In An Age Before – Part 17
Chapter Fifteen
Eriador and Eregion - The Second Age of the Sun
As expected, Gil-galad had denied having had any contact with either the Lord of Gifts or his messenger. Annatar had ne'er set foot in Lindon, nor had he dared to come to Mithlond, for the High King had shared his thoughts with Círdan soon after first speaking with Helluin, and the Shipwright had agreed wholeheartedly long ago.
But for the creation of Fëanor's jewels, the subsequent return of Morgoth and the coming of the Noldor to Middle Earth would ne'er have been. Círdan would have still been happily sailing the shores of Beleriand 'neath the stars, and his people would still have been thriving in the Falas. Much like Helluin, he had feared the appeal of Annatar's offers to the Eldar of Eregion, and particularly to those of the Guild of Jewel Smiths in Ost-In-Edhil. As poisoned nectar to bees is his rede, and doubtless to ruin shalt its counsels lead, Círdan had declared, and perhaps not only they shalt be stung. More strongly than most Noldor, he had a Sindar's visceral distrust for the House of Fëanor.
Helluin had come before the king, seeking audience with him in his chambers, and had found him in counsel with Elrond, and Galdor, whom she had met aforetime at Avernien.
"I have come of late from the home of one, Iarwain Ben-adar, who lives in the forest 'nigh the north end of the South Downs," she had said, "a strange house and a stranger person." She had paused a moment, suppressing the plethora of weird memories. The others had raised their brows in question for her to continue. "Whilst thither I held converse with a company of the Laiquendi, indeed, with their king." The others' brows had risen yet higher. "Some amongst their companies had word of fell doings in Eregion. It seems that the Lord Annatar has indeed found welcome thither and has insinuated himself into the confidence of Celebrimbor and the Guild of Jewel Smiths."
Gil-galad had groaned aloud at this and Elrond had shaken his head.
Galdor had uttered, "no good and much evil shalt surely come of this, mark my words."
"I have also heard counsel from this Iarwain Ben-adar," Helluin had announced with some misgivings, for she considered this source of intelligence not above question, "and his claim is that this Annatar is none other than Sauron Gorthaur."
"Well, these tidings grow more ill by the moment," Gil-galad had said, fixing Helluin with a dour glare.
"Helluin, who is this Iarwain Ben-adar?" Elrond asked, unable to contain his curiosity. "No lore speaks of him, and yet by name he claims to be the most ancient?"
"Aye, my lords, yet perchance the proper question is not who, but what is Iarwain," Helluin replied uncomfortably, "and to that, I have no sure answer. The experience of his company was…strange. Not as we now sit speaking rationally 'neath the sun art his counsels held. Rather by starlight and after alteration by many agents of the olvar is his wont. Yet though he spoke in rhyme, and oft times badly so, he recounted memories reaching back indeed unto the Age of the Lamps, of which we have heard tell but little even in Aman."
"He is a lore-master then?" Gil-galad asked in confusion.
"My king, he is that, and yet more," said Helluin, "for he spoke from memory rather than study. Indeed I suspect he is not of the Children of the One. As I have said, the experience was strange…indeed confusing, yet he provided me visions, and he appeared upon a time incorporeal, as a figure of swirling of light. He hath no slight skill at leather mongery, and hath no doubt contrived his own harlequin's outfit. Indeed his beloved Maldiaving, the Riv-er Daughter, is a skin, animated by some power, who takes her nightly rest in a tanner's bucket. Perhaps she once lived; I know not her tale."
Gil-galad, Elrond, and Galdor all regarded this tiding with deep misgivings. Such doings as Helluin described were the province of sorcery and necromancy. Usually such fell undertakings were the work of a dark will. The reanimation of the husk in particular gave them shivers. Who amongst the Children of Ilúvatar could coax forth the fëa of the dead from the Halls of Mandos, and bind it thus in a hroa long dead? It simply went against the order of things. Indeed it reeked of sacrilege against the Powers.
"Helluin, how know'th thou that this Iarwain was not Sauron himself in some strange guise?" Elrond asked. "Would it not favor him thus, to come amongst thy company and advance his cause with lies and false information? E'er of old was he a shapeshifter and sorcerer. Surely such fell enchantments as thou hast reported lie within his craft."
Helluin was silent a moment. This she had ne'er considered, yet her heart denied the truth of Elrond's suspicion. Iarwain and Maldiaving had been disturbing and bizarre, but felt not malicious or evil to her. Neither had Dálindir marked evil in them. And then there was the vision of her younger self. How would Sauron know of that? Why would he hath provided her with the completion of one of her lifelong mysteries rather than take the opportunity to insinuate something more misleading or sinister? Why would he hath allowed her to discover Goldberry's resting-place? Such a course made no sense, serving to hamper rather than advance his cause.
"In truth I know not, Lord Elrond, and thy suspicions have some merit," she admitted, "yet in my heart I reject them. Certain of the visions I saw were deeply personal, having come upon me in part ere e'er I first set foot in Beleriand. I saw the completion of a vision from my youth. Ere that, I saw a vision that revealed his beloved's true nature. I think not that Sauron would bypass the chance to have visited upon me somewhat more cruel inventions. I believe not that this Iarwain is indeed Sauron."
"So then the Laiquendi told thee that their people have learnt of Annatar's presence in Ost-In-Edhil…" Gil-galad trailed off with a worried expression.
"Aye, and one thing more, my King," Helluin said. "Their tale concludes with the news that, traveling thither, he claimed to have come afresh from thy service as artificer. I suspect such a lie is more in keeping with the ways of the enemy; lies told to further his cause in gaining the trust of Eregion."
