Chapter 18
Thunder on the River
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It rained that morning. This was not the season and it wasn't much of a storm, but everyone in uniform was miserable. Charlo was tired for the first time in his life. Riding back up the merchant road they saw a team of wagons plodding along under the King's peace with Lieutenant Fendülas behind them. The teamsters waved nervously.
This was Tas Surren where the river current swung to their side. Fording horsemen would know that. Talfurmir called to his cavalry chief, "Any riders from the north?"
"Nay, Captain. All quiet."
Talfurmir muttered, "I suppose that is good. Nag Kath, if I had five hundred cavalry without infantry or artillery support, I would cross them eight miles upstream. The river widens as the cliffs give way to mud banks for two miles. Below us, they can't get up the bank."
Fendülas called, "I sent a six-troop up there yesterday with orders to ride like the wind if shaggy horses start swimming west."
Talfurmir pinched his lips on his moustache and declared, "Here is where we stop them. Lieutenant, you have command of the cavalry. I need to stay here. Have the men dig and spike trenches to either side of the road. Archers behind those, cross-firing up the road. Cavalry to the rear for the ones that make it through or to drive in if they make a stand." As an afterthought he shouted, "Have your riders dig pot holes while they wait."
The first infantrymen started arriving with spears in one hand and shovels in the other. Men with axes chopped and sharpened branches. Mayor Jurgantis was seeing to provisions. They would eat whatever he found. Tents were moved out of view. The weather cleared. Ominously, no more merchants appeared that day and none were allowed north. They grumbled but left and were told to keep their mouths shut. One lucky fellow sold his cargo of salted-pork then and there.
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Nothing happened the next day except their woolens finally dried. One of the militias from the west bank of the Rhûn arrived to reinforce the local men. The pork and food brought from town was better than usual soldier's fare. Men waited and wished their love to families. If Easterlings were coming, those loved ones were only twelve miles away. The next morning was clear and fair. It was the day before the enemy infantry assault was scheduled. If Nag Kath was in charge and thought the foot soldiers would leave tomorrow, he would ford the cavalry at dusk.
A lonely wagon rolled up. The teamster and his son enjoyed a leisurely breakfast at dawn thinking to make the rest of the trip well before dinner. The drover looked at the soldiers and joked in good humor, "Well, change my underclothes if you aren't fearsome fellows!"
Sarn't Guilthorn of the Fourth replied, "Hello Travid. What news from the road?"
"Nothing going up." Looking at the troopers, "I expect you know that."
Travid would have been in the militia call-up if he wasn't working. Lieutenant Fendülas said, "This is real, Travid. Easterling cavalry might be headed this way. You and Benvier settle your animals and fall-in." The man looked at his son, nodded and pulled his rig downstream with the other wagons. They were back shortly with their weapons. No other wagons came but Cestland's Dorwinions arrived from the south hot and stinking. His archers better than doubled the men defending the trenches. They looked far more competent than Nag Kath's goad to the wagoner coming down.
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An hour before dusk, Corporal Warno and his five men sped into camp. Fendülas walked out and heard, "They're coming. It was hard to count but I'd say closer to four hundred rather than five. Viggas got a better look."
Trooper Viggas panted, "Half spears, half swords. Not many bows. They'll have to replace the strings in the dark. I stayed long enough to watch the first of them climb the bank. They were spread the whole length and I think a few went too far and are trapped in the canyon walls. I put them an hour away."
Talfurmir shouted, "We're in it now, lads. We've got angry Lings coming for dinner. Everyone knows what to do. Hold your positions because we can't reform. Fight for your families."
Nag Kath said, "I will be watching." With that, he took his art tube upriver. Sooner than Viggas thought hooves thundered their way.
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In the encroaching darkness, a red comet shot drunkenly across the sky. The men of Dorwinion were startled but were told to expect the unexpected. Further north, horses and riders were unnerved. The comet is the ultimate disaster in Rhûn and here was one racing over their heads at what should be their moment of glory! Some men broke ranks and dismounted to offer contrition for man's faults. Officers screamed at them to ride or die. They got back in the saddle but the formation was now in shambles. As they approached, pitch-trenches were lit by brave Dorwinens waiting alongside the road. Another comet of pure silver helped light them as Cestland's archers began pouring arrows into their flanks.
