Chapter 12
Fellowship
.
This section of the book is supported by the maps; Middle-earth Large, and Arnor along with the maps of the first chapters. /gallery/jHPlDU8
.
Nag Kath traveled light. He was fully armed with his sword and bow but carried few clothes, some gold, Lembas and rain-gear. A new art tube replaced the one from Quastille. He was never armored. That would not seem like a good idea in a rain of arrows but he did not need it in hand-to-hand combat.
On the appointed day he waited at the switchback on the fourth until the royal train arrived. Lord Aragorn's escort was smaller than his first visit as King. There were a dozen riders accompanying him from the seventh and they would be met by a two dozen more on the first plus animals carrying tents, provisions and other royal essentials. Not all were soldiers. Vundar of the Purse was along and Nag Kath knew him well. There were others skilled in lore or diplomacy. A scribe with experience in treaties was in the saddle along with cooks, an armorer and the King's travel handman. Nag Kath fell in with the first body after letting the vans pass.
King Elessar moved fast. This was a chance for younger members of the court to shine but they had better keep up. He did not push the horses. There was breakfast and dinner with occasional breaks along the way for relief or fresh water. Often the King would chat briefly with his people watching in awe from the side of the road. Occasionally Nag Kath spoke with the Lord but mostly he stayed to the escort. All of them carried swords but alternated with lance and bow. The royal progress arrived in Edoras seven days later, the same time it took Nag Kath riding alone.
The King and his advisors would stay with King Éomer for three days. Everyone else slept in the tents. As it happened, Nag Kath had the offer of a bed in a more modest part of town. Dornlas was out on an errand but Annlie invited him inside for tea as an old friend. Tomorrow night there was to be a feast for the entire company but he was theirs tonight and two days hence. One of their twins married two years ago. The other still lived here but was serious about Fellingas, a nice young officer in the King's Guard. She worked in a store run by one of her parent's lessees.
Dornlas walked in after admiring the steed tied to the rail. Just as the last time, he gave the Elf a crushing hug and insisted on something stronger than tea. That was mostly for show since neither of them drank much. When Torenne got home after work, the women saw to a splendid fish dinner with greens and fresh loaves. Nag Kath thought very fondly of being able to see folk who were important in his life, as he was in theirs. He did not age in body but his mind had fully matured. He felt himself of an age with Dornlas and all the friends he made over the years. After the last year in Minas Tirith, he needed friends.
Nothing in Edoras every worked quite as planned. In the morning he and Dornlas were drinking tea on the porch in their stocking feet when a familiar Lieutenant rode down and dismounted. Dornlas called out, "Top of the mornin' Fellingas. You're up with the chickens."
"With royal visitors we are at beck and call, Dornlas."
Torenne wandered out on the porch at the commotion and smiled at the young officer. She had her mother's looks, which was a blessing. Fellingas was a bit self-conscious. She asked him, "Can I get you hot tea?"
"Nay, fair lady. This is official. Lord Kath; the King and Queen would like a word before the banquet. Could you attend them at quarter of the six-bell this evening?"
Nag Kath said, "Thank you Lieutenant. Please tell their Highnesses I would be honored."
The three on the porch watched in agony for the young man to say something else to the waiting Torenne but all he could manage was, "Thank you, sir. Dornlas, your family is welcome too. This will be a gathering in the old style." As he was riding back to the Meduseld, both men looked at the daughter who calmly sipped her tea and drifted back inside.
Dornlas, Annlie and Torenne walked with Nag Kath into the Golden Hall. They were early but the room was already filling. An assistant chamberlain showed Nag Kath to the royal quarters which were located behind the throne. He was seated at a small table. Ale was brought but he would not touch it until raised in toast to his hosts.
Not long after, the King and Queen entered and dismissed the door guards. Nag Kath rose and bowed. King Éomer said, "My Lady, this is Nag Kath, recently of Gondor." The Elf bowed again. "Please, be seated."
Queen Lothíriel looked a great deal like her brother Erchirion of Dol Amroth. It was said their son looked very much like her father Prince Imrahil. She said gently, "Thank you for joining us, Lord Kath."
"I am honored, My Lady."
"It is I who am honored. You did my family a great service in saving my brother and possibly my father at risk to yourself. I am pleased to thank you in person."
Nag Kath graciously accepted the compliment and admitted, "I have not kept-up with the south. I hope all goes well with Lord Erchirion and his family."
"It has been some months since I last heard but his girls are strong and fine. He is restored and beloved once again." The Queen added with a little mirth, "And I understand the healer you left behind cannot retire for all of the lordly business coming her way."
That brought the Nag Kath grin, "I should imagine, Your Highnesses! Mrs. Hürna was probably the strongest of her kind left among free peoples. She will be safe in your father's fair land."
Éomer said almost as a question, "Not the strongest, perhaps."
"I am a work in progress, My Lord."
The Lady asked, "What did you do for my brother?"
"He had been influenced by two witches working in concert, much as Saruman had confounded My Lord's kingly uncle. I interrupted their lines of power and Mrs. Hürna completed his treatment since she was the expert in restoration. Your Lord father's men watched where the witches were joined and discovered they were hired by a man of the court seeking to elevation his position."
Éomer then said, "And you brought water to the people as you said."
"Yes sir. I think of that as healing beforehand. I am sure King Elessar has told you but your Lady Sister is well and sends her regards." Prince Faramir would be in Minas Tirith now as Steward until the King's return.
The King then asked, "My dear, have I told you about the wargs?"
Gently; "Many times, my love. We should join the others." With that they rose and walked into the Golden Hall.
.