At this, the king's fist slammed down on the side table in a rare show of anger. His jaw was clenched and his face red. To be used thus by the enemy against friends was abhorrent to him, yet all too characteristic a machination. The miles 'twixt their realms frustrated him too, and the lateness of the news only made the matter worse. Why had none spoken of this aforetime? Why had no word come from Ost-In-Edhil? Surely such a matter would not be considered a trifle by Celeborn or Galadriel? He couldn't believe it had come to him thus, words third hand and delivered by 'aught but chance. At the very least the Laiquendi should have passed on their information promptly. But then, they were incohesive as a people, having no real structure to their society and no centralization of authority. They wandered hither and yon about the land with few cares and little concern for the doings of others. They were hard to find and seldom where sought, and any meetings 'twixt their people and his were oft guided by 'naught save luck. But what was that Helluin had said about a king? They actually had a king in these latter days? He had ne'er heard of an heir being named after Denethor, early in the First Age. Thereafter he had thought that people looked most and longest to Doriath for leadership and protection in times of war.
"Helluin, what was this thou mentioned about a king amongst the Laiquendi?"
"I met with one Dálindir, second son of Denethor, son of Lenwë, the only surviving scion of he who first brought his people to Ossiriand, but fell upon Amon Ereb ere the coming of our people hither from Aman. His rule though is…informal," Helluin hedged.
"Think thou that he and his companies might prove valuable allies in the field, or as conduits of information? Surely they have many eyes in many quarters of the land?"
"Indeed, my King, though the Green Elves would make fine agents and no doubt many walk the lands, I have no idea how to contact them. With their king's company, only chance brought us recently together." There had been o'er 1,250 years 'twixt their only two meetings. Helluin doubted if she would see him again for a like time. She had spent long years wandering about Eriador and had ne'er met with him aforetime. Searching for him might prove as fruitless as anything she could imagine.
"I see," the High King said absently. 'Twas as he had suspected. He dismissed the Laiquendi from his concerns. "Well then, I think it worthwhile for someone to bear word thither to Celeborn and Galadriel. They should at least understand that this Annatar came forth not from any service with me, nor with any blessing from this realm." He was looking pointedly at Helluin as he spoke.
Once a messenger, always a messenger, Helluin observed silently, see what thou hast brought upon thyself? Bearing hence ill tidings whelps no generousity of sentiments from the ears that must hear them. Ahhh well, I suppose that shortly I shalt enjoy the company of Sauron at last. How very wretched a prospect.
"Were not Celeborn and Galadriel warned of Annatar 74 years ago, O King?" She asked, recalling her counsel to send forth a messenger to Eregion in 1187, back when first Annatar's messenger had come to Lindon. She noticed Gil-galad swallow in self-conscious discomfort and take a breath. Guess not, she thought.
"At the time I finally decided that such would not be necessary," he admitted, "for in no way could I convince myself that either Celeborn or Galadriel would admit to their realm one intent upon promoting such a course. Indeed I am truly astonished at the turn that events have taken. Now I deem it necessary to send word hence at once. I like not this liar using my blessing unearned to ingratiate himself thus amongst my friends."
"I see," Helluin said. So now that thy honor is impugned, sending word is necessary.
For a moment, Gil-galad froze as if in mid-thought.
"Why said thou, '74 years ago', Helluin?" He asked carefully.
"'Twas then that I counseled thee that we send forth a messenger to Eregion. To thee had come Annatar's messenger," Helluin answered. "I remember being called hither to thee in Lothron, in 1187 of this Age. 'Tis now Narbeleth of 1261, though warm for the season. Thus I reckon 74 years have passed."
There followed a long and drawn out silence in which none spoke, but all looked upon her with pitying eyes. Finally Helluin could stand it no longer.
"Whyfor hast thou become as mourners before a tomb? Surely reminding thee of past counsel is not considered a crime?"
Elrond and Galdor looked to their king. Gil-galad shook his head and took a breath ere he spoke. He had known Helluin many years and was sorry to see her faculties fading so.
"Helluin, 'tis not the year 1261, and it hath not been for some time. Indeed today is 18 Nórui, (June 18th), in the year 1343. I am sure at thy advanced age 'tis easy enough to fall out of touch, especially in consideration of all thy time spent alone in the wild lands…"
Helluin had heard his words but they didn't make sense. She gaped openly at the king, not even thinking to react to his implication of her senility. Somehow she had lost 82 years! She was sure that she had met Dálindir in late Ivanneth of 1261. 'Twas now Nórui of 1343? How was such possible? She had spent but a single night in the house of Iarwain Ben-adar. Or at least, it had seemed to her a single night…
In horror, she choked back a gasp. She had stepped out of the world and out of time, and no Man or Elf could do thus, either stave off or hasten the passage of time. Not even a Maia such as Sauron himself could command thus the passage of years. Iarwain was perhaps even more than she had suspected. One thing only did she decide at that moment. Ne'er again would she willingly venture 'nigh that vale, nor would she step foot within that enchanted house, even to escape death.
"My King, to me did but a single night pass 'neath the roof of Iarwain and Maldiaving. Now thou tell me 'tis 1343…and it seems that I passed not a single night, but rather well 'nigh 82 years. For my part, I shalt ne'er approach that place nor seek that being again. He is more than any that belong in Middle Earth; I fear him as I have feared no other."
They sat silently a long while, each thinking deeply on what Helluin had said, trying to understand what had befallen her. Elrond most of all was intrigued by the mystery. Not 120 leagues distant lived one of astonishing abilities, of race unknown, but more than likely either a very powerful Maia or a Vala. Why had not the Eldar wondered after this aforetime? Wind and wave, sea and sky, all had their rulers within Arda; not so the unfolding of the events in the Song. No other of the Ainur could master time, and no known Power held lordship o'er the realm of its passage. And yet someone must…
"Thou should leave at first light and make thy way thither unto Eregion with all haste, Helluin," Gil-galad pronounced at last. "Thou hast, alone of us all, been in Ost-In-Edhil aforetime and know its ways and principals…and thou art close in counsel too with the lords of Khazad-dûm. Perhaps t'would be well to send tidings to them also…whilst thou art so nearby."
