Thanks to JessieRose once more for the kind review of this piece. I was not questioning your integrity, just surpised since you seem to be the only one who likes this story.
If you do not mind of course, could you send a message to my e-mail address found on my profile page. As you are the only person who reads this, I would like to discuss some elements of plot etc.
If there are others who reads this, thing, please do not hesitate to review, good or bad. At least then I will know it is not in vain.
Now, to Elostirion.
Chapter 8b
King Elendil crested the ridge in the new morning's light and looked down on his third largest city. He smiled and turned to his son.
"A sad reminder in many ways is it not my son?" He asked and Isildur nodded mutely. It did indeed look like Minas Ithil in a way, the mountains all around with the white tower rising over the city.
Maelius rode up, ignorant of the wistful comments of father to son.
"Lord king, all is prepared." He said and the old king nodded.
"Then we shall go on. Maelius ride forward and see if the High King has already arrived. If he has, go and present my apologies, you know what to say."
"Of course lord king." The Archduke saluted and rode forward with his two aides beside him.
Elendil turned to his son; they were alone, the escort having dropped back a hundred yards. "Let me do the talking. We must be careful not to cause offence to any of them." He murmured these words and Isildur stiffened but nodded.
"Of course father. I am trying." He said hopelessly.
"I know you are my son. You will be a great king one day. Learn from me and add it to what you know."
"I will father."
Maelius heard none of this as he rode down to the picket post. The guards saluted him and a captain with the uniform of the nineteenth came forward.
"Lord duke, the High King of the elves arrived yesterday." The captain said.
"Good, can you send a message onto the count to apologise for the delay and that the king would be obliged if the council would be held this afternoon." The captain saluted.
"Of course lord duke." The young captain saluted and detailed several of his men to take a message. When this was done, the Archduke turned and gestured the king forward and then he himself rode through the camp to the gates.
With just his two aides, Maelius rode through the gates of the city. He had only been here once, that had been when Coridius Nantaris had been made the duke of Arthedain and it seemed the city had prospered. In the years since, the rough stone and wooden walls had been replaced by white stone and high grey walls manned by guards. The Archduke rode on, riding through the town itself and nodded to each crowd of spectators. He reached the wide area of flat ground before the palace itself and dismounted. He turned to his aides.
"Go and set the horses up my friends. I will be in the citadel if the king asks." The aides saluted and went about their tasks.
Maelius walked through the final gate and then up the steep streets to the entrance of the palace. The palace was small and had seven foot white stone walls surrounding it. In addition to the tower there were smaller two and three story structures that seemed to be the heart of the palace. Maelius walked to the entrance of the palace and saluted the guards. He walked up the stairway to the council room and knocked on the door.
"Enter." Came the flat voice from the other side. Maelius pushed open the door and nodded to the count that stood and bowed slightly. The count was not one to bow without cause but he knew of the Archduke's coming and was thus assured who this man was.
"Archduke Maelius, I am pleased to be acquainted with you." He said though his eyes showed he was not pleased at all. Taraldrous was a grim and demanding man who did not respect those he had just met until they showed themselves worthy of such trust.
"As to you Count Taraldrous. The king apologises for the delay in our arrival but we hope that maybe we can setup the meeting for this afternoon."
Taraldrous nodded slowly. Elendil was one of the few he trusted and he would do much for those who earned such praise. "The other guests are in the western rooms, would you convey the message whilst I prepare?" He asked gruffly and Maelius knew he was not being given an option.
"I will do that. I will see you in this room two hours after midday." Maelius said, trying and failing to assert his authority over the big man who merely grunted and went back to his table.
As Maelius went through the streets to find the Eldar lords he wondered why he found it difficult to assert authority over men like Taraldrous or Thandal. It was not that he could not, it was probably just his character which made him much less forceful then people like Isildur.
The Archduke of Annúminnas walked up to the largest of the guest rooms in the west and approached the large building where he was certain the High King would stay. This was confirmed when he saw Linados outside of the building. The elf saw him as he approached and smiled happily.
"Greetings Archduke Maelius. I see you have found us after all. It is a difficult place to navigate." The elf said with animation. He liked the Archduke, as did many of the Eldar. Once he got over his nervousness, the man was pleasant to talk to and had the tact of an ambassador which made him capable of talking even to Celedaih.
"It is indeed Linados, is the High King in? King Elendil sent me ahead to arrange the time of meeting."
Linados nodded. "Wait a moment and I shall see. He was talking with Lords Malas and Elrond. I am sure they will not mind."
