The Beginnings of Evil
Book Two of the Legends of Shannar
By Priscilla Stafford
Author's Note: Ok, finally onto the "The Council Meeting", written in the perspective of Gwendolyn. I hope you'll enjoy it! All references to other lands, regions, and people were taken from the Appendixes in "The Return of the King". I'm sure everything is written down accurately, if there's any mistake please contact me!
Chapter 3: The Council Meeting
Gwendolyn was thrilled to be able to participate in the meeting. Only having been a Consul for a year and a few months, she had never been to any Council Meeting. All her life she had worked up to this moment and here she finally was.
Her father had been Consul for Gwenoran for as long as she could remember and at the headstrong age of eight, she had made up her mind to follow in the steps of her role model. Her father of course had been pleased but her mother, she had only laughed. For some reason, her mother had never taken her seriously. All she kept saying was that she would grow out of that stage and turn out into a fine young lady to be married off.
Instead, she had decided that she would like nothing better to prove her mother wrong, and in this case, her rebellious nature won out. Here she was at the age of twenty three, unmarried and a Consul member. Gwendolyn's father would have been proud if he was still alive.
In the background she heard that everyone had become quiet and she returned to reality. Lord Palannar had stood up and was now addressing the people. "Let us begin the Council Meeting for the year 1300. First I would like to introduce a guest of honor, Radagast the Brown."
So that's who he was! There had been rumors circulating Shannaran about the mysterious stranger who had arrived. Not many, if any, strangers came to their village so the gossip had spread like a flame. But never in her wildest dreams would she have thought the stranger to be an Istari.
One by one, Palannar introduced the Captains and the Consuls for the guest. Of Mithlenan, Captain Mithirr and Consuls Perrat and Thryn. From Daenan, Captain Daelin and Consuls Hunan and Anethlain. And from Gwenoran, Captain Phanor and Consuls Ilian and herself. Of course Shannaran also had two consuls, Consul Ferrer and Rhin.
Introductions made, the meeting now officially began. Discussions were first made on the status of the villages of the Forgotten Hills. Thankfully though the winter had been long and spring was late in coming, the stocks had held on and there were plenty of supplies left in store. Their land had been blessed with beautiful winters and plentiful supplies reaped in the fall, but at time the winters were harsh.
On another note, Captain Mithirr gave a report on a deposit of a strange mineral rock some distance from Mithlenan. Gwendolyn perked up hearing the strange news. Though the Forgotten Hills was abundant of literally hundreds of different plants, mineral deposits were very scarce. Radagast was as interested as she was as he asked many questions on the rock's characteristics. But even Radagast himself did not know what it was. It was decided that he would travel back with the Mithlinans when they left.
The next order of business was something that pained her heart. Captain Phanor would be retiring that day. There was a bit of irony in the situation, here she was, her first time in a Council meeting and it would be his last. He had always been a good mentor to her. He would be replaced by another Eligere, Jaynor. Jaynor was introduced to the members as he stood up from his seat along the outer ring of chairs in the room.
Gwendolyn grimaced seeing his smile, if it could be called that. It was too smug to be called charming. And he had the nerve to look at her as his 'smile' widened. It was no secret that he was attracted to her though she had turned down his offers of courtship more than enough times. Jaynor was a good Eligere, no doubt about it. His mastery of the sai was highly praised by all, but what was worse was the praise he gave to himself. Gwendolyn as a Residere had a great respect for all Eligeres, but he would never have her respect.
She brought her gaze to the other people in the room and was surprised to see that Minnar was sitting next to Jaynor. She turned back to the center of the table and absentmindedly began contrasting the two men. Jaynor was a nice looking man with brown hair and brown eyes, Jaynor knew with a smile he could make all women swoon. Unfortunately for him, Gwendolyn could not be easily swayed.
Then there was Minnar, with his dark hair and youthful appearance. He was probably in his late twenties, lean in frame and well built. But his eyes were the color of the grey mists which at times covered the Forgotten Hills. She would never forget their first meeting. When she had first offered him her hand, he looked like he had been offered a snake! Gwendolyn tried to hide her smile at that thought. It was her best strategy to determine what kind of man she was meeting. There were some who ignored the hand or even became disgusted and chided her for such unladylike action. Then there were of course the some like Minnar, people who gave her some respect for her outgoing personality. And as for Minnar, he had been especially charming when he kissed her hand.