"Of course, my King. It shalt be done," Helluin said, bowing her head and thinking, just as I recommended 156 years ago.
And did we learn anything from that? Helluin asked herself with irritation as she trudged down the road out of Lindon the next morning. For rations, the kitchen had provided her a sack of apples that hung now o'er her shoulder opposite her bow, a small parcel of seeded cakes, a waxed hard cheese, and a flagon of wine. Just see if I set foot again in Lindon for an Age! The road was wet and rutted from the night's rain, and already she was bespattered with mud. Were I not commanded to make all haste thither in hopes of recouping 156 years of neglect, I should make my way amidst the forest like any other sensible person! Roads art for horse carts and armies of Men.
Helluin continued to grumble as she strode along, aggravated to have been drawn unexpectedly into yet another of her king's errands. She sloshed blindly through puddles, kicked stones into the roadside trees, and stomped to splatter mud simply for spite. In fact she was enmeshed in a defensive mechanism, concentrating on her displeasure at being enlisted as a messenger rather than contemplating the greater mystery of having lost o'er half a yen, or the prospect of coming into the company of Sauron. Helluin was so preoccupied that she failed to notice the figure joining her on the road, though vigilance would have availed her 'naught in this case.
"Whither goes't thou in such foul mood?" A soft voice asked from well 'nigh beside her elbow it seemed.
Helluin started and jerked 'round, scowling, her sword half out of its scabbard ere she recognized Beinvír stepping from the woods to join her on the road. The elleth flinched back at her sudden movement and stopped in her tracks, eyes wide and hands spread in a placating gesture.
"Thy pardon," Helluin apologized, stopping and sheathing Anguirél, but not ere hearing its soft chuckle. "I am sent to Ost-In-Edhil on errantry for my king, Gil-galad. It seems I am commanded to act on my own advice after 156 years," she chaffed. "What brings thee hither, Beinvír?" She looked 'round, expecting to see Gérorn, Celegaras, and Dálindir 'nigh. As far as she could discern, they were alone upon the road.
"I truth I had hoped to find thee, Helluin," Beinvír said. At Helluin's look of surprise, she added, "I had somewhat of a disagreement with Gérorn and decided to unaccomany them for a while." Here Helluin raised an eyebrow in question. "The company desired to remain at the house of Iarwain for some time, whilst in truth, that place sets me ill at ease. Gérorn insisted I remain; I refused and then left ere harsher words were spoken." She waved a hand dismissively. "It helps at times to do thus when we need to regain perspective." Here she gave a sigh ere taking a breath to refocus and continue. "Since thou also travel about and were not yet even a half-day gone, I trailed thee to Lindon, but had no desire to enter thither. I marked thy leave taking this morn, and so I came to join thee upon the road, for I deemed traveling with thee a chance to widen my experience. Little contact have I e'er had with the Noldor, and I have for many years been curious."
"And knowing now my errand, dost thou still seek to accompany me thither…most likely to meet Sauron Gorthaur?" Helluin asked incredulously. No one in their right mind sought out the Lord of Lies, Lieutenant of Morgoth, abhorred above all his servants.
"I should not miss it for the world," Beinvír answered lightly and at once. Helluin groaned.
"And what of Ost-In-Edhil? Would thou also enter therein, when thou would not enter Lindon?"
At this, Beinvír stilled and thought for a moment. Cities weren't her choice of abiding places. She considered them stifling, but she supposed she could stand one for a short while if she went thither in Helluin's company rather than alone.
"Thou intend not to settle there?" She asked, just to make sure.
"Not in this lifetime," Helluin said, "I hope to leave as soon as may be. Indeed I hope to pass no more than a day there ere I travel thence to Khazad-dûm. What about that?"
At this news, Beinvír's eyes went wide with horror. "Thou dost go to seek after the Naugrim? In truth? I have heard that of old they roasted and ate Elves, though whether they persist in this practice is a constant subject of debate amongst us."
Now 'twas Helluin's turn to stare in shock. Unbelievable! They think the Naugrim eat Elves? Where in Arda did they hear that? The idea was so ludicrous that it wholly lacked for humor. 'Twas several moments ere she could even form a sentence.
"Beinvír," Helluin at last managed to say, "the Naugrim art no more likely to eat an Elf than thou art likely to eat one of them. Where indeed did thou hear such a thing?"
Beinvír looked like she truly wanted to believe Helluin's assurances. Her people had fled from Dwarves for centuries, or slew them when they could. They had done thus in earnest e'er since the battle with the Host of Nogrod at the River Ascar. In Ossiriand the Dwarves had indiscriminately felled trees, dug up the soil, and built roads through the forest. Their manners were haughty and their speech incomprehensible. Long ere the battle, they had been the unfriends of the Green Elves. Few Laiquendi cared to recall that the Naugrim had been there first. The two kindreds had fore'er been estranged and had ne'er had anything in common.
"Well, everyone believes it," she said, "and none that I know have e'er actually talked to one of them. It hath been thus for many yeni. Now we keep to the forests and they to the mountains, and almost ne'er do we meet. Such is our wisdom."
"Bah! Such wisdom is folly," Helluin declared with certainty. "The Host of Durin I count as friends. Indeed of their craft was my armor made, and of their fellowship with Celebrimbor of Ost-In-Edhil was this weapon made." Here she touched the Sarchram.
"Well, if thou say thus, I shalt believe thee," Beinvír said after some moments, though she sounded yet unconvinced. She gave Helluin a nervous smile. "I shalt look forward to not being eaten."
"Oh come on then," Helluin said at last, "and try to keep up."
She started striding down the road again with Beinvír at her side. She was unsure which of them would be most discomfited; she at having company, or the Green Elf at walking the road. After an hour, Beinvír gave voice to her irritation with Helluin's haste.
