Before this starts, I would like to thank my two reviewers so far. Elanial and WargishBoromirFan, thank you for your constructive advice. I am putting or have put into effect most of your kind suggestions. Thank you once again.
Chapter 4a – To Meet a King SA3428 Three weeks later
"Lord King. A messenger for you has arrived." Elendil turned from his view over the now frozen lake of Nenuial. The old king pulled his heavy cloak about himself as he turned. The city was dark because of the black clouds that so oppressed the sky. Even at noon it had seemed like dusk and now as the real dusk approached the city turned dark. Having heard nothing of the tide of battle or of the safety of Duke Coridius he had hoped it was not a bad omen. The snow had fallen for many days now and while the lake was frozen enough to walk on, city life had become muted. The king reflected that for two months of the year the city must stop almost entirely. He pulled the warm fur cloak about his thin body and turned to the Archduke who led a man in the uniform of the third light cavalry. The man bowed and handed over the letter.
"Lord king, this comes from Duke Coridius. He is quartered outside of the pass and will try the passage tomorrow. He will only take a few of his troops through; the rest will be left outside."
"A good move." The king said and took the letter and opened it. It was almost exactly what the messenger had said except that it reported that the duke had good news. Elendil nodded and looked to the young cavalryman. "A victory?" He asked with anticipation.
"Yes lord king. Not one enemy lived. Although five men fell, they brought low many times their number in enemies."
"I am pleased. Get some rest. You can reunite with Duke Coridius tomorrow. Has the ambassador returned?" He asked and the man nodded. "He has lord king."
"Good. Now go." He ordered and the man bowed and ran off to the entrance of the palace. The king looked to the Archduke. He sighed.
"It is well it was a victory." Maelius said.
"It may have small results tactically but strategically my friend it is the best way of reinforcing the alliance. And it will serve as a boost in morale for all of our men. What do the scholars say of the weather tomorrow?"
"They tell me it will be fine weather."
"An omen or a guess? We shall see tomorrow." The king said and Maelius laughed. "I want all the men who fought there to be rewarded with something. A medal or something. Will you see to it?"
"Of course lord king." The Archduke said. "If you will excuse me, I heard there was an incident at the docks today. A load of timber accidentally came off a boat onto a man." The Archduke put a smiling emphasis on the word 'accidentally'.
"See to it Maelius. Be here at two hours before noon tomorrow."
The Archduke turned walked down the passageway. He turned a corner and almost collided with another messenger. The man apologised and stood.
"I am sorry lord duke. I have an urgent message for the king. Do you know his location?"
"I will take it to him. Thank you." The man seemed uncertain but handed it over.
"Thankyou lord duke." He said and strode back through the cold hallways.
Antunius looked at the letter, sealed by both Prince Anárion and Prince Isildur. He swallowed; it could not be good news. He ran up the stairs he had just comedown, heedless of the ice. He saw the king heading inside one of his rooms. He knocked on the door and opened it. The king looked up at who would open the door without his word. His brow creased.
"Maelius? I thought you had gone." He said. The Archduke saluted hurriedly.
"I am sorry to intrude but I have another message here. An urgent dispatch and I thought it best if I showed you."
"Come outside. I cannot see a thing in this room." The king said and followed his regent outside. Maelius handed over the message and the king took it. He almost simply opened it but stopped when he saw the two seals. One was the white tree of Númenor and the other was a representation of the sun over a tower.
"The marks of my sons. What could be so important for them to jointly seal it?" He asked and opened it. Maelius walked a few yards down the stone balcony to give the king privacy. He was looking over the frozen lake when he heard the king curse.
"By the Valar." He said in shock. The Archduke turned to his king.
"Lord king?"
The king looked up. "Grievous news Maelius. This message is from Isildur with an after word by Anárion." He walked over and placed his hand on his regent's shoulder. "I want all members of the council to be here tomorrow at two hours to midday. Understand?"
"Of course lord king. What has happened?" He asked wondering what news could be so dire as to rattle the king.
"Nothing disastrous, yet. I will tell you in the morning. Go, I have much to consider."
Maelius nodded and walked down the stairs a second time and into the interior of the palace. He called over several guards and gave them instructions to find the nobles and 'suggest' they be in attendance the next day. He called to a gate guard captain who was going to his shift.
"Captain, let it be known that Duke Coridius and the ambassador should be directed up here as soon as they arrive. This is important."
"Of course lord duke." The man saluted and strode away.
When this was done, Antunius Maelius walked to his chamber and sat at his table. He wondered what had so alarmed the king but was confident he would find out the next day.
Coridius cursed the snow as once again he slipped on the icy stone path. The path was steep as it ran up to the gate of the city. The road verges were covered in piles of snow but the road it self had been cleared and covered in sand. Unfortunately it meant that the road became more slippery. Eventually he reached the top and walked up a flight of stairs to approach the gate. He saw Tiraldórë already waiting with a ridiculous smile on his face. The elf was wearing clothes that should have been far too thin to wear in mid winter and the duke silently cursed elvish resistance to cold. Malimar came up beside him. The cavalry captain had also been having a hard time on the slope. Coridius looked back down to the mouth of the pass where the first gate had been and smiled. He saw the lake was already frozen, unusual for this time of year but he shrugged and looked back to the grinning elf.
"And have you anything to say?" He challenged and Tiraldórë shrugged.
"Not at this moment." He said grandly and Coridius sighed.
"Let us get inside then." He said and walked up to the gate.
The walls of Annúminnas were really three sets of walls. The first, the largest and strongest guarded the entrance to the pass. The wall there was thirty foot high and twelve foot thick. Buttressed by mountains on either side, it was a tough obstacle. The second wall was built across the inner pass, before the lake divided the road and city into north and south. The third wall was the smallest and was a hundred yards behind the second. It ran from the lake to the mountains and was thus useless for two months of the year. Coridius looked to his left to see the imposing shape of the Orcasdan Tower towering above him to the left. It looked over all of the ways into the city and was a tower built into the mountains.
The duke shrugged and moved to the gate. The door, heavy and iron bound opened at the same time the portcullis did. Inside was a guard captain whom Coridius had seen a few times before.
"Welcome back Duke Coridius." He bowed to Tiraldórë. "Lord ambassador. I have received word from the Archduke and the king. They wish for you to attend upon them as quickly as you are able."
"Do we have time to get dressed?" Coridius asked.
"I can only say what I was told lord duke. The Archduke told me it was important that you go as soon as possible."
