These Men So Unafraid To Die*
By Nerwen Calaelen
Chapter 1: Earnil
Disclaimer: I own nothing that is recognisable from the works of Tolkien. I (possibly) own the characters I invented and other odds and ends, but nothing else!
A/N: Hopefully I'll be updating soon, but don't count on it as my life is quite busy at the moment. Sorry, instead of an update this is a redrafted version of this chapter. I've changed things round a bit and corrected some errors that I spotted.
This chapter is from the viewpoint of Earnil. In general, each chapter will be from the viewpoint of the character named in the title.
*The title is from the English translation of 'Cyrano de Bergerac' by Edmond Rostand, but I can't remember the translator's name, I've got a copy of that version at home and so when I've been back will try and remember to add the translator's name.
Rating: PG. (I don't know – this seemed as good a guess as any)
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{1944 Third Age}
"Your Majesty, there is news from the North. The Wainriders have attacked the garrisons."
Ondoher looked up from his study of the documents in from of him.
"What are you speaking of? That is impossible. Do you not remember the battle on the Plains of Dagorlad?" He spoke with a sneer. I remember the battle on the planes of Dagorlad
"A great victory indeed."
I fought there at the age of 16, and watched King Calimehtar lead the decisive charge deep into the ranks of the foe. He was a great leader until Glóredhel died later that year. If she had not died …but she died, and it was as if he died too. He lived on, but he stopped being interested in anything, except her, he built the White Tower as a memorial. He would go and sit up there for days on end, leaving Ondoher to run the kingdom. This was not a task to which he was suited. Thank the Valar for Artamir and Pelendur; those two were truly talented in organisation and the running of the kingdom. This left him to recruit his army and train it for war. He always wanted to fight and I think that his dislike of me was based on jealousy as he was forced to remain at home during the battle on Dagorlad.
"However, the Wainriders have obviously regrouped. Will you order me to march north to crush this threat?"
"Certainly not. You must return to your post at Pelagir-on-Anduin, to guard against attack from Harad. I will march north to crush these barbarians. They were not able to withstand the might of Gondor before and undoubtedly can not now. It will be a quick war and an easy victory."
"Your majesty. The Wainriders are a great threat to our land, true they were defeated at Dagorlad. However, they fought bravely and it was only after your great father King Calimehtar fought and defeated their leader in single combat that their troops faltered. Even then if Marhwini's cavalry had not fallen on their undefended rear, the battle could have gone either way."
"Silence. I will not hear this defeatist talk. They are merely a rabble of barbarians, however brave, their strength is their numbers. I have resolved to march north and end this threat finally by destroying their army and chasing the remnants back into Rhun, teaching them a lesson they will never forget. Furthermore, I intend to take Faramir with me and leave Artamir behind to rule in my place."
"Artamir will rule well. He will make a good king someday, should his fate allow him."
I see anger in his eyes, he knows that I see how little he cares for the administration of the kingdom. I should not anger him, but I know he is underestimating the threat and I fear that it will prove to be a disaster for our country. I must try to prevent him from making this mistake, but I do not know how to.
"Yet he will need experience in leading armies, so I will take him as my second in command and leave Faramir to learn to administer the kingdom. Pelendur will be here to ensure that he does not make any important mistakes."
If Faramir will listen to Pelendur. It maybe that the responsibility will calm him and encourage him to behave like an adult, but I fear it will not be so.
I am fortunate to have escaped his presence before I lost my temper. I should remain calm, but I know that he would not listen to me – I need a way of advising him, so that he will do as I wish but I am not cunning enough for that. Indeed even Pelendur's diplomacy often seems to have the wrong effect on Ondoher, he will listen to no one. I only hope there is some way we can prevent him ruining Gondor.
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A/N: Please review! Any comments, especially constructive ones are welcome.