King Elessar Telcontar, his officers and staff were already there as were a dozen Lords of the Mark, some with wives. Unlike Gondor, ranking women seldom traveled the great distances necessary to get here on relatively short notice. The King's main properties were but two hours away and he spent more time in the capital than many of his predecessors.
The hall of Meduseld wore many hats. It was the throne room, the largest meeting hall in the Kingdom, seat of justice for a variety of grievances and could hold a grand party. Large tables were scattered throughout the room. Other than the royal dais, people sat where they wanted. Ale casks were at convenient tables with what must be the entire stock of mugs in the county. Before everyone sat for the meal, Nag Kath asked Dornlas if Captain Altheras' family was represented.
The lanky soldier-turned-landlord answered, "Aye, I saw his grandson, at least, I think it was him, looks like his grandmother if that helps." In a land of tall men, their own height did not help in surveying the crowd. "We don't generally mix socially but if I see him again, I'll mention you. Look for the same Landsdown gorget patches on his collar." Nag Kath saw Torenne talking with friends. She caught his gaze but did not respond. When a tall soldier brought her a mug he realized that was the twin sister. Dornlas took a swig, "I know. I can't tell them apart either."
Nag Kath wandered about looking for older wounded men but did not see any. He did run into Captain Altheras saying, "Excuse me, sir. I am Nag Kath and was known to your grandfather after the war. He was very kind to me."
The man did favor his elegant grandmother. Reaching out his hand he said, "Delthanas Whormandal, at your service, Nag Kath. Forgive me; I do not recall how you met."
"I was in the party that returned from the White City all those years ago. Your grandfather gave me a sword upon reaching Edoras and I value it greatly."
"Yes, now I remember him saying so. You are aging well, sir."
Nag Kath brushed his hair behind his ear. Wormandal nodded his understanding and said, "You were the one with the wargs."
It would take several more generations for that story to become a legend. Nag Kath asked, "I also drew a picture of the mountains across the plain here. Has that survived?"
The Captain's eyes brightened as he exclaimed, "Yes! That has an honored position in the great room. Every time I come here I look at the view in remembrance."
"Then it lives on." They talked for a time with the usual offer to visit when one or the other was close. Nag Kath mentioned he was returning to a home in Dale after a long absence. Dale was much in conversation here. As separate kingdoms with friendly Gondor between, they had become major trading partners in what was now called the Reunited Peace.
.
The royals and dignitaries found their places at the head but remained standing as King Éomer raised a fine goblet. The Hall went silent, "Lords, Ladies, friends and patriots, I present to you King Elessar Telcontar of Gondor and Arnor!"
That brought a deafening thunder of cheers and applause. Éomer continued, "He is come today with his noble host to celebrate our victory together and look to great things in our future!"
Aragorn waited until the din died. He was not as good as bellowing as his brother King but was still effective in a crowd, "Thank you for coming and sharing our festivities. Memories made then and now from the courage and love between our peoples will live on for an age!"
.
Edorans could punish the pantry as well as anyone in Middle-earth. Nag Kath sat with Dornlas talking old times and watching Torenne bat her eyelashes at bashful young men. The Lieutenant had better make his move soon. When the last course was done, folk began mingling again or leaving for an early start in the morning. Aragorn remembered and greeted many of the men who came to Gondor's aid, including Dornlas who was wounded at Morannon. The gray hairs and no hairs were here tonight.
The next day was uneventful so folk could recover from the Rohan red. As was his habit, King Elessar let half of his men enjoy while the other half stood guard. They alternated events. Nag Kath was invited up to the hall again on the day of their departure to be fared well by the King and Queen. She had a special smile for her brother's sake. Nag Kath got a closer look at Prince Elfwine, who did indeed look like his grandfather Imrahil.
Two days later they rode to the Deep. Nag Kath should have gotten a chill in his spine from this place but it hadn't bothered him either time. He thought of it as where Regaldin got lucky. Aragorn took a late lunch with the Provost Marshall but his purpose here was to see Gimli who had splendid meals planned himself. Most of the escort was billeted in the Deeping Halls as the King, his ministers and Nag Kath were shown inside the Glittering Caves, no waiting, no surly junior Dwarves this time. Again a splendid time was had with feasting and Durin's Folk's version of the malted beer. It seems beer is brewed cold and there are always cold places in the deep. The Elf did get a few minutes with Gimli and presented him a sketch of the waterfall showing a stone inscribed in his honor. Thurgin was also there and lauded among both peoples.
This was only a two-day affair. On the second morning, Nag Kath asked the King if they would be stopping in Isengard. At first Aragorn wondered if the Elf did not want to go. It can't have been a place of warm associations. To reassure his architect he said, "No, we will send a runner out today bringing the Provost to the Gap for discussions."
The famed grin emerged before he said, "Then may I suggest the man have a look through the stores? Gandalf kept his firework powders boxed in the kitchen, well away from flames. I do not think he took them when he left. I can write the markings." Nag Kath thought for a moment and added, "It would help if the man can read and under no circumstance should he inspect it by torch."
Aragorn smiled as well and asked Nag Kath to do so with haste as the trooper would ride shortly. When the cortege reached the Gap, the Provost reported finding the small, strong crate. It was to stay where it was until the King passed this way again or be sent to Minas Tirith if His Lordship took another route. The man did bring two bags of each color back as Nag Kath asked.
One of the first bridges built after the war was a joint project between Aragorn and Éomer across the Isen. Now almost twenty five years old, it was in superb condition, anchored in solid rock on either side over a chasm slightly upstream of the old ford. Crossing it brought him to a land of memory. He learned to fish here, was threatened by the Huntsman. He saved the Durgan cousins and met Tal.
