Chapter 6
Army of the Water
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Nag Kath wondered about the home in Minas Tirith as he rode to Osgiliath. It was probably unnecessary since he would be mostly on the east side of the river. On the other hand; what else was he going to do with his money?
There was news in Osgiliath. Mr. Pourtous was as good as his recommendation and found the perfect place, a warehouse on the north end of the city near the road to the Morgul Vale with a small barn and stable and a large house on the other side – fully three acres with a few fruit trees. It was unoccupied and filthy but Nag Kath only saw potential. Almost six Florin changed hands and the estate agent recommended a man to make the property what the water-men wanted.
He liked Osgiliath. Minas Tirith was beautiful, filled with living lore. This place was a beehive. Like Dale, a few older families re-claimed their heritage but everyone else was newly arrived. You were what you became. It had its pretensions. One restaurant offered "Elvish" food. Nag Kath didn't think it all that Elvish but it was very tasty and might take a few stone off the round lords of commerce.
Now for one of his most important personnel choices; another Brenen. The new place would not be ready for weeks so he took a month's lodging at one of the nicest inns on the northeast side. The Great River Inn catered to well-heeled and, according to Manager Sepulvath, sometimes fussy, visitors. They were often from the south of town which, in the sprawling city, was further than many folk wanted to negotiate after a few ales. Women seemed younger than their men. Acting the lord of leisure, Nag Kath kept his eye on lads trying to pocket a few coppers by running errands.
Several seemed promising. One was a small, dark-haired boy with bright blue eyes who was popular with local business men sending messages. Nag Kath called him over to his porch table while the lad was between assignments. "What's your name, son?"
"Tumlen, sir"
"Tumlen, I need a few things. I would like you to find me a packet of Khandian tea, a dozen pencils, two common shirts, and a second-hand compass. Do you know what that is?"
"No, sir."
"It looks like a pair of scissors but it holds in position to measure distances on a map." He pantomimed the motion with two fingers.
"Like a circle cutter, sir?"
"Just so. Maybe this long." Nag Kath handed him a silver tenth, far more than the items would cost and a tip for the errand. He specified second-hand to see if the boy knew where to find out-of-the-way things. If he saw the kid again, with change, Tumlen would pass the first test. "Off you go, then."
By lunch Tumlen was back with all of the items and added something to his résumé by saying, "The circler was at a shop I knew that sells items for families of passed relatives. I hope it is what you want." It was, but that didn't matter as much as that the lad found it. "Here is your change, sir." With that he offered three fivers.
Nag Kath told him, "Keep them. I might need a few more things later. Will you be here late this afternoon?"
With a beaming, freckled smile he said, "I will make a point of it, sir."
After an inconspicuous test that the boy could read and count, the southern division of Kathen Properties added its first employee. Tumlen was to help the builders at the home on the corner of Vu Rethal and Emerald Lane until further notice. He was to also learn the names and reputations of masons, trenchers, clay pipe makers and a few others. The boy would not attract attention.
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Other than delivering Gimli's letter to Tulinn, Nag Kath hadn't mentioned the Lord's visit to anyone except the King. Once the builders were set about their tasks, Nag Kath rode out to Minas Ithil and met the bridge crew. They were nearly done and it was fine work. Durambyn was long back in Emyn Arnen and Heinieth was in charge. The engineer was a practical fellow. Duranbyn was a good boss but had a city to build for his Prince and unlikely to retire anytime soon. Nag Kath explained most of what had transpired and asked if the man had ever considered other opportunities, ones that might last up to a decade of independent contracts.
Heinieth took a long pull of his ale and smiled. The bridge would be done in three weeks, weather permitting. That would now include three weeks of keeping his mouth shut. Deal done, Nag Kath headed towards Emyn Arnen to brief the Prince. He gave Regaldin's lead to the groom and was announced to the chamberlain who came out a few minutes later to say Prince Faramir was engaged but he would try to squeeze something in by tea. That was, of course, acceptable and Nag Kath would return after eating at the chamberlain's recommended inn. There was only one in this beautiful but out-of-the-way place.
