In An Age Before – Part 30
Chapter Twenty-three
Númenor - The Second Age of the Sun
Viava Laireo¹, the great ship of Númenor, had indeed been docked at Mithlond, and she weighed anchor and sailed on the morning tide of 4 Narbeleth, (October 4th), S.A. 1601. This ship was of even greater dimensions than Rámaen which they had ridden in from Lond Daer to the mouth of the Sîr Angren in 1375. She was neither an explorer, nor a man-o-war, but rather a glorified cargo ship carrying off to Westernesse a precious hoard of timber. At o'er 180 yards in length, her beam was 70 feet and her draft was 30. Her hull rode low, yet still her main deck stood 25 feet above the waves in a calm. And within her main hold lay o'er 560,000 board feet of rough sawn lumber, enough to build two and a half vessels of her size. She would break no speed records, but she was the most stable ship Helluin had e'er imagined. ¹(Viava Laireo, "Summer Wind", laire (summer) + -o (gen.) + vaiva (wind), lit. trans. "Wind of Summer". Quenya)
Helluin and Beinvír were made comfortable in an aft cabin just forward of the captain's own, on the starboard side opposite that of the sailing master. As ambassadors, they were considered dignitaries, a status Helluin found sometimes a nuisance, but Beinvír enjoyed thoroughly, for they regularly shared the captain's table.
When they'd first set out, many of the junior officers had tried to convince the tall Noldo to refrain from climbing the rigging, but Helluin had desired the high eye point of the mastheads, especially at night. Finally, in exasperation she had challenged all comers to a 'rat race', a contest of haste up and through the rigging. The competition had not even been close. With her Elven balance and stamina she had bested the mariners in speed, agility, and endurance. Finally to cement her point, she had walked the yard of the main topgallant as easily as she would the branches of a great tree. The mariners had been astonished at her display, looking up to where she stood comfortably on the five-inch diameter spar, contentedly staring out to sea whilst taking the ship's roll 120 feet above the deck. Yet she was anything but at ease.
There had been no conceivable way to dissuade Beinvír from accompanying her 'cross the sea. And Beinvír was Laiquendi, part of the kindred of the Nandor, but long aforetime, the Nandor had been Teleri. They had heeded the call of Oromë and begun the march west. Like King Lenwë in Belfalas, the sea longing lay in their hearts, and the stirring of it left them yearning for the Undying Lands. Indeed of all the Elven kindreds, they held the greatest affinity for water. 'Twas at best a perilous desire lying dormant, awaiting only a catalyst to become an e'er present longing. Now Beinvír was again aboard a ship upon the sea, and this time they were sailing…sailing west. Númenor lay halfway to Tol Eressëa, far out of sight of the Hither Shores, and in Númenor, Eldar of the Lonely Isle were wont to come in their swan-prowed ships to visit at the City of Eldalondë in the western province of Andustar.
I could lose her there, Helluin thought as she stared ahead 'cross the waves, and she would be the first of her people that I know of to complete the journey. I should miss her terribly, and yet she deserves the chance to make that choice. She would find great wonder and happiness in the Undying Lands…and she would be safe there, safe from Sauron and safe from the coming war. In many ways t'would be the best choice for her.
What would staying in Middle Earth gain her? A chance to die in battle? A chance to see me again in a bloodthirsty rage? She hath seen me fight, but not for years or decades or centuries on end. And this war shalt go on for many years; I feel it in my heart. We shalt be fighting Sauron for an Age. The Avari of Greenwood fled from the battle against the Yrch; they fled from the horror of the slaughter…and they fled from me. Compared to what lies in store, that battle was nothing. The violence of wars such as were fought in Beleriand would steal the light of her eyes and the warmth of her heart. I should despise myself for bringing her to such memories as art born of war. T'would kill me to know I'd dragged her into a lifetime of fighting that had stolen her laughter and joy. She would be better off with her love of living preserved in the Immortal Lands of the West.
As a friend…indeed as one who loves her, I can do 'naught but offer her the chance to make a choice. And I shalt miss her; oh how I shalt miss her, but better that than to lose another one dear. I failed you, Verinno, my brother. But I shalt not fail you, Beinvír.
