In An Age Before

by Phantom Bard

Part 297 posted, in which Helluin and the Riders of Norðr-vestandóttir Bý and Aldburg cross the downs south of the Wold, race to the Entwade, and finally join Prince Haleth's host. Together, they engage the Easterling invaders in the first battle of the East Emnet. OCs galore as usual.

297. In An Age Before Chapter 297

In An Age Before – Part 297

The company had ridden west from the outpost, pausing only so coins could change hands for the settlement of their wagers. They camped that night a league west and all the Riders were glad for the distance.

'Twas not that they were o'erwhelmingly superstitious. Though they might boast and make light of their worsted foes by day, each felt a subtle discomfort after dark whilst lingering 'nigh the cadavers of so many unburied enemies. Memories of childhood ghost stories came to each as they sought their sleep, for who would wish to chance such nightmares as might befall one going to their rest in the company of so many unquiet dead? Besides, the desire to seek revenge was strong in their warrior hearts and they could not conceive of it being otherwise for the Easterlings.

Alone amongst them, Helluin had actually held converse with ghosts. Her meeting with Lord Mórthróg at Meduseld was still the most recent incident and it had held no terrors, only surprise and a measure of sorrow at learning his fate. She had no fear at all of the ghosts of the Easterlings, for she had not feared them in life. Even ghosts so terrifying as the Úlairi birthed 'naught but disdain and hatred in her heart. Her offer to stand watch was gratefully accepted by both captains, for like the rest of the Riders, they felt weary after that day of battle and craved sleep.

As night came down, the last sight for many of the Men of Norðr-vestandóttir Bý and Aldburg was of the Noldo standing silent and still a short way up the north face of the down that lay to their south. From that vantage point, she had a clear view in both directions east and west through the valley and a perfect o'erview of their camp. Captain Ælfwine and the others who knew the Elves well understood that she would not sleep. They half expected to find her at the same place and in the same pose when dawn broke.

Now the morn of 20 Gwaeron brightened and the stars grew dim. Ere the sun rose, the Riders were rousing and breaking their fasts. Those from Aldburg were surprised that Helluin had not awakened anyone 'round midnight for the second watch shift, but those from the farm simply dipped their heads to her in greeting and thanks.

"There has been 'naught to report since dusk save for some night birds, a few bats, and a fox who spoke of the westerly passage of a host three days past," she told captains Heaþolaf and Ælfwine as she joined them to take her morning rations. "The horses have grazed and rested in peace this night," she added as further proof of their safety.

Whilst Captain Heaþolaf tried to suppress his surprise at her tidings, Captain Ælfwine nodded and relaxed, feeling greatly reassured.

"So according to a fox, we trail the enemy by four days now that the morn is come," Captain Heaþolaf repeated, as if by doing so the concept would be easier to digest.

Helluin nodded 'aye' with no question in her mind, for she had looked the fox in the eyes as they conversed and besides, what gain would he have enjoyed by lying?

"Ye may examine the dung of the Easterlings and their horses to confirm the timing," she offered, straight faced. Heaþolaf looked digested and Ælfwine chuckled.

"Then we are in a race, for a three day head start should place them at the end of the downs and turning south. They would be then three score and ten from the Entwade. We must decide our course this day," the captain from Aldburg finally said, "for I would not that we blindly chase the Easterling host 'til we run into their rear guard."

Helluin and Ælfwine nodded in agreement. T'would benefit them 'naught to encounter the Easterlings ere they met Prince Haleth and his host, for their enemies were far too numerous. Only by joining their strength to the Third Marshal's could they hope to worst their foes.

"By their tracks, we may judge that most of their number march afoot, whereas all of us ride," said Ælfwine, "and save for any they might send ahead as mounted scouts, we could catch their host in a day or two."

"The question, I deem, is have they followed the valley west 'til they pass beyond the downs ere turning south, or have they marched o'er them," Heaþolaf said, looking west.

"Perhaps they have marched west 'til the downs grow low ere leaving this valley. For many leagues yet, they would remain a forbidding hardship, especially to infantry," said Helluin, recalling them from the time she had shepherded Lainiel and Artamir south to Gondor. "I wager they are also in no desperate haste and shall choose the easiest path."

"What thou say is true," said Heaþolaf. "From here the downs continue west with steep northern slopes falling into deep valleys for five and fifty miles and only in the last couple leagues do they grow lower and rolling ere they end."

"That does not sound promising if we wish to o'ertake them and join Prince Haleth," said Captain Ælfwine as Helluin looked speculatively upslope towards the crest of the down.