"Then we shall. I thank you captain." Coridius said and walked through the gate. Malimar and Tiraldórë followed and the duke did not speak until they were through the third gate. He turned to Malimar.
"My friend, get yourself rested. Have the escort stand down." He started to turn back but looked around again. "And have a drink ready for me."
"As you wish your grace." The cavalryman said with a smile and Coridius sighed and walked on. He still was walking towards the great shape of the palace as he spoke to the elf.
"It must be serious. I hope nothing has happened."
"Doubtless we will find out soon." The elf said as they approached the gate. As they acknowledged the salutes of the guards on duty and were about to enter they were hailed from behind. Man and elf turned to see the long smiling face of Athaerion Talliar coming up the path. Predictably, he was dressed in a long sleeved tunic and cloak of blue and white. He smiled at the two as they walked up the stairs.
"You received urgent summons as well?" He asked.
"The guard captain told us we were needed as soon as we arrived." Coridius said. His fellow duke looked at him and saw the mud and dirt covering him.
"Well I suppose aesthetics must be put aside in emergencies." He said dryly. He turned to the elf. "How do you put up with him?" He asked.
"It is difficult sometimes." Tiraldórë said.
Coridius sighed. "I suppose, my friend you have no idea why this meeting was called?" He asked.
"No. It seems urgent though." The duke of the south said and walked through a series of doors to come to the door of the king's meeting hall.
Coridius knocked on the door twice then stood back. There was a command telling them to enter and the duke opened the door.
Inside, the king was pacing restlessly around the room. He was alone and he looked anxious about something. He looked up and smiled.
"Welcome back Duke Coridius, Ambassador Tiraldórë and even Duke Talliar. I hear you have good news Coridius." He stated.
"I do indeed lord king. Malimar and his men played a most excellent role in the battle. The enemy was caught in a gorge and cut to pieces. Although five of our men fell, we felled at least a hundred times that number in a few minutes." Tiraldórë added his thoughts.
"Their role was greatly appreciated for some enemy might have escaped the trap. Lord Elrond was greatly pleased by you kind assistance."
"I am pleased. To get such a victory at little cost is great indeed." The king said. He looked around at the three again. "Who was in command?"
There was silence for a few seconds. As Elendil readied himself to ask again Coridius spoke.
"A ma-" He stopped. "His name was Lord Valentai. He led us to victory and killed thirty one of the enemy."
"You stopped when you said man. He is no elf or man then is he?" The king asked shrewdly. "Who is he; I have never heard of him before."
Tiraldórë looked around and spoke. "He saved me from ambush on the road to Imladris. Unfortunately he could not save my escorts. He is neither man nor elf entirely but something different. In the shape and form of a man he is, but old like my kin. A stranger but a brilliant soldier."
The king nodded. And then looked down. Talliar eventually spoke next.
"What is the nature of this meeting to which we were called to? It was said to be urgent."
"It is. It will begin soon. A full meeting of the council." The king said and Tiraldórë nodded and turned to leave. He did not attend the full council meetings because he was not invited. He assumed it was because the meetings were on purely internal matters.
"Lord king, if I may take your leave?" He asked.
"No stay ambassador." He said and the elf turned back with a frown on his face. "I do not invite you to meetings of the council because the matters are internal and are not worth your consideration. Today however, there is a matter that demands the attention of us all."
"As you wish lord king." The elf said and came to sit at the table.
There was a knock at the door and it opened on the king's command to reveal the remaining members of the council who filed in. The Archduke smiled at those already there and sat. The Count of Fornost gave Tiraldórë a suspicious look and sat as far away as possible. The Baron of Kerost sat next to Count Fedallais and tried to avoid looking at the elf. Tiraldórë looked around and remembered what Coridius had said of the three men opposite him. All of these men were mostly non Númenorian and were the descendants of those who had fought the king. They were almost all suspicious of elves. Tiraldórë mentally shrugged, he did not much care either way.
Elendil stood; most noted he looked much older today as he held up the letter.
"As some of you know, I received a letter from my sons yesterday. They have ill news to report. I have invited Ambassador Tiraldórë to be present as it concerns his kin as much as it does us." Elendil said he looked at the letter again and let it fall.
"The message was written a month ago and has taken that time to reach us. The enemy has made the first move in his new war." There were murmurs but the king continued. "The enemy has taken the eastern mouth of the pass of Minas Ithil. They are not advancing on yet and the pass itself is still held by Isildur and his men. There will come a time, perhaps as early as next year that the enemy will count himself ready and will push through with all of his strength. The motives and strength of the enemy is of course unknown but we know he has regained much of his previous power and that he has gathered an army to him. In time, Minas Ithil will be besieged by the enemy, an enemy who has the luxury of time. A luxury we do not possess. I do not like to lecture but I will tell you what will happen." He started pacing the room and his face became old and tired.
"The enemy will push aside Prince Isildur's forces. No matter how strong or brave they are, they cannot stop the enemy forever. Minas Ithil will be besieged. I have no doubt that it will stand for a long time, maybe a period of months but in the end it will fall. All of the land east of the Anduin will then be his and only Osgiliath will stand between him and victory. Anárion is a good commander and he knows that he cannot keep an army raised without good cause. The machinery of war is supplies and money and to keep an army in operation will require the entire economy to halt. The city of Osgiliath can withstand any siege because it can not be surrounded. If it does fall then we have the very real question of the loss of the Kingdom of Gondor arising. Without the river defences, the lands will be ravaged and though the cities might survive, the people and the kingdom will die. It will start with the tower of the moon and end with the fall of Gondor unless help can be sent." He stopped as he saw the appalled looks on the faces of the nobles. He nodded.
"So you see what I mean? Grim but not hopeless. Certainly not hopeless. It has not yet begun and we have the power of early warning. As far as I can see therefore, we have three options; to let Gondor fight alone, to aid here in her fight." He stopped and looked at the elf ambassador. "Or to ask for aid. An alliance."
There was dead silence in the room. Only the crackling of a small wood fire disturbed the silence. Finally Thandal spoke.
"Lord king, there is no definite proof that the enemy is moving. Twenty years ago, the same thing happened and it passed by with out incident."
"You are right Thandal. There is no definite proof but in me I feel that this is the time that he will strike. He will move against the land of my sons and he will strike."
"And the placement of the tower of the moon will only tempt and provoke him more." The baron said and the old king glared at him. Instead of subsiding, the baron matched the king's gaze. "In you heart lord king you know it was a mistake. I do not blame the prince; he had bad advice to build it there."
"So you would blame Levan?" Talliar asked and the baron glared at him.
