In An Age Before – Part 19

Chapter Sixteen

Eriador - The Second Age of the Sun

Helluin had just finished adding the last of her spices to a simmering cauldron of stew as the light of Anar faded behind the Ered Luin in the west. Indeed the vessel of Arien had for some time been 'neath the horizon, but now the glow upon the clouds had died and its rumor had fled the sky. The flames of the cook fire cast flickering shadows amongst the trees where they danced tirelessly as they strengthened for another night's revels. O'erhead the vault of the Ilmen darkened and began to show forth the multitude of stars.

As always, Helluin found the sight comforting. It helped ease the e'er-creeping dread in her heart. For a long time she had heard 'naught from Ost-In-Edhil; no word had come from Celeborn or Galadriel to Lindon. 'Twas 15Gwaeron, (March 15th), S.A. 1375.

To her amazement, Beinvír had remained in her company as the years passed. They had not returned to Ost-In-Edhil after leaving Khazad-dûm, for Helluin deemed the danger too great. Sauron had almost surely known of her trip to visit Celebrimbor, and she had nothing new to report to Celeborn or Galadriel. Instead they had gone west, crossing the Glanduin and then the lands of Central Eriador.

Along the way they had walked the downs at Beinvír's insistence, and true to the words Helluin remembered that Dálindir had spoken, no trace of the house of Iarwain Ben-adar did they find. The smallish vale lay wild and deserted, the falls and stream running their natural course down into the forest. Thither the two friends had camped for a night, much to Helluin's displeasure, but the stars above had shown down as they always had and the moon stood bright, three days on the wane past full. Still Helluin had rested not, feeling skittish and ill at ease as she humored her friend.

Beinvír had stood watch all night, hoping to catch some glimpse of the strange abode of their sometimes host, or maybe even of her companions, but 'naught of either did she see. In the morning light she had sat beside the falls and cried. Helluin had sat down beside her, gathered her in her arms and held her. Afterwards they spoke not of the incident, but traveled together, meeting at times with other companies of Sindar and Laiquendi, and yet they had remained together. None they met had tidings of Dálindir or his company.

Neither had they returned to Lindon. Helluin had no desire to present herself at court and no summons from the High King requiring her presence had found her. Even less did she desire to bring Beinvír into the city, or leave her alone outside it.

Helluin had found the Green Elf to be more enjoyable company then she had expected, and was now engaged in learning her woodscraft. The ability to appear or disappear at will had always intrigued Helluin from her first contact with Dálindir in Ossiriand long aforetime; 'twas a skill, a challenge, and in the wild, one that could be very useful. So far she had spent 32 years 'neath Beinvír's tutelage and she felt she'd made progress. As she stirred the cauldron, she projected her senses, trying to discern her friend's approach.

Eventually the slightest sound of a footstep betrayed by a snapping twig reported the passage of one coming 'nigh from the east in stealth. Helluin withdrew outside the circle of fire light and waited in the shadow of a tree. She identified and ignored each separate and familiar forest sound. What remained, that which had no right place, were the sounds of breathing, coming to her faintly 'neath the whisper of the wind, just as her friend had described so many times. Then Helluin closed her eyes and pinpointed the source; two walking warily eleven fathoms away. First one moved forward, then the other, ne'er the two together…'twas the manner of Sindar stalking. They were coming towards the fire, the only source of light in the forest for many leagues.

So where then was Beinvír, Helluin wondered? The Noldo moved her right hand an inch with each breath, slowly down to grasp the Sarchram, freeing it from its catch. The Sindar were now but six fathoms away and she saw one's shadow move, then the other's, and then the first again. They stopped outside the light of the flames and waited. She saw them make hand signs 'twixt them and nod in agreement, no patience, she thought, and they stepped out into the light. From seven fathoms to her right she detected the slow stretching of a bowstring; Beinvír at last.

Now Helluin watched the Sindar's' eyes; everyone blinks by reflex even when they know it not, so if thou move only when thou see them blink, they shalt mark thee not. She saw indeed the quick unconscious blinks the Green Elf had described. The Sindar were searching the darkness all 'round the camp. Helluin moved each time they blinked. Her cloak of broken greens hid her form and distorted the telltale outline of her body. When she finally chose to move when they weren't blinking, she would seem to appear before them from nothing. She was but a fathom to their left when she suddenly stood. Even as she did it she couldn't believe the illusion had worked.

