It was Thorondor King of Eagles who had brought the summons, first to the Hill of Himring and then to Maglor's Gap. All Eldar were to join the encampment of the Host of the West, which had removed ahead of the rising waters, and with them take ship back to Aman when the Seas had calmed. News of victory had enheartened Maglor's people, and what had been an evacuation of despair became an exodus of euphoria. They could go home! Yet some continued to speak against the Valar, believing forgiveness unattainable; others stared longingly at the mountains to the east and wondered if they might dwell a while longer in the land where they had fought and suffered so much to defend.

The sons of Eärendil were two who went with the larger group, heading for the great camp of the Valar at Thargelion. Maglor had come to the twins first, before he gave his own people the news of Morgoth's defeat; he wished to see his foster-sons one last time. Not that he told them what lay within his heart. He spoke only of the victory and the summons. "I do not know whether you are beholden Eönwë's command, [i]Peredhil[/i], or whether you are free to wander as you choose. But for my part, I have kept you too long. If you wish to go, then go with my blessing and my love."

Elros was dismayed to learn that Maglor was not coming with them, but said no word. Elrond, leaning on the parapet where they stood looking out over the marshy lands at the Sea's edge, spoke for both. "You will not obey Eönwë's summons, even now?" he asked. They could smell salt on the wind.

The singer bowed his head. "My brother and I have not yet taken council yet on what is to be done," he replied. "You see, the Silmarils have been recovered. They are in Eönwë's keeping."

Elros' laughter was incredulous more than angry. "So they are safe, even from you. Oh, uncle, will you not come with us, and forget that wretched oath? It will kill you!"

"An oath cannot be lightly set aside," Maglor said, and ruffled the young man's hair fondly. "Come, lad, I have taught you better than that."

Elros, eager and earnest as ever, could not persuade him otherwise, and Elrond did not try. Not all Melkor's chains had been broken when he was vanquished; so much was clear. But Elrond wished to part with Maglor in friendship, even if afterwards they met again as enemies, so he said little.

His wish was granted. Maglor insisted on sending an honor guard with them, gifted them richly with horses from Valinor and swords from Belegost, and bound fair jewels upon their brows. At Elrond's shoulder was Maglor's silver harp, which he promised to play in his Hall of Fire when it was built. But more precious than all these treasures were the many songs and stories the greatest living minstrel of Beleriand had given them the night before at their farewell feast. So the sons of Eärendil rode forth as princes with a great following in their train of the very Elves who had borne them away into captivity, many of whom had thrice sought their kin's deaths.