Chapter 7
Florice
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His friends were sure he needed a woman. He probably did. He just had not tried. Tal invited him to tea at a fashionable restaurant on the fifth level. They did this perhaps twice a year and he was in town at the right time.
When he arrived he saw Tal and Florice Murgrander had already been served. Mr. Murgrander was not included. He remembered Florice as attractive but with a second look she was stunning; tall, blonde, late twenties. She could have been an Elf but for a small scar on her chin that would have healed. As he joined them, Tal said, "Nag Kath, you remember Flor Murgrander, don't you?"
"Certainly. It is nice to see you, Mrs. Murgrander."
"Good afternoon, Mr. Kath."
"Please, just Nag Kath."
"All right, if you call me Flor."
Tal stage-managed the conversation masterfully touching on their travels, healing and bringing water to the thirsty. He said it was healing before it is needed – a stock phrase. Very few people knew he was in charge. Tal held forth on this and that. In passing, she described someone using a derogatory Dunnish epithet for men who favor men, not something a Mrs. Murgrander of the fifth-level would be expected to recognize. Nag Kath raised his eyebrow which was answered with Tal's impish smile.
Completing her charade as the finger cakes arrived, the matchmaker exclaimed, "Oh my, what is the time? I must be off! Mrs. Tippi will wonder what has become of me." She kissed Flor on the cheek and was gone.
Nag Kath wondered at the lovely Mrs. Murgrander's complicity. He gave her the benefit of the doubt, managing to ask, "Have you known Tal and Ectilliad long?" It was inoffensive and gave him time to survey the battlefield.
"She smiled demurely, "Not long before our dinner a few years ago. We met at a Syndolan party."
"Ah, in Dale we were known for our Syndolan Eve parties. To keep the neighbors from complaining we invited them. I have them here too."
"We?"
"I am widowed."
She sincerely said, "I am sorry. I didn't mean to … "
"Please, dear lady. We were speaking of gay celebrations."
They talked for a few minutes about gatherings. Then Flor said softly, "Tal told me you met after her mourning period ended at some sort of party." More softly, "She told me what you did for her."
"Yes, we had to make a quick retreat but all was well in the end."
"No, I mean what else you did for her. I …" Her nerves failed. She knew Tal's tea was a ruse to find her a man but this was happening too fast. "Perhaps I should go."
As she started to rise he held her hand and offered comfort; "Please stay."
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After a while they walked down the switchback to his house. Thankfully he made a fire before he left. Flor was clearly distraught. He sat her on the couch and watched her wring her hands in her lap. Tal hadn't given any hint if she organized this tryst for the benefit of one, the other or both. Nag Kath interpreted Tal's smile to imagine Florice took lovers or, like some ladies, had her maid help with needs. He would soon find out neither was the case. Her wedding night had not aroused her husband and she spent the last six years hoping the man would make her a woman.
Of course, his own love life was not legendary. Two women he either stayed with or tried to. Two were always temporary. Nag Kath put his arm around Flor. She cried in want and fear and shame. There was no bitterness, just loss. He let her sob. After she grew quiet, he applied a mild sleeping spell and stoked the fire before reviewing his notes at the table.
She woke at sunset saying in a small voice, "That was very kind of you. I'm told men are urgent and forceful in their passions."
He sat next to her and held her chin in his hand. "You were not ready. I suspect you have been treated coldly. You need warmth. Tal is a woman of great warmth. She must have thought I could help."
Flor smiled sweetly, rose elegantly and walked upstairs.
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Nag Kath stared at the ceiling. Oh Talereth, are you giggling right now? Flor was very still but not sleeping. She was not crying either. The late nine-bell snapped him out of his reverie. Once again, the habit of not starting stupid conversations saved him. Concern about her reputation almost had him ask if she needed to return home. That could also look like he could not wait to get her out the door. He solved that by rolling over and warming her again.
At the ten-bell she asked in a little girl voice, "Do you think I am pretty?"
"Very pretty."
She thought for a moment, "People have told me that and I think so too. That is why I do not understand why my husband does not find me attractive."