The bodyguard disappeared and Maelius looked around at the city from his vantage point. Although it did not look like it from the plain, the walled part of the city sloped steeply up hill which obviously made movement for vehicles difficult. He was interrupted by the door opening behind him and Linados exited the room. The elf smiled and held out his hand to beckon the Archduke to follow.
"Come lord duke, they are pleased to meet you again."
Maelius nodded and walked up the stairs and into the large room which was the residence of the three important Eldar lords. It was in effect four rooms, three separate rooms such as guests had in Imladris and a meeting room. Maelius walked through the doorway and into the gaze of the commander, the regent and the High King. He bowed and smiled a little nervously.
"I welcome you my lords and hope that your stay has been enjoyable so far." He said with excessive tact. Elrond looked at Malas who was trying to conceal a smile with his usual grim face.
"Archduke Antunius Maelius, it is good to meet you again. These rooms are well suited for our needs. I trust you just arrived?" Elrond said with a mix of lightness and graveness.
"Just a half hour ago. I came to bid you meet with the king and prince at two hours after midday if this is a suitable time." He asked as though he was a humble ambassador and not the fourth most powerful man in the world. The three lords seemed amused by this thought but then Malas looked at the other two and nodded.
"It is agreeable to us Archduke. We will be there." Malas said and the man bowed.
"You might wish to tell Prince Valentai, he is in the residence of the duke or so I heard." Elrond said.
Maelius noted the use of the new title but decided that all would be made clear in time so he nodded and withdrew from the room. When he was gone and Linados had closed the door, Malas turned to Elrond.
"He is still nervous of us. He speaks with such caution I can hardly understand his message, such is it's tactfulness."
Elrond laughed. "It is better than if he was an arrogant, pompous man." He looked to the High King. "I am sorry lord king, shall we continue?"
Valentai followed his elven friends as they led him through the part of the palace that was designated as Coridius' living area. Built lower down than the palace, it was nevertheless a pleasant walled inclosure with plants and fountains that showed such a contrast to the stone around them. Tiraldórë, despite being here only three times seemed to know the way and led them through a passageway and through to a large door. As he was about to knock he turned with a quick smile to his friends.
"This is the duke's living area proper. His father in law is visiting I have been assured."
He knocked on the door and waited. He was about to knock again when the door opened. In the doorway was Anaine, her green eyes bright in the gloom outside of the door. She seemed mildly surprised at the arrival but nodded.
"Good morning my lords. I did not expect you so soon. Do come in." She stepped aside and the three nodded their thanks as they walked in. The duchess noticed that Valentai had changed into a suit of elven clothes that he seemed so completely normal in that she wondered again about this prince of the elves. She knew he was no elf but, looking at him she knew he was no normal man either. It was well known that the duke was not a man given to opulence either at home or on campaign and this was shown as they entered the main room. Everything was neat, tidy and functional. Nowhere was there a useless display of wealth, just the highest quality in everything. It was also well know that Anaine hated being referred to as the duchess because it implied that she was better than the rest of the people in the city where they had grown up. Overall, Valentai thought, the duke was a very intelligent person and his wife just as much.
Come in my lords, make yourself comfortable and I shall return shortly." The three guests sat down at a table and poured a glass of water each. Valentai looked around the airy room and nodded in approval at it's simple elegance.
"Ambassador Tiraldórë. I am glad to see you again." Came a voice from the hallway and a man entered into the main room. He was middle-aged with brown eyes and short brown hair that was turning grey at the tips. The voice was jovial and the man held out his hand to the elf who rose. Tiraldórë smiled and shook the wrist of the man.
"Culvien, how are you keeping yourself? I see that your daughter has prospered." Tiraldórë said and the man smiled.
"We struggle by as you can see my friend." He waved his hand around the room. "We are well, time goes by though." He said thoughtfully and Tiraldórë gestured forward Gildor and Valentai.
"Culvien, I hope you remember Captain Gildor of Imladris? He was here with me to meet the duke. Although of course he had been duke for many years before that and we had met him elsewhere."
Culvien looked at him with a sly smile. "I remember you. You were the one who fell down the stairs weren't you?" He said and Gildor sighed.
"It seems that you have been single-handedly responsible for the removal of the aura of elven light footedness." Valentai said and the elf blushed slightly which was a rare occurrence indeed for the captain. Culvien laughed heartily.
"You are right. Ambassador Tiraldórë comes here and is ever so graceful but all who saw it will never forget that night."
"It was dark." Gildor protested feebly and Tiraldórë smiled as he gestured to Valentai.
"Culvien, this is Prince Valentai of Santäissa. Lord Valentai, this is Culvien Alsatis, the duke's engineer chief and all around inventor."