"Must thou proceed as a rabbit chased?" Beinvír asked as she hastened her stride. Helluin's legs were enough longer than her own that the Noldo's pace pressed her for speed, she being more used to moving unseen in forests than marching down open roads.
"Indeed yes," Helluin had answered. After a moment she added, "such art my orders."
"I see," Beinvír said unhappily. "Know thou the mileage of this journey?"
Helluin looked to her side and noted the distaste the Green Elf seemed to have for marching post haste, yet there was little she could do to lessen the strain. Still, she recalculated the day's marches and slacked slightly her pace. Gil-galad had waited 156 years to send a messenger thither. Helluin could arrive a day or two later without feeling guilty. She reached into her sack and drew forth an apple, which she handed to Beinvír. That at least got a smile.
"After all these years, to be ordered thither with all haste doth seem a whimsy," she said by way of apology, "yet even I feel the necessity of speed, and 'tis worse for the wasted time. I shalt endeavor to make the journey survivable. T'wouldn't befit the dignity of a king's messenger, I suppose, to stagger in thus at court before the Lord and Lady, gasping for the last of breath ere collapsing upon the floor."
Beinvír laughed aloud at Helluin's words and Noldo was heartened to hear her mirth.
"T'would make thy king appear a driver of thralls, or perhaps bespeak a battle narrowly escaped," the Laiquende said. "I wager thy hosts might find either possibility upsetting." Beinvír actually giggled at the thought. Helluin couldn't recall the last time she'd heard an Elf giggle. She found it lightened her heart to hear it now.
The next day, after ruminating all night on her loss of so many years during one night in the forest, Helluin spoke with Beinvír, asking her, "what know thou of Iarwain? Strange things befell me in his house."
Beinvír looked at her uncomfortably ere answering. As she had said, the place made her feel ill at ease.
"'Tis a strange house with strange hosts," she began, "and e'er whilst thither do I feel myself apart from the world that is. 'Tis just a feeling, I suppose, but it chills me, as though I had for a time walked out from 'neath the sun. I know not how better to describe it. Always I have felt uneasy 'til away in the forest, yet I have noted that at times it seems I have come forth from that house in a different season, or noting a particular tree, sensed that it had lived some time in my absence. Can such be so?"
"I believe such is just so," Helluin said, "for when I met thy company, 'twas 23 Ivanneth in the year 1261, but when I came to Lindon, I found 'twas suddenly 18 Nórui of 1343. During the night that I spent in the house of Iarwain Ben-adar, I somehow misplaced 82 years."
Beinvír regarded her with shock widened eyes. Few with whom she spoke measured closely the years. Their folk died not, aged little, and lived upon the land. Ne'er had she compared her coming or going from that house to a calendar. She shivered unconsciously. Her company had elected to remain thither whilst she had left. When would she see them again? In a month? A year? A yen? An Age?
"My friends…" she whispered, wracked with uncertainly, "I left them there…"
Helluin didn't know what to say. She couldn't offer any certainties, for she knew too little to guess. Beinvír might see her friends again soon, or it might be a very long time indeed, for they were outside the world and she was within it. When they would return was utterly unknown. Helluin draped an arm about the younger elleth's shoulders and gave her a reassuring squeeze. 'Twas all the comfort she could offer, and gently she urged her new companion beside her down the road. Guess I have company now for a while, she thought, and such may not be a bad thing.
Now the way from Lindon to Ost-In-Edhil by road ran well 'nigh 180 leagues, but the king had commanded Helluin to make all haste. She walked from sunup to sundown, stopping but twice a day to sup and rest. It being 19 Nórui, (June 19th), when Helluin and Beinvír met, the days were divided unequally 'twixt day and night. Long was the light of summer and they walked whilst the sun lit their way. Thus they progressed at a pace averaging ten to eleven leagues a day, and on 7 Cerveth, (July 7th), S.A. 1343, they arrived at the gates of Ost-In-Edhil.
Immediately, Helluin could see that the city had changed. The indifferently laid and unimpressive wall she had seen on her earlier visit had been replaced with one both tall and broad, the work of the Gonnhirrim from the looks of the joinery. Now there was a gate wrought of black iron, tall and sturdy, hedged 'twixt massive posts, its stout hinges concealed in their masonry, the juncture tight. Upon the faces was worked a device of holly leaves in relief, inlaid with patinaed bronze and red berries of carnelian. Strong towers stood upon either side, and the gate's arch was topped with a crenellated battlement. From both towers and arch many watchmen observed the comings and goings upon the road. These and the many guards about the gate were dressed in shining mail 'neath surcoats of deep green, and they carried long swords.
The gate stood open during daylight hours for the ease of the traffic entering and leaving, and looking through they had a glimpse of the city. Beyond the wall lay a bustling square and thence a narrow view of many stone buildings with avenues leading away in different directions. It appeared that Durin's folk had been much employed, for the construction was first rate. Helluin was impressed. Beinvír was visibly nervous. Helluin laid a steadying hand on her shoulder and squeezed to reassure her of their safety.
As they stood thus, a company of the guard garrisoned thither stood forth and approached. These guards had the duty of challenging strangers to declare themselves and their business. Though Helluin was in truth no stranger, it had been 220 years since she had last entered the city. Of course, Beinvír was a complete stranger, and a nervous appearing one at that. 'Twas now the rule and their duty, and so the guards stopped the two and required them to declare themselves, whether any of them recognized Helluin or not.
"Good day," the tall captain of the guard said formally, and whilst eyeing Helluin and Beinvír closely explained, "'tis the law of the Lord and Lady that all strangers must declare themselves ere they art granted leave to enter the city. What then art thy names and thy business?"
Officious young pup, Helluin thought. Just like last time, save that now my boots art in fine shape. Ahhh well, I suppose he is but doing his duty.
