Chapter 27
Crossing the Nargil
.
The junior Ghorandul knew nothing of that when he arrived in Lhûg for Ureano. The trader was in the east and the young man waited impatiently among the blasphemers for two weeks. When he finally delivered his message and payment, Ureano said he would need to ask some questions before returning to the Nûrn as soon as he could. Strangely, the nervous Visitor said the payment was for his current inventory without asking what it was. No one told the rider to wait so he left the next morning, a three week trip, half through Aômul's realm, without killing the horse.
Chigurn did not expect to hear from Ureano again. The Visitors had not mentioned the merchant's information leading to the map in faraway Ûbésêsh that started the avalanche. They had not complained either so it signified nothing. The invitation to speak was not threatening so the card-sharp visited Ureano's home the next morning and was shown a seat by the departing flower.
"Good morning, Chigurn. Have you had tea?"
Tea was for those with money and time. "Not yet."
The trader placed two mugs on the table himself, unusual; that. Both men took sips. Ureano asked, "I need to know a bit more about that groat from last spring. There is interest."
Chigurn was not one to admit he had said all he knew if there was another payment in the offing. It was time to be creative, "It seemed the same size as one of the westerling coins (which it was)."
"It is more the manner of your finding it. Tell me about the men."
"Rhûnish, seemed to be doing rather well. Not skilled at Dukks."
The merchant took a long pull at his perfect tea before asking, "Did they volunteer their absurd story?"
"No, they were waiting for another who did not join them. The conversation came from annoyance at being left waiting. They did not stay long."
"And they invited you into their game?"
Chigurn had no reason to play the innocent. Ureano knew what he did. "One of my other patrons (implying he had many) paid me a commission so I went to celebrate and they were already playing, and drinking, perhaps too much drinking. Not seen them before."
"What were they selling?"
"It did not come up. They wore riding boots."
Ureano knew he had exhausted the subject and handed Chigurn two Gondoran fivers. "Keep this to yourself."
.
_~ / ~ / ~ / ~ / ~-_
.
Two days later, the merchant saddled his horse for the trip with panniers of tin pigs on two protesting donkeys. Mordor did not have tin which was needed for bronze. If they wanted tin at double his usual price, he would oblige.
Leading donkeys to Mordor was not in Nulvanash's dark design. The ruse to not revealing their true interest meant the merchant would arrive no faster than he could walk. Ureano had been there five times before. He knew the way and where to stay. He wondered who else would keep his flower fresh at night. Past her prime, yes, but she had been so expertly trained.
In early July, a right-living bird whispered in Shelturn's ears that Ryduvosh had confronted the Assured east of the river. Events were in motion. The Assured would have learned just enough to send trusted men into enemy territory. They found the coins but had been denied by the spell on the Dwarvish charm. It was believable enough for Nulvanash to sneak in with a minimal guard. That he didn't take his whole army must mean he either didn't trust his ability to break the ward or knew Rydovosh had good enough troops to keep him from getting there. It also meant that Rydovosh took his informer in the capital seriously and certainly would again.
.
Now the Elf had to start guessing. In addition to an alerted Hurm protecting his ground, the Assured probably thought Easterlings and Variags had discussed trampling their way over any resistance Mordor could muster if they thought it was worth their time, that or buy their way in. One or both high lords would have someone of Nulvanash's power or greater in a saddle. The Assured was not yet confident in exclusive sorcery.
Of one thing Nag Kath was certain, by design; the tyrant would want to know what the rest of the map said. He found enough hints to locate the trove but there was more writing on the map. The right-living war council did not know that a swamp prophet had given his life translating the Sindarin. Some of it could not be translated because it was gibberish. Few scholars would admit that. The Elf chuckled at drawing the ring over the mountain smeared with duck fat. That was inspired.
Nulvanash would be back soon, looking for people who could make sense of those runes. Captain Lurgsh became Rhûnic scholar Tsitreq, an expert in ancient symbols. Shelturn was promoted to Levas Quastille, master of lore in Mistrand until irregularities came to light with receipts. Their tall, taciturn assistant was a bastard Dúnedain from the northern wastes who spoke no local tongues but was familiar with Elvish. The three took modest quarters after an employer paid to bring them here and then reneged on the contract. They were reduced to accepting students to earn enough coppers for the return trip. By the strangest turn of fate; their few pupils were folk who quietly went back and forth to the Hanvas Tûr retreat.
While Ureano was berating his poor donkeys, Nag Kath thought it was time for another trip. By reliable accounts, Hurm Rhorzah along the southeast Nûrnen got along tolerably well with Rydovash and both despised Nulvanash. That made the entire southern lake hostile to the Assured's purpose and certainly no lovers of the man's Visitors. The exception was the northeast corner of the lake where smaller warlords were still in bloody contention. The Assured backed one against the other which made neither reliable.
There was good road almost all the way to Nargil that skirted trouble between the eastern rivers. With Charlo moving at speed they made their way to the Culduin in just over a month. He did not pay a courtesy call to Hurm Rhorzah on the way by but he might on the way home.
