Chapter 15
Back to the Buhrs
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Why?
That was not a question Nag Kath asked himself very often. At first it was because he didn't know any better. A child learns why he or she does things, or wants to. He didn't have that experience.
He was coming home, his first home, to see his loved-ones. King Elessar asked him to investigate disturbances that amounted to a hapless fish-monster. He met Tom and Goldberry, drew some pictures and listened to music. This was after what for a human would have been a long and successful career as a civil architect. He had escaped the violence and rage of his origin.
For a time.
If he were still a husband and father, he might have told King Bard that he would lend a hand and leave the defense of Dale to professionals like Edelbras.
But he wasn't a husband. He wasn't a father. And with gremlins from the Third Age oozing in the safe, pleasant world folk were taking for granted, he wasn't just another retiree either. Nag Kath was also expendable. Kings, the good ones anyway, must use the resources at their fingertips for the greater benefit of their people. This wasn't healing. It wasn't comfort. This was something that might call for skills now lost to the short-lived men and women the changeling learned to love.
Gandalf would have told him to use his talents.
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It wasn't until Nag Kath was out the Erebor gate that a dozen riders joined in formation for the Lonely Mountain.
Not a mile into the trip, a horseman chuckled, "We never did find the right mare for him."
Nag Kath looked over to see the Sergeant from the King's guard stable riding alongside. He smiled and replied, "Let us hope the ladies get their chance on our return."
"Aye, sir. I shall hope that for all of us. I am Bernas Tellig of the Second Flank."
"Nag Kath. Still no need for sir. We are just civilians out enjoying the countryside."
"Tourists!"
"As you say, Bernas. First we are going to tour Erebor. They won't let us in very far but it is a sight you will tell your grandchildren." And it was. Unexpectedly, Lord Tombor met them personally at the gate and brought them all into the first Hall before taking Nag Kath with a guard of honor to King Thorin III's chamber.
The Elf's experience with monarchs was that they sat in upholstered chairs and tried to keep their daily business in comfortable, well-heated rooms. This place could never be warm. The King remained seated in an ornate, carved marble throne. Above the crowned head, in a mithril setting, was what the Elf thought was the Arkenstone. Of all the colors he had ever painted, there were still not enough to capture it. Nag Kath stood the prescribed eight Dwarf paces from the first step of the dais after bowing. Thorin spoke with a deep and lordly voice, "Welcome back to Erebor, Mr. Kath. I understand we have common interest."
"It would seem so, King Under The Mountain, though I am away to discover the extent of that."
"We are learning ourselves, Sir Knight. My cousin Lord Bregan will know more. Here is a letter from me asking him to assist you earnestly in your worthy quest." An ornately armored Dwarf took a sealed packet from his liege and walked it to Nag Kath with a bow.
The King continued, "Our Lord Bard reminds us of our shared purpose not so long ago, the very day we both came into our inheritance. I have also been told stories of your own past, Mr. Kath. I hope some of them are true."
"I deny only the bad ones, Your Lordship."
"MMHaaa! Those were the best! You may approach."
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Nag Kath walked to the foot of the throne stairs and bowed again. King Thorin, called Stonehelm to distinguish his from the short reign of Oakenshield, stood and walked to the second step so he was eye to eye with this curious, remaining Elf. Opening his hand revealed a single jewel of deep blue encased in a gold mounting, carved as a cavern of treasure.
"Take it, for my sake. It is one of the Traybor stones, the ones your own people cherish. May it bring you luck. May it bring us all luck. Go now with my blessings." Nag Kath accepted the gift, took two steps backwards, smiled, bowed and turned for the door. That was a blessing indeed. Reaching the horses, Nag Kath nodded at Edelbras who nodded back.
Bard had his allies.
They camped on a familiar road. Sentries, two north, two south, were relieved every three hours. Mutton stew was the fare. Nag Kath had Tella make a large batch of false-Lembas against that likelihood.
"Mr. Edelbras, do you think these are Gundabad orcs?"
"Originally, but they are well east of those caves. Two different sightings from reliable persons put them two days this side of Buhr Wenjan, one group headed further east, one going west. They are lightly armored with bucklers and their curved swords."
Nag Kath needed to know all he could, "Archers?"
"With their little crescent bows over their shoulders the spotter couldn't tell. I am assuming they have them, though not with the range of our Northbows."
"Wargs?"
Edelbras smiled without showing any teeth, "Not yet."
"Tell me of our companions."
"Six are fine archers. I had a word with Burry so with you; that's seven. We ordered unmarked arrows in advance. The other six are spearmen who can move together at speed. Any of us can use the other with skill and they can all swing a sword."
"They will have questions about me. We should probably answer those tonight around the fire."
An hour before the first sentry shift-change, the remaining nine gathered round the circle. Nag Kath started, "Does anyone in our company speak Easterling?"
"A trooper with his knees wrapped by his arms said, "I speak some. Rudathin on the north post speaks it better."
The man next to him said in jest, "Where we're going, we need someone with orcish!"