Oh dear! Tal might have mentioned that not all men are interested to the perplexed Mrs. Murgrander before tea. "Flor, I should think any man would be proud to be your husband. But some men are not capable of such feelings. It is not your fault."
Nag Kath thought she might start crying again but Flor became practical, "Father tried very hard to find me a good husband. In my family, such things were not discussed. It is a father's right to instruct. But da was so sick and I could not ask him." She turned to him, "Have I been foolish, Nag Kath?"
"No. But I think you should talk to Tal again. She is very sensitive about such things. And you must protect yourself. There are those who would not approve. I will not mention this." He paused a moment, "Must you go home?"
She bit her lip slightly before replying, "No, Hermad is in Osgiliath for a few days. He has friends there."
Nag Kath had no doubt of that. "Then you will stay here tonight. Tomorrow morning we will go see Tal."
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After one of his camp-style egg-fries, Nag Kath walked Flor to Tal's house. Mrs. Tippi opened the door and the changeling announced, "I think we're expected."
They were shown into the main room as the maid collected her mistress.
Tal wandered in with a yawn and smiled. Nag Kath gave Flor a kiss on the cheek and said cheerfully, "Tal is going to tell you all about me and men's tastes." Tal's eyes widened realizing turnabout is fair play. The amorous changeling added, "I'll be back in an hour."
It took about that long to go to the stationer on the third level and order more of the big size of paper. When he got back, either he would collect the confused blonde and life would be different or no one would answer the door and it would have been a lovely night. For some reason he whistled the toneless trail song from Orthanc.
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Flor's expression changed a dozen times in the twenty minute walk back to his house but she didn't utter a word. Tal gave him a knowing smile when they left so he imagined the women's conversation was thorough. Nag Kath hung her coat on the peg and went to warm the kettle. After adding more wood to the fire he joined Florice on the couch. She was sitting with her knees together and hands folded looking down. Slightly piqued she declared, "I cannot think why a man would have such thoughts."
It was better than; 'Tal told me you are a murderous orc.' Nag Kath suspected Flor was smarter than she was trained to appear. Sheltered girls in Dale often seemed dim until they blossomed with the right husband. If she had been handed from a man who would not say to another who could not do, there was no guarantee anyone else filled the gaps.
Now, what would he do with her? She was gloriously beautiful, she seemed to enjoy intimacy, however delayed, and she was sitting on his couch. He had nothing to fear from any man, let alone Hermad. Did either man want her? His life was more complicated too. No, a better word was dedicated. But his own desires (and Tal's mischievous good intentions) had placed Flor in this situation so he would stand by her until things became clearer. There was no time like the present, "Flor, has anyone has ever asked you what you want?"
Keeping her fingers locked in her lap she explained, "No. I was trained to be a good wife, keep a household and raise children. Now that does not seem possible. I will go home. Hermad is a kind man and has never beaten me. I suspect he will not mind if I leave. But I have no money of my own so I will return for now. My lady's maid must be sore worried at the hour."
As she rose to get her coat she said, "You have been very kind … and warm. And you are involved in this intrigue …" the thought brought an attractive smile "… not entirely of your making. I will be the better for this. Thank you for a lovely time. Goodbye, Nag Kath."
If there was ever a time to be noble, this was it. "You can stay here, Flor. I make no demands on you. You can ask yourself what you want and have time to answer." There, that wasn't so hard. He added, "If you like, fetch your woman and bring her here. I have plenty of space." He could see her weighing if that was going from the frying pan into the fire. Her face flushed a little thinking of last night. Nag Kath was not so vain as to think that would tip the scale, but there wasn't much competition.
She smiled, "I will get my things and bring her with me. It is probably better if you do not help. Some mystery as to my whereabouts might be wise. When Hermad returns I will tell him my decision. That is only right and I am not afraid." He helped her into her coat.
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Flor expected her maid to be beside herself but the woman had wondered for years what took the girl so long. Cook Flula and houseman Yves would stay. Yves was seventy four and had been a Murgrander family retainer since he was sixteen. He kissed her like a daughter, certain they would see each other once this upset was behind them. She took nothing of Hermad's or of theirs. It was a clean break. Not a strong writer, Flor tried several notes before asking Yves to explain.
