Chapter 16

Hard Diplomacy

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We are going east. Maps that will help are: Rhûn Towns and Khand Topo. Please look in my Profile for the URL to the maps.

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When they made the turn above the small delta into the Rhûn, Nag Kath was shocked. There would be no stopping horsed-troops in force from helping themselves to anything they wanted. Why in the world would they bother stealing wispy stalks from well armed Buhr riders when they could dance across the river down here and live large?

The lake, sea as defined here, was massive. He would test it several ways later but it was said to be slightly salty. Like fish of the ocean, local fish were right at home. Nag Kath fared the hoop merchants well and took Charlo at a gallop to the business district of Riavod.

He found an inn on the shore that catered to gentlemen farmers. It was expensive but nice and full of people with nothing else to do than tell the handsome young man whatever he wanted to know. That included where the Provost office was. He rented a room for a week and rode what turned out to be only three blocks, presenting himself to the desk Sergeant saying he needed a word with the Marshal immediately.

"I am sure you do, boy, but he's a busy man."

In no mood to bandy excuses with officious clerks, Nag Kath walked down the hall and entered what he thought was the biggest room just in time to slam the door in the Sergeant's face. There was a Lieutenant sitting with a decorated Captain at a large table looking at notes. Nag Kath glared at the younger man and growled, "Out!"

The Captain stood and remonstrated, "See here!" He got no further when a beam of yellow, a confusion spell, made him forget the rest of his threat. The changeling hadn't tried it on a person before but there wasn't time for practice. The Lieutenant looked at his superior, decided these two could settle this themselves and joined the sergeant in the hall. Memory recovered, the Captain demanded, "What the devil do you think you're doing, boy?"

Nag Kath sat in the chair across from the Gondoran and said, "Within the month you can expect five hundred horse and fifteen-hundred, maybe two thousand Easterling infantry to cross the Celduin and start eating grapes."

The Captain was an instant from throwing the brat out the window but he knew he didn't have the troops to shovel the stables of such a force. The best he could manage was, "I am a Captain of Gondor!"

"I outrank you. Name's Nag Kath. I traveled to the Shire with King Elessar this spring and made for Dale when he went to Annúminas for the summer. There I conferred with Kings Bard and Thorin. They have orc activity on the northern border. It is a diversion for what the Thains thought was an attack on the grain harvest by the Usurper Frûnzar across the Redwater.

"Now I see their real purpose. By reliable accounts, Frûnzar stole most of the horses bred east of the sea and is massing forces out of his brother's reach. I think they are coming here." Nag Kath stood to reach in his pocket and pulled the chloer-wood token he never returned from the Dol Amroth adventure. Of course, the King knew nothing of this, but his man in Dorwinion was busy wrestling with expense ledgers and this was the time to set a new tone. He handed it to the Captain and sat down again.

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The Captain remained standing and hollered, "Sarn't!"

The desk man should have retired five years ago but he came in spoiling for a fight with the snotty blonde kid. The Captain barked, "This is Nag Kath. Get him anything he wants." The Lieutenant peered in to hear, "You too, Fendülas. Dismissed!

"Kath of the Water?"

"Umhumm."

"I am Lenös Talfurmir. My brother was one of your surveyors. What do you need from me?"

"I am not sure. I just got here. How many solid men can you field at the river mouth?"

"Precious few. I've got a hundred good horse from Anorien and another fifty Rohan mercenaries. They work cheap. Foot? Three hundred at best, and that would mean pulling them from their fields in no mood to fight."

Nag Kath rubbed his chin, "Let us assume I am not completely wrong in this. Our subjects will fight or they will run. If they run, you'll need to pull them back further than the Lings want to chase them. I expect this Frûnzar fellow is looking for a capital and will expand after he makes a few examples."

Captain Talfurmir said plainly, "Let us assume you are not completely wrong. If so, the high end of your strength estimate puts them a hundred miles inland. They can go no further unless they don't consolidate their takings."

"Captain Talfurmir, I need to know everything about the Bror. My plan is to go see the man. If I can, I will convince him that he does not want his internal squabbles spilling into Gondor or Dale and destroying the peace his people have enjoyed since Erebor."

The Captain chewed on his moustache and said, "There are folk who should be here. Let us say tomorrow afternoon. That will give me time to issue the … invitations."

Nag Kath appreciated the man's position and said, "Thank you. Sorry about coming in so strong but time is not on our side. What should I be doing between now and then?"