She felt eyes upon her and looked up to see it was Radagast staring at her. Against her will she flushed though she knew there was no way he could have read her thoughts. But he was an Istari, were they not known for their mysterious powers? Perhaps, but she would not dwell on it.
Focusing back to the meeting she realized they had begun discussion the Southern and Eastern lands, Gondor and Rhovanion. An Eligere from the outer seats stood up to give his spy report of Gondor. When he was done, he returned to his seat.
Lord Palannar seemed pleased. "It is good that Gondor seems to be able to hold herself up. The late king Narmacil had been wise in his choice to put his nephew as Regent of Gondor."
Captain Mithirr snorted. "It would have been wiser for Narmacil to produce an heir. Now that his younger brother Calmacil is on the throne, the watch on Mordor has much been reduced.
Here the captain from Daenan, Captain Daelin spoke, "But at least Regent Minalcar is no fool. He's keeping a close watch on the land north of Gondor, and the Easterlings dare not try to join forces with them. Besides, Minalcar wiped most of the Easterlings in 1248."
"The Northmen are not the problem," snapped by Mithirr. "Mordor is where the real threat lies, it must be watched! Whispers of evil brewing there cannot be ignored!"
Lord Palannar raised his hand for silence. Gwendolyn had heard from her father that the two Captains, Mithirr and Daelin, were known to dispute against anything and everything. But strangely enough, outside of the Council they were the greatest friends. Palannar continued, "We shall know more from our reports from Rhovanion. Eligere Danorath, please come forward."
Danorath came forward with a grim face. "I'm afraid that Captain Daelin's words have some truth though of a different nature. There is a host of orcs now settling in the Eastern side of the Misty Mountains." He waited for the soft murmurings of the people to quiet then continued. "Unfortunately, some of the Northmen are doing nothing to stop them."
Gwendolyn couldn't believe her ears. The Northmen allowing the orcs to settle in their lands? Her father had much regard towards the people of Rhovanion and on numerous occasions Gwendolyn had heard him speak about their fierce loyalty to Gondor. She raised her voice over the council members to voice a question, "Is there any proof that King Vidugavia too is ignoring this settlement of orcs?"
There were audible sighs of relief as Danorath shook his head. Many loved Vidugavia, one of the few Northern princes who did an excellent job in keeping his people together. Their alliance with Gondor was strong and a benefit to both people. "I think it is perhaps only a loose alliance with the Beormings and maybe even the Wood-Men."
Consul Hunan had something to say in the matter. "Trouble will be brewing for Gondor and the Rhovanions though." Gwendolyn knew he was talking about the marriage between Vidugavian's daughter, Vidumavi, and Minalcar's son, Valacar. "Mark my words, when the time comes when Valacar's son must take up the thrown, the people of Gondor will not accept one whom they would call not a 'true' heir, the son of a foreign wife."
"We will worry about that when the time comes," Mithirr interceded, "but what we must worry about is, what happens if the orcs try to cross the Mountains into Eriador?"
"If they haven't already begun to cross over," Danorath said darkly. "It has been a month since I left Rhovanion. I had to arrive home from the eastern border for I did not want to risk going across the mountains to come from the southern border."
There was silence as everyone pondered on the thought. Daelin spoke that which weighed heavily on everyone's minds. "Arnor is now at war with itself. Would the three regions come together to face this danger?"
"They are fools to continue their petty wars," Captain Phanor said in irritation. "The lines of kings have perished in Cardolan and Rhudaur. Fortunately Arthedain still has a king."
"They wouldn't call their wars 'petty'," Consul Thryn joked then became serious. "The Weather Hills are strategically well placed in Eriador, whoever possesses it will have much power."
"Don't forget Weathertop," Daelin added. "The tower of Amon Sul holds the chief Palantir, Cardolan or Rhudaur will do anything to have it."