"We have a saying in this land," Captain Heaþolaf said. At the questioning glances of the Noldo and the other captain, he recited, "The first is the worst and the rest are the less."

"Huh?" grunted Ælfwine.

"The first, or most northerly down, is the steepest and tallest, and therefore the worst to cross. There are two further south, each lower and gentler of slope than the one before. Unlike the Emyn Muil further south, there is no bordering wall where they end."

"Ahhh, so then if we can climb this first down, our way becomes progressively easier 'til we reach the plain east of the Entwash," said Helluin.

Heaþolaf nodded 'aye' and then said, "Though the north face of the down is continuous, there is a place to the west and another to the east where the ridge is shifted and a diagonal path may be taken to the top with less labor than elsewhere."

He searched in his saddlebag and withdrew a much worn parchment that he unfolded, revealing a hand-copied map of the East Emnet. After studying it a while, he said, "We may either ride six leagues west or nine leagues east to reach the nearest places to ascend this slope."

"I should favor riding west so that we may come from the downs closer to the Entwade, though that way shall also leave us traveling closer to the enemy," Helluin said. "Perhaps with the Valar's blessing we shall outpace the Easterling host and come to the ford ere they do. I deem that if we are late, t'will matter little which route we have taken, for we shall then be forced to wait 'til they have passed ere we can safely cross behind them."

"If we can ride in haste and cross the downs on a southwesterly course, perhaps we shall be more likely to outpace them to the Entwash," Captain Ælfwine added. Captain Heaþolaf nodded in agreement.

"Let us set out then and ride in haste," he said. "If Béma favors us, we shall reach the Entwade safely ahead of the enemy and be free to join Prince Haleth ere the coming battle."

To this course, they were all in agreement and Captain Ælfwine gave orders to his Riders to break camp swiftly. Indeed, there was little of a camp to break, for they had pitched no tents. Cook fires were doused, bedrolls stowed, rations and utensils repacked, and horses saddled, and then they mounted and began their ride west at a canter.

After three hours, they had covered the eighteen miles without exhausting their horses, and they found the place where the line of the downs jogged north and created a diagonal slope that was slightly less steep. To their great relief, the tracks of the Easterling host continued west through the valley where they would be forced to march another dozen leaguers ere they could turn south. They marked three sets of hoof prints that ascended partway upslope ere turning back to the lowland. Mounted scouts, they reckoned, had explored the possibility of climbing the down, but they could see that these had not continued to the top of the ridge.

After taking a break for the sixth part of an hour, the company dismounted and began their ascent. This they did on a diagonal and at a walk, sparing the horses and turning repeatedly as if climbing a switchback trail. By the end of the half part of an hour, they had climbed the four hundred foot face and crossed the ridge top. Only after continuing on a couple dozen fathoms beyond the crest did they stop, out of sight against the sky should any have been looking.

Stretching out 'neath them they saw a long, gentle slope of o'er a league descending into a broad valley ere a distant ridge climbed up to another crest some seven leagues to the south. Though the year was yet young and the remaining grass sere, there was still sufficient fodder for the horses to enjoy a 'second breakfast' ere the Riders remounted and continued southwest.

By nightfall, the company had ascended the second down and encamped beyond it on the long southern slope. Helluin and the captains were pleased with their progress, having covered two score and three miles including two steep climbs. As Captain Heaþolaf had said, the northern face of the second down had ascended only two hundred-fifty feet compared with the four hundred feet of the first down. Deeming themselves far from the enemy now, they allowed cook fires for their evening meal.

"And the third down rises barely more than a hundred feet, and grows lower the further we ride west," he told them that night as they shared their rations. "I reckon we shall be done with the downs 'round noon."

"Somewhere to our west, the enemy may be equally close to the ford," Captain Ælfwine guessed. "It shall be a close thing, beating them to the Entwade."

"We have made up half their lead this day and I wager we shall pull ahead of them on the morrow as the way is easier," Helluin said, looking into the darkness towards the distant river. "We shall arrive at the ford first, even if not by much. A furlong or two would suffice."

"T'would be well if we knew the enemy's position when we cross, for that tiding would be of great value to Prince Haleth," Captain Heaþolaf said, and the other two nodded in agreement.

"I wish we knew the position of his host," Helluin said, "for if they are close, we might encompass a very bitter welcome for the Easterlings at the ford."

"Alas, we cannot know that as yet, but he was mustering the Eastfold and éoreds further from the mountains when we left. Perhaps he hath ridden far from Aldburg by now. We may hope 'tis so."

"Aye, we shall keep hope," Ælfwine said, "but for myself, I shall seek sleep, so to ride the swifter on the morrow." With that, he retired to his bedroll.