It would still take two man-carts two trips to haul her clothes and personal items. On the first round, the carters stopped at the first floor. It was unlocked so they walked into the large, empty room. Miss Penula Börndal turned all the way around and said, "We have work to do, my dear." Pen was forty one and looked fifty. Retained just after the Murgrander wedding, she was devoted to her sweet girl. Nag Kath heard the noise below and walked downstairs saying, "Not much to do down here." Then he walked outside to tell the bearers to use the next door up.
Flor introduced Penula who gave Nag Kath a suspicious but optimistic glower before following the master of the house upstairs. This floor was almost as empty but for unused furniture and sketches stuck in the wall plaster with little nails. He told the cautious lady's maid, "We can use a woman's touch here too."
Ever the host, Nag Kath said, "Miss Börndal, you have a choice of rooms. There is this one here …" he walked to quarters next to the kitchen. To Penula it seemed a luxury suite. Nag Kath had the builder repeat the quarters in Dale with the kitchen stove in a common wall for warmth. It sported a comfortable mattress with a real bed under it, basin, dresser and wardrobe. To keep her from claiming it too quickly he said, "Or come upstairs."
This room was slightly larger without a stove but got eastern light overlooking the street. The women took a quick look before he walked them one room over. "Flor, I hope this will do." It was the guest room and as large as her sleeping quarters at home but roughly appointed. There was a door between the two rooms if used either for a maid or a child. Neither woman expected a room for Flor. Penula was under the impression her mistress was running to a handsome lover after admitting that Hermad was, well, never mind. She hoped this pretty boy wasn't one of the same. For her part, Flor remembered being told of men's lustful ways and she was still sore from last night. How was it possible that he would not force himself upon her?
The man-cart pullers were anxiously waiting below until Pen told them to take her mistress' mountains of clothes to the upstairs room and fetch the rest. Mrs. Murgrander had a few kitchen items and remembrances of home or gifts Hermad gave her over the years. Nag Kath watched Flor from the balcony. She floated a little like Eniece. Was he drawn to women with Elvish qualities? They seemed to find him. He was only attracted to women who were attracted to him. That was Elvish. At times she reminded him of the statues in Rivendell. Elves always chiseled the same face on their Quenda. Humans have more expressions.
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Miss Börndal immediately became the organizer of all things. The second man-cart loads were placed with military precision. When later that night it was apparent Flor would only need her quarters to store dresses. Penula took the room downstairs with the stove in the wall.
Nag Kath hadn't thought this out with his usual deliberation. He suddenly remembered the joys of companionship. He was drawn to her physically. That seemed to be mutual. Somehow he knew he was forgetting something.
Penula was a fifth-level lady's maid. Those skills did not include hauling firewood in from the street vendors or edible meals. Flor could cook a little if you didn't mind eating meat every night. Cook Deltra returned two days later after caring for her valetudinarian sister. A married woman with two grown children, she did not want to live-in full-time but would stay on until they could make other arrangements. Nag Kath slipped her a couple silvers to ease her retirement.
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It was time to work. He sat with Flor at the dining table while Miss Börndal was shopping with Deltra. This had to be prefaced correctly. She was not a woman for hire. "Flor, I am glad you and Penula are here. It is painfully obvious we need help." He poured a handful of silvers and nippers on the table and said, "I would like you to keep the household. Decorate the place as you like. Don't bother with the first floor. What you don't spend is yours, without reservation. I said I place no demands on you and I meant it. If you find this is not what you want, you are free to go with my love. And there should be enough there to speak with a notary about ending your marriage contract with Mr. Murgrandar. I suspect he will want to keep the reasons quiet."
Flor had never seen so much money! Her father had none. Hermad managed the finances. This must be three Florin! How was this possible? Who was this creature? Men did not do such things! None of the wives in her society were trusted with more than purse money. She tried to say 'thank you' but no sound came.
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It was quite a week! He now had a woman he hardly knew living in his home, with her maid. Nag Kath needed to talk with Tal to see if she arranged this for diversion or permanence. First he had to put a few things to bed in Osgiliath.