Days of fair winds gave Viava Laireo a steady speed of 10 knots, and she ran the 1,900 sea miles to Rómenna in eight days. Thus, in the last of the morning's darkness on 11 Narbeleth, Helluin watched as the Meneltarma loomed up from the sea to greet the dawn.
Beside her on the small talan atop the foremast, Beinvír watched in silent wonder. Ne'er had one of the Laiquendi sailed so far west. The wind blew back her chestnut hair, animating its cascading waves, and the light of joy filled her grey eyes. She had thrived on the sea air and adventure, but more than that, Helluin knew the Elven sea longing in her heart was being prodded by their sojourn. Beinvír fairly glowed with excitement, and Helluin thought she had ne'er seen her friend looking so lovely. Fair of face and form thou art, and a treasure to my heart, she thought, thou hast become more than a friend to me. She wrapped her arms about Beinvír's waist and pulled her close as she rested against the mast. The Green Elf leaned back with a sigh and clasped her hands o'er Helluin's larger ones, and together they watched as Arien brought forth Anar to cast the first rays of gold upon the hallowed mount of Númenor.
At the court of Queen Tar-Telperiën their reception was far different from what Helluin had endured aforetime during the reign of Tar-Ancalimë. Though Tar-Telperiën was the great-granddaughter of Tar-Ancalimë and looked exactly like her, there the similarities ended. Telperiën was now 281 years old and had ruled thus far for 45 years. She was much beloved by her subjects and cared deeply for her people. Ironically, she had ne'er married, (as her great-grandmother Ancalimë had, despite her aversion to and distrust of men), taking her duties far more seriously than her suitors, and though many had sought to woo her, she had accepted none. In the place of an Heir of her body stood her nephew, Minastir, 154 years her junior, whom she favored as a grandson.
In S.A. 1375 Captain Ciryandur of the Rámaen had told Helluin and Beinvír of the then-Heir and of her exact likeness to the dark Noldo. Now, 226 years later, she was still a very handsome woman, and though her black mane was shot with the first streaks of grey, the lines about her eyes came from laughter. She held herself regally, but in comfort and grace, not with the brittle formality of the first queen. And her voice, though steady and commanding at need, was warm and wise, and held 'naught of condescension or malice.
Helluin and Beinvír first met her officially in the Hall of Kings, when they presented themselves in their capacity as Embassy to the Crown of Númenor from the High King Gil-galad. Helluin noted during their walk down the echoing hall that three portrait statues, carved of the same white marble as all the others, had been added; those of Tar-Ancalimë, Tar-Anárion, and Tar-Súrion. When the two ellith finally stood before the throne, the queen had regarded them for a moment with the hint of a grin on her lips, an expression eerily familiar to Beinvír from the face of her friend.
"Welcome, Helluin Maeg-mórmenel of the Host of Finwë, and Beinvír of the Laiquendi of Eriador," she said, rising from her throne and stepping down from the dais to greet them. At Helluin's formal bow she chuckled and reached out, taking each in turn into her arms for a hug.
Telperiën stretched up on her toes, and into Helluin's ear as she held her close whispered, "my dear, thou must share with me forthwith the secret of thy preservation, as I have some wrinkles and sags I should like to dismiss." She winked at Helluin's shock, one corner of her lips quirking in a phantom grin.
When she held Beinvír, she whispered, "had I one such as thee for company I should surely still be young, for who would leave such a companion even at the command of the One." Beinvír actually blushed at her words and the queen laughed out loud.
When she stepped back from her flustered guests the queen grew serious.
"Thou art dispatched to the Court of Armenelos on behalf of His Majesty King Gil-galad, and thy tidings art of great importance to me and to my people. Yet I deem such as thou may bear should perhaps first be spoken to my ears ere they pass thence to the court. We shalt take counsel together in my chambers shortly. In the meantime I would beg thy indulgence. I have returning mariners to greet and several other matters of the regency to attend. I pray thee rest whilst I work and I shalt send for thee at the earliest moment."
"My thanks for the warmth of thy welcome. We shalt attend thee at thy convenience, O Queen," Helluin said ere she bowed.
"Thou hast my thanks also for thy welcome," Beinvír said with a smile, "and for thy warm words. I fear ere long I shalt become quite insufferable 'neath thy praise."