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"Hello, Nag Kath."
With a bow, "Your Lordship."
"You have been busy."
"Yes, sir. I thought it was time to keep you abreast. This shouldn't take long."
"I have time. Can I interest you in a cup of wine?"
"Thank you, sir." They sat in chairs around a low table in the Prince's study and waited until the attendant brought a pitcher with fine silver goblets. Nag Kath raised his toasting, "To the King. Have you spoken with him about my efforts?"
"Not in person. We have both been much occupied."
Nag Kath told the Prince the major points of his preparations, including stealing Durambyn's assistant. "The most important thing on this side of the river will be securing the rights for a path to Osgiliath. I do not know if you can command it, or buy it or it is already yours. Men will need to start surveying fairly soon on official business."
Faramir thought for a moment and said, "Most of it belongs to the fief. It is only where you start seeing farms that the land is free-held."
"Your Highness can expect guests shortly. Lord Gimli is coming himself with Dwarvish craftsmen to consider getting water from the south side of the massif to the west. May I suggest Heinieth's first job after the bridge be constructing a compound for Gimli's noble visit and as headquarters when folk start chipping rocks?"
Faramir agreed, "Good idea, and I'll tell Durambyn about needing a new assistant. I should go out there myself. Let us do that tomorrow. Now, what do I need to do about your expenses?"
"My understanding with Lord Aragorn was that I would personally pay the first hundred Florin in seed money and your Lordships would manage the rest if this is practical. That keeps me from waiting in Purse offices with receipts."
As with the King, Prince Faramir was speechless for a moment. The Prince was well-off but that was a lot of money. He ventured, "Are you sure?"
"I count myself fortunate, My Lord."
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The next morning, the Prince, Nag Kath and six outriders made a comfortable pace to the base of the Düathin massif after collecting Heinieth. Two troopers watched the horses while the other seven men hiked to the pool. Even late in the season the flows were strong. Hopefully it moved fast enough to not freeze in a bad winter. That would be a time of year when the Anduin was drinkable.
Back at the base, Nag Kath showed the Prince and engineer where he thought the dam would go but he would defer to the Dwarves. They knew water and rock better than anyone in Middle-Earth. In rough terms, a goodish bump of rock had to be removed to divert the flow from veering into the Neussan chasm. Walking back down the slope, the Elf aimed his longest bubble level at Osgiliath to give Faramir a feel for the slope-to-run. No different than the meanest farm ditch, the hard part would be keeping a gradual flow across uneven ground.
After the Prince rode home, Nag Kath and Heineith talked about where to put the settlement. Nag Kath also gave him three Florin; one for him and two for the job. The engineer grinned and was sure the bridge workers would stay on.
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Minas Tirith beckoned. Nag Kath always knew he needed expert help, he just didn't know what kind. That was becoming clearer now. In the city he visited the best businessman he knew.
Mr. Tallazh clapped his hands together and the Elf was shown to the same chair. Nag Kath handed him the box of lucky tea. Once settled, Nag Kath said, "It is poor payment for the favor I must ask, Amiedes. I need a manager, someone who knows business, payments, the cost of goods and shipping. I was hoping you might know of someone with references."
His wise friend said, "As it happens, I do. My grandson cannot rise far in my old family business now that I am retired. I think he would be open to new employment. This project will take many years, will it not?"
"It will if it is approved. In about a year, the Lords of Gondor have to decide if they are willing to pay the bill. I have a scholar looking into practical aspects of great works of antiquity. My best guess is that we will need a huge moving town for workers and families. They may come from here. They may come from Harad with their Mûmikils. Dwarf masters will plan the water stair.
"I need someone who can keep track of it all, work with the Purse and issue orders that will be obeyed. Does your grandson have gravitas?"
"Oh yes. But you should decide for yourself. Come to dinner in two night's time."
