Chapter 9 – A Promise Kept Early SA3430
It was three hours after dawn but it was near impossible to tell by looking at the sky. Thick black clouds boiled over the sky, holding the promise of snow. It had gotten colder in the night and all those in the city knew the signs of snow when it was about to happen. The rain of the night before had frozen into a thin crust of ice over the cobbles and a bitter wind swirled around in the valley of the city of Elostirion. Ten riders, all dressed in travelling clothes sat their horses near the palace of the capital of Arthedain. The wind swirled around them and all of the riders seemed affected. Even the elves, normally resistant to cold, we shivering slightly in the rushing wind.
Valentai sat on his horse and stared across the plains to the east. He was not affected by the cold because he did not let himself be. He had been in far worse places and all one needed was sufficient willpower to resist it. A slightly shivering Gildor rode over to the gaunt figure of the hero as he sat on his horse apart from the others. Evidently the horse was not as hardy as it's rider because it shivered and stamped it hooves. Gildor rode over; most of the other riders had ridden into the ley of the buildings so that now only the two of them were in the open.
"Lord Valentai?" The elf asked cautiously. Valentai pushed his wet hair back and nodded to the elf.
"Captain?" He asked. The voice was formal, no friendship held or implied by it. The elf frowned slightly.
"Did you wish to come into the shelter? The wind cuts like a knife." The elf said but the hero's face remained impassive.
"What is the delay?" Valentai asked calmly as the elf tried to surreptitiously warm himself without appearing to do so.
"The High King is meeting with King Elendil finally. They should not be long." Gildor assured him and Valentai sighed slightly. His posture unbent and he smiled at the elf who was surprised at the sudden change.
"Sorry Gildor, I was thinking of something else. Yes, we had better get into shelter. The horse at least could do with it."
Gildor smiled. "Come on then."
As they started to ride back to the shelter, there was a clatter of hooves and the two kings and Linados rode down from the palace and nodded to their assembled people.
"It is agreed then, we shall meet in spring next year. Fortune favour you, King Elendil, son of Amandil." Gil-Galad said, clearly heard over the wind. The elf was not showing any sign of noticing the cold as he parted from his ally.
"And with you lord king Gil-Galad. We shall keep you informed of course as to our progress." The old king said and bowed. He was not quite so good at concealing his discomfit.
"As shall we." Gil-Galad said and waved to those in his command. They rode down the hill; they were soon followed by Elendil's followers.
Valentai rode through the gate and into the city itself. The hero rode just behind the High King and looked as lordly as any the Eldar had seen. As they rode through the outer gate and onto the plain with it's encampment the escorts saluted. The elves on the left and the men on the right side of the rode and as they rode past, the guards filed in behind and the two columns rode to the top of the hill which they had looked down on twelve days before. With a final salute, the men of Arnor rode south east, to come at last to the edge of the mountains and ride north to Annúminnas. On the hill, in the shelter of a valley, Gil-Galad stopped the column. The cavalry rode out to post pickets whilst the commanders gathered around the High King. Gildor gave Lauronwë a swift glare but dropped his gaze when Gil-Galad looked from one to the other. The High King sighed quietly; nobody knew why those two hated each other. He had heard that Glorfindel had ordered his friend to tell him but the captain had refused and stated that he would accept any punishment for disobedience. Gil-Galad pushed it from his mind.
"My friends, now we ourselves must split. Myself, Malas, Lauronwë and Valentai return to Santäissa whilst Gildor, Tiraldórë and Elrond return to Imladris. We shall hopefully meet before the great mustering but if we do not remember that speed is vital. It is vital not to hurry as well as that is just as fatal to our cause. Now we must dedicate ourselves totally to the cause, to lose heart is to fail and I will not see this alliance collapse before a sword is drawn on the foe." He looked at the resolute faces. "We will keep in regular contact. We leave in a quarter hour." Gil-Galad said, formally saying that the Eldar were free to say farewell to their comrades.
The High King led the regent away from the others until the two were out of sight. When he was sure that they were unseen, Gil-Galad turned to Elrond and smiled slightly.
"Take care my friend. I know you can do this and I know you will not fail me. This alliance is important, remember that. Just as what your father did for us all those centuries ago was vital, so this is what may save us. If I fall, I want you to remember that."
Elrond looked at his king shocked. His eyes showed his surprise and the High King nodded slowly.
"My time and that of my line will fail eventually. Then there is only you."
"Are you saying that I am-?" Elrond began softly.
Gil-Galad interrupted him softly. "You know that you are. Not officially for that is something that must be said at the right time. Like a son you are to me, son of Eärendil. Ever since I found you and your brother alone, you have grown to be everything I could wish for in a king. I want you to know, Elrond that if I fall, you are the last hope for our kind."
Elrond could not say anything; he just stared at the High King. Finally he stammered a reply. "Lord king I-" He began but the other elf held up a hand.
"Please. Remember what I said and do your duty. It is all that can be done. Go, and lead your people well."
Elrond nodded and turned his horse. The two rode back into the sight of the others. Linados had seen the meeting but had stayed out of hearing range of course. The bodyguard followed the High King as Elrond rode to farewell the others who were leaving him.
Gildor rode to the front of Valentai and smiled.
"I will see you in a little more than a year." The captain said, trying to sound off-hand.
"Hopefully before that my friend." Valentai said and clasped the elf's wrist in a firm grasp.
"Look after her. And good luck." Gildor said quietly as he leaned slightly closer.
"I will let no harm come to her." Valentai said firmly and smiled. "You are lucky you do not have her to remind you of the mistake in Elostirion." Gildor laughed.
"That is something at least." He said and turned away. Tiraldórë rode up and saluted.
"Farewell Lord Valentai."
Valentai smiled at some hidden joke. "Good bye my friend." As the elf turned away, Valentai spoke louder so all could hear. "Sleep well Tiraldórë."
There was a ripple of laughter and the ambassador blushed and rode off as quickly as possible.
"You are quite terrible, you know that do you not?" A voice said and Valentai turned to the smiling face of Linados. The hero shrugged.
"Only to my enemies Linados. Only to my enemies." He said and turned his horse to follow the High King.