The road forded the Culduin along the northern foothills of the Ephel. If his directions were right, this was the faster way to get within a hundred miles of where he had been with Shelturn. The road became a trail for the next hundred miles into Nargil itself. Rydovosh's capital was in a series of hills and lakes well away from the smelly sea. The rivers on either side of his domain and tributaries between offered both military protection and irrigation for grain. Two bandits thought to relieve the changeling of his horse. It would be a while before anyone found their heads.
The only path took him directly to the city of Nargil which might have fifteen hundred souls. Every one of them stared at the curious rider with the long, black, braided hair in Easterling style. There could only be one possible building for the Hurm so Nag Kath tied Charlo in front and went inside still carrying a sheathed sword.
.
No one was sitting. Sitting on duty showed weakness. A few infantrymen milling about stopped, but no one spoke until he said in Plainstongue, "I would speak with the Hurm."
One of the men walked to an office just off the main room and returned moments later with a man in cleaner clothes. Nag Kath repeated himself. Plainstongue was a trading language of Sauronic allies but quite different inside Mordor itself. No one here spoke the black tongue. The adjutant said tentatively, "Who you is?"
"I am Nag Solvanth. I have sent word to him before."
They spoke in an unrecognizable language and the new man walked down a hall. To Nag Kath's surprise, the Hurm himself came back with him and stood with his arms crossed. The Elf bowed low and said in Westron, "Thank you."
Without a word, the despot turned to his clerk as if for translation. The clerk shrugged but did not seem afraid. Both faced him again and the Hurm pointed back where he came. They walked to a small room with a table that looked like it was used for playing cards. Rydovosh sat down and motioned for Nag Kath to do the same while the clerk left. The Hurm said nothing but looked his guest up and down carefully. After five minutes of that, the clerk returned with a trooper who stood at attention. Satisfied the right people were in place, the Lord told his trooper something and the youngster repeated in halting Westron, "His Excellency wants to know how you are."
"I am fine, thank you."
The trooper looked confused for a moment and corrected, "Who you are."
"I am Nag Solvanth come to pay my respects."
The trooper gave his boss the gist and was told to ask, "Why come you here?"
"I come to destroy the Visitors."
It took a couple tries but the Hurm unfolded his arms and showed true interest. Nag Kath put him at about thirty five. He was bigger than the typical Nûrn. Lore said that the men of this region came here long ago and were enslaved in different iterations of Sauron's dominion. He had the coloring of a Northman with brown hair but the beard was not as full and his gray eyes were closer together. A slice across both lips had not been sewn in time to prevent the scar. His teeth were fair and his clothes were almost clean.
The man dictated something to the trooper who then said, "Did you send message of Nhûrguld?"
"Yes."
"Why"
"Nulvanash is enemy to more than Hurm. Others are not pleased with the Visitors."
That went more quickly. Rydovosh broke into an actual smile before shouting, "Vuuch!"
One of the men from the main room appeared with two large mugs. It smelled like beer that had been used to wash saddle blankets. The Hurm raised his mug and so did his guest followed by long pulls. The trooper was not given a mug; a mercy. The Uruk had tasted worse and finished his slurp with a satisfying smack of his lips.
So far, so good. He made it here alive and seemed to have the ear of Nulvanash's most prominent adversary. Nag Kath was able to get across that he represented the Bror of the Rhûn with the ring to prove it. That was a long way away but everyone knew he was one of the two most powerful post-Sauronic forces in Middle-earth. There were Rhûnic horses' progeny under the men who made the rules here.
The Hurm had other things to attend after half a bell. The trooper found himself reassigned as guide to the stranger and showed him to a storeroom of some sort just off the main hall. Since it wasn't generally used for sleeping, it didn't have many bugs.
Dinner would not be recognizable as such in Dol Amroth. There was stew, of course, but it had so little meat that Nag Kath could keep it down with a smile. There was some sort of green that took forever to chew. All meals came with a serving of gureeq porridge and then there was a twig to pick your teeth afterwards. He ate with the Hurm and a dozen officers who thought the Elf strange but not threatening. A man with no scars must have never been in a fight. They all had a large mug of the ale, but only one, and left immediately after eating. Nag Kath and his new shadow followed them and looked down the plain at the sea. It was time to find out what the Hurm would allow him to say, "What is your name?"
"Name Idgshtok"
These people would assume Nag Kath was a soldier so he sounded like one, "Rank?"
"Khasaak. You call horse."
"Did you face Nulvanash?" That was the test.
The man pointed downstream and said, "There."
"He has power, yes?"
Idgshtok growled, "He is puukh."
That was black speech, and a black insult too.
.
_~ / ~ / ~ / ~ / ~-_
.