Ling officers in front sounded the charge to get past the barrage only to trip in the spiked ditches. Their next line followed them into the pits or pulled up as easy targets for the second and fire-at-will volleys. Allied cavalry closed in from beside the road to take those breaking through.
The enemy's second wave had to slow when the first stalled at the trenches and then looked back in horror as one hundred and twenty cavalry closed the trap from the north. The northern allied van engaged the last ranks of the Easterling cavalry until the Ling commander sounded the horn to press south, hoping that reinforcing his forward column would let them punch through. They got the same treatment in the pot holes and ditches as arrows rained in from both sides.
Perhaps a dozen stragglers broke through the rear cavalry pincer and rode for their lives. Others crawled into the hills to be captured or die later. By torchlight, the Easterlings had one hundred forty dead or dying, ninety who might live and the rest captured or soon to be.
Nag Kath was sorry for the horses killed or that needed to be put down in the spike pits. Something like a hundred of them would be dinner for the next few nights. The rest charged off in all directions or milled about, neighing for solace.
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As the Dorwinions secured their prisoners, officers rode up in the gloom from behind the lines. One called, "Permission to enter Gondor, sir."
Talfurmir smiled broadly and answered, "Permission granted, Lords of Dale. Glad you could come."
Nag Kath walked up with his bow and bowed to the host. Durnaldar looked at his son and grinned, "There was no missing those rockets."
Nag Kath announced, "Captain Talfurmir, may I introduce my son-in-law Reyald Conath, Lieutenant Freers of Fanüel and Mr. Edelbras, a gentleman of Dale."
The Captain said, "It is my pleasure, sirs. Truly."
Horses and men were screaming in pain so this was no time for chat. Talfurmir shouted, "Spears on the prisoners in circles. Hands bound. Keep 'em quiet until we can see what we're doing."
Nag Kath walked over to a bleeding officer who hoped his uniform would not stand-out by torchlight and said, "You, what's your name?"
"Captain Turradin Pen-Sollaag."
"Stand up, Captain." He did on a game leg.
The Elf said softly, "Which one's Frünzar?"
The officer nodded his head slightly to his left. The Elf looked over and saw a well-fitted knight breathing his last with a goose-quill arrow through his lung. He walked to the man and knelt beside him. "Anything you want said in your memory?"
The man smiled and shook his head. It was the last thing he ever did. Nag Kath stood and said to the other prisoners, "He will be returned to your lands with respect." Then to Captain Pen-Sollaag; "Tell your men hiding in the bushes that they should come out now and accept such mercy as their cooperation earns them. If we have to go get them tomorrow, we'll drag them back."
The Captain limped to the hill side of the road and shouted several sentences in their tongue. He nodded to Nag Kath and mustered some dignity, "There will be those who are wounded and cannot come. I hope you will show honor." The Elf said nothing.
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The night took forever. Men and horses cried and suffered. At first light, one crew was assigned the unenviable job of dispatching horses beyond hope. They did the same for men, including some of their own. Most of the Easterlings in the hills came at their Captain's urging but a few held out for as long as it took. Dorwinion had nineteen dead and twice that many with serious wounds. One of Edelbras' men was killed and one of the Reyald's riders got a spear through the leg-bone and would be here two months at the minimum. Sarnt Tellig's arm was in a sling. Nag Kath spent the morning applying flesh-knitting and pain spells for wounded on both sides. By noon, everyone was where they were supposed to be.
Captain Pen-Sollaag was subordinate to Colonel Fôrsh who was in the back prisoner coffle. It was his job to ask for mercy and terms. That was awkward. The Bror would be in no hurry to get them back. The officers might wish they had died here. Some fell on their swords, including three dressed in black.