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Except for the eyes, Granthor Teldamir looked nothing like his grand-da. Tall and Gondoran, he shook hands as the family was seated. His mother was the woman Nag Kath met on his first visit. No water ditches were discussed but Nag Kath asked a few conversational business questions, mostly about getting people to do what you want. He got the right answers.
Granthor Teldamir would be just fine. With Nag Kath's permission, Tallazh had already briefed him on the project. The man had an enormous amount of work to do. He would oversee everyone Nag Kath wanted to put on the payroll, renew acquaintances with folk in the Purse, travel quite a bit and see to the money. That described what he did now and his family was used to it. Untangling himself from the mercantile business would take two weeks.
Work on the White City home was complete and they did a good job. Wandering through the bottom room Nag Kath realized he was lonely. Furious work and planning had taken his mind off Eniece. She was now gone a year. Some of the sting was helped by a return letter from Ardatha through the Colonel. Thain Conath was showing the years. Torrold would take his place but he never married so her children were the line of succession both in Buhr Austar and Dale itself. Her son was now of an age that she and Reyald would discuss visiting. His bank transfer was in the same packet.
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Something else that would take two weeks was the arrival of Gimli, Lord of the Glittering Caves. This was a state event even though the Caves were under the Overlordship of Thorin Stonehelm with only 300 Dwarves in residence. Gimli was a hero of Minas Tirith for his bravery against orcs, Haradrim and, especially, Umbar corsairs.
Nag Kath was in the east much of that time but he made certain he was there when sixteen Dwarves arrived on ponies with half that many pack animals. The Mithril intarsia gates swung open as horns announced their arrival. Aragorn, a name only used by friends like Gimli, and his knights joined the lordly procession just inside and proclaimed them true friends of Gondor. Since the flower season was past, folk threw little bits of colored paper as the stout folk made their way to accolades. A few mugs of ale made their way to thirsty riders as well.
The Dwarves would be here three days to rest and feast before making for Osgiliath. Gimli had not seen the bridge, now just fourteen years complete. His memories of the city were utter ruin. Nag Kath thought it better not to attend a party commemorating the destruction of his original folk. There would be plenty of time for conversation when they got to the rocks.
The King decided to come. He hadn't seen the massif except from the plain and wanted a better look. That would overwhelm Heinieth's little encampment. Prince Faramir joined them in Osgiliath to more colored paper and fanfare.
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Now it was time for business. Nag Kath introduced Heinieth to the Dwarves and the two of them briefly went over the sketches. Then the party rode and climbed to the pool so they could see what the Elf was thinking. Thurgin watched carefully but kept his opinions to himself until he saw the idea to empty the pool from the western side to keep it from becoming part of the raging Neussan. This was the best stream on the dividing ridge. With confidence he shouted over the din of the waterfall, "My Lord Gimli, what Nag Kath proposes is much like the quench supply at the Nâin forge, only larger.
Glorand the second engineer agreed, "Aye. It is further down but there is more water to work with. Nag Kath, how much of this flow do you need?"
The Elf yelled back, "No more than half, but I would like more down the face and make those decisions in the collection pool."
Gimli, like most Dwarves, was comfortable standing on sheer cliffs. He peered over the edge and they returned to the horses. When they could hear at speaking volumes, the Dwarf Lord asked his two builders, "Well, what say you?"
Thurgin said, "If it were me, I would just let it all slide down the face with a larger pool at the bottom. They need to route the flow across the face, but they have to do that in either case. All that has to be done is knock that nose off the ridge then dam the side of the pool leading back to the river and hammer a gate over there, much easier to make a bigger pool below on flat ground."
Glorand agreed, "I think so too. No reason to get too precise on the side of a cliff. Men of Gondor will have to do this work and they are not used to such heights."
Conditions met, Gimli said, "Lord Aragorn and Lord Faramir; staunch friends both, your plan has favor. Engineer Thurgin will stay here over the winter and help with this and as much as he can with the chute going west. Let your fine city be free of poxes!"
