II.) The Council of Cirdan
The five Istari sat in the council chamber of Cirdan's palace, on elaborately carved high-backed chairs of oak, around a circular table carved of oak and inlaid with mother-of-pearl and seashells. The entire room was of white marble, its floors, walls and ceiling inlaid with many smooth, polished gems set in cunning designs. The three open, arched windows of the chamber, which were framed by curtains of glittering gems, faced westward. They offered a view across the grey granite roofs and spires of Mithlond towards the Blue Mountains, between the northern and southern ranges of which lay the Gulf of Lune. The Sun shone high and bright in the afternoon sky, though the sea breeze afforded some relief from the summer's heat.
Cirdan sat at one end of the table, and to his right sat Curunir, while Mithrandir sat to his left. Aiwendil sat to the left of Mithrandir, and Alatar and Pallando to the right of Curunir, completing the circle. They had removed their peaked hats, which they stowed on the staffs they had left leaning on the walls of the chamber. They had supped on the sweetened bread and rich fruits beloved of the Elves, which Cirdan had brought them from his cellars. Now they were savouring in carved crystal goblets the heady wines from the nearby vineyards of Arthedain in Arnor, the North Kingdom of the Dunedain, those Men descended from the exiles who had fled from drowned Numenor at the Change of the World, nearly twelve-hundred years before.
Cirdan did not share in their feast, for he was eager to commence the deliberations of the Council – not least so that his people would be released from their enchanted sleep as quickly as possible.
At length, Curunir set down his goblet, and tapped its side with a slender fork, signaling to his fellow Istari that the council meeting was to begin.
"My friends," said Curunir " my friends – and may I say that I include you amongst my friends, most noble Elf - we are gathered here to make plain our purposes, so that the Elven–wise may understand fully what the Valar seek to accomplish through our embassy to Middle Earth. It is fit that we first reveal ourselves to Lord Cirdan, for he knows, or at least can guess as well as any of the Wise, why it is that the Valar have deemed it necessary to send five of their servants to these mortal lands." Curunir smiled. "Would you care to offer your own surmises, Lord Cirdan, as to what we seek to accomplish?"
"Your purposes surely cannot involve the fate of the Elves directly," replied Cirdan, with characteristic frankness, "for you well know our people have long been fading from this land. That is our doom, it seems. Ever we dwindle, and Men increase."
"Not all Men," remarked Mithrandir. "We have heard rumor that the Men of Arnor diminish in number even faster than the Elves."
"Aye, that is so," replied Cirdan. "By ill fate, the armies of Arnor suffered greater losses than those of Gondor during the Battle of Gorgoroth, a thousand years ago. I myself was at that terrible Battle, where we defeated the Enemy, and I saw firsthand the dreadful slaughter of the Arnor-men by Sauron the Accursed. And not long after that grim day, their finest warriors, the cream of those who had survived Battle of Gorgoroth, and who formed Isildur's honour-guard, were slain almost to a Man at the disaster of the Gladden Fields, alongside their liege. Ever since, there have been too few of the Dunedain to people the North Kingdom, and I have watched over many lives of Men as pestilence and misfortunate have devoured the settlements and shrunk the boundaries of that land."
Cirdan sighed. "Many places that were cultivated have been abandoned," he continued, "and evil begins to fester in the wild. The Dunedain of the North fear the stirring of the Goblins and the Hill-Trolls from the Misty Mountains to the East. A century or so ago they abandoned their capital of Annuminas, by the shores of Lake Evendim, which had become so sparsely populated that they deemed indefensible, for a new, smaller capital at the castle of Fornost, many leagues east and north of here. Nor is Arnor even properly a kingdom these days, as its three provinces of Arthedain, Cardolan and Rhudaur are ruled by rival factions. King Beleg's writ does not extend far beyond his castle at Fornost and his estates in Arthedain. Some say that Fornost and the other castles and towers lately raised in Arnor were built by the Dunedain more out of fear of each other, and their competing ambitions for land and wealth, than out of fear of Goblins and Trolls." Cirdan paused. "And yet, while I respect the Men of Arnor, as much as any Men, and fear for their fate, I cannot believe that the Valar dispatched agents of your potency merely to save a single Kingdom of Men."