"It is still as spectacular the second time." Valentai said as he crested the hill, looking down on Santäissa. He was sincere, for it was indeed still impressive the second time he saw it. Lauronwë rode up beside him, having heard his words and smiled. In a way the return trip had been better, for he had not had to try to keep the two captains apart. The cavalry captain had been considerably more friendly and even happy on this journey. Valentai could not figure out why the two hated each other as they clearly did. The return had taken longer because of the rougher terrain and the cold which had even lightly dusted the ground in snow as they had left the mountains. Now, slightly late, the High King had insisted they press on without rest to reach the city. The company was tired but the relief at finally arriving as well as the request of the king had pushed them onwards.
"It is indeed Lord Valentai. Every time I see it, it still stops my heart and I have seen it for over two and a half millennia."
Valentai was mildly surprised that somebody had heard him but he nodded. Valentai frowned, when he had first come, he had been so preoccupied with his first glimpse of the white city that he had not looked around. He had missed a small black stone however, just a hundred yards to his right. It was shaped like a carved mile stone except that it had a sharp top and was triangular. There was evidently some writing down the side but it was so worn that even if Valentai had been close, he could not have read it. He looked to Lauronwë.
"What is that?" he asked. The elf sighed slightly and bowed his head. He pulled off his helmet and looked at the sea for a moment as the column started down the hill. The elf looked into Valentai's eyes.
"It reminds us of the worst day in our history." He said stiffly. Valentai decided not to press it, knowing he could find out elsewhere. He started to ride on to leave the elf to what ever had disturbed him.
"Lord Valentai." The elf called and Valentai turned to see the elf come up to his side again. "I am sorry if I was bitter. It was true though. It marks the spot, the closest spot the enemy got to Santäissa. On this hill they were finally turned back. Before then they had known only victory, after that they knew only defeat. It symbolises how close we came to defeat and the price we payed." The elf sighed.
"I am sorry Lauronwë." Valentai said. At the same time, he too was shocked; the enemy had come within miles of utterly defeating the Eldar.
"Do not be Lord Valentai." He smiled. "Come, we fall behind." He said and rode on more. The column rode along the main street before the white walls of the city and Valentai nodded to each cluster of elves he passed. Scores of them watched silently as the High King rode by with his commanders and escort. Finally they reached the gate and aides and soldiers came forward and took the mounts of the leaders whilst Lauronwë saw to the stabling and encamping of his own troops. Valentai walked through the gate of the city and saw that the High Captains and many other commanders were awaiting inside the gates. Gil-Galad walked at the head, followed by Malas and then Valentai. Those inside bowed as the elf king entered and Gil-Galad smiled at the gesture. He beckoned over his commanders to talk with them in private. He looked at the mixture of tired and fresh faces and hoped he did not look especially worn.
"My friends, the treaty has been signed and a promise made. By mid-spring next year this army must be ready and equipped to march. That leaves us just fifteen months with which to train and ready this army." There was muted whispers and gasps from the assembled commanders. "As you can see, Lord Elrond had ridden to Imladris to make preparations there. He should rejoin us sometime this year. Now, I do not need to tell you what I expect, you all know the gravity of this situation and you will not let us down. You have one week of semi-relaxation before I must ask that we put aside pleasure, at least for a while. You all have your own methods and I will not interfere as long as they do their job. Am I understood?" He asked and the six others bowed their heads and saluted.
"Then go. My door is always open if you have problems." As they turned away Gil-Galad spoke a last time. His voice now was sad and not the voice of authority that he had used just a moment before. "I mean it when I say enjoy yourselves. This may be the last peace we shall know for many years." He added so quietly that even the elves had trouble hearing his voice. "And for many of us, forever." He looked up. "Go my friends." He said and the commanders broke away.
Valentai walked over and clapped Glorfindel on the shoulder and then embraced Milotüré quickly. He saw the angry glimpse that Celedaih gave him but did not care. She stepped back and sighed theatrically.
"I suppose I should be glad to see you back but until you stop looking like a brigand I shall have to keep my distance."
Valentai smiled, he missed her and her verbal sparring. "I suppose I had better remedy that then, yes?" He asked lightly and she smiled.
"You go do that." She waved imperiously away. "Come Glorfindel, let us greet the others." She said and Glorfindel flashed a silent plea for help which Valentai laughingly ignored as the daemon slayer was dragged forward.
Valentai smiled at Aëorith who strode up. The young aide had been ever at his side throughout his visit to Elostirion but unfortunately, since so much of his time was spent in meetings, the young elf had had very little to do. He smiled as he came beside and slightly behind Valentai, as was his way when he was dealing with his commander. Valentai walked on to his room and turned to the aide who stopped at almost a form of attention.
"Aëorith, the High King has given us a week off to do with as we please. That means you do not need to be with me, unless you greatly desire to." The elf was evidently trying to find a way to answer a question he evidently thought was baited. Valentai sighed. "That was not a trick statement Aëorith. Take the time that is given to you, it will be the last you shall have for many years." He did not add the High King's last words about never returning. The aide saluted.
"Thank you Lord Valentai. If you require my assistance, you know where I will be."
"Of course. Now go my young friend." He said and the younger elf strode off into the city. Valentai nodded and then, deciding he did indeed look like a brigand, he walked up the stairs and through the hallways to his room.
Valentai sighed in satisfaction as he dressed in an informal silk tunic, trousers and pulled his gloves back on. He sighed and began the laborious task of washing his battle clothes. It took him nearly a half hour but finally they were as clean as constant staining, rents and long wear could allow. He hung the wet clothes up and saw to his approval that the table had been laid with a light meal and some of the very good wine that Lindon had. During his stay, he had often visited the family of the duke and sampled many of their fine drinks which were even better than the elven wine. Valentai obscurely wondered how but shrugged and sipped another glass of Lindon wine. He intended to enjoy his last week of peace and to this end; he collected his piled papers from the end of the table and set them down near the far wardrobe. He smiled to himself and drew one of the books he had borrowed from the library just a few weeks before. He was just reading through the third page when someone knocked on the door. He smiled and set aside the book and raised himself and walked across the floor. He pulled open the door and saw the teasing smile on the other side.
"No, this cannot be the room." Milotüré proclaimed as he let her through. "This room belongs to a person who is at least a little civilised."