Helluin was left wishing she had been accompanied an Elvish company as the Riders' camp quieted for the night. We would ride on 'neath the stars to find these foes, and such terrors we would inflict upon them that they would get no rest by day or night after. Indeed, had I an equal company of the Firstborn, these Easterlings would ne'er make the ford.

These and similar thoughts preoccupied her mind as she lay on her back staring up at the stars. Eventually, a glance at Ithil's position caused her to sigh and rise to her feet. She made her way to the watchmen, two from Aldburg and two from Norðr-vestandóttir Bý, where they were seated upslope, sweeping the surrounding darkened land for any movements or signs of foes.

"Pray take some rest, my friends. I shall keep watch," she told them. They gave her thankful nods and returned to camp to resume their sleep.

The morn of 21 Gwaeron dawned and Helluin marked the lightening of the sky. The stars faded, and shortly, Riders began to awaken. When the first cook fires were kindled for breakfast, she made her way to meet with the captains.

"These lands have passed this night in peace and even the faint whispers of the grasses have told 'naught of foes or fire," she began. Captain Ælfwine nodded, glad of her tidings, whilst Captain Heaþolaf sighed.

"This land, so familiar to Men, is a different place to thee, is it not, Helluin?" he asked.

The Noldo looked at him for a moment and then said, "'Tis much the same, my friend, save that to me, there are more voices to hear. Sometimes they bear tidings, and at other times, 'naught but the reinforcement of what we ourselves feel." He cocked a brow to her in question and she added, "Didst thou not feel safe in thy sleep? Were thy dreams troubled? Wast thou awakened by strange noises or a sense of danger?" He shook his head 'nay'. "In the night there was only the sound and smell of this camp. No hoof beats were to be felt in the ground, no scent of smoke or light of flames were to be seen or smelt. 'Naught goes on two legs save us for many leagues and on four legs there are only our steeds larger than a field mouse. There is no danger close enough to pose a threat. The horses took turns lying down to sleep."

'Twas her last statement that made the most sense to him, for he knew the ways of horses. When they sensed a possibility of danger, they only dozed whilst standing upright, the swifter to flee. He nodded to her, accepting her reassurances.

"Thou art an experienced warrior, and like the hunter, thou hast developed a sense for danger," she said, and again he nodded. At some point, all warriors had felt the hair rise on the back of their neck when an enemy crept 'nigh and they had learnt to trust that feeling of dread even if they had seen or heard 'naught.

"That which thou feel with a sense for which thou hast no name is truly thy mind adding together all the clues," she said. "The sound of a hidden enemy breathing, the trace warmth of their bodies, scent of their sweat, shape of a motionless shadow dark against dark, the lightest of footfalls or the rubbing of garments barely to be heard as they move. All these tell tales come to thee, too subtle to mark by conscious thought, but not to be ignored. Thy world too is more complex than what thy five senses may seem to report."

"'Tis true, what thou say," he replied, "for like many, I have turned a blow I knew not was coming 'til 'twas repelled. By that sense of danger, I have preserved my life more than once. E'er I had thought it a gift from the gods."

"And so 'tis, a very mighty gift," Helluin agreed. "Eru gave His Children the means to know the world better than what conscious senses tell, or perhaps 'tis that those senses are finer than the credit they are given. From the slightest of clues, the mind may draw a picture of danger. The Valar and the One value their Children," and here she cast a glance to the horses whose ways he understood, "all of them."

As Anor rose o'er the downs, the company mounted and hastened southwest. They galloped down the slope and 'cross the valley 'til they came to the last of the downs with o'er two hours to spare ere noon. The horses climbed the northern face with little difficulty for 'twas barely more than a hundred feet in height and the incline was less steep than the two downs they had ascended aforetime. After a short rest, they continued, and as Anor reached the zenith, they rode free of the downs. There they paused, allowing the horses to rest and graze as the Riders consumed some rations for their noon meal.

"I reckon we are barely two score and ten miles northeast of the Entwade," Captain Heaþolaf said after consulting his map. "From here, I know these lands well."

"The land is flat and favors swift riding," said Captain Ælfwine. "I wonder where the Easterlings are."

Helluin cast her gaze to the northwest, but if the enemy lay in that direction, they were beyond her sight.

"I mark no sign of them," she told the captains. "We can only ride to the ford with all haste and hope to come there before them."

To this, the captains were fully agreeable, and they allowed their troops only the third part of an hour ere they were back in their saddles and galloping towards the ford. Filled with both worry and hope, they pressed their mounts hard through the afternoon so that by dusk, they were but three leagues shy of the Entwade. Helluin had continued to search the north for any sign of the Easterlings, but she had seen 'naught. She had espied no clouds of dust raised by a host's boots, nor any smoke from campfires or cook fires.