"Indeed," smiled Curunir. "It is not merely the fate of Arnor that concerns us. The World itself is in peril, as well you know, Cirdan. The time of the Elves is ending, and the Dominion of Men is being prepared. Our purpose, I will make plain to you now, is to make ready that Dominion, so that Men may claim the estate that was intended for them."
"Then you will have little need for our help," replied Cirdan. "For our people have grown estranged from Men, and they for their part rarely seek us out. It is true that we still have some ties to the Men of Arthedain, whose vineyards produced the wines you have savoured this afternoon. And indeed, sometimes the Gondor-men send their scholars to us, to learn our lore, though such visits are less frequent of late. But for our part, and by and large, those of our people who remain here in Middle Earth have chosen to retreat to the twilight and the starlight, focusing on our own labours and dwelling on our own sorrows. We Elves have come to care but little for the affairs of others."
"Not even for the welfare of the trees and flowers of the wood?" inquired Aiwendil, frowning. "Surely the Elves love all growing things."
"Perhaps we care more for the trees, and the birds and the beasts, than for Men," admitted Cirdan, smiling ruefully. "Though for many Elves the call of Valinor grows too strong to resist, and they wish to see trees and beasts of wondrous repute in the uttermost West, which are but legends in these mortal lands; for Middle Earth their ardour fades. But it is beyond doubt, I must confess, that towards Men we have grown cool of late."
"When you say of late, you surely mean for this age of the World," said Curunir. "Come, we know well why you Elves have grown estranged from Men. It is because of Men that the World is in peril, and that your victory at the Battle of Gorgoroth was seemingly in vain. Is that not so?"
"Aye, it is," replied Cirdan, his soft voice tinged with bitterness and regret. "Though in fairness it is one Man in particular, long dead, who merits our ill feelings. It is because of Isildur and his Bane…"
"Do not speak too openly of such things, even here," cautioned Mithrandir.
"Your vigilance is a noble trait, Mithrandir, yet surely you are too wary in this matter," chided Pallando. "All present at this table have heard of Isildur's Bane, and know what it signifies. Why not discuss it openly?"
"Indeed," said Alatar, "we have heard the tales from the High Elven exiles who returned to Avallone after the Battle, bearing word of Isildur's folly. And few things are not seen by Manwe and Varda, from their high seat atop Mount Taniquetl in Valinor."
"We are not in Valinor," replied Mithrandir, somewhat testily, "but in a land which once lay under the Shadow, and may yet do so again. Even the birds and beasts are not to be trusted fully in these lands, for how do we know whom they might serve?" Aiwendil sat up suddenly, appearing alarmed at the thought. "The very walls might have ears," continued Mithrandir. "Let us then keep our words as guarded as they may be."
"Peace, Mithrandir," said Curunir, holding up his long, pale hand. "Let us not allow this council to dissolve into bickering. We do a disservice to our host, by thus consuming his time." Turning to Cirdan, he continued, "Suffice to say, Isildur's Bane places the World in peril, and the Dominion of Men is not secure. For the Enemy was defeated but not destroyed, and that which he lost, he may yet recover to the ruin of all."
Curunir frowned. "It is our task to first discover the gravity and immanence of this threat, and then determine how best to combat it. And despite your words, we would by all means welcome the aid of the Elves, though we do not ask the Sun and the Moon of you. It is because your people are fading from these lands, and have turned their backs on Men, that we have been sent to take your place, as the stewards and counselors of Men, their elder brothers in lore and wisdom."
Curunir then smiled. "We require of you, my lord Cirdan, merely that you make your own store of wisdom available to us when we have need of it. For the well of your knowledge of Middle Earth runs deep, we should drink deeply of it if we are to combat the Enemy and his servants. We have much to learn from you, of this land and its people, before we can fully assume your former place in the fight against the Enemy, and steer the ship of Men away from the shoals of his Shadow."