Talfurmir walked into the hall and spoke with his clerk for a minute. Returning to his chair he said, "Let us get you some eyes. I'm going to have a lad stop round your inn – the Sea Breeze, yes? – as soon as he can be found. He is an Easterling, but not overfond of how his family was treated. Sharp fellow. I wouldn't share anything strategic, but if I wanted to get the mood of the market place, I would ask him."

_~ / ~ / ~ / ~ / ~-_

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The guide was cast in the same mold as Tumlen, small, dark curly hair, a noticer of things around him. Nag Kath was sketching in a chair on the seaside porch of the inn when he approached and gave a slight bow. The Elf looked up and said, "Good morning young man. Have a seat."

He looked around before sitting. Lings didn't generally mingle with westerners at the Gondoran Sea Breeze Inn. But if this fellow said it was all right, it was. He wasn't a lad, more like sixteen with the beginnings of a beard and an earring of silver. He smiled showing a missing eye-tooth but was otherwise unscarred.

Nag Kath reached his picture over so the young man could see it and asked, "What's your name, my friend?"

"Vegad Druhamel, good sir."

"Pleasure. I am Nag Kath." The Elf went back to his drawing, mostly to see what Vegad did with nothing to do. He sat there patiently looking at the drawing and water, interested in how the artist captured colors with shade. Art where he was born was usually in vivid paints. After a few minutes, Nag Kath put the pad in his satchel and slung that over his shoulder as he stood saying, "Let us take a walk."

They had gone a hundred yards further south before Nag Kath ventured, "Are you from here, Vegad?"

"No, best of sirs. My family came here when I was eight."

"How do you like it?"

"Better than Rhûbar. More to eat."

Nag Kath kept his eyes on the road and asked, "Do you have family now?"

"I have a little sister. Mother and father have joined our ancestors, Mr. Kath."

"I am sorry for your loss, Vegad. I know very little of your people. I would like to know more. Tell me, this lady in the stall, what is she selling?"

"That is gureeq. It is like millet but grows in dryer soil. She sells it as it comes off the stalk or will grind it in that stone bowl to make flour. It keeps longer in the kernel."

Nag Kath wanted to know what the civilians thought. They would not be the first to know if there was trouble brewing but they would be far from the last. "Do the merchants here come every day?"

"Some, like her, are here every day. Some only come when they have finished goods to sell. They have to take which stalls are available that morning. Some come once a week, depending on the competition, sir"

"That makes sense. Where would I buy a horse?"

Vegad thought about more than came out. "They are rare. People either bring them or do without, mostly do without. I would ask at the stables in the Dorwinrim sectors, some blocks south."

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Nag Kath stopped to look at small brass charms hung on a dry branch. The vendor looked fast enough to catch anyone who snatched one on the way by. The Elf asked the man how much for one in the shape of a heart and was told it was two groats. He got one and put it in his pocket.

When they started walking again Nag Kath said, "I saw a number of people crossing the river this way. That is a hard ford. Is that where people usually come and go?"

Vegad stopped and looked at the Elf. "They are only coming this way now ... and I suspect you know that."

"I do."

"What do you need of me, Mr. Kath?

"I am not quite sure yet. Has the provost office arranged for your pay?"

"They gave me a modest advance against your satisfaction."

Nag Kath turned left towards two fishing boats being repaired on the beach and sat in the sand. Vegad sat next to him. Sure they were out of listening range of any but other Elves, Nag Kath reached into his vest pocket and took out ten silvers. He slipped them into Vegad's palm. Looking out on the water the Elf said, "If anyone wants to know what you are doing, you are guiding a rich man's simpleton son around on holiday. I will ask many stupid questions of the people I meet. It is possible some will not appreciate that. Is there someplace safe you and your sister can stay?"

"Several."

For the first time Nag Kath really looked the young man in the eyes with his pure Elf face. "I need you to tell me about Frûnzar."

"Third son of Telantish; thankfully rotting these two years. Frunzar is smart, attractive to women and thinks he should have been first son. A good horseman. Men want to be praised by him and he wants high praise in return."

"Where does he stay?"

"In the Feeruld province upriver. He is from the capital but kept the Bror's summer home after the split."

Nag Kath asked, "What else might you have told me about where to get a horse?"

"There are many on the east side of the sea, not that they would sell you one."

"I thought as much. The Feeruld, is that where the mercenaries are from?"