"Who art thou that come thus uninvited to my camp?" She asked with authority whilst the two grey-cloaked figures reeled from her unexpected appearance. Though she had their stealth, she was no Green Elf. At first they made no answer and she revealed the Grave Wing from behind her back.

"Thy pardon, I pray thee," the nearer said, being the first to find his voice, "we came hither to pass a message to any we find in Eriador, by command of the Noldorin king in Lindon." He sketched a hasty bow, then nudged his fellow's ribs and the second bowed as well.

"'Tis thy message to anyone, or to everyone?" Helluin asked. Behind her she heard the softest of sounds as Beinvír replaced her arrow into the quiver. She would arrive in a few moments.

"Indeed 'tis to everyone, being deemed tidings of general interest to all the kindreds," the second said. "I am Nennún and this is Nathron¹. May we sit to share them?" ¹(Nennún, Water Born, and Nathron, Weaver. Sindarin)

Helluin nodded to the ground beside the fire and then moved 'round to sit facing them from the opposite side. Out of the corner of her eye she noted the Green Elf slipping closer, no doubt not intending to reveal her presence 'til she was right beside the messengers. Helluin grinned and kept their attention.

"So what word from Lindon, my friends?" Helluin asked, reattaching the Sarchram to her belt. She cocked a brow at them in question.

"We were sent forth from Lindon, but the tidings come indeed from Eregion," Nennún clarified.

"Word has come of late reporting trouble in that land," Nathron began, "and from companies 'nigh Ost-In-Edhil has been heard of the expulsion of the Lord and Lady, and the assumption of power by Celebrimbor and the Gwaith-i-Mirdain."

"The Gwaith-i-Mirdain? How? When?" Helluin could hardly believe her ears. The People of the Jewel Smiths? "What of the Lord and Lady? Whither goes't they?"

"'Tis said the guild chaffed long 'neath the rule of the Lord and Lady, and of late had they become e'er more remote. At last the rank and file rebelled and named Celebrimbor Lord of Eregion on 17 Narwain, (January 17th)…indeed they did so during his absence and then recalled him at once to Ost-In-Edhil. No harm has come to Celeborn or Galadriel; indeed none dared lay hands upon them, nor any of their household. The guild would not survive a war of the Sindar against their number had they let Celeborn come to harm. Likewise would the Noldor of Lindon rise against them should ill befall Galadriel. Instead the guild convinced them to leave, saying they had no place in a city of smiths," Nennún told her.

"'Tis said the Lord and Lady had the favor of the Lord of Khazad-dûm, and he granted them passage through his mansions to the east. This though has not been confirmed," Nathron added.

Helluin could only shake her head in amazement. The upheaval had occurred much sooner and much more smoothly than she had suspected. She noted that Beinvír had seated herself to the side, still unmarked by the messengers.

"Say not that the Lord and Lady went into exile alone," the Green Elf asked.

The two Sindar jerked 'round at the sound of her voice and stared at her in shock. She was certainly one of the illusive Laiquendi.

"N-nay, th-they went not unaccompanied. Their daughter, and indeed many of their people, went with them," Nennún stammered.

Helluin sat in silence digesting all she had heard. Amongst the guildsmen had the old resentment of Celeborn and Galadriel been fanned into rebellion, and she could easily imagine just who had accomplished that. Little by little Sauron had engineered the Lord and Lady's estrangement and isolation from their people. He had no doubt managed to make them appear distant and uncaring. Then with a whisper in one ear, or a poisoned word to others o'er drinks, he had promoted disaffection throughout the guild. Drawing on the craftsmen's devotion to their guildmaster, he had arranged Celebrimbor's rise in popularity, making him the obvious choice for a new leader; one intimately involved with, and respected by his people. Indeed he had already long been leader of the craftsmen, and 'twas the guild that had most enriched the city. The populace would have aligned behind him easily enough.