"It was he who prompted him to-"
"Enough." The king said.
"I was just saying lord king that-" The baron began again.
"I said enough." The king said icily. "That has no relation to the subject. What is done is done and we can only look to the future."
"Have you considered ordering Prince Isildur to abandon the city?" Fedallais asked.
The king nodded. "I have considered it but the loss of morale will be too great for such a loss and the benefits will be minimal."
"The loss in morale lord king will be less than if the city falls." The baron pointed out and there were murmurs of approval.
"No, I will not have my son abandon his city. I cannot do that. I will not do that." He said. "I will tell him thought to hold it to the last man and evacuate all non-combatants."
"As you say lord king." The count said, hiding his feelings.
"I would say that the only way is to prepare for war. A combination of the last two options is the only way." The Archduke said thoughtfully. "If we were to prepare a relief army, small but enough to shore up their defences temporarily then it will give both of us time to evaluate the situation and rearm more fully." The king nodded. He was happy he had chosen the subtle and intelligent baron to be the Archduke.
"I agree with this. Any voices against this?" The king asked. Unusually there was no argument, just a question from the new Baron of Kerost.
"And what of this army, who would lead it?"
"That can wait for now Sirandel. What we must consider the matters of an alliance between men and elves."
The Archduke stood and looked around the table. "Permission to speak freely lord king." He said.
"Of course Maelius." The king said and the Archduke sighed.
"I am right in saying that the force that the enemy now musters is as large as the one that marched on Eregion?" He asked looking at Tiraldórë who did not know what to say.
"I have heard as much lord duke. Certainly they are considerable in number."
"There are two entrances into the dark land. The first is by way of Minas Ithil, the second is to the north, the black gates. Even if all of our armies are gathered together, we do not have the strength to divide to fight both of them. To leave either unguarded when the war begins is folly and foolishness. The enemy will simply use the route that is not blocked to his advantage. I say it plainly and perhaps against the views of the other people at this table. We cannot win this war on our own."
There was another silence that followed. It was broken by Thandal who rose to his feet angrily.
"With respect Maelius, how can you say that we are not strong enough? Why would the elves join us anyway?" He said to the Archduke. Tiraldórë obscurely wished he was not here. His wish was not granted. The baron turned to the elf.
"With all due respect ambassador, what possible motive would your king have for helping us? A mutual defence pact is one thing but marching a thousand miles to a war is another."
"It must be considered." Maelius said, his voice still level.
Thandal turned back to Tiraldórë. "Would your king be prepared to sign such an agreement?" He asked as though the elf could tell him.
"You would have to ask him. I am an ambassador, not the ruler." The elf said calmly. "I will say this though, if there is anyway that we can aid you we will be that passive or active. Anything more must come from the High King."
Elendil stood. "Thank you Tiraldórë, please be seated Thandal. This bickering is pointless and only weakens our cause. The new year approaches in just two week's time. In the new year I would send a message to the High King himself. I will request an audience for one of my advisers and then request a meeting with Lord Elrond also. That way, we can have a definite answer on this matter. In the new year I will also have the relief army furnished and ready to send on."
"I agree." Fedallais said.
"I would trouble Tiraldórë to go to Lindon." The king said. "You can convey the seriousness of the situation and you are well known there, better known than any of us of course."
The elf nodded slowly. "I will be honoured lord king. When do I leave?"
"In two weeks, near the start of the new year. Ride there and request that a message be sent to Lord Elrond. When they are moving past, I will send my ambassador down to meet them and convey my side of the story."
"Your will be done lord king." The elf said tactfully.
"Is there anything else my friends?" He asked. There was no reply and he nodded. "Be on your way then. My congratulations Coridius and my thanks ambassador." He said and the nobles took it as a signal to leave the king.
Only the Archduke stayed. He looked at his king gravely.
"A bold plan. It has merits though."
"It does indeed. You are going as my representative."
"Lord king?" Maelius asked in surprise.
"You heard me. You are my regent; the elf king cannot brush you aside if you are the Archduke. You also have the power to make policy and the wisdom not to do so if it is not advantageous to our cause."
"As you wish my king."
"Good, now go while I write this letter."
The Archduke left the room and Elendil sat down to his composing.
Second week of the new year SA3429.
There was a knock at the door and Valentai stood up. "Excuse me my friend." He said.
"Do not trouble yourself about me." Gildor said. Valentai often visited the elf and the Eldar captain returned the favour. He had formed a close friendship with the black haired elf that was unusual for such a short period of time. Valentai could not remember becoming friends with a person this quickly. The elf was always willing to talk and Valentai was more than happy to tell the elf tales of faraway places and tales of victory and defeat. Gildor seemed entranced by the stories and Valentai was happy to listen as the elf told him stories about his experiences in Middle Earth. Gildor had even shared some of the wine that Coridius had given him and though strong, it was brilliant. Valentai sat at his table with the elf and they shared a glass of regular wine. Valentai stood and walked to the door and opened it. He stepped back in surprise. Silmarë stood in the door, her hair flowing about her cheeks like liquid silver. She smiled and he nodded to her.
"Good evening Silmarë. You caught me by surprise."
"Have I caught you at a bad time?" She asked softly. Valentai smiled and patted her shoulder with his gloved hand.
"Not at all my dear. Come in if you wish, I have some wine uncorked."
She followed him in. In the time since his return from the battle, the two of them had become firm friends. It was not love in the truest sense of the word but companionship based on respect. Valentai did not desire a relationship of love but had instead chosen to be friends. Deep down though, Valentai knew that she might think differently. Valentai had learned much in the past weeks and could now speak as freely in the ancient language as anyone could. He was also slowly bringing up his knowledge of this world which was admittedly one of the most complex he had had to learn in his life. They now frequently visited each other to talk mainly and sometimes to walk about Imladris. She would sometimes appear out of nowhere and come to him for company like now.
"Just water thank you Valentai. You know I do not-" She stopped as she saw Gildor at the table. She bowed hurriedly. "Lord Gildor, forgive my interruption."
The other elf laughed aloud. "Think nothing of it Lady Silmarë. I would appreciate the company if you are willing of course."
She smiled nervously. "Of course Lord Gildor." She said softly. There was a slight air of tenseness in the room. An air Valentai did not and could not understand.
The elf captain smiled at Valentai who stared back at him, challenging him to make a comment. Gildor declined the bait and poured a glass of water for the elf maiden who sipped it as Valentai came and sat back down.
"You have a nice room here Valentai." Gildor said as though he had only just thought of it.
