Augh, camping has me exhausted! -____- I need to sleep, but when camping in the sequoias, I get the most incredulous ideas for Well Met Indeed, and I have found the perfect plots to tie everything together! Mwuhahaha! Dear Lord, I always get so bitter after reading Anne Rice's books! Her strange and vague endings make me so angry! AUGH… *glowers* Well Met Indeed

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Chapter 11 – Captain, My Captain

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Beyond this place of wrath and tears

          Looms but the horror of the shade,

And yet the menace of the years

          Finds, and shall find me, unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,

          How charged with punishments the scroll,

I am the master of my fate:

          I am the captain of my soul…

- William Ernest Henley, "Invictus"

          "A messenger for you, Lord Elrond."

          Elrond looked up from his small breakfast. "He awaits you in the Hall," the servant said. Elrond's brows furrowed slightly for he was expecting no messenger, and he nodded, pushing his chair silently away from the table. His sons, Elrohir and Elladan, who was feeling much better, looked on with keen interest and as their father followed the servant out, Elladan said to Elrohir, "Father seems much better these few days."

          Elrohir nodded in agreement, though it was done hesitantly. "Aye, indeed," murmured he. "Perhaps Mithrandir has helped after all."

          "Eh? What of me?"

          The twins turned, startled, to see Gandalf hobbling towards them, Thranduil walking besides him. "Ah, nothing at all!" Elladan said cheerfully. He stood and gave a swift bow, which Elrohir did identically at his side. "Good morning!" Elrohir said, seating himself back down. Thranduil smiled and his emerald eyes swept across the large, but vacant, room.

          "I believed your father to be eating," he said to the two. Elladan nodded and motioned towards the half eaten breakfast. "Aye, he was in here moments ago, but was interrupted by a messenger," said Elladan. Gandalf's brows rose, surprised, and he spoke: "Is that so? What else of this matter do you know?"

          "Not much I'm afraid," answered Elrohir thoughtfully. His breakfast was forgotten as he continued, "It seemed urgent though. Perhaps we should join my father in the Hall…" Gandalf shook his head. "Nay, your father will speak to us when the time is right." Elladan did not seem pleased with the Istar's answer, for he immediately said, "But, Mithrandir! Perhaps Father does not. You know him."

          Just then, the doors to the Dining Hall opened, and Elrond swept in, a blond Elf following behind him. Everyone stood at once. "Ai, Glorfindel!" Thranduil greeted merrily. "It has been awhile since you have graced us with a visit!" Glorfindel smiled brightly and he stooped into a respectful bow. "King Thranduil, Long have the years been!"

          "Indeed!" replied Thranduil. He motioned for the Elf to sit, and sit he did. Elrond sat himself in his former seat and clearing his throat he introduced, "Glorfindel, I assume you know Mithrandir.-"

          "Hail and well met, Grey Pilgrim!" The golden-haired Elf had leapt to his feet lightly and he gave a swift bow. Gandalf smiled and he said, "The same can be said for me, Glorfindel!"

          "-And you know my sons as well," Elrond went on. Glorfindel turned to the two, a stern mask on his fair face. "For all that is good and holy in Middle Earth, I do hope that you two have not been gallivanting about causing all sorts of mischief!"

          Elladan stood, as did Elrohir, and he bowed deeply. "Nothing of that sort, I assure you!" he replied. Glorfindel smiled. "Then all is well in the world of the Elves," he noted. Hearty laughter echoed in the large Dining Hall and as soon as it had quieted, Thranduil said, "What brings you to the eves of Mirkwood?"

          A dark shadow flickered in Glorfindel's pale eyes, and in a hardened voice, he spoke: "I have been sent to deliver a message to Lord Elrond." Thranduil studied the Elf quietly and he hesitated before speaking, "Is that so? And what is it that brings such a shadow to your face?"

          Elrond sighed. "Perhaps it is best if you read the letter," he said quietly. Thranduil nodded and took the letter from the other. His eyes darkened as he scanned the letter quickly. "Why do you not read it aloud, Thranduil? Gandalf suggested. Thranduil looked up, mildly startled, but he replied quickly, "Of course!" The king took a deep breath, as if preparing for the worst and he began to read:

To the Lord of Imladris, Elrond,

         

          It burdens me to no end to write you this disconcerting message.