Here Radagast asked with urgency in his voice, "What of the other two palantir?"
The council members had forgotten his presence and now looked uncomfortably at each other. Though he was an Istari, they still weren't sure whether he was to have unlimited knowledge to all they knew. Lord Palannar laid everyone's discomfiture to rest as he answered the maia's question, "They are quite safe in the hands of the Arthedain. I have complete faith that King Malvegil will never let it leave their lands."
Radagast seemed to be relieved at the news and kept his silence as Daelin continued where he left off. "If anyone in Eriador will be doing any resisting, it will be from the Rhudaurs since they are the closest region to the Mountains. What of our reports from Rhudaur."
Gwendolyn was surprised to see Minnar stand up right then. He approached the round table and said in a quiet voice. "I'm sorry to have to report that we have no news from either of our two spies in Rhudaur."
Palannar tried to quiet the worried talks of those present. Gwendolyn on the other hand sunk deeper into silence. Bad news seemed to be the main theme of that meeting. Palannar raised his voice to finally talk over the voices, "I believe that a short recess is in order. If everyone would like to take a breath of fresh air, they are welcome to leave."
Gwendolyn had never seen a room emptied so quickly, the men clustered in groups discussing the events of the meeting. She grinned seeing that Mithirr and Daelin were even now arguing on some subject or other as they left. Gwendolyn not wanting to be left behind, also tried to leave for a bit of fresh air did sound good.
Unfortunately, Jaynor had seen her and came up to her. "Gwendolyn, you look lovely, as you always do."
"Jaynor, there must be many who would like to talk with you about your new promotion, if you will excuse me," she tried to walk around him but Jaynor was not an Eligere for nothing and swiftly cut her.
"Don't tell me you are trying to avoid me?"
Gwendolyn right there and then would have liked nothing better than to tell him exactly how she much she wanted to avoid him, forever. But she had noticed that some people were looking in their direction; she would not make a scene. She glanced quickly around for a familiar face when she saw Minnar pass by.
She did the only thing she could think of to get rid of Jaynor. She moved next to Minnar and linked her arm with his. Minnar turned to her, as startled as Jaynor was. Before either of them could speak, she said brightly. "I'm sorry Jaynor, this is Minnar, a very good friend of my later father. I promised Minnar I would let him give me a quick tour of inner chambers of the meeting house. I couldn't possible deny his request, as a representative of Gwenoran, can I? "
Jaynor's gaze now hardened. "Is it true?"
Gwendolyn looked up towards the still bewildered face of Minnar. She hoped he would take the hint, otherwise she would have to think of another scheme to leave Jaynor.
With sudden clarity, Minnar's confused look changed to one of sincerity. "It is true, her father..."
He gave her a pointed look which she answered. "Endryn."
"Endryn is a dear friend of mine..."
"And since his death..."
"I have wanted to have a quiet moment with his daughter." Minnar cocked his head. "Unless you object."
The look on Jaynor's was priceless, one Gwendolyn wouldn't forget. She was beaming inside as she tried to compose her own features. Minnar had thankfully proved to be quick in wit and had saved her.
With a curt nod, Jaynor left the two alone. Gwendolyn looked up to Minnar, a thankful expression on her face. "Thank you, I am forever in your debt."
"Thank you for letting me be of service." Minnar glanced at the retreating figure of Jaynor and raised his eyebrows. "A friend of yours?"
With a grimace, Gwendolyn did not explain about Jaynor's interest in her. "Anyway, I thank you again, I should leave."
But as she tried to leave Minnar laid a hand on her arm. "Wait a minute, I thought I was to give you a tour?"
"But that was..."
"I would be honored," Minnar said shyly with a hesitant smile. Gwendolyn thought about the offer. Well, why not? She had to admit he was too adorable to refuse with his sweet manners.
She once more linked her arms with his. "Shall we get started?"
**********
Minnar felt like the luckiest man in all of Middle Earth, why shouldn't he feel that way with this woman at his side? As he led her to the inner chambers, he asked her, "Do you know what is inside the room?"
She nodded. "I had heard from my father about it. It contains the resting places of the first Eligeres, right?"