Nag Kath said, "Well, that would be me." That got him even more than his usual uncomfortable stares. "I had better set the record straight so we know where we stand if things get tight.
"I am Nag Kath. By magic I am an Elf now but was an Uruk-hai before the war, those were big yrchs from Isengard. I can heal and I can kill very quickly. Some of you have probably heard. That is true. I lived in Dale for nineteen years but have been in Gondor for the last nine. Legroth, I recall you from spear training under Sapeldon." The corporal was glad to be remembered. He knew what the Elf could do.
"Now this next bit is important. If we find a party of orcs, the idea is to parlay with them. If they kill me, then you can have your way or leave if that is wiser." Edelbras knew this but the other men were surprised. "As much as possible, I want us to look like bodyguards on a dougsh assignment. Keep the formation sloppy.
"The reason I asked about Easterling is that if this lot is conspiring with the usurper in their western lands, I would not be a bit surprised if they have eyes in each other's camps. I want you to watch for crows. If you can pick a single one out of the air, do it. Don't bother with a flock. That's why no uniforms. They can tell those and two-by-two formation.
"If you see wargs, let me know."
The man who asked about orcish called, "Tell us about the wargs of Rohan!"
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_~ / ~ / ~ / ~ / ~-_
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Their first planned stop was at Buhr Wenjan at the end of the open land to the north. This was the place where the old Thain had fulsomely welcomed Nag Kath on his first northern crossing. It was a nice little market town with a few rosy-cheeked women gazing at the troopers. Not wearing uniforms would only fool the crows. Soldiers still rode like the King's best. The Thain's Marshal told them over dinner that orcs had actually been seen at dusk or dawn. Disorganized footprints were found in field where a pair of sheep went missing. The farmer was a militia man and not given to vapors. He rode here and reported it the next morning.
A few days later they pulled even with both the first orc sighting and the troll-hoard. The men took their orders from Edelbras but Nag Kath had authority for 'special needs'. Edelbras had been told in advance they would stop here for at least the night. Nag Kath took four of the archers up the grade with their swords and bows plus a torch for each man.
He could not smell it this time but only took an extra twenty minutes to spot the fissure. The men deployed around the entrance and watched for any sight or sound for another half hour. If their quarry were keeping from the sun, this was a likely den. Nothing stirred so they gathered round the opening and tossed a lit torch inside. Still nothing. Lighting the rest of the torches, they crept in.
Someone had been here using a fire inside the cave. Men would avoid that because of the smoke. These ashes were long dead. Older smells confirmed they were orcs. The way this place fit in the saddle of the mountains, it could be approached from either side without being seen from the other. Whoever cooked the sheep would have counted on that. The mannish swords were still leaning against the back wall. Nag Kath told one of the men to see if they were worth keeping. One was quite nice but the other was a rusty relic. The orcs must have taken what was left of the Elvish armor.
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Now on new ground, Nag Kath led them further up the slope to have a look down the north side. It had an easier gradient leading to the same sort of patchy grasslands on their side. They saw nothing at all. The Elf had the men return to the flat ground in front of the cave for a fireless camp. They would not sleep inside it and were nervous about being near it at night, but these were tough soldiers of Dale and did as they were told. Nag Kath stayed in the lee of mountain saddle and watched for movement. At dusk and dawn, by the Star of Eärendil, was when he would see something.
He sat there all night. Outside of a deer on the plain and a pair of thieving ground squirrels after his Lembas, nothing moved. He rejoined the men at the cave with the sun and they made their way back to the base-camp. The men were not sure what to make of the pale creature. He could be terrifying in his purpose and then tell stories of dancing Hobbits. As with almost every soldier he ever served beside, they were glad he was on their team.
The next stop was the Dwarf enclave in the Iron Hills. It was a sizeable mining operation under the over-lordship of Thorin Stonehelm. The underground city had been the capital of King Dain before the dragon war but reclaiming Erebor reduced it to a purely commercial enterprise. What mattered more was that these Dwarves had a degree of autonomy and ears to the backside of the range. One of the two reports of orcs came from Thuras, Lieutenant to Fief Lord Bregan.
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As before, there was a village nearly the size of a market town outside of the Halls to trade with men. After billeting the troopers in some comfort, Nag Kath and Edelbras took a trooper as a groom to the Dwarvish Provost office and presented their credentials. There was none of the initial disdain one usually expected when asking leave of Durin's Folk. A seasoned Longbeard bearing scars that probably dated to the Five Armies, said, "You made good time, gentlemen. I think you should plan on a fine dinner in the Halls of Lord Bregan."
The soldier took their horses back to the paddock and the two representatives of Dale went with four hardened Dwarf warriors into the nearby grottoes. Nag Kath always marveled at the way these peoples brought light into sheer darkness. He had the advantage of suburb eyes but even men could make their way safely in the more public reaches of Dwarvish halls.
Bregan was Nag Kath's kind of Dwarf. He dressed plainly, without regalia, and greeted them in an antechamber with a hearty grip. "Welcome to my humble fief, favored guests. I don't suppose you are hungry?"