"I think so yes." Valentai replied and looked to Silmarë. "Now my dear, can I help you with something?" He asked and she shook her head.
"Not especially. I was just passing and thought you might appreciate the company."
"I do indeed." Valentai said, trying to alleviate her anxiety. Gildor was not helping as he continued to smile at him. Valentai was trying to think of something to say next that would help when the door banged again. It sounded urgent and he walked across to it. As he did he called back to the two elves.
"I don't suppose you invited anyone else did you?"
"Not now. They might come later." The elf called and Valentai shook his head as he opened the door. The elf in the doorway was one who frequented his training sessions as an assistant. The elf looked like he had run a great distance.
"Yes my friend?" He asked. The elf saluted, out of breath.
"Lord Elrond's compliments but he asks you to attend upon him." The elf said.
"What has happened?" Valentai asked.
"Ambassador Tiraldórë has returned with the escort of the High King himself." The elf said.
"Lord Gildor is in here also, is he to attend?"
"That is the regent's request." The elf said
"Very well. Thank you my friend. I will see you tomorrow." Valentai said as he closed the door. He turned back to the two elves who looked questioningly at him.
"Tiraldórë has returned with an escort from the High King." Valentai said as though he did not quite understand what he was saying. "I thought he was with Elendil." He mused.
"Do they need us?" Gildor asked.
"Yes, Elrond wishes us to attend upon him now if we can."
"Of course we can." Gildor said and stood up. "I will meet you there." He said formally. For all of his humour, he could become instantly serious like a good soldier. Valentai saluted and closed the door behind the elf.
Valentai looked to Silmarë. "I am sorry to leave you my dear. I will not be long. Stay if you wish, or not as you will." She smiled.
"I will go if it is the same to you."
"Of course Silmarë." He said and she frowned slightly.
"Are you alright?" She asked and Valentai nodded.
"I am fine my lady. Now if you will excuse me." He said and walked past her. She followed him out and Valentai closed the door and headed in the opposite direction.
Gildor met him by the residence of the regent. "Do you have feelings for her?" He asked with an unusual bluntness.
"No, only as an acquaintance." Valentai said firmly and the elf nodded but seemed unconvinced.
"Then you may wish to have a brief word with her. It seems she may think differently on the matter." Gildor said.
Valentai would have asked more but they came to before Keldoräth. The bodyguard saluted Valentai as he ran up the stairs.
"Do go in Valentai. The regent is expecting you." The bodyguard said and Valentai walked through the door and ran up the three flights of stairs and the intervening floor space. He opened the door and walked into the meeting room and saw that all was there other than him. Tiraldórë smiled at him as he entered and saluted. Valentai returned it and saw the elf was wearing formal robes as the ones he would have worn meeting the High King. Elrond gestured him in.
"Come in Valentai. I regret the short notice but I believe it is best that all hear what Tiraldórë has to say.
The ambassador smiled at the assembled councillors. "I bring a message from the High King himself. It all started on the day I arrived in Annúminnas, the king had received a message from Isildur saying the enemy was moving once more and that they had taken the eastern lips of the valley of Minas Ithil. The king decided to forward this information onto the High King and I agreed to go as a messenger, as I am of course better known in the white city. After talking with the High King and considering our options he had asked for Lord Elrond to attend upon him to meet. On the way we shall meet the Archduke of Annúminnas who will represent his king in the meeting. There are many who believe there is war brewing and that an alliance with the human realms is the only way to achieve victory."
"We thank you for your sacrifice my friend." Elrond said. He turned to his councillors. "Any views?"
Vallarië of course had a strong opinion. "I for one do not believe that such an alliance is a necessity. We are capable of fighting for ourselves if need be and the fight does not need to be ours."
Tiraldórë looked like he wanted to protest but did not want to go against such a formidable opponent. Vlaimadous saw the silent appeal and nodded.
"You will agree Vallarië that things of changed since the last war. Do not forget that we were only defending ourselves and not trying to overthrow the darklord himself. If we fight disunited then the enemy can overcome us one by one whereas if we stand together, we have the strength necessary to win."
Vallarië was not about to concede the point. "That as maybe Vlaimadous, but you must consider if the enemy is actually moving or just testing us. To rearm for nothing would be foolish and even counter productive to our cause."
"There is a war coming eventually." Osturin put in. "But when is the question."
"And have the humans any inclination to help?" Culandil pointed out.
"I believe that the king would like to and the Archduke is a supporter but there is doubt there."
"Then we have no choice but to see." Vallarië said.
Elrond nodded at all that had been said. "I will go to meet with the Archduke. Although I agree with Vlaimadous, we cannot form a military alliance without a war to fight. the enemy has not begun yet. Legally we cannot do it and if we did the repercussions could be too great. Further more if the darklord sees we are prepared then he call back our strike. He may be the darklord but we cannot attack even him without cause."
"Then so be it." Vallarië said.
"I will be leaving as soon as it can be prepared. I will go, as will Tiraldórë, Gildor and Valentai." Elrond declared.
Valentai looked at him. "Why me lord regent?" He asked puzzled.
"You are coming because I said you are going to go before the High King. Besides, you have knowledge that may be useful to us." He said to the collected audience.
"When I am gone, Vallarië, as son of the lord of Eregion is ruler. Follow him like you would me and may the Valar be with you and guide you." He said and the council members exited the room. As Valentai walked up the steps, Elrond called to him.
"Valentai, stay a moment." The hero turned and walked down the stairs and stood near the table of the regent. "That is not the real reason you are going Valentai, at least not the whole reason. Tiraldórë is right of course, there is a war coming but we cannot be the ones to strike the first blow. I intend to stay in the white city until there is a final decision made. I believe the High King will form such an alliance at the right moment. When he does you will be on hand for command."
Valentai looked shocked. "I could not ask you to find me a position. I will only take what my skills can merit. If the High King sees fit to make me only an observer than I will accept that." He said and Elrond smiled.
"You deserve far more than that and you know it. If the High King has no place fitting your ability than I will find you a place. In reality though, the High King is a good judge of character and he will see that you are valuable to him."
"I thank you for your kind words Lord Elrond. I think that you are right. I am capable of leading anything. I have led units from two hundred to armies of two hundred thousand. It is whether you are willing to trust an outsider to lead your soldiers into battle."
Elrond nodded. "The High King knows much that others cannot perceive. Never has his judgement about those who serve with him been wrong."
"Then I shall accept his decision." Valentai said and bowed slightly.
"Excellent. We leave tomorrow if it can be organised swiftly enough."