The queen smiled broadly at them both and then beckoned a chamberlain to attend them. They were shown to rooms close by within the citadel, and Helluin, knowing the floor plan from her visits aforetime, appreciated that they were honored with lodgings in the wing of the royal family. 'Twas a generous and none too subtle gesture on the queen's part, indicative of her honor of their kinship, for she was Helluin's descendant of the 6th generation.
"And so now I know how thou shalt appear with the advancement of thy age," Beinvír teased, "say, 5,000 or 10,000 years hence."
Helluin raised an eyebrow at her comment, replying, "whatsoe'er praise the queen has paid thee hast already made thee insufferable."
'Twas about two hours later that a knock came upon their door. Beinvír answered it and ushered in a man of early middle age, tall, dark of hair and grey-eyed, well built and quite handsome. When Helluin first saw him she gasped out loud.
"Thy pardon I pray, my Lady," he said, bowing to them each in turn, and then looking to Helluin with concern he said, "I had no intention of causing thee unease. Pray tell me how I have upset thee."
Helluin had by this time mastered herself and suppressed her gut reaction. He was all too familiar to her, and at his first appearance she had thought herself confronting a ghost. For who in Arda know whither go the spirits of Men who have died?
"'Tis no fault of thine, my Lord," she said, noting the ring of the royal house upon his finger, "'tis merely that thy features favor so closely one known to me aforetime, and for a moment I thought myself beholding the spirit of one dear and long departed."
At this he cocked a brow at her in surprise, unsure of how to proceed. That expression of face mirrored one she had seen oft aforetime. He tilted his head a fraction in question, and this gesture too was familiar.
"Thou art the very image of Captain Vëantur, once Captain-Admiral of His Majesty Tar-Elendil's ships, and my husband."
At her words, both the Man and Beinvír stared at her in shock.
"Indeed I am descended from him," he said after a silence of some moments, "though none ere now have remarked upon my looks. My Lady, I am Minastir, Heir to Her Majesty Tar-Telperiën, my aunt."
At this, Helluin rose and bowed to him and said, "my Lord, what may we do for thee?"
"I have come hither to escort thee to the chamber of the queen, for she hath made ready to hear thy tidings," he explained, "and I am to be present also at thy embassy. I thought to guide thee hence, and meet thee myself ere the concerns of state take precedence." Here he self-consciously regarded Helluin, but managed to say, "long I have studied thy people, meeting eagerly at times with those come hither from Eressëa. Such beauty do they create, and such wisdom do they hold. Greatly do I reverence those of the West. Yet amongst all thy kindred, thou dost hold a place especial amongst my family, my people, and our history. Long have I desired to meet thee, distant foremother, for thy life stretches back far beyond that of any I have met aforetime. What wonders thou hast seen, and yet still shalt see, long after I and all my kin have departed. In my youth, many an hour did I spend trying to imagine the Life of the Eldar with which thou art blessed. In my youthful heart I once longed for such…opportunities. Indeed since childhood I have read of thee in many precious scrolls, for thou art truly a legend."
At this confession, Beinvír giggled and said, "a Legend of Númenor and a Gôrgbu of Drúwaith Iaur." Helluin groaned and Minastir looked at them in confusion.
But Helluin noted that Minastir had become e'er more enlivened as he spoke, and ere he finished, she'd detected the yearning in his voice and deep in his heart. She'd found it troublesome, and stranger still from one so close in appearance to Vëantur, who had ne'er sought to be anything other than what he truly was.
They took a passageway from their room, retracing in part their steps from the Hall of Kings. Along the way Minastir asked a number of questions. It soon became apparent to Helluin that they were taking a somewhat circuitous route, the better to lengthen the time.
"My Lord, art we not imposing upon Her Majesty through our tardiness?"
"My aunt has all too many concerns," Minastir said, "and is surely engrossed in some work pending our arrival. She is highly efficient, using any available time to best advantage. We shalt present ourselves shortly. I pray thee forgive my liberty at prolonging my questions, but I am curious. Thou art so like unto my queen in form and face as to be mistaken for her daughter perhaps, a magnificent irony, of course. Also I have marked thy eyes, e'er roving and marking thy surroundings, and in this too thou art very much akin, for she misses 'naught placed before her and indeed perceives much that is not. She shalt question thee much concerning the coming war."