"Edelbras showed his diplomatic side, "After mutton stew for a week, tales of your table are inviting indeed!"
"Haaa! Well then, you came to the right place. Come this way. Let us speak privately first and then join my officers." Twenty yards away they entered a smaller chamber with a massive oak table. Torches and sconces spaced closely around the walls made it possible to read fairly well. Bregan gestured that they should take the chairs on one end.
The Lord opened by saying, "You are known to us, Nag Kath. Tombor is my cousin (wasn't everyone?) and he said you treated him well in Orthanc. I heard about that little piece of mithril you, ahem, acquired."
The Elf acted surprised, "Oh that trinket? In truth My Lord, we explored the troll cave where I found it just two days ago. We looked for more but that was the only one."
"And you were Mithrandir's student?"
"I was. He must have made friends here over the years too."
The Dwarf Lord reared back in his chair with a grin saying, "A few. And you, Mr. Edelbras, you are known to us as well. That you are here suggests seriousness on the part of our old friends in Dale."
Edelbras operated in the shadows so recognition was a two-edged sword. He accepted the compliment as intended and repaid it with praise for the long line of Durin's Folk as neighbors. Bregan leaned forward without becoming any graver, "Now, there is the matter of your coming." The Lord nodded to his door guard who, in turn, nodded to a longbeard waiting just outside. The fellow was not armored but with Dwarves, it was hard to tell their experience. He approached like a soldier and stood until his Lord told him to find a chair.
"Hûrn, son of Hûrnd, tell your tale. These are friends."
Hûrn sat down and said, "Thank you, Lord Bregan. Three weeks ago I was the guard-rider with wagons making for Erebor on the northern route. The wagons were pulled by jurr-oxen and I had the only pony. At dawn two days west, there was a commotion at first light just to the other side of a small ridge on the right. The merchants continued packing and preparing for the journey so I stole up a dry creek for a look. There I saw two dozen orcs finding shelter in a series of little caves where rivulets had worn away weaker stone. By then there was bare light so these were not bug-eyed goblins of the deep.
"They were getting out of the sun and did not send a sentry to investigate the clankings of my company. I stayed with my train for two more days until we reached the jurisdiction of Erebor, told the camp Sergeant what I saw and hurried back here. I did not tell the merchants."
Nag Kath asked, "Tell me, Hûrn, son of Hûrnd, did you see any among them who were not orcs, an Easterling perhaps?"
"Nay, sir. But some must have already withdrawn from my sight. They had haste to find the dark."
Edelbras asked about wargs, weapons and demeanor. Hûrn confirmed initial reports but added, "I've seen service myself. This was no random lot of foragers. They were in what might pass for uniforms and they were soldiers, no error. I slipped into the site on my way back and the footprints were older heading east than west so either they had been that way before, or others had."
Bregan said, "Gentlemen, is there anything you need to ask of me before we join other trusted Dwarves?"
Nag Kath took that one, "Yes, Lord Bregan. What kind of army can you field come harvest time?"
"Enough, friend. Enough."
For a place with no visible cows, the Dwarves of the Iron Hills managed to spit a side of beef over a slow fire with a delicious assortment of foods that hadn't touched it. It was the best meal some of the soldiers ever had. The ale was good and, contrary to every report of their race, they had some Dorwinion wine if you preferred.
From here the road turned south with another day's ride to the intersection of the Iron and Dwarf Roads. Since his last trip, the beginnings of a town had sprouted. There were enough quarters to billet the men comfortably. Lieutenant Berandinar listened to their information but could not add any of his own. His men were already looking for activity to the west but he admitted he did not have the personnel to scout east of the river.
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Edelbras did. If orcs were in league with their old pals, this was where one would see them. There was no real ford here since neither side wanted visitors from the other. That harvested a good, cold wetting in the crossing. The troop made camp immediately so they could risk fires to dry their things.
There was no road but the ground was the same kind of plain with thin grass like eastern Rohan. Edelbras had two van scouts riding a quarter mile ahead, often out of sight. Nag Kath was with them about half the time. That night they shared no fire and kept silent. One man stayed with the horses if they spooked. Nag Kath perched behind a rock overlooking a valley. At the barest glimpse of eastern light he found what he was looking for. Two miles away, a hundred and twenty low figures trotted two abreast towards an overhang of the rock he sat on. The sun would peek over the hills in half a bell.
The men's advantage was in daylight so the Elf planned to approach them just before the orcs sought cover.
Back at camp he gathered the men around him and outlined a plan they all thought was the sheerest form of madness. "I will walk down there before the sun rises and find the leader, see if we can come to an accommodation. Two of you stay where I was tonight. If I pull my sword, the fight is on. If not, I'll walk back and explain. Any questions?" Other than quietly questioning whether he was possessed, no one said a word.
Nag Kath left his bow and Charlo with Sarnt Tellig and made his way towards the orcs coming in from the northwest. They saw him about a hundred yards away, patiently sitting on a log. The entire troop loped forward another fifty yards and then three of them with a tsitsi warag came to within thirty feet.