"I am Helluin, called also Maeg-mórmenel, an explorer of the Host of Finwë, and aforetime, thy lord's first Ambassador to Khazad-dûm. I am come now as a messenger to the Lord and Lady from Ereinion Gil-galad, son of Fingon, High King of the Noldor. With me travels Beinvír, loyal member of the company of Dálindir, King of the Laiquendi of Eriador."
The captain gave a sigh and then nodded. Few of the remaining Noldor in Middle Earth could name themselves thus, though all had the right to name their first lord. By naming herself of the Host of Finwë, Helluin had placed herself amongst the eldest of the Calaquendi, those who had marched west in that host ere it came to Aman. It conferred a status, for age was respected amongst all the Eldar. Helluin was also easily recognized by her black armor and the ring blade that Celebrimbor had forged for her, as much as for her black hair and bright blue eyes. Still, it had been his duty to ask and it seemed she understood. As for the other elleth, she was the first Green Elf he had e'er seen. One simply did not encounter Laiquendi outside their forests, and even in their realm one did not see them unless they allowed it. And she was a member of her king's company no less. Like Helluin, she was no doubt a royal emissary on official business to his rulers.
"Thou art known to us, Helluin, and thy voucher of Beinvír I shalt accept. The Lord and Lady hold court in the White Tower, and thither they receive messages. Go thou hence in peace."
He stood aside and gave them a formal bow as they passed. Helluin acknowledged him with a nod and a small smile whilst Beinvír bowed to him in return.
When they had passed out of earshot, Beinvír whispered, "we do not call Dálindir king, for he rules no realm and our people art by their nature scattered. There is no kingdom."
"That may well be," Helluin said with a smile, "but the guard knew it not, and at such times I have found it worthwhile to impress those subject to being easily impressed." She winked and got a smile from the Green Elf in return.
"He certainly seemed duly impressed with thy titles," Beinvír said, teasing.
"Such nonsense comes as the wage of trudging many miles and losing many battles," Helluin said with mock-gravity. "Perhaps I should have added also, 'Royal Orch Hunter of Lindórinand', 'Great-grandmother to the Brat Queen of Númenor', and 'O'erly Hasty in Speech with the Onodrim of Greenwood'."
To this Beinvír laughed aloud, a carefree and joyous sound not in the least stifled to pass as civil amongst genteel company at court. Helluin found that she liked the sound more each time she heard it. Only genuine mirth can be truly free of care, she thought, and such lives best in a heart free to feel it. Have I lost that too in the passing of the years? She found herself giving the younger elleth a gentle smile as they walked into the city.
Now the way to the White Tower was obvious, for 'twas by far the tallest building in the city and stood whither the earlier tower had been. They had no trouble picking their course, for the streets were laid out in a simple grid that followed the contours of the land so as not to become o'erly rigid in its geometry. As aforetime, Helluin's way took her 'nigh the Guildhouse of the Jewel Smiths, and she gave it a close look as they passed. She noted that whilst the facade had remained unchanged, a number of stories had been added above it so that the edifice, once squat, now encompassed an impressive height. Yet the additions had been cunningly contrived to appear of the same manufacture as the original structure. Helluin nodded to herself. 'Twas less ostentatious than she had expected.
As they walked through the city, Beinvír's eyes ceaselessly rove o'er everything. She took in the smooth, level streets, the crowds of people, the paucity of trees, and the paving o'erlying the soil. Suddenly she stopped stock-still and let out a small gasp. Helluin checked on her and realized that she was reacting thus to a group of traders from the mountains, going about their business in a market square. These were the first of the Naugrim they had seen that day. Helluin gave Beinvír a subtle nudge to get her moving again, and after shaking herself and taking a last look back, Beinvír continued forward.
"'Tis not uncommon to find some number of Durin's Folk in the city, Beinvír," Helluin explained to allay her discomfort, "for they art welcomed as traders and craftsmen, and indeed, as friends. Thou shalt certainly meet some of their company, either hither in the city or later upon the road. Ere thou come to the west gate of Hadhodrond, thou shalt have made the acquaintance of at least a few."
Beinvír gulped and nodded, still not comfortable with the idea, though the interactions 'twixt the Dwarves and the Elves that she had just seen seemed to bear Helluin out. There had been much conversation, the examination of wares, some haggling, jesting, and a burst of laughter. Hands had been shaken, money exchanged, and goods taken with smiles all 'round. Indeed it had all seemed very civilized. Beinvír realized that if she made it back to her company alive and uneaten, she would have much to tell and many of her people would scarce believe her tale. The news that she had entered the city at all would be startling in itself. For the first time since coming thither, she let a smile of anticipation shape her lips.
The court of the White Tower proved to be a stuffy and formal affair, with stern sentries, liveried servants, and fawning toadies in abundance. Helluin was hardly impressed, whilst Beinvír vacillated 'twixt nervousness and derision. The door warden 'requested' they lay aside their arms ere they entered. Beinvír handed o'er her bow and knife. Helluin gave o'er her bow, dagger, sword, and the Sarchram. The Grave Wing confused the warden, for ne'er aforetime had he seen such a weapon, but the cirth¹ upon it froze his heart. ¹(cirth, runes Sindarin)
In typical fashion, Anguirél upset him further, warning coldly that, "thou hast not leave to draw my blade. Do thus, and I shalt surely take thy life."
Helluin chuckled at the horror on his face; such incidents were endearing the black sword to her e'er more as the years passed.
Within the White Tower a valet conveyed them to the door of the Great Hall whereat a herald announced them to the court. It seemed that they were led thither by a somewhat roundabout route and given a tour meant to impress them with the majesty of the royal house. Beinvír stared at everything whilst Helluin rolled her eyes. Aforetime she had simply come to the couple's study and knocked upon their door. Now they entered a formal setting with all the trappings of royal pomp such as would have befitted Gondolin, Nargothrond, or Menegroth. Indeed, 'twas much more structured than Lindon. Helluin was reminded of the court at Armenelos in Númenor as she had last seen it.