The next day started for the soldiers at first light. Most of them lived in row-buildings that had partitions. Men with women got their own space with extra for kids. Single men slept in barracks that could take up to twenty. Those were about half full. The Hurm sent for Idgshtok and Nag Solvanth at mid-morning. This time they went to the Hurm's quarters. A woman about the age of the ruler wandered by and looked at the queer Easterling with a frown. What could only be a daughter and son came by a few minutes later as the Elf and trooper stood waiting to be called. They stopped and pointed with a word among themselves before moving on. A booming voice from a back room must have been the invitation. Idgshtok walked Nag Kath back to the source of the sound.
Chûran had described Nulvanash the way western men imagined eastern despots; well dressed, luxuriously appointed and with servants scurrying hither and yon for every whim. Rydovosh was a soldier first, probably how he got and stayed here. There were no chamberlains or attendants fussing about with papers. The man was sitting with what must be two officers who seemed to be sharing a jest rather than quaking in the man's presence.
The Hurm said something to Idgshtok who interpreted that as; why do we help you?
Nag Kath thought that a fair question and said, "We help you."
"Why do we need help?"
This was going to take a while. Fortunately, Mordor Lords didn't waste time on flowery court etiquette. "Nulvanash will attack you in force next year." Nag Kath did not say they would attack the least important part of the land and then leave.
The older of the two officers had the trooper ask, "How do you know this?"
"He seeks to replace Sauron in these lands."
At that point they dispensed with roundabout probes. Everyone in the room knew the Assured's intentions. The title Hurm was now beneath him as he prepared to make them his slaves. If the pale Easterling knew it, the world knew it. Nag Kath kept up the offensive, "He gains power. Nhûrguld is next."
He could see them assessing forces. In a straight fight, Nulvanash had a three to two advantage but that would be exhausted the further they pushed from the river. If they crossed the army at the river mouth, informers would notice barges being built. The army could also drive up the river on their side and ford the mountain streams. That would be obvious too with not much to eat. The problem was that the upstart Assured was cultivating friends around the Nûrnen. If the dougsh could bring the eastern river clans under his banner, that changed things since Rhorzah to the Hurm's east could not stop them from fording the Culduin. If that happened, the Hurm would be boxed-in.
To break the silence, Nag Kath added, "He will use sorcery." Sorcery was the same word in just about every language.
The officers spoke again among themselves. Rydovosh had Idgshtok translate, "He is Orvous, horse chief. Sees sorcery!"
The younger officer said in a softer voice, "Black Lord give pain here." The man pointed at his stomach and mimed bending in torment.
Nulvanash's fatal mistake! It would cost him all. He couldn't resist punishing the officer who embarrassed him in front of his crack escort. A thinking villain would have smiled at the navigational error and left. A powerful one would have melted the captain like wax and taken his prize. But no, the Assured made a petty example, the sort he made every day to keep people from knowing that a dozen of them working together could spit him like a Syndolan pig. He would have known there were arrows pointed at his double chin so he did back down, but not before showing his weakness.
Nag Kath asked the man the last question on the list, "Did you see or feel a color in your pain?"
The man straightened up and looked at his ruler and superior before saying, "Red."
The Elf wasn't sure but thought that was the color of Dwarves, like Elves were silver and men yellow. It would have flashed before his eyes as the power was released. A Dwarf ring would keep him greedy and fat, but little more.
The more senior officer asked, "And what will you do?"
"I will cut the ring from his hand while you keep him busy."
This went on for another hour. Nag Kath asked the Hurm for an introduction to Hurm Aômul, Nulvanash's hostile northeastern neighbor. Rydovosh asked if the great powers outside the Ephel crescent sought these lands for their own but did not expect an honest answer if this man was here playing the local warlords against each other.
Nag Kath gave them something they could use. "No. They will leave you alone. Our concerns are with those who do not respect rightful rule."
They knew exactly what he was talking about. Stories of Frûnzar to the north and Yigresh's relatives to the south even made it here. The Visitors were getting better, harder to spot. One in the largest town along the lake was known to them. He was young and stupid so it was better to watch his errors than try to identify his replacement.
.
Nag Kath stayed another two days, meeting with the Hurm and his most senior man along the main tributary flowing into the Nargil. Another commander was stationed to the east along the Culduin with a smaller force since Hurm Rhorzah respected the border better than Nulvanash.
When he wasn't in meetings, Nag Kath was allowed to wander. He caught a few fish in one of the creeks dripping down from the permanent snow caps to the south and showed two of the troopers how to bend hooks like his. Women were only out during the day and looked much like the men with closed-set gray eyes and non-de script hair. Women were not treated well around the Nûrnen but better here than in Nulvanash's lands or the eastern deltas where Chûran was from. And this was Valinor compared to the deserts closer to Sauron's capital.
In the end, the Hurm agreed that he would accept help in ridding the lake of the Assured as long as it did not expose his troops by themselves. Nag Kath said that he would speak with Hurm Aômul across the lake but could not get to it before he went into Nulvanash's lair. Those two should make their own arrangements to work as a pincer when Nag Kath gave them the signal. That was when the man would be weakest. He also asked for a letter of introduction to Rhorzah on his way home.
Since no one in the Hurm's realm could write, Idgshtok was sent with the changeling to the east bank of the Culduin River to introduce him to Hurm Rhorzah, who was as reasonable as a rascal could be.
