Hidden Gate
Alcon woke first, finding that during the night, Lyneya had drifted a little closer. Her face was like a child's when she slept, peaceful and innocent. Soon she would wake and her eyes would be filled with doubt and worry again. He wished he could take her worries from her, but they were such a part of her life. But there was one worry he would deal with today, Árvarno. Lyneya was his wife now, and he would confront this Elf and demand an answer for his threats. Alcon took one last look at his wife and quietly got up. He dressed and left her to sleep. He wanted to check on Godwin.
The boy was already seated at the table with Jamie and Thelyn. When he saw Alcon he smiled and ran to hug him. Alcon just hoisted him into his arms and squeezed.
"Good morning, Godwin, my boy," Alcon said. "Did you sleep well?"
"Best sleep I've had in a long time," Godwin said. "Not one bad dream."
Jamie felt a lump in her throat when she heard that. She wondered what nightmares usually plagued his dreams. The look on Alcon's face as he held his adopted son was moving. It was obvious that the bond was already very strong. Alcon set the boy down and they took their seats at the table.
"Where's Lyneya?" Godwin asked.
"She was still sleeping," Alcon said. "I didn't want to wake her. She'll be along in a little while."
"So, are you happy with your choice this morning?" Thelyn asked.
"Thelyn…" Jamie started to say but Alcon didn't mind the question.
"I will stand by my wife against anyone," Alcon said seriously in sindarin. "Please don't make yourself her enemy too."
"I have nothing but respect for her strength and her bravery in protecting her brother," Thelyn said. "But I can see she does not love you. What will you do if her heart does not change?"
"What is between me and Lyneya is not your concern, Thelyn. She is my wife now," Alcon said. "And Godwin is my son. What do you want me to say?"
"I only want you to be happy," Thelyn said. "I know you better than anyone, and I can see that you're not happy."
"I have something on my mind," Alcon said, changing the subject quickly. "Árvarno threatened Lyneya and Godwin's life yesterday. I need to deal with him."
Thelyn suddenly understood the speed of the wedding. "I never would have expected you to be so reckless, Alcon. You bound yourself to a mortal who does not love or even trust you. Do you think your sacrifices will make her love you?"
"This discussion is over," Alcon said. "Just see to it that you treat my wife with the same care and respect that I treat yours or we will quarrel."
"You know me better than that," Thelyn said in annoyance. "I think your marriage is a fraud, but I will take you at your word and treat her as a sister. For good or ill that is what you have made her whether I agree with it or not."
The heated debate in sindarin had Jamie a little worried. These two brothers always seemed to get along fine, but not today. She just kept Godwin preoccupied so he would not notice the tension and tuned them out. Thelyn had given her an earful last night about Alcon's foolishly impulsive wedding. He ranted for over an hour and then finally decided to have the wedding night that he claimed Alcon wasn't. That was fun, but the rift that seemed to be wedged between the brothers wasn't.
There was silence at the table when Nyére and Polodrin joined them. Polodrin was the most accepting of the previous night's events and gave Alcon a smile.
"Sleep well?" Polodrin asked. "Sleep at all?" he added with a wink.
Nyére just elbowed him and sat down. She gave Godwin a smile and the boy smiled back. She thought that the fighting over a rash marriage should be conducted in private. The child did not need to be involved. He was the innocent one in all of this.
"Good morning Godwin," Nyére said. "Everything happened so fast last night we didn't get a chance to talk much. Are you happy with Alcon as your new uncle and guardian?"
"Yes, m'lady," Godwin said formally. "For once fate has smiled on my family."
Legolas strolled in with Lyneya and cocked a brow at Alcon, "Lose something?"
Alcon rose to meet her by the door and gave Legolas a smug look. "She was quite worn out this morning. I let her sleep," Alcon said, letting him draw his own conclusions. He gave Lyneya a warm smile and offered her his arm. "Come sit by your husband, Lyneya."
Lyneya blushed at the obviously suggestive comment Alcon had made and took his offered arm. Alcon gave her the seat between him and Godwin and gave Thelyn a warning glance. Thelyn just sighed.
"Good morning, sister. Welcome to the family," Thelyn said, giving her a pleasant, if a bit forced, smile.
Lyneya knew he wasn't buying it but played along. "Thank you."