Valentai smiled and turned to Glorfindel who was strangely red. "Good afternoon Glorfindel, been running around?" He asked pleasantly and the elf glared at him.
"You don't want to know. Can't you control her?" He muttered and Milotüré turned on him.
"Did you speak Glorfindel?" She asked sweetly. Valentai laughed and took her shoulder.
"I think my dear; he was saying how grateful he was for your company in the last few weeks." Valentai said diplomatically and Glorfindel nodded. Milotüré nodded and went over to Valentai. The hero smiled and gestured at the table.
"Make yourselves at home my friends. Ignore the papers as I have not had time to clear them away."
"I hope you were not thinking of working this week." She asked. Her bravado covered her real feelings which would ask him the same question. Valentai smiled.
"Of course not my dear. I had hoped that Glorfindel could join us on a small journey."
"Milotüré looked happy, so much so that she forgot to come back with a witty remark. She took his hand and Glorfindel smiled.
"I would be happy to come." The golden haired elf stated and Milotüré smiled despite herself.
"We shall leave tomorrow sometime. I have a mind to go north a little way. Maybe cross the river." Valentai suggested.
"Sounds perfect. Does your boy want to come?" Milotüré asked and Valentai smiled.
"He is not my boy." He started and then saw their looks and sighed.
"For a prince, you get easily frustrated." Glorfindel suggested smugly and Valentai muttered something inaudible. Milotüré sat beside him and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Who is mumbling now Valentai?" She asked sweetly.
Before the hero could respond, the door was knocked on again. Valentai moved to the door and opened it. He let the elf through.
"Come in Captain Lauronwë." He said so the other two could hear.
Lauronwë thanked him and walked into the room with a smile at the two High Captains.
Valentai closed the door and offered the captain a seat at the table.
"Have you no greeting for your friends." Glorfindel exclaimed in mock horror and the elf smiled slyly. He looked much more relaxed in casual clothes, almost as if he was uncomfortable in the armour of a soldier.
"Of course I do Glorfindel." He said with a smile as he sat at the table. "Good afternoon my friend. I trust you are well?"
"And no greeting for me?" Milotüré asked with a hint of indignation. "And why do you not salute. I should have thought that my natural aura of superiority would have swayed you but it is not so it seems." She said and Lauronwë smiled dryly.
"How are you High Captain?" He asked and she tossed her head back.
"I am fine. How is Alderána, I hope she is keeping you in check."
"Eminently so, I fear." Lauronwë said laconically.
"Well everyone needs somebody to control them, is that not right Glorfindel?" She asked.
"And who controls you, Milotüré?" Glorfindel returned and she frowned. Valentai spoke before her.
"I try to you understand. It is not easy with one so uncooperative-." Milotüré's glare silenced even the tall hero. She smiled though and sat back smiling.
"So I hear that you met the duke's wife?" Glorfindel asked, trying to pull the subject away from it's present course. "I never have been to his city and only rarely met him."
"We did meet them. A nice person." Valentai said thoughtfully. "Her father was also an interesting person, a man of ideas, few of them practical but a few that were brilliant." The hero said and leaned back. Valentai smiled. "I learnt of a small accident involving Gildor when he went to Elostirion. It is said he single-handedly destroyed the elvish myth of gracefulness."
Milotüré leaned forward with a smile. "What did he do?"
"He was visiting the duke's future wife, the daughter of his friend who I have spoken of already. By all accounts he had an incident with the stairs and fell, bringing down the bookshelf and lamp as well." Valentai said happily.
Milotüré smiled wolfishly. "No wonder he went to hide in his rural stupor." She declaimed and Glorfindel sighed as he looked at the sun outside.
"Well, I must be going." Glorfindel said and rose, his smile said everything. He bowed to Valentai. The prince held up his hand.
"Do not even think about it High Captain unless you wish me to make your life unpleasant."
Glorfindel clapped him on the shoulder and walked out of the room, followed by Lauronwë.
Valentai sighed as the door closed and he looked to Milotüré who smiled and rose and walked onto the balcony. She smiled at him and put her arm around his waist.
"I have missed you Valentai." She said genuinely and he looked into her blue eyes and nodded.
"And I you my dear. We should enjoy these last days of peace, it may be our last for a long time. Maybe forever." Valentai said, his voice filled with an unusual sadness.
"Valentai?" She asked softly, puzzlement in her voice.
Valentai looked into the night. He looked as though he would say something but he could not and he bowed his head.
"What is it Valentai?" She asked, her beautiful face creased with concern.
He shook his head gently and stroked her cheek and up to her ear until she smiled slightly.
"Gildor sends his best wishes. And his love." He said, hoping to enliven the atmosphere. Instead of retort as she had done so many times before she nodded. Valentai looked into those blue eyes and saw she was hiding her sorrow from him. Finally she spoke.
"And I to him." Milotüré said softly. She looked to Valentai seriously. "Though when together we jest and mock, he the best friend I have ever had. It is so difficult being here with him so far away. For all my life before the war, the three of us were inseparable. He took the death of Morantar hard. So did I but he more so I think." She was not really looking at her love as she spoke.
"Why did he not stay here with you?" Valentai asked, he had always wanted to know but it had never been the right time to ask.
"He blamed himself for Morantar's death. I do not know why. We meet still of course but we have changed, changed with the world."
"Why does he hate Lauronwë?" Valentai asked. This was another question he thought might be answered.
Milotüré sighed softly. She had no ill feelings towards the skilled cavalry commander it was clear.
"You will have to ask him that." She said at length. "I know but he made me promise that I would not tell. If he is not willing to tell then neither am I." She looked worriedly to him. "I hope you understand." She said with a silent plea.
"I do. I will not force you. Maybe it will become clear in time." Valentai said reassuringly.
"Thank you." She whispered. She looked into his face and Milotüré was as serious as he had ever seen the elf. "I cannot bear the thought of losing him. If he were to die then I truly would be alone. I do not think I can bear that. Though we are apart now, we can go back to each other. I have lost one friend, I cannot think of losing another." The elf's eyes clouded with tears and Valentai embraced her close.
"He would say the same, I know it. He asked me to look after you, and I will." Valentai was well aware that normally, the comment would have attracted a fierce rebuke but now she just nodded in his arms.