This was no hard fight. Farmers lined the roads as the procession came by, throwing spring flowers in their path. There were still hillmen, but they stayed to their hills in pockets above and below the Meados holdings. Trum Dreng was even more prosperous and of enough size that the King agreed to a stately dinner.
.
They arrived early which gave Nag Kath time to ride the streets and recall events that lived in his mind. The granary was now divided into shops but the little loading compound was still there. The cobbler's had a weaving sign out front. To his relief, the mayor was not named Cathad and no middle-aged men burned their stares through him. The Elf did ask if Elf Slippers were still the pride of the town and was assured they were but he was a month early.
Just when he thought he got away clean, a tall, stately man arrived late and made his obeisance to the King before sitting five chairs from Nag Kath. It was Captain Marchand. The Elf leaned over his dinner and caught the man's eye. Marchand's hearty grin emerged and he called, "By thunder! It is the Scourge of the Revanthars!"
Everyone at the table went silent looking at the man who did not seem to mind. The warrior was as close to royalty as Trum Dreng could boast. Mayor Gurthan quickly said, "Sire, may I introduce Colonel Marchand of the Northpass."
The King defused the situation by saying, "It is good to see you again, honored knight. Thank you for your service."
"It has always been my privilege, My King."
Nag Kath excused himself and sat on the end to talk old times with his fellow conspirator. He would have much to tell Talereth when he saw her again.
The barge camp was now a formal ferry station but still served the same purpose of accumulating loose logs from upstream or preparing them for use later. A third of the guard took the first trip. The King was on the second and the rear-guard followed. Two days further along, Nag Kath showed them where he met the Huntsman. There was even a crackle in the air. The King looked east and said quietly, "He did not care for me and my kin when we traveled these lands long ago. We were both trying to keep it safe for our own kind." Turning to Nag Kath he asked, "Do you think he is still out there?"
"We parted on good terms but we should let him sleep if he is at his great Hall. I think of him as a watchdog. If he is roused to hunt, it means enemies have returned."
Aragorn agreed, "Then we will let him slumber."
The trip to Tharbad was just as dull and featureless. Even if the Huntsman was not awake, mosquitoes were. Men knew to bring sheer linen gauze to wrap around their necks and faces. Horses swished their tails as best they could but everyone wanted to make the river as soon as possible. The city was largely un-restored. The south bank was in better shape and much of the center had been demolished to use the stones for a quay. The Gwalthlo still flooded almost every year but it had not been destructive. They arrived early and crossed the bridge ferry the same way they did the Dusenorn.
Nag Kath looked for a little man selling pies and blessed his memory.
.
_~ / ~ / ~ / ~ / ~-_
.
He was on new ground. For three uneventful days they made for the market town of Thalion. It was a pleasant place. None of it looked newer than the war. Nag Kath wasn't sure how much marketing was done here since there were relatively few farms but the road was in good condition with well-established campgrounds along brisk streams. They also managed a much better dinner than they would have camping in the wild. Three more days took them to the Sarn Ford on the Baranduin River. Now late spring, there was still enough flow to get everyone soaked in the crossing. This had been a stronghold of the Dúnedain until being driven out by the Ringwraiths in the war. The place had the usual crumbling Numenorean statuary but no one lived here. As they let their things dry before dinner, King Elessar sat next to Nag Kath and asked him to sketch the site with a view to building a bridge here someday.
The company cut overland to avoid following the bend in the river but rejoined it after skirting the Overbourn Marches and fording the Shirebourn Stream. Then the road more or less followed the Brandywine, as it was called here, to the town of Stock.
The crafty ranger King could have traveled any number of trails to Hobbiton but he had a good reason to take the long way. In Stock, Aragorn formally applied at the Town Hall for permission to enter the Shire. They had been hugging inside the periphery for several days but not intruding. Master Veritude Blankfoot approved the writ with a flourish of his huge, carved stamp. This was staged in advance. If the King himself had to request passage according to his own rules, no one else could claim they were too busy to comply.
They politely declined the Master's offer of hospitality to cut the corner to a more sizeable Hobbit town called Whitfurrows on the East Road. The King and a few of the older members of the company stayed at a pleasant little inn and everyone else made camp. It was rumored that brewed beverages were brought to the soldiers by admiring subjects. Nag Kath never said.
Men were in the saddles at dawn for a hard ride to the heart of the Shire. They followed the south bank of the River Water through Frogmorton and the little town of Bywater. Turning northeast just past the junction of the three farthings, the horses clattered into the outskirts of Hobbiton. Along the whole way, citizens came out to cheer and watch. Some threw flowers along the road but most just smiled and waved. Captain Bessandol had the men secure the horses in a rope paddock several hundred paces from the village.
.
_~ / ~ / ~ / ~ / ~-_
.
It was no secret the King was coming. A huge tent had been erected in a flat pasture with several smaller tents arrayed in a semi-circle around it. One was the barracks for the tall people. One was for the King. Hobbits of all shapes and sizes were preparing in no great rush. It was nearing dinner time for folk who took dinner very seriously.
A fine feast had been laid for the soldiers. As in Edoras, half of his security detail had to be on duty at any given time. The others could participate in festivities. They would be here two days so each tranche would take some ease. The King, his officers and staff, including Nag Kath, would eat in a third tent with a few Shire notables. The Elf was last to join them after seeing to the horses.
There were more than a few notables. Like in Rohan, the long, lead table had reserved seats but everyone else sat where they landed. There was certainly an unspoken protocol but Nag Kath did not know it. He joined the Mayor of Tuckborough, his wife and three merchant couples from Michel Delving. As Nag Kath knew well, Hobbit women had no trouble expressing their views, especially since ale had been flowing before the King arrived. The changeling offered occasional views on the world at large but the conversation mostly turned on the local sensation that Mrs. Goodwallace, a reputable and comely widow, was considering marriage to Lestam Brogad, of all people!