The rest of breakfast went smoothly. All the conversation was kept light and trivial until Cilmo walked in. He gave Nyére a bow and his face was drawn with concern.
"My lady we have trouble," Cilmo said. "Árvarno is stirring up the people against you. I fear that there are a few receptive ears to his lies."
"What exactly is his dispute?" Nyére asked.
Cilmo just hung his head and sighed. "Your husband, your friends in the west," he paused and glanced at Godwin, but said nothing about him. "Choose one…"
"Where is he?" Alcon asked, not missing the look the boy received.
"In the square," Cilmo said. "He has been seen giving orders to some of his loyal following. I do not trust him to leave his agenda in the hands of mere words."
"Sound the horn and call the people to the square," Nyére said with anger in her eyes. "My decisions are all made, I will address the people."
Cilmo smiled and bowed, "As you command, my lady. All will be assembled." He left and went to gather the last of his people. He was pleased with the princess' rule. She measured her decisions carefully and always looked out for her people. In that respect she far surpassed her father.
"What do you intend to say?" Polodrin asked.
"I will know when I see their faces," she said. "We are too few to allow ourselves to be divided."
"What do you want to do about Árvarno?" Alcon asked.
"Árvarno has ceased to be the voice of counsel and has become the voice of dissent. This must be dealt with. I know his opinions well, and Cilmo has already informed me of his activities yesterday," Nyére said meaningfully, glancing at Lyneya. "Be at peace about this matter, Alcon, I do not intend to allow harm to any in my realm."
Alcon gave her a nod as the sound of a great horn echoed through the wood. Jamie thought it sounded like one of those great alpine horns they play in Switzerland. Nyére sighed deeply and pondered the fruit on her plate.
"Alas for the choices we've made," she said wistfully. "My I act in wisdom this day and offer healing rather than more harm. The mantle of responsibility is heavy today."
"You are worthy of it," Legolas said seriously. "Whatever you choose to do I will support in any way I can, even if your choice is to remain."
"I did not know how fortunate I was the day you found me in that tree," she said with a smile as she stood. "I will need your support, Legolas. I must go and tell them what is to come."
Everyone rose and moved to follow, but Nyére turned to Alcon and raised a hand to stop him.
"Keep your family here," she said, "I do not want to give fuel to Árvarno's fire. He is a brutal debater. I expect resistance. I think your wife and son will be safer here in you care."
Alcon understood and didn't argue. Everyone else left and Lyneya stared after them. This was all because of her and Godwin.
"This is about us, isn't it?" Lyneya asked.
Alcon didn't ask, he just pulled her into his arms and hugged her. "No, this has nothing at all to do with you."
Lyneya timidly accepted the hug. "But she said that…" Lyneya protested.
"One angry Elf has twisted the truth," Alcon said. "If you were not here he would shout about something else. He does not want to give up his power."
"Maybe we should go home so they will be happy again," Godwin said. "I don't want them to be mad at us."
Alcon released Lyneya and knelt down on one knee by Godwin so he could look him in the eyes. "I will take you home as soon as I can, I promise. But nothing that is happening here is because of you, do you understand?"
"I know," Godwin said. "It is just because of my father. When I am Overlord I do not want to be their enemy but their friend. Maybe if I tell them that they would feel better."
Lyneya felt a stab of pain in her chest as she listened to her brother's sincere, if naïve, promise. If only he knew the full truth of that night five years ago. He would not be so ready to be their friend. She turned and walked out into the garden as her eyes filled with tears. She did not want Alcon to see her cry.
From the garden she could hear the shouts and cries from the square. She felt a sudden chill and her whole body shuddered. She wanted to run away, but now it was too late. She was bound to her rescuer by marriage. She did not know why she'd done it, and now she realized how foolish she'd been. All she could do now was wait and see what would happen.
"Lyneya?" Alcon called as he stepped into the garden.
Lyneya quickly wiped her eyes and sniffled before turning to meet him. "I am here," she answered.
"You have been crying," he said with concern.
"No," she lied. "Just a speck of dust… no matter. It is gone now."
"Do not hide your fears from me, I am your husband," Alcon said.
"What if he wins, then what?" she asked.
"There is no chance of that," Alcon said. "Cilmo would kill him first."