But Celebrimbor had been off in Khazad-dûm, and Helluin very much wanted to believe that he'd had 'naught to do with the rebellion...indeed certain small and subtle details she recalled of her last talks with Galadriel and Celebrimbor strongly led her to think just that. She'd come to think so highly of him. He had feared most of all for her. The son of Curufin had probably been shocked when he'd been drafted as the new Lord of Eregion. Whatever his aspirations had originally been, he seemed to have accepted the Lord and Lady's rule and immersed himself in his works. In the end, perhaps he had even arranged with the Lord of Khazad-dûm for Galadriel and Celeborn's safe passage; a gesture of farewell to a love unrequited and perhaps undeclared, doomed by fate and time, and buried amidst the change and confusion. At least the Lord and Lady were safe.

But that left Celebrimbor alone in the hands of Sauron, and now Helluin felt t'would be only a matter of time ere the fallen Maia corrupted him. She remembered his heated words, "…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!"

But thou dost not know the measure of power given to Sauron Gorthaur, she thought, nor dost thou know his cunning or his persuasiveness. Indeed none truly do. The desire is there within thee, and he hath time and perhaps the means to make thy dreams come true. I fear for thee, my friend. By degrees he shalt tempt thee. Resist him.

"What shalt thou do, Helluin?" Beinvír asked softly. Helluin looked up at her and blinked, drawn forth from rumination by her voice.

"I have no idea, my friend. Indeed I know not if there is 'aught that I can do." I certainly cannot recoup the past, she thought, roll back the days and make things as they were. "An end must come of all things in Middle Earth," she whispered to herself, "and all that stands shalt one day be but memories and dust."

Beinvír merely nodded at her sad words.

To still somewhat the racing of her mind, Helluin brought forth bowls and ladled stew out for each of them, and afterwards shared out a skin of wine from the vineyards of the Men who lived about Lake Nenuial. 'Twas a vintage much the same as that Dálindir had shared with her on the day they'd met, now o'er a century aforetime.

Nennún and Nathron were gracious guests and thankful for the fare. And in desire to contribute what they could, they sought deadfall for the fire, for the night grew chill as it deepened. At last, with the fire banked, all lay down to rest, clearing their minds and staring up at the stars as their breathing slowed and their bodies relaxed.

What indeed shalt I do? What can I do? Helluin tried to isolate her options and goals. Restoring Celeborn and Galadriel's rule in Eregion would not only be futile, but also dangerous for them with Sauron in residence and unidentified. So then how did he intend to go about subverting the guild to his vision of creating a Valinor upon the Hither Shores? She found no answers to her questions within her wisdom. What next then?

How fared Celeborn and Galadriel, she wondered? Did they indeed pass through Khazad-dûm and into the east? If so then they should have first encountered the Nandor of Lindórinand. Had they become the guests of King Lenwin and Lady Calenwen? And would they be any safer in Rhovanion? Did the migrations of Yrch and Easterling Men continue? Perhaps they had sought instead the Nando-Sindarin kingdom of Oropher in Greenwood. He had come at first from Eregion and was known to them. Yet how would they be received by the Onodrim? By Oldbark and Leaflock and all the others? Would they be endangered by the Huorns? Or perhaps they had decided to travel further yet, to make their way south down Anduin answering the call of the sea, and thence even to the kingdom of Belfalas whither King Lenwë would welcome them and beg of them tidings of the west. Yet that way would bring them 'nigh Mordor, and if they were recognized, then into great danger would they tread.

Mordor…how far had Sauron's host grown? It had been 218 years since Helluin had espied it last in 1125. How far had the Dark Tower risen in her absence? What lieutenant ruled that Black Land and held the reins of power on Sauron's behalf? Having accomplished his coup in Eregion, would Sauron return thither for a spell, or would he continue to press forward the downfall of the Noldor in Ost-In-Edhil?

I should guess Sauron shalt continue his course in Eregion, she decided, thinking tactically, placing thus his efforts in securing his power through the manipulation of Celebrimbor. Now, whilst Celebrimbor's position is still in flux and the realm disordered may he most easily set new precedents and goals. Were I him, I would capitalize on the momentum generated by the rebellion ere it falters. I should set for the Guild a new course. Yes, Sauron shalt remain in Ost-In-Edhil. And I have not the power to wrest from him the soul of Celebrimbor. Alas, I too know the limits of my craft, my friend, and I am sorry.

