"Me?" she repeated, as if the thought weren't registering correctly. "Me?
What do you mean it concerns me? I want to know what's going on, and I
want to know now!"
"Calm down, Argalen! Don't get so upset." He took her shoulders and began to massage them, trying to soothe her. "I already told you, you'll find out soon."
"Find out what?"
"Once we get back to the shore, Gildor will tell you everything you want to know. I wanted you to hear everything from him first, to prevent any misinterpretations that might've come up otherwise." He drew her closer, and held his friend. "Don't worry. I know you're going through some hard times and are confused right now, but believe me: it'll be all right. Right now I just need you to come with me, and hear what Gildor has to say. Okay?"
She pulled herself from his grasp and wiped small tears from the corners of her eyes. "Okay, Galdor," she said. "I'll go."
* * *
The small boat was still in the water, waiting for them. Galdor was already in it, steadying the craft as Argalen lowered herself down. The fog from that morning had mostly dissipated by now, and the water was calm, making rowing for the two less strenuous than it might've been.
As they neared the shore Argalen saw a tall elf standing with his foot propped up on a rock, ready to greet them. Gildor, she thought. The two had met each other many times before, both while she was staying in Imladris for a time, and also on the road to the Havens. It had been nearly 60 years since their last encounter, and she had missed him.
They pulled up onto the rocky beach, and Gildor came out further. "Welcome back, Galdor," he said. He offered his hand to Argalen and helped her out of the boat. "And you, Argalen. It's been quite sometime since I've seen you."
"Indeed, it has been long," she replied. "Although, I would like to know what the circumstances are which have brought us together."
"I do not doubt that you do. But talk of said matters must not be held in such open areas. Let us go a bit further inland, at least to the protection of the trees. There you may learn what you wish to know." He led them up the bank and towards a slightly wooded area, where a few boulders that were lying about offered them a place to sit. Once they were settled Gildor began to explain.
"As you know, I've been leading departing companies of elves from Rivendell to the Grey Havens for many a year. Just recently I had escorted one such group to Mithlond, when I received word that Círdan wished to speak with me. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary, as I am often given messages to relay, so of course I went to see him.
"When I met up with him he gave me some tidings to take back to Lord Elrond, but then me made a special request. He told me that he had sent you two out onboard an errand ship, with a message for the Lord and Lady of the Golden Wood. He asked if I would perhaps keep a look out for your ship, and pass on any news I might come across while traveling that might concern you. Naturally, I agreed.
"I admit, I did not fully expect to meet up with you, much less have any information to pass on. However, not long after I had passed the Tower Hills on my way back to Rivendell I happened upon a group of Dunedain, Rangers of the North. From them I learned tidings that would not only concern you, but could very well destroy you. I knew I had to go out of my way to find you.
"Círdan did not tell me what the message was you were carrying, but he did tell me which course you were planning to take: to pass the Belfalas after Dol Amroth and row up the Anduin, through Ithilien and Rohan, and past the Undeeps. I tell you now, you cannot take that voyage."
"You warned me of the peril of such a way, earlier," Galdor began. "Yet you did not speak fully. Tell us: what exactly has happened that has made our route impassable?"
Gildor continued, "From the Rangers I learned that the southward passages were no longer safe for any to travel. Osgiliath is becoming dangerous, as the war between Gondor and Mordor grows more fierce everyday. Luckily the city has not fallen yet, but who know when that may happen? That is not all, however. If the battle over Osgiliath is a storm then the one further south is like a hurricane. Going to Pelargir would be nothing short of suicide."
They were all quiet for a moment, taking in the information and trying to analyze it. At last Galdor spoke. "So indeed, the way up the Anduin is closed to us, and we must find a new path." He stood and walked a bit, recalling to mind the geography of the area. "I suppose we could head up one of the other smaller rivers, perhaps the Gilrain, or even the Ringlo, (we'd pass through Edhellond, it'd be safe there). From there we can head over the Ered Nimrais, and reach the Anduin through the Mouths of Entwash."
Nearby Gildor shook his head at the idea. "I'm afraid that won't do. Crossing the White Mountains, especially during this time of year, would hinder you more than help. And after that you'd be left to face the fields of Anorien. Your provisions will not last that long. There must be some other way."
After sitting quietly, thinking to herself for sometime, Argalen spoke up. "Where are we?" she asked.
The two others looked over at her, not quite understanding the question. "Are you all right?" asked Gildor. "Is something the matter?"
"I'm fine," she said, getting up. "I'm just trying to figure out exactly where we are right now. If I'm not mistaken, I believe we passed the Greyflood a day or two ago. Am I right, Galdor?"
"Yes, I think so," he answered slowly, not understanding where this was leading.
"But what does that matter?" asked Gildor. "The Gwathlo would only take you to Rivendell, and from here it is even further than Lothlórien."
"Yes, you are right," replied Argalen. "I'm not, however, thinking about traveling the Greyflood, but the Isen. We shouldn't be that far from it, and since it's on the way to Dol Amroth the others would still arrive there when they intended. We can cut through the Gap of Rohan and then on through Fangorn."