Vegad had decided to be as helpful as he could. This Nag Kath was a dangerous fellow, but those were nine more silvers than he had ever held at one time and he had no love for the Black Visitors. "They are where you find them, but the Balchoth were mostly in that region."

Nag Kath tried to glue some of the parts in place. "And they didn't see eye-to-eye with the dead Bror, yes?"

"You know a great deal for a witless son."

"Not enough."

"Yes. They were the cavalry in the old days. When the war ended, their horses were put to the plow or eaten in the famines. They lost their voice in council, waiting for someone with keys to closed doors."

"How does Frûnzar fit in with the Visitors?"

Vegad spit and touched his mouth twice. Then he looked at the Elf, "Not so witless at all."

Nag Kath scooped sand in his right palm. It began to glow silver. Grains glistened and circled his hand like tiny stars. The he slowly poured it out leaving trails of light trickling to ground. Vegad did not display any emotion but he never blinked once. The Elf said, "No, not so witless."

Vegad realized this was the sorcerer champion of the west, a creature who only appeared every generation to continue the age-old battle. He chose sides, "Mr. Kath, I do what I must to care for Hillilea and me. I would like us to both stay alive. But burned in my mind are Visitors whipping my father bloody for lighting candles on Gelansor. I will help you if I can."

"Gelansor?"

"The last new moon in July."

"So, what about this bandit prince and the Visitors?"

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Vegad gave him chapter and verse about a sect among the Balchoth descendants who yearned for the days of favor by Sauron. They disdained farmers and townsmen and everything else the world had become, trading little pieces of this and that to fill the larder. Now, a genuine leader had emerged who could bend the knees of their central Khans if he could outmaneuver his brother. The difficulty was that first son was no fool and grudgingly shared with folk who appreciated it. Nag Kath listened carefully and interrupted with, "Now, what about those horses?"

"All I know is what people coming west tell me. The old Bror was breeding Puklak horses along the eastern rim. The grazing is good there and he finally had farmers enough to raise and train them. Gold found its way to the right palms and over a week they were ridden to Feeruld across the Bror's holdings. There is poor grain there, but enough. Dale is just over the river and they have fertile lands as far as a man can see."

Vegad's first error. He had no reason to praise dry fields so that must be the view of fleeing refugees who had not seen them either. But Frûnzar would certainly know the only grain for more than a month's loaves was already in the storehouses. So why the pretense of probes in the Buhrs?

Orcs!

Frûnzar had to make the orcs think they would get fed or they had no reason to keep the Thains busy on their borders and unable to come to Gondor's aid in Dorwinion.

"Vegad, come by my inn after dinner. Meanwhile, find a cozy place for your sister.

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After a light meal, Nag Kath and Vegad strolled on the walk between the buildings and the shoreline. Unlike the great seas to the west, this one did not have large waves crashing and shifting the sand. They went to a place Vegad knew where successful Easterlings escaped their wives and were shown a table not far from the kitchen door before ordering a middling local wine.

As arranged, Vegad said, "Please remember, Mr. Solvanth, the local wines are very potent."

"Nonsense! Nothing to a good red ale!"

"Of course, sir."

"Now, what is this business about Sauron? My father, bless him, danced on his black grave before he met my ma."

Other drinkers made the kinds of sounds they could hear over. Vegad said patiently, "It is nothing. Estimable persons think his memory has been sullied unjustly."

"Hughmmmph! We could never get our salt up north with Dark Lords about. I'll tell you this," Mr. Solvanth slurred his speech, "Just let one of those dougshs say otherwise and we will have words! Now, you're sure the horshes are good?! I don't want no fuzz-tailed nags, mind."

"Yes, Mr. Solvanth, prime Rhûn-bred, they are. Very sturdy."

The blonde man looked like he was having trouble focusing but he managed to say, "That's a good price. Too good! Wager they're stolen!"

"Oh no, sir. Sometimes our army friends across the river have more than they need."

The drunken merchant slurped his wine and glowered at the cup, "Where's next? I need a proper ale to take the taste from my mouth."

His long-suffering guide reminded him, "I think your friend said the Full Sail."

"Lead on, then! I can't tell one of these places from another." They walked into a pleasant night towards a darker part of the high street. Two men near the door dropped groats on the table and gave Solvanth a reasonable head-start.

Vegad said under his breath, "I dearly hope you know what you're doing, Mr. Kath."

