In An Age Before – Part 18
The guildhouse of the Gwanin-i-Mirdain was bustling when Helluin entered. 'Twas midafternoon and many craftsmen came and went upon errands, or to obtain counsel from their colleagues. Apprentices hastened to and fro on behalf of their masters, and in their hurry few marked her presence. Of a guildsman she inquired after Celebrimbor and was told that the master of the guild was abroad in Khazad-dûm for the completion of the gates. She had nodded and thanked him, then stood a moment wondering what to do next. As she stood thus she was approached by another craftsman, who stood regarding her in a respectful silence 'til she looked to him in question.
I remember thee! Long it hath been, and yet not so very long, Maeg-mórmenel. Only the Elder King has eyes such as thou, kindled to blue fire in times of passion.
"Well met, warrior," the smiling craftsman said. He was golden of hair, grey-eyed, and whilst muscles showed 'neath the leather apron he wore, he was neither o'erly bulky nor tall. Indeed he was quite average in appearance save for the color of his hair, being akin to that of the Vanyar more than the Noldor. "I marked the Ring at thy side and wondered if 'twas not that which Master Celebrimbor once forged? If it be the same, than art thou not Helluin Maeg-mórmenel? Art thou indeed she, and is that indeed the Sarchram?"
"Well met, master craftsman," Helluin responded, returning his smile. "I am indeed Helluin and this, as thou hast recognized, is the Sarchram. Pray tell me thy name, sir, as thou dost now know mine."
"Ahhh, my apologies," he said, "I am called Malthenvab¹." He introduced himself with a self-conscious blush and a self-deprecating shrug. ¹(Malthenvab, "Golden Hand"Sindarin)
"Such a name bodes well for one in thy trade," Helluin replied, giving him a smile and appreciating his apparent lack of bloated pride. "I am sure thou hast earned it."
Again he blushed, this time at her praise, ere admitting that, "such is the opinion of my fellow craftsmen, and great favor it hath brought out of Khazad-dûm. Yet to me the greatest achievement has been the refinement of the ithildin¹ for the new doors of Hadhodrond." In speaking of the works of his craft, he had become more animated and less self-conscious, much like any speaking of that which he loved. "Aforetime such alloys shown only by moonlight, yet now in starlight too doth the designs wrought of it shine." 'Twas actually quite an advance in technique and Helluin could appreciate it as such. ¹(ithildin, moon-silver, later, moon-star, and was an alloy of mithril, Moria silver. Sindarin)
"'Tis a fine achievement, Malthenvab," she said, nodding in congratulations, "by thy hand art both Khazad-dûm and the legacy of the Eldar enriched." After a pause she asked, "how goes thy labor in the kingdom of Durin's Folk, and how fares bright Celebrimbor?"
"Ahhh, both art very well indeed, and I would tell thee tidings of the master since thou hast known him aforetime. Perhaps thou woulds't join me for a cup of wine? I have some moments at leisure ere I must return to the smithies. And I must confess," here he looked again self-conscious, but continued when Helluin raised a brow in question, "I would query thee of the Sarchram, for the tale of its forging has intrigued me since I first heard it from the master some years ago."
With Celebrimbor out of the city 'twas as good an offer as she was likely to find. She had no intention of confronting Annatar alone, and Malthenvab seemed good company, if a bit preoccupied with his craft. At least he had some tidings of Celebrimbor to share.
"I accept thy invitation, Malthenvab, for the day has become warm. A cup of wine would be refreshing and thy tidings welcome," Helluin said as they moved towards the entrance of the guildhouse.
"Cross the way is a tavern frequented by guildsmen, Helluin, and I can vouch for their wine," Malthenvab said, gesturing 'cross the street where a sign displaying a tankard set upon an anvil swung slightly in the breeze. "The Arborcraft Inn is a place of friendship and mirth. Come, we shalt take our ease there for a spell."
As the hour lay midway 'twixt luncheon and supper, they had their choice of tables. Helluin moved to one at the rear and took a seat, as was her custom, with a view of the common room and door. If Malthenvab marked this he gave no sign, but sat 'cross from her and seemed at ease. About them none sat close by, and none had paid them but passing attention. A waiter asked after their pleasure and left to retrieve their drinks.