"Can I stay with you tonight?" She asked softly.
"Of course you can my dear." He said compassionately and led her inside. He poured himself a glass of water and by the time he looked back, she was asleep, rolled in the blankets like a frightened child. Valentai smiled at the thought and pulled off his boots and climbed in so as not to disturb her. He leaned over to her gently breathing form and whispered.
"Good night my dear." He lay back and was himself asleep instantly.
Two weeks later
"If I am not mistaken, that is the hill where I was ambushed." Tiraldórë said as they rode through the morning sunlight and on. Gildor nodded and then frowned slightly.
"Then we are not far away from Imladris." He frowned even more. "That was only two and a bit years ago." The captain said with wonder in his voice.
Elrond, who had been riding near spoke what all three were thinking.
"This means we have known Lord Valentai for only two and a bit years."
Gildor nodded. "It is strange but it seems like he has always been with us." He said it in the puzzled way someone who is over two and a half millennia old talks of someone he has known for two years.
"I do not think I judged wrong when I said he is a gift of fate." Elrond said quietly.
"We have yet to see him in a real command yet." Gildor warned. He liked the hero but he was still a little concerned about the virtually unknown commander being given the role of chief of staff.
"I for one believe he is more than capable to fulfil his role. In years to come we may yet thank the High King for his insight."
"He is an honourable man." Tiraldórë said. He realised what he had said and sighed. "I forget myself sometimes." The ambassador said and Elrond clapped him on the back.
"He does not mind it if you call him that by accident."
"Just don't call him Prince Valentai." Gildor said with an amused grin.
"You are right though Tiraldórë. He is an honourable person. In everything he does he shows it."
"I have not seen Milotüré so happy since-" Gildor said and sighed. "Since the war. She made a good choice I believe for he will be beside her as long as they both shall live." The captain said and Elrond nodded.
"It is good to see her as such again. I thought that she would die of the pain of losing the one she cared for after the war." The half-elf said and Gildor nodded sadly.
"As did I. For all her bravado, she is so gentle and fragile like thin ice." The two had ridden ahead and Tiraldórë had found some pressing excuse to leave the two to their private conversations.
Elrond looked at his second most senior commander and nodded. "Valentai will not let her down, or you."
Gildor said his next words with a terrible seriousness. "I could not bear to lose her. She is now all I have, the only family I have left. It was only her that kept me from death after Morantar died and I fear for her should she fall. I fear for myself."
"Have trust in her and in your own strength. Whatever happens, do not forget that there are others who can help you." Elrond said and laid a hand on the elf's arm. Gildor nodded slowly and looked ahead to where the river could be heard rushing over the stones.
"We are here." Elrond said loudly and rode away from the captain. He remembered all those years ago, choosing this valley, then little more than a few tents. Now it was the third largest community of the Eldar in the world.
Elrond rode over the ford and to the other side. He rode down the procession way of trees and saluted the invisible guards who appeared to welcome him back.
"Welcome back lord regent. Do you need an escort?" Aendril, the captain with the scarred ear asked.
"No thank you captain. I will go on as soon as I may."
"Of course lord regent. A message shall be sent to warn Lord Vallarië of your arrival."
"Excellent. Come Tiraldórë, Gildor." Elrond said and walked his horse down the path to the steep winding bend that led into the valley. The regent then rode through the paths, nodding to his people as he passed. There had been changes, even in the time he had been away. He had seen as he rode through that camps had appeared along the riverbank, on the cliffs above Imladris. There, the elves of Imladris and the remains of Eregion had started to gather. The people of Imladris came out to watch him pass, they bowed before his horse and the regent sighed, he would never ask them to but they seemed to do so anyway.
After a half hour more, the riders came to one the gates of Imladris. The guards saluted and Elrond dismounted, followed by Tiraldórë and Gildor. The two elves followed him through the gate and into the courtyard of Imladris. Standing by the great oak tree, the tree he had planted was Vallarië.
The last descendant of the sons of Fëanor was wearing a long silver gown which shimmered in the sun's light. It flowed and met with the elf's silver hair and seemed to be as one with it. The eyes though were the same, burning blue, watchful and true. The son of Celembrimbor bowed as Elrond approached. The two other elves hung back slightly so the two could meet in private.
"Lord regent, I am glad to see you back. I trust your journey was good." It was a statement rather than a question.
"Yes indeed Vallarië, how goes things here?" Elrond asked.
Vallarië's eyes looked into that of the regent's. "We have done our duty." He said stiffly and Elrond sighed as he realised that he would have to try a different approach. For all his skill, Vallarië was a little too much like his forefathers.
"I meant Vallarië, how goes the raising of the army?" Vallarië nodded slowly.
"We have been doing well. All the names of the troops have been compiled. I have only pulled away those that can be spared so far." His eyes seemed to suggest that the regent had best agree with him.
"I agree Vallarië. We will make sure everything is ready before we call up the troops. The longer Imladris can go on functioning, the better." Elrond said to the slightly younger elf. "Come and show me the figures in my office." He said and led the touchy elf away.
Gildor and Tiraldórë looked at each other.
"I suppose that means that we are not needed for now." Gildor said.
"I could do with a change of clothes." Tiraldórë said thoughtfully.
"Enjoy it while you can my friends." Came an amused voice behind them and they turned to see Keldoräth smiling at them slightly.
"Keldoräth." Tiraldórë said and clapped the bodyguard's shoulder. "Why did you not follow Lord Elrond to Santäissa?"
"It is my job to protect the ruler of Imladris. When we march to war, I will be beside him though."
"I see. Come and tell us what has happened here."
The bodyguard smiled and led the two elves away from the courtyard of the tree and away. The sun reached it's peak and slowly began it's descent over the valley of Imladris.
"Aëorith, up my friend." Valentai said as he knelt beside the sleeping elf. His aide, so he did not have to try to find his way home in the early morning had a bed on the floor. Valentai had managed to get a proper mattress with blankets and pillows and the elf slept on there each night. Valentai smiled as the blonde haired elf rolled over and muttered the word 'sleep'. Valentai did not consider himself a cruel person but sometimes the temptation was too great. He drew back and said in as commanding tone as he could muster this early in the morning.