"I can find no sign of the enemy," she told Heaþolaf and Ælfwine as the Riders removed the saddles from their steeds and set their camp. "Only can I say that we have not crossed their path this day. Alas, there is no hill or other vantage so far as the eye can see. Indeed, there is no viewpoint higher than the back of a horse from which to descry 'aught at a distance. "

The very flatness of the landscape that had aforetime been a boon during their ride was now a handicap in marking any rumor of their foes. There were no hills and not even a tree to climb. If the Easterlings had arrived earlier by a more westerly route and then set their camp dark and cold, they could remain undetected only a couple miles away. Indeed, they could have been encamped 'twixt the Riders and the ford that very night.

"We can do 'naught but send scouts to spy out the land 'twixt here and the Entwade, and also to the north," Captain Ælfwine said. "I shall arrange it."

"And I shall have a look about as well," said Helluin, staring speculatively into the darkness where the deeper shadows of clouds slowly shifted 'cross the landscape in the moonlight.

Oh, if we must, said her horse Hildmearh¹ after the Noldo explained her intent. 'Tis not as if we have spent the whole day running. ¹(Hildmearh, Warhorse = hild(war) + mearh(horse) Old English)

Uh-huh, said Helluin. At least of them all, thou carry no saddle. The horse rolled her eyes.

An hour later and five miles to the northwest, the Noldo trotted the mare through the night, casting her senses out and seeking for any clue to the presence of the enemy. Five days they have marched from the outpost and afoot they could have made some six score and five miles, she thought. They should be 'nigh. Surely they have sent out scouting parties.

She brought the horse to a halt amidst the broad grassland and dismounted. Then she stilled and closed her eyes. Soon, her hearing sharpened as she concentrated without the distraction of sight. A few crickets sawed boring notes from their wings and some bats flitted 'nigh seeking meals of moths, mosquitoes, and midges, early risen from cocoons or puddles of snowmelt and chill rain. Softly came the susurration of the grasses as a gentle westerly breeze carried their whispers.

The many, many, many, they hinted in irritation, tread and trample, stymie sprout and trammel spring growth, stamp stems, flatten fronds…blade and bract, leaf, root, and runner…crush, flatten, mangle, pound…

Their aggrieved litany went on and on 'til Helluin tuned it out and sampled the air, but the one with her had the more sensitive nose. Her horse turned to the breeze and snorted.

What scent thou, Hildmearh? she silently asked after meeting the mare's eyes.

The faint scent of horses, she said, and many Men. Could they be those thou seek?

I reckon it so, for they are not our own company and no other host should be in these lands.

Hildmearh nodded to her and said, So then, we should see them and report their position.

We have many hours of night still and I would do more than just learn their position, Helluin replied with a murderous glint in her eyes. Let us continue west a while.

The Noldo remounted and Hildmearh continued towards the Entwash at a trot. When they had come another mile, even Helluin could smell the camp. Finally, after half a league, she stopped and dismounted again.

I feel the enemy is 'nigh and I would have thee await me whilst I approach closer to take their measure. Pray be quiet and stay out of sight.

Stay out of sight? Truly? Hildmearh asked, looking 'round. There was no cover. She snorted in exasperation. The land was flat, unbroken, and there were no copses of trees or thickets of shrubbery to hide within. The best she could do was to lie down beside a tuft of sedge. Helluin nodded in approval. In the dark, one would have to approach to within five fathoms to see her shadowy form at all.

Now Helluin slipped forward, silent as the dark clouds above. When she had come a half-mile, she heard hooves advancing towards her at a walk and the Noldo mantled herself in the stealth of the Laiquendi. After a short wait, a trio of Easterling scouts passed her at only three fathoms, in the night, marking 'naught. They rode two side by side and one behind. She waited 'til they had bypassed her position by four fathoms and the hindmost had become aligned with the front rider on the right when she loosed a bodkin that took them both from behind so that they slumped o'er the necks of their mounts. The third scout was still whispering to the one riding beside him when a broadhead struck him in the lower back, severing his spine so that he could no longer feel his legs.

The Noldo was on him a moment after he dropped from the saddle. Then she met his eyes and rendered him a silent thrall to her will. All three horses continued walking east, but not fleeing. Eventually their movements dislodged the two dead riders that Helluin had first shot so that they tumbled to the ground with thuds one after the other.

Where lies thy camp? Helluin demanded of the crippled scout as she knelt beside him. He heard the query as if 'twas rendered in his own tongue. 'Twas directed into his mind without spoken words and proved utterly impossible to resist. He replied in silence as if the answer had been forced from him by some gruesome torture.