The Great Hall was a vast chamber of white marble, brightly lit by many windows, and liberally decorated with figures and traceries. Indeed Helluin came to wonder how oft and in how many guises, the token of a holly sprig could be rendered, and just how ingeniously it might be applied to nearly every surface.
A gathering was to be seen far down the hall and the two travelers paced toward it with echoing steps that rang upon the marble pavers. Thither at the far end of the hall, Celeborn and Galadriel were seated upon chairs carved with yet more representations of holly, and set upon a low dais. What with their counselors, petitioners, officials from the various guilds, and city bureaucrats, there were several dozens in attendance. All eyes now turned to watch the travelers approaching.
When they were half way down the hall, Beinvír finally turned to Helluin and nervously whispered, "were I a naked Orch I should warrant less attention, I wager. Pray tell, do they find all strangers worthy of such blatant examination?"
"Of their vulturine tendencies has there been some increase of late, most likely in proportion to the tedium of their duties," Helluin guessed, "such is the nature of ordering a realm. May the Valar preserve all such who find themselves held thus in thrall."
"Thou pity them?"
"Indeed so," Helluin said. "How could I not? Friends forced thereby into so unnatural a state." Here she nodded subtly at Celeborn and Galadriel.
Shortly they had come before the dais and bowed to the Lord and Lady. All eyes were still upon them, but now their attention was focused upon the royals and they paid the courtiers no mind. Celeborn and Galadriel rose in greeting.
"Welcome, Helluin and Beinvír," Celeborn said, ignoring the look of surprise upon the Laiquende's face at his knowledge of her name. "Many changes have befallen since thou last stood in our realm, my old friend, as thou hast no doubt seen. I pray thou hast been well since last we met?"
He turned thence his gaze to Beinvír and said, "welcome, distant kinswoman of my forefathers. Long hath it been since I met with any of the people of Denethor, and longer still since I heard the singing in the greenwoods of Ossiriand. Be thou at peace in Ost-In-Edhil, for in honor do we hold our allies and friends of days long past."
Beinvír was rendered speechless at the lord's fair words and could only grace him with a thankful smile ere she bowed her head in respect.
Meanwhile, Galadriel had been regarding Helluin closely, and an increasing expression of incredulity possessed her features. Her faultless sight allowed her to mark the fact that by some enchantment, Helluin now stood taller than she herself; she was sure of it though she stood a step above her on the dais. Finally unable to contain herself, Galadriel stepped down and strode o'er to stand directly before the raven-haired Noldo. The confirmation of her suspicion was all too obvious face to face. Now forced to look up into those star-blue eyes, she detected there the slightest twinge of suppressed mirth.
"My eyes fooled me not!" She hissed as she leant forward to whisper in Helluin's ear. "Thou hast grown taller yet again! Is this thy notion of humor?"
Only Beinvír who stood close beside them o'erheard the princess' words, and her eyes grew wide in shock, thinking the lady unstable. Upon the dais Celeborn choked at the obvious evidence he saw before him. Helluin was now 'nigh a hand's width taller than his wife. Somehow she'd done it again! And now he would ne'er hear the end of it.
"'Tis no more than the wages of outdoor living, O Princess," Helluin replied whilst casting a nervous glance 'round at the courtiers, "fresh air, clean water, natural food…" she trailed off as Galadriel regarded her claim with obvious disbelief.
"Yet aforetime thou claimed such was the result of some stream enchanted, which doth flow amidst the mellyrn yon Hithaeglir," she whispered in irritation, reminding Helluin of her earlier claims in Lindon.
Helluin had certainly not forgotten her own words. She sighed and began to wonder if her jest had not gone too far. Could such really be so important to the daughter of her old friend, Finarfin? Was Galadriel becoming unhinged? At the very least, the gossip mongers standing 'nigh would think it so. 'Twas time to direct the conversation onto safer topics.
"My Lady," Helluin said, taking a slight step back, "upon an errand from Gil-galad did I come hither, and grave is the message. Yet I deem it neither discourse for many ears, nor the concern of many counsels. I pray thee thus for a privy audience with thee and the lord."
She gave Galadriel as serious a look as she could muster, given the lady's reaction just moments past, and cast her eyes about her to mark all the surrounding company. To her credit, Galadriel shifted quickly to the business at hand and announced, "leave us now, all thou in attendance hither. The court shalt reconvene in one hour."
All 'round them heads bowed and people withdrew. Though none protested, 'twas an undercurrent of whispers and muttering. In a few moments the hall was deserted save for Helluin, Beinvír, Galadriel, and Celeborn. Helluin made to continue speaking, but the Lady sternly put a finger 'cross her lips and motioned with her head for them to adjourn through a side door and into a withdrawing chamber. They filed out of the hall quickly.
The drawing room was a comfortable space with a couch and low table before a hearth, many chairs about a long table in the room's center, side tables bearing lamps along the walls, and a pair of desks. A large window taking up most of one wall lit the space, whilst the remaining walls held shelves filled with books and scrolls. The four Elves seated themselves in a group 'round the low table that held refreshments and cups. Galadriel poured them wine, then sat back and sighed ere she drank. Helluin took a sip and drew forth a scroll. Beinvír simply looked about herself whilst Celeborn helped himself to a sweetened cake. He at least was already dreading the outburst 'twixt Helluin and his wife that he felt sure would follow. Finally Galadriel sighed again and regarded Helluin closely, making eye contact so that they held each other's attention for some moments ere they spoke.
"Thou hast obviously found profit yet again in thy travels, Helluin," Galadriel began in a somewhat accusatory tone as her eyes raked up and down Helluin's tall form, "as it seems thou art wont to do. I have many…questions," she said in a tone that promised a lengthy interrogation to appease her amazement, "yet I suppose 'tis thy business that doth take precedence. Speak therefore, I pray thee. What word from the High King?"