When he arrived there was a stomach complaint sweeping through the city. It was more embarrassing than lethal, but a goodly number of the city crew was inconvenienced. Forshbrand was very sick and his right hand man Talfurmir was little better. The Elf rode over to the healing district for valdish leaves. When mixed with ocre-root in tea and a mild binding spell it slowed things down. He went to his usual shop. The Dalish 'closed' sign at the store down the street was still hanging. While the man was weighing the herbs, Nag Kath played the yokel by asking, "Induced healing? Whatever is that?"
The fellow looked up and grinned, "Tell me and we'll both know. Hardly ever see the woman. That will be nine groats for both."
Even strong tea at regular intervals takes a couple days to work so Nag Kath stayed in the barracks sidestepping men sprinting to the outhouse. The two surveyors had high fevers needing several applications to pull the heat. Word of the infirmity spread so Xangorand's survey crew on the Neussan stayed in camp but sent word that they had the height for the gate of the chute below the waterfall.
Nag Kath rode to them, which was appreciated. The Dwarf numbers were always contingent on having the aqueduct rise from the city since the drop from the mountain was the only end that could be changed. Thurgin estimated one hundred twenty feet from the lower pool over the first quarter mile. It was more like two hundred. That was not a problem since they could put the collection pond almost anywhere in those rocks. That would be a good winter project. He was gone a week.
Arriving home was a surprise. Deltra decided her windfall of silvers was as much as she would ever need and let the Kath women choose their own help. The redoubtable Miss Börndal hired a maid/cook named Turnlie Olar. She was a hefty woman of about the same age as Penula. Fat cooks were considered auspicious. These fourth and fifth-level housekeepers kept an eye on openings and when the woman's employer moved to the Anduin, she was not out of work two days before coming to the Kath household. The cooking smells rivaled Aleurn's in Dale. Like most cooks, she slept in the kitchen to stay warm.
Flor was even lovelier now that she wasn't crying. Pen and Turnlie kept the place up while Flor decorated. There were Khandian rugs on the cold floor. Sconces and candle-stands were placed where humans needed light. Their bed had a very cozy comforter. She had even purchased perforated copper boxes to hold flowers and scents for the privy closets. Nothing was extravagant or expensive, just tasteful.
She was happy to see him and listened to his stories of hither and yon with genuine interest. As he got to know her better, he realized she had done this with Hermad. Somehow he imagined their lives completely apart. She went home four days before to talk to him. The Furrier accepted her decision but asked that the cause stated in sundering the marriage contract be shown as barrenness. She was about to protest but agreed for his sake.
Nag Kath and Flor took up where they left off upstairs with the same enthusiasm. While he was away she had overdue conversations with her older sister. Erneille Gouldson did not have her sister' looks. Her father arranged a marriage to a prosperous cobbler on the second level. Unlike many in that situation, they fell in love and had two dear children now ten and four. Erneille had been reluctant to cause friction in her sister's queer marriage but now that the girl was released, she gladly explained things any woman should know. Would Nag Kath like to meet them?
High hill folk seldom mix with the lower levels socially. They did in business, certainly, but not after work. She found it awkward to ask Nag Kath if she could invite them to dinner because he was known to Lords and seemed ever so important. More quietly, he was an incipient wizard. As the last living Uruk-hai, his standards weren't as lofty as most supposed. And yes, he would love to dine with her family.
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But first, they must come to the Syndolan Eve Party! Mr. Fobe was poorly, temporarily, he assured the Elf, but he would advise now that there was proper staff. Flor glowed at being named the Syndolan Neurae, or hostess. She was not a kept woman meant to stay out of sight. Flor was a respectable person whose circumstances had changed. She was here, he was glad of that, and this was probably as good a way as any to let the world know. Making the guest list was the first time he saw her leave her old life behind. Many of the people she knew were through Hermad. Until that was sorted, she would only invite those who accepted her for herself.
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It was the best Syndolan Eve gala in the White City! Nag Kath printed the lyrics to traditional songs so those not from here or of different races could sing along with the musicians. Ambassador Took, Mr. Higgenboth and their wives came along with two other Hobbit friends. There were eight Dwarves, though not at the same time. The King and Prince did not attend, even though they were always invited first. But everyone else showed-up. Pen hired a woman to help Turnlie in the kitchen making all of the finger foods. Nag Kath even convinced her to try Elvish waybread, though it was lacking essential ingredients that could not be had for love or money. With spiced chickpea spread on top, no self-respecting Elf would touch it.