"Indeed for just such concerns have we been dispatched," Helluin replied, "and to find an open ear is welcome. 'Tis already a far different welcome than greeted me upon my last sojourn hither, and as the time runs the shorter, so too does the need increase."
"Then we shalt harken to thee," Minastir said, and rapped upon the door before which they now stood.
"Enter, Minastir," the queen's voice called from within, without having seen them.
They marked that Tar-Telperiën had indeed been engaged in a parchment, utilizing such time as was allowed her as she could. This she set aside, and rising from her desk, ushered her guests to a sitting area and gestured that they be comfortable. She herself took an armchair that the Elves noted had large pockets attached to its sides, o'erflowing with documents and a number of bound tomes. Also, a small shelf, mounted on a swivel and holding an inkwell, a pen, and a stack of blank leaves, was attached to the right arm. Helluin and Beinvír sat together upon a couch, whilst Minastir took a seat in a more ordinary armchair. A low table amidst the setting held a silver flagon and cups, and a small tray of cakes. Minastir poured for them all, handing 'round the refreshments. The cakes, the Elves discovered, were baked with cinnamon and clove, raisins and honey, and were sweet and very tasty. The wine was cool and fruity, and slightly tart.
"Welcome again," Telperiën said. "Since Captain Ciryandur spoke of ye I have desired to meet ye both. He remarked upon thy likeness, or more rightly, my likeness unto thee, and such thought intrigued me. Think thou 'tis thy Elven blood running true down the years that has returned thy countenance time and again unto our house?"
Helluin had thought on this, and previously would have answered 'yea', but now that she had met Minastir, she thought the matter was founded more deeply.
"Ere today I had thought 'twas just so, yet now I have met thy Heir, and he doth reclaim the visage and form of my husband, Vëantur, in such degree that at first glance I deemed him a spirit returned. Not only by my blood is appearance recouped, but in that too of the sons of the Dúnedain."
"Yet amongst the Dúnedain art many who partake of the blood of the House of Elros in some degree, and in that house runs yet the blood of Idril and of Lúthien the Fair."
"Such too could be true, O Queen. I know not."
"'Tis a matter of personal curiosity only," Telperiën said, "and probably a fruitless enquiry for intellect's sake, into a mechanism of Arda whose ways lie beyond the ken of Ilúvatar's Children. I have noted too that thou art taller somewhat then I. Perhaps the inheritance is diminished in the passing of the generations? Ahhh well, I indulge myself in pursuits of idle wonder when more pressing matters art surely to hand. Tell me now thy tidings. What word from the Hither Shores?"
Now 'twas the difficulty inherent in their embassy that Helluin and Beinvír convince the queen of the increased threat of Sauron. Yet no mention of the Three Rings could they make, nor the course decided for their hiding could they divulge, for these things were deemed secrets to be shared with none. In sending Helluin, Gil-galad had acted shrewdly, for she alone could offer 'aught of proof whilst revealing 'naught of their secrets.
"'Tis the belief of the king that the Enemy, Sauron Gorthaur, is meditating war. Certain events of late have portended 'aught as to signify the waxing of his malice," she said. "Most notably, he hath assailed me through ethereal channels, trying thus to enslave my spirit and render me thrall."
At this, both the monarch and her Heir stared at Helluin in horror. Sauron had aforetime been a threat merely by his renewed existence, but 'til now, no overtly hostile stroke had he made. And for his first attack, he had chosen to attempt the usurpation of the will of one close to them. Neither really understood all the ramifications, but thralldom 'neath the Dark Lord was horror enough.
"By what enchantment hath he acted to advance his malice?" Telperiën asked.
A perceptive question, Helluin thought. Here she produced the Sarchram and laid it upon the table so its cirth were revealed. Telperiën and Minastir read the incantation and shuddered. The words were fell, and the intent no less dark than that of the Enemy; the eternal destruction of a foe.
"Dost thy Ring come hence from the Enemy himself?" The queen asked.