In a voice he had only imagined, Nag Kath projected an echo in the black speech, "You travel far. It is of concern." Even the men on the rock heard it.
The largest of the three stepped forward a few more feet with his sword drawn and said in a more orcish version of the same tongue, "And what is that to you, Elf?"
"That is not your business. I am concerned about your commerce with low creatures to the south."
"You speak boldly for just one!" He looked at the warag with what the Elf knew was a smirk.
"I speak boldly at all times. Those close by will know where you sleep soon enough." The Elf pointed at the little grottoes dotting the saddleback ridge, his arm shining a beam of pure silver light along the base. Orcs don't sweat but if they did, they would have. There was some puckering among his watchers too, but they kept their eyes fixed on that long-sword buckled to his belt in the predawn light.
It was time to let the orcs breathe. "I do not care where you travel. You are welcome to north of the Iron Road. But if you join or assist the Easterlings, powers will pee on your heads from great heights."
Their leader did not earn his spurs, in a manner of speaking, by taking lip from pasty firstborn. He spat and said, "We have little to eat for two years. It will take much pee."
"My friends are prepared to help their old enemies. You have long shown good judgment after mistakenly serving Sauron, the incompetent."
A notion came to him. Without livery he would impersonate the Easterling command. "The Easterlings you know are a faction that will lose just as he did. Crops on the Redwater will fail this year. You do not want to be seen helping the rogues when My Lord Bror avenges."
The orc lowered his sword a little and asked, "Help, how?"
"Tell your Lugnash to offer the Easterlings aid but do not come. I will deliver grain and dried fish to the Iron Road in return. It is for this year only. It is not tribute. Take it or settle with the Dwarves." Nag Kath shifted his weight, careful not to touch his sword. "Sheathe your blade and sit with me. We must not send you back to your Lugnash with empty promises."
The orc officer growled, "Do you have the symbol of the Servant?"
Nag Kath had no idea what he was talking about but didn't want to admit that. He probed, "No, I represent your indulgent neighbors who have no trouble with your Lord's realm. Come. Sit. Tell me of this symbol."
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To the horror of his watchers, the Orc leader sat for the few minutes he had before sunup. Before he forgot, Nag Kath stretched one leg to take his quill knife from his pocket and cleaned his fingernails. The blade shone blue. Knowing it worked was worth the trip, if he lived.
The orc Commander had useful information for his superiors and scurried into the nearest cave. Nag Kath waited until the sun crested the mountains and walked back to camp, gathering the men around him. "I think they will take the offer."
Edelbras snapped, "All right! Vertiggis, Sandoch, ride like ghosts back to the Colonel. Tell him, 'blue', along with anything else he wants to know. If Nag Kath agrees, I'd like to be well away from here when those orcs finish their naps." The two fast men headed back the way they came after Nag Kath gave them several Lembas cakes. The rest made for the Northwatch. The rearguard would have sore necks tonight from looking behind them.
_~ / ~ / ~ / ~ / ~-_
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Not much happened on the rest of the trip to Buhr Austar. The company stopped outside of town at Thain Conath's compound. Ardatha hurried from the house to the stable with a four-year old in hand and gave her step-da a northern bear-hug and kiss in front of the leering troopers. As if they didn't know he said, "Men, this is my daughter, Princess Ardatha."
Those still in the saddle swung down in unison and bowed deeply. This was the King's sister. Now in her late forties, she showed the years but the smile was still strong and well-meaning. "Hello, da. Welcome back. Erig, this is Uncle Nag." The child was too busy looking at all the pretty horses to bother with the kneeling Elf but he was not frightened either, a good sign.
Her changeling father asked, "How's your middle da?"
"He's inside. He forgets things but he still gets around. Since Hadista died he keeps to the property." The Princess of Dale turned to Edelbras and said in royal tones, "You will find space and good provender for your men here, brave sir. I will look forward to proper introductions before a fine meal tonight."
Edelbras, who had been standing, bowed and told his lot to settle-in and look sharp doing it. Ardatha put her arm around Nag Kath's waist and led him and her grandson back to the main house. Inside he was warmly greeted by Ardatha's husband Reyald and his older brother Torrald. They had been good friends for many years. Since the Elf had not aged, it was like he never left.
Ardatha's teen-aged boy and girl came in to see Uncle Nag. Son Shurran was a chip off the old Thain-block. He remembered Uncle Nag and wanted to hear stories of warriors and greatness. Younger daughter Eniecia didn't recall the tall, pale relative but was always glad to meet uncles. The lass took after her namesake Eniece but looked even more like her great granna Mrs. Borenne. She would be tall but didn't hunch like many girls embarrassed by their height – definitely from the Dúnedain side of the family. Older daughter Haldiera would be out tomorrow with the rest of her brood.
From a back room were heard the rhythmic combination of two boots and a cane working their way closer. Before he was seen, "Is that him? Bout time!" Thain Conath emerged into the main room and was given the Dalish handshake by his fellow grandfather. Afterwards, Nag Kath grasped him by both shoulders and said, "It is good to see your ornery face, old friend."