"I understand your purposes, Curunir, and appreciate your eagerness to do battle with the Enemy, should he return" replied Cirdan. "But, while I have said that you would not require our aid, do not discount our people entirely. We are fading from this land, but there are those among us – I speak not least of myself, and of Elrond and Galadriel - whose love of Middle Earth is so strong and deep that we will never leave it, or abandon Men to their fate, until we are certain that the Enemy has been annihilated, and his Shadow can never again imperil the World. Until that day, we three at least shall remain, and do whatever we can to aid those who fight against Sauron and his minions."
"Your courage and dedication are commendable, Cirdan," said Mithrandir. "Too many Elves, I daresay, take the straight and easy road to Valinor, and choose to forget how they and their ancestors sacrificed all to defend Middle Earth against a peril that is not yet vanquished. And we most certainly shall have need of your aid, and not merely of your lore." He shot a piercing glance at Curunir from beneath his bushy brows, and then returned his gaze to Cirdan. "You Elves have your own powers, which have not diminished entirely with the passing years. It would be a grievous loss to our cause if you did not use those powers in the fight against the Enemy."
"Indeed," said Curunir diplomatically, stroking his black beard, "there are those amongst the Elven people whose assistance would be most welcome in our common struggle – as I said. I meant merely that you Elves are no longer expected to shoulder the burden of leadership alone. For we Istari are now here to help you, and indeed to take up on your behalf the heavy mantle of the leadership of Men, so that you may direct your energies into more fruitful labours on behalf of our cause."
"No offense was taken, Curunir," replied Cirdan. "Though they have their own leaders, I shall surely welcome your efforts to restore wisdom to the conduct of Men, who have ever had a propensity towards foolishness and short-sightedness. Few Men love or trust the Elven people in these latter days; but, as you and your kindred have wisely chosen to take the forms of Men, you may succeed in offering them guidance where we have failed."
"And I speak merely of the Men of Numenor-in-Exile," continued Cirdan, "those of Arnor and Gondor, who are wiser by far than the other Men of Middle Earth, and have ties of blood and friendship to our people. The wild Men of the East and South, for instance, have long served the Enemy, and we have had no dealings with them at all."
"It is to them that we shall journey," said the Blue Wizards. "Too long have the Easterlings and Southrons been neglected," continued Pallando. "It is our task to turn them from the darkness, and show them the light – though we have much to learn of Men and their ways before we can guide them."
"It is our goal," offered Alatar, "that the Enemy, should he return, will find his power greatly reduced. He shall find only the Orcs and other evil beasts at his command, while all Men stand in common cause against him."
"An ambitious goal indeed," said Cirdan, bowing to the Blue Wizards in a gesture of respect. "And most worthy, should you attain the end that you seek. Though I fear you must indeed learn more of Men before you place any certainty in such high hopes for them."
"Since we apparently have need of your wisdom, at least, my lord Cirdan" said Mithrandir dryly, "perhaps you can being by telling us what you know of the Shadow. The Valar have descried from afar that the Shadow begins to grow again in the East, though it has not yet taken any form. What do you know of this?"
"Little more than rumour, and yet more than I would like," replied Cirdan uneasily. "You would do better to ask Elrond or Galadriel, for they dwell not so far from the Greenwood east of the river Anduin, and it is from there that the rumours of this Shadow originate. All I have heard is that in the south of the Greenwood, the Sylvan Elves have felt a growing fear, and that evil things – Orcs, and Wargs, and giant Spiders, and other fell beasts – have been seen in that land, where they were never known before. It is surely a great burden on the mind of King Thranduil, who is the Elven-lord of the Greenwood. He most of all should be consulted, if you would learn more of these rumors."