Valentai smiled and the man looked at him. "I can see you are no elf but you are prince of their city? Well, I suppose they have their reasons." He shrugged. "Good to meet you anyway. I have not seen you before although Coridius wrote back of you in high terms."
Valentai shrugged. "We did our duty. Coridius' skill though was proved then as it was proved in the recent battle."
"I feel though for his young friend. He was ever so polite and pleasant. I dislike war on principle but if it is necessary then it must be so. I would probably be with him now but I grow older." He chuckled dryly. "I am younger than him by fifteen years but that is the way of things." He added the last words sadly. He looked up. "So my lords, what are your plans today?" He asked.
"We await the arrival of the king and then presumably we shall meet today or tomorrow as is convenient. The High King knows we are here."
"Good, have a meal with us. Is that agreeable my dear?" He said to his daughter who nodded.
"It will be my pleasure. My son would doubtless like to meet you." She said.
"We would be honoured." Gildor said but anything further was cut off by the door banging. Anaine sighed and walked up the steps to the door and pulled it open.
Maelius bowed as she opened the door. "My lady Nantaris, what a pleasure it is to finally meet the wife of our gallant duke." He said so sincerely that she blushed slightly.
"You give me too much credit my lord. I have not had the privilege of your name." She asked curiously.
"Forgive my rudeness. I am Archduke Antunius Maelius of Annúminnas. I came here because I was told that several of the members of the Eldar party were here."
Valentai stood and walked forward. "Archduke Maelius. Come in my friend. With your permission my lady?" Valentai asked courteously and she nodded. "So what brings you here? Has something happened that the regent of Arnor comes like a messenger?" Valentai asked.
"Nothing dreadful I assure you Prince Valentai." Maelius looked around the room, noting the odd silence. Gildor spoke up.
"Don't call him prince, lord duke. I did yesterday and he threatened to turn me over to High Captain Milotüré." Gildor shuddered theatrically at the evilness of the punishment. Maelius still looked at a loss and Valentai sighed.
"Just call me 'Lord Valentai' and tell us your message."
"The king has arrived and wishes to meet with you and the High King at two hours after midday. That is in about an hour."
"Then we shall be there. It would be best if we went now." Valentai said to his friends who nodded. No-one could argue with Valentai when he used that tone. Valentai turned to the duchess and her father. "My sincere apologies. I trust we will be here for a few days and that we will be able to stop in again." Valentai turned to leave but Gildor spoke up.
"I suppose lowly captains like myself are not invited lord duke?" He asked with a smile. Maelius looked slightly embarrassed.
"I am afraid not Lord Gildor. I hope you understand that-" He began with an edge of apology in his voice.
"I do not mind at all. In fact it gives me a chance to catch up with Culvien here." The man smiled in surprise at the elvish captain's unusual desire to stay and nodded.
"I would be pleased."
Valentai, who was no less surprised hid it and nodded. "Then we shall meet you tonight captain." He said formally and turned to Maelius. "Lead on Maelius." He said and the man left the room with the hero and the elf behind him.
"He reminds me of Turindë, Culvien does." Tiraldórë said thoughtfully as he walked on. Valentai nodded as the Archduke led them on. Maelius walked on through the corridors into the light of the recently peaked sun. Tiraldórë breathed in and then followed the man up the slope to the palace. Linados waited outside and smiled as the three figures came into sight. He bowed and waved them into the palace archway. The guards were trying to remain stoically at attention but were failing in their attempts to hide their interest.
"I see you found them lord duke. Hiding I assume?" The bodyguard asked with a smile.
"Indeed they were Linados. Is the High King inside?"
"He is lord duke; we only just came so your arrival is timely indeed." Linados said.
Maelius nodded and walked up the stairs, followed by Tiraldórë and Valentai. Tiraldórë had no idea if he was invited to attend but he would find out. Outside the room was Malas who nodded as the three approached.
"Lord Valentai, go in please. Archduke, our thanks although I do not know why you were sent."
"I just happened to be there Lord Malas." The man said as he walked into the room.
"Tiraldórë." Malas said gently as the younger elf stood alone. "I do not think this is the meeting for you. I am sorry but unfortunately both the High King and King Elendil were insistent that as few come as is necessary. Delicate matters, you understand?" he said and the younger elf nodded and walked back. Malas sighed and nodded to Linados who took up his position outside the entranceway.
Valentai walked into the room and sat at a vacant chair. Gil-Galad sat at one head of the table whilst Elendil sat at the other. From the right of Gil-Galad's there was Elrond, Valentai, Isildur, Elendil, Maelius, Count Taraldrous and Malas.