Having a hostess on his arm was new to almost everyone but they weren't surprised. These two looked like they belonged together. She and her Elf sang and danced. She brought the Hobbits the tan ale they like and sang and danced with them. Flor and Tal spent some time together leaving Ecc and Nag Kath to speak with Master Cuhndar, the Dwarf toy maker. Importantly, the host made a point of talking with Flor's sister Erneille and her husband Waldor, dressed in their holiday best. Everyone was so nice to them! They left early so they could watch the King's fireworks with their little ones. Flor looked very thoughtful at that notion and kissed them home.
At nine they all walked outside to watch the fireworks. The King did himself proud. The night was unseasonably warm so they stayed for the presentation and then continued inside until around eleven. In Dale you had to throw people out at the two-bell but in Minas Tirith, folks wanted to be home by high-night.
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Waving goodbye to the last, Nag Kath asked Flor, "Did your sister have a good time?"
"Yes. She does not drink spirits but enjoys good company. Thank you for letting them come."
"They were as welcome as everyone else."
"They left early to be with the boys for the fireworks. The young one is old enough to remember them this year."
Nag Kath sensed sadness in her. Walking upstairs he said, "Something is troubling you. Please tell me."
"I felt her love for them. With Hermad I hoped to love my own. I had put that aside but it comes to me again. Please forgive me. This is my own sorrow."
Nag Kath laid her on the bed and took her shoes off but then curled next to her still in their party clothes. He asked himself again if he was being fair. She had been plucked from a difficult situation to a better one but she had not had nearly enough time to ask, let alone answer, the question of what she truly wanted. If it was babies, he could not help. She knew his relationships had not fathered them. Flor did not say another word that night. He was also sure that she did not fully comprehend his heritage.
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He was in his chair when she woke with a lazy stretch. He joined her in bed and asked, "Did you have a good time? Everyone enjoyed meeting you."
"Yes, I did. You know more people than I thought. Someday you must tell me about them."
"Aye, I will. Now, you are the Syndolan Neurae. What would you like to do?"
"Seeing Erneille reminded me of a garden da used to take us for picnics on the sixth. I haven't been since I married." Flor wondered if she should mention her marriage but decided the Elf wouldn't mind. He didn't. "I should like to go there. It will be cold and all the flowers gone, but that is what I would like to do."
"Very well. Shall we see if there is any breakfast?"
"Mmmmm, breakfast can wait."
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Dressed warmly, Nag Kath and Florice walked up the switchback to the cheater-stair leading to the fifth and then stayed on the path to the sixth gate. There were private homes here but they all belonged to people who worked for the crown or were homes for embassy staff. Most of this area was administrative offices for the governance of the realm. On Syndolan Day it was deserted. The gate was open but the sentries were in the kiosk around the little stove. One of them recognized Nag Kath and waved them through. Flor thought they were just being friendly.
Her little garden had pleasant shrubs arranged in a star pattern with a view to the north. They walked the path to stay warm and had turned to leave when they heard the clatter of hooves. The gate to the seventh opened and two riders trotted out looking over the only large flat area on this level. Nag Kath recognized them as the vans of the King's personal guard.
Aragorn was coming.
Two more riders emerged and then a group of six with the King in front. Flor froze until her man said, "Bow, just like me." She did.
At the Lord's signal, the company stopped a hundred feet away with him approaching alone. The commoners bowed again and Elessar said, "Nag Kath, my friend. What brings you out here on this cold day?"
That was the first time the King had called him friend. His friend replied, "We came to see the garden. Sire, may I present Mrs. Florice Murgrander, nee Gouldson. Flor, this is King Elessar Telcontar."
The King bowed from his horse and said, "It is a pleasure, Mrs. Murgrander. Any relation to Horald Gouldson of the fifth foot?"
Flor was not used to addressing royal persons generally and not ones who knew her family, but she had been trained to maintain her composure, "Indeed, My Lord. He was my father."