.
_~ / ~ / ~ / ~ / ~-_
.
Idgshtok reminded Nag Kath a little of Dornlas. He was shorter than the Rohirrim, but taller and ganglier than his countrymen. When he was amused, he broke into a broad, toothy grin. This was another prejudice the Elf needed to break. Thirty years of exposure to western descriptions of lands they had never seen had given him a selfish sense of superiority. In practical, economic and cultural terms; absolutely. But this place was changing. How could western men think it would not? More than that, free-peoples didn't care. It was a violent and often soul-wrenching process, but just as in Gondor, the Fourth Age was the age of men. Magical overlords, foul or fair, were gone.
It took until now for Nag Kath to understand the politics of the Nûrnen Sea. The water itself was unusable. The realms in Mordor all ringed it for access to the half-dozen large rivers feeding in from the Ephel Mountains encircling this benighted land on three sides. Those were much stronger than they had been in Sauron's day so the lake was rising making the fish that much more edible. A number of crops could be grown on river banks so all of the little countries had the vast majority of their populations staring across a river at their neighbors, some enemies, some slightly less so. There was no tradition of ships or barges capable of transporting soldiers across the rivers for lack of wood. That was changing as the forests matured. The Hurms only now had enough horses for officers. Nulvanash had been breeding them since the day he seized the throne. That would change the balance of power in Mordor and everyone knew it.
To Rydovosh's east was Hurm Rhorzah with whom he got along tolerably well. To Rhorzah's eastern flank was the Scave River and just over it was a small city-state controlled by a Hurm in league with the Assured, replete with Ghoranduls. They were fighting a like-sized nation to their north just as Nulvanash had before consolidating the western delta. If the Assured's allies won, it would give the combined area enough clout to control trade trickling in through merchants like Ureano.
Nag Kath and Idgshtok presented themselves to Rhorzah. Now that the young trooper had more experience interpreting, the Hurm was able to explain the situation to his north. He wasn't in the fight, but they had caught a few Visitors on their side of the river and sent them halfway back. Mr. Solvanth was welcome to use the road.
.
That was when Idgshtok dropped a surprise, he had been told to stay with the strange rider for as long as it took. The trooper had no wife. In this land, if the Lord said you were indentured, you were. Nag Kath spent the night thinking about security and decided to bring the young man along. He seemed interested in the outside world. Scholars would have to teach him everything, but on the way back here they would ride into hell. They needed someone who spoke hellish. With little in common, the two riders taught each other their tongues. Fortunately, the young student had some Westron from an uncle which got him the job in the first place. Nag Kath found he understood more of the local tongue than expected. The root was Plainstongue but many of the nouns were black speech. He might not mention that.
Clearing the last tail of the mountains, they were back in Khand. The fields had already been harvested. Autumn celebrations were underway. Idgshtok discovered wine. Another week brought them to the crossroads town of Nenbalrahm where they picked-up the little river that would take them the rest of the way. It was their annual harvest festival. People wore their best. Women danced in colorful dress, always covered completely but sensuous just the same. The Mordoran horseman's mouth dropped several times when females fluttered their eyelashes at him. After that it was just another week of riding, mostly through the rain, to their school in Lhûg after a Kath Bath in the river.
_~ / ~ / ~ / ~ / ~-_
.
At first Idgshtok reminded Nag Kath of Dornlas. Now he reminded him of himself. Plucked from the blackness of Sauron's world, he saw all manner of peoples and foods and smells. The Elf watched for signs that the lad was nasty or short-tempered but he seemed to take it all like he himself had gaping at the halls and tapestries of the White City.
The nineteen year-old trooper wandered about goggle-eyed as they put their horses in the paddock and walked into the former go-down that housed this temple of high-learning. Lurgsh was there teaching an actual student. It established needed pretenses and he liked kids. He liked Idgshtok too. They walked to a restaurant and ordered whisker-fish. The trooper ate everything on his plate. He would have to stay in town. Hanvas Tûr was not ready for soldiers of Mordor. Tomorrow they would get him clothes and a sword that wouldn't break.
Idgshtok got his own room in the modest building unfashionably far from the river. They had to make ground rules for his debut into Lhûg society. The first was that they would only converse in Westron. Mordor Plainstongue would set bells a-ringing. It could wait if he should not say something in public. Another rule was that he would stay close to their members, no wandering the city by himself. And he would not abuse wine or ale.
Taught to nod up and down in agreement, Nag Kath took him to the local equivalent of Chandrie and Family for shirts, pants and socks. A good pair of second hand boots was found. The youngster was nervous having a barber cut his hair with the best steel he had ever seen but there was no bleeding. The Elf slipped him a ha-groat to pay the man himself.