Captain Talfurmir had the King's authority to settle border skirmishes. This was bigger than that but who was going to complain? Nag Kath presented Edelbras and Talfurmir sealed letters from the Bror to their Lords explaining that he had settled with the infantry on his soil and begging pardon for any trouble rogue elements of his people had caused. It came with offers of reparation. Those who could walk or ride did so and the rest were loaded into wagons for the bumpy ride to Riavod.
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Non-combatants from the Dale train had been left two hours behind and they made their way into town the day after the battle to enjoy dinner and tastes of the exotic wine capital with the soldiers and townsmen. Even the logs and barges arrived at the river mouth over the next few days as gifts for plucky men willing to retrieve them. Unfortunately, horses and men floated down later.
It was four days of healing and dining before the Dalelanders and Nag Kath rode north. This was Gondor and they had things in hand. Weeks later, a letter from the Captain, whose career was ascendant as the hero of Riavod, said that prisoners were sent home across the inlet. The Bror would take three of them back for every horse returned. The rest of the shaggy beasts belonged to the victors or were sold to compensate the families of local casualties.
Before they left, Nag Kath gave the Captain a letter for the King of Gondor to include with his own dispatches. Sent quickly, it could probably be handed to Aragorn at the gap when he returned from Annúminas. Nag Kath's letter was written in Sindarin and included meaningless marks on a separate sheet.
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Dearest High King Elessar Telcontar,
I hope this letter finds you well. It should come with dispatches from the excellent Captain Talfurmir who showed great leadership in our victory. I apologize for acting in your name. It was needed. I will leave accounts of the fighting to Talfurmir and only add that which I learned privately.
The men of Dale came to our aid and also performed superbly. They did not have to do that. Some of it was because I asked but the friendship between the two lands is strong. Expect a change in kingship there shortly.
Bror Dulgov is a reasonable sort. Now that his brother sleeps with his ancestors, the man may be open to diplomacy. He speaks decent Westron and you can make what you will of his letter to you.
Then there is the enclosed sheet. The rogue Easterlings were aligned with a cult or sect revering Sauron. I do not know how deep or widespread that fans into their society. They believe it and the Bror is actively discouraging the practice. The paper has a tracing from a stone thought by a low-ranking 'Visitor' to hold power. It is not Black Speech and the man spoke none. I send it your way in the event scholars can make sense of it. The rock itself is now gravel in the Rhûn.
I will keep my ears to the ground for similar tidings. That may take me north and east before we meet again.
With kindest regards, NK
King Aragorn was intercepted at the Gap of Rohan and read the correspondence from everyone else first. When he opened one end of Nag Kath's packet, an ounce of green/gray powder poured on his boot. Three matches were sealed in wax on the outside.
The messenger was told to burn it before the end of need.
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The Dalean captains were in good humor on the way home. Soldiers always mourn for those lost or wounded but this had been a success on every level. The enemy was crushed. An accommodating Bror had shown reason while removing the thorn from his toe. The informal alliance between Dale and The Reunited Kingdom came through in shining colors, probably to be strengthened as a result. Nag Kath did not know it yet but this was the first time he had used his gifts for leadership. The changeling deflected praise to his comrades but they all saw command in him, even if he didn't.
Edelbras said while riding, "It shows that cavalry is more than mounted men. They broke formation twice."
Young Durnaldar responded, "Aye, horse and man need to know the measure of each other, like pick drills at speed. Lieutenant Freers, what think you to do with your shaggy mounts?"
Freers led thirty troopers from the Thainhold of Fanüel, Queen Delatha's home. Durnaldar and Thain Conath thought the lands between theirs should be represented. Thain Fanüel risked thirty casualties to present a united Buhric force and chose well. They were discussing forty claimed horses in the rear of their train. The beasts were not natural cavalry mounts but they could draw wagons and happily ate any weed offered.
Freers looked back and assessed, "Plowing and pulling. They do not seem much bothered with the change of masters."
Reyald cried, "They did not care for those fireworks!" Edelbras just grinned, something he seldom did. Their own horses were spooked but in the hands of more experienced riders.