"He was a brave man and we are a great nation for men like him."
Flor flushed visibly and said softly, "Thank you, Sire."
Then, to his lady's abject horror, Nag Kath joked, "You missed quite a party!"
"What, again?! I had a little gathering myself."
"I should say. The fireworks were exceptional this year."
Aragorn considered that and asked, "I don't suppose Gandalf told you how to make those green ones in Orthanc?"
"I watched him mix the powders but not what they were. He thought the red Nazgul were his crowning achievement. I need to tell you about those. We had many guests. Where else does one find Hobbits dancing and Dwarves singing Syndolan songs? On a more practical note; I got the measurements for Lord Gimli's cascade last week."
The King rubbed his chin in famous fashion and said, "Good. Come by on Thursday and let me know how that is going. Mrs. Murgrander, I hope we see more of you." Both of them bowed as Aragorn waved his troop up and joined the vans at the sixth gate.
Walking back down the hill Flor was agitated and kept looking at Nag Kath before finally blurting, "You chide our liege for not coming to our party?!"
"Someone has to."
That took a moment to register. Then a smile bloomed on her face followed by a ladylike giggle. They never teach these society women how to laugh correctly.
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Year five started much like year four. The crew working on the main trench continued as they had. The men closer to Osgiliath kept a steady pace of pillars and arches towards the rock. They should nearly be there by winter. Now it was time to bring the water down the mountain.
The extra distance to move the water was trickier than just tossing a rock down the hill. All of the streams from the vale flowed into the center becoming the Neussan. They had to get a sizeable flow from the south side of the mountain to the west. Most of the way it would do that on its own but in a few places, the true course was back to the Neussan. A hundred experienced laborers were "borrowed" from the main line and a hundred new men got in each others' way replacing them. First the old-hands rocked-in a chute through the crags. Some was natural. Some needed mortared sides. It would take them the rest of the building season.
There was excellent news from Emyn Arnen. The Lady Éowyn bore a fine, strong baby boy. He was promptly named Elboron and was said to favor his da. That kept Prince Faramir at home but Nag Kath was away from Minas Tirith more than he had been since year two, mostly at the mountain. He got home every couple weeks for a few days, sometimes longer. Flor was settling in. When he was home they enjoyed each other's company. This year that included the Feast of Tellarian. He and Flor joined Tim and Marie at the same building as his first Feast. The place had changed hands, décor and clientele several times since then but the mood was the same on this festive day. And just as before, a beautiful woman took him by the arm for an evening of enchantment. They occasionally visited private dance clubs near Flor's old home. She was learning to relax. It took her a while to realize that Nag Kath demanded nothing of her. She wasn't sure she liked that. Their intimacy was voluntary and enjoyed. Flor was starting to see friends from the fifth. In Dale, the Elf was called a Marrying-Man since he enjoyed that state. This was close. Years of constant work and solitude were melting the walls he built around himself after losing Eniece. He owed that to his new woman.
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Four days after the Feast, a letter arrived for her at his home from her notary. The terms of the separation were explained and if she would sign it, the document would be registered by the city clerk.
Divorces were much easier here than in Dale where separations needed a public stating of cause why the solemn agreement was sundered, something to do with Northman clan customs. Here, the parties only had to understand their rights. In this case, there were none. She made no claim and he had no dowry to return. Most folk had no paperwork at all. This was only needed if the marriage had been registered and because in this land, women could own property.
Flor was not quite sure how she felt about that. Her life had been dedicated to marriage, any marriage. She was free. That had never been part of the path. They cuddled on the couch and Nag Kath asked her again what she wanted. He was not sure if the tears were of relief or trepidation. Nag Kath never knew how women could cry and smile at the same time. Regaining her composure she said she wanted to stay.
Nag Kath held his chin in the most kingly of manners and said slowly, "Then I would very much like you to become my wife." She nodded and cried some more.
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There wasn't much reason to wait. He suggested his Dale model of a small ceremony followed by a party they could leave anytime. Fifth-level ladies know all the wedding planners and she had to choose one to the disappointment of the rest. Attractive couples with money were not the norm. Tim was drafted as Groom's Man and Erneille was Flor's Bride's Sayer. Magister Súvien pronounced them man and wife and it was done. They slipped out the hall before the third cask was tapped.