"Aëorith, if you are not up in the next half minute, you will regret it." He said and the elf jerked awake and tried to get upright but almost fell. Valentai laughed and steadied his young aide who looked at him as though he feared savage scorn for his failure. Seeing the face, Valentai felt a little ashamed for doing what he did. He wondered how long it would take the elf to realise that he would not hurt him in any way.
"Lord Valentai, I am-" Valentai held up his hand.
"Think nothing of it. Excuse my poor taste in my joke. When you are ready we will begin." Valentai said gently.
The elf nodded and went into the bathroom to change. Valentai shook his head and tried to push aside his guilt. Eventually, Aëorith would learn like all the others in similar situations had. Since starting their work properly the week before, the two of them had often worked fourteen hour days, eaten a brief meal and then slept. Valentai had not even left the room for the last two days and he sighed as the mounds of paper only seemed to grow instead of diminish. Valentai knew that this was comparatively easy compared to what would happen later in the year. Valentai grimace, he was getting by with only six hours sleep, he would continue to work even after his aide went to sleep. The door opened and a much more awake Aëorith entered the room. He bowed slightly and Valentai smiled.
"Aëorith, I have repeated two things to you again and again. Do not call me prince and do not bow unless you are in public."
"Sorry lord, it is just force of habit."
Valentai smiled. "Well I am not complaining. If you feel the need than do so. Now where were we?"
Aëorith leafed through a stack of papers and produced a bundle. "The amounts of unprocessed iron ore needed for the first great company." Aëorith said, trying to hide a smile.
"All right you go through it. Start with need."
Valentai kept half a mind on what the aide was saying and alternated the rest between Milotüré and the needs of the army. Aëorith finished his explanation.
"And so we come to that figure. It is lower than I expected but I think we have the resources."
Valentai nodded, he was pleased that he could concentrate on other things sometimes and still know what had been said. "That is good. The problem will not be the amount of unprocessed we possess but how it can be made useful. Have you considered the other uses we shall have for it other than weapons and armour?" he asked and the elf nodded.
"Indeed Lord Valentai. I have made a list of sixty one different uses."
Valentai was impressed despite himself. "Good, now what I want you to do is try to establish cost while I go through this and try to determine if we have the people needed to actually use the stuff." He said and Aëorith nodded.
The hero was thankful that the Eldar who had fought before had their own weapons and armour in their keep which they were asked to maintain. Without that, Valentai feared having to make half of the armies' swords and armour again. He bent over his papers and stared his calculations.
Two hours later, he looked up at the elf who was reading through another of the endless amounts of provision lists. Valentai sighed and stood up. He looked at the elf.
"I have a special task that we must perform now." Valentai said. The elf looked at him suspiciously, the last time he had said that, the elf had been asked to assess the south western wall with his commander.
Valentai smiled slightly at the look his aide gave him. "None of that my friend. I am giving you a chance to leave this room." Valentai said with mock indignation. "If you want to stay in here you are welcome but if you wish to see the sun, then come with me."
The elf sighed slightly and stood. He did indeed wish to see the sun. "Very well Lord Valentai." He said with as much enthusiasm as he could muster.
"Good, come along then." Valentai said and walked out of the room. Aëorith followed, wondering which wall they were going to stare at.
Valentai did not go to stare at a wall; instead he went to find an elf who he knew he would have trouble with. Valentai walked to the north eastern side of the city, a less glamorous place where the markets, traders and merchants lived. Also living here was the chief quartermaster of the Army of Lindon. Valentai knocked on the door and was led up to the room which held the elf. Valentai walked into the long low and dark room which was the abode of the quartermaster. Valentai disliked the elf, he knew a good commissariat when he saw it and he was not looking at one now. The elf looked up and sighed petulantly.
"Can I help you Lord Valentai?" He asked as though the course of the war might be threatened by this interruption.
Valentai muttered something about falling off the roof would help but nodded. "Yes you can Pallinarne. What I need from you is a list of your armoury contents."
The elf chuckled quietly. "Well, you shall have to wait; we do not have such a list. We are busy enough here as it is without such requests."
Aëorith began to surreptitiously back away from his commander but Valentai did not seem angry or even displeased.
"In the next two days is perfectly fine." Valentai said calmly and the quartermaster nodded.
"We will see what we can do Valentai." The elf said it almost to provoke the hero but Valentai did not fall for it.
"Good. I thank you for your precious time." Valentai said sweetly and left the building.
As they stepped outside, Aëorith looked up at him.
"Lord Valentai, does it not anger you that he does not do his duty? That he shows disrespect?" The younger elf asked the hero who stopped.
Valentai looked down at the elf and smiled slightly. "The thing about being a commander is not to show such emotions as they will get you nowhere. Rather, think of the positive that will come from the situation. Besides." He smiled at Aëorith even wider. "He may think he is important but he is not. I could remove him in a half minute. He knows this in his heart. Come on, we have enough to do until he decided to do something."
As the sun was setting over the sea, Valentai sighed. The afternoon had been productive and they had even liberated part of the table from the mounds of paper. Unfortunately the door had been opened and an aide of the king had instantly refilled the small space cleared. Valentai knew that eventually it would become too much for just the two of them. Especially as he would have the visit the troops in their camps and see to their training. While he was pondering what to do, he wrote down his last calculation and signed the bottom of the page. He looked up to see Aëorith trying to conceal his tiredness.
"You tired Aëorith?" He asked. He knew it was a hopeless cause.
"Of course not Lord Valentai." The elf said stoically.
Valentai did not believe him but nodded in acceptance and went on writing. Finally, as night fell and the temperature cooled, Valentai looked at the aide.
"That is good Aëorith. Go back to your home and sleep. Be here just after dawn."
The elf nodded. "Thank you Lord Valentai." He said and headed to the door
Valentai sighed. For some reason, he was not thinking straight and he wondered why. This army, despite what others might think was vastly better organised than most he had raised. He also had enough funds to actually complete his goal which was a rare providence. The prince rose and took a piece of bread from the plate on the table and ate it distractedly.
The door banged and Valentai walked over to it and opened it. Milotüré saluted him and then saw the room was empty aside from Valentai.
"It is good to see the arts of respect maintained." He said and she cuffed him on the shoulder.
"You sent your boy home early?" She asked in surprise. "He looks half dead when I see him usually."