"These tidings may or may not be of significance to us," demurred Curunir. "That evil things stir in the Wilderland is of concern to those who dwell in those parts, no doubt. Whether these ill-tidings are simply ill-fortune, or imply something more sinister at work, remains to be seen. But each member of our order has his own special tasks to fulfill, and the investigation of these rumors must proceed as simply one labour among many."
Curunir paused, and glanced through the arched windows. The afternoon was well advanced, and Sun had begun to descend into the West, its beams reflected with dazzling light on the waters of the Gulf of Lune.
"Soon your people shall awaken from their sleep, Cirdan," said Curunir, turning his dark gaze back to the Elven-lord. "Time is pressing. We shall conclude this council by telling you of the tasks to which each of us has been appointed. Then, by your leave, we shall each borrow one of your horses and some provender, and depart before sunset."
"I shall provide you with what you need for your journeys," said Cirdan.
"Your generosity is most appreciated, my noble Elf," replied Curunir. "Know then that I purpose first to travel south and east to Gondor, so from the King at Osgiliath I may obtain permission to consult the Royal Archives guarded within the walls of Minas Anor. When I have had my fill of lore, I shall be properly equipped for my next task – which is no less than to travel east over Anduin to Mordor itself, and in that accursed land to learn what I might of the Enemy and his works."
"The Black Land is an ill place to visit for any purpose," frowned Cirdan. "Though it has long been abandoned, the very soil is stained by the evil of the Enemy. It is a place that brings bad days and worse nights, full of dark dreams. And who knows which of Sauron's creatures might hide even now in its most shadowy corners? Still," he continued "I doubt not that if any can dare the Black Land, it is you, Curunir the White. The servants of the Enemy will surely think twice before trifling with a being of your manifest power. And your journey to Gondor itself I endorse wholeheartedly, not least because it will allow you for the first time to take the measure of Men, whose guidance and welfare are your charge."
"We shall accompany Curunir to Gondor," said the Blue Istari. "For it is also to our advantage to take the measure of Men," said Pallando, "Men at their best and highest, before we cross the Anduin and seek to tame the wild Men of the East and South. Perhaps the Gondor-men can serve as an example, in our minds, toward which the Easterlings and Southrons can aspire."
"Indeed," said Alatar, "though we journey with Curunir to Gondor and then across the Andunin, we shall not accompany him to the Black Land. East of Anduin we shall take our separate paths; myself to the South, and Pallando to the East."
"My own tasks shall take me along a very different road," said Aiwendil. "I shall journey east, but across the realm of Arnor, and begin to acquaint myself with the birds and beasts, the trees and flowers of Middle Earth. For it is my province to learn all that I can of their lore, both to protect them from evil, and to see how they may be put to use in the struggle against the Enemy. I purpose in time to cross the Anduin to the Greenwood, as that is the greatest forest of the northern world, and thus the greatest repository of the lore that I seek." He hesitated, and looked pensively at Curunir. "With your permission, Curunir," he continued, "I could also venture into the south of the Greenwood, and investigate myself these rumors of a Shadow there. I may learn something of the utmost value to our cause."
"You have my permission," said Curunir serenely. "Though have a care not to disturb what evil creatures you might find there. We do not wish to tip our hand too soon. Gather what information you may, and then report back to me, or to Mithrandir if I am not available."
"I shall do so," replied Aiwendil.
"As for me," said Mithrandir, "I shall accompany Aiwendil for a time, east across Arnor, until I reach Rivendell. There I shall take counsel with Master Elrond, so that he, like you, Cirdan, is made familiar with our Order and our purposes. Though I know the Elven Wise can send thoughts into each others minds from afar," he winked, "still it is best that Elrond meet at least one of our Order personally, rather than hearing rumour of us from afar. And to learn I may from the Elves concerning this Middle Earth is one of my own particular tasks. Aiwendil is welcome to partake of that council if he wishes, and also to accompany me to Laurelindorean and consult with Queen Galadriel. Perhaps we can even journey together across the Anduin, and jointly scour the Greenwood for this Shadow, though I would fain learn what I might from King Thranduil before I embark on such a trial."