Nag Kath recalled, "When I had my last confrontation with Easterlings from their hard school, I was told they fear comets as harbingers of evil – a sign of the gods' displeasure. I could not use it then but with notice, I thought to celebrate Syndolan early this year."
Durnaldar laughed, "Well timed. When did you learn to make them fly so close to their heads?"
Nag Kath finally grinned, "I didn't. Those were Gandalf's powders. Lord Aragorn liberated them from Orthanc a few months ago. The wizard could make tiny packets inside the end that would burst at different times in different colors. I was relieved they rose high enough not to scald our own lads."
Edelbras said more seriously, "Twas your arrow put paid to the Usurper, like the Ling on the Dwarf Road, eh?"
"Fraid so. Taking him alive would have complicated things with his brother. They really should teach these eastern potentates not to wear the only clean uniform."
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Reyald wore a small smile thinking of his strange father-in-law. In battle he was the most dangerous man alive with a combination of speed, intelligence and audacity. Then he could switch to discussing toy fireworks with the same degree of concentration. He prioritized, but whatever he did got his full attention. Reyald was also thinking of Thain Durnaldar's where were certain to be found celebrations. If he could keep Durnaldar's amorous daughter off the Elf, he would invite her to visit Buhr Austar to meet the rest of the family. There would be nothing like a young woman to liven his beloved brother's outlook, though the man seemed content.
Nauthauja was indeed ready. Durnaldar sent a fast rider north before making camp the night before. Two of his troopers would have to stay in Riavod with the other wounded until the one with a broken leg mended. The rest were heroes returned from combat! Folk from across the Celduin were invited. It was now more likely than ever that they would be proper Daleans after the next Thainmoot.
Tilli was cordial to Nag Kath but at learning he had been married to Reyald's wife's mother (Ardatha being almost as old as her own doddering father!), the young beauty decided she would wait for a dashing Prince, thank you very much. That did not bode well for Torrold's chances but he knew nothing of the plot. Everyone else in the Buhr was more than cordial. There wasn't a bag of jerky left in the larder when the soldiers of Dale, Fanüel and Austar waved goodbye. No matter. This was the stuff of songs sung wherever men of good will were met for a hundred years.
Thain Fändul put out the feedbag too. His thirty riders were his best, but only as many as asked for by his brother Thains. Now well into his fifties, he had only daughters, one of whose sons returned with laurels this day. Old tensions among the eastern Buhrs were long past, which was why marriages among them dwindled as modern girls dreamed of more exciting lands.
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Buhr Austar had also been notified their returning warriors would arrive the following day. Leaving at dawn put them into town just after lunch where folk threw flowers and brought sweet cakes to their riders. If any soldier was waiting to propose to his sweetheart, this was the time. Troopers with family and Edelbras' men stayed in town and the rest rode to the Thain's holdings just northwest. They would have a smaller celebration there tonight and come back to town tomorrow for the speeches. After eating their way up the Redwater, most men just wanted to sleep in a real bed.
Ardatha gave Nag Kath a smile that said they would catch-up after she and Reyald celebrated alone. Torrold sat next to Nag Kath on the porch steps and put his mug on the planks. He commanded the larger local force watching their homeland. They both looked across to the stable barracks listening to brave men choose between celebrating and sleeping.
Nag Kath said without altering his gaze, "You are in trouble now, my friend. Your brother thinks to bring Tilli Durnaldar up here for courtship."
Torrold didn't move his head either, "He and Ardatha have been at that for years. Between us, and a dozen people who also know, I've had a friend in town for some time. She is mother to two girls of passing fathers and considered beneath my parents' standards. After da is gone …" he looked at Nag Kath for this, "… and I hope he lives as long as he wants, I will take her to wife." He grinned as broadly as Nag Kath might ever imagine saying, "So Tilli will have to find someone her own age to flutter those famous eyelashes at!"
"Good for you, Torrold. Are her daughters included?"
"Oh yes. I would have no one suffer for this. Their husbands are townsmen and militia both, but not considered successors here."