Now for more good steel. The surplus of quality swords had been absorbed into the growing population but they were still available. Idgshtok had to look like a Broric soldier. They knew the place to ask. A beaming proprietor brought forth two weapons that had been officer's kit long ago. The trooper swung both of them competently and preferred the lighter cavalry blade. His own sword found the bottom of the river. For the time being he was the first live-in student in the school and Lurgsh coached him in the tongue of Easterlings. Nag Kath stayed three more days to ease Idgshtok into Khandian life but the lad was at home the minute he got here.
.
_~ / ~ / ~ / ~ / ~-_
.
That very same morning, Ureano arrived in Ûniarra Nûrn with his tin ingots. He had to buy a third donkey two weeks in or cripple the first two the hills but all three of them and his horse arrived not much the worse for wear. Since he had already been overpaid for his goods, he left them at the army depot and found a bed in the barracks.
The trader nearly left two days later without being announced but for once, the administration worked. Nulvanash's civil servants were Visitors after the first two levels of bearers and cleaners. The warehouse man sent his daily report to his supervisor who then informed the metalworkers that materials had arrived. Being unexpected, the metalworkers asked the Visitor if they were to make something of bronze. The question made it the level of those who reported to Uvuo.
Any foreigner in the city was watched at all times so they knew where Ureano was. An invitation for tea was sent from the High Visitor, one who famously abstained from alcohol. The trader would rather have ridden-out quietly, leaving the donkeys as change, but there was no refusing the large Ghorandul waiting at the door.
The two men had met twice before when there was information to help the Assured in his governance. Both tips were accurate and this latest information much more so. Ureano knew about the coin, the travelers and movements-in-force by the major powers. Explaining the first was easy because he had no qualms sharing what Chigurn told him. The second was easy because neither the Easterlings nor the Variags had done anything unusual in years. There was no mention of the map but Uvuo gave the merchant one of the altered groats. Ureano should confirm from his source if that was like the one he saw.
Always happy to see their good friend of Khand, the High Visitor gave him another twenty silvers. A couple nippers was the same value but the Assured could not stand parting with gold. That was in exchange for the negligible service of sending his reply with the local Visitor when he got home. He should keep his ears to the dirt for any trouble with the Lords of north and south. Oh, and did he know of any who could assist with Elvish tongues? The Assured was much interested in restoring their lost cultural heritage.
Ureano beetled his brows in thought, "A party of scholars is stranded in Lhûg - familiar with elder-tongues." He went on to describe their troubles, which had been gossiped all over town for no apparent reason. Would they be of use? Uvuo gave him another fifty silvers for expenses to employ them. Ureano had no idea he just paid for the trip.
.
_~ / ~ / ~ / ~ / ~-_
.
One of those very scholars visited Chûran later that afternoon. Now almost October, her under-robe accents were soft colors of earth and sky. He was served tea in a new chair that was tall enough for him. The maid then took her basket out for extended shopping.
"You are much away, yes?"
"Indeed Chûran. I visited the dark lands again. We will need allies in the season of strife."
Her trained smile drooped slightly. A sip of tea brought, "I do not care for that, though it is necessary. Forgive me."
"There is nothing to forgive." She had said she had nothing private and Nag Kath had to delve. She discussed the movements in what Nulvanash styled as his palace. It had more style than the school warehouse but it was not as grand as the local Khan's private home.
In the Assured's lands there were three classes of people; Visitors, soldiers and slaves. She had been among the last. The local warlord in her eastern delta was aligned with the Assured's predecessor, just as the leaders were now. For lack of cash or soldiers, four untouched girls were sent to the Hurm of Furnar Durosh. Chûran's desirable Khandian features might have been selected for the man's personal use but when she failed to understand a guard's command, he struck her face leaving a purple welt. She was presented for inspection before it healed. Only one of their four was placed in the Hurm's quarters. The other three were given to officers or sold.
Chûran landed with a promising Captain named Nulvanash. His needs in her direction were modest. The man preferred to spend his time with advancement. He became chief counselor to Hurm Joukbahn in the next few years. With much idle time, Chûran spoke often with the Hurm's women who received much more lusty attentions. They taught her ways to retain a man's favor. She had little occasion to use them but her prospects were poor if the man found others for his pleasure.
Six years into her concubinage, Nulvanash began spending all available time with Uvuo, a soldier/priest of the delta. The fanatic had a hard, uncompromising view of how life should be lived and the tests a man must overcome for supremacy. The year after that, a vein was said to burst in Joukbahn's heart. Nulvanash had operatives of Uvuo in place against such a possibility and they took the heads of anyone else considered eligible to succeed. Of course, all of Joukbahn's women and sons were slaughtered as well. When the blood was washed, Nulvanash was Hurm.
.
That was not enough. Ruling even the delta was beneath a man of vision. He began to show sorcery said to align with Sauron through an ancient ring of power. With that, and the fear it instilled, he conquered Ûniarra Nûrn so the realm stretched from the Lizzurant River to the Nargil and as far back into the black lands as anyone cared to claim, save a smaller delta disputed by Aômul.
Nulvanash gained weight and sought treasure, bleeding his people to convert anything saleable to shimmering metals. Mordor itself had only iron ore and the black rock for melting it, but traders from the east brought things that were precious to him. Uvuo's men helped those transfers and told those they visited about the ascendance of their Lord.