These last few weeks, since you have left the borders of Imladris, peace

has been missing from fair Rivendell. Shadows lurk in the forests of Imladris,

and scouts have spotted a large amount of men, headed in the direction

of both Imladris as well as Mirkwood, where you currently are.

They show no signs of wishing to speak with either you or King Thranduil,

for they are heavily armed.

          Hearing this from the scouts had alarmed me, and I had sent more

scouts out in hopes of understanding why these men approach us with such

hostility. It has been discovered some men march towards Lorien even,

but that is not all, I'm afraid.  You are needed here, my lord Elrond, there is

no guarantee that these men will turn away, for they head towards Imladris

with no signs of turning away.

          This baffles me, and seeing that you have left me in charge of Imladris,

it also drains me of any self-confidence that remains within me. Please keep in

mind that my loyalty to Rivendell will never falter, and I shall be by your side

through any war and any battle, you are needed here, my lord.

Until We Meet,

Dérángthen

          A cry of disbelief tore itself from Elrohir's lips and he stood at once. "This is absurd!" he exclaimed angrily. "Who are these men to threaten Imladris?" Elladan said nothing, but his face had grown dark and angry. Seething silently, he said to his father in a controlled voice, "But it is not for certain, correct?"

          Elrond turned his gaze towards his oldest son and he said quietly, "Aye, but the risk is high. I believe we must return home at once, Elladan." Gandalf cleared his throat at this and he looked to the south window, eyes stormy and troubled. "Perhaps," he said in a quiet way, "it will be for the best if you, King Thranduil, accompanied Elrond and his sons."

          Thranduil frowned slightly and he retorted, slightly sardonically, "And what led you to believe this, Mithrandir?" The wizard did not turn his gaze from the south window, but he replied slowly, "It is naught but an idea." He turned to Thranduil. "But I believe it to be a wise idea." His piercing gaze locked onto Elrond's, and he said firmly to the Lord, "It will be for the best." 

          Elrond nodded, trusting the wizard immediately, and he turned to Thranduil. "What say you?" he questioned, eyebrows raising. The King of Mirkwood looked sullen and reluctant and shaking his head, he replied, "Ah, Mithrandir. I do not believe that is so wise." Gandalf drew in a breath, looking so solemn it spiked some fear and anxiety into the hearts of those who sat at the table.

          "Trust me, Thranduil," the Istar said, eyes flashing and daring for the king to argue. Thranduil, however, seemed to find the wizard's act peculiar, and he nodded somewhat hesitantly and suspiciously. Gandalf smiled, trying to hide the worry in vain, and he said to the king, "Take your finest warriors with you."

          "And of course, Glorfindel, would you be too weary to return to Rivendell tomorrow?" the wizard continued.

          The blond warrior jumped slightly at Gandalf's sudden question, but he replied quickly, "Nay. I shall be more than able to make the journey." Gandalf nodded and he gripped his staff tightly, leaning against it as if he meant to rise, but rise he did not. Instead he sighed heavily and his gaze drifted to the south window. This time, all eyes followed his and outside in the blue sky, they saw a large golden bird.

          Elrond recognized the great bird immediately and he started. "Ai, Mithrandir! Is that not Gwaither, the eagle who watched over Estel and Legolas?" Gandalf looked disturbed and as he nodded, Thranduil asked, eyes narrowing slightly, "And? Is that what has you so worried, Mithrandir?" There was no answer to Thranduil's question.

          And sensing that what the wizard had to say was for Thranduil's and Elrond's ears only, Glorfindel rose and said hastily, "I will be resting in my room. It was wonderful to see you again, Lord Elrond and King Thranduil. And of course Mithrandir, Elladan, and Elrohir." Thranduil nodded and smiled softly despite his livid anger.

          "Rest well," he said. Nodding, the warrior flashed a final smile and rushed out the room. The room was silent as the door closed quietly behind the warrior and Elrond cleared his throat, a glare focusing on his sons. Elladan blinked innocently at his father, and Elrohir pretended to be occupied with his half eaten breakfast, but when the glare did not falter, Elladan let out a groan and rose, muttering to himself.

          He stalked towards the door, a slight pout on his face and sniffing, he called Elrohir to him and said in a loud voice, "Since we are not wanted here, let us find Túrinden and Syndek." Elrohir made a face at his father and ducked, as if his father had swung at him, and he raced away with his brother. The leapt out the door, and their constant mutterings faded into the Halls.