"Ha! You have no better manners than when you left. I still remember you trying to throw that archery match when the children were married!" Everyone in the room smiled at a story told every chance it came up for air. The old Thain pointed with his cane towards the arrangement of couches and chairs where they always sat. In a more serious tone, "You're here on hard business too. Sorry about that. It is our doing, I fear."
"It keeps things lively, Thain. I'm with a dozen good men who are bunking now. They are led by Edelbras who acts a Sergeant but he is the King's best spy or I'm a fool."
Conath said boisterously, "We'll dine with the man! Here, sit, sit. Vireene! We have thirsty guests looking forlorn!" Tea or ale had been waiting since the horses pulled-in and was brought by reliable, if slowing, family retainers. The Thain gratefully accepted Ardatha's help finding his seat and laid his cane next to his feet. "How old are you now, Nag Kath?"
"Just turned thirty four."
"You almost look it. The rest of us are getting old, except Ardatha, of course."
She retorted, "Oh da. I'm a grandmother." Eniecia smiled at that, being the baby of the household
Torrald, Thain in all but title, brought the conversation back to the present by asking, "What news from your trip, brother?"
"Good, so far. The Dwarves say they are committed. Better yet, I think I have bribed the orcs to betray the western faction of the Easterlings. They have to talk it over, and will probably play both ends against the middle, but that went well with no one dying. What news below us?"
Reyald said, "Farmers say they'll pull in the wheat and barley by early August. The harvest will be poor, but more than the far side of the Redwater. If there's anything to steal, that's when. Stores are still good. Some farmers will just let horses graze what little came up and nourish the fields in the bargain."
Nag Kath thought a moment, "They should do that tomorrow and remove the temptation. Let us speak to Edelbras as well. Now, tell me of the family!" They spoke for another hour about grandchildren and horses and archery and horses again. Conath felt strong enough to walk out to the stables and lay on lusty praise for the King's Men's bravery. Both of his sons were known as the warriors he had been. Ardatha might be tougher than any of them. Tonight the family would dine separately with Edelbras and tomorrow they would put out the feedbag for all these stout soldiers after suitable viands could be ordered-up from town. That offer was met with hearty cheers.
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Torrald remembered Edelbras from the Thainmoot two and a half years ago. The King's man was a gracious guest, making Nag Kath wonder again if he hadn't made considerably higher than Sergeant before recruitment by the quiet side of the crown.
Brother Reyald filled them in on what ears were hearing to the east. It was largely as thought with the new Bror not wanting to bloody his hands dealing with third brother if he could starve those provinces back his way. The Bror was of his father's peaceful view but would not mind if the Usurper Frûnzar and his renegades got themselves killed on the Dale side of the river. Essentially; Dale was put in the position to settle a political rivalry.
All first and second generation Easterling farmers were infantry at heart with arms and ferocity. They did not have cavalry for more than scouting or skirmishing and had no use for artillery, even if they could pull it, unlike their Balchoth ancestors. What made this different than petty squabbles before was that orcs were hungry to the north. They did not, correct that; probably did not have the swarms to hold territory, but they could keep the northern Thains and Dwarves busy enough to let Easterling infantry cross the low river in force, hoping to share in the spoils. Nag Kath telling the orc Captain of a bad harvest would sell their decision, if they believed him.
With his astonishing ability to say something outrageous as routine conversation, Nag Kath asked the party, "If I kill this Frûnzar, will someone just take his place?"
Everyone was shocked to silence except the old Thain who thundered, "Aye, they've got some sort of cult that prepares for the rising darkness!"
Torrold recovered first, "Fraid so, Nag. Frûnzar brought followers to him because he claims to be the prophet for sleeping Dark Lords. There's been minor sorcery reported. If so, whoever that is steps in, call themselves the Visitors."
As if everyone seated dealt in deep magic, Uncle Nag shared, "That's been going around lately. I killed a Barrow-wight on my way here that transformed into a fish-creature. The Lings tried witchcraft thirty years to kill Queen Delatha. Same witch tried again in Belfalas couple years ago. Do these cultists have any sway in Dorwinion?"
Reyald this time; "I don't think so, but if they did, there's nothing stopping them. Dorwinion couldn't put down a tavern brawl. Éomer is paying attention, though.
Nag Kath kept up the questions, "What about Nauthauja?"
Torrold answered, "Loyal, but weak. His best people keep leaving for better work in Dale or Dorwinion. He's got more horses than men to ride them."
Nag Kath seemed to relent, "That's our focus, then. Were I an Easterling holy man looking to lead his people to glory, once I've got horses, we can go where we want. How do I get around the pretender to see Bror Dulgov?"
It was too absurd for anyone else to contemplate. Coming from Nag Kath, it bore consideration. Torrald said quietly, "Dorwinion."
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_~ / ~ / ~ / ~ / ~-_
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The next morning, Nag Kath and Ardatha found time to be alone. She was everything a father could want. And she had had four fathers, though one was by blood only.