Lyneya nodded and returned to the house without another word. Alcon looked toward the square a moment before following. He understood her fears and, to a degree, shared them. He needed to take his family back to Ithilien. There would be no enemies for them there among his family and friends. He was sure that Aragorn would welcome the chance to make friends with the future ruler of Rhûn. There may be a chance for peace among all men, east and west. At the very least, there would be peace for them now. Every child deserves to feel safe in their own home. Lyneya never had that, but he could give that security to Godwin.
The people were gathered and Nyére walked out onto the porch of the entry to the great hall. Árvarno stood in the center of the crowd, and Séretur waited at the base of the steps.
"Look around and you will see a square that is nearly empty, yet all are present," Nyére began. "In the beginning when the clans all dwelt here, a call was made. Our fathers refused to answer, and now we are few. If we choose to stay we will not last another age. I have considered our options and have decided that we will follow the other clans into the west. Already there is a place for us where we will be welcomed."
"Welcomed by a King who slew Ondollo, your own father! Welcomed by the son of Thandruil, the Elf Lord who cursed us in the beginning! Welcomed into a land that is not ours. Our families are here, buried in this land. Will we turn away from our heritage? Will we follow this lady who shelters the heirs of our enemies?"
"Silence, Árvarno, and hear me all of you!" Séretur said angrily. "Árvarno speaks with the same voice of fear and hatred that bound us to this land in the beginning. The curse is lifted with the blood of those who bore it. There is nothing but death here. Do not let the blood of our loved ones stain the earth in vain. Our future is in the west. I will follow my lady into the west and over the sea if she calls."
"I would not be ruled by men!" Árvarno said. "Look there at her husband… a man of the west. Where are your loyalties? You would lead us away from here for their purpose. We have lived alone in perfect harmony here. We have no need for allies among elves or men. I will stay and continue to rule here. Let her leave if that is her wish, but do not let her destroy us."
Polodrin was absolutely furious with this Árvarno and he couldn't stand aside any longer. "I am a man, yes, and I will speak. I have my own responsibilities in the west. I offered to stay here with her, and leave my home forever. I have no agenda for you, save to be your friend as she has said. It is for the good of her clan that she made the decision. Árvarno has never been to the west and knows nothing of our ways. But Nyére has. She is your ruler by blood right, and you should listen to her."
"Every elf must choose for themselves, but we should not allow ourselves to be divided. In one week's time, after the new year, I will leave and lead our people to Ithilien where we will settle," Nyére said.
"Everyone go home and prepare for the journey," Séretur said. "Gather supplies for your families and pack only what is important."
The people all left and there was little discussion, save the grumblings of Árvarno. Séretur climbed the steps and offered Nyére his support.
"I have spoken to many of them, and they have already decided to follow you," he said.
"And the others?" Polodrin asked.
"Árvarno has a few loyal followers," Séretur said. "Let them remain behind if that is what they want."
"He will be trouble," Legolas said. "I would rather take him with us where he can be watched."
"He has done nothing but talk," Nyére said. "I can do nothing until he crosses the line from argument to rebellion."
"Let us hope it doesn't go that far," Séretur said. "But see to it that the easterlings are guarded. Árvarno would not dare harm your husband, but he has been outspoken about those children. His hatred easily matches your father's."
"It is a sad day when our people's hatred drives us to threaten children," Nyére said angrily. "If I had never been to the west I could not hate children purely for their bloodline."
"You are wiser than your father," Séretur said. "I will see to everyone's travel needs. In one week all will be ready to leave."
"Thank you, Séretur," Nyére said.
When Alcon went inside and found Lyneya and Godwin sitting on a plush chair together singing a song. Alcon leaned against the door jamb and listened to the dark and warning words.
"When the grass ripples in the wind
Like the waves of the sea
And the bright harvest moon
Shines down on me
The air chills your breath
And the stars twinkle bright
And the warlords ride out
In full armor at might
Bar the doors, dowse the lamps
Rally men in your camps
Grab your sword, arm your bow
Like a storm they will come
Riding hither and fro
Leaving fire in their wake
And blood 'neath their soles
Guard your children, my friends
Stow your goods, hide your gold
Run away to the hills and hide
All ye young and ye old
Tax is taken not paid
From each Man, child and maid
Listen well everyone
And you'll live when they come
Warlords rule with their swords
Their titles written in blood…"
"Enough!" Alcon said, having heard more than enough. The song infuriated him because it reminded him of the evil that they had lived with. "The warlords are all dead! If you would sing, sing of something pleasant."