It was understood that the royal company would be tired with much to do tomorrow so the guests excused themselves after punishing piles of viands and more than a few goblets of wine from the Southfarthing. When his table emptied, he caught Aragorn's glance at the head table and rose to join them. There were three Hobbit men and their wives. He sat in an empty chair as one of the couples joined the townsmen leaving the room. The King said, "Ladies, Gentlemen, this is Nag Kath. Nag Kath, these are Meriodic and Estella Brandybuck and Peregrin and Diamond Took."
Nag Kath said, "It is a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for your hospitality."
He wasn't sure if this was arranged but the women saw a friend near where Nag Kath had been sitting and excused themselves to say goodbye. Peregrin reached out his hand to shake, "Quite welcome."
Merry did the same. The King was not sure how Nag Kath would be received but needn't have worried. There was very little about the changeling that was not known to these Hobbits and most of that was good. Pippin said, "As my cousin Lemuel Took has it, you throw one fine Syndolan party! Were you one of the White Hand Uruks of Helm's Deep?" He had his share of ale as well and was never bashful.
"Actually, Thain Took, I was one of the company trying to ambush your Fellowship. The main group went to Rauros and a small group of us backtracked up the Mering Stream in the event you went to Minas Tirith."
That was Boromir's recommendation. Saruman anticipated that possibility, courtesy of Sauron's interference with Steward Denethor. Both of the Hobbits evaluated the Elf for a moment. It had been thirty years since the war and they would never forget the faces of the Uruk-hai who captured and abused them fleeing to Orthanc. Nag Kath smelled better. Merry asked, "How did you survive?"
"Wiser minds than mine are not sure. The prevailing theory is that I have some of Saruman's blood in me that avoided the death of the ring." Aragorn listened intently. He had never heard more than the rough translation of this story in Nag Kath's interrogation and thought he should have talked with the changeling about other than water.
Nag Kath continued, "I was captured and in prison while the battle on the Pelennor raged. After Sauron was destroyed, I spent the next year changing. Now this is speculation; but I read in Rivendell that Morgoth captured Elves, mutilating them with sorcery to create his Uruks. It took months. Knowing what I now know of Elvish recuperation, the Dark Lord must have done this many times, waiting until the Elves almost healed and then subjecting them to worse torment. I did the reverse. I would be stricken by pain and then sleep for a few days, eat a little and then repeat the process, may be a hundred times. When King Elessar kindly released me, I walked out like this.
"Gandalf said he had returned from death to complete his task. Perhaps I am here to continue in his footsteps."
Pip asked, "Will you go to Undying Lands? Elves come through here on their way to the Grey Havens, or they used to, making for the great ships."
"I have not felt the pull of Valinor. They leave because they must. And, I have not been invited. Elves tolerate me but I am not of them. I just turned 33 last week so I finally look my age. Living among among men has been my life and I count it a good one."
The two Hobbits looked at each other and thought they should collect their better halves and find a bed. Merry announced, "We are off. Tomorrow we will have a grand feast to celebrate the return of the King!"
Nag Kath said, "Tonight was no small event."
Aragorn chuckled, "Then you know less of Halflings than you think! Gentlemen, I will see you in the morning." They made their way out.
.
_~ / ~ / ~ / ~ / ~-_
.
Being the only one in the Shire who did not sleep, Nag Kath took his blanket out to a knoll near the little stone bridge watched the stars. The Evenstar would not appear until before the dawn but the summer constellations were in full glory. He was glad his meeting with the Fellowship Hobbits had gone well. One of them was missing but he still might meet him at the celebration. Looking at the tent by the half-moon, he wondered if this was where great Bilbo disappeared and set off to Rivendell. So much had happened here. Aragorn could more easily have made for his incipient summer capital of Annúminas on the lake, but only three times in his long kingship did he bypass the Shire both up and down from the White City.
.
Hobbits aren't early risers. A few were up with the chickens but it wasn't until full light that the town began to stir. Nag Kath stood and stretched before walking by the paddock to scratch Charlo and collect his art satchel. He then wandered to the other side of the bridge to sketch the party tent and scenery. That was an ill-fated notion. He was not halfway through when children gathered round him whispering and giggling. The second plan was to give each of them a picture of their faces to universal delight. That took two hours. One little girl, hand-in-hand with an older brother, looked like a miniature version of how Helien might have grown. His heart grew heavy but he put it aside so the little girl could share in the joy with her friends. When the kids left he filled-in details on the Sarn Ford bridge for the King.
Dozens of Halflings were carting, rolling or carrying things to the party tent. These folk are earnest about their celebrations and sampled everything to be sure it was of sufficient quality. That slowed their effectiveness as the day wore on but not their enthusiasm. Nag Kath lent a hand carrying some of the heavier items and introducing himself to the woolly-footed little people. Near the stream, most of the soldiers had taken discreet swims to clean weeks of dust out of the pores and do a little laundry. Horses and weapons were cleaned too. Days of rest were rare when traveling with the King.
.
Aragorn was right. This was indeed a celebration to make his Syndolan Eve parties look puny. There must have been two hundred Hobbits at least walking to the tent when the hour approached. And unlike most free-peoples, children were welcome. These were such well-mannered folk that their little ones needn't be excluded from conversation. Nag Kath walked inside the tent and introduced himself to anyone who cared.