Stillness begged the question; who would follow? Reyald, if he lived longer, and then Reyald's boy Shurran. Nag Kath was first to speak, "There is plenty of room in Dale or even Minas Tirith for the sister to the King of the Northmen. They don't need money. I was thinking of ambassador now that Rosscranith is put to pasture."
Torrold said, "I have thought that too. It is strange the way ages play in this pageant. I am now fifty, still fit and strong. I wouldn't have to last as long as my da to make someone wait here with little to do." He looked Nag Kath in the eyes again, "And if footloose Elves steal all the thunder from our brave troopers, there is not much future in that either."
"I suppose so. None of this was planned. I have a knack for finding the oddest things and living to tell the tale."
Torrold grinned again, "Did you really send Syndolan rockets over their heads?"
"Weak efforts by Gandalf's standards. I still have enough powder for a couple parties."
Torrold put his hand on the Elf's knee and said, "I'll join the men for one last mug and call it a night. Thank you for your kindness, and for looking after my little brother. He is dear to me."
The tall Northman walked towards the light of the stable.
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Ardatha was in a good mood the next morning. The Elf was sensitive to women who enjoyed romantic evenings – something about being a water spirit, he supposed. She joined her fourth-da who spent the night in a comfortable chair on the porch. "Breakfast is almost ready, Nag."
Lost in thought, he looked up at his step-daughter and smiled. "Sorry, I was wondering about events to the south. It is strange how it all went."
"I shouldn't think so. Good soldiers did what good soldiers do."
"I spent a fortnight as a guest of the Bror. Never tell your father but he looked a lot like Conath when we first met, but for the braided whiskers – big, bluff fellow, broad as a beer cask."
Ardatha said tartly, "He does not enjoy such esteem on this side of the river."
"The world is changing, daughter, for the better, but with change comes upset. There are people there, and probably in our lands too, who long for the return of darkness. Common threats unite us. Adherents find themselves in worse straits than when sorcery reigned. There are probably hill brats who will join from boredom. I hope they fail. But I am the only one left who can stop them, so either their powers must not grow or mine must. That does not sit well with me, beloved daughter. I was borne of shadow. I cannot go back"
She whispered, "I think of mother often. She could never have loved you if you were a dark lord. I am sorry for your last marriage, and for the baby."
"I must say goodbye to all I love at some time. Perhaps that is why real Elves are not often close to men. Unless killed by battle or injury, they manage because their society lives on. I hope it takes me a long time not to care about my mortal friends. I like caring." He grinned, "And I like women. That is not very Elvish of me."
Ardatha put a piece of long-grass in her teeth and looked at the paddock. "Speaking of women, Reyald told me he invited Durnaldar and his folk up for, what did he call it, a strategic conference."
Nag Kath nodded, "He said he would."
She decreed, "I will put an end to that in due course." Nag Kath looked at her quizzically. "Torrold is spoken for. The woman is like mother. We are hard on mothers who cannot resist men's needs." Ardatha looked in the Elf's eyes and said, "Of course I know, silly. I am a daughter of Lake Town. We don't raise fools. Now, if someone else would just tell Reyald. I think even dear Conath knows."
"Invite her to dinner tomorrow."
Ardatha pretended shock by raising her hand to her mouth. "Leave it to you! First you ride into the Ling capital with nothing but your cod. And now you put Austar in confusion!"
She bit her lip and added, "I will have Reyald invite her and her daughters' families. It is time he did something useful for a change."
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The feast at the town hall went well. A number of soldiers and a host of a townsmen found that two or more nights of celebrating made them ill. Nag Kath did not offer to cure their distress. After most people had arrived, Reyald Conath, in his dress uniform, led an anxious woman through the front door by the hand. She and Ardatha were the same age, height and shape after children so one of the Princess' dresses was pressed into service.
Reyald led the gal to the old Thain who was holding court near the beer table. The fearless Captain had to clear his throat twice but then said in a lordly voice, "Father, may I introduce Gerda Santaviig." The woman bowed and smiled timidly.
Conath looked away from his cronies and asked forcefully, "You not old Corporal Santaviig's girl are you? Good man." He remembered nothing of his and Halditha's disdain after her first unwelcome child.