A mile west.

How many?

Two and one-half thousands with three hundreds ahorse and the rest afoot.

I thank thee for thy candor. Then a crushing spike of pain accompanied by a blinding light was the last thing he felt ere his sightless eyes stared up into the night sky. The Noldo blinked and looked down on his cadaver, then began working her arrow free of his spine.

Helluin collected her first arrow from the skull of another dead scout and returned them both to her quiver ere she continued walking west. After the third part of an hour, during which she ignored another trio of scouts, she found the Easterlings' camp. She was then eight miles west northwest of the Riders' camp, making the Easterlings roughly the same distance from the Entwade as they were. She shook her head, reckoning that those who would arrive at the ford first on the morrow would be those who broke camp earlier and rode faster. Though I might offer them a distraction to stay their advance a while, she thought with a cold grin.

That night, it seemed a spirit of death haunted the camp of the Easterlings. It slipped silently amongst the sleeping invaders, taking heads and spears and leaving none the wiser. In the morn, some were found missing, or at least partially so, for the bodies of a score warriors lay in their blood-soaked bedrolls absent their heads. None had heard 'aught or marked any intruders and all doubted it possible that this was the work of any living foe regardless of how bold.

The Eastern Men cringed at the grisly attack and wondered why some had been beheaded whilst they yet lived, especially those who had slept beside the dead. Then superstitious fears and the beginnings of whispered rumors of vengeful ghosts circulated through the camp as they broke their fast. For decades, their raiders had come to this land, but none had e'er returned. Perhaps now the living were just as doomed.

Helluin withdrew and returned to find Hildmearh and rejoin the Riders. She saw that her mare had acquired some company. The slain scouts' three horses now stood beside the warhorse from Norðr-vestandóttir Bý. Apparently, they had been conversing, but all turned at the Noldo's arrival. She met their eyes and they shared words.

Welcome back, Helluin. I have been joined by these three, recently freed when their riders fell and could not get back up, Hildmearh said silently.

How unfortunate for them, Helluin said, straight faced, though Hildmearh rolled her eyes. What shall they do now in this foreign land?

One thing we shall not do is return to that host, an eastern mare declared with certainty, and the other two nodded in agreement.

I am not for the stewpot, nor do I favor a spear in the belly, a stallion declared. This is a fine land, far more bountiful than that beyond the river. Would that we could enjoy it in peace.

This is the land of the Eorlingas and is ruled by Helm King. His people are at war with those who brought ye hither, Helluin told them.

The three produced 'nigh audible groans and a second stallion said, We are warhorses, hence we were brought hither to war. 'Tis not that we favor fighting more than peace, for we have seen little enough of it in our homelands. If we are neither free to stay in peace whilst a war rages, nor desire to return east, what may we do to remain here where fodder is rich and water sweet?

As was offered to six in the valley that runs from the river ford, ye may swear fealty to Rohan and Helm King, thereby winning a new home for ye and your sons and daughters when peace returns, she told them. Ye are warhorses, and your skills may do much good. The Men of Rohan esteem their horses and treat them with honor.

So Hildmearh has said, the mare replied, and then looked to the two stallions. After a moment, they nodded in agreement and she said, We shall join the Eorlingas and serve Helm King.

Then we return to their camp and ye shall be welcomed, Helluin replied. Come, let us be away. So 'twas that the Noldo returned with three more horses and important tidings.

Meanwhile, in the first hour after dawn the Easterling host began their day's march. The commanders had been forced to resort to corporal punishment to coerce obedience and o'ercome fear, (not that this was 'aught new), but after a furlong, their column was brought to a halt by cries of dismay. The forward scouts sat their horses in terror as the main host arrived, and then they refused to advance.

'Cross their path 'neath a gathering cloud of crows and vultures, they had found the twenty missing heads of their slain comrades, each impaled on his own spear that had been set in the earth and placed to bar their way. The message was clear; Turn back! Come no further lest ye too be slain in the night by ghosts!

It took the commanders the half-part of an hour to browbeat their troops into compliance ere their advance resumed. Morale had not been restored, but obedience was, and that they deemed sufficient. As they marched forward to the ford, even they were unsettled, for they too knew the lore of past raids. No treasure gained, no land claimed, no slaves taken, and none returned home.

Three hours earlier, as the night grew old following her odious labor; Helluin had returned to the Riders and rousted the captains. They sputtered to wakefulness, splashed their faces with cold water, but then paid heed when she offered her tidings.