There was Assistant Ambassador Higgenboth in the ale line. He had retired and returned home four years before but was, alas, recently widowed. They shared stories of Minas Tirith before the gentleman was swept away by well-meaning relatives eager to introduce him to a fine lady from Michel Delving who was visiting the Bolgers for a week. As with the night before, Nag Kath joined a table of townsfolk who had an endless supply of local gossip. It included the mother of the little girl from the bridge. Nag Kath waved at the child and she held her hands over her face only to peek through her fingers and see he was still there. She had her picture in a smock pocket.
The evening officially started with speeches long and short from the good citizens of the Shire and a few words from the King. With so many toasts, Nag Kath wondered that his fellow celebrants would be soused, but the clever Hobbits need only take a sip after crying; 'Hear, hear' to observe the forms. Everyone had a roaring good time. His table featured an animated discussion between two elderly farmers that kept everyone's attention.
After the meal, parents began taking children home, some to return. Others mingled with friends they had not seen since lunch. Pippin and King Elessar walked through the crowd saying hello to many. Merry and a shorter, rounder Hobbit came from the other direction and met near Nag Kath's table. The Elf gestured for them to take the empty chairs.
Merry said, "Nag Kath, this is Samwise Gamgee, another of our Fellows!"
Nag Kath stood and offered his hand. The Hobbit shook it somewhat haltingly before finding his seat. Pippin had by now downed uncounted half-pints of the local tan. It was time for one of his oldest stories. Folk at the table secretly groaned, but they stayed because Hobbits love old stories.
He began, "It was long ago at a great party right here! Merry and I were so much younger then!"
Merry cried, "I was a mere wisp of a lad!"
Pippin rejoined, "Gandalf was setting off his fireworks for Bilbo's birthday, not that we knew he was leaving that very night! And didn't you know; we made off with a great rocket and fired it ourselves. We must have aimed it wrong because it became a huge dragon that swooped down on the revelers and scared them silly. Then it exploded over the lake and all rejoiced."
Merry chided gently, "I told you to set it in the ground."
Nag Kath said softly, "I have a tale you can add to that." He knew that if you can make yourself heard; speaking quietly will get more attention that yelling over a din. The table grew still. "Masters Meriodoc and Peregrin; the Ents restored Orthanc to a place of beauty and growth not long after you left. To clean up, Gandalf let iron miners from Dunland salvage the slag and leavings in the pits. It was hard, dirty work but still much easier than pounding the same amount of metal from solid rock.
"The understanding was that they could keep whatever they found but they had to take it far away for smelting so as not to disturb Gandalf's studies. Well, most salvagers complied … but not all." The tale-teller became graver and more dramatic, "Then, one night, a flock of flaming red Nazgûl screamed down from the clouds directly over the former Dunlending quarters in retribution for the foul noise. The miners were terrified and behaved from that day on! Ten months later, on Syndolan Eve, the wizard let loose his great silver and green rockets. The salvagers were sure terror was unleashed again but their little children came out and giggled. It was then they knew they had been fooled. Gandalf chuckled every time he thought of that!"
Everyone laughed except Samwise. A fellow at the end of the table toasted, "Now you have a better ending for your story Pip!"
Nag Kath spoke thoughtfully, "Gandalf was very fond of you two, although he would get sore frustrated as well."
Merry objected, "We were perfect gentlemen!"
The Elf countered, "It was more the situation. This is a funny story too. The whole time I was there, Gandalf was forever fussing with inferior Cardolan pipe weed. He did not care for the taste and could never keep it lit. Radagast sympathized, which only made it worse. And all the while, he would lament that both of you made off with the best leaf!"
Pippin cried, "It was his own fault! He should have been quicker off the mark."
"Oh, he would agree with you. I think it was that Saruman scolded him for his liking of Longbottom weed and secretly had a stash of the finest. All Gandalf could get was what he called, well, we'll leave that description for when the children are abed." Looking at the unrepentant Pippin, "And yours was gone by Edoras."
Aragorn chuckled, thinking of his old friend, and lit a pipe of his own followed by several around the table. Nag Kath never smoked himself but enjoyed the aroma. Merry boasted; "See, Pip! I was always his favorite."
Nag Kath said quietly, "Nay, Master Meriodic. He loved you all, you and Frodo and Mr. Samwise too, but his favorite was Bilbo. He had his big, heroic Gondoran and Rohirrim guards with him but they were no hands at ferreting out the secrets of that nasty old castle. Many were the times he wished he had his burglar. I found a few things." Looking to the King, "I hope you got Elendil's miter." Aragorn nodded.
The Elf became more subdued, "But there was more. He said he knew when Bilbo relinquished the One Ring that there was hope for free peoples. When his mood was black and uncertain, that one act of selflessness rekindled his spirit and gave him strength for what was to come."
Just as his tale ended, the young woman from his table came up to Samwise and kissed him on the cheek before saying, "Rosa is ready to sleep, da. I'll take her home." Looking at the little girl she reminded, "And what do you say?"
The child walked to Nag Kath with her picture and said, "Thank you, Mr. Kaff." Duty done, she ran to her mother and showed her grand-da the sketch. He looked at the sweet face on the sheet for a long moment before the Gamgees bowed to the King and made for their homes.
.
Aragorn and Nag Kath also started for their tents. On the way, the King wondered, "Will you return to the White City, Nag Kath?"
"I intend to. It may be a while. My family there is lost to me but friends are dear. I will travel, learn and make what I can of myself."
The King said thoughtfully, "Now that you have been abroad, do you think your talents are more Elvish or sorcerous?"
"More sorcerous, but both are weak. I've had no real training. When I think that the great Elvish healers or any of the wizards are many thousands of years old, I suppose that is to be expected."
"Are you stronger?"
"Smarter."