"I am indeed, Thain Conath."
"Well, I have family scattered about the room. Go say hello."
She blinked a couple times as the old man returned to his story. Then she smiled and went looking for another family member. She found him.
Ardatha and Reyald approached the couple after a few minutes. She kissed them both. Reyald took a small silver box out of his pocket and said, "Nag Kath gave us these when we married. We never got around to setting them. It seems they need better owners." They were the two diamonds.
The younger son was not so sure about his royal wife's request to give the stones away like a Hobbit's mathom, gifts given again and again. She knew the Elf wouldn't care so when he walked by she said, "Nag Kath, this is Gerda."
He expected this was the mystery woman and he bowed graciously. Ardatha, ever the Lake-girl said, "We gave them your diamonds. Hope you don't mind."
Nag Kath said, "I'd forgotten about those." To Torrold and Gerda, "I hope they bring you good fortune."
As other guests, primarily women, joined their circle, Ardatha felt the need to keep the conversation flowing so she asked, "Wherever did you get those Nag?"
"From the troll-hoard in the Iron Hills. There were several dozen and I picked the two that matched the closest. Eniece got the ruby you have now."
No one, not even his forward step-daughter, was ready for that. She and the Conath brothers had even better Nag Kath stories but everyone else thought he was being silly. Wasn't this pretty fellow an artist or something?
The Elf himself failed to notice the collective inhale and walked over to Edelbras. His men would be leaving tomorrow. Nag Kath would stay here a while longer so he asked him to take a pair of letters to Dale for him. Edelbras knew the royals might need him soon and would not be any later than necessary, even as other sang his praises. He was a King's man.
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As things settled in Austar, Nag Kath got to spend time with Ardatha's younger children; Shurran and Eniecia. They were rapt with Uncle Nag's stories, especially now that there were fresh ones to support the old yarns. The girl liked to dance. Before they knew it, it was harvest. The barley came in late this year, slightly better than to the south but only just worth reaping. Nag Kath participated in militia training and taught archery to the youngsters. They were a dangerous lot when their attention strayed so he used arrows with cloth wrapped around the tips. This was Shurran's first year with the adults and he was a fair shot with the bow.
Gerda lived in town and now Torrold was openly seen with her. Conath never did recall her scandals among the growing list of things he forgot. When his elder son asked his permission to marry, he said, "Splendid. Nice girl."
That was it. He could have done it years ago.
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By September it was time for Nag Kath to go. The family wished they could keep him for luck but understood. His bags packed for tomorrow, Ardatha joined him after dinner in his 'office', the two chairs on the front porch. They were quiet for the longest time. Finally she said, "We will probably join you in the spring. Torrold will stay. Reyald agreed that it is time for a change. You said change is for the better. I hope so.
"If the King, young or old, thinks we would be good representatives for Dale, I would like to see the White City. We'll go as citizens if not. It is a safe journey nowadays. He has a cousin in Edoras to visit. We'll take Shurran and Eniecia."
He said, "I think that is wise. You should spend some time with your grandmother. She is stronger than the Thain but cannot last forever. I may travel with you. It is time for me to visit Lorien. The fairest of Elven places is just off the road and yet ten thousand leagues away. I have been putting that off, telling myself I wasn't ready. The Elf-keepers will be there now and they know me."
She kissed him goodnight knowing he would be gone with the sunrise.
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This was familiar road. Nag Kath stopped both at the Iron Hills and Buhr Wenjan turning the corner. There had been no orc trouble. There was no sign of them on the long stretch between mountain ranges. There wasn't much sign of anyone else either except Dwarf trains taking their goods to Erebor or over the Misty Mountains into Arnor.
Nag Kath did not stop at Erebor this time, thinking that he might be this way again soon depending on how the orc bribe went. No news was good news and he hadn't heard a word from the capital. With the King's precarious health, they had other worries.
Charlo's stable was paid up by the year so he handed the reins to the stable hand and carried his bags up the switchback. The door was unlocked. Nearing dinner, Tella was humming something out of key and making her own meal. Nag Kath shut the door loud enough so she would not be surprised when he was standing behind her. Stealth was not always a virtue.