          As soon as the door closed behind them, Thranduil demanded, "What is this about, Mithrandir?" Gandalf turned towards the two Elves who awaited his answer anxiously. "Gwaither, as Elrond stated before, had been watching over Aragorn and Legolas," he started. He paused and pursed his lips. Then he stood and hobbled over to the window, looking as if age had finally taken a toll on him.

          He pushed open the window and the bronze eagle swooped down and landed on the wooden sill of the window. He cocked his head to the side and said in a soft, thick voice, "Gandalf." The wizard nodded at him and swept his hand towards Thranduil and Elrond. "Well met, Gwaither. I fear you have not met neither Lord Elrond of Imladris nor King Thranduil of Mirkwood?"

          The eagle raised his wing as in a greeting and he said politely, "It is an honor to meet the Lord of fair Imladris, and the King of the forests Mirkwood, which I had a wonder flying through."

          Both Elves nodded politely, though the worry did not leave their faces. "What news of the two, my friend?" Gandalf asked slowly, as if he feared the answer himself. The great eagle turned his sharp gaze to Gandalf and slowly he said, "You should not have ever sent the two to Byrium, Gandalf. I fear it will be a fatal mistake."

          No one said anything and all was still for a moment. Then suddenly:

          "What do you mean, Master Gwaither?"

          Gwaither turned his gaze towards Thranduil, who had spoken, and the messenger replied solemnly, "Their situation is grave, my king. The path is dark and shadowed before them and they are too late. The demon has been released-" he paused as he watched both Thranduil and Elrond stiffen "-but they do not leave the kingdom."

          Gandalf sighed and closed his eyes wearily. "This is as I feared," he mumbled to himself in particular. Both Thranduil and Elrond sent him angered looks and the Elf with the shortest temper snapped: "If you feared this, why did you send them?"

          The wizard looked upon Thranduil and he said slowly and calmly, "I have faith in them, Thranduil. You should as well." The Elf-King said nothing, but his face had darkened terribly and he looked as if he were ready to send all of Mirkwood to Byrium. Gwaither said nothing on that matter, and instead he said gravely, "I cannot watch over them when they are in Byrium. The land is hostile and I would draw too much attention to myself."

          Gandalf nodded. "Yes, yes," he replied reverently, agreeing with the eagle. "You have help me beyond my expectations, my friend. I fear it would be selfish of me to ask any more of you. I thank you to no end." The eagle would have smiled if he were granted with the mouth of a human and not the golden beak he had.

          Gwaither nodded towards the two Elves and said, "It has been a pleasure meeting you." Elrond smiled thinly and he replied, "Aye. May the Valar watch over you on your journeys." The Lord turned to the King of Mirkwood, expecting a farewell as well. Thranduil sighed heavily from his deep thoughts and recited almost absentmindedly, "Vanya sulie. Fair winds until we meet again."

          With a final nod of silent thanks towards Gwaither, Gandalf watched as the great bronze eagle rose into the sky, flapping his large wings. Then a breath later, Gwaither, the eagle messenger of wizards, was flying off into the horizon. No one spoke as the Istar shut the windows with care. No one even spoke when Gandalf looked upon them expectantly.

          It was finally, moments later, when Elrond said quietly, "What shall we do, Mithrandir? Surely we cannot send scouts to Byrium, for the risk would be much to great and unwise." The wizard seated himself heavily upon the large, flat plain of the windowsill and leaned against his staff wearily.

          "Yes, sending scouts to Byrium would be much foolish," he answered. He gazed at the two worried fathers with great regret. "Forgive me," the wizard muttered darkly, "for I did not expect for things to go awry." Thranduil did not reply to the old wizard's apology. His jaw was set, however. and he began to pace back and forth whilst muttering something along the lines of: "Anything that my reckless son is involved in goes awry!"

          It seemed as if Elrond heard this, because he smiled slightly and agreed, "Aye. Same can be said for my sons." Gandalf smiled at this as well and he said, "The closest we can come to helping both Aragorn and Legolas is to journey to Rivendell, where you, Lord Elrond, are needed." Elrond inclined his head as a slight nod and he asked, "Will you care to join us, Mithrandir?"