Aragorn cried, "Thank you kind sir. We shall name this wonder the Gimli Cascade!"
The Lord of the Glittering Caves chuckled, "First let us see if it works! Muha!"
Then they all went back to Osgiliath. No one even looked in the little hospitality compound. Thurgin and an assistant hidden in the Dwarf company would be there quite a bit along with workers and surveyors fairly soon so it wasn't a complete waste. On the way back Nag Kath had Tumlen rent a nice home for the Dwarvish Engineers and find a servant to cook and clean when they needed to get away from the mountain.
Back in Minas Tirith was more feasting and feting before the now fourteen Dwarves made their way home. Gimli had other business here but this was a good excuse to see his dear friends and help the King and Prince announce this lifesaving project. And as Lord Gimli said; now it had better work.
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Within the week, Nag Kath had his first meeting of the 'worker bees'. Officially the Aqueduct Council, they met in the Elf's Osgiliath barn. When fourteen were assembled he started slowly, "Gentlemen, we are embarked on a great work, something not seen in nearly a thousand years. I believe in finding the right people and letting them do what they do best. Granthor Teldamir will be the master of resources. His job will be to get men and materials where we need them. For the time being, I am funding everything but we will exhaust that soon enough and then he will manage our Lord's contributions.
"Turbun Heinieth is chief engineer. He and his assistants will supervise building all of this. I expect their number to grow and for men to distinguish themselves along the way. Master Thurgin and his capable assistant …" this with a nod to the younger Dwarf "… Fordosh will design the flow in the rocks from the waterfall.
"Tumlen Gespath will be here and his job is to find what you need and run messages in Osgiliath. This will be our headquarters." Neither Tum nor Fordosh expected to be more than flies on the wall and were honored to be mentioned. Nag Kath continued, "If you haven't met, this is Manager Sepulvath. He is in charge of the water once it gets here. He will have to reinforce ancient piping in Osgiliath and will work with some of you from that big rock in.
Architect Finenbrad, to my left, is currently training the long-range surveyors and he will have a hand in their assignments. Four men are presently about two …?"
Finenbrad cleared his throat, "Maybe three."
"Three weeks from joining the project. They will eventually report to Mr. Heinieth or me. Expect more folk shortly. We will need managers and cooks and people to make camps. As we speak, King Elessar is exploring getting Mûmikils and their handlers up here for the heavy work."
Teldamir spoke, "I told the Lords we will need at least two hundred men in the field in spring. Next year will be chiefly learning where to put the chute and counting the materials. We will also be building roads, shelters, barges and stockpiling many things for use the following spring. Think of those men as soldiers needing boots and shelter and rations to keep them fit."
Nag Kath grinned, "And now, about me. Contrary to common belief, I am not a dark lord in disguise." Some of the men in the room chuckled. Others were not relieved at all. Several here today saw the Elf turn silver in the cursed river.
"I will be chief architect and share the vision. I am not perfect either. No one here has done this before. We will make mistakes. When you need help, ask. When you are wrong, admit it. Any of you can approach me at any time. Have passion and courage and we will do a great thing our children's children will proud to see."
There was one task that seemed nothing at the time. Finenbrad had an abscess on his calf that scraped raw after riding for the first time in months. Nag Kath saw him limping when the other men left and had him pull his boot while Tumlen brought a clean cloth and water.
To the architect's embarrassment, the Elf clicked his little knife and sliced into the sore to drain the wound. Then he grasped Finenbrad's ankle and they watched his hand glow silver before returning to its usual color. That was a good start but the wound needed dressing. "Tumlen, where are the healing shops in town?"
Tumlen blanched. May Eru save and bless us! He mumbled, "The closest is four blocks east of the inn. Shall I go fetch something?" Anything was a good enough reason to get out of there.
"Nay, it is better if I look myself. See if you can find Mr. Finenbrad something to eat."