"That's right. Here we are."
Minnar watched as he saw Gwendolyn looking at the picture carved into the wood above the door. It was of the traditional Eligere three pronged sai pointing upwards and two swords crossed in front of it. "I have always wondered but is it not rare for anyone to carry a sword such as the ones in the Eligere symbol?"
The Eligere was surprised by her question. "It is very unusual that you would notice it, not many do. Yes, as a matter of fact, those are the swords used by the first four Eligeres, the heads of the four Houses. It is very slightly curved at the tip and has only one edge instead of the usual broad two-edged swords. You see, the first Eligeres were warriors but also skilled craftsman. Thus, they had a love for things beautiful. Their fighting style was unique, beautiful, almost like a dance. But that style of fighting is dead now, for one reason is that we Eligeres of this age do not have the skill as the ones of old."
"You still wield the sai, do you not?"
"The sai is still in use today, Shannar who designed it was a genius. Because of the three prongs of the sai, not only can you block your opponent's blade, you can also pin it away."
They finally entered the room. In the wall facing them there were four archways, underneath each a stone tablet. She went to the first one on the far left. "Gwenor of the House of Gwenoran," she read on the first tablet. The next two were for Mithlen and Dane.
Then they stood before the last one. "Shannar of the House of Shannaran." Gwendolyn peered closer to read some other words written. "'May the strength of all that is good be with you.' I recognize the words, they were the last words spoken from him, is that not right?"
The Eligere nodded. After a few more moments, Gwendolyn turned to face him. "What was it like growing up with the knowledge you would someday be an Eligere?"
He shrugged. "The same as any other's I believe. I was the eldest son of the Lord of Shannaran's younger brother, it was my duty. My responsibility. Besides, I have always loved learning to use the sword."
But before he could continue, there was the sound of a horn in the distance. Minnar froze and turned towards the door then back to Gwendolyn. "It is the sound of the border patrol horn, they are in trouble! I'm sorry but I must go!" He turned quickly and ran out of the inner chambers and out into the streets. Already there were a swarm of people as there were shouting out, panicked. Minnar rushed to the stables where the stable boys were preparing the horses. He saw Danorath already mounting his horse.
"What's going on?"
"I know just as much as you do, nothing."
Minnar ran to his horse Thane where she was being saddled by a stable boy. "But you and I know that the horn of the patrols is almost never used unless there's trouble."
Danorath rode his horse next to Minnar out of the way of the other Eligeres saddling up. "After being at the council meeting, I have a bad feeling about what kind of trouble is waiting for us."
"I don't even want to think about." Thane seemed to know the dire situation they were in. Instead of playfully refusing to be bridled as she usually did, she accepted the bit with no problem. As Minnar was just about to get up in the saddle, he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned around and was surprised to see Gwendolyn. Again he was struck how lovely she looked even in the murky light of the stables. Her features were serious and her eyes were now hard green emeralds, there was no light dancing in her eyes now as there had been minutes before.
"You be careful now," she said in a whisper. She then stood up on tip toes to give him a gentle kiss on his cheek. Then with a rustle of her cloak she was gone. If it was any other time, Minnar would have been rooted to the spot. But now was not the time to consider her action, he swung up onto Thane and steered her towards Danorath who waited at the exit.
They rode to the gate where there were now about ten other Eligeres waiting. Minnar was pleased to see that Captain Mithirr was there in command. The Captain separated the group into two groups, one to take the main road to the patrol station, another to take another roundabout way. In case the station was under attack, it was better to have two different groups.
Danorath was chosen to go on the backup group, Minnar to the main group. They shared a silent look, one that said for the other to be careful. Then the next moment Captain Mithirr ordered for them to head out.
Minnar rode with all possible speed as they galloped down the mountainside to face whatever there was to face. But in the back of his mind, he still felt the gentle kiss upon his cheek and was determined to get back safely to see her, the woman the most on his mind.
**********
Author's Note: Cliffhanger! The next chapter promises to have lots of actions! It will be my first time to write about 'echoing', I hope I'll be able to write it out nicely. Please review!
