Chapter six, Riddles.
"After bearers have sailed and trees have walked.
When Elves sing in golden wood.
And men ride in fields free;
Out of man and elf two shall come.
Fire maiden and water man.
Then shadows of dark shall gather
And companies of nine unite.
Battles shall be fought on rock and plain.
Sacrifices made and battles won.
And then the white fire shall be renewed."
The King of Gondor and the Northern lands leant on the battlements of his castle as the sun fell from its peak.
"That is the prophecy that has been troubling my days of late." He said. "It surfaced five years ago and I set it by, until I heard of Agaron's rise in the East."
Gandalf leant on his staff as he too looked out over the lands.
"'Fire maiden and water man'" He quoted. "Atùvinel and Eldarion?"
"I fear so." Aragorn sighed. "You may have heard some of the men call her 'Narya'. 'Fire'." He spoke grimly.
"I have." Gandalf allowed. "But perhaps because of her nature? She seems rather… fiery."
"She is." Her father laughed. "She does not take orders easily. It was hard to send her away, but only she I could spare to cross to the Havens. Eldarion, my heir, must stay here in Minas Tirith and learn warfare. But tell me Gandalf; what of Elrond? Arwen was grieved when Faramir did not say he was among your company."
"He remained in Valinor. But he sent a letter to Arwen through Atùvinel and he spoke long with her."
"That is good. Arwen shall hear of it soon," He turned to face the wizard. "How are you my friend?"
"Well rested and ready to fight again." He drew his elven blade from its sheath. "Glamdring has been lazy of late. Tell me Aragorn. What are these 'Urûkans'? They ambushed us on the road and none of them lived to run to Agaron. They wanted Atùvinel."
"They have worried at the borders of my lands for some time." Aragorn pointed to the east, to Osgiliath. "After we rebuilt the river fort none have crossed the river there. They must cross the Anduin upstream. They take great risks. Why should they seek Atùvinel?" He cursed under his breath, "Agaron must have heard the prophecy too. And now he wants to kill my son and daughter."
"None even scratched her in the skirmish. She fights well, and shoots better. You have trained her well."
"Thank you. But her master in archery comes now." Gandalf and Aragorn looked out into the city. A tall, slim figure, clad in green, bow and quiver on his back, knives belted at his waist, made his way up to the palace. His companion walked to his right. He was a short, stocky figure with braided hair, wearing chain mail and carrying an axe.
"Legolas and Gimli." Gandalf said with satisfaction.
"Yes. But we must prepare for the feast. You must be introduced, along with Frodo and the other members of the Fellowship once more. Atùvinel must also be presented; she is currently with the minstrels, telling her story. She hates these occasions, as does her brother, although he hides it better. She hates to dance, and she must, along with Arwen and myself, open the dances with the Prince of Rohan."