Nag Kath was away most of the next two months but then he hit a lull. Everyone was doing what they were supposed to. Except for overnight trips to Osgiliath, he spent his time with his new wife. Sometimes they went to the dance clubs near her old home. She liked that very much and was well coordinated.
Unfortunately, that earned her riding lessons. She had never been on a horse in her life. They frightened her with their bulk and huge eyes. He appreciated that but eventually they would travel so this was not negotiable. Minas Tirith was big enough to have one female instructor who specialized in teaching sidesaddle and astride to women of station. And just as with Eniece, Flor came home sore and accepted his healing of tender areas but that got him no further.
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Nag Kath started exercising again. Once or twice a week when he was home, he would run or ride to the archery range on the Pelennor. It was on a barren little patch of ground so far from the gates that only a fool would get behind the straw sheaves. Militia training had ended a month before but the best men stayed sharp. His skill was appreciated, especially when he emptied half his quiver in seconds. Several Lieutenants said if he was in town he should join them for next year's practice.
Regaldin had some admirers too. A Captain of Horse trotted by when he was shooting and called, "That is a handsome mount. Is he from Lossanarch?"
"Nay, Captain. I got him in Dale and owned his father too. He is mostly Rohan working lines with some of the local breeds mixed in along the way."
The Captain drawled loud enough to be heard, "Well, I am sure these fellow are trying to enlist you in their company, but if you would prefer to raise your sights above lowly archers, be sure to speak with Lieutenant Galveese about the Fourth Mounted Lancers!"
That got the Captain some comparisons with the back of his horse from stout men of the bow. It was all in good humor and the cavalryman rode back to join his troop with a wave. On the same day next week, a party of riders cantered across the plain. Two of them peeled-off and approached the archers who were returning from the targets and trading coins after measuring hits. Captain Bessandol recognized Regaldin and brought his King over for a look. Archers bowed and waited.
"Ah, Nag Kath. I hope you aren't fleecing these poor fellows!"
"Nay, Sire. They won't bet me."
"That shows they are both brave and wise." A compliment to the fighters and they appreciated it. "Please, good fellows, attend your practice. We are the safer for it." The men bowed, smiled and went back to the draw line with winks and nods for the next round of wagers.
The King swung in the saddle and said, "Captain, this is the man who brings fresh water to your people in Osgiliath." Back to Nag Kath he commented, "A Dalish horse. He is a beauty. Fiori here is also mostly Rohirric stock." Changing his tone slightly so as not aggregate beauties, "And how is the lovely Mrs. Mac … forgive me, the woman in the garden?"
"She is now Mrs. Kath, My Lord."
The King grinned and said, "That is splendid. Why don't you bring her to the palace on Thursday for lunch?"
"We would be honored, Sire."
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After seeing to Regaldin's care, Nag Kath walked into his house and hung the bow and quiver on their pegs away from the sunlight. Then he gave his bride a hug and asked, "What are you doing on Thursday?"
"Denielle and I are going to look at the new laces in from Rohan. Those ladies are so clever."
"You might want to put that off a day. The King invited us to lunch."
Flor made a face like the whisker-fish when they are taken from the water. That was followed by a pair of blinks and a dozen questions asked at great speed about where, when, who and other things he did not know. He did know they would receive instruction, probably by the end of the day, outlining everything she asked. The kitchen, which should have been noisy preparing the evening meal, was silent as the depths, no doubt with ears straining to hear the slightest sound from the main room.
To answer one of her questions, Nag Kath casually offered, "Oh just any old dress, I suppose. It is only lunch." There was no possibility a new garment could be made that fast, but like even the highest ladies of the land, her dresses were designed to be re-cut and resewn several times for fit and occasion. Nag Kath thought she looked stunning in anything she wore.
.