Godwin had never heard Alcon raise his voice before except to Draven and it caught him off guard. He looked up in surprise and just weakly said, "I'm sorry, I don't know any pleasant songs."
Lyneya just stiffened but her expression was unreadable. Men were men in any race. She hadn't realized the song would anger him. She would have to be more careful if she was going to keep her promise. The last thing she wanted was to ignite his anger. As his wife she would be at his mercy. A place she did not want to be.
Alcon's expression softened when he realized he'd lost his patience. "Then we will have to teach you some."
Godwin slowly smiled, "I'd like that."
"It was my fault," Lyneya said quietly, taking the blame away from Godwin. "I am sorry, Alcon."
"It is pleasing to hear you sing," Alcon said as he crossed the room and sat on his haunches by the chair. "But songs of blood and fear have no place in this family."
"Godwin, go play in the courtyard," Lyneya said softly.
Godwin hopped down and ran out the door to play. Alcon watched him go and then looked at Lyneya.
"I am sorry I spoke harshly," Alcon said. "I do not like to think of you living in such fear. The song was a bitter reminder of what your life was like."
"Why do you worry over the past? There is nothing to be done about it now," Lyneya said. "You saved us, and we will forever be in your debt…"
"I do not want your gratitude, Lyneya," Alcon said. "Speak no more of debt. I would have done for anyone what I did for you. You do not collect debts on doing what is right."
"In Rhûn, a life saved by another is a great gift," Lyneya said.
"If you would but trust me, I would be happy," Alcon said.
"I am not good at trust, Alcon, but for you I will try," she said. "So far you have been true to your word."
"When you learn to truly trust in me, then perhaps you will not sleep so near the edge of the bed for fear of losing your virtue to your husband," Alcon said with a smirk.
Lyneya blushed, "I have no right to withhold it, no matter what you promised."
"Unless there is love in your heart, it is not mine to take," Alcon said. "Rape is not love, Lyneya."
Lyneya didn't know what to say, and fortunately their privacy was interrupted when the others returned. Alcon stood and waited to hear the news.
"We're going home in a week," Thelyn said.
"And?" Alcon asked.
"We're traveling with whoever will follow," Legolas said. "We'll have to wait and see how many that is."
"What of Árvarno?" Alcon asked with as calm a voice as he could manage.
"He spoke his protests, but left peacefully," Polodrin said.
Alcon nodded. He would choose his time to deal with that, but for now he would stay here and relax with Lyneya. They had a week before leaving. That would give him time to court his bride. He could already see a change in her today. She did not look at him with distrust, but curiosity. That much at least was an improvement.
Godwin liked the brightly colored fish in the fountain pond. They liked bread and he liked watching them swim up for crumbs. But it was starting to get dull sitting out here with no one to play with. He sighed and looked back at the doorway. Everyone was busy talking and Lyneya had Alcon with her. Godwin didn't want to ask her to play and interrupt them. She'd been his best friend since he was a baby, but now she was grown up, and married. She wasn't his playmate anymore. He watched Alcon as he talked to her. His eyes lit up when he looked at Lyneya, and Godwin knew he truly cared for them. It made him feel strangely warm inside, and secure. Lyneya deserved to be happy.
Godwin sighed and looked around. There was a small hidden gate in the courtyard wall that was half hidden by climbing roses. He smiled and ran to investigate. There was a creek and a path just beyond the garden and he just had to get a closer look. He jiggled the gate and the latch came loose and he opened it. It was overgrown on the outside as well so it only moved about a foot, but it was enough for him to squeeze out. He stood up and looked at the path with a smile. He loved exploring. He looked back at the gate, thinking he should probably tell someone where he was going, but changed his mind. He wouldn't go far, and he'd come right back.
It was nearly lunchtime when Jamie offered to go and get Godwin from the courtyard for the noon meal.
"That boy must have found something fun out there, I'll go call him for you," Jamie said.