Ardatha was not sure what would happen when dear Thain Conath died. Torrald would take his place and the big house. He and her Reyald were close but you can only have one Thain. It might be time for them to move to Dale too, or maybe Esgaroth, and raise the next generation of heirs. With the money settled on her by King Bard, Eniece, something from Conath and her grandmother's estates, they really didn't need Buhr Austar's rents in exchange for waiting thirty years until their son ascended.
Shurran was just fifteen and did not take to training the way they had hoped, a soldier but not a commander. Daughter Eniecia was twelve and liked to read. They might have to look further than the Buhrs for her husband. Of course, Torrold could still take a wife and sire heirs of his own. Nothing was certain.
Thain Conath made a good showing at the feast that night. About an equal number of his own troops complimented those of Dale. Ardatha excused herself early to not be the only woman. It was over at a modest hour. Torrald, Reyald, Edelbras and Nag Kath sat by themselves afterwards and talked about what needed to happen next. One thing that could not happen was Dale soldiers, however dressed, setting foot in Dorwinion unless there was war. That was part of the Reunited Kingdom. From the confluence of the Redwater and River Running to the west was unclaimed until halfway to the Rhûn.
Reyald proposed visiting the Thain of Nauthauja since of all loyal subjects of King Bard, he was closest to Dorwinion. From there, the King's men would ride back along the Redwater reinforcing the Thains' scouts while Nag Kath continued to Dorwinion to assess their readiness and consider ways to speak with the eastern Bror.
One thing in his favor was that Nag Kath had made an example of the current usurper's men's fathers a generation before. That went the old Bror's way. Their spies would have certainly noticed the attention the Elf received on returning to the capital. If anyone remembered now, it might either pave his way or keep people out of it.
Four days after they arrived in Austar, the King's Men, Nag Kath and Reyald made for the Ironhold and from there to Erland's Ferry, the last town of Thain Fändul's land. The current Thain was the brother of the Queen. Lieutenant Friskars was posted here at the border of Fändul and Nauthauja because he knew his business. There was legitimate commerce to and from the east and this was the only shallow crossing after miles of steep banks. Traders reported seeing irregular cavalry less than half a day's walk from the Redwater. No one had been bothered, but it was unsettling.
Nag Kath had never been further south than Austar and looked at the ground carefully the whole way. The barley crop was fair. The wheat was thin and the oats mostly dead, which was why farmers usually planted all three hoping one would flourish. Getting closer to Rohan, this was really horse country. Less scrupulous Thains and farmers had been known to sell horses to cloaked fellows with accents and ready nippers. Sometimes those fellows just helped themselves.
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Buhr Nauthauja was a sleepy little town of mixed parentage. Most people were Northmen but down here you found eastern and southern blood. There was also a strong streak of the Rohan ginger hair. Everyone had passable Westron but it wasn't always spoken at home. Reyald knew the place well and had the men dismount at the militia paddock. A gaunt old stableman was about to object when he saw Captain Conath and hard men, now back in their capital uniforms, eyeing him sternly. "Good day, Captain. Does Thain Durnaldar know you're comin'?"
"I do not think so. If he is available, some gentlemen from Dale were hoping for a word on our way through. Nothing urgent, you understand."
The stableman whistled-up one of his grooms and told the man to let the Thain know he had guests. The fellow nodded twice and trotted over to the main compound. A few minutes later, he came back with a house steward who said the Thain welcomed them.
Edelbras, Reyald and Nag Kath followed the steward back to the office. Thain Durnaldar walked out to shake hands with Reyald and then Edelbras, in order. At the end of the line came the Elf. Durnaldar reached out first and then recognized him from the troubles with his sister. They both owed their lives to this creature, though he nearly killed them first. No matter, he grabbed the Elf's hand and welcomed them all.
Durnaldar was a working Thain. He spent part of most days in the office with two clerks and his staff keeping the little Thainhold oiled. One of the concessions he got at his first Thainmoot after surviving the Elf's intercession was free access to the lands directly across the Celduin. It was not claimed by anyone and there were pockets of good pastureland. Farmers considered Nauthauja their market-town and paid district taxes, same as here.
Thain Durnaldar said to his secretary, "I will call it a day. Gentlemen, let us repair to my home."
By necessity, the Thain's residence was more fortified than Conath's sprawling farmhouse. Bad 'uns with arrows had often tried to settle scores with Durnaldar's kin so it was made of stone three-stories up and the windows were louvered for archers. It could not resist any sort of artillery but never had to. The steward had already prepared the household staff who were waiting for their master with clean hands. A lovely woman of about fifty came forward, bowed to her husband and received a peck on the cheek as reward.
Antulie had just given birth to their son when the witch and Easterling mess unraveled. She was a natural mother and had raised that boy and two girls in the traditional way. One daughter was already married to a Guildsman in Celduin. The other had the same problem as Ardatha's children because there were no strategic matches left in their closed world. Everyone was friends these days. Their little Tilli was an attractive woman of nineteen and might have to display her breeding where parvenus paid for nobility.