"Hearken to me! We must away ere dawn, for the Easterling camp lies but two leagues and two to the northwest," she said, nodding as she marked the looks of alarm on their faces. "We are in a race to the ford and must outpace the enemy, for they outnumber us 'nigh thirty to one."

Heaþolaf and Ælfwine were rousing the camp in minutes and mounting their horses in ten. The quarter part of an hour after her return, the Riders were galloping southwest towards the Entwade.

During those desperate miles, e'ery man looked fearfully to the north, but they saw no approaching host 'neath the stars, nor even the dust driven aloft by the coming of so many marching feet. Three leagues had ne'er seemed so long a ride. Not a one amongst them but prayed to Béma that their steeds were the swifter and that they would escape to join in a proper battle later. Dawn crept west as they began to cross the river. 'Twas only as the last Rider splashed through the waters of the Entwade that a glance back revealed a trio of Easterling scouts trotting forward on the very verge of sight. Whether they had been revealed in return was unclear, for the foemen gave no sign of marking their flight. Ere full daylight, they had put another mile 'twixt themselves and the ford.

For a while thereafter, they went forward at a trot to rest the horses. A league beyond the Entwash, Captain Ælfwine finally called a halt beside a small rivulet, a tributary of the Entwash.

"We have made our escape and just barely," he said. Captain Heaþolaf and Helluin nodded in agreement. "Let is allow our horses a respite whilst we break our fasts. A half-hour and then we shall continue our ride."

The Men, and the horses even more so, were glad of those orders. Those on two legs drew rations from their saddlebags and those on four legs lined the banks of the creek to drink. Soon, the Riders were sitting in the grass consuming bread, cheese, and sausage with waning enthusiasm whilst their mounts grazed. It seemed the half-hour passed all too swiftly, and then they prepared to continue.

"Whither now, captain?" Helluin asked Heaþolaf. "How shall we find Prince Haleth and his host?"

"We set out from Aldburg on 2 Gwaeron, and now 'nigh three weeks have passed," the captain said. "I cannot know whither the Third Marshal and his host might have come since, so I deem we must ride south and hope to find him 'twixt Aldburg and the ford."

'Twas natural enough to guess that to defend the East Emnet, the prince would ride towards the most direct and well known route from the South Undeep. Helluin and Captain Ælfwine nodded in agreement with his course. With a wave of his arm, the captains bid their Riders south. 'Twas 22 Gwaeron.

They rode barely an hour and had come only two leagues from the Entwade when they saw dust rising to the south. Captain Heaþolaf called a halt and there they waited as the approaching host drew 'nigh. Finally, after another quarter-hour, they saw the banners of the House of Eorl and the lines of swift Riders with the sunlight glinting on their helms and the tips of their spears and flashing off mail hauberks revealed 'neath green cloaks. The thunder of hooves grew 'til the ground shook and the Men of Norðr-vestandóttir Bý raised their spears in salute and gave a great shout, "Hægl Eorlingas! Hægl Helm Cyng!¹" ¹(Hægl, Hail Old English Cyng, King Old English)

Then the host slowed to a trot as they drew 'nigh, finally coming to a halt. At the fore sat a warrior of noble bearing a year shy of two score, with sharp eyes in a stern face, but a smile of welcome shaped his lips as he looked upon the company. The two captains bowed in the saddle to him and Helluin dipped her head in respect to the Third Marshal.

"Heaþolaf, my friend, welcome home," he said. "I rejoice to see thee safely returned. T'would seem thine errand was successful." He cast a glance to the Riders from the farm.

"Aye, my lord Haleth, more successful than we hoped," the captain said. When the prince quirked a brow in question, he added, "On our way from Norðr-vestandóttir Bý, we slew a hundred and a half foemen at the old outpost of the West Men in the long valley leading from the South Undeep. Shot them dead and lost none of our own in the doing."

Then the prince broke into a wide smile and he dipped his head in appreciation of their effort. 'Round him, the nearest Riders applauded by clashing their spear shafts against their shields and voicing comments of approval.

"A deed worthy of renown ye have done and thereby earnt the thanks of our king," the prince said. "With skill and courage, ye have honored your sires' oaths and smote ruin upon our foes. I esteem ye, O fell and loyal sons of Norðr-vestandóttir Bý!" and the Riders from the farm fairly glowed at his praise.

"My lord, the enemy comes 'nigh," Captain Ælfwine said, "for the last in our column marked their scouts in the distance as we crossed the ford. 'Tis likely their host follows. Indeed, they may be crossing the Entwade as we speak."

"We have ridden three leagues in two hours since," Captain Heaþolaf added.