So then it comes to the welfare of Celeborn and Galadriel. I doubt not that they art capable of forging friendships on their own, and yet those they shalt move amongst art long known to me. If indeed they have come to Lindórinand, then perhaps some good shalt come of it. Perhaps through them, King Lenwin shalt see the Naugrim as friends and allies at last. How could he not, when to him the Gonnhirrim deliver such as the Lord and Lady? And shalt they not impress upon him the danger he faces? The necessity of standing together when the time comes? Indeed I believe it shalt be just so, and I should be loath to waste the opportunity whilst 'tis fresh. Indeed, to Lenwin should I make my way, to offer counsel and tidings. Besides, Galadriel shan't give him a moment's peace 'til she discovers the secrets of his enchanted stream, of which he know'th 'naught at all. So be it then, I shalt go thither to Lindórinand.

Helluin felt much more relaxed having come to a decision, but then another thought assailed her, one she had become of late concerned with all the more. Shalt Beinvír be willing to accompany me hence? She hath ne'er journeyed beyond Eriador. Hath she any interest in seeing the lands of the Nandor yon Hithaeglir? We need not pass through Hadhodrond, but might instead come o'er the High Pass of Caradhras, or even travel through the gap south of Methedras. T'would be a long journey sure, but not made in great haste. I shalt speak of it to her in the morning, Helluin decided.

But then the thought came to her; what if she refuses? What if she wishes not to leave Eriador? It hath e'er been her home. For the first time in a very long time, Helluin found herself desiring another's company upon the road simply for the sake of their yet, she found herself not wishing to travel without her friend.

In shock at this revelation she asked herself, when did such a change come upon me? Whence came this unwillingness to venture forth out of her company? Always I took it for granted that Amandil would not journey with me, and ne'er did I shy from the road. E'er did Vëantur desire to sail forth, and e'er did I accompany him, knowing that such should not fore'er be. Yet ne'er did I feel both this uncertainty and need conjoined, to have the company of another, or travel in sadness at the parting. And we have traveled together but 32 years, Helluin thought in amazement, 'tis but a paltry time to have wrought upon my spirit so great a change. She stared up at the stars in amazement 'til the glow of morning grew in the east.

With the dawn Helluin sat up and looked around. The Sindar were still about their rest, unmoving. A look o'er at Beinvír revealed the Green Elf still lying flat on her back, but regarding her now out of the corners of her eyes.

"What rind of thought has caught in thy craw all this night, Helluin?" She asked ere she yawned and stretched. She sat up and turned to face her friend. "Thou hast been thinking so loudly through the dark hours that barely could I rest for the grumbling of thy churning mind."

Helluin blushed and gave her an apologetic smile.

"I pray thy pardon for the din of my repose. Indeed I have been occupied in thought…"

"Helluin, thou hast been brooding," Beinvír accused in jest. She offered a smile to soften her words.

"Indeed so, my friend," Helluin admitted, "and many things have crossed my mind. One being the benefits of going hence to Lindórinand, thither to meet with King Lenwin and look into the welfare of Celeborn and Galadriel. I deem this a chance to widen somewhat the options of the Nandor of Celebrant against the threats yet to come." She paused and looked hopefully at Beinvír, who was listening closely to her. "T'would be a moderate journey and the season early for travel, but the way is easy enough. I am hoping greatly that thou would find some interest in such a trip and agree to accompany me thither." She waited in suspense for Beinvír's answer, nervously chewing her lip.

For her part, Beinvír sat desperately containing her excitement. In the past she had first invited herself into Helluin's company, and thereafter they had merely wandered to and fro aimlessly. In that time, Beinvír had learnt as much from Helluin as had Helluin learnt from her. Indeed she now bore a short sword upon her belt, and she had been taught well in its use. She had learnt many songs and words in several tongues, and she had heard the most amazing stories of places far away and strange. The world was much greater and wider than Eriador. And now for the first time the dour Noldo was actually requesting her company on a long trip! Having come to be able to read much of her moods, Beinvír could see the uncertainty in Helluin's eyes, and 'twas exciting to her. Helluin really wanted her to join her on the road! 'Twas no way in Middle Earth that she would pass up such an opportunity. Ne'ertheless…

"Thou seek not to approach Sauron again?" She asked, just to make sure. "Nor dost thou intend to visit the Black Land?" The stories she had heard about both left her shaking in terror. Helluin had said that none in their right mind sought out The Abhorred, and yet such was exactly what had happened aforetime; nay, even worse. Indeed he had sought out Helluin. He knew her!