The other Nûrnen Hurms had been consolidating their holdings as well. For some unfathomable reason, neighboring despots did not appreciate Nulvanash's obvious superiority. Raised in the same school of violence, they spurned his gestures. In outside trading lands, men who sought their rightful places in the new order listened. Some even agreed.
As the man's obsession with his ring increased, his interest in personal pleasure vanished. Chûran and a more recent tribute girl were still treated well by their keepers. The guards knew better than to replace the Assured's attentions. For a while, dismissing his pleasure females would have brought unacceptable ridicule but both women knew it was only a matter of time.
Nag Kath daydreamed off with that revelation since it supported his own contention that immortal dark ones would not create their own successors. Some could not. Some chose that path. He hoped his powers would not cause the same. Having this sensuous woman describe her pleasure training was hurting his focus. He kept those thoughts to himself since Chûran was dredging up memories she could not mercifully forget.
She and Chlore, another girl of eastern blood, accumulated trinkets over a week when Nulvanash was in the west inspecting troops. Since the man loved gold in every room he went, there were some nice pieces. Two nights before his scheduled return, they dressed as laborers and crept out a window into the streets. A donkey was purchased and they started east along the northern route.
Nulvanash erupted. Riders were sent both north and south to find his gold. The women had taken the ferry across the mouths of the two rivers and were twenty miles into the realm of Aômul's Nûrn when the horsemen closed. They had enough warning to take their bundles off the donkey and hide in a storehouse.
The Assured's riders did not create the same terror in Nûrn where Hurm Aômul had gutted two Visitors only the month before. The town outpost was outnumbered two to one but they stood in the troopers' way and told them to leave or expect more company shortly. Unfazed, Ghoranduls threw torches onto the straw roof of the shed. Chûran clutched the nearest bundle and hid in a compost pit. Chlore did not get as far. Villagers tried to quench the fire and shot arrows into the haughty posse of the Assured. A Visitor seized the bundle Chlore dropped and the company retreated back to the river leaving one man fallen.
That night while the villagers were enjoying the last of the Ghorandul's screams, Chûran pushed the lid off the pit and walked every day she could find the strength with Chlore's bag. The new girl had taken better mementos than Chûran's and they bought this home ten years ago. If Visitors were still looking for Chlore, it might take a while.
.
Shelturn arrived at the scholarly residence that evening and was introduced to the Mordoran trooper. The lad was building his strength by eating anything that could be chewed. The Righter soldier gave Nag Kath a look that combined curiosity with having been played a dirty hand. Training their new recruit would be his job.
The Elf explained that sometime next year, a party of feeble scholars would need to claim their moving money by traveling to the western Nûrnen and deciphering ancient runes on a map. Of course, it would say exactly what they said it did, but they had to be there to flush Nulvanash out of his hidey-hole. Rydovosh was ready as long as he did not have to do it alone. Hopefully he had contacted his fellow Hurm Aômul as the top half of the pincer. They would approach the man on their way by in either event.
Getting there would take someone who spoke the language, someone like a Broric soldier whose mother had come from these lands. Nag Kath happened to know just such an imposter was gobbling late season melons near the fire. They agreed he might owe his first allegiance to Nargil, but judging by the way he was enjoying Khand, he might stay here.
.
Before any of that, Nag Kath had to call in reinforcements
Best and Most Rightful of Brors,
I hope your Excellency is well.
I am pursuing our mutual interest and preparing for the last phase directly into Mordor. In my inquiries, I took the liberty of opening a diplomatic mission in your name in the capital of his Lordship, Yigresh, Khagan of Upper Khand. We discussed areas of common ground and the Variags look forward to exchanging Ambassadors to serve in your respective courts.
One of the protocols we suggested was that your Excellency and the Khagan meet near the border of your realms to discuss matters to your mutual benefit. In keeping with your state, each monarch should bring an honor guard of 400 light cavalry next spring. They should be kept well away from each other but in plain view of anyone we need to see them.
This letter is brought by a man acting on my instructions using the signet you gave me. He can answer your questions more completely. I am returning the ring with him to ensure his safe passage. I hope you will look on his efforts for your Excellency's realm favorably.
In hopes we meet again, NK
.
Keldan was the messenger. He knew upper Rhûn better than anyone and agreed to ride into the lion's mouth. It was right-living at its best. The ring should get him there with changes of mounts at stations dotting the coast road. If the Bror did not flay him, he would probably be back here in the winter with official delegates to negotiate terms with the Khagan.
Nag Kath rode to Hanvas Tûr the next morning. No one followed. They would have to be even more careful. The Ghurate was hastily assembled to hear several months of fresh news. If the High Lords put their honor guards at the mouth of Mordor, the Assured could draw his own suspicious conclusions. Perhaps Rydovosh and Aômul would position troops at the ready and ride when called. It was in their interest to remove Nulvanash and split his realm between them.