"Hmm, I suppose taking the Angren upstream would prove the best path," said Galdor. "I'm just not sure about going through Fangorn. The Forest is a dangerous region, even for elves, and its been a long time since any of our people have traveled within it's borders. Perhaps going around Fangorn and through the Wold would be easier?"
Now Gildor spoke up. "It would no doubt be easier, but it would be taking you out of your way, and into the lands of the Rohirrim. They themselves are safe, but I think it best if you two be seen as little as possible. And who knows, you may make it through the Forest without any sign of the Ents at all. They are a relatively scarce race, and the wood is large. Yet if you did meet up with one I do not believe you will be in any harm.
"Of course, I cannot be too sure, as my business keeps me west of the mountains."
"However, I have traveled through Fangorn," remarked Argalen.
"You have?" Galdor asked. "In all the years I have known you I have never heard that. Why didn't you tell me?"
"I never had a reason to tell you. Anyway, I was living in Lórien at the time, and a few of the border guards who were teaching me various skills would take me out into Fangorn on occasion, to 'test' me, so to speak. I know my way through. We should have no trouble getting across."
"Besides," Argalen stated, "I can find no better path for us."
"Perhaps because there is no other path to find," remarked Gildor. "It seems clear to me that the Isen is the only road open to you, and it is that way you must take."
Galdor sighed. "You are right, my friend. It is the only road. Yet I wonder how long such a journey would take?"
"I deem it would take no longer than the route previously laid out. While the Isen is still large, it is not quite as big, or as powerful a river as Anduin, and we can now avoid the Falls of Rauros altogether. It also cuts through, rather than taking us around the White Mountains. Unless we are delayed in the Forest we should lose no time at all. Indeed, if we're lucky we might even arrive earlier than expected." Argalen sat back on her stone. "All we have to do now is go."
* * *
They stayed within the shelter of the trees for quite some time, finalizing their new plans. Scouts were sent out, and no longer than a few hours later were returning with their findings: the Isen was only a few leagues away. They could gain access to it from where they were without having to reboard their ship.
While they were talking they were brought food and drink, as the hours had been tiring. The sun was now making its descent, and as the sky continued to darken they prepared to set out. Their packs had been sent for, and the light craft that they would take was now laden with enough provisions for their journey. It was time for them to depart.
"We wish you safe passage on your way," Gildor spoke, as he led the two out of the trees and back into the clear, where their boat rested on the grass, awaiting them.
"Unfortunately, I myself cannot accompany you to the Isen. However, Ionwë here was one of the scouts sent out, and he will show you the way to the river." He stopped, and looked at them.
"May the Valar keep you, wherever the path may take you, until we meet again."
"Calm down, Argalen! Don't get so upset." He took her shoulders and began to massage them, trying to soothe her. "I already told you, you'll find out soon."
"Find out what?"
"Once we get back to the shore, Gildor will tell you everything you want to know. I wanted you to hear everything from him first, to prevent any misinterpretations that might've come up otherwise." He drew her closer, and held his friend. "Don't worry. I know you're going through some hard times and are confused right now, but believe me: it'll be all right. Right now I just need you to come with me, and hear what Gildor has to say. Okay?"
She pulled herself from his grasp and wiped small tears from the corners of her eyes. "Okay, Galdor," she said. "I'll go."
* * *
The small boat was still in the water, waiting for them. Galdor was already in it, steadying the craft as Argalen lowered herself down. The fog from that morning had mostly dissipated by now, and the water was calm, making rowing for the two less strenuous than it might've been.
As they neared the shore Argalen saw a tall elf standing with his foot propped up on a rock, ready to greet them. Gildor, she thought. The two had met each other many times before, both while she was staying in Imladris for a time, and also on the road to the Havens. It had been nearly 60 years since their last encounter, and she had missed him.
They pulled up onto the rocky beach, and Gildor came out further. "Welcome back, Galdor," he said. He offered his hand to Argalen and helped her out of the boat. "And you, Argalen. It's been quite sometime since I've seen you."
"Indeed, it has been long," she replied. "Although, I would like to know what the circumstances are which have brought us together."
"I do not doubt that you do. But talk of said matters must not be held in such open areas. Let us go a bit further inland, at least to the protection of the trees. There you may learn what you wish to know." He led them up the bank and towards a slightly wooded area, where a few boulders that were lying about offered them a place to sit. Once they were settled Gildor began to explain.
"As you know, I've been leading departing companies of elves from Rivendell to the Grey Havens for many a year. Just recently I had escorted one such group to Mithlond, when I received word that Círdan wished to speak with me. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary, as I am often given messages to relay, so of course I went to see him.
"When I met up with him he gave me some tidings to take back to Lord Elrond, but then me made a special request. He told me that he had sent you two out onboard an errand ship, with a message for the Lord and Lady of the Golden Wood. He asked if I would perhaps keep a look out for your ship, and pass on any news I might come across while traveling that might concern you. Naturally, I agreed.
"I admit, I did not fully expect to meet up with you, much less have any information to pass on. However, not long after I had passed the Tower Hills on my way back to Rivendell I happened upon a group of Dunedain, Rangers of the North. From them I learned tidings that would not only concern you, but could very well destroy you. I knew I had to go out of my way to find you.
