**********
Author's Note: So, what do you think? Who is this mysterious person approaching the Shannarans? For Lord of the Rings nuts, I'm sure they'll be able to recognize the name but I won't reveal anything till the next chapter. :D Please review! I'm hoping I'll have the next chapter out by next week. I'm hoping to put some action in the next few chapters, please be patient if you find the calm a bit boring. Thing's will pick up after the Council!
Trivia: The names Resideres and Eligeres are both Latin words for 'residents' and 'elite'. And for those who have no clue where Rhudaur is or anything about it, more will be revealed in the next chapter.