Valentai realised that he would be forced to organise a horse and similar equipment for himself. He also realised he would have to go through Erestor. Erestor was still in charge of being quartermaster and the flustered elf had not appreciated Valentai's interruption to his work. He had obviously been trying to organise the equipment and supplies for the escort when Valentai had walked to his desk where he ordered his aides and assistants about. He looked up irritably as Valentai appeared before him.
"Can I help you Valentai?" He asked briskly without looking up from his papers.
"As you know there is a party leaving tomorrow-" He began but was cut off.
"I know that Valentai, get to the point. I do not have any time to talk." He said and handed a piece of paper to an aide. "Take this to the armoury." He commanded and the elf ran out through a door.
"I need a horse and saddle wear and a tent." Valentai said. Erestor looked up and smiled grimly.
"By the Valar Valentai! It is not my duty to round up horses for people. go and see the stable master." He commanded and looked back to his papers. Valentai realised he would get no more from the elf and strode out to the stables. This elf was more obliging and Valentai soon had a grey mare that he approved of and paid for. He gave orders for it to be ready by midday and left the eastern bank of the river. The. The air around was cold but fortunately it had never snowed in Imladris as long as it had been settled. Valentai was walking across the bridge when he was hailed by a soft voice.
"Valentai?" It said and the hero turned to see Silmarë looking at him. She smiled slightly.
"My lady." He said and she smiled.
"How are you? What did the regent say? Why were you called to see Lord Elrond?" Valentai frowned at the flood of questions.
"He is leaving tomorrow to travel to see the High King. War is coming and there will be a meeting with the regent of Arnor as well." He looked at her. "I am going as well."
She stared at him and then nodded sadly and turned away. "I see." She said softly.
"I will be back as soon as I can but the regent thought it best that I be introduced properly to the High King."
"I wish you luck." She said stiffly. She bowed her head slightly.
"Why are you so sad my dear?" Valentai asked as he saw her eyes clouded with tears. "I did not think this would affect you so, we are just friends."
She smiled weakly. "I know. I do not know why but I feel sad that you are leaving."
He smiled. "And I shall return. Affairs there will not keep me long."
She embraced him quickly and stood back. "Be safe Valentai." She said and walked past him over the river. He heard her go and looked down and stared at the water blankly. He figured that he had got himself into something that he had not expected. It was probably just as well that he was leaving the next day. He had no desire to become anything more than friends with the elf. He had a few things to pack and then he would be ready for the morning.
Valentai was ready and mounted in the courtyard as Elrond walked down the stairs to his own white mare. The elf had had the impractical and formal robes packed away and wore more comfortable clothes, high boots and a sword by his side. Valentai saluted the regent who nodded and rode over to meet him.
"Good day Lord Valentai. I see you are all ready." He stated and Valentai smiled.
"As are you I see. Who is coming with us?"
"Aside from those I said yesterday, fifty cavalry as an escort and the ten riders of the High King's army."
"Where are we meeting the Archduke?" He asked and Elrond grimaced.
"Since the road runs and meets the great road near the Baranduin they have decided to wait there." Valentai nodded.
Elrond turned as the gaunt and powerful figure of Vallarië walked down the stairs and saluted the regent. Elrond nodded to the son of Celembrimbor.
"Remember Vallarië, you are in charge. Do not fail us."
"I shall not fail you Lord Elrond." The silver haired elf said proudly.
A clattering of hooves made them turn to see Gildor ride up with a long brown and green cloak over his travelling clothes. He also wore a sword at his side. He saluted the three lords before him. He looked at Valentai.
"I see you are ready to fight Valentai." He said and Valentai smiled slightly.
"You never know when it might be necessary my friend." He said and Elrond turned to the cavalry captain who was in command of the escort.
"We shall begin captain if you please." The elf saluted and rode through the gate of the city. Elrond urged his horse forward and through the gate and a moment later his two companions joined him.
The riders rode through the paths and tracks out of the settlement and past the houses of the Eldar. After a mile or so they reached the cliffs of Imladris and wound their way up the steep path to the top. It was a struggle and the horses had to be lead up by the dismounted riders to the top. Valentai finally managed to pull the beast up onto the crest of the hill and looked back to the settlement of Imladris. He smiled as he turned and mounted the horse again. Along the wide path with spaced trees to the north and a thick forest to the south they rode now and as they did so the cavalry of Imladris rode down from the trees and fell in behind. They all wore cloaks of green and brown and light tunics over their armour. Valentai rode at the head of the riders and was the first to splash into the wide stream of the River Bruinen.
It was eleven days later when Gildor came to Valentai's temporary tent. They had made good progress, faster than the regent had expected and the column had stopped for the previous afternoon. The towns that they had passed through had turned out to see the three score of Eldar ride through their homes. The look of shock upon the villager's faces was mirrored by their suspicion. Some towns had welcomed them only grudgingly and there had been no people who stood on the streets. The majority treated the riders well though and for a few of the nights the column could stay in proper beds in inns and taverns. Now, a day early from the meeting Elrond had given the riders a half day of rest. On the next morning, as Valentai's tent was being disassembled the elven captain came over to him.
"Good morning Lord Valentai." The elf said and Valentai nodded.
"I see we are ready to leave early today." Valentai said and the elf nodded. His face had gone slightly paler and his whole tone was suddenly grimmer.
"We are leaving early for a reason." The elf said seriously. "This day we pass the battlefield of Lake Eventide before we ford the river and meet with the human party."
"I see." Valentai said. "I had always wondered where it was."
"Well now you know. There are many who wish to pay respects to those who fell on that battlefield. I am one of them." He said, his face unreadable.
"I am sorry my friend. Who was it?" Valentai asked gently.
Gildor did not answer for a moment and when he spoke he alluded to the answer indirectly. "Let me tell you a story Valentai. Just a brief one but it will help you understand. In your many travels and adventures have you ever come across a story of three warriors who were so close as to be almost relations and that eventually they would be fighting together on a great battlefield? The fact that one of them was female is not important and on that day the greatest of the three falls saving the other two." Valentai looked at the captain.
"I have seen it once or twice before." He said.
"Then you will understand how it grieved me to see him fall protecting me." The elf said and Valentai nodded. The elf chuckled slightly. "it must seem strange to you that I still think of this after all these centuries but it is true. I have never forgotten and neither has she."
"Who was the third person?" Valentai asked. He was intrigued at the side the captain always kept hidden from sight. Only now when he neared the grave of his friend did he show his true feelings.