"Oh, Mr. Kath. It is good to see you. I can just add a few greens."
"Thank you, Tella. How are you?"
"Fit as a fiddle, Mr. Kath." Without taking her eyes from her delicate art she said, "You's a hero and all! Lads coming back from your troop got ribbons from the Prince hisself."
"They fought bravely. What news of home?"
She had reached a point where things could cook untended so she turned and wiped her hands on the apron. "Well, Brenen's got another grandchild on the way. Sarn't Burry had a bad cough but he's better now. My friend Yosie got married, again. And the builders had to fix a leak in the guest room."
"How about in the city?"
Tella became more serious, "Talk is; the King is poorly, but you knew that. Prince Bain has been out and about. I suppose that's comin'. Crops were poor to fair but the vegetables were fine. I laid in a stock of wheat even if the price was sky high. Oh, and two wagons of dead fish were taken to Erebor, thought what Dwarves will do with stinking fish is beyond me sir."
"They might have already been dried."
"Maybe. It rained that week."
"And what have you done with yourself, Tella. I know you like pageants in the park."
"Saw two of those with Yosie and her beau. Sarn't Burry's son came too. He is a nice fellow. They couldn't find your arrow the first time so I had to go back. It's on the mantle."
He walked over to make a show of admiring the warped target shaft. It reminded him to order more after nearly emptying his quiver at the Celduin.
"Thank you Tella. Now, what's for dinner?"
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Nag Kath made the rounds. One of his first trips was to see Edelbras. The man didn't have an official office but someone in the palace could find him so he left a note at the gate and expected to hear back shortly.
Brenen was just fine but had not started his regimen of horse riding; a spot of trouble with his back, he said. Bard and Ros were the same as always. She asked after Tella, probably not knowing of the woman's romantic needs. There were no calls of yearning in the Elf's wakeful rest last night so hopefully that was going well too.
So soon after militia training, most people would have to get in line for arrows from Fridar (the younger) but he got them within a week. People whispered. Mortals do not know that when you whisper about Elves, they can hear you. It was like the first Easterling battle; awe and relief.
That afternoon there was a return note from Edelbras, or possibly Rosscranith. It looked like the Colonel's hand and he had never actually seen Edelbras' script. It asked him to present himself at eleven tomorrow.
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Eleven was the hour of the King. Going back in memory, his scheduled appearances with the King, Queen or both were almost all right there. That called for good clothes and a clear head.
The guards opened the gate before he got close, nodding as he thanked them. The doorman did the same. An attendant walked him to the same pretty little room he had originally drawn Lord and Lady Carstors, the ill-placed armor long gone.
Rosscranith and Edelbras were sitting together over tea with a pair of functionaries he did not recognize. All four rose to shake hands and he was introduced to the two others before they left. Sitting at their end of the table he said, "Good to be back."
Rosscranith cleared his throat, "Glad to have you back. Fine work to the east." A servant brought him tea and vanished. "We netted some surprising fish on that cast."
Nag Kath could tell from the steam that the tea needed a few minutes so he asked, "And in the north?" He grinned, "My cook said they got two wagons of stinking fish with their grain."
Rosscranith chuckled. "They were dry, but mostly haakun whisker-fish. Not my favorite."
Edelbras added, "They sent a troop to the border and one ugly rascal who spoke a bit of the common-tongue approached with a white flag. The Dwarves were on him like stoats around a rat as he croaked, "The Lugnash accepts your offer." That was all he said so they let him go. We piled the food at the border and that was that."
Rosscranith looked at his successor and back to Nag Kath. "It is time to reacquaint you with the royals." The men of Dale rose and walked to the receiving area with the Elf two steps behind. Guards at the doors offered no interference. They went to the windowed study where he had usually met the King and Queen and found her with her son having more tea.