"He is still half alive though." Valentai said haughtily. His frown became a smile as she kissed him. "Well that makes up for the day I have had so far. Are you here officially?" He asked and took a seat.
"I am actually or else I would have come later. I have no head for paperwork, none, as you know."
"So you want me to help you become an accountant?" Valentai asked with a hint of mockery and she nodded seriously.
"Yes. I need help; I cannot show weakness before my troops." She looked at him. "Can you help?" It was sad to see her so crestfallen.
"I will try. Where do you want to begin?" He asked and sat next to her on the bed.
She kissed him lightly. "From the beginning." She said quietly and Valentai nodded.
It was the new day before he sat back. She looked utterly exhausted but happy all the same. She smiled.
"Thank you Valentai."
"I do what I can my dear. Now you had better get to bed before your bodyguard thinks you were attacked by something in the city."
"You are right." She stood and staggered slightly. Valentai frowned.
"Do you need help?" He asked in concern. She looked a little panicky, almost falling from exhaustion.
"Please." She said and he smiled and took her arm.
Valentai led her to the door of her quarters. Her bodyguard looked at Valentai suspiciously. The hero sighed, he knew what this looked like and he would find it difficult to disprove it. He reflected that if it had been any other commander, he would have been welcomed with a jest. He smiled at the bodyguard and Milotüré nodded and walked up the stairs. Valentai looked back to the bodyguard.
"It is not what you think my friend. You know why she went out, yes? I am the chief of staff and the High Captain is one of my subordinates. I hope you can trust me when I say that I was entirely honourable and nothing unrelated to our duty occurred."
He stopped; he had not meant to say this much but the look the elf had given him had irritated the hero. The bodyguard stepped back slightly and then nodded.
"I am sorry if I cast aspersions on your honour my lord. It is not my place to judge what happens." The elf bodyguard said as she bowed.
"No, it is nothing. I regret me snapping at you. Look after her. I will see you again soon." Valentai said and walked into the night.
The bodyguard sighed; she had never doubted the hero's honour or her commander. The elf shrugged her shoulders, closed and locked the door behind her as she went to tend the High Captain.
Four months later
"This is the day Aëorith, are you ready?" Valentai asked genially and the elf nodded cautiously. "Then let us prepare and move off then."
The elf straightened his clothes and strapped his sword by his side. Valentai smiled as he saw the elf wearing the sword. He wore Caer'dan, though not because he would use it. He wore elven clothes with a brown and green cloak over the top. Underneath, he wore hard wearing tunics, over garment and trousers. He wore his own boots but had left his knife on the table. It had been four months since that meeting with Milotüré and he doubted he had seen her five times in those months. The change he had worked that first time had been apparent to all. She had become more confident and assertive around the staff she employed and was better now at judging and making the right decisions. Valentai had smiled as the news of her sudden boost in confidence made itself felt. Elsewhere, the mountains of paperwork had slowly but surely given way to more practical and longer days. Valentai even managed to take time to train some of the younger soldiers in fighting. The army was starting to come together, slowly, the old soldiers returned to the colours and the newer soldiers were intermixed with the veterans. Gil-Galad had told him that in three more months, the remaining soldiers would be pulled from their homes and put into their units. For now though, the troops that were there were trained vigorously, they would be the ones to help the newer soldiers. Valentai was going on his first inspection. He would visit the camp of Celedaih's great company, the most fully formed and acknowledged as the best. Valentai might not like Celedaih but he respected his skills of leadership. In time, Valentai would visit each unit to evaluate their readiness and report to the High King. He had offered the aide the choice of not coming, the first was a tough unit and he did not want the young aide too overawed by the grim veterans. Aëorith had refused, just as he had refused every other offer to not be involved in some task Valentai did not need him for.
Valentai looked at the elf again who smiled slightly nervously. "Are you intending to use that sword?" Valentai asked gently. He almost asked if the elf could use it but offered a lighter inquiry.
"You are wearing one Lord Valentai." Aëorith said and Valentai laughed.
"I can use it though my friend. Can you?" He asked and the elf hung his head slightly.
"No Lord Valentai." He said.
Valentai almost kicked himself for so humiliating the elf again. He reached across and took the elf by the shoulder. "Never mind my friend. When we get some time, I will teach you how to use it, yes?" he asked and the elf nodded.
"As you will Lord Valentai." The elf said with a smile.
"Maybe not all at once my friend, In time though." He said and pointed to the door. "Shall we go?" He asked and the elf nodded and opened the door for him. Valentai nodded and walked out, followed by the elf.
It was a twenty mile ride to the north, on the flat plains to the north of Santäissa. Crossing the river at the first bridge, Valentai had rode on until they had crested a ridge and saw the camp before them. It was a large wooden construction, very large. Each side was three hundred yards wide The camp had palisade walls that were ten foot high and were tipped with dried, hardened wood. The walls were very well made and Valentai told himself that they were better designed than some stone fortresses he had seen. Running east to west inside the camp was a path. Thus the camp was split in two. Two hundred and fifty yards of the sides running east west was filled with tents and small fires of troops. On the north to south facing sides, about a hundred and forty yards on each side of the path was also filled with tents. Looking at it, Valentai could see about five thousand tents. If they housed three or even two in each tent then they would have enough. The remaining four blocks of fifty yards by a hundred and forty in the corners could evidently be used in an emergency. At present, they were filled with the armouries, forges, wagons and horses that the great company required. He deliberately rode into view well before he reached the gate. He was seen and the hero was impressed by the alertness and speed with which the troops moved to block his escape. Valentai sighed, whilst Aëorith looked a little nervous but Valentai turned to him.
"Do not be frightened. They are our soldiers." He said as their commander, a cavalry lieutenant of about twice Aëorith's age approached. He saluted and bowed in the saddle. "Lord Valentai, we are honoured by your presence."
Valentai was mildly surprised; the elf actually meant what he was saying. "I like the quality of your troops lieutenant. They do their job well."
The elf nodded in gratitude for the generous compliment. "Lord Captain Celedaih works us hard to make sure we are ready for anything."
"Then he does his job well. Is he in?" Valentai asked and the elf saluted.
"Follow me lord commander." He said. Valentai shrugged, another day, another title it seemed.