Gil-Galad rose and smiled at the table. "Good day to you my friends and allies. I would of course, like to thank the Count Taraldrous for his hospitality and for fulfilling such an important role in the absence of the duke. The count answered with a bow instead of his usual grunt which might mean anything. Gil-Galad resumed. "We are here today to discuss final strengths, weaknesses, fears and plans. I hope that this may come out for the best my lords. If it does, then the final signing of the treaty will be signed. There will of course be as much time as you require to consider it. The last thing I, or anyone else desires is to force you into an alliance without your consent. I would ask King Elendil, as my joint commander and leader of the twin realms to speak first." Gil-Galad finished and sat. Elendil stood, his face resolute.
"I thank you High King Gil-Galad of Lindon." The old king said formally. "In the months since the agreement on the alliance, we have been moving with as much haste is possible to raise, equip and supply an army. The need has never been greater for haste but we are facing the problem that we have never raised an army of this size before. Therefore, things have been slower than I would have liked. Nevertheless, we have completed the troop lists and started the training of many men already. The news from Prince Anárion in the south has been a welcome thought for it has enabled us to act with all the speed we need without rushing overly much." He paused for breath and the Eldar looked in concealed concern as the old king sighed slightly. He looked up and looked strong again. "I am pleased with the way things are proceeding. We have dispatched two columns of supplies to Osgiliath and in that I thank the High King for sending some of his extremely well-tailored shoes and cloaks for the men in winter."
Gil-Galad bowed his head. "I was sorry we could not send more. The next convoy will have spears and swords of standard Gondorian design as well as supplies of food and tools."
Elendil bowed his head. "I thank you again. As I was saying, we have sent these caravans south and have been informed that the first one arrived safely. As for soldiers, I have sent troops to the Gap of Calenardhon to relieve the Gondorian forces there and I have sent our navy down to protect the coast of Gondor from enemy pirates. Our army is being raised by provinces as is the case usually; when they are fully equipped and trained they shall march to wherever the alliance chooses."
"Might I inquire how many troops are raised or will be raised?" Malas asked and the king nodded.
"Of course Lord Malas. We have in total, one hundred and forty thousand men either raised or having been marked down for being raised." He noted the awed silence from the Eldar and was pleased to have impressed even the High King. "That is total troops though. After garrisons, supply duty, sickness and fighting as well as possible other military actions we can probably put sixty thousand men in the field. Added to Coridius' twenty thousand men that remain we have a formidable force available. I have instructed Coridius to remain in Gondor as his presence will be better suited there in the front lines than here. I would now ask my regent to give information on the political and social aspect of these matters." Elendil sat and Maelius stood. The nervousness was gone and a cold calm filled his voice. Seeing it, Valentai's respect for the man rose when he saw that the duke was a subtle man who had real emotions.
"I than you lord king. And I thank the High King of Lindon for allowing us to show your plans in a rational way." The High King nodded and the Archduke continued. "The realm of Arnor is neither as rich, nor as populated as the kingdom of Gondor but we have considerably greater access to natural resources. At the expense of fighting soldiers, it has been decided to fill these roles in order to supply both this army and the others. The cost of an army so large is immense, we estimate twenty million Tanis a year." There was silence as the Eldar thought of the cost of this compared with their force. Maelius nodded. "So you see why the industries need to be kept going? We have the money to keep this afloat by rasing taxes and the like. As long as nothing unforseen happens, then we shall not have a problem prosecuting this war." He stopped and looked slightly shifty. "If this war lasts for many years than the burden will grow on the citizens who remain. We however understand the nature of this war and have decided to do all that is necessary to make sure that the army we put into the field is serviceable."
He sat and the High King looked at the regent. There was a slight look of guilt there, the men of Arnor were willing to sacrifice everything but they were not. Gil-Galad nodded to Maelius as he sat.
"Thank you Archduke, I would have Lord Malas speak of our strengths and numbers." Malas stood and nodded to the table.
"My pleasure lord king. The troop lists are in for our army and rearmament has began in earnest. I believe we can put into the field a force of sixty thousand Eldar warriors." He stated that last fact and the men at the table could not hide their surprise. They had expected less, far less. They knew there was far fewer Eldar than men and that the Eldar had the right to send as many troops as they desired. Malas saw their expressions and nodded grimly. "It is the largest field force that has been mustered by the Eldar for three thousand years. Combined with other troops, we shall have an army of seventy five thousand troops. Of the sixty thousand regulars, we have five great companies that average twelve thousand each and a two thousand strong royal guard. The great companies are capable of fighting together or separately and contain on average, ten thousand infantry, fifteen hundred archers and five hundred cavalry. Some have more and others less as is dictated by their location and the like. The cavalry is placed into a reserve in battle and not spread out. If there is one thing you can trust my lords, it is the experience of their commanders. All of them have held their positions for centuries and fought in those positions in the last war." The men nodded approval. Elendil knew that a formed unit of elven troops was worth many times their actual number in reputation and skill. Malas continued with a grim frown. "That is half of our adult population that is marching to war." There was silence as the implications of those words sank in. The Eldar were risking the existence of their race on the outcome of this war and to the men, the effect was slightly humbling.