Aragorn continued, "If you think to continue Gandalf's work, I have heard reports of stirrings in the barrow downs. Before Bree, to the right, is where Angmar soldiers were buried and said to be made murderous ghosts by the Witch-King. Merry and Éowyn killed him but some of his foul spells linger."
Nag Kath said, "There seems to be no shortage of dead Angmaris. We trod on them in east Dunland."
"You might be the only one left in Middle-earth who would notice if something's amiss. Keep your eyes peeled. Come see me when you can. Thank you again for bringing water to my people."
The Elf bowed and blessed his liege, "Go in peace, My Lord."
"And you, Nag Kath."
.
_~ / ~ / ~ / ~ / ~-_
.
As usual, Aragorn's company was off early. He would take the three day trip to Annúminas where, hopefully, restoration was being done on his summer capital. It had not been a working city for almost two thousand years but many buildings were salvageable.
Nag Kath was at leisure. Charlo was concerned at being left behind so his master scratched behind his ear and soothed him. The Elf had some left-over porridge and cut a cane to try his hand at fishing in the little river running along the town. Two large trout, unfamiliar with string-wrapped hooks, were quickly taken and wrapped in a wet towel for tonight's dinner.
He wandered around the town to get a sense of the place before taking the road back the way he came. Up one of the hills he saw Samwise Gamgee sitting in a comfortable chair in his front garden enjoying a pipe. The Hobbit rose to no towering height and shook hands over the fence saying, "I hope your visit was a pleasant one, Mr. Kaff."
"Indeed, Master Samwise. Your home is as fair as described. Was that your grand-daughter last night?"
"Rosa."
"Oh, here is another picture." Nag Kath handed Sam a sketch of the older brother who brought Rosa to the bridge. "He was not much interested but perhaps his parents will like it."
The sketch was on the back side of a discarded bridge rendering. The Elf seldom threw paper away. Thinking it was ancient, Sam looked at both sides and asked, "You are a historian?"
"Oh yes. I have no past so I borrow others'. My next stop is Rivendell to visit the library."
Mayor Gamgee paused for a moment before saying, "Follow me. Do you like tea?"
.
Nag Kath stooped low to get through the round door and then stood to almost his full height. He must be the tallest person to ever be inside this hole. The ceiling was arched to support the weight of the soil above so he could stand at the center of each room. A tousled, middle-aged woman wandered in wearing her robe looking shocked at first and then slightly piqued at her husband for not announcing guests. She was introduced as Rosie and she volunteered to get tea for the visitor after changing into something more presentable.
Sam showed the Elf into another room where a large book was open on a purpose-built stand. Sam nodded towards it but said nothing. Nag Kath carefully flipped backwards a few pages. Samwise said, "That is the Red Book of Westmarch. Bilbo started it, Frodo continued and I have added a few things over the years. You might enjoy reading it."
Nag Kath picked it off the stand and looked for a place to sit without hitting his head. One chair looked taller than the others and he sank into it holding the red book in his lap. Rosie returned with a mug of tea and the two Hobbits left him alone.
It took two hours to read and another to go back to places he bookmarked with scraps of paper to make notes. He also copied many of the pictures, including a sketch of Frodo that Sam drew just before the Hobbit left Middle-earth. Nag Kath's tea was cold by the time he noticed. He rose, watching his head, and carefully put the volume back on its stand. Then he wandered into the main room and cleared his throat. Rosie came from a back room and curtsied. Sam was in moments later.
Nag Kath said, "That was very generous of you, sir. Most of what I read is old and long completed. This is alive. Please take good care of that." He paused a moment to paraphrase one of Frodo's notes, "A servant of the enemy would look fairer and feel fouler?"
"Ever a risk, Mr. Kath."
The Elf did not wonder at Sam's reticence. There was no reason to think he had been forgiven or forgotten by all in Middle-earth. Merry and Pip were abducted and mistreated by his own pod-spawn before being rescued by Éomer. They recovered from their wounds and trauma. But Sam saw his best friend stabbed in the soul, so deeply that he needed to leave with folk he hardly knew hoping for solace in a far away land. Nag Kath had just done that himself. It was a basis for understanding.
.
_~ / ~ / ~ / ~ / ~-_
.
Hobbiton did not sound bells for the time. They had water clocks of course, good ones too, but how folk managed their time was their business except for scheduled events. Nag Kath made it about noon when he pointed Charlo east. For the next few days Nag Kath would retrace his route on the East Road. Folk were not used to seeing big people. Quite a few remembered him with Aragorn's company days before and waved, or did not care and waved anyway. Nag Kath always stopped to chat. Older Hobbits recalled days when all traveled their roads, but no one under thirty-five was used to seeing anyone as tall as him or full-sized horses.
With the late start and no particular hurry, they made Frogmorton by dinner. He gave his fish to the kitchen and enjoyed a good meal with cheerful companions. Nag Kath was past needing sleep except after magic, which was good since the inn had no beds even close to his size.
The next day brought horse and rider to the Brandywine Bridge. This was one of the oldest bridges he had seen in Middle-earth. Friends and foes used it rather than burning it. Nag Kath took some comfort in that. The river was the border into Arnor. Just to the other side was a small village whose sole purpose was trading with Hobbits. Both sides took their sovereignty seriously. Large carts exchanged goods with small carts. Almost every place had ale on tap.
When he wasn't well-wishing, Nag Kath thought of the King's admonition about troubles just south. Anything Aragorn said was serious by itself but Frodo's entries in the Red Book also mentioned the Barrow-downs. By loose accounts, the Numenorean Witch-King sent foul ghosts to corrupt honored graves of the fallen. Now that the Chief Nazgûl was dead; were his spells failing? Or were former servants taking powers unto themselves?