Osgiliath was so large that there was no one central district for anything. Nag Kath would learn there were three areas where healers of varying abilities clustered. He needed a simple poultice of athelas and huren root which should be available anywhere but had to be fresh. The third shop he saw had supplies. On his way back he noticed another healer's shop with similar herbs that also offered inductive healing. That was not common. The 'closed' sign in a small window was written in a Dalish hand. It was probably nothing so he took the weeds back to the ailing architect.
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Before the snows fell, the surveyors had already done good work. Certand Lemdarin was the former surveyor's assistant and took charge in the field since Finenbrad's role was advisory. Materials were stockpiled to reinforce the road and camp sites were laid-out near spur roads or likely docking places for barges.
Nag Kath stayed with the Dwarves near the waterfall for much of the time since they would do the design but leave while work was in process. Fordosh had a fair hand. Nag Kath freely shared his drawing techniques, something that others might have jealously guarded. Building the pool below would come before tons of water was dumped on the workmen.
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Snows came early and heavy this year. Unlike Dale, which always had miserable winters, Gondor often saw little snow and manageable temperatures. Not this year, so Nag Kath went back to Minas Tirith. When he arrived he found a pile of letters under the door slot. Two were from Brenen and Ardatha courtesy of Colonel Rosscranith's shuttle. He read them many times. One, in a perfumed envelope, was a note from Tal that he should join her and her husband and a few friends for dinner in only four day's time. The letter had been there a week. Nag Kath dashed off a reply that he would be delighted and had a local lad run it across the prow for a groat.
In the meantime, he visited Sylveth Multö, nee Quastille. Now sixty, she did not look that much older. And as Tim said, her husband looked just like her. Both were happy. She deserved that, even if it took too long.
He was warmly invited in for tea. At his first sip, both Nag Kath and Sylveth remembered his first taste of the drink and his dropping the cup with an orc curse-word at burning his lips. He had come unannounced at ten thirty and by noon they had lunch together. It was good to see her again. Master Quastille had a stroke in his sleep. Nag Kath told them about his art and how that became a waterpath. It seems Broughtur Multö bought and rented property so they talked about that a while.
Nag Kath also dropped in on Tim and Marie. This time he went downstairs and met the students. One was good, one fair and one rich. At lunch, Tim chided him for not preparing his Syndolan Eve party! Nag Kath had not even thought of that. Tim was correct, of course. His big house on the fourth was made for festivities. The artists walked up to survey the possibilities. Yes, the tradition would continue!
Tal's invitation said six but at the bell he was the last to arrive. Mrs. Tippi opened the door and let him in without a word. Not three steps inside his hand was firmly shaken by Ectellion Toroldinar. There was no wondering where his son got the curly black hair. The man reminded Nag Kath of Rogad, the guardi chief in Trum Dreng. He was shorter than his wife, stocky and fit with a soldier's face. His warmth was genuine. Since Tal would certainly have told him of their experience, that was water over the dam.
His first introduction was to Ectilla, the older daughter. She was a pleasing blend of her parents' different looks with better manners than her brother who was skulking by the finger-foods. "Mr. Kath, please let me tell you how much I admire your work."
"Thank you. I did not know any of it survived."
"I have only seen a few things."
"Let us hope they do not lose value now that I am back. I should introduce you to my friend Timalen Brushta."
"Oh, he is your friend? We met at one of his showings two years back. Very imaginative!"
That could mean anything when describing art. Tal joined them with Nag Kath kissing her hands. Mother and daughter introduced him to seven other guests. Included were Ferd and Bridgeth Comsairs of the merchants league and Hermad and Florice Murgrander, he being chief agent of the Furrier's Cooperative. Mrs. Murgrander was beautiful. They both looked at him quite a bit.