"My Lady," Helluin said formally, ere turning to nod at Celeborn, "my Lord, my errand to thee from Gil-galad is in part the delivery of this scroll, yet I can speak somewhat of its contents." She had displayed the scroll, then set it aside upon the table. "156 years ago a messenger came to the gates of Lindon seeking audience with the king. Thither he offered parlay on behalf of his lord, Annatar, a master of great cunning and subtlety of hand out of the east, he claimed, who offered his aid in craft to the Noldor. His goal was to create such as would aid in the achievement of a realm upon Middle Earth to rival that of Blessed Aman; one cured of mortal stain, ne'er fading, and like unto Valinor itself." All sat listening, the scroll for now forgotten and untouched. Helluin noted the disturbing brightness of Galadriel's eyes as she warmed to the topic.
"Such aspirations seem fair upon their face, and yet tempt the Noldor once again to aspire to that which is beyond their grasp and their place. Indeed, I deem such to be nothing less than the usurpation of the powers of the Undying Ones in their rightful rule o'er Arda, and cause for yet another curse. The High King had come to agree with this conclusion, Círdan, Elrond, and Galdor as well. Indeed Gil-galad refused to treat further with this messenger, and he refused to meet this lord.
Of late have we learnt that this Annatar is come to Ost-In-Edhil, and has endeared himself to the Gwanin-i-Mirdain. Indeed 'tis reported that he hath become close in counsel with Celebrimbor. 'Tis said he did thus, claiming the lie that he had been of late, artificer to the High King. Such treachery coming to light has hastened me hither bearing these tidings, and there is yet more.
Shortly ago, whilst in the company of one Iarwain Ben-adar, it became known to me that this Lord Annatar is none other than Sauron Gorthaur, bearing fair guise and acting again with sorcery and cunning. I urge thee both; dispossess thy realm of this villain! Deport him at once! Offer him neither welcome, nor succor. I fear for thee as doth the High King. In Celebrimbor is the spirit of Fëanor born again, and to Sauron's master that spirit was known upon a time. Ere the Exile of our people did Morgoth win Fëanor's ear and confidence for a spell. We fear such coming to pass again, that the ear of a lesser son be given to a lesser evil, and yet both still great enough to forge a bitter doom for our people. Tell me, I pray thee, what news of this Annatar in Ost-In-Edhil?"
Galadriel and Celeborn had listened closely to Helluin's impassioned speech and indeed both were impressed. 'Twas very likely the most either of them had heard at one sitting from the dour Noldo, and the monologue had been delivered with more feeling than any words that either could recall. What she had claimed was truly horrifying, well 'nigh a nightmare recapitulation of the fall of their people and the darkening of Valinor. There was but one problem.
"Helluin, in all of Ost-In-Edhil there is no being of the name Annatar," Celeborn said with certainty. "Indeed no new guildsmen have been admitted in 'nigh on forty years. During that time Celebrimbor has been most oft in Khazad-dûm, in the company of the master craftsman Narvi, creating great works, most chiefly the new West Doors of Hadhodrond. In his absence, no new guildsmen have been inducted."
Helluin looked at him in shock. How could there be no Annatar in Ost-In-Edhil?
"'Tis true, Helluin," Galadriel said, "in payment for the labor of their stone wrights in raising our city, we have sent forth gravers and carvers, artisans and painters, lampwrights and fountaineers. The Lord of Khazad-dûm aspires to make his realm the most beautiful of all the dwellings of his folk upon Middle Earth, as well as the richest and most powerful. It shalt be as the Great Courts of Mahal, he claims, indeed like unto the smithies of their creator himself; a city fair and strong, delved by the hands of his people and enriched by the hands of ours. And he hath pledged alliance in peace and in war, and in the flow of ideas and skills 'twixt the mountains and the city. In the making of many works have Celebrimbor's skills bloomed even to the amazement of those who knew him aforetime. An unrivaled master he hath become, inspired, subtle, and sure of hand. All this has come of thy efforts aforetime. Indeed we all owe thee a great debt."
Somewhere during Galadriel's discourse, Helluin's soul fell chilled as she listened with growing horror. In the boasts of the Lord of Durin's Folk she heard the echo of the promises of Annatar to the Noldor. Was he come thither to Khazad-dûm, or had he secretly infected Celebrimbor in Ost-In-Edhil, sending him thence to Hadhodrond to spread his poison? There was no way for Helluin to know. Only was she sure that Celeborn and Galadriel stood blindly upon a precipice of disaster. Somewhere in the back of her mind she also noted that, whereas aforetime Galadriel had spoken somewhat disparagingly of Celebrimbor, now her words glowed with praise. 'Twas…interesting.
"How oft come thou amongst the guildsmen, or to their guildhouse?" She asked them. Both stared at her, neither answering, but the silence alone answered for them. "Perhaps this Annatar bides his time in secret amongst the craftsmen, indeed perhaps even unrecognized by Celebrimbor. We know from of old how Sauron was a shifter of shapes. Surely he could cloak himself in forms fair spoken and pleasing to the eye, passing thus for one of our own, going unmarked and unremarked, yet slowly eroding the nobility of those about him, much like a fungus eroding a timber and leaving all sound to the eye yet rotten through within. Such would be a fair coup and much to his liking."
Galadriel and Celeborn looked to each other in uncertainty, and thence to Helluin in alarm. Such could be true; they both knew it. They weren't even sure day to day as to whether Celebrimbor himself was in the city or in the mountains, let alone the disposition of every guildsman. It had been long ere they'd had time from their duties to really keep an eye on their realm. And somehow the work just kept demanding e'er more of their time. In the last couple decades it had grown worse at a quickening pace.
"Helluin, what thou claim could all too easily be true. We have become whelmed in the rule of Eregion," Celeborn admitted. He cast a longing look out the window, then sighed and returned his attention to those seated about him. "Slowly we have grown apart from our people. Indeed it seems with each day that passes we fall deeper out of touch."