Gil-Galad stood and nodded to Malas. "Unfortunately it is so. This may indeed be the last march of the Eldar." His voice was sad. The High King remembered saying that once before, on news that the darklord had invaded Eregion. He knew that it was truer now than then. The High King let this sink in and then smiled, dissipating the gloomy silence that had fallen.
"But it may not be so. I would now introduce my new chief of staff and newly crowned Prince of Santäissa. Lord, or should I say, Prince Valentai." Gil-Galad said and Valentai sighed and nodded to the astonished gazes of the men of Arnor. Elendil looked at him thoughtfully and nodded slowly.
"I congratulate you on this Lord Valentai." The king said and Valentai nodded in relief that the king had guessed his dislike of the new title. He still could not understand why he had been given it.
"Now Lord Valentai, I was told you have some ideas on this campaign's plans." He had not been told any such thing but knew that Valentai would indeed have a plan.
"Thank you lord king. My lords and allies, when the time comes, our army must leave our realms and march to war. In my opinion, when units are trained and equipped they should be sent to Imladris to camp there. It will take some time to acquaint the two armies with each other and make them cohesive in battle. We all know, do we not know that there is a certain amount of ignorance between our two races as to the nature of the other? Mistrust in battle is a fatal flaw in an armies' cohesion and it leads to ruin. I have seen it before so I trust you will believe me that an army can very quickly fall apart if half of it mistrusts the other half. Therefore, we camp, train, mix and practice together in Imladris for as long as is needed. There is no use rushing to war, the hasty stroke often goes astray it is said and it is true enough. It will also give us time to gather what other allies we need from the sylvan elves and the dwarves of the mountains."
He finished and looked around. He expected questions and Isildur did not disappoint.
"My apologies Lord Valentai, but would it not be both better and more practical to gather the armies at the Gap of Calenardhon? Surely, we would be closer to the action if Prince Anárion needed us and we would have wide flat lands there with which to deploy."
There were nods of agreement and Valentai himself nodded in agreement.
"I agree with your statement Prince Isildur. However, it is a fact that most of our troops are concentrated in the north of Arnor is it not?"
"Yes." The prince said doubtfully.
"And also that all of our potential allies are in the area around Imladris?" Valentai asked.
"It is." Isildur said, determined not to budge an inch.
"And there is a large area of flat land around Imladris?" Valentai asked and the prince nodded. "Then I think the best answer is to train the troops around Imladris until we have definite word from out allies, then march south and reunite with the southern forces. Then we can stay in the gap or press on to Gondor's aid."
"I agree with that at least." Maelius said and the prince's father also nodded. Gil-Galad smiled a small smile.
"And I as well." The elf king declared. "Now Valentai, what then?"
Valentai smiled. "I think we must wait until time reveals the correct path. I have some ideas but they are dependant on circumstance."
There was silence in the room as Valentai sat and Gil-Galad rose. He was glad he had the hero here to be practical and logical. The elf king supposed that to him the coming war was an almost yearly occurrence and the experience of so many wars would help him immensely.
"Thank you for your words Lord Valentai." The High King said and nodded to the assembled council members. "Is there is anything more that needs saying?" He asked calmly.
"Only one more thing lord king." Elendil said. "We must set a time acceptable to meet and then we may plan to be there on that day."
Gil-Galad nodded. "I had quite forgotten that King Elendil. Any suggestions?"
Elrond spoke for the first time in the meeting. "I think that by the time this army is assembled, trained and equipped then it will be over a year from now."
Elendil nodded to the regent at the slight frown on the face of the High King. "I have to agree with Lord Elrond. To make the meeting anything other than ceremonial and to make it practical. In any case the Army of Arnor will not be a fully formed unit for a year or more. Even then, there will be units that are simply not ready. Lord Valentai is right, rushing in is far worse that taking the time necessary to make sure the army can handle itself."
All the nobles at the table nodded and Gil-Galad nodded finally.
"I know that this must be so. I know caution is needed and though I feel the urge to rush to war, it cannot be so. I agree, shall we set a day then and the location?"