          Thranduil looked up, calmed, though his eyes were still fairly dark. "I fear I will not," Gandalf replied, glancing from Thranduil to Elrond. He gave neither reason nor explanation for his refusal, but both Thranduil and Elrond did not need to hear it. "Then, I presume this is where we separate?" Thranduil questioned, his fair eyebrows scowling slightly.

          The wizard smiled brightly, though his eyes remained worried and thoughtful. "Perhaps not, Thranduil, my friend" The Elf King frowned at this and he asked, "What do you mean, Mithrandir? I have had enough of your clever tricks."

          Gandalf smiled and he rose from his seat. "I think I shall reside in Mirkwood, if you will allow it, Thranduil, for I wish to attend to some business and if my beliefs are correct, the Badingor shall, too, remain." Elrond exchanged a similar glance of curiosity with Thranduil and he asked, "What are your beliefs, old friend? I much desire to hear them out."

          "I am thinking that the Badingor is bound to Mirkwood because of the orders of his masters. He has not plagued any other kingdom of the Elves, and this has led me to wonder why. If the Badingor is indeed bound to your forests, Thranduil, then when you should depart, he can follow neither you nor Elrond."

          Elrond nodded, understanding completely. "If what you say is true, Mithrandir," he said carefully and wisely, "I urge you to tread cautiously. Though you and the others of the Istari may have sealed this demon away before, he is, still, one shrouded in shadow and mysteries. His tricks are sly and his evil great."

          "Ah, you worry much, Elrond, but I assure you that I will not fall to ill will. We will see each other again shortly, of that I am sure and Thranduil, as I have said before, I advise you to take the finest of your soldiers, for the trek to Rivendell is full of perils."

          The wheels in Thranduil's head were turning for he looked up, face serious, but eyes strangely bright. "I will take your advice, Mithrandir," the king said slowly, his smooth forehead creasing slightly in a series of new ideas, "because I have trusted your words more than once and they have proved to be true, but I shall not take many soldiers; I trust myself not to have aged much throughout these last years." Here, Elrond and Mithrandir laughed and Thranduil gave a wry smile. "I shall take but two soldiers, Syndek and Túrinden. I trust them completely and throughout the, both long and short, years they have served me, they have shown great loyalty to me and more importantly, Mirkwood.

          And I am trusting you, Mithrandir, to keep yourself in tact and to watch over my people during my absence, although I will leave another in charge, for I fear you shall… have your hands full with the Badingor." With these final words, Thranduil sat back, his hands coming to rest on the table.

          Gandalf nodded, smiling, and he said, "Wise words, Thranduil, but I must disagree with your choice of two warriors. From what you have told me, Túrinden is in love with Syndek and I presume you chose these two for that particular reason. But perhaps that interferes with their duties to their king?"

           Thranduil waved this aside with a mild gesture from his hands. "Worry not, Mithrandir. They have both proved to be excellent warriors and both Elrond and I are surrounded by capable warriors. Do not tell me that you have forgotten Elrond's sons, as well as Glorfindel." Elrond sighed and he added in hopes of settling the wizard's worries, "Both Elladan and Elrohir are both able warriors, though their mirth can get the best of them; and I strongly doubt Glorfindel's fighting skills will prove to be futile.

          Gandalf chuckled and he seemed to become cheerful self once more. "Ah, you two are correct!" he commented. "I worry much for both your safety as well as those who walk alongside of you, but since I have your trust, you shall have mine as well." Elrond smiled as did Thranduil and in unison they spoke, "When-" They paused and gazed at each other, the corners of their mouths rising.

          "You first, mellonin." Again, they spoke the same time and the wizard laughed wholeheartedly at this. Elrond's eyes shone and he said quickly, "When do we depart, Mithrandir?" Thranduil sat back, pleased that they had not spoke in unison again, but his eyes asked the same question and Gandalf answered, "The sooner the better."

                  

          "Then it will be best if we should leave by morning?" Thranduil questioned, his eyebrows arching. Gandalf nodded, stroking his beard in habit. "Aye. Now, I trust you both to ready yourselves for the long trip to Rivendell." He rose, as did Elrond and Thranduil, and not another word passed between them as they headed towards the door both Glorfindel and the twins had exited out of.