Alcon nodded and turned his attention back to Lyneya. They had talked for a couple of hours about happy moments in her life. It was the first time they had really talked and he was enjoying it. She seemed to be at ease with him and it felt good to see her relaxed rather than afraid.
Jamie suddenly ran inside and said, "He's gone, through a small gate hidden by the bushes."
Nyére knew the one. She'd used it as a child, and knew where the path led. "He found my secret," she said with a smile. "There is a place down that path I used to play. It is safe enough, nothing to harm him."
"Nothing save an Elf who despises him," Polodrin said, "We'll go and find him immediately."
Alcon had already headed out the door to investigate the gate. It was stuck so he forced it open, digging a little trench in the ground. He was through it and down the path at a near run. He followed the trail until he was suddenly brought up short by Cilmo.
"Shhh," Cilmo said. "The boy is playing just there."
"Why did you not bring him back?" Alcon asked.
Cilmo just pointed to the hunched over body in the bushes. It was Árvarno with an arrow in his back, and his dagger was still in his hand. He was less than five feet from where Godwin was sitting and Alcon's face just paled.
"I was following Árvarno, and realized what his business was out here. The boy never saw him, and I didn't want him to. Go and take him home the other way, Alcon. I didn't know if he would trust me," Cilmo said.
"Thank you," Alcon said.
"No thanks are needed," Cilmo said. "I was glad for the excuse. He was trouble from the moment we arrived."
Alcon strolled into the clearing where Godwin was playing with a couple of model ships in a little pond. It was quite the hidden playground with a small stone table and stools, just a child's size. Godwin looked up and smiled.
"Look what I found," Godwin said. "I hope whoever left their toys here doesn't mind me playing with them."
Alcon smiled, "I'm sure they don't, in fact, let's bring the boats back with us and you can play with them in the fountain."
"Are you sure?" Godwin asked.
"I'm sure, son. Let's go," Alcon said.
Godwin stopped a moment, a little surprised by Alcon's use of the title son.
"What's wrong?" Alcon asked.
"Nothing, sir," Godwin said as he took his ship from the water and followed.
Alcon led him away, careful to stand between him and the body in the bushes. There was no reason for him to see it. He would forever be grateful to Cilmo for being on guard this day. On the path back to the courtyard, they ran into Thelyn, Polodrin and Nyére. Everyone looked relieved.
"Oh, you found him," Thelyn said. "Your sister was worried."
"I'm fine," Godwin said rolling his eyes. "Lyneya worries too much."
Alcon just looked at them with fury on his face. "He is just fine, thanks to Cilmo," he said. "Go and look, I'll take Godwin back to the house."
Nyére was worried about the comment but covered it with a smile. "I see you found my old ships," she said.
"Yes, m'lady," Godwin said. "Alcon said I could take them to the courtyard, if that's alright with you."
"They are yours now, Godwin. Take them where you please," she said.
Godwin bowed formally, "Thank you for the gift, Lady Nyére. I will take good care of them."
"Come on, son, let's go," Alcon said and led the boy away.
When they were gone Polodrin just looked at Thelyn, "He's rather comfortable with that title, isn't he?"
"Alcon always did things with all his heart," Thelyn said. "I knew one day he'd fall in love completely. I just never expected him to get a child a well. I sort of expected her to love him back."
Nyére just smiled. "Do not give up on that just yet, Thelyn. She has changed since we first found her."
Polodrin laughed, "Yeah, she changed gender."
Thelyn glared at him and just headed down the path, "Let's see what Cilmo found."
Alcon sent the boy to the courtyard with his ships where Lyneya had been waiting. She hugged him, with relief obvious in her eyes. Alcon watched as she sat by the pond and played with him as if nothing happened. Trouble averted was quickly forgotten. The love in her eyes made the heart in his chest ache. She felt things deeply, but love she only gave to one person, Godwin. She glanced up at Alcon and her eyes still shone with love. Alcon held his breath and she smiled and mouthed the words thank you. He wondered if the look in her eyes had been for him, or merely an echo of her love for Godwin.
"Alcon, come and see," Godwin called.
Alcon joined them and they watched the swan ships glide gracefully across the pond. Alcon felt like he was beginning to fit into the picture, but he still didn't feel complete. Perhaps in time, Lyneya would let him into her heart.