"There is a place." Maelius said slowly. "About two weeks march from Imladris is a watchtower of ours. It is called Amon Sûl and it may be a suitable place. The area around can be defended easily and it is in an area where open ground is plentiful."
"That is what Saründe said." Elrond murmured and Gil-Galad flashed him a look that went unnoticed as Malas spoke.
"I think that is a wise decision, the less time the two armies have to share the same road, the better." Malas said approvingly.
"Then we shall split the units by corps or great companies and make the permanent camps around Imladris. There is wide open ground to north, west and south." Elrond said and there was agreement on his knowledge of the area.
"In that case we shall make the camps up a month or so before the troops arrive so that they are encamped quickly and securely." Malas said.
"What date though? The winter snow takes the north and only in spring does it abate." Elendil said calmly.
"Then we shall meet you in a year and four months from this day, the middle of the second month of spring. On that day, King Elendil, look to us coming from the west." Gil-Galad said, pleased he would have even a little more time to prepare his army.
"Let it be so then." Elendil said with happiness in his voice.
"Excellent King Elendil. I shall have a copy of the treaty sent to you. It will be plain and unadorned but it is the words that matter. With the formal copy, it is the look of it. As I said before, you shall have all the time you need to discuss and offer changes."
Elendil bowed. "I thank you lord king. I shall send a messenger as soon as we have decided."
"Then my friends, shall we adjourn?" Gil-Galad offered and stood. The others at the table also rode and bowed as Gil-Galad left the room and was followed by his nobles. Valentai found Elrond next to him and the half-elf spoke confidingly to him.
"I thank you for your input again. You experience is of course highly valued. What plans do you have for after the army is assembled?"
Valentai smiled. "As I said before lord regent, that depends on many things. As events force change, so will my and everyone else's ideas will change."
Elrond nodded, a little disappointed that he had not got a firm answer. The half-elf clapped the hero on the shoulder. "As it will my friend. Until the treaty is to be signed I think you have some free time in this city." He said and then added more quietly. "For all the many things you can do." Valentai laughed at the tone and walked back to his room. He had resigned himself to several days of boredom where only the company of his friends could keep him amused. Suddenly, the paperwork of Santäissa seemed so much more appealing than it had done before he left.
Gil-Galad woke at the soft voice of Linados over him urged him up. The High King had slept in well into the morning as he had for the last few days. There was really nothing for the High King to do except think on the war and send out messengers. The elf king realised that this was probably why Coridius and his wife were so infrequently here. A man like the duke was not one to suffer boredom and would seek anything else to escape from his city. That was probably why Taraldrous was so happy here, the king reflected. Linados frowned and gently touched the king's shoulder.
"Lord King, I must speak with you." he said it respectfully but firmly. In many ways, he was more of an informal servant and companion than a true bodyguard.
Gil-Galad blinked and looked up into the face of his friend. The High King sighed and sat up. "What is it my friend?" He asked gently, making the possibly harsh words more friendly.
"I am sorry to disturb your rest lord king." Linados said and bowed. "We have had a formal message from the human king. He requested a time to sign the formal treaty."
"Why now, he has been considering it for over a week." Gil-Galad said a little moodily and the bodyguard reflected that his lord was not a morning person.
"He requested today, being the first day of the new year." Linados said patiently.
"What time is it?" Gil-Galad asked, all that could be seen outside was the dark clouds that had brought winter's chill but no snow yet.
"An hour to midday lord king." Linados said, trying to find a way to skip over this topic.
"You let me sleep for half a day?" Gil-Galad said in shock and struggled upright.
"I am sorry lord king; I did not see the need to wake you so early with nothing urgent to attend to."
"You mean you did not have the courage to wake me up?" Gil-Galad said under his breath. Linados detected a note of annoyance and bowed his head. The elf was usually so casual but he was loyal to his lord above everything else.
"I am sorry if I have misjudged lord king. I beg your forgiveness." He said and bowed his slender head. Gil-Galad turned with surprise and more than a little guilt.
"Even after all this time my friend you cannot judge what is said in humour and what is said in seriousness." Gil-Galad sighed and took the elf's shoulders. "I am sorry my friend. I can never repay you for the life you have dedicated to me. You were right of course Linados; I would be doing nothing of consequence." The bodyguard saluted, his eyes full of relief. The possibility that the High King would never verbally attack him without good cause never crossed his mind, he would die for the king and both knew it. Gil-Galad stepped back.
"Thank you for waking me. I am going to bathe and then prepare what is needed. Can I ask you to lay out my robe and then see to the meeting's start in just over two hours?"