"I would welcome your company," smiled Aiwendil. "And indeed, perhaps we should consult with Thranduil first, before searching the depths of the Greenwood ourselves."
"Do as you wish," said Curunir. "When I have learned what I may in the Black Land, I might in time journey north to Thranduil's lands, and meet with you there, so that we may share with each other the information we have gathered in our several journeys."
"Then meet in the north of Wilderland we shall, though perhaps not for some years," replied Mithrandir. "I daresay it is better that we work together in our efforts, whenever possible, rather than each of us strive without regard to the labour of the others."
"So be it," said Curunir, rising from the table. The other Istari rose as well, and Cirdan joined them. "I deem this council concluded," continued Curunir. "With your permission, Lord Cirdan, we shall proceed at once to your stables, to select horses suitable for our journey. And again, perhaps you could arrange some provender for each of us?"
"The stables are near the East Gate, and should be easy to find," replied Cirdan. "You may each take a mount of your choice. I shall descend to my cellars, and gather some waybread and flasks of cordial for each of you, and then meet you at the stables within half an hour."
The Istari bowed, and Cirdan returned their bow. Then they each walked towards their own staff and hat, reclaiming them before exiting the council chamber and seeking out the stables of Mithlond.
Mithrandir was the last to leave the chamber, and as he was about to step through the doorway to the corridor beyond, Cirdan, who had observed silently the departure of the other Istari, touched him on the arm.
"A word, Mithrandir the Grey, if you please," whispered Cirdan. He ushered Mithrandir into an alcove, sitting off the corridor outside the council chamber, and waited until the other Istari were out of sight and earshot.
"Well?" asked Mithrandir, raising a bushy eyebrow, and fixing his bright blue eyes on the Elven lord. "I noticed your covert stares at me during the council, while the others were speaking. What is it you wish to say to me that is not fit for my kindred to hear?"
"You mentioned the powers that we Elves have at our service, which we can use to aid you against the Enemy," said Cirdan. "You were of course referring to the Three."
"I was indeed," said Mithrandir, frowning. "But it is not my place to counsel you on how to employ the Three Rings of the Elves in our cause. I know not even how the Elves have chosen to hide the Three, or which of you has power over them. You must use them, or refrain from using them, as you see fit."
"Even so," replied Cirdan, "while I cannot say how Elrond or Galadriel shall use them, beyond their current fashion, I for my part have already decided how best to employ that one of the Three which is in my care."
"In your care?" asked Mithrandir, looking surprised.
"Indeed. Ever since the One Ring was taken from the Black Hand of the Enemy, we have borne the Three on our own hands, for we need no longer fear that he can turn their power against us. However, not long after the Battle of Gorgoroth we began to use their power to conceal their sight from others. Thus we may bear them on our fingers in secret. See now?" asked Cirdan, holding up his right hand.
Mithandir gasped, staring at Cirdan's hand. For on Cirdan's third finger was now revealed an intricately wrought wring of gold, set with a brilliant red gem!
"Before our very eyes, and yet not even the mightiest of us saw it!" marveled Mithrandir. "Truly, the Three are even more powerful than I imagined, if they can blind the sight of the Istari."
"As you said, Mithrandir, we Elves are not without our own powers," smiled Cirdan.
"But why have you revealed this secret to me alone?" asked Mithrandir, looking sharply at the Elven-lord.
Cirdan frowned. "To be a Ringbearer is a heavy burden, Mithrandir," he whispered. "For nearly three-thousand years have I had charge of Narya, Ring of Fire. And I am very old, even by the reckoning of Elves – my endurance is not what it once was. Long have I sought relief from this burden, though I could not in good conscience place it on another of my own kindred; not least because no Elven Ringbearer can depart Middle Earth for the Undying Lands, as long as the One still exists, and could be used to exert mastery over the Three. So the Valar have told us in our dreams. To bear one of the Three is thus to remain bound to Middle Earth. I myself shall remain here regardless, until Sauron is annihilated, or I am slain. But I would not force another Elf to remain in Middle Earth, and deny him the right to depart for the Blessed Land when he wishes."