The Third Marshal nodded at their tidings and said, "'Tis much as we expected. Indeed, I am surprised they have not come further. We shall meet them in the open land west of the Entwash rather than try to hold the ford. Know ye 'aught of their count or the nature of their troops?"

'Twas Helluin who answered. "My Lord Haleth, yesternight I questioned one of their scouts. He claimed their host numbers two and one half thousands including three hundred horsed. I believe his words after entering their camp to take the measure of their strength."

Then Haleth's Riders muttered words of wonder, for they deemed it a great act of courage to slip into the camp of so numerous an enemy and escape unscathed.

"My thanks for thy tidings, Helluin," the prince said, "'twas a remarkable deed, invading the Easterling camp. We shall have great profit from what thou hast learnt."

"My lord, there is one matter further," Helluin said, and at his nod bidding her speak, she continued. "Nine warhorses have forsworn their past allegiance to the Easterlings and would offer their fealty to Helm King, to serve the Rohirrim in war and peace, if thou wouldst have it so. In the spirit of Eorl King who accepted the loyalty of Felaróf and reapt a lifetime's faithful service, I ask this on their behalf. I too once had an eastern steed who offered his service, and he proved truehearted and valiant." Noble Barq who shied not, even from the Witch King.

Now whilst some of the Riders within hearing wore looks of doubt, Prince Haleth nodded soberly and looked 'round for these steeds. The nine horses walked forward 'til they stood beside Helluin and Hildmearh facing the Third Marshal. Then, in an act that drew gasps from the surrounding Men, they each bent a foreleg and dipped their heads to the prince in token of offering obeisance to the crown. In response, the prince nodded gravely in acceptance.

"I am Haleth Helmsson of the House of Eorl, Third Marshal and heir of my sire, Helm King. In his name, I accept your service," he said sternly, eyeing the horses one by one. "I bid ye ride to renown and win honor in Rohan."

Then, to the shock of the Riders sitting 'nigh, the nine eastern steeds again dipped their heads to the prince ere they withdrew.

"Would that more of their kith and kin would join us," the Third Marshal whispered to himself, and o'erhearing him, Helluin gave serious consideration to his words. Then the Noldo met his eyes and a thought passed 'twixt them in silence leaving Haleth with a grim set to his lips, but he nodded to her in acceptance.

Now after a quick glance at the sun, the prince turned his mount to face his Men and he stood in his stirrups and addressed the host.

"The enemy comes! Let us welcome them to our lands!" he cried out, and the host laughed and gave a great shout in reply. "Ride now! Ride to the ford!"

As the host began to move, Helluin came up beside Captain Ælfwine and ere the thunder of their hooves eclipsed all else, she said, "Hold thy Riders together when we come to the battle. Concentrate thine arrows on their cavalry. I would that none survives this day. Men afoot are sure to fall against a mounted host such as this."

The captain nodded to her, a grin shaping his lips as lust of battle came upon him, and he passed the orders amongst the four score and five Riders from Norðr-vestandóttir Bý.

Now the host of the East Emnet rode hard towards the Entwade, closer to eleven hundreds than an even thousand after the addition of the Riders from Norðr-vestandóttir Bý. The company from the farm rode in a column four abreast on the left or western flank where they paced the leading company of the marshal's household. Together, they covered two leagues, slowing briefly each quarter-hour to rest their horses at a trot, and then they saw a cloud of dust rising from the marching boots of a great host. Soon, they marked several trios of scouts who fell back upon seeing them, and finally, they descried the Easterling cavalry riding at the fore of their massed infantry.

Swiftly the distance closed 'twixt the hosts, but the company from Norðr-vestandóttir Bý swung inward to take the center as Haleth briefly reined back to a trot. Space opened 'twixt the mounted archers and the main host who leveled their spears at their foes and continued their advance. Amongst the Easterlings, swords were drawn and shields raised. The few who bore spears came to the fore and prayed to withstand the cavalry of the Eorlingas.

At two furlongs, the eastern cavalry still waited unmoving before the lines of their footmen. It seemed they required some provocation ere they would offer battle. When the distance fell to a furlong, Helluin nocked three broadheads and then rose to stand upright on Hildmearh's back.

Let us hope their commanders ride at the center of the foremost rank, she thought as she took aim.

The distance 'twixt the Riders and the Easterlings was closing fast, whilst behind the archers from the farm, Prince Haleth's host urged their warhorses back to a gallop. Amidst the growing thunder of the Rohirrim, Helluin loosed her arrows at her chosen targets. From two hundred yards, the trio of shafts slammed into the centermost foes, pitching them from their saddles and striking three who sat their horses directly behind them in the second rank.