Book Two of the Legends of Shannar
By Priscilla Stafford
Author's Note: Ok, finally onto the "The Council Meeting", written in the perspective of Gwendolyn. I hope you'll enjoy it! All references to other lands, regions, and people were taken from the Appendixes in "The Return of the King". I'm sure everything is written down accurately, if there's any mistake please contact me!
Chapter 3: The Council Meeting
Gwendolyn was thrilled to be able to participate in the meeting. Only having been a Consul for a year and a few months, she had never been to any Council Meeting. All her life she had worked up to this moment and here she finally was.
Her father had been Consul for Gwenoran for as long as she could remember and at the headstrong age of eight, she had made up her mind to follow in the steps of her role model. Her father of course had been pleased but her mother, she had only laughed. For some reason, her mother had never taken her seriously. All she kept saying was that she would grow out of that stage and turn out into a fine young lady to be married off.
Instead, she had decided that she would like nothing better to prove her mother wrong, and in this case, her rebellious nature won out. Here she was at the age of twenty three, unmarried and a Consul member. Gwendolyn's father would have been proud if he was still alive.
In the background she heard that everyone had become quiet and she returned to reality. Lord Palannar had stood up and was now addressing the people. "Let us begin the Council Meeting for the year 1300. First I would like to introduce a guest of honor, Radagast the Brown."
So that's who he was! There had been rumors circulating Shannaran about the mysterious stranger who had arrived. Not many, if any, strangers came to their village so the gossip had spread like a flame. But never in her wildest dreams would she have thought the stranger to be an Istari.
One by one, Palannar introduced the Captains and the Consuls for the guest. Of Mithlenan, Captain Mithirr and Consuls Perrat and Thryn. From Daenan, Captain Daelin and Consuls Hunan and Anethlain. And from Gwenoran, Captain Phanor and Consuls Ilian and herself. Of course Shannaran also had two consuls, Consul Ferrer and Rhin.
Introductions made, the meeting now officially began. Discussions were first made on the status of the villages of the Forgotten Hills. Thankfully though the winter had been long and spring was late in coming, the stocks had held on and there were plenty of supplies left in store. Their land had been blessed with beautiful winters and plentiful supplies reaped in the fall, but at time the winters were harsh.
On another note, Captain Mithirr gave a report on a deposit of a strange mineral rock some distance from Mithlenan. Gwendolyn perked up hearing the strange news. Though the Forgotten Hills was abundant of literally hundreds of different plants, mineral deposits were very scarce. Radagast was as interested as she was as he asked many questions on the rock's characteristics. But even Radagast himself did not know what it was. It was decided that he would travel back with the Mithlinans when they left.
The next order of business was something that pained her heart. Captain Phanor would be retiring that day. There was a bit of irony in the situation, here she was, her first time in a Council meeting and it would be his last. He had always been a good mentor to her. He would be replaced by another Eligere, Jaynor. Jaynor was introduced to the members as he stood up from his seat along the outer ring of chairs in the room.
Gwendolyn grimaced seeing his smile, if it could be called that. It was too smug to be called charming. And he had the nerve to look at her as his 'smile' widened. It was no secret that he was attracted to her though she had turned down his offers of courtship more than enough times. Jaynor was a good Eligere, no doubt about it. His mastery of the sai was highly praised by all, but what was worse was the praise he gave to himself. Gwendolyn as a Residere had a great respect for all Eligeres, but he would never have her respect.
She brought her gaze to the other people in the room and was surprised to see that Minnar was sitting next to Jaynor. She turned back to the center of the table and absentmindedly began contrasting the two men. Jaynor was a nice looking man with brown hair and brown eyes, Jaynor knew with a smile he could make all women swoon. Unfortunately for him, Gwendolyn could not be easily swayed.
Then there was Minnar, with his dark hair and youthful appearance. He was probably in his late twenties, lean in frame and well built. But his eyes were the color of the grey mists which at times covered the Forgotten Hills. She would never forget their first meeting. When she had first offered him her hand, he looked like he had been offered a snake! Gwendolyn tried to hide her smile at that thought. It was her best strategy to determine what kind of man she was meeting. There were some who ignored the hand or even became disgusted and chided her for such unladylike action. Then there were of course the some like Minnar, people who gave her some respect for her outgoing personality. And as for Minnar, he had been especially charming when he kissed her hand.