"It seems our master Celebrimbor is now e'er occupied with his projects in Khazad-dûm, and spends much time in the company of Narvi, a master craftsmen of the Gonnhirrim's guild. Long years have they collaborated in the crafting of the new doors for the west gate, and their work nears completion at last," Malthenvab reported. The wine arrived and he took a sip, releasing a sigh of approval. Helluin sampled it too and found it very good.
"It sounds like a historic project, Malthenvab," Helluin said, "I recall the entrance having but a portcullis, but that was o'er 200 years ago. It shalt be good in days to come that Khazad-dûm has a strong west door." She took another sip of wine.
"Indeed so? Their realm seemed quite the fortress to my eyes already, though I have entered upon the threshold only and that but once. Still, what works I have been involved in had more to do with the enrichment and beautification of Hadhodrond, rather than increasing its impregnability. 'Twas so stark at first to my eyes."
"'Tis the aesthetic of the Naugrim, I suppose; e'er is strength and readiness a concern. I deem it a native trait, their nature, if thou will. I'm sure the new doors shalt be beautiful as well as strong."
"Indeed they shalt." For several moments he fell silent, then looking up at Helluin he asked, "from Celebrimbor I have heard that the Sarchram was empowered by the energy of thy fëa. Hard as that was to believe, more curious was I as to why. Perhaps thou could enlighten me concerning thy thought?"
Helluin laughed lightly at his serious and studious tone. So engaged in the arcana of craft were the guildsmen, she thought, yet 'twas that depth of curiosity which made them so proficient.
"I was inspired one afternoon by a skipping stone that by chance returned nearly to my hand. Then the desire took root for the creation of a weapon that would act just so; to skip with mayhem amongst my enemies and then return to 'naught but my own hand."
Malthenvab regarded this with surprise and nodded for her to continue.
"With Celebrimbor and Narvi's counsel it came to us that only by binding the Grave Wing to my fëa could I ensure its course in flight. Many trials we made and many alloys discarded, for such a thing must possess life unfailing and remain undamaged in use. After long years we came finally to the completion of our task. I allowed to pass into the heated metal a measure of my power, such that I could govern its action with my will. In battle it hath ne'er failed of my desires."
"Truly amazing! I should not have conceived thus, to bind a thing of craft to its maker save by his pride in the making. Would thou grant me a boon? Allow me to examine with my own sight this marvelous weapon? I am very curious, though the forging of weapons is not my craft."
Seeing no harm in the request, Helluin unclasped the Grave Wing from her waist and set it flat upon the table. Malthenvab eyed it closely but touched it not, yet he took in every detail and each nuance of its fabrication as if he were perceiving the secrets of its making in the sheen of its polish. He read the cirth upon it and shuddered, yet whether with dread or excitement, Helluin could not discern.
"Mine corma i vile tuvata te. Mine corma tulta te ilya min i Cúmanna ar mi moreasa neumate.¹" He recited softly. ¹("One ring that flies to find them. One ring to send them all unto the Void and in its darkness bind them." Quenya)
"Helluin, such a potent thing must have demanded a great measure of power if thou would master such a fell spirit with thy own spirit."
"Nay, Malthenvab, or it seemed not so to me. Though I felt the loss at the time, I have suffered no ill of it since. Indeed I detected no change more than the donation of energy that I bequeathed to my daughter at her birth. Perhaps t'would be otherwise for another, or for the mastering of some other object for some other purpose. I cannot say."
"Thou hast also a child?" He looked at her with even greater wonder. All knew how the gift of life could drain the fëa of a mother, (the dimming of Míriel after the birth of Fëanor being the prime example), and yet Helluin seemed not in the least diminished.
"Indeed so, a daughter born of my union with Vëantur, Captain-Admiral of Númenor."
"A mortal? Surely thou jest! Art thou indeed still gifted with the life of the Eldar?"
"'Tis 680 years since my daughter was born and 220 since the creation of the Sarchram. I feel no different." She shrugged, ne'er having really thought of these things aforetime. She was now 5,859 years of the sun in age.
'Cross the table Malthenvab shook his head in amazement. The Amanyar were stronger than he had remembered, or perhaps they gained in strength with the lengthening of their years. Of old all had thought that living in the Hither Lands would prove detrimental and cause them to fade, yet at least with Helluin, this had not been the case. He wondered how he himself would fare, on some day to come, if into an object of his own he would pass a measure of his power. He'd known when he heard her words that here was a challenge to his craft that could not be ignored, and that of Celebrimbor he could learn the technical aspects of its achievement. 'Twas just a matter of time.