"Círdan did not tell me what the message was you were carrying, but he did tell me which course you were planning to take: to pass the Belfalas after Dol Amroth and row up the Anduin, through Ithilien and Rohan, and past the Undeeps. I tell you now, you cannot take that voyage."
"You warned me of the peril of such a way, earlier," Galdor began. "Yet you did not speak fully. Tell us: what exactly has happened that has made our route impassable?"
Gildor continued, "From the Rangers I learned that the southward passages were no longer safe for any to travel. Osgiliath is becoming dangerous, as the war between Gondor and Mordor grows more fierce everyday. Luckily the city has not fallen yet, but who know when that may happen? That is not all, however. If the battle over Osgiliath is a storm then the one further south is like a hurricane. Going to Pelargir would be nothing short of suicide."
They were all quiet for a moment, taking in the information and trying to analyze it. At last Galdor spoke. "So indeed, the way up the Anduin is closed to us, and we must find a new path." He stood and walked a bit, recalling to mind the geography of the area. "I suppose we could head up one of the other smaller rivers, perhaps the Gilrain, or even the Ringlo, (we'd pass through Edhellond, it'd be safe there). From there we can head over the Ered Nimrais, and reach the Anduin through the Mouths of Entwash."
Nearby Gildor shook his head at the idea. "I'm afraid that won't do. Crossing the White Mountains, especially during this time of year, would hinder you more than help. And after that you'd be left to face the fields of Anorien. Your provisions will not last that long. There must be some other way."
After sitting quietly, thinking to herself for sometime, Argalen spoke up. "Where are we?" she asked.
The two others looked over at her, not quite understanding the question. "Are you all right?" asked Gildor. "Is something the matter?"
"I'm fine," she said, getting up. "I'm just trying to figure out exactly where we are right now. If I'm not mistaken, I believe we passed the Greyflood a day or two ago. Am I right, Galdor?"
"Yes, I think so," he answered slowly, not understanding where this was leading.
"But what does that matter?" asked Gildor. "The Gwathlo would only take you to Rivendell, and from here it is even further than Lothlórien."
"Yes, you are right," replied Argalen. "I'm not, however, thinking about traveling the Greyflood, but the Isen. We shouldn't be that far from it, and since it's on the way to Dol Amroth the others would still arrive there when they intended. We can cut through the Gap of Rohan and then on through Fangorn."
"Hmm, I suppose taking the Angren upstream would prove the best path," said Galdor. "I'm just not sure about going through Fangorn. The Forest is a dangerous region, even for elves, and its been a long time since any of our people have traveled within it's borders. Perhaps going around Fangorn and through the Wold would be easier?"
Now Gildor spoke up. "It would no doubt be easier, but it would be taking you out of your way, and into the lands of the Rohirrim. They themselves are safe, but I think it best if you two be seen as little as possible. And who knows, you may make it through the Forest without any sign of the Ents at all. They are a relatively scarce race, and the wood is large. Yet if you did meet up with one I do not believe you will be in any harm.
"Of course, I cannot be too sure, as my business keeps me west of the mountains."
"However, I have traveled through Fangorn," remarked Argalen.
"You have?" Galdor asked. "In all the years I have known you I have never heard that. Why didn't you tell me?"
"I never had a reason to tell you. Anyway, I was living in Lórien at the time, and a few of the border guards who were teaching me various skills would take me out into Fangorn on occasion, to 'test' me, so to speak. I know my way through. We should have no trouble getting across."
"Besides," Argalen stated, "I can find no better path for us."
"Perhaps because there is no other path to find," remarked Gildor. "It seems clear to me that the Isen is the only road open to you, and it is that way you must take."
Galdor sighed. "You are right, my friend. It is the only road. Yet I wonder how long such a journey would take?"
"I deem it would take no longer than the route previously laid out. While the Isen is still large, it is not quite as big, or as powerful a river as Anduin, and we can now avoid the Falls of Rauros altogether. It also cuts through, rather than taking us around the White Mountains. Unless we are delayed in the Forest we should lose no time at all. Indeed, if we're lucky we might even arrive earlier than expected." Argalen sat back on her stone. "All we have to do now is go."
* * *
They stayed within the shelter of the trees for quite some time, finalizing their new plans. Scouts were sent out, and no longer than a few hours later were returning with their findings: the Isen was only a few leagues away. They could gain access to it from where they were without having to reboard their ship.
While they were talking they were brought food and drink, as the hours had been tiring. The sun was now making its descent, and as the sky continued to darken they prepared to set out. Their packs had been sent for, and the light craft that they would take was now laden with enough provisions for their journey. It was time for them to depart.
"We wish you safe passage on your way," Gildor spoke, as he led the two out of the trees and back into the clear, where their boat rested on the grass, awaiting them.
"Unfortunately, I myself cannot accompany you to the Isen. However, Ionwë here was one of the scouts sent out, and he will show you the way to the river." He stopped, and looked at them.
"May the Valar keep you, wherever the path may take you, until we meet again."