Valentai followed the lieutenant through the eastern gate of the camp and dismounted so the horses could be stabled. He stripped off the cloak and nodded to Aëorith.
"I will take it from here my friend." He said and the elf nodded and went with the horses and then to find a tent to stay. It was late afternoon already and Valentai would only have the chance to talk briefly with the commanders tonight. The parades and drills could wait until tomorrow.
Valentai walked through the camp, watched by the elves that had come from their tents on either side of the path to watch him. He was known by some but not by others and soon whispers started. Valentai smiled and walked to a large tent pitched in the middle of the path. Evidently, all paths led to this tent and Valentai was not surprised. A tall elf with a blinded left eye stood at the entrance. He nodded fiercely and saluted crisply.
"Prince Valentai, to see the High Captain." Valentai said. The elf nodded and turned to enter the tent from which voices came but he was interrupted.
"Prince Valentai. I see you introduce yourself as thus now. I knew you would." Celedaih, his black hair and bright eyes reflecting the dying sunlight stepped out to meet the chief of staff.
"High Captain." Valentai said politely.
Celedaih scowled slightly and nodded to the guard. "Get out of here Artinë. I do not need protection from him." The elf nodded grimly and walked off. The High Captain's words would have sounded gracious coming from Anderónë or Glorfindel but now they just sounded sneering.
"So Celedaih, tell me your progress." Valentai said directly.
"And here was me thinking you had come to greet me. We have not done anything to disrupt your plans Valentai." He said dryly.
Valentai sighed. "I trust we can talk more in the morning, I just wanted to know for my report." Valentai said wearily.
"Well, we proceed on schedule. Two thirds of the ranks are filled. This camp is ready and the troops have been drilling marching and training for eight hours a day."
"That is good. You are the most complete great company we have." Valentai said and the elf nodded arrogantly.
"We are the best." Valentai could not argue with that fact despite the fact he wanted to.
"When do you start tomorrow?" Valentai asked.
"We are ready at dawn. You still have the boy?" Celedaih asked mockingly.
"I do yes." Valentai said, fighting the wish to lash back with his own scathing words.
"Well that's good." He said with a crooked grin. He waved and bowed before him.
"With your permission lord prince?" He said with deliberate sarcasm.
"Don't call me that." Valentai muttered but the elf had heard and smiled unpleasantly.
Valentai sought out Aëorith and found they had been given a standard tent. His aide had protested but Valentai had held up his hand.
"Celedaih lives in one of these. He does not sleep in the larger one. We are content with this." Valentai announced and lay down on one of the beds. Almost instantly, he was asleep.
Valentai rose before the sun and was dressed and ready in just a few minutes. He walked to the other side of the tent and touched Aëorith's shoulder.
"Aëorith, up my friend." The elf mumbled something but did blink and focus to look at him.
"Lord Valentai?" He asked.
"The very same my friend. I am about to attend the parade of the first great company. I do not expect you to come." He said and the aide nodded slowly.
"If that is your will Lord Valentai. I shall remain here."
"Excellent my friend." Valentai said and he pulled his cloak about him. As he walked out he saw a messenger leading Valentai's horse and the messenger's own.
"My lord, the High Captain wishes to see you. Near the west gate." The elf said and Valentai nodded.
The hero mounted and rode along the path until he saw the High Captain dressed for battle. He wore plated, sliding ribs of armour with a high helmet. All of this was bronze coloured but doubtless was of the best steel. The upper legs were protected in the same way. The lower legs were not covered in armour, to give the elf mobility. By his side, the High Captain wore an elvish longsword which seemed older than the kingdom he fought for. He turned and nodded at Valentai.
"If I did not know you, I would say you were a civilian come to watch us." The elf said slyly.
"I do not dress for battle unless I expect to fight. Since I see no enemy, I am not going to prepare for it."
Celedaih shrugged like he did not care. "As you choose. Now, you will meet my commanders and then you will see my troop's parade." He said.
"Lead on Celedaih." Valentai said.
The elf sighed and rode through the gate; Valentai followed him and was greeted by a scene that would inspire fear in any foe. Eight and a half thousand elves were assembled before him. All wore golden-bronze coloured armour and stood in precise ranks. The five companies were not filled completely but would be soon. The ranks of solid gold had only one blemish. In the centre was a small double line of red. Valentai was about two hundred yards away. The elves were assembled on a hill sloping down and these red dressed warriors were at the bottom. The hero stared but all he saw was elves with red armour and unusual weapons of ancient design. He followed Celedaih down the hill to the front of the Eldar great company. Six riders came forward to meet the High Captain. Five of them wore the usual bronze coloured armour but the last one also wore red armour. He was old, even for an elf, older than any elf he had seen save Círden. The elf saluted the High Captain who nodded.
My captains. This is Prince Valentai, the chief of staff to Gil-Galad." Celedaih said, hoping to provoke an unwise comment from the hero but failing. Valentai bowed slightly. All the elves were black haired and scarred. The red armoured one had eyes that were as bright as his commander and Valentai saw that his blade truly was ancient. It was old enough to make Celedaih's sword look like it had come from the forge just moments before. Celedaih nodded to each captain, starting on the far side from the older leader to annoy Valentai.
"This is captains, Lunindë, Falisse, Helyone, Rómiel and Parmerial." Valentai nodded to each. "They are all veterans Valentai, soldiers who have fought for centuries." Celedaih finished. Valentai still stared at the older elf who seemed slightly amused at the attention.
Celedaih saw his gaze and nodded to the five he had introduced. "Go back to your troops. We will not be long." The elves nodded and rode back to the formed ranks.
Celedaih looked at the last of them.
"Valentai, meet Captain Mestarië of the Eagle Company." He said.