The invaders saw their captain and his lieutenants fall and a shriek of rage erupted from hundreds of throats. Finally, the Easterling cavalry charged to meet them, only to be greeted by a volley of four score and five arrows from the Riders of Norðr-vestandóttir Bý as they came within a hundred yards. In the press of horses and men, fifty more were struck, some to their deaths and others wounded. Helluin remained standing and fired again, this time loosing two more broadheads with deadly accuracy, and then she resumed her seat and turned away north. Captain Ælfwine and his Riders loosed a second volley, and then they followed the Noldo.

In fury, the Easterling cavalry gave chase, but already 'nigh five score of them had fallen whilst another two score slowed their mounts and gave up, too sorely injured to continue the pursuit. Subtracting those horsemen slain aforetime, 'twas but a hundred and a half foemen that galloped north, pursuing Helluin and her company away from the battle.

She hath drawn them off! Prince Haleth thought for a scant few seconds ere his host slammed into the press of footmen. Deep the Rohirrim drove into their ranks, cleaving a swath of destruction clear through their host and riding free of their foes with minimal loss ere beginning a sweeping turn to the south.

The Third Marshal led his Riders on a great circular path, trotting 'round 'til they could approach their enemies again from the west. As the Easterlings scrambled to reform their lines to meet them, they charged again at a gallop with lowered spears or bared swords, and again crashed against their foes, driving through their host and leaving broken bodies in their wake.

Again, the prince led his Riders in an arc southwards, but this time they did not re-approach their enemies. Instead, they peeled off, slowing to a trot and withdrawing safely beyond any counterattack to rest their horses and count their wounded and fallen. In two swift charges, they guessed they had slain or wounded five hundreds, though many of the latter would still be battle-worthy. Of their own, two score and three had won their final renown and another score and six bore non-fatal wounds. They deemed the battle a victory worthy of song, to be repeated in the coming days 'til the enemy host was no more.

After a brief pause at three furlongs, they continued south 'til they came to a creek a league from the battle and there they dismounted and allowed their steeds to rest, drink, and graze. Wounds were bound and rations consumed. Scouts were dispatched both north and west to keep watch for the return of the Riders from Norðr-vestandóttir Bý and to warn of any advance by the Easterling host.

Now Helluin and Captain Ælfwine had led their Riders north with the enraged Easterlings giving chase. They spread their line so they rode eighty-five abreast in a single rank, giving each archer a clear line for shooting. When they felt their horses tiring after another mile, they slowed to a trot, allowing their foes to draw 'nigh, and then they turned in their saddles and fired on them, intent on slaying their archers first.

In response, the Easterlings slowed in hope of remaining beyond arrow range, and so the chase continued at a trot 'til the horses had recovered a bit, and then the Riders hastened again to a gallop. The foemen kicked their mounts to keep pace with them, but after several furlongs, the whole was repeated, slowing, firing, maintaining their spacing, and then accelerating again. Thrice the pattern was revisited, but by then, the eastern horses had tired. A lifetime of hardship and a long journey had left them inclined to fatigue untimely so that they plodded forward, their breathing labored and their hooves heavy.

After another mile, they gave up the chase, spent and unable to continue further, and they stood panting and sweating, bearing the curses of their masters. 'Twas a simple matter for Helluin and the Riders to approach them at a trot and encircle them, and then they began shooting.

The Riders took their time, patiently choosing targets and avoiding the horses. Though their foes raised their shields, they could not fend off attacks that came from all directions. By then, none of the living bore bows to shoot back.

One by one, the Easterlings fell from their saddles, stricken fatally or sorely wounded. The Riders shot 'aught that moved so that many of them bore several arrows ere they died. In the end, 'twas but a matter of time. They finished during the third hour of battle having ne'er closed with their foes to closer than twenty yards.

Finally, the Riders dismounted to collect their arrows. Helluin came and spoke to the horses. They were exhausted and none of them cared to return to the Easterling host. Indeed, most were hesitant to even move.

We shall spend an hour here ere we return to our camp. Pray rest and graze and recover your strength, she told them, but thereafter ye shall have a choice to make. I bid ye speak with our warhorses ere we take our leave. A few nodded in fatalistic acquiescence, but eventually they began to mingle with the far more resilient steeds from the farm.

'Twas the last hour ere dusk when a scout returned from the west leading the Riders of Norðr-vestandóttir Bý to the Third Marshal's camp. They had moved and were then four leagues southwest of the battlefield, well beyond the reach of the enemy. Accompanying the Riders were seven score and twelve eastern horses willing to swear fealty to the king. Thus ended the first battle in the East Emnet, and with it, the 22nd day of Gwaeron, 2758.

To Be Continued