Helluin watched many thoughts pass 'cross the face of Malthenvab, but she could fathom none of them; 'twas most strange. Usually she had some inkling of what another thought, whether they be Elf or Man. With this craftsman though, no thought escaped. Only could she see the fierce excitement that had blossomed in his eyes, and this she attributed to the inspiration he derived from the knowledge she'd passed on about the Sarchram. She raised and drained her cup. Malthenvab did likewise and then stood.
"A Vala's blessing upon thee, Helluin," he declared, "and my thanks for thy gift of information. A lord would treasure the insights thou hast bestowed upon me, and long shalt I think on what thou hast shared. I must return to my work, for my part meshes with those of many others. I have enjoyed our meeting this afternoon." He gave her a smile as he bowed and then made his way from the tavern.
One ring to find them…and in darkness bind them. I like the way thou think, Helluin, and more, I wonder if by thine own darkness thou may be ensnared.
Helluin rose and replaced the Sarchram upon her belt ere she too left.
Three days later, Helluin and Beinvír had come to the cliff face which comprised the west rampart of Khazad-dûm, and they stood upon the gate path looking at the new doors. Whilst the doors themselves seemed not so impressive at first glance, Helluin was very happy to see Celebrimbor and Narvi. The two were standing before the doors, deep in conversation, whilst all 'round them craftsmen of the city and the mountains worked together at various tasks. The two travelers approached unnoticed.
"Narvi! Celebrimbor! Greetings, my friends," Helluin called out, causing them to break off their speech and jerk 'round to face her. She was rewarded with broad smiles after a moment of surprise.
"Helluin, my dear, anvil and tongs! 'Tis good to see thee! Thou art well?" Narvi asked.
"Indeed so, my friend," Helluin replied as she came to stand before the pair of master craftsmen. "And my greetings to thee as well," she said, smiling to Celebrimbor who graced her with a bow. She looked carefully at him but detected 'naught awry.
Beside her Beinvír stood uncertainly, for though she'd met a number of Dwarves upon the way from Ost-In-Edhil, she was still nervous. Helluin though displayed no reticence and clasped the stout Dwarf in a tight hug. To Beinvír's amazement, he lifted Helluin off her feet and spun her 'round in a circle, much as Iarwain had spun Goldberry.
"Ho, ho, ho," he said after setting her down, "though hast gained somewhat in mass and height, for no measure can escape the eyes of old Narvi," he said, squinting and looking her over carefully. "Since last we met thou hast increased in height by three and one-quarters inches, and in mass by eight pounds." He stroked his beard, daring her to disagree.
"I should agree, for I cannot discern my own height, being denied the sight of it," Helluin said, "and as for the weight, thou art a finer judge than e'er I was."
"Thou art indeed looking well, Helluin," Celebrimbor added with a smile, "hast thou seen our dear Lady Galadriel?" He winked at Helluin, knowing the Lady's rivalry and her touchiness about their relative heights.
Helluin laughed aloud. "Indeed so. I came before the Lord and Lady ere traveling hither and she actually left her dais to face me eye to eye just to make sure…then she hissed at me." Helluin laughed again at the shock on the craftsman's face. "She was quite wroth with me for having surpassed her after all this time and needed desperately to express herself. Yet with so many courtiers about she was forced to vent her displeasure as a whisper in my ear. I know not what she shalt do about it though."
For some moments they shared a laugh, then Helluin introduced the Green Elf.
"My friends, here is Beinvír, fellow of the company of Dálindir, informal king of the Galadrim," she said. Beinvír slapped her across the stomach with the back of her hand and did the two craftsmen a surprisingly graceful curtsy. Helluin chuckled. "Beinvír, may I present Celebrimbor son of Curufin, Master of the Gwanin-i-Mirdain of Ost-In-Edhil, and Narvi, Master Stonewright and Metalsmith of the Guild of Craftsmen of Khazad-dûm." The two bowed to the Green Elf.
"Thou art surely of the Elven folk," Narvi said to Beinvír, "like and yet not like unto Celebri and Helluin. Pray tell me then, art thou of a different house?"