She felt eyes upon her and looked up to see it was Radagast staring at her. Against her will she flushed though she knew there was no way he could have read her thoughts. But he was an Istari, were they not known for their mysterious powers? Perhaps, but she would not dwell on it.
Focusing back to the meeting she realized they had begun discussion the Southern and Eastern lands, Gondor and Rhovanion. An Eligere from the outer seats stood up to give his spy report of Gondor. When he was done, he returned to his seat.
Lord Palannar seemed pleased. "It is good that Gondor seems to be able to hold herself up. The late king Narmacil had been wise in his choice to put his nephew as Regent of Gondor."
Captain Mithirr snorted. "It would have been wiser for Narmacil to produce an heir. Now that his younger brother Calmacil is on the throne, the watch on Mordor has much been reduced.
Here the captain from Daenan, Captain Daelin spoke, "But at least Regent Minalcar is no fool. He's keeping a close watch on the land north of Gondor, and the Easterlings dare not try to join forces with them. Besides, Minalcar wiped most of the Easterlings in 1248."
"The Northmen are not the problem," snapped by Mithirr. "Mordor is where the real threat lies, it must be watched! Whispers of evil brewing there cannot be ignored!"
Lord Palannar raised his hand for silence. Gwendolyn had heard from her father that the two Captains, Mithirr and Daelin, were known to dispute against anything and everything. But strangely enough, outside of the Council they were the greatest friends. Palannar continued, "We shall know more from our reports from Rhovanion. Eligere Danorath, please come forward."
Danorath came forward with a grim face. "I'm afraid that Captain Daelin's words have some truth though of a different nature. There is a host of orcs now settling in the Eastern side of the Misty Mountains." He waited for the soft murmurings of the people to quiet then continued. "Unfortunately, some of the Northmen are doing nothing to stop them."
Gwendolyn couldn't believe her ears. The Northmen allowing the orcs to settle in their lands? Her father had much regard towards the people of Rhovanion and on numerous occasions Gwendolyn had heard him speak about their fierce loyalty to Gondor. She raised her voice over the council members to voice a question, "Is there any proof that King Vidugavia too is ignoring this settlement of orcs?"
There were audible sighs of relief as Danorath shook his head. Many loved Vidugavia, one of the few Northern princes who did an excellent job in keeping his people together. Their alliance with Gondor was strong and a benefit to both people. "I think it is perhaps only a loose alliance with the Beormings and maybe even the Wood-Men."
Consul Hunan had something to say in the matter. "Trouble will be brewing for Gondor and the Rhovanions though." Gwendolyn knew he was talking about the marriage between Vidugavian's daughter, Vidumavi, and Minalcar's son, Valacar. "Mark my words, when the time comes when Valacar's son must take up the thrown, the people of Gondor will not accept one whom they would call not a 'true' heir, the son of a foreign wife."
"We will worry about that when the time comes," Mithirr interceded, "but what we must worry about is, what happens if the orcs try to cross the Mountains into Eriador?"
"If they haven't already begun to cross over," Danorath said darkly. "It has been a month since I left Rhovanion. I had to arrive home from the eastern border for I did not want to risk going across the mountains to come from the southern border."
There was silence as everyone pondered on the thought. Daelin spoke that which weighed heavily on everyone's minds. "Arnor is now at war with itself. Would the three regions come together to face this danger?"
"They are fools to continue their petty wars," Captain Phanor said in irritation. "The lines of kings have perished in Cardolan and Rhudaur. Fortunately Arthedain still has a king."
"They wouldn't call their wars 'petty'," Consul Thryn joked then became serious. "The Weather Hills are strategically well placed in Eriador, whoever possesses it will have much power."
"Don't forget Weathertop," Daelin added. "The tower of Amon Sul holds the chief Palantir, Cardolan or Rhudaur will do anything to have it."