Cirdan paused. "But you and your kindred have come here for the express purpose of leading the fight against the Enemy, and I deem that this Ring of Power will not wear on you as it has begun to wear on me, and perhaps the Rings of Elrond and Galadriel wear on them. That is why, with your permission, I place this Ring in your keeping. Youb can use its power to fire hope and courage in the hearts of Elves and Men, and that may prove of use in the dark days that lie ahead, should the Enemy take form and assail us."
"You give this burden to me alone?" asked Mithrandir, his gaze so keen and sharp that Cirdan could barely endure it. "Why not to all the members of our Order, to use as we all see fit? Or why not to Curunir the White if it must be given to one only? He is our leader, not me."
Cirdan hesitated. "No Ring of Power can be used jointly," he said at length. "I could not give it to all of you, but must chose one alone, to use its power as he alone sees fit."
"Then I ask again, why not Curunir?" repeated Mithrandir insistently.
Cirdan was silent for awhile, but at length found the resolve to return the Grey Istari's gaze directly, and speak his mind: "I have dwelt on this Middle Earth for long enough that I flatter myself a better judge of character than most. I have no doubt that Curunir's might exceeds yours, as perhaps does his lore-mastery."
He paused for a moment, and then continued. "But might and lore-mastery are not synonymous with wisdom. I have seen and heard enough in the Council, and sensed enough through my own inner sight, to recognize that you, Mithrandir, are the wisest of all the Istari. I deem that of all the members of your Order, you are the most likely to use Vanya for good, and the least likely to fall into the path of error, knowingly abusing its power for your own ends, or unwittingly using its power in the service of the Enemy. Therefore I give this gift to you alone. And if you accept it, I must ask that you swear an oath keep it secret even from your kindred, hiding it from their sight, even as I hid it from yours."
For some moments, Mithrandir was silent. Then he nodded, and said "I will accept this gift with thanks, Lord Cirdan – though I do so for the sake of those it might aid, and not for my own. And I swear by the Valar that I will not reveal the secret."
Mithrandir frowned. "But be warned. Curunir the White has been blinded so far from seeing Narya. Yet his might and lore-mastery may be greater even than you perceive. Few things escape his keen mind or searching eye in the fullness of time. The day may well come when, at last, he pierces the veil, and sees that I bearNarya on my own hand. Curunir is very proud – and rightly so – but on account of his pride he will be sorely angered that the Elves did not choose him to bear a Ring of Power. Evil unlooked for may yet come from your choice to placeNarya in my keeping."
"Evil unlooked for may come from any choice, including the choice to keep this Ring for myself," replied Cirdan. "But your words only confirm in my mind that you, Mithrandir, are the one who should bearNarya in service against the Enemy."
"So be it," sighed Mithrandir. Taking his staff in his left had, he held out his right hand. Cirdan then removedNarya and slipped it onto Mithrandir's third finger.
Mithrandir's bushy eyebrows shot up, and he pursed his lips. "How curious," he remarked. "All at once I see many things that were veiled from my sight, while still seeing those things that are perhaps unknown to you. This is indeed a mighty gift. I only hope that I can use this Ring fittingly, and that you will not come to regret your choice."
"I have no doubt that I will not regret it," smiled Cirdan. "Now come. Let us go to the cellars, and you can help me fetch some provender. Then we can join your fellows at the stables, and tell them that I kept you behind so that you could help me bear the bundles of waybread and flasks of cordial that each of you shall need for your journey. My servants are after all asleep. And perhaps some flasks of water would help as well, through there are many clear streams in all the lands between here and the great river Anduin."
"Let us obtain what we may, and make haste," replied Mithrandir. "Already the Sun sets low in the West, and my kindred and I would fain pass the Tower Hills and enter into the realm of Arnor before nightfall."