"I am of the Galadrim, Narvi, and my people derive from those who stayed in Middle Earth when the Noldor went to Beleriand and thence to Aman. Most of the differences amongst Elves come from their place on that ancient journey, and the paths their people have walked since. My people came later to Beleriand and dwelt in Ossiriand and Doriath during the First Age. Indeed I was born in Eriador after my people fled the drowning of Beleriand and I have known no other home."
"And I was born in Beleriand and ne'er knew Aman," Celebrimbor told her, "yet still am I numbered amongst the Noldor, though I learnt and spoke mostly Sindarin rather than Quenya. Thou speak both Sindarin and Silvan, Beinvír?"
"In fact little do my people speak Silvan these days, having spent so long in Beleriand ere they came to Eriador. Only when in contact with Nandor from beyond Hithaeglir do both they and we speak Silvan, and such times art very rare indeed. In this Second Age, the companies of Eriador became one with those of Ossiriand and adopted the Sindarin speech day to day."
"I see…I think," said Narvi, "but 'tis very confusing to me. We have first a Green Elf speaking the Grey Elven tongue," he said looking at Beinvír, "a High Elf who has ne'er seen the Light," he said to Celebrimbor, "and what of thee, Helluin? I know thou dwelt long in Aman." He fixed his eyes upon her. With a quirk of her lip she answered.
"One might say of me that here is an Elf of Light with a dark streak."
Some time later they were seated 'neath the shade of the hedges beside the path leading to the west door. The two craftsmen had explained the status and goals of their project and the two travelers had found it suitably impressive. Now they were taking their ease, resting and sharing bread, cheese, and wine.
"Celebrimbor, dost thou know a craftsman or lord named Annatar?" Helluin asked. She eyed him closely, watching his reaction. He showed only confusion.
"I know 'naught of any by that name, Helluin, and so grandiose a name it doth be that surely I should not forget it," he answered. "Whyfor dost thou ask after such a one?"
"Because his messenger came aforetime to Lindon and was turned away. Then later 'twas reported that he had come to Eregion and presented himself to thee as having been Artificer to the High King, an untruth at best, for he ne'er set foot in Lindon or Mithlond. Dark art the reports of him, and in warning from the High King did I come to the Lord and Lady. Art thou sure thou know him not?"
"Indeed I know none by that name, nor any claiming such a past title. T'would be a point of great celebrity and hence carefully checked. None from Ost-In-Edhil came to the High King begging confirmation of such a claim?"
"Nay, indeed none have come," Helluin admitted.
"I know not what to say to thee," Celebrimbor said, "so few have been admitted to the guild o'er the last forty years that I have gained knowledge of them all. None art so high, being apprenticed to us at first, one and all."
Helluin read only truth in his face. There had been no lie in his words. Celebrimbor at least believed all that he had said and it confirmed the words of Celeborn and Galadriel. Helluin fell silent and chewed absently on her lower lip.
"Know thou a craftsman named Malthenvab?" She asked at last. "One of average stature and golden hair? What…?"
Celebrimbor had begun convulsing with hysterical laughter. Helluin waited out his fit of mirth with sharp eyes and arched brow.
"Malthenvab…Golden Hand!" Celebrimbor chortled. "'Tis city slang for a pickpocket of proficient skills!" He hooted yet again and Helluin groaned. Even Beinvír giggled. When he finally mastered himself he told her that, "only two with golden hair have we in the guild, one remarkably thin and tall, a glazier of lamps. The other is Anthamon, who is working right o'er there." He pointed out another tall, thin blonde. If the glazier and not he was remarkably tall and thin, than neither fit Helluin's memory of the craftsman she had met.
The news cast Helluin into a brooding silence, for little did she like being conned and confounded. Someone had picked her out and impersonated a guildsman in order to speak with her, and he had asked after the Sarchram. What could he possibly have gained from her words? Why had he bothered? She found herself in great doubt and very suspicious, and though she understood not the impersonator's intentions, she felt used and lacked no doubt of the person's power or evil nature.
"I do believe I met Annatar, though I knew it not," she finally admitted in a whisper.