"We have become as shadows in our own realm, guests preoccupied, or strangers lost in our own home," Galadriel shook her head. "'Tis almost as if a creeping malaise has o'ertaken us, or a blight is set upon us to steal away our time. Yet it came upon us slowly, seeming merely the demands of our rule as Ost-On-Edhil grew. In truth, I had not even noticed."
Helluin had to wonder if the trend were just a coincidence.
Galadriel sighed and closed her eyes a moment as if to rest them from the sight of all about her. "Would that I might reduce somewhat the tedium of rule, or better yet, unsully my own heart and live a simpler life," she whispered. "Sometimes I am so tired of it."
"Aye, 'tis fatiguing," Celeborn said wistfully. "'Twas not always thus, but now of late the effect quickens. We art kept running blindly forward, like mice with tails caught fast 'twixt the floorboards, frantic, yet ne'er able to progress. Now it seems every detail calls for our attention, every petty dispute for our arbitration. I feel as if we have been cast slowly into gaol and live now in servitude."
"Were I to aspire to advance an agenda of subversion, my first act would constitute a diversion of authority," Helluin mused. "In some fashion would I contrive to preoccupy the attention of those who might thwart me, and having arranged things thus, I could then move about at liberty. I would next subvert those amenable to my cause and gather about me such allies as I could corrupt, plotting in silence ere my strength was full wrought, and only then making trial of my power. 'Tis a good practical plan when one stands alone against o'erwhelming odds with 'naught but time upon one's side. Add in persuasiveness, a few appealing gifts, a trustworthy appearance, and then dissemble for a time with confidence, and the chances of success would be good indeed."
Helluin looked up from her musings to see the horror on the faces of Galadriel and Celeborn. Their minds were working a mile a minute and Helluin could well follow their chains of thought. If the plot had grown so pervasive as to reach into their court, where confederates contrived to keep them endlessly busy and blind to the state of their realm, then was it already too late? As they'd noted, the effect had been going forward e'er faster for some time. They had been rendered well 'nigh ineffectual already, sundered from the realities of their realm. Was their foundation already too rotten to stand?
Helluin cleared her throat to reclaim their attention. "I was delayed upon the road, and my tidings art not now so fresh," she apologized. What she had learnt most recently of Dálindir was now likely 'nigh on 85 years out of date. Sauron could have spent better than a century in Ost-In-Edhil already. "I expect Annatar arrived hither some 100 to 125 years ago and quickly gained the confidence of Celebrimbor. I cannot believe Gorthaur was ignorant of the grandson of Fëanor."
"With each revelation we doth find ourselves closer to being undone," Galadriel groaned, "pray tell what else hast thou seen in the wide world? What lies beyond our doom, Helluin? Surely there is more. Sauron came not to Eregion to accomplish a deed apart. Where else doth his power move?"
Helluin had to applaud the princess' ability to see the implications that the true state of her own realm dictated for the wider world. What happened here was a portion only of Sauron's strategy. Despite her pride, she and her realm were but one piece on a board in motion.
"Things move in the east. Yon Hithaeglir, o'er 200 years ago, came a migration of Yrch southwards from Gundabad. Out of the east, from Rhûn and parts more distant still came evil Men. Sauron was gathering them to his new realm in Mordor. In that forsaken and dismal land 'twixt the Ered Lithui and the Ephel Dúath he is mustering a host upon the Plain of Gorgoroth. Thither I saw the building of his Dark Tower, the foundations set, the walls rising. Vast art its prisons and pits, deep art its dungeons, and thick art its walls. Such a fortress, greater than any other in Middle Earth it shalt be, taller even than Mindon Eldaliéva in Tirion the Fair, stronger than Gondolin, and filled with foul creatures to rival Angband. And o'er all smolders Orodruin, the mountain of fire.
'Cross Belegaer in Númenor ruled a queen who cared little for the trials of Middle Earth. Perhaps she rules thither still; I know not. In Lindórinand King Lenwin stands isolated and loath to ally with Khazad-dûm, though its strength lies 'nigh to his hand. In Greenwood move the Onodrim, Yavanna's guardians, set to loose upon all of the kelvar their Huorns, fell beings in the form of trees; they would pursue and slay Elf and Orch indiscriminately. And in Lindon rules the High King, uncertain and unsure, depending for tidings upon the comings and goings of such as myself, unpredictable as those arrivals may be. In the forests of Eriador dwell the Laiquendi, secretive, free, unallied with any others and wary of all." Here she gave Beinvír a sad smile.
"All who would stand against Sauron art divided. Most art as yet distrustful of each other and unaware of his machinations. Even those closest to hand perceive him not and his purposes art cloaked. 'Tis to the Noldor in particular that he doth plead his case, for our people art most easily ensnared by their own nature. Hither then, having been rejected in Lindon, he plays his opening bid, to bring down those most susceptible, and potentially his most bitter foes." Helluin shook her head at the state of what she had seen. "I think I shalt visit the Guild this day and speak at whiles with Celebrimbor if I may. Perchance in light of our old endeavor he shalt share tidings with me."
She noted that Celeborn and Galadriel were staring off as if unseeing, fathoming the information she had provided. Almost none of it had come aforetime to their ears.
"Keep safe for me my friend, Beinvír," she requested of Galadriel, who gave her a slight nod of acknowledgement.
"I shalt return ere this eve," she said to Beinvír who looked to be ready to argue about being left behind with strangers, "please remain hither, my friend. 'Tis as safe a place as any hereabouts." She offered the Green Elf a small smile of reassurance and then stood. "Favor me by keeping an eye on my bag?" She asked.
Beinvír nodded as she watched Helluin preparing to depart. She didn't like this course at all, but knew not what else to do. If Helluin indeed found this Celebrimbor, would she not then stand a good chance of meeting this Annatar who was also Sauron?
"Be careful, my friend," she whispered.
To Be Continued