          And as the wizard pulled opened the light, but strong, door. He revealed two figures, Elladan and Elrohir, who had had their ears pressed to the door. "Elladan, Elrohir," said Elrond, with narrowed eyes. Both sons looked up, sheepish grins pasted on their young faces and they stepped back, allowing the three to step into the Hall.

          Immediately, Gandalf, Elrond, and Thranduil could see both Syndek and Túrinden who stood against the wall, looking utterly horrified. "It seems," Gandalf said, eyes shining with mirth, "that we have but two eavesdroppers!" Elladan and Elrohir looked innocently at each other and then at their father.

          "It was not our idea," they said together. Then turning to Syndek and Túrinden, they made identical faces of innocence and said, "We told the two of you this was an awful plan!" Túrinden's eyebrows shot up and he looked startled; then he began protesting hotly. Syndek, however, had a much different reaction. He turned towards Elladan and Elrohir with a mischievous smile and said, "What is the use, sons of Elrond? Your father is far too wise for your tricks."

          Elladan glowered and he cleared his throat, drawing the attention to himself.  "Hush, Syndek. You are clearly suffering the aftereffects of the tea King Thranduil of wonderful Mirkwood has presented so graciously to you when you were poisoned by that spider." He emphasized each positive word in an extra kind tone and with a sweet smile. Túrinden masked his laughter with a fit of coughs and Thranduil glanced at each face, in turn, face stoic.

          Suddenly, he laughed, softly at first. Shaking his head, he said, drawing in a deep breath, "Enough of this. Syndek, Túrinden, I must speak with you. Meet me in my private chambers in one hour." Seeing the two warriors incline their heads sharply, all traces of playfulness dropping from their light faces. The King departed, nodding his goodbye and as the Mirkwood King left, Elrond turned to Elladan and Elrohir.

          "We will be returning to Rivendell, Elladan, Elrohir," their father said sternly. He turned to the two Mirkwood warriors and said, "I suspect this is what King Thranduil wishes to speak to you of." Seeing Syndek and Túrinden nod, Elrond faced his sons again and continued: "We will be departing tomorrow morning and I advise both of you to prepare, though the whole day is ahead of us."

          Elladan nodded and he asked, "What of Glorfindel, father? Will he be accompanying us as well?" Elrond glanced at Gandalf who nodded and said suddenly, "That reminds me that I must speak with him. Excuse me." And with that, the wizard had turned and begun starting towards the Guest Wing.

          As Gandalf turned the corner and disappeared from view, Túrinden questioned Elrond, his pale eyes wide with awe, "Glorfindel is here, my lord? The very Glorfindel who ahs been to the Halls of Mandos and back?" Elrond smiled, for to him this warrior of age and experience seemed no more than a mere elfling.

          "Aye, Túrinden," he replied warmly. "He is here, and resting now." The Lórien Elf drew in a deep breath and exclaimed, "Long have I wished to lay my eyes on the Glorfindel himself! The thought of catching a glimpse of him is astounding!" Elrond said, smiling still, "Is that so?" He glanced at Syndek who looked thoughtful and he asked the thinking warrior, "What is it, Syndek?"

          "Oh, nothing, Lord Elrond," he answered apologetically. "Nothing but a thought to myself." Elrond and Elladan exchanged glances, but Elrohir asked, "What of, my friend?" Syndek smiled, slightly embarrassed. "I was just wondering why Lord Glorfindel would come to Mirkwood. Long have the years been since he has ventured to the realm of our king."

          "True are your words," Elrond said, nodding. "But does he need a reason, Syndek?" The warrior shrugged slightly. "Ah, he does not, Lord Elrond. Forgive me for my blunt thinking," he said humbly. He swept into a quick bow and as he stood, Elrond replied, "No need to apologize, Syndek. It is in the nature of all living things to be curious."

          Syndek nodded, agreeing, and he let out sigh. "What is it, mellonin?" Túrinden asked, concerned. He reached out and lightly touched the other's shoulder, and Elladan and Elrohir noticed, with great satisfaction, that Túrinden did not remove his hand from Syndek's shoulder, nor did Syndek ask him to.