The realization chilled her to the bone. She had shared table and drink with Sauron Gorthaur, and to her, he had seemed unremarkable, sincere, and fair of speech, face, and nature. She had been thoroughly hoodwinked by a lying shapeshifter, the greatest enemy of her people in Middle Earth. I shalt ne'er find him, for I deem he trades faces more readily than one sheds clothes. Indeed he could be anyone and anywhere and he hath hidden thus for a century in plain sight. Helluin slowly shook her head in amazement. This enemy was cunning and crafty far beyond her measure. She could not fight him.
One by one the others had come to watch her, the thoughts shifting in rapid succession 'cross her troubled features. Seated closest at her side, only Beinvír had marked the words she'd whispered and a look of fear crossed her features.
"Whate'er shalt thou do?" She asked just as softly. Helluin turned to look at her.
"Whate'er can I do?" Helluin asked in return. "Even were I to line up together all the craftsmen of the guild, would he not simply appear as one of them; known to his fellows, respected above suspicion, and long familiar? Of a certainty he that I met shalt not appear, and I have no way to discern him in different guise from all the others."
"Might thou not narrow thy choice to those known for a century or less?"
"Perhaps…" Helluin turned to Celebrimbor and asked, "how many craftsmen have joined thy guild in the last century or so?"
Celebrimbor sat in silent thought a moment, tallying the members of the guild in his mind's eye. Finally he shrugged. "Many indeed…and the further back in time, the more I recall. Art thou quite certain of the span?"
"Nay, I am not. It might be one who has joined thee at any time in the last 156 years, for he might hath come to thee even as his messenger came to Gil-galad."
"I see," Celebrimbor said. "Then the problem, Helluin, is that the further back the more have joined. Not simply due to the greater span of years, but because in the earlier days many came hither as in a flood. Thy treaty with Khazad-dûm was finalized 'twixt the guilds just ere thou left in 1123, and in the following years many joined us, indeed it seemed well 'nigh all the craftsmen not bound in service to some lord came hither. I would guess that 'twixt 1125 and 1275 did o'er three-quarters of the present members seek admittance to the guild. In the last 156 years that number would still include o'er half the guildsmen."
Helluin shook her head in frustration. "How many art they in number?"
"Perhaps 600 to 800? I am really not sure," Celebrimbor said in amazement. In the days when he and Helluin had wrought the Sarchram, the guild had numbered but 80 craftsmen. The brotherhood's count had exploded after the treaty took effect and tidings of it spread throughout Eriador. They had come thither in a deluge for well 'nigh a century and three-quarters, only trickling off in the last fifty years to a few apprentices. Now there were close to 1,200 total.
Helluin felt a scream of frustration welling up in her throat. It fairly caused her to gag.
"Doth any stand out to thee as more ambitious? As consumed with lust of mastery or power? Hast thou any that cleave to dark desires in their craft, or aspire to achieve things of fell intent? Do any o'erstep the bounds of their place, heeding no restraint in their goals to create that which should lie beyond the craft of thy people? Know thou any whose work would bring upon thee the wrath of the Valar? Have any sought thy counsels in hopes of rebellion against the order of Arda?"
Celebrimbor had been regarding Helluin askance as her tirade gained momentum, finding her words e'er more apocalyptic and harder to digest. She sounded…fanatical.
"Helluin, peace. What has brought thee to such a pass? Surely a pickpocket swindling thee of thy confidence rankles, yet 'tis such truly cause for so much alarm? What darkness think thou hast taken root in the guild? What evil dost thou seek amidst its ranks?"
"I fear the influence of this Annatar upon the hearts of thy craftsmen. I fear his cunning and subtlety. I fear that he may entice some seeking grandeur in their achievements to strive after such as should not be wrought. I fear a second curse and a second darkness and a second doom."
Helluin's eyes were blazing with the heat of her passions and the built up frustration of the entire affair, the inaction of Lindon, the impotence of Ost-In-Edhil, the loss of time, and the meeting with Sauron most recent. Her rhetoric had carried the flames of her emotions and her fears, but they challenged and accused, and Celebrimbor responded no less passionately, his own eyes blazing.
"E'er do we aspire to raise the level of achievements of our hands, yes, but these art not the Elder Days. Ne'er again shalt any create such as the Silmarils. I am not Fëanor and none I know abide the curse save with loathing. We shalt not make again the same mistakes as our forefathers. Of this Annatar I know 'naught save that thou art become obsessed with him. He is but a name on thy lips to me, perhaps nothing more than thy fantasy! What would thou have me do? Run a rat race to satisfy thy paranoia? I have much work and many obligations. Short is my time to indulge thee, Helluin."