One thing was certain, three or four of them would visit Ûniarra Nûrn as guests of the Assured. Otherwise, the tyrant would fester in strength and spread his malice over the land. Nenwûla of the Viersh had made slight headway into plant and spell combinations with local substances. Different things grew here. Nag Kath took what he could gratefully.
He also spent time counterfeiting more ancient texts to support the sham he had in mind for Mordor. One was a glyph of Khamûl the Nazgûl, which happened to look a lot like the Dwarf jewel he left in Nargil. It explained the sorcery needed to remove the cave wards. High Sorcerers could summon the power needed to collapse the decaying spell. Lacking such a leader of men, a Balchoth of lesser power could anchor the spell as a shaman of the Variags released the energy. Keldan would help the Bror publicly choose an alchemist of the capital to join the cortege. Groats would reach similar charlatans in Ûbésêsh.
Syndolan Day arrived. Khandian customs were quite different than in the west but the turning of the year mattered to everyone who ate. For his part, Idgshtok settled in nicely and enjoyed the festival. His Westron got better. His ribs did not stick-out. He did ogle females and had to be taught that Righters did not impose. Perhaps Shelturn would find him companionship in a less right-living establishment.
_~ / ~ / ~ / ~ / ~-_
.
All of this depended on Nulvanash taking more bait. Ureano arrived the next day, first tending his flower and then getting a meal with wine. As much as he disliked the idea, he should speak with Chigurn. The informer was the only man who could match the rune on the coin.
He also had to find someone to approach the scholars. The merchant enjoyed a good reputation among his own but scratching too deeply would show he did a lot of business in the west, not the references Rhûnic scholars might favor. They had to go there since Nulvanash would not let the map or the ring out of his sight.
The right man for the job was the same scholar Ureano consulted before, a man of some renown. The Khagan has an extensive library in his capital but there were texts, mostly duplicates of the ones in Ûbésêsh, that needed study and tending in the local Khan's palace. The scholar had quite a few himself and was was also a tutor of privileged youngsters. The new school did not interfere with his clientele, but he knew of it.
A lad brought his scented note requesting an audience with the destitute scholars two days later. All three and their servant were waiting in their sorry best. A modest assortment of texts and scripts were littered about as well as some books with no printing on the spines that held past inn registers.
Nag Kath was now conversant in Khandian but could not admit it. Teüchir Lurgsh spoke for the three. Scholar Îonzuld dabbed the corners of his mouth with a delicate kerchief and said, "A commission has come my way that I cannot accept, what with my obligations to his Excellency the Most High Khagan Yigresh. It needs a journey to the west where would be rendered a consulting fee of a Gondoran Florin for services in restoring the Hurm of Ûniarra Nûrn's historical documents. I have it on good authority it is a modest collection." The man sniffed like he just stepped in something and dabbed his lips again. Their Rhûnish library scattered around the room was beneath comment.
One of the hardest jobs in acting is pretending to be desperate when you aren't. Teüchir Lurgsh shifted his game leg with a wince and said in his northern accent, "That is a good deal of money, honored scholar. May we consider that in light of our other commitments?"
This was to be expected. Îonzuld could negotiate on both the finances and terms but he needed to get those men into Mordor. "I see no obstacle. Contact me at my home when you have spoken."
This next line was rehearsed too. Lurgsh said, "Do you have any information on the nature of the subjects so we can prepare appropriately, assuming, of course, that we are available?"
Again dabbing the lips, "I believe some of it is ancient Elvish, in which I am not proficient. You understand, of course."
The Easterling looked at the tall, braided one and said something northern. The man replied and then Lurgsh asked, "Your pardon, scholar, if this commission does not interfere with our teaching, could we look at your own esteemed collection for texts combining Elvish and eastern scripts?"
The scholar would have to keep his handman watching to make sure nothing left the room but he was being well paid as intermediary. He also wondered what else the tall creature would do for money. "I suppose so, providing we come to terms." A message would be sent in due course.
.
Nag Kath had enough Variag to know they had exactly what they wanted. Money was no object but they needed to stall for time. The plodding of three scholars and their servant, including an unfortunate illness in the realm of Nûrn, would take them a month and a half. They had to arrive about the time Nulvanash started sweating that the Bror and Khagan were coming for the gold and what could only be Khamûl's legacy of eastern sorcery.
Noise of troubles on far borders would reportedly take Rydovosh's main army to the far side of his filthy lands giving the Assured a clear path to drive in force and claim his prize. And Nag Kath had to get his hands on that ring as he did.
Scholar Îonzuld was sent a note that the party would be pleased to accept the commission and would leave on the first day of April. Feeble protests would not avail since their senior man was much affected by adverse weather. Ureano would have had him put up a better fight but he knew that the scholars had him by his manhood, even if they did not know it. They were the only game in town. Îonzuld was told to accept the delay with good grace and give the scholars four silvers, enough to prepare but not enough to run.
A waiting Ghorandul rode the next day to inform the most high that the scholars had been retained. While he was waiting for the silly clerks, whispers came to his ears that a powerful sorcerer in the blasphemous Rhûnish capital was advising the Bror, a ruler already known to desire treasure. It would mean nothing to the messenger but Uvuo would certainly connect the easterlings' visit to the Khagan.