"Her name is Captain Milotüré. High Captain Milotüré now. We were company commanders in the fourth great company and he was High Captain. After the war she took over command and I went to Imladris to accept senior captaincy there. I could not stay in the white city, not anymore. It did not feel right." He sighed. "I must be boring you. I just thought you might want to know."
"Of course I do my friend. I never guessed that you had such grief in your soul." Valentai said warmly.
"I try not to show it. He always said that we cannot undo what has been done but I think that a person will always trouble themselves about what might have been."
"What was his name?" Valentai asked.
"Morantar. Morantar, High Captain of Lindon."
There was a long silence whilst the remaining possessions were secured on the horses and the cavalry stood to as the regent mounted his horse. The mist was just burning off as he held his hand up and the riders started their ride. Valentai thought of what his friend had said and could not shake the surprise he had felt that the elf possessed such feelings. Valentai slowly nodded and concentrated on keeping the horse moving along the stony road. After a half hour, Elrond guided his horse over to Valentai's side and looked at the hero.
"I saw that Gildor spoke with you before. I presume he was telling you of Morantar."
"He was yes. I never heard that story in all that I have read."
"Maybe not for much else happened that day that is recorded instead. Maeldin was killed that day avenging Morantar. Although they disliked each other, both put aside their thoughts of vengeance. What is recorded most often is that the High Captain of the fourth great company fell in the fight for the centre. Do not let it sway your judgement of Gildor or Milotüré when you meet her. They were closer than friends or anything else I have ever seen. Gildor will do his duty and so will she." The regent turned to Valentai. "Have a care when you talk of Silmarë with Milotüré. There is some bitterness there."
"Hearing some of these stories, I sometimes wonder what it would have been like if I had come in those times." Elrond laughed suddenly, quite surprising those near him.
"You may wonder that my friend but I doubt that it would have been the same. We fought that war alone, when humans were a rarity in these parts. At least, organised and civilized places. Besides." He said and leaned closer. "I doubt Maeldin would have welcomed you. His dislike for other races was almost as strong as his valour in battle."
Valentai nodded and Elrond looked up and said quietly.
"We are here."
Valentai saw a wide and flat plain stretching a mile to the north before it came to a flat and calm lake. To the other side of the road was a forest and east of that was a wide plain that was shrouded in fog and shadow. The plain was almost entirely flat except for a mound like an artificial hillock build by the road. Valentai instantly recognised that they were the burial mounds of the slain Eldar warriors. Elrond called his soldiers to halt and those who wished to, dismounted and walked across the plain of battle. The grass crackled under their feet as the dry, dead stalks broke.
Gildor knelt down beside a particular mound and his lips could be seen to be moving as he said words that Valentai could not hear or read from his lips. After a few moments the elf captain stood and walked back to his horse. He mounted and rode down the road a few hundred yards. Valentai remounted and made to ride after the elf when a hand touched his shoulder. He saw Tiraldórë looking at him sadly.
"Leave him be. He will be alright by tonight. Never have I seen anything like it, he loved the High Captain like a brother and for that he deserves some peace."
Valentai nodded as Elrond mounted his white horse and called aloud.
"On we ride. Across the river." And the cavalry urged their horses on.
Soon they came to a fast flowing river and three of the riders dismounted and went across on foot, marking the way and highlighting dangerous currents. When this was done the escort could cross in safety and then up to where the banner of the Kingdom of Arnor fluttered in the breeze.
Antunius Maelius tried to sit on his horse and keep his nervousness down. Despite being the Baron of Kerost for nigh on ten years before he became the Archduke he was still nervous of this meeting. He had nothing against the Eldar, indeed, he enjoyed Tiraldórë's company when he had been in Annúminnas and found the elf to be more pleasant than most men he knew. The reason for his anxiety was that he had rarely met elves before in his life, Tiraldórë was one of the few and the prospect of meeting both the regent and the High King was slightly unnerving. When he had told the ambassador of his suspicions the elf had good naturedly laughed away his concerns and told him he had nothing to fear from either of them. Despite this he clasped his hands nervously and let the horse trot around the small escort before he stopped it again. On closer inspection, he supposed it was the instinctual fear almost every man felt when first meeting the Eldar who were so totally different in every way from himself. He tried to distract himself by straightening his uniform and then he took out his instructions from the king.
He almost dropped them when the escort captain, a short and bearded veteran called to him.
"The riders approach lord duke." He said.
Maelius hurriedly jammed the message into his saddlebag and drew himself up. He saw the banner of the elves and their riders and fought the urge to ride away. He forced himself onward and rode onto the road ahead of them. He could see Tiraldórë out in front with three other riders. One was without a doubt the regent for the way he carried himself was the essence of nobility. To his left was a black haired elf that looked distantly at him. Then to the surprise of the Archduke there was a man to the left of the three elves. He had shoulder length golden hair and eyes like blue crystal. Maelius wondered who in the name of Númenor he was when the words of Tiraldórë came back to him. this had to be the Lord Valentai he had heard so much of. The Archduke shook off his daze and rode forward until he was just a few paces from the regent. He bowed in his saddle and saluted.
"Greetings Lord Elrond. I welcome your arrival and hope that together we will accomplish much." He said it as well as he could in Sindarin but since he had never actually spoken it to a real person before he was sure he had gotten it wrong.
Elrond looked at the nervous man and smiled kindly. "Greetings Archduke Antunius Maelius. I am pleased to meet you at last. I am glad that you have learnt to speak our language so well. There is few enough of your kind which has mastered it to perfection."
The Archduke bowed again, perhaps forgetting that he was technically equal to the half-elf as they were both regents to their respective kings.
"Come my friend, there is no need to bow. Let me introduce my companions. Tiraldórë you already know but this is Lord Gildor, my second ranked captain of war." He turned to Valentai who rode forward. "And this is Lord Valentai, of whom you have doubtless heard."
"I have indeed." The Archduke said. Some of his usual personality returning from the friendly attitude of the regent. He turned to Valentai. "So you are the Lord Valentai of which I have been told of."
"I am indeed, Archduke. I hope that in time we may get to know each other better."
The Archduke saluted and Valentai clapped him on the shoulder. Elrond came to his other side.
"And now Archduke, shall we continue? We still have a long way to go before we reach the white city."
Maelius understood an order when he heard it, even if it was a suggestion and nodded.
"Of course." He turned to the bearded captain. "Captain, form up your men. Ready to move out in a quarter hour."
The man saluted and formed the score of horsemen up into a column of march. When this was all prepared, the two units mixed together as much as possible and started the long ride to the white city.