Here Radagast asked with urgency in his voice, "What of the other two palantir?"
The council members had forgotten his presence and now looked uncomfortably at each other. Though he was an Istari, they still weren't sure whether he was to have unlimited knowledge to all they knew. Lord Palannar laid everyone's discomfiture to rest as he answered the maia's question, "They are quite safe in the hands of the Arthedain. I have complete faith that King Malvegil will never let it leave their lands."
Radagast seemed to be relieved at the news and kept his silence as Daelin continued where he left off. "If anyone in Eriador will be doing any resisting, it will be from the Rhudaurs since they are the closest region to the Mountains. What of our reports from Rhudaur."
Gwendolyn was surprised to see Minnar stand up right then. He approached the round table and said in a quiet voice. "I'm sorry to have to report that we have no news from either of our two spies in Rhudaur."
Palannar tried to quiet the worried talks of those present. Gwendolyn on the other hand sunk deeper into silence. Bad news seemed to be the main theme of that meeting. Palannar raised his voice to finally talk over the voices, "I believe that a short recess is in order. If everyone would like to take a breath of fresh air, they are welcome to leave."
Gwendolyn had never seen a room emptied so quickly, the men clustered in groups discussing the events of the meeting. She grinned seeing that Mithirr and Daelin were even now arguing on some subject or other as they left. Gwendolyn not wanting to be left behind, also tried to leave for a bit of fresh air did sound good.
Unfortunately, Jaynor had seen her and came up to her. "Gwendolyn, you look lovely, as you always do."
"Jaynor, there must be many who would like to talk with you about your new promotion, if you will excuse me," she tried to walk around him but Jaynor was not an Eligere for nothing and swiftly cut her.
"Don't tell me you are trying to avoid me?"
Gwendolyn right there and then would have liked nothing better than to tell him exactly how she much she wanted to avoid him, forever. But she had noticed that some people were looking in their direction; she would not make a scene. She glanced quickly around for a familiar face when she saw Minnar pass by.
She did the only thing she could think of to get rid of Jaynor. She moved next to Minnar and linked her arm with his. Minnar turned to her, as startled as Jaynor was. Before either of them could speak, she said brightly. "I'm sorry Jaynor, this is Minnar, a very good friend of my later father. I promised Minnar I would let him give me a quick tour of inner chambers of the meeting house. I couldn't possible deny his request, as a representative of Gwenoran, can I? "
Jaynor's gaze now hardened. "Is it true?"
Gwendolyn looked up towards the still bewildered face of Minnar. She hoped he would take the hint, otherwise she would have to think of another scheme to leave Jaynor.
With sudden clarity, Minnar's confused look changed to one of sincerity. "It is true, her father..."
He gave her a pointed look which she answered. "Endryn."
"Endryn is a dear friend of mine..."
"And since his death..."
"I have wanted to have a quiet moment with his daughter." Minnar cocked his head. "Unless you object."
The look on Jaynor's was priceless, one Gwendolyn wouldn't forget. She was beaming inside as she tried to compose her own features. Minnar had thankfully proved to be quick in wit and had saved her.
With a curt nod, Jaynor left the two alone. Gwendolyn looked up to Minnar, a thankful expression on her face. "Thank you, I am forever in your debt."
"Thank you for letting me be of service." Minnar glanced at the retreating figure of Jaynor and raised his eyebrows. "A friend of yours?"
With a grimace, Gwendolyn did not explain about Jaynor's interest in her. "Anyway, I thank you again, I should leave."
But as she tried to leave Minnar laid a hand on her arm. "Wait a minute, I thought I was to give you a tour?"
"But that was..."
"I would be honored," Minnar said shyly with a hesitant smile. Gwendolyn thought about the offer. Well, why not? She had to admit he was too adorable to refuse with his sweet manners.
She once more linked her arms with his. "Shall we get started?"
**********
Minnar felt like the luckiest man in all of Middle Earth, why shouldn't he feel that way with this woman at his side? As he led her to the inner chambers, he asked her, "Do you know what is inside the room?"
She nodded. "I had heard from my father about it. It contains the resting places of the first Eligeres, right?"