Linados saluted crisply and bowed. "It would be an honour lord king." He said. As Gil-Galad strode to the large bathroom, he reflected how lucky he was to have Linados. He honestly did not think he could function without the elf's constant assistance. The High King felt occasionally guilty that the elf had spent over three thousand years in his current role. He had never complained though although both knew that he could leave the High King's service and be placed anywhere for his services.
Linados returned an hour later to find Gil-Galad finishing the strapping of his sword to his waist. Instinctively, Linados helped him secure the back and then bowed as the High King turned.
"The meeting is all arranged and Tiraldórë is looking over the treaty a last time."
"Excellent my friend. Only Elrond, myself and Malas will attend this meeting. I believe the same for King Elendil. Shall we go and see how Tiraldórë is doing?" he asked and Linados bowed.
"Of course lord king."
In the room that would soon hold the signing, the room almost at the top of the tower that rose above the city the elf sat alone. The treaty was a large and rather ornate piece of paper which was longer across than down and was split in two by a centre line. On one side was the treaty spelled out in common and on the other side in Sindarin. At the bottom was a set of three lines, one set on each side. One was for the king, the next for his heir and the last for the one who would be third in line. Of course, this would be Anárion on the side written in common but Maelius would have to do it in the name of the other prince. Tiraldórë read each line and made sure they said the exact same things. When he was finished the ambassador sat back and nodded. Everything was ready and prepared for the arrival of the High King.
There were voices outside of the door and the chamber room opened to admit the High King, Malas, Maelius, Elendil and his son into the room. Tiraldórë bowed before them. He had not expected them all to come at once. For a reason he could not discern, he felt like a child caught in the act of some mischief.
Gil-Galad saw the face and tried to hide his smile. He covered it with a slight cough. "Greetings ambassador, is all in order?" He asked.
"It is lord king. All is prepared."
"Excellent Tiraldórë. We shall not be long, I am sure that Linados will not mind the company." Tiraldórë bowed quickly and quickly left the room. The tower was indeed ten stories tall and they had been on the top one. For some reason though, Linados could not help but feel there was something hidden in the tower.
Linados stood at the bottom of the stairs. As the only way in or out, he could easily stop any intruder who might wish to enter. The bodyguard nodded and gestured to a stone bench just to the side of the doorway.
"Take a seat my friend, they will not be long I am sure."
Tiraldórë sat and looked at the bodyguard who seemed slightly less ebullient than usual.
"Are you alright Linados?" Tiraldórë asked with a hint of worry.
"I am fine my friend. I am just looking out more in case somebody wishes to take advantage of them when they are all gathered together." He said evasively and the other elf nodded. Linados stared ahead, aware of the continued interest of the younger elf but he did not push it any further.
Gil-Galad stood beside Elendil as he read the Sindarin section of the treaty. He compared it, word for word with his copy and nodded as he red through each sentence. The terms themselves were rather generous and broad and referred to another book of the specific terms of the treaty. Gil-Galad finished and swapped sides with Elendil to look through the common section while the man read the Sindarin. Neither read the languages as well as they spoke them and Gil-Galad was able to get a good understanding as to what was written before him. When he finished he turned to the human king and bowed slightly.
"I believe it is in order King Elendil." He stated and Elendil nodded and spoke in agreement.
"I agree. It is all as we read it on the copies. We have agreed to the terms of the alliance."
Elrond, who had landed the role as mater of ceremonies nodded and bowed to the five others.
"If this treaty is suitable to all then we shall sign. I would ask High King Ereinion Gil-Galad to sign the paper first." He said with a commanding tone and the High King nodded.
The elf king picked up a pen and drained it of excess ink. "With this signature, I do stand by and honour the terms, conditions and clauses of the alliance of the free peoples of this world. I shall uphold this pledge of trust and honour as long as the objective of this alliance is unfulfilled. That objective is the destruction of the military might of the darklord and his minions, the restoration of peace and the uniting of the free peoples of the world." Gil-Galad leant forward and wrote swiftly, firmly and clearly his name in the flowing script of the Eldar. "Here do I pledge myself, my heirs and my people to the cause." He finished and laid the pen aside.
King Elendil stepped forward and took up a second pen. "As king of the two kingdoms of men, I do pledge them, my kin and my people to this endeavour so that once again their might be peace. I swear in the name of the sunken realm that my kin and I shall uphold this treaty until it is judged by the members of the council fulfilled." He signed his name in the less flowing words of the Edain.
Elrond took up a third pen and coated the tip in ink. The white feathers gathered seemed to contrast with the black ink that was used to write the pledges.