As the time passed and the miles went by, the Archduke became more at ease and talked freer with his companions at the front. Elrond agreed that he was indeed a better man than his predecessor, an inward looking isolationist. In fact he was probably the best of the five Archdukes who had gone before. As Vallarië had said though, this was not hard. As time went by however, even the regent found himself talking to Maelius for there was nothing to really dislike in the man. He was honest and direct but also subtle enough to be a good politician. Valentai also warmed to the Archduke and found himself talking to the man as the night fell.
"So Lord Valentai, what are your thoughts on the situation." He asked and despite his friendliness, Valentai was alert for a trap. He decided to play safe.
"As a relative newcomer to this situation I have decided to let others take the brunt of the decision making." The Archduke smiled slyly at the evasion.
"But surely you have an opinion?" He asked and Valentai looked at him with a slight frown. Then he nodded.
"I do indeed have an opinion. But whatever it is in my thoughts shall stay there until it is called upon in the presence of the High King."
The Archduke nodded and turned and rode back. Valentai looked ahead, slightly puzzled by those words. He had not seen the other riders move to the sides of the road and set up a temporary camp. He trotted ahead at the same pace and did not even notice when a rider came up beside him.
"Valentai? Are you alright?" Gildor asked him. The elf had regained most of his exuberant personality and now smiled at Valentai.
"I am fine Gildor. I wanted to speak to you privately. Did the Archduke ask you what your thoughts were?"
"He did and I told him my position. Why?" He asked.
Valentai shook his head. "Nothing my friend, nothing. He was just doing his job."
Gildor gave him a strange look but nodded and the two rode back to the camp. Overhead the moon rose, near full over the land.
As the third day since that meeting passed and the dawn of the fourth approached, the riders saddled up early. They would reach the white city this day and the intention was to reach it as the afternoon was still young. As they rode on they passed a simple marker on the road side. Written in both common and Sindarin was the simple legend. 'The Kingdom of Gil-Galad, High King of the Noldor and Lord of Lindon.'
As they passed the simple stone, the elves and men bowed their heads to it and rode on. A few miles on they crossed a road leading south east and back into the Kingdom of Arnor. Tiraldórë nodded to it.
"That leads to the capital of Arthedain. Coridius' land."
"How far from the white city are we?"
"About ten miles ahead. You can see that rising slope away in the distance?"
"I can." Valentai said.
"That is the top of the overlooking valley, you will see it in the distance." Tiraldórë said and rode back to the Archduke. The land around was much like the majority of Arnor after crossing the River Baranduin. It was rolling hills, dotted with forests, lakes and streams. Occasionally there a town or settlement now of elves but before of men. The country was quite pretty and the closer they came to the white city, the more towns and villages there were. After an hour more they were nearing the crest of the hill and Gildor rode to trot beside him.
"You will find it a very impressive sight. Even I, after all these times find it hard not to be moved by it."
"A large city?" Valentai asked.
"The largest of our kind and one of the largest in the world certainly."
The came to the steep slope that lead up. Nothing but the sky could be seen beyond but a slight shimmer hung in the air. Valentai rode up and as he neared the top, Gildor looked to him.
"Prepare yourself." He said and Valentai rode over the crest and stopped.
In a trance the hero rode on down the slope and then pulled the horse off the road. After so long and so much adventures and sights he was moved by few things be they monstrous or beautiful but the sight below him was truly moving. The city was white, living up to it's common name. It's white stone walls were over forty feet high and surmounted by bastions and towers from which flags flew in the wind. The cit was on the mouth of a great river so it had a dock in both the river shallows and the roaring sea. Below Valentai was a great concentration of houses and residences that covered the ground around the city in intricate patterns. The road suddenly widened so that it was now over a hundred yards across and it stayed that wide as it passed through the gate and into the city. The place itself was over two miles from diagonal corner to diagonal corner and gleamed in the sunlight as it was directly overhead. The road did not deviate but ran straight as an arrow's flight through the gate. In the centre of the city was a palace of mighty size and impressive beauty. The palace was a vast pyramid like structure of white stone with a grand stairway facing east, towards Valentai. The stairs ran up the whole hight of the great building and entered a grand entranceway at the top. The palace was surrounded by other buildings of beauty. The city seemed to be everything a city could aspire to be.
Elrond rode down beside him.
"Santäissa, the white city." He said with pride.
"What?" Valentai asked and Elrond smiled.
"The cities' name is Santäissa."
Valentai frowned. "That is not elvish of any form." He said.
Elrond nodded. "I know. When the city was built, the High King was deciding on a name. Unable to decide, he slept for the night to try to gain some inspiration. It is said that in a dream he had, he saw himself as lord of a city. The grand city of Santäissa it was called and he agreed on it. A legend maybe but it is the best I have heard."
"Santäissa, I have heard that before." Valentai said and then he snapped his figures. "Of course. The city of Santailstla I went to once, long ago. It means 'shining stone'."
"Incredible." Elrond said and nodded down at it.
"Come my friend, we are expected."
Valentai followed the regent down the slope and along the five miles of plain to the city. As he rode on, Gildor came beside him.
"What do you think Valentai?"
"I think it is beautiful. I never expected to see something like it here, or anywhere on this world."
"Yes, Santäissa is beautiful. It is what is inside though that makes it great." The column sped up and spread out so that it covered the whole of the mighty processional road. The elves of the houses came out to watch as the riders rode towards the gate.
Finally, Elrond held up his hand, fifty yards from the gate and gestured his four companions forward. he rode up so the white gate towered over them all and the armoured elven soldiers looked down upon them. The gate was wood reinforced with iron but Valentai supposed there were at least three gates judging by the size of the gate tower. It would be a nightmare to attack he reckoned and was glad he would not have to.
Elrond stood in his stirrups and spoke in formal Quenya to the gate at large. Valentai was pleasantly surprised that he could understand it well enough to understand the exchange.
"I, Elrond, Son of Eärendil, Regent of Eregion and Herald of the High King do request entry."
The guard captain spoke from above. "Hail Elrond Half Elven, son of Eärendil the Mariner. Your request is granted. The High King desires to meet you. Will you approach?"
"Yes, if by the grace of my lord he desires me entrance to this city than accept his command I shall." Elrond responded. It was obvious that even he had trouble with speaking it perfectly as it was not used except for ceremonies. The herald nodded once and spoke loudly so that Elrond's companions could hear him. He spoke in the more common Sindarin tongue.