          "Ai, it is nothing, Túrinden," Syndek replied. His eyes became distant and a slow smile appeared on his face. Elladan and Elrohir exchanged curious glances and Elrohir leaned forward. "Syndek?" he questioned. The captain blinked and a rosy color appeared on his smooth cheeks. "What is it?" Elladan asked with a snicker. Elrond cleared his throat and his sons' eyes snapped back to him.

          "That is enough, Elladan, Elrohir," the lord spoke sternly. Both twins pouted slightly and Túrinden smiled widely at this. Syndek grinned and he turned towards Elrond, bowing. "Excuse me, my lord," he said, straightening, "but I fear I have things to attend to." Elrond nodded and said, "It was wonderful to see you again."

          Syndek said the same and he turned to the other three. With a wink he turned and departed, leaving Túrinden staring wistfully after him. "I wonder where it is that he is going," the young warrior said. Elrohir began to say something, but his words were lost in a fit of coughs. Instead, when he had recovered, he said, "Come then. Let us go."

          He, Elladan started to leave and Túrinden watched them, puzzled, and when he did not move, Elladan backtracked and grabbed him. He dragged the Lórien Elf away from his father and Túrinden ducked into a clumsy bow in apology and departure to Elrond. The lord watched, bemused, as his sons waved a farewell to him and disappeared in the same direction as Syndek.

          "By the Valar!" Elrond groaned. The Elf-Lord turned and walked the opposite direction, wishing that somehow, Syndek knew of his sons' plans.

-

          It had been hours since both Aragorn and Legolas witnessed the murder of the girl, Rhysenn. They sat now, in a small alley away far from the charred remains of the house. In the distance, they could hear the loud shouts and bellows of the Byrium soldiers and Aragorn found himself filled with rage.

          "This is barbaric!" he said to his Elf companion, who was sitting quietly. Legolas looked up at his outburst, his sapphire eyes burning. "Aye," he said curtly, standing, "It is." Aragorn sighed and leaned against the wall, studying the crescent moon with dark grey eyes. "We are too late," he commented dryly. "That demon, Legolas, may already be loose… more blood is being spilt at our homes."

          "Are you suggesting we leave?" Legolas questioned sharply. Aragorn shook his head quickly. "No! We cannot leave Byrium in this state. We must help her people somehow." The prince nodded, agreeing and satisfied with the man's reply. "It seems impossible to help them now," he said grimly after some thoughts.

          Aragorn sighed heavily and he ran a hand through his dark locks. The moon shone on his rugged features, making him appear silver and ethereal. His dark eyes flashed smartly in the light as he turned to Legolas. "What shall we do?" the man asked helplessly, distress all over his face. Legolas shook his head, unsure.

          "How can we help? There are only two of us," he murmured. He looked out into the street, eyes narrowing at the sight of the soldiers standing and drinking in the streets. They held torches in their hands and the flames created dark shadows, making the faces of the soldiers gruesome and twisted. As the Elf turned back, Aragorn clasped him on the shoulder. "Do not worry, my friend, for there is always—"

          He was interrupted by a loud roar. Exchanging quick, grim glances, Legolas and Aragorn sprinted out of the alley, and stopped short when they saw what was before them. Throughout the entire street, the soldiers threw their burning torches into the windows of the houses. People ran out of their homes, screaming and coughing as the smoke choked their lungs.

          The fires had begun to grow, and as they did, the whole street was a picture of a massacre, gruesome but strangely beautiful. Aragorn watched this, mouth slightly ajar, and besides him, Legolas drew in a sharp breath and swore, "Sweet Eru!" Smoke billowed up from every house on the street and the midnight blue sky was more cloudy than ever.

          Both caught sight of a man upon a dark horse, which reared and whinnied as the flames licked at her hindquarters. But the man's touch was strong, and the horse could not move in the tightly packed street. The torch in his hand burned brightly and the orange light shone on this face. It was Haethier's lackey, Travington.

          His horse reared, eyes wide, and straining against his hold, but Travington jerked the reins back. A wild, malicious fire burned in his dark eyes, and he shouted to the others, torch waving in hand, "Burn every house down! Your king demands it! No good for nothing scoundrel is to live here any longer! Byrium marches to war!" And with that, he threw his torch into the window of one familiar house. A cry of approval rose in the throats of the soldiers, and it was then that both Aragorn and Legolas knew which house Travington had set afire.

          The flames grew, and the house of Arundel and Arryn was burning steadily.