Dinner was edible. Tal, as threatened, retold the last charge of the Revanthars now that she had corroboration. He explained how he stuffed Gandalf's match powder into a barley bottle and lit it with a fuse made of drawing paper. Tal also insisted he tell the tale of the Wild Huntsman. Nag Kath was not sure he wanted to divulge that much magic so he offered an edited version concentrating on the Bilbo-like escape. Most of his conversation was about the water-path. He did not say he was in charge but there was plenty else to explain. Folk around the table agreed that if the water was safe, it was high time to stop those poxes in the basin!
As he was leaving, Tal took him aside and asked if now that his mourning period was over, would he like romantic introductions? She knew some respectable ladies. He had not really thought of that. And there was the notion of a mourning period. As strangely as he measured time, he had not considered short-lived men had to limit their grief or lose too much life in the waiting. His year was over, just as hers had been when they met.
He said he would let her know when his time was more his own. On the walk home he also thought that might be Tal's way of saying she was happy with her choice and he should not keep a candle burning. It was what he wanted for her.
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Nag Kath did not have to do much to organize his Syndolan Party. Sylveth knew a man who did that professionally. Mr. Fobe came to his home and agreed this was perfect for a fine event. Tables, chairs, crockery and festive ornaments were ordered. Syndolan pipers were hired, though the man explained the best of them had been booked years in advance. This trio had not been together long but were good and available. Food was arranged.
Nag Kath sat with pencil and paper to see who he knew. The King and Queen were invited first, though they would certainly not come. The same went for the Prince and Lady Éowyn. Among the commoners were Hobbits (always a must for the discerning host), his Dwarf friends and engineers, many of the water crew and their families. Tal and Tim and the Multö's must come. He had met a few neighbors so they went on the list. Rosscranith might come along with members of Mr. Tallazh's family. He stopped at forty three names and wrote the invitations himself.
Winter offered a brief respite so he shuttled between here and Osgiliath twice. They had to rent a wharfside go-down near his compound to store the bits and pieces Teldamir was ordering. Tumlen stayed busy with that and also managed to find a husband and wife Dwarf team of cook and tusdar (houseman in the common tongue) for the Engineers. They traveled with them between here and at the waterfall to make their lives easier. There were still quite a few Longbeards who lived abroad with men. Not all of Durin's Folk loved caves.
Party day arrived. It was accounted a great success. A scholar of parties would explain that Nag Kath's events went well because everyone was a friend. Fifth-level galas never had Dwarves singing Syndolan songs or Hobbits dancing with tall folk. Tal and Ecc came and danced themselves. She tall and elegant, he short and muscular. They cut a fine figure together. Ectilla came with them and talked with Tim and Marie most of the night.
Rosscranith and his bride came. He knew these events from Dale and would not have missed it. His mission here would end next summer but he expected to have his term renewed. Could he take any messages back home with him?
The King set off fireworks at nine so everyone walked outside to watch. All agreed they were a sight to see. Nag Kath wished he had learned more about Gandalf's craft in Orthanc. He had seen the best and last of the green and silver rockets in Middle-earth. Part of Mr. Fobe's service was a crew of cleaners the next morning. The damage was not so bad. White City revelers were easier on crockery than Dalelanders. Nag Kath drank his tea and flexed his toes in the rug. Another year had started.
Nag Kath wondered what he had gotten himself into. Cooperation seemed an excellent idea when the King and Prince surprised him with armed troops. It still seemed so. This was a noble project. It was too late to bow-out now. He began to understand the value of his gifts. They were still weak and ill-defined but save Radagast, he might be the last creature in Middle-Earth who could tell the water was no longer tainted by Mordor. How many years of poxes and plagues would have passed for someone to take that risk?
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Spring of year two, year 22 of the Fourth Age, saw the aqueduct start in earnest. Dwarf Master Thurgin and his assistant Fordosh spent most of their time at the comfortable outpost below the waterfall and seemed to like it. Oddly, they did not drink much beer there, though what they did in Osgiliath was their business.