"And do you, the companions of the regent swear not to either cause or bear knowledge of any damage to this land or city?"
The four companions said their agreements and the guard captain spoke as the gates were opened.
"Then enter, friends of Santäissa and may your stay be beneficial and pleasant."
As Valentai made to ride forward he turned to Elrond. "I hope that was a once off occasion."
The regent laughed. "Indeed it was my friend. The gates are almost always open for all to go through but this is a special occasion and it probably seemed a good idea at the time for the High King.
The gates opened and Valentai rode through the three heavy gates. Before him was a processional road nearly a mile long that lead to the very steps of the palace. They rode through the gates and into the streets of the great city itself. A mile ahead was the giant palace they had seen from the hill. The road to it was lined with civic buildings and vast seats where a crowd could gather to watch a procession. The great building ahead lead down to the road by a vast series of marble stairs that ended upon the street and rose for fifty two steps to the top of the building. On the top was a throne of wood and stone protected by a canopy of silk from the sun. And on that throne sat a tall elf. Valentai could not see him well yet for he was still a half mile away.
The horses walked slowly down the wide road towards the far palace. There were a few spectators to the grand procession and they cheered as the steel swords saluted the morning sun beside the bronze coloured helmets of the high elf cavalry. After a quarter hour they finally approached the great temple like palace. Elrond dismounted and gestured Gildor, Valentai and Tiraldórë to do the same. The Archduke dropped from the saddle and walked alongside them as they walked the last hundred yards. Valentai was dressed in his usual cloak and sword. He also wore the red ring and the green stoned necklace. Both he usually kept hidden but in view of the day he had decided to wear them. He wore no armour as he had known that the bulky suit would only impede him. Caer'dan was by his side though and its reassuring weight was comforting. Valentai could still not make out the top of the palace because of the position of the sun but he saw the shadows of three elves at the top. Valentai gave the reins of his horse to a handler who came forward and walked forward. Elrond walked up the stairs. Valentai and the three others followed up the marble stairs. At the half way point, Valentai turned back to see the white of the tiled city lying before him. He nodded and continued up the stairs. As he reached the top of the steep stairs he could finally see the visage of the High King of the Noldor. Ereinion Gil-Galad was exceptionally tall, even for an elf. He was six foot four, as tall as Valentai and he had a manner which told all who saw him that he was the right and proper king. He had been the High King of the Noldor for over three and a half thousand years and his regal bearing showed him to be far more powerful than even his blood would suggest. His eyes were like the deepest blue whilst his hair was as black as the darkest obsidian. He wore a suit of intricately made armour and a great blue cloak over a silk tunic with the star of Gil-Galad's house upon it. He looked down at the walking guests and smiled at them. Now, as Valentai crested the stairs he could see two other elves to his side and behind. One was an elf with golden armour and great longsword at his side. It was clear that he was the bodyguard of the king. Despite this, the elf seemed to be noble and brave and held an undertone of humour despite his job. To the right of Gil-Galad was an elf that actually looked old. He had a long white beard and piercing black eyes. Valentai guessed he was exceptionally old as he actually did look old as compared to the eternally young Eldar around him. Gil-Galad smiled and stood as they approached him. He held out his hands in welcome and smiled. The five of them bowed slightly and Gil-Galad rose to his feet. In person, he was truly impressive, a true king to rule over his people. He raised his hands.
"Rise my friends. I bid you welcome to this land and to this city. Tomorrow we shall meet as to the purpose we are here but today; you may have time to rest." He looked to Gildor. "Maybe catch up with some old friends." The captain nodded, slightly embarrassed. "Do not be troubled by anything, we shall meet again tomorrow at midday. For that meeting I welcome and thank the Archduke of Annúminnas for his presence in this important time." Maelius bowed and Gil-Galad smiled.
"Three of you I know of course, and know well. But two of you I know only by description in letters. I would wish to know you better so that we can work together easier." He looked to the Archduke. "Archduke Maelius, I would ask you to attend upon me tomorrow morning at two hours after dawn."
Maelius bowed. "It shall be as you will lord king."
"Excellent. Lord Valentai, if you would be here an hour before midday, we might talk."
"As you wish lord king." Valentai said.
"Good. Though tomorrow the two of you will meet my council, I will introduce these two beside me. To my left is my bodyguard and long time friend, Linados. He has been my bodyguard for more years than I remember. Do you remember Linados?" He asked and the elf smiled rakishly.
"Three hundred years after the founding of Lindon I believe." He said in an amused tone. Like so many of the elves, his amused outer self concealed a serious and calculated core which knew exactly what it was doing.
"That long?" Gil-Galad asked. "How time passes. He has saved me many times in war and otherwise and we are fortunate indeed to have him by my side." The bodyguard bowed slightly, his black hair falling through his helmet and framing his face.
"And this is Círden the Shipwright." He said turning to the bearded elf that grunted and looked over the guests. "My loremaster and councillor and at one stage, a foster father in my youth."
Círden nodded slightly, his black eyes missing nothing. "I am pleased to meet those who have not seen this city or its lord before." He said with a faint smile.
"Excellent my friends. I shall have my attendants show you to your rooms. To those who have been here before, your rooms are the same, to those who have not been here; you will be shown to them. If you need anything at all, do not hesitate to call my chief of household Earrató. Now go and we shall meet again tomorrow." The High King commanded firmly but kindly and the five bowed and walked back down the stairs. Valentai looked back at the king who nodded his head slightly. Valentai turned and walked down the stairs where attendants were waiting to take them to their rooms.
** Author's Note – Santäissa? **
Why Santäissa? It is a good question. Half of the question can be answered simply enough. I wanted an elven city, a great city that would be worthy of the High King. I think that I have done this. Such a city is important because it shows that the Eldar are still a force. The city is sacked though by the Witch King of Angmar during the third age. The high elves deserve a good city and they now have one. Why the name though? I could not think of a good name for the city, of all the names in this story it gave me the most trouble. I spent an entire night trying to think of a name, but nothing came. In frustration I read a book on Spanish history before I finally got to sleep. During the night I really did have a dream about the city. (Shows how crazy I am, yes?) In my dream there was a Lord Malas in Santäissa. Thus, two very un- elvish names came into being. Strange but true. The Spanish history is perhaps significant because I was reading about the reconquest of Spain. Specifically about Santiago de Compostela and Saragossa. Anyway, I like the name.
I have always wondered why Gil-Galad had no children and I have not answered this because it is not my place to do so. I suppose he never found anyone of a rank befitting him. Cue dramatic scene!
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