That was always a tense internal conversation. A few years back he tried to coax a failing butterbean stalk to strengthen. Two days later it was dead. The poor plant might have been doomed anyway but his magic was no better than useless - perhaps worse. The changeling decided he would try every hundred years.
.
They stopped at an established campsite along the road about ten miles east of the bridge with enough light for Charlo to graze. Nag Kath claimed a smaller fire-ring, the larger ones already taken. Three camps over were several Dwarves. He approached them singing a song so as not to be a surprise and asked if they had tidings of Dale. These fellows were from the western side of the Misty Mountains but amiable and knew or knew of folk Nag Kath had met.
Back at his camp, the Elf made a pot of tea and nibbled way-bread. Two men in the camp just east were having an animated discussion about disturbances in the water. The conversation ended with one man shouting; 'Aughhh!' and the other saying, 'Here, let me see.'
Nag Kath brought his little medical kit to offer aid. By firelight he saw two small people, perhaps Dwarf-height, but much leaner and balder with no beards. One stopped to look at him while the other hopped from foot to foot holding his left hand tightly and hissing in pain.
Nag Kath said, "I heard distress. I am a healer if I can be of assistance."
The injured man said more in anger than shock, "Cut myself on a loose wheel rim."
The other scolded, "I told you that needed fixin'."
"I know! Let us wait until this is cared-for first!"
Nag Kath offered; "Let me have a look."
The Man released the grip of his good hand and opened the other. Then he wiped the blood on his trousers to display a nasty laceration down the palm that had not reached the artery in his wrist. Nag Kath nodded and said, "I've got something for that. Is your tea water hot?"
The uninjured man said, "Aye, but it is already tea."
Nag Kath told the hurt man to gently squeeze a clean cloth from the bag and said to the other, "That should be fine." Then he fished two small bottles from the bag and asked for a quarter inch of tea in a cup. Mixing a pinch from each bottle, he stirred it into paste with his finger and then smeared that on the wound. The bleeding man yowled but held his hand firm. Nag Kath closed the fellow's fist around the cloth again and applied a pain spell in soft silver. Neither man liked the look of that but with relief came acceptance.
The healthy traveler said, "We are in your debt, sir. I am Lembert Fellens and this clumsy fellow is my older brother Wenbert. I have frequently told him to repair that wheel rim but he needs memorable lessons."
Wenbert was in no mood to discuss it. The Elf rejoined, "I am Nag Kath, just recently in the Shire and now making for the mountains. Mr. Fellens, I need to sew that tear shut. The silver you saw will kill the pain for less than a bell so we should do this now. The man nodded and held steady as his brother hovered a torch for Nag Kath to use one of his fishhooks that had been bent half open with the barb ground flat on a rock. It took seventeen small loops.
The Elf said, "I am afraid that your brother will have to do the heavy lifting for a week or two else you'll pull the stitches. Replace the bandage twice a day and apply that poultice until it is gone."
Wenbert ventured, "Lembert often does the work that does not require thinking. What do we owe you for your medicining?"
"Think no more of it. Heal well and hoist a half-pint when you can grip it."
Lembert said, "We can offer you no better than the tea you just used, but you are welcome to more."
The Elf smiled, "That is a generous offer! Let me quench my own fire and I will rejoin you directly."
The brothers were River People. They did not volunteer any specifics of their race or where they were from, at first. Not all merchants left home on the best of terms. They could not have known he overheard their concerns about eastern waters so Nag Kath took the roundabout way to that conversation. "I was just in the Shire and am traveling to Bree. Do you know it?"
Lembert chortled, "Course! Can't hardly get from here to there as you don't go through Bree."
"I was traveling with a company from the south and parted ways a few days ago so I am new to these lands."
The pain spell was wearing-off and Wenbert was trying not to open and shut his fist against the throbbing. He still managed to say, "With the King, were you?"
With no reason to dissemble, "Aye, he makes for Arnor while I travel to Dale."
Lembert grinned, "No secrets here, Nag Kath. We are bringing salted pork from Bree to replenish their stocks after what must have been Lordly gatherings. Are you a counselor to King Elessar?"
Nag Kath enunciated carefully, "Yes, I helped with an aqueduct in Osgiliath. Now that the taint of Mordor is past, a stream from the Ephal Düath is clean to drink."
Lembert probed, "Know you of darkness in water, then?"
"A little."
Lembert looked at his brother who was trying to stay quiet and then followed with, "There is a small lake south of the east road. It is no great body of water at all. Fishermen there are sore worried about it."
Wenbert interrupted, "It is not the water. It is something in it. Fish on hooks come out bitten in two. We came up the crossroads at Nylar's Grove and passed by yesterday, no, two days past."
The Elf asked, "Is it something to be vanquished or avoided?"
Wenbert; "Depends on your sense of propriety."
.
_~ / ~ / ~ / ~ / ~-_
.
Nag Kath gave the Wenbert another pain spell in the morning and then steered Charlo south to follow the stream to Nylar's Grove. At his speed, the lake wasn't more than four hours out of his way. He checked the feeding stream for contamination before letting Charlo drink.
There was a small village on the west bank of the lake where he saw an assortment of farmers and merchants. Children played hide-and-call along an ancient stone fence. There was nothing that looked like an inn or tavern so he asked one of the lads where he might get a bite. The bravest of them said the larger house at the corner had fare.
You had your choice of fresh loaves or fresh loaves with butter. He took the latter and munched one sitting inside a small, fenced patio. The lad who mentioned the place walked by and Nag Kath asked him if the lake offered good fishing to catch his dinner. That was a roundabout way of asking if local folk minded strangers pulling fish out of their lake. The boy said not to go out in a boat.