Reyald took the lady's hand as a courtier, "Antulie, these are my friends Edelbras and Nag Kath. Neither name meant anything to her.
The Thain said, "Please come into the main room and make yourselves at home. Can I interest you in ale or wine rather than tea? It was late enough in the day for Reyald and Edelbras to have a pint. Nag Kath asked for cool tea. Antulie excused herself to see to the household and let the men have the room.
Durnaldar said more softly, "I thank you for coming. Reyald, there is fresh news along the Easterling trail. It seems Frûnzar and the Bror are exchanging more than insults. And we found out where they've been getting their horses: some were stolen here, a few are from Rohan but most are from their own farms on the Rhûn. They are squat, sturdy, mop-haired beasts but serviceable for riding in formation." The Thain added softly, "We think about five hundred of them.
"From what we can tell, the pretender Frûnzar stole most of them before making his break known. His brother didn't want to admit it, called it an act of Ghrâr, or some-such. I sent riders to Dale four days ago."
Edelbras stepped into his role as King's man, "Thank you for your vigilance, Thain. Here is what we know from the north; Orcs from above the Ered Mithrin have been visiting the Wildlands in armed parties but not in force. We think they are conspiring with the Usurper's side to tie-up our northern forces and weaken our eastern defenses. With some luck, we may have nipped that in the bud." He looked to Nag Kath.
The Elf continued, "I spoke with one of their Anglachors on our way here. That is a Colonel in our parlance. This is a learned guess but I think they thought to share in spoils from these lands for their cooperation. I told them the harvest here was not worth the trouble and tried to bribe them with grain and fish from Dale to get them through the winter. It will not take long for them to confirm the pickings down here will be sparse now that they know to inquire."
.
Durnaldar had aged well. Pretty as a young man, he grew handsome with the lines of age. A loving wife and family helped. Escaping his father's treachery by a hair, his relationships with both the Buhrs and Dale had been cordial ever since. The Thain leaned forward in his cushioned chair and asked, "You spoke to the orcs yourself?"
"It was my first tongue. I also find it strange to consult with them against men, but these fellows over the river are the trouble now."
Durnaldar said softly, "They will not have forgotten you, Nag Kath."
"I am counting on it."
.
The three guests had dinner with the Thain, his wife, and Tilli along with Durnaldar's chief of staff, Legoran. Tilli was pretty after both her parents but had her mother's raven hair and pale complexion. Her parents thought to take her to this year's Thainmoot for the book-learning that young women seemed to need these days but that had been canceled for what they now knew was the King's poor health.
Nag Kath did not think it would risk opening old sores to say, "Thain Durnaldar, I had occasion to visit your lady sister in Dol Amroth two years ago. She is healthy and happy. Her son is a promising fellow and by now will have been commissioned in their Marines."
Tilli, who like many modern women was allowed to speak at table, was a year older than Caladrion and intensely curious about the outside world. "Forgive me, Mr. Kath. I am not familiar with such service."
"Being surrounded by water, their armies must travel by sea to land or even fight on the sea in their great ships. They train both as sailors and then as light cavalry or infantry when they reach their destination. Your uncle is an officer of high repute and Caladrion follows his footsteps. Cal was kind enough to show me around his city when I was there."
Tilli said dreamily, "Oh, thank you." This blonde fellow was quite handsome and worldly. Like her mother, she had no idea he ripped black sorcery out of her aunt's mind before the woman could murder the King.
Antulie noticed her daughter's infatuation, "Mr. Kath, I hope you can tell us more of Durnalath's home during your stay."
Nag Kath gave the Thain a knowing look before turning to his hostess and saying, "I would be honored, ma'am."
Chief-of-staff Legoran asked, "Are you Kath of the Water?"
The Elf said, "News travels fast. Yes, I had a hand in that."
Legoran was a frustrated builder and culled bits and pieces of the grand project from traders who worked the Anduin before crossing the brown lands to the east side of Mirkwood. He held forth quite a while on the scale and scope of the work and asked lots of questions. Nobody stopped him because the innocent topic left dire matters off the table.
Reyald saw Tilli blush talking with his father-in-law and wondered if she might be a good late-season match for his brother. Torrold wasn't too old for children and it would keep his own son Shurran from ever having to be a strategist. Maybe Uncle Nag would teach him art.
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The meal could have been fraught with tension but everyone had a good time and carried on later than most Nauthauja nights. In the morning, Nag Kath dressed and walked over to the barracks to catch Edelbras pulling on his boots. He sat on the next cot and said, "Things are going well."
Edelbras finished buckling the cinch and agreed, "Yes. That always bothers me. Do you still want to try your luck with the High Devil?"
"Not really, but it gives him an out. If they don't settle this on their side of the river, he will be hard-pressed to claim he wasn't involved. This is more your province than mine, but Dale is likely to have a new King who might want to put his stamp on bothersome neighbors. Between you, me and that post, does the young man have the temperament to watch and wait?"