Valentai nodded, he had suspected as much. That explained much. At various times, many commanders had told him things about the legendary Eagle Company and it's commander. The age of the elf was due to him being one of only three Eldar who still lived who had lived in the halls of Finwë in the light of the two trees. Now there were just three of them, no other Eldar had been there. Círden and Celeborn had never been to the realm of the Valar and Mestarië had. Although younger than the other two who both dwelt in Lórinand, he had been a lieutenant in the service of Fëanor when the oath was sworn. He had followed Fëanor but had been appalled by the first kinslaying on the shores of Valinor. He had deserted that cause and gone over to High King Fingolfin. Fighting through the rest of the war, he was at all of the great battles of Beleriand. Meeting Maeldin, another of the Eldar from Valinor and a deserter from the cause of the son s of Fëanor, the two had formed a unit from the survivors of the Noldor and led it during the wars of wrath. Meeting with Celedaih, another deserter from this cause after the third kinslaying at Sirion. Joining the war of wrath later, they had been denied the places their experience and skills demanded. Finding Malas promoted over him despite the pleas of both, Maeldin had led his troops in a score of battles during those final wars. The Eagle Company had always been led by Mestarië and he had refused promotion to High Captain twice to lead those who remained of his kin.
In the foundation of Lindon, when the High King had reorganised the army, Maeldin became senior High Captain and Prince of Santäissa. Mestarië remained the Eagle Company commander and Celedaih, the first company. In the wars of Eregion, the Eagle Company fought in every battle and never retreated in the face of the foe. In the final battle they led the final breakthrough beside the fourth, the unit they despised. When Maeldin and Morantar were slain destroying the daemon of might, Celedaih had been promoted over him. This was the last request of Maeldin, that his friend and fellow survivor Mestarië look after his 'eagles'.
They were a unit famous in Middle Earth, the best of the best. All of them were the same ones chosen by Maeldin and Mestarië all those centuries before. Now there were just five hundred out of the fourteen hundred who had joined in the first place. They wore red painted armour, coloured so after Lake Eventide to remember their beloved leader Maeldin. Fighting with the weapons and armour they had used all those centuries ago, they were a terrible sight on the field of battle. None could stand before them and none could doubt their skill. Mestarië was a killer and a veteran but was not as forceful as the two close friends he had had.
Mestarië nodded his head. "Prince Valentai." He said. He said it calmly without approval or disapproval. Mestarië, he had been told spoke little and with little emotion.
"As you can see, Prince Valentai, Captain Mestarië leads the Eagle Company."
"And have done since it was founded." The elf of Valinor said calmly. He seemed to neither approve or disapprove of Valentai, not yet.
"Well, the prince is here to make sure we man march in straight lines. I am sure that your people will not let us down Mestarië."
"I do not believe they will." Mestarië said dryly and saluted before riding back to his troops.
Celedaih turned to him. "He is being unusually quiet this morning. A relief though, his sardonic wit will not be affecting you today." He said and smiled. "Come lord prince. Your loyal soldiers await."
While Valentai was debating whether or not the elf should receive a slight reminder on who was in command, he followed them down. At Celedaih's signal, Mestarië came forward and held up his sword horizontally. His troops recognised the command and wordlessly they saluted and stood to attention. Mestarië held the sword vertical and then swirled it around his head. The elves instantly formed five columns of attack, archers on the sides and the Eagle Company at the front. Mestarië led them past for inspection one company at a time. Finally, the last of the Eagle Company marched past and the troops stood at ease. At the moment, all they carried was their long swords and no shields or spears.
Valentai nodded approvingly and turned to Celedaih. The elf might be arrogant and against all non-Eldar but he could surely lead troops.
"I am impressed Celedaih. You have done very well; none of the others are even close to that. Your troops deserve the title of the first great company."
Celedaih was pleased by the compliment but he would not show it. "We do our duty Valentai. We cannot do more and we shall never do less."
Valentai sighed; the elf was as stubborn as a dwarf being asked to give up a bag of gold. The hero turned to the High Captain.
"Thank you for your hospitality Celedaih. I will be leaving within the hour." Valentai decided to go a little further. "As you no doubt will be pleased about." He said and Celedaih stared at him with irritation in his eyes.
"I harbour no dislike towards you. I have a job to do and so do you and we are losing time to do it." There were many things the elf could have said which were neither diplomatic or polite but he refrained from them.
"Then, until we meet again. Celedaih." He said with a brief nod.
Valentai rode back into the camp as below, the great company finished it's drills. Valentai hoped to leave soon so he rode to his tent and went inside. Aëorith looked up and smiled. Valentai nodded.
"Aëorith, we are leaving imminently. Please give me a hand with our things." His voice was slightly less calm than normal but Aëorith was not fool enough to ask his commander.
In a few minutes, Valentai was ready and walked outside.
"Lord Valentai?" Came a calm voice behind him. The chief of staff turned to see Mestarië walk forward softly and salute. The elf had managed to find time to remove his armour but he looked just as impressive now that he was dressed for peace.
"Captain Mestarië." Valentai said as Aëorith finished readying the horses.
"You leave so soon?" The elf asked with the calm voice that Valentai used in battle to inspire confidence in his troops.
"I have much to do and every moment is valuable."
"Then, we shall meet again. I hope that Celedaih was not overly aggressive toward you." The elf inquired with an unnatural calm.
"I have met people far worse than he. At least he is civil towards me." Valentai answered. He hoped to leave as soon as was polite.
"Not like our friend Maeldin." The elf said with a small smile. "Go in peace Lord Valentai."
Valentai knew that was the signal to leave but he wanted to ask one more question.
"From all I have heard, you are not like him or like Celedaih." Valentai asked and Mestarië smiled slightly.
"I could be. I do not see the point though. I have lost everyone I have ever loved but being vengeful will not change that. I am not a soldier by choice, only by belief. I fight for one thing Valentai. I fight for my company, to make sure some of them return home. A dream maybe but they are the last from a forgotten time. When they are gone, the world will have lost something." His voice never reached above the calm tone. Valentai could see that the elf rarely, if ever spoke as much to anyone for he frowned slightly.
"Thank you captain." Valentai said.
"Go Lord Valentai." Mestarië instructed calmly.
Valentai mounted his horse and rode out of the gate. As he rode away he thought of what he had seen. It was all coming together far better than he could have hoped. He had ten months and he was sure that he could have everything ready. He considered his next move. He would visit each great company in turn and he was sure he would receive a better reception at two of them.
"Lord Valentai, what happens now?" Came a voice behind him and he turned to see Aëorith looking at him.
"I report to the High King and tell him that at least one unit is ready. Then we inspect the others, one by one."
"As you wish Lord Valentai." The elf said and Valentai smiled slightly and rode on.