Nag Kath tore the end from his buttered loaf for Charlo and collected his line from the pack. He had no worms and he wasn't really trying to catch anything so he cut a cane pole and selected a hook tied with green thread.
The water had a strange feel. Pretending to wash his hands, he felt it and let colors wash over him. The water itself was fine but felt there was something below, a presence. None of the fish of Nylar's Grove were interested in green yarn but he kept tossing it out and watching the surface. A hundred yards down on the same side of the long lake several other fishermen suddenly pulled their lines and scurried up the bank. They were too far away to hear but clearly not enjoying their sport. He wandered towards them tossing his line twice before saying, "I declare; these fish are smarter than I am today!"
Two men and a lad of about fourteen gave him a hard scowl. He did not think that was because he was trying to catch their fish. Acting embarrassed, as if he had interrupted something private, he probed, "Excuse me, fellows. Is something wrong?"
One of the men growled, "No, nothing. This place is open if you like." The others looked at him as if not sure that was good advice but they kept their lips buttoned.
As fishermen often do, Nag Kath asked, "What are they biting?"
The father of the boy said, "You'll catch nothing worth eating here today."
Nag Kath changed to his Elf Lord voice, "Tell me of this place."
If the men weren't frightened before, they were now. Neither man could mouth the words but the lad had no trouble, "There's something fell under the surface, been there some months."
The Elf asked, "Just one?"
His father found his tongue, "Far as we can tell."
"What is it?"
The fellow who offered him their spot said, "Rendovas said he saw it, though he isn't reliable after his ale. A mating of man and fish or beast. Eats the fish off the line."
Nag Kath; "And you just saw it?"
The lad answered, "Saw the ripple. Scares the fish away. We'd rather eat fish than gruel, but this is no bargain."
"Tell me, then, is this creature flesh or spirit?"
The boy's father ordered, "Go fetch Rendovas." As he dashed for the village his da added, "And bring him back dry."
.
No one said anything for the ten minutes it took to fetch a shambling fellow with a halo of ginger hair around his gleaming head. Rendovas gave a courtly bow and waited well away from the shore.
Nag Kath did not want to scare him so he said softly, "Tell me, friend, what apparition lurks beneath?"
The man reached for his head to remove the cap he had forgotten on the door-peg and shuffled slightly before saying, "Saw him plain as day. That is, as plain as a man can see what should not be. Rose and stood on the water at the Evenstar, dripping but not wet. I ran home, left my line on the bank, I did!"
Nag Kath gently coaxed a better description from the frightened villager. The other three listened intently. He would not have been surprised if one or both of the men were leaders of local folk. Then he asked what no reasonable being would ask, "How do I bring it to me?"
They all looked at Rendovas who would not look them back. Nag Kath thought it was for fear of monsters but some of it was that the man was the best fisherman in the village and he was being asked to divulge his secret bait. As if confessing the blackest spell of Angmar, the man groaned, "Deer jerky; soaked in barley spirits."
The lad's father ordered, "Better go get some for the man." Rendovas, followed closely by the youngster, trudged back to his home and returned with a small leather pouch. He threw it to the Elf from the trail. Nag Kath took the pouch to the water's edge and tossed a pinch of the bait twenty feet out.
Nothing happened. He tried again. The third try brought a ripple that sent the men another ten feet up the bank. The next bit of bait landed closer in. This time they caught a glimpse. There wasn't much left in the sack so Nag Kath chose a target ten feet away in a deep pool and threw the rest.
The creature was not as large as a man but seemed longer, more like an eel. When it came up to the bait, Nag Kath locked it in his bringing spell and raised it from the lake. It shrieked an oath and immediately released gallons of foul liquid, like a wineskin slit from the bottom. The monster withered and died moments later. Nag Kath drew it towards his hand and then released the spell to let it collapse on the bank.
He leaned over and inspected it closely. This was no fish. It screamed as if human. It had arms and hands like a man but the rest was a water animal with scales. And it smelled worse than anything in Orthanc. Rendovas threw-up. With as straight a face as the Elf could manage he said, "I have no idea how to cook one of these."
.
_~ / ~ / ~ / ~ / ~-_
.
That broke the pall just enough for them to gather themselves and make for the house where Nag Kath got his buttered loaf.
Inside were three tables. An old fellow sitting at one saw the five men enter and remembered pressing errands elsewhere. Locals at the other two tables cocked their ears.
The Elf asked, "Ever seen one of those before?"
The lad's father said, "Course not. Who and what are you?"
"I am Nag Kath."
"That's who."
The Elf added, "I am a wizard." Getting back to business, "That creature was hungry. Has he eaten all of the fish?"
"The other of the two original men cleared his throat and said, "You must excuse us, Mr. Kath. We have clearly forgotten how to thank someone who had done us an honorable service." With that he glared around the table to admonish the others. "My name is Zurzies. This motherless ingrate is Jergiens and to his left is his son Liviens. You've met Rendovas already.
"And to answer your appropriate question, no one has caught more than bait for months. More concerning; farmer Dilvenees lost a lamb last week."
Nag Kath thought for a moment and offered, "I know little of water monsters but this one seemed rather stupid. Are there other, older spirits nearby that might be responsible?"
A large grizzled man at one of the other tables took that question; "Barrow-wights, further south, ancient dead who have not found peace."
The Elf turned to him and asked, "They were not destroyed with the Ring?"
The grizzled man's companion added, "Lore says a witch-king inflicted them to haunt the graves of good men. They can assume shape but cannot bear the sun. Heard tell those old spells linger."
"Do you have any friends against this sorcery?"
Two said at once, "Tom."