.
It wasn't long before the Teüchir of ancient writing and the smooth Dúnedain were at the scholar's door for a look at his personal archives. Of course, the scholar was busy, but his capable man stayed posted at the door watching for theft. Questions asked of him in different languages determined the handman only spoke Khandian.
They were playing on the vanity of scholars. It was absurd on its face that there would be combined Elvish and eastern texts. Even in their glory, you couldn't get the two races in the same room. But nobody who didn't know that would admit it. The man probably had texts he couldn't read and this was their one chance to examine what the Variags might have said at their zenith. Lurgsh could read a little of the flowery script and the handman was able to direct them to specific volumes.
Over the next three interminable days, the only thing they found useful was the nature of Khandian sorcery as practiced by adherents not directly controlled by Sauron. If one of the two men needed to defeat the spell was of this land, it couldn't hurt to know what they did. The scholar came by a few times to get close to Nag Kath but the grim face, accentuated by a little charcoal under his eyes, made Îonzuld reconsider private tutoring.
.
_~ / ~ / ~ / ~ / ~-_
.
Keldan had to wait after delivering the packet. It was taken directly to Bror Dulgov. With the signet seal, only he could open it. Keldan knew he spoke Westron but did not read it. The Bror would not have the messenger see the letter read to him.
Maturity kept the strapping Bror of the Rhûn from shredding it and the messenger with his own hands. That sneaky Elf! Thinks he to interfere in my rule, does he! "Bring the meddler in." If the fellow had been ordered by someone with his signet, the man was doing his duty. When he was brought to the throne room the Bror demanded, "What know you of this?!"
"I was among those in the false embassy, Excellency."
Well, he wasn't trying to weasel out of it. "Do you know what I have done to people for less?"
"Yes, My Lord."
Dulgov wouldn't even get the satisfaction of hearing the man beg. He leaned forward and growled, "Why?"
Keldan smiled, "Because I want rid of the Visitors, Excellency."
The Bror crossed his arms on his chest. "Good answer. Now what is this about?" Afterwards, Dulgov sent for his General, Chamberlain and second son Voranush. First son Dorgov would be included as soon as he was recalled from the field.
.
The Elf had created two nearly separate lines: One was the obvious connection between Rhûn and Upper Khand. It probably made sense. Elessar and Éomer to the west wanted no more contested land than they had already seized. Bain had quickly taken the reins in the north. Keldan, who Dulgov now remembered from the farms when the Bror was still heir apparent, said the Khagan had dealt with a few relatives of his own and was not looking north for border squabbles.
What neither of them needed was a consolidated Mordor spewing out of the Ephel pincer. It was a near miss with his brother Frûnzar and they would not stop. This Yigresh might feel the same way. If all the Elf needed was for the two rulers to drink tea and talk about trade, he could manage that. Spies watching troops in strength leaving their capitals might force the dougsh on the Nûrnen to overplay his hand. Then the local tyrants could clean up the mess.
Dulgov instructed his staff to make the arrangements and had a company of genuine soldiers, led by Prince Voranush, carry a letter to the Khagan stating the terms favored by his Excellency were agreeable. He would look forward to meeting the man on the first of June. Keldan could join the advance riders wearing his own hide.
.
_~ / ~ / ~ / ~ / ~-_
.
It was the breath before the plunge. Between now and leaving there wasn't much to do. With hope, Rydovosh would stage-manage the same sort of tea party with Rhorzah on their shared river and give the impression that the bulk of Rydovosh's forces were on the wrong side of the country.
Aômul was the unknown. He hated Nulvanash more than anyone. Rydovosh was going to probe but his men might not be welcomed any more than the Visitors. Given the route in-between, that meant taking one of their rickety boats across the stinking sea. From the east, the scholars had to travel the length of Aômul's realm to reach the Assured. Hopefully Aômul could make a stink as well. A lot of that depended on how the tyrants felt about the major powers massing outside the open end of Mordor. Nag Kath tried to create as many diversions as possible thinking most would fail.
Keldan arrived in Lhûg on March third. The Bror agreed. It helped that Dulgov weeded another Visitor out of his own household staff just before Keldan arrived, the sort of fellow who would have sent word back to the High Visitor where to wait with a knife. The groom was from Kelepar and had been seduced by the order having never even seen Mordor.
His Excellency still had to wait for the Khagan to agree, but Khand had a lot more notice than Rhûn. With terms, Dulgov would start publicly preparing men for the border on or near the beginning of May.
.
It was time to go. Nag Kath had seen Chûran several more times. There was a heat building between them and he had not acted on it. When he rose from his chair to say goodbye, she came to him and put her hands on his chest. If this woman wanted him to stay the night, he would.
She looked in his eyes and said, "Nag Kash … Nag Kash, if you see a young officer who looks like me, please spare him if you can."
He kissed her forehead and rode back to the school.