"Nay, I am even loath to approach Ost-In-Edhil. No plans have I to come 'nigh any fell realm, nor seek after danger upon the road, though of course I should be lying were I to say that none might seek us out first."

'Twas too good to be true, Beinvír thought. "Of course I shalt be happy to accompany thee, Helluin, provided I shan't be compelled to run all the way to Rhovanion 'neath the lash of thy haste."

Helluin was so happy that she actually laughed out loud.

"We shalt journey at a comfortable pace," she promised happily, "and see perhaps many wonders, or at least some fresh scenery. In fact, I have thought to go by way of the gap 'twixt the Hithaeglir and the Ered Nimrais, making a stop at Vinyalondë to seek tidings of Westernesse."

At this, Beinvír's eyes grew wide with a familiar surprise. "Thou seek after the Men of Númenor? But Helluin, they art the most wanton hewers of trees upon Middle Earth! Or at least, so I have heard, for rarely do any of my people travel in the south of Minhiriath."

"I too have heard those tidings, and well do I know of the Númenóreans' lust after timber for their ships. I should like to see for myself the truth of these rumors, since we shalt be passing 'nigh that land. I am very curious. Yet I have known the Númenóreans aforetime and have some entrance amongst them should we meet. More wary am I of the Enedwaith, and some amongst the southern fisher folk. They fear and hate us."

"Bah! They have neither eyes nor ears," Beinvír stated dismissively. "Such would not see us though we danced naked before them in the light of day. They art dense even for mortals."

"Then we shalt go thither? Together?" Helluin asked, just to make sure.

"So we shalt, my friend, to see the hewers of trees and the oblivious fishmongers of the coast, and better they than those encountered amongst thy friends upon our last journey."

Having decided their course, Beinvír laughed and Helluin grinned, and they roused the Sindar and bid them share their breakfast.

Now the way to Vinyalondë ran o'er 220 leagues from the place of their camp, and they traveled on average seven leagues a day. On 21 Narwain, they crossed the River Lune after three days' walking, and on the evening of the 24th came to the Emyn Uial. The next night they spent 'nigh a settlement of Men upon the shore of Lake Nenuial. Thither Helluin gathered such tidings as had come to the ears of those settlers; that wolves had been few the winter past, that the omens bode fine weather for traveling, and that despite snowmelt and early spring rains, Baranduin flowed not so swollen as to make for a dangerous fording. The last news in particular was welcome.

In her travels Helluin had come amongst these Men many a time o'er the last 1350 years. They regarded her as something of a legend; known but not expected, and wont to appear unlooked for after a few years, or many lives of their kind. These Men were distant kin of the Númenóreans, being descended from the kindreds of Bëor and Hador. They had ne'er served Morgoth and had the respect and friendship of the Elves of Eriador. In the early years after the drowning of Beleriand, they had fought bravely against the evil creatures that had fled the defeat of Morgoth in the War of Wrath. In some of their early meetings, Helluin had aided them against brigands, wolves, and Yrch.

At their leave taking, the Men gifted the travelers with wine and cheese such as they could carry, whilst Helluin left with them several flutes she had carved and Beinvír gifted them forest herbs to improve their health.

On 8 Nínui Helluin and Beinvír came again to the place whither the forest met the South Downs at the falls of the Withywindle. Again at Beinvír's plea they encamped for a night. And yet again they saw no trace of the house of Maldiaving and Iarwain Ben-adar. Despite being sad for the obvious hurt this did her friend's heart, Helluin felt far less of sorrow than relief. Neither had she been required to meet again those bizarre beings, nor had she lost her companion to a reunion with her king and his company. Dálindir, Gérorn, and Celegaras remained out of the world and 114 years had passed. Helluin wondered if Iarwain hadn't skinned them all by now.

To Be Continued