"Me too." Then, much louder, "Hold a minute. I need to lose some of that wine." Nag Kath lurched into an alley and was followed by his loyal guide. The two men crept behind them and Vegad saw a flash of steel. Just then, a pulse of energy bathed in pale, yellow light swept by him making his head swim.

Nag Kath walked back towards the street and said sharply, "Where have you been? We've been waiting."

"One of the assassins groaned from the blackness in poor Westron, "I … I'm not sure."

Their superior was not pleased. "How many infantry?"

The two men looked like they were resisting the magical confusion so he reapplied it. One of the two groaned, "Three, perhaps four divisions of five-hundred each."

"When are you supposed to get back to the main army?"

The other fellow managed, "We leave in three days."

"Leave in the morning. When do we secure the ford?" There was no reading their faces but neither said a word. Nag Kath ordered impatiently, "Well, out with it! I need to prepare here."

The taller of the two said, "Day after Yegraph's Feast when the Dark Lord's star is lowest. Same as it's been."

Nag Kath relented, "Good work. Go get a cup of wine and forget this conversation." The two men said in unison, "We hear and obey, Gvordling," before sheathing their knives and wandering back into the street.

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Vegad was glad he did not actually have to relieve himself or he would have. At ease, Nag Kath observed, "That would have been better in your language. Could you tell where these men were from?"

After a moment finding his tongue, Vegad muttered, "Feeruld. Rebels from Feeruld."

My dearest Durn,

I am in Riavod and enjoying the lovely seaside views. Thank you for recommending I visit.

There has been a change of plans. Our guests will be coming here rather than to your home for the Feast of Yegraph. It is shocking to think they would have us go through all that trouble and change their minds! I should think my hosts will have a difficult time entertaining such a large family. We are arranging their welcome as I write.

Of course, you and my son-in-law are always welcome to come with any of your friends. Please tell my family I love them as soon you can.

In appreciation, NK

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_~ / ~ / ~ / ~ / ~-_

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Captain Talfurmir called the meeting to order. "Gentlemen, this is Mr. Kath of Minas Tirith and Osgiliath. Mr. Kath, these are; Mr. Sundermol, Captain of the local foot militia, Lieutenant Fendülas of the cavalry you've met. Captain Fenuldorn of the Rohirrim and Mayor Jurgantis. Mr. Kath has alarming tidings and we need to pay special attention." He nodded to the Elf.

"Sirs, none of this is expected or certain. I am also a citizen of Dale and was asked by King Bard to investigate orcs along the Iron Hills Road on my way to the eastern Thainholds. They seem to be out of old caves above Erebor and are definitely soldiers, but not in force. Orcs appear to be in league with Easterlings running drills along the east bank of the Redwater, again, not in real force. The harvest will be poor on either side of the river. The Thains are prepared to the extent they can be. I came here to circle the Usurper and make for Kugavod seeking an audience with the new Bror."

Jaws dropped, except Talfurmir's. Nag Kath pulled a fierce fever from his brother the surveyor so the Captain knew this unassuming fellow had tricks he hadn't shown.

Nag Kath continued, "Here is the problem. I now believe the noise along the Redwater is a feint and they intend to ford above here in force, five hundred horse, three or four times that in infantry. I squeezed two spies last night and the attack is set for three weeks from today."

Mayor Jurgantis was ex-irregular from this district. His family had fought the same foe in the same places since no one kept records. He cleared his throat and said clearly, "We cannot pull the people back in time. I know a little of this Frûnzar and he is looking to create his own land if he cannot have theirs. What Mr. Kath said makes sense."

The Lieutenant observed, "Our horse cannot do much until they land. The river is low now for lack of rain but getting infantry across is still no easy thing." He looked to the Rider of Rohan and asked, "Is there news of boats or barges on the eastern shore?"

The man shrugged his shoulders. The Mayor said, "If they launch barges where we can't see them now, the current won't get to our side until Tas Surren. The horses can cross above and swim. What we need are archers."

Nag Kath followed with, "Then my guess is that the horsemen will come first to secure the landing. I cannot help you much with defenses. You know the river and the bank. Now, more than ever, I need to talk to this Bror fellow and convince him that he doesn't need King Elessar as an enemy."

Men of the town would see to defenses. As they left, Captain Talfurmir said, "I got your letter off at first light. I know Durnaldar a little. I will send another asking him to watch for barges should he wander this way sightseeing. It is not their fight."

"Aye. Blessings be upon us, Captain."