Granthor Teldamir shuttled between Osgiliath and Minas Tirith. His job was to see how much this would cost in time and money. If it was approved, he would have primary financial stewardship. That looked increasingly likely. King Elessar ordered Minas Morgul torn to rubble. He could find the men to bring clean water. Finenbrad's surveyors worked through the winter when possible. Certand added three former soldiers for the surveyors to make camp, cook and leave them free to spot elevations. In the summer they split into two crews.
Everyone thought of the project in three parts. The long span in the middle was easiest since the aqueduct could follow the road beside the Neussan until the river veered south of the city. There were hills but no mountains or canyons. The surveyors set their heights from the rock and worked back towards the waterfall.
The hard parts would be either end. From the top of Ferantie's rock to the Anduin was about three miles. That span would have to be raised above the flood plain at the river-bend. Fortunately, materials could be barged along the Neussan from wherever they were found. The prevailing design was to run the chute supported by arches like a bridge. To the east, rock had to be moved to get the waterfall pool to dump on the west face. From there it would have to be routed down another three hundred feet fairly quickly to reach the level of the road. Getting water to go down is easy. Getting it to go sideways is not. The Dwarves were working on that. Nag Kath spent most of his time with them since they would leave before the work at the waterfall started.
Most of year two was spent making it easy for year three. The main road was reinforced with a frontage along the river so teams of horses could pull barges upstream. Spur roads were built from docks sunk into the Nuessan. Logs were cut in Cair Andros and floated down for camps, storehouses, barges and supports. Livestock was raised and penned along the route. Grain was moved to storehouses. Vegetables were prized so many folk in Osgiliath and Ithilien raised them as a cash crop. Farmers clamored for property along the formerly cursed river which came with a provision that some of the food was for the water-men. One of those headwater streams was still tainted, but getting less so.
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Nag Kath's idea of a private residence in Osgiliath was doomed from the start. It was just more space for everyone coming and going. He took his waking rest in a chair. There were never less than five horses in the stable. Once a month he was in Minas Tirith to consult with Teldamir or, occasionally, the King, including in August when the Dwarf Engineers went home. Aragorn held a banquet in their honor and proclaimed them heroes of his realm. Nag Kath was proud to call them friends.
In mid-October, posts had been driven every quarter mile for the entire length and marked for height. They knew where the aqueduct was going to go. With the first snow, Nag Kath was ready for a break. For all his supposed influence from air-wizard Saruman, he was a poor reader of weather. Men with sore knees were more reliable. Old knees were predicting a storm so he went to Minas Tirith to relax. And yes, Mr. Fobe would be glad to organize this year's Syndolan Eve party.
In preparing, Nag Kath hired Deltra who worked every day before the gala cleaning and cooking. After that, she came twice a week or when he was in town. Nag Kath also saw friends. All of them played matchmaker. He did not have the time or attention for that, though he did appreciate their thinking of him. One of his special treasures was letters from Brenen and Ardatha. The news did not change much but he read them many times and usually replied the same day.
In March of year three, Nag Kath met Teldamir for lunch with Mr. Tallazh. Somehow the Elf thought that Lords Aragorn and Faramir would consider the feasibility of the project and then decide whether to proceed. Everyone but Nag Kath knew the King would see it through as soon as he saw the Elf glowing silver in the suspect river. At Nag Kath's count, he had spent ninety three Florin, not including the houses and other personal things after being reimbursed by the crown for the Farantie rock easement.
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Spring was mild this year. The trouble with mild springs is those are the years that tend to flood with snow melt. A fever broke out in April that killed three hundred in Osgiliath and sickened thousands more. Not many water men were working close to the city and they got their water from the Nuessan, but most of them knew someone who was ill or worse. Nag Kath spent the first six weeks of the building season healing until he collapsed. It was a harsh reminder of how important this work was.
When the fever abated, it was time to move dirt. Two Mûmikils and their birth-handlers marched along the eastern side of the Anduin. These beasts were females, much smaller than the males seen a generation ago, and less likely to rages. Each of them had ten dedicated men to feed, house, clean and watch them at all times. Another eighty Haradrim came with them as laborers.