"As regent of Eregion and herald of Gil-Galad." He said. He did not mention that he was the heir to the High King for he was not yet. "I do sign this paper in the name of all those lost in war and all those who will be lost if this conflict is not won." Elrond signed it under the High King's name.
Isildur picked up a pen and signed without a word, clearly he had no speech planned for this occasion.
Malas took up the pen and nodded slowly.
"In the name of the soldiers, citizens and people of Lindon, I sign this paper." He said and signed his name.
Archduke Maelius picked up the last white quill and sighed as he wrote his acceptance of the terms. "Representing the Kingdom of Arnor, I pledge my nation to the cause." He said and signed it.
Gil-Galad looked down at the six names and sighed quietly. It had began.
"Very well my friends, we need only sign the copies of it we took. If you would care to do this while I summon Tiraldórë."
Malas frowned. "Why does he need to be present?" He asked not out of spite but curiosity.
"He is the ambassador, he will witness the signing." Elrond replied for the High King who nodded. Elrond gestured back to Gil-Galad.
"I will get him lord king. I am sure he is at the bottom of the stairs." Gil-Galad nodded gratefully and looked back to the table while his unofficial heir walked down the stairs.
Tiraldórë was jolted from his light sleep he had fallen into by a friendly shake. He jumped upright and looked around to see both Elrond and Linados smiling at him. He stuttered something incoherent and almost fell backwards into the wall behind the bench. He bowed, his face almost bright red with embarrassment.
"I am sorry lord regent; I should have been paying attention." He said so quickly it was hard to understand.
Elrond looked at Linados who was trying to control laughter by looking watchful and stern. The half-elf tried to do the same thing but was failing. He finally trusted himself to speak.
"Yes you should have." Elrond said with as much conviction as he could muster. Linados could see he was mere seconds away from laughing but the younger elf took the look as a look of anger.
"I submit myself to your judgement." Tiraldórë said and bowed his head.
Elrond could not hold it back anymore and laughed freely for a good half minute before he looked at the astonished ambassador.
"I am joking. I would have done the same. Come we need you to witness the signing." Elrond said and strode away.
Tiraldórë followed and was at the stairs when the voice of Linados carried to him.
"I suppose Gildor will be most happy to hear of your mistake as opposed to his."
Tiraldórë shook his head and followed the regent up the stairs.
A few moments later, Gil-Galad saw a slightly amuse Elrond and a very embarrassed ambassador who was trying to look as serious and unconcerned as he had before the meeting. He strode to the centre of the room and picked up the last quill and signed the line at the bottom, between the two halves of the page.
"With this signature, I witness and conclude the treaty of alliance between the twin kingdoms of men and the lands of the Eldar."
The heads of the seven in the room bowed and then Gil-Galad spoke aloud, his voice a curious mix of energy and sadness.
"Now my friends, on this day, the first day of the year three thousand four hundred and thirty years after the foundation of the realm of Lindon, I declare that we prepare for war. May we meet in the array of war on the first day of middle autumn in the year next."
The men bowed and exited the room without a word and were followed by Malas and Gil-Galad. Elrond smiled at the ambassador who looked down, his ears still slightly red.
"You see? They were all wondering what I did to you. In a few days we are going back to Imladris. Hopefully we might return to Santäissa before we must make ready but we cannot tell." He smiled and clasped the ambassador's shoulder. "Remember my friend; you would know if I was really angry I assure you. Since you have not caused me to do so in the past, I do not think it shall happen ever."
Tiraldórë nodded and saluted as the regent left the room. Soon the elf was alone in the tower, staring out over the city below.
Author's Note – Chapter Eight
So why is he now the Prince of Santäissa? I do not know, I really do not know. It seemed like a good idea during the first draft and I had gotten used to the idea so it has stayed. At least being chief of staff is a more practical rank and the idea behind it is good. I tried to show in this chapter just what the limitations of such a war would be. Although this chapter is long, it is necessary I fear as will be the next. I could conceivably skipped every thing for three years but that is not how I work.
Elostirion is the capital of Arthedain. I do not know if there was ever a city there but there might have been. After all, such an important treasure would not be stuck unguarded on a hill. As with my characters and battles, I try to make all the cities different. Elostirion does not have the wealth of Santäissa or the people of Annúminnas it is just a regular city.
Maybe Valentai is right, maybe you need to be an elf to understand the web of hatreds, friendships and enmities in the Eldar army and beyond. For example Gildor and Lauronwë whose enmity goes a long way back. I took the throne room from several European designs especially the old palace in St Petersburg before it burnt down in the eighteenth century.
I have mentioned two pieces of Valentai's past in this chapter, go with them, they may seem out of place but they are necessary to show who Valentai is. Cue dramatic scene!