"Peace, my friends," Narvi broke in, having watched the escalating wrath of both parties in embarrassed shock, "is there some reason the thwarting of this Annatar is of such paramount importance? Surely the ambitions of a single craftsman art not so dire?"
At this, Helluin could only laugh, a bitter and hysterical outpouring of tension that came in a mirthless torrent unexplained. Celebrimbor was now all but convinced of Helluin's madness. She continued on a pace, but finally the outburst abated and she wiped her eyes and mastered her breathing.
"There is reason indeed, my dear Narvi, great reason for my fears. Thou knows the history of the Noldor, I deem. Of how Fëanor wrought three jewels containing the light of Yavanna's Trees, and how Melkor incited him to pride and jealousy and possessiveness ere he stole them. The quest to repossess those jewels brought about the downfall of our people. And now Fëanor's grandson rules many craftsmen of the Noldor, and Morgoth's lieutenant is come amongst them. To Lindon came his messenger, seeking alliance in raising a realm in the Hither Lands to rival Valinor and to seek through works of craft to hold at bay the fading and the stain of mortal lands. The Lord Annatar is 'naught but Sauron Gorthaur, and I met him not three days past in Ost-In-Edhil, whither he passes unknown, and hath won a place in thy guild. See thou now my fears?"
"I see now 'naught but thy madness!" Celebrimbor cried out. "E'er hast thou decried my heritage and distrusted my heart! Now thou would both tar me with the infamy of my fathers and curse me anew on thy own behalf! I have done 'naught in offense of the Powers, and of all those upon Middle Earth, surely I would know Sauron despite his guise. I should know him for his evil, not sit drinking with him in camaraderie, oblivious to his black heart. Yet I hear in thy delusion that he honors thee and asks thy counsel? Damn me not, Helluin! And yes, I would hold at bay by my craft such decay of the world as I could, but I know better! 'Tis only a dream! I know such power is not given to me! I know my limits and the limits of my craft! Can'st thou claim the same?"
Ere the end of his tirade, Celebrimbor was on his feet yelling at the top of his lungs. Helluin was face to face with him, screaming just as heatedly. It took Beinvír, Narvi, and all the assembled craftsmen to separate them and drag them apart ere they came to blows. Afterwards each sat heaving for breath, red-faced, fists clenched and seething.
"Perhaps t'would be best if we left," Beinvír suggested after Helluin had calmed.
The Noldo sat a moment shaking her head. For all her differences with Celebrimbor she felt 'twas wrong to leave such heated words and ill feelings 'twixt them. It left her sad and deflated, another bad memory to add to her growing trove.
"I should say something to him," she muttered, rising to her feet. Beinvír was loath to let her go but didn't try to hold her back.
"Celebrimbor," Helluin called to the figure sitting rigidly with his back to her. He turned at her voice, still obviously angry. "I am sorry and I care not to leave thee with such words 'twixt us as thy last memory." She knelt on one knee a couple paces away so as not to loom o'er him. "Such a parting serves neither of us, for it may be many years ere we meet again. I am deeply afraid for thee and thy people, and were I to care not, then ne'er would I have come 'nigh, knowing of his presence. Indeed my fear of him would dissuade me. Please be ware in the years to come. Fail not of thy heart, nor fall to his temptations no matter how fair his words my be. He shalt come to thee in pretty guise and with reasonable counsel; this I doubt not. Resist him, my friend."
As she spoke, Celebrimbor had turned to face her, and now he reached out, taking her hand and clasping it tightly.
"I too would not have us part in anger, Helluin. Fear not; I shalt watch with care, and knowing the possible danger I shalt guard against it as I may. Most of all, I fear for the Lady should thy words prove true. Already it saddens me that she lives as a bird caged by her duties. I at least enjoy my work." He shook his head and sighed. "Fare thee well upon thy road, my friend."
He released her hand and after looking into each other's eyes a moment, Helluin rose and turned back to Beinvír. They collected their possessions and started down the road towards Ost-In-Edhil. Celebrimbor stood and watched them leave ere he turned back to his labors. T'would be long ere they met again.
To Be Continued