Several thousand citizens of the White City lined the western bank to watch their progress. It seemed the rare beasts were from the deep south of the country while the east produced the soldiers. In the dark days, the Easterlings demanded Mûmikils as tribute. These days, southern men made their own deals.
The huge animals' primary job this year was loading and storing materials coming upriver in a steady stream of barges or sailing craft. A large supply of the soil that can be mixed with gravel and water for mortar was sent from the desert. That had to be kept dry. By late May, almost five hundred men were toiling between Osgiliath and the Morgul Vale. Haradrim worked separately from the men of Gondor but when they crossed paths, they got along. Very few of either folk were old enough to remember much about the war.
Heinieth now had four primary assistants who were that in name only. They had their own area to work and enough authority to only need to meet about every other week at alternating sites. Vensin Xangorand was the Engineer in charge of the main line between the city and the source. Since this was the flattest and closest to both the road and the river, he built a trial trench of three hundred feet using different design, building techniques and materials.
There were five possibilities. Nag Kath did not know there was a bet when he was called to choose. Everyone's favorite was a lackluster third and a dark-horse invented by one of the diggers was selected. It was said up to three Florin changed hands that day. The digger got a bonus and a promotion.
In August the Mûmikils were reassigned to start carrying logs from the river along the route. Their handlers fiercely protected them and insisted they not be overloaded. The oliphaunts effortlessly dragged several trees at a time and never seemed to mind. It took a crew of ten just to bring them fodder and other things they liked to eat. Gondorans spoiled them with carrots or other roots found in the digging.
Winter seemed to be coming early this year if old knees are reliable. The Haradrim had intended to return south and come back in spring but thought better of it when camps were built with stoves and good food. For many men of both the west and south, this was better than home. About a hundred Gondorans stayed in camp as well. Most of the rest lived in Osgiliath or Minas Tirith and would not have far to travel.
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Year four, year 24 of the Fourth Age, was dry with no serious disease and good footing. In late April, two more Mumikils were brought with their crew of ten men each. Thinking the war far enough past, King Elessar had them visit the White City. Some folk hid under their beds but children were delighted to offer them hay that the creatures accepted with their tactile noses.
Nag Kath plied the road between the city and the waterfall and also spent time with Teldamir. Special items had to be brought or made now that they had a better idea of quantity and size. He would also spend some days just working in the sun on the most basic tasks to give him a feel for the pace.
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It was time to start working west from Farantie Rock. Engineer Forshbrand had an idea to erect stone pillars every twenty feet and build an arched wooden frame between them. Men on scaffolds then mortared rocks in place to form the permanent arch with keystones and build courses up to form the water chute. He built five of them and then moved the bracing from the first to the sixth. It was slow and dangerous at first but by the end of the season they could add a pillar every two days.
There were problems too. A landslide killed four men and injured a dozen. Prince Faramir came to console the wounded and give cheer to all. It was the policy that disabled men would receive two year's pay or the same money would go the family of those who died. Deaths were seldom but men lost hands and legs in such heavy work. These were not orcs or slaves who were worked until they dropped.
One of the more interesting meetings Nag Kath had that year was with Manager Sepulvath and representatives of West Osgiliath. Their difficulty was that the water would have to cross the river lower than the bridge, low enough that it would be hit by ship masts. They decided on a plan to attach an open metal chute to the bridge with a draw arm to raise it at the center arch at certain times or when a ship came along willing to pay a toll. The supply for the west would be the middle of three arms splaying from the rock. Crews were already surveying paths for both smaller arches and large stone holding tanks for pressure and to strain out sediment.
Towards the end of year four, Nag Kath had turned over most of the work to the engineers. Architecture was now more adjustments to designs in progress than new work. He still had to finish the waterfall designs. Master Thurgen had done that but the exact measurements would depend on how high the trench actually made it up the hill.
That gave Nag Kath more time in Minas Tirith …
… which changed his life considerably.