Two hours later, the house was still dead quiet with Nag Kath doodling some water contraption and Flor at the same table with forks and spoons three wide on both sides of a plate trying to remember which was used for which food. Occasionally she would look up at her useless husband, sigh and return to the place setting. Just when she was ready to burst, there was a knock. Pen was at the door like a duck on a hurn beetle. She walked over and handed the lady of the house a letter, addressed to Mrs. Kath, with the royal protocol for Thursday which answered every question she hurled at her insouciant orc.
Flor was a slow reader and read it three times before saying, "You knew this was coming, didn't you?"
Without looking up from his sketch, and with a face that the finest Dukks players show when they hold consecutive cards in the dragon suit, he grunted, "If it is the Groather boy, I'm still happy with Troxald's leathers."
Pen stood by Florice like Nag Kath used to when he had given an Uruk Captain orders from above in case there were questions or excuses. The women looked at each other and shook their heads.
.
_~ / ~ / ~ / ~ / ~-_
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The man-cart was waived through to a palace side entrance. Flor had never been inside and only outside for occasional music or dance exhibitions. An attendant took them to the private room and made them comfortable. Their Highness' arrived a few minutes later and allowed the Kath's time to rise and bow before all four took their places.
Arwen always impressed. She could not make a bad face. Elves are hard to read. They might be able to tell plain as day among themselves. He would never gamble with them. The King aged very slowly but he had a few more gray hairs. It seemed odd for the most famous Man and Elf couple to be sitting with the exact opposite pairing.
Aragorn opened with, "Thank you for coming, and congratulations on your marriage. Mrs. Kath, may I present my Lady Wife, Queen Arwen Undómiel."
Flor had gotten over her nerves and replied, "I am pleased to meet your Highness'. Thank you for your invitation."
Arwen calmed, "You are most welcome. My husband wanted to thank Nag Kath for his vision of bringing bring fresh water from the mountains." Turning to Nag Kath she added, "I understand the work is going well."
He rejoined, "Thank you, My Lady. It has gone well, although it is hard to judge day-by-day."
Arwen actually seemed friendly, "I would be interested to learn how you shone like a silver statue standing in the river."
"Ah, that! I was given a gift from the Wild Huntsman of Dunland in healing. Different races and humors have their own colors. Dark forces show as greenish black. Years ago I tested rivulets in Mirkwood and found two bad ones. The headwater stream was pure. Alas, we may need to wait for Minas Morgul."
Flor asked him, "You turned color?"
"Yes, but just my own."
She would pursue that later and turned to both of her hosts, "Nag Kath told me you are both healers as well. Sire, you helped my father recover from wounds after Morannon. He always thought kindly of your aid."
"We were fortunate to have his courage in the line." That made Flor very proud. Da had to resign his commission because of those wounds. She had never heard him praised as a warrior.
.
They talked about this and that. Nag Kath was glad to see Flor hold her own with grace and humor. As dessert was served, the King admitted, "I need to return to a little business, Nag Kath. You said you saw Radagast a few years back. Is he still in western Mirkwood?"
"He was then, Sire, but he expected to be out and about through the forest."
"Is that how you would find him?"
Nag Kath replied, "Aye. He decides if and when to appear. I waited better than a week in the same camp. He would have been watching me for some of that. We know each other better now and he bade me welcome again."
"I may need you to try in the spring. We have seen old troubles that may fall to his talents, a malady of the mind."
The women were dead quiet; Arwen expecting this and Flor out of her depth. Nag Kath put his elbows on the table and leaned towards his liege asking, "Slow failing health and persons not seeming themselves?"
Arwen said levelly, "You know something."
Nag Kath muttered, "Just a river away from old foes." He looked to the royals and said clearly, "That is more a matter for healers than wizards. I will make a few inquiries. May I suggest we share a cup of wine with Colonel Rosscranith?"
.
Flor maintained perfect poise until the moment her shapely bottom hit the man-cart seat. "Nag Kath, whatever is happening?"
He said gravely, "My dear, you only know me as a mild-mannered public servant who does parlor tricks. That is how I want the world to see me. But I have been a very dangerous creature. I may have to be dangerous again." He paused for a moment watching his breath fog in front of him. "I need to ask some questions and then go to Osgiliath for a few days. Please, do not fret. All will be well."
She leaned her head on his shoulder as they rattled down the switchbacks.