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The three men bowed to both and the Prince rose to shake hands. Nag Kath had not seen him for two or three years before he left so that would be at least twelve years ago. The young man was now 28 and favored his mother, making him pretty rather than handsome. The Elf could appreciate the difference. He was clean-shaven. Her Highness was serene. Cares showed on her face but it was the sort of face that could handle them gracefully. She must be sixty now.
The Prince said in voice like his father's, "Gentlemen, please be seated. Lord Kath, the kingdom is again in your debt. I am sorry my father cannot be here to thank you himself." That was probably hard to say. The King was a strong family man and saw to more of his children's upbringing than most merchants.
Queen Delatha added, "And thank your friends for including my brother's men in defending our allies. It was good for the eastern Thainholds to act in concert."
"You are welcome, My Lady. I had the pleasure of meeting your brother and his family on the way home. Your nephew showed great bravery."
Bain said, "The King is indisposed at the moment. I have been entrusted with handling more of the day-to-day matters. Captain Kath, we are particularly interested in your exchanges with the new Bror Dulgov."
The Prince spoke for the realm. Nag Kath would give him what he wanted, "My Lord, I put the man at about fifty and very much in the Northman style of their peoples rather than the smaller, slimmer folk towards Khand. He speaks the common tongue well enough, though I do not know if his letter to your Lord Father was written or dictated."
Bain listened patiently, a habit learned from both his parents. "And you killed the Prince yourself?"
"I did, My Lord. I wanted his men to surrender quickly and for the Bror to take back the prisoners leaderless, else he might not take them at all." The Prince nodded so Nag Kath continued, "Of particular interest to me was that the pretender was in league with elements of their older Balchoth warriors who are committed to raising dark powers, restoring the days of their dominion. Some are fervent. Some are just there for the food.
"Now, I cannot prove a word of this, but I have heard of similar notions among Southrons. The Bror will use this to persecute survivors. Some will bury their beliefs from sight. Others will seek congress with those of like views among free-peoples. Regardless, I see an opportunity for both your esteemed father and for the Lords of Gondor to improve relations with the now supreme Bror of Rhûn."
Rosscranith and Edelbras stayed quiet. The prince held his chin in his fingers and said, "I will consider what you have said, Captain Kath. I hope we can speak again soon. It might be better if …"
The Steward entered through a private door. That could only happen in rare conditions. Bain rose to speak quietly with the man, nodded a few times and returned to the seated group. "Lord Kath, my father would like a word."
The Elf rose quickly, bowed to her Highness and followed the Prince wordlessly down a corridor and through another door the guard opened upon seeing them.
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Bard lay on his back in bed. His face was colorless. The unquestioned ruler of Dale for thirty three years motioned with his hand for the Elf to come close. Prince Bain watched by the door. Nag Kath approached and bowed. Bard said, in much less than his usual volume, "I have never really thanked, thanked, you for all … you have done." He coughed like he would never stop but then recovered, "You, you might think you are of no people, but you are … are of all peoples. Care for them, my friend. Care for them." The monarch smiled slightly and nodded. The audience was complete. Nag Kath bowed again, stepped back and turned as he had been taught before accompanying the Prince to the reception room. The Queen looked at her son carefully but his face showed her it was not yet time.
Bain said, "Thank you, gentlemen. The seated men rose and all three bowed before returning to the main corridor.
.
Nag Kath asked a favor, "Colonel, Mr. Edelbras, I know this is a terrible time for routine staffing matters but my son-in-law Reyald Conath is considering greener pastures." Nag Kath knew he and Edelbras got on well and both had seen the mettle of the other. "When the ambassadorship to the court of Gondor expires, I humbly put his name forward as the next envoy."
Rosscranith was not a man to let the King's condition affect his judgment. "So noted. The next term ends in a year. A hero of the only fight worth having lately, married to a King's aunt helps the case. I can't make any promises but he will be near the top of the list."
"Captain Reyald plans to come to here with his family next spring for the Thainmoot and stay through the season. That would give you a chance to talk with him at length."
"Done. Let us know what else you need." The big man turned to go but stopped and said, "There may be new faces here soon. If we aren't available, ask for Lümell at the gate." The new King might want men of his own.