"That's right. Here we are."
Minnar watched as he saw Gwendolyn looking at the picture carved into the wood above the door. It was of the traditional Eligere three pronged sai pointing upwards and two swords crossed in front of it. "I have always wondered but is it not rare for anyone to carry a sword such as the ones in the Eligere symbol?"
The Eligere was surprised by her question. "It is very unusual that you would notice it, not many do. Yes, as a matter of fact, those are the swords used by the first four Eligeres, the heads of the four Houses. It is very slightly curved at the tip and has only one edge instead of the usual broad two-edged swords. You see, the first Eligeres were warriors but also skilled craftsman. Thus, they had a love for things beautiful. Their fighting style was unique, beautiful, almost like a dance. But that style of fighting is dead now, for one reason is that we Eligeres of this age do not have the skill as the ones of old."
"You still wield the sai, do you not?"
"The sai is still in use today, Shannar who designed it was a genius. Because of the three prongs of the sai, not only can you block your opponent's blade, you can also pin it away."
They finally entered the room. In the wall facing them there were four archways, underneath each a stone tablet. She went to the first one on the far left. "Gwenor of the House of Gwenoran," she read on the first tablet. The next two were for Mithlen and Dane.
Then they stood before the last one. "Shannar of the House of Shannaran." Gwendolyn peered closer to read some other words written. "'May the strength of all that is good be with you.' I recognize the words, they were the last words spoken from him, is that not right?"
The Eligere nodded. After a few more moments, Gwendolyn turned to face him. "What was it like growing up with the knowledge you would someday be an Eligere?"
He shrugged. "The same as any other's I believe. I was the eldest son of the Lord of Shannaran's younger brother, it was my duty. My responsibility. Besides, I have always loved learning to use the sword."
But before he could continue, there was the sound of a horn in the distance. Minnar froze and turned towards the door then back to Gwendolyn. "It is the sound of the border patrol horn, they are in trouble! I'm sorry but I must go!" He turned quickly and ran out of the inner chambers and out into the streets. Already there were a swarm of people as there were shouting out, panicked. Minnar rushed to the stables where the stable boys were preparing the horses. He saw Danorath already mounting his horse.
"What's going on?"
"I know just as much as you do, nothing."
Minnar ran to his horse Thane where she was being saddled by a stable boy. "But you and I know that the horn of the patrols is almost never used unless there's trouble."
Danorath rode his horse next to Minnar out of the way of the other Eligeres saddling up. "After being at the council meeting, I have a bad feeling about what kind of trouble is waiting for us."
"I don't even want to think about." Thane seemed to know the dire situation they were in. Instead of playfully refusing to be bridled as she usually did, she accepted the bit with no problem. As Minnar was just about to get up in the saddle, he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned around and was surprised to see Gwendolyn. Again he was struck how lovely she looked even in the murky light of the stables. Her features were serious and her eyes were now hard green emeralds, there was no light dancing in her eyes now as there had been minutes before.
"You be careful now," she said in a whisper. She then stood up on tip toes to give him a gentle kiss on his cheek. Then with a rustle of her cloak she was gone. If it was any other time, Minnar would have been rooted to the spot. But now was not the time to consider her action, he swung up onto Thane and steered her towards Danorath who waited at the exit.
They rode to the gate where there were now about ten other Eligeres waiting. Minnar was pleased to see that Captain Mithirr was there in command. The Captain separated the group into two groups, one to take the main road to the patrol station, another to take another roundabout way. In case the station was under attack, it was better to have two different groups.
Danorath was chosen to go on the backup group, Minnar to the main group. They shared a silent look, one that said for the other to be careful. Then the next moment Captain Mithirr ordered for them to head out.
Minnar rode with all possible speed as they galloped down the mountainside to face whatever there was to face. But in the back of his mind, he still felt the gentle kiss upon his cheek and was determined to get back safely to see her, the woman the most on his mind.
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Author's Note: Cliffhanger! The next chapter promises to have lots of actions! It will be my first time to write about 'echoing', I hope I'll be able to write it out nicely. Please review!