Edelbras was not used to being asked or divulging his inner thoughts but the Elf had earned it. "I think so. He is like his father that way rather than old Brand. Frankly, and you never heard this from me, both father and son are thinking more of the unclaimed lands south of the Celduin. It is fertile and farmed. For the longest time we thought Rohan would move horse masters across the brown lands, but they have not. If hungry Easterlings cross the river and leave with nothing, it signifies little."
Nag Kath said, "I still think I should go. This cult of the dark lord sounds bad. I know a thing or two about dark lords. If someone has tapped unclaimed powers, I'd like a word. Who of your ministry will be watching the orcs?"
"Teletchin, good man. You said if the orcs agree they will send word to Erebor?"
"That's closest. One of them will have some common speech. He just has to say 'yes'. Wagons of wheat and dried fish can get there after harvest and we've got peace to the north for another year. Maybe it leads to a lasting understanding." The Elf shrugged, "I can't be there, though. Let us discover what this Bror has on his mind."
Nag Kath ate lunch with the Thain's family. By then, son Durnalid had been recalled from his posting to the northwest. Unlike Ardatha's son, this one was a born leader and seemed wise beyond his years. His wife was a local girl like his mother and stayed home with their young daughter.
Nag Kath did not know how much anyone but the Thain knew about the Thain's father's intrigues so he would follow Durnaldar's lead if it came up. To her mother's consternation, Tilli wore an alluring scent rather than something more maidenly. The male members of the family didn't seem to notice so Nag Kath pretended not to. Tillieth was quite a looker. He sat directly across from her.
After the opening banter died, Durnaldar asked, "Now, Mr. Kath, I am glad you were able to see Durnalath. Letters are not quite the same as being there."
"Yes, she is happy and well placed in their society. Your sister is still an attractive woman and her son takes after her."
.
Durnalid had only met his aunt once when he was small and asked about the legendary Principality of Belfalas. Durnaldar still wondered how his sister was swept off her feet by a man from the furthest point in the free world but was glad she was well. Tilli asked about the courtly manners and elegance of the famed island capital as well. As Nag Kath was about to answer he felt her toes touching the side of his calf. These country girls make their feelings known!
Mother Antulie had had enough, "How is it that you know Reyald, Mr. Kath?"
"He is my son-in-law." The foot was gone.
As they were finishing the sweets Nag Kath said, "Oh, sir Thain, it almost slipped my mind; An old woman, formerly of your lands, passed away in Osgiliath just before I left, a Mrs. Ingrall, though I do not know her maiden name. I believe she was known to your father."
In a very even, understanding tone, Durnaldar considered that, "I cannot place the name, Mr. Kath. I hope she was a fine example of our citizens."
"I am sure she was, sir."
Walking back to the barn Elf ears heard from the house, "Son-in-law! Of all the … I do not understand!" That was cause enough for a Nag-Kath grin.
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_~ / ~ / ~ / ~ / ~-_
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The easiest ford south was three miles west across the Celduin before it met the Redwater. There was a well-kept merchant road the whole way and he saw traffic in both directions but mostly going north with wine or other edibles. On horse he could have cut corners but the road was fair and full of people who loved to talk. Nag Kath kept Charlo at barely above a walk and made camp around merchant fires.
There is a camaraderie of traveling traders that seems much the same anywhere in the free regions of Middle-earth. Yes, they will risk a black-eye defending their home's honor, but they have seen enough other homes to understand people do things their own way. Now with thirty orc-free years of hauling their goods back and forth on safe roads, folk were less like the soldier/traders of Tharbad or Dunland when Nag Kath first risked those paths.
He fell in with a train of three wagoners. One was taking barrel hoops to the winelands just west of the lakeshore. Dorwinion was not self-sufficient in iron-mongery. Barrels of wine were shipped north. Some casks were kept to make beer but most were burned and the hoops collected for reuse.
"I'll tell you this for nothing!" said trainmaster Endulas in stentorian tones, "The Dorwinrim militia is the best in the world! Why do you ask, lad?"
"Well, Mr. Endulas, my uncle was up with the Gondoran archery trainers and he said the local rabble couldn't find their backsides with both hands." Nag Kath had no trouble 'pulling the longbow' for a good cause. He needed, among other things, to find out if this place could defend itself if the Easterlings had indeed started raising cavalry mounts on the other side of the inland sea.
"You're a beardless boy! Bet you've never even bedded a woman! I'll tell you this for nothing; maybe the louts in Brithen can't hit a target, but you'll get a fat lip saying that in Riavod!"
"Haven't been since I was a boy." Nag Kath knew that young men like to put as much space as possible between their childhood and now. "When do we make the river mouth?"
"See it noon, day after tomorrow."
The old trader confirmed what Durnaldar thought; the Gondoran influence was limited to the far western corner of the sea. The northern shore was Easterling farmers and fishermen. More importantly, the Usurper's forces, such as they were, were well north of here so from the river mouth east was nominally controlled by the hereditary Bror on the other side of this pretty flow.