"Nay, O Queen," Helluin replied, "'twas forged in Khazad-dûm by myself, Celebrimbor of Eregion, and Narvi of Hadhodrond. Into it I allowed to pass 'aught of the power of my own spirit, to bind it thence to my will and thus command its flight. Being linked thereby to me, Sauron sought to wrest control of it and employ it thence as an avenue of attack. His will came upon me on the Ré Anaro in 1600. I fought his influence then, finally banishing him and retaining control of the Sarchram, and then fencing myself against him. In counsel with the Wise 'twas deemed that none other than Sauron has the power to act thus, striking 'cross all the leagues 'twixt Mordor and Eriador."
"He hath wrought a charm of his power and malice, a Master Ring, therewith to focus his strength and cast it upon the will of others," Beinvír said. "Some of the great amongst our kindred have felt his eye upon them from afar."
"And they have heard an incantation spring forth within their minds, declaring his intent and revealing somewhat of his designs. One Ring to rule them all. One Ring to find them. One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them. Thus came the thought of Sauron to the ears of the Eldar."
Telperiën and Minastir thought on what they had heard. Fell tidings indeed these were. Sauron the Cruel sought to bind in darkness and dominate all free souls. Despite this, the sharp minds of the royals fixed on the gaps in their story. Why did Sauron's incantation so closely recall the words on Helluin's weapon? Why had he chosen to go to war at this time? Why had he used this indirect method of attack? It seemed to place him in some jeopardy. What if he should lose his Ring? Why would he declare his plans to his enemies? Was it merely to appear the more confident and threatening? How had Sauron been identified? How had Helluin survived and repelled his assault?
The Elves knew more than they told, but had that not always been the case? The king in Lindon had sent a Green Elf as well as one of his own subjects, and so the threat appeared accepted by not just his own kindred. And yet well 'nigh a year and a half had passed since the first attack. Whyfor had they waited so long to send word? Surely Sauron would wage his war with his armies, not by the power of his Ring alone. Had they any guess as to when the battle would come? They must suspect such ahead, for little aid could Númenor give save in strength of arms. But what good would Men and arms be, facing such a power as Sauron's One Ring?
"What boon or aid would thy lord request of Númenor," Tar-Telperiën asked, "what strength found hither might be pitted against the Enemy and his Ring? Would not such as assails the Eldar o'erwhelm the minds of Men? We art thy allies and friends, but indeed, what good can we hope to do?"
"O Queen, e'er were the Edain the staunchest allies of the Eldar, even when standing against the greater power of Morgoth long ago," Helluin said. "Yet now our numbers art less than they were, whilst thine have grown. In thy people is much strength to be found. The Enemy cannot master all Middle Earth with but his will and his Ring. Lands must be taken and ruled, and many souls laid 'neath the yoke. We deem his strength has been abuilding in the land of Mordor for well 'nigh 600 years. 'Twas a great power that I saw thither in 1125, and surely it hath grown greater since. As in the wars of Beleriand, we would ask thy aid, to stand at our sides against hostile armies as thy forefathers did, and to share those tidings discovered by thy mariners in the Hither Lands."
"Umbar, our great haven upon the Mortal Shores lies south of Mordor, yet much further from it than the east marches of King Lenwë. Word has come of late from Belfalas, of rising smoke and trembling in the ground, and the unrest of the fiery mountain upon the plain of Gorgoroth. A watchfulness has grown, they say, upon the walls of the Ephel Duath. Of such tidings I am sure thy king is aware, for the mariners of Círdan come to Edhellond."
"Indeed such is known in Lindon," Helluin said.
"Yet what may not be known in Lindon is the preparations we make in Númenor," Tar-Telperiën said. "Have thy folk any count of the Queen's Ships, Helluin? Art their numbers known to the High King?"
"Nay, O Queen, the strength of thy navy is not known to the Eldar, nor to any, I deem, in the Hither Lands. We know only of the harvesting of timber in Enedwaith, upriver upon Glanduin, and in the lands about Umbar. The ship that bore us hence carried in her hold a great cargo of lumber. And in Rómenna I have seen many ships abuilding. In the time of Tar-Elendil, the King's Ships numbered 47 when first I arrived, and at the end of Vëantur's tenure as Captain-Admiral, that number had increased to 93."
"Would thou be pleased to know then that well 'nigh 400 ships now fly the pennant of the Crown of Númenor? That upon each can sail a company of 200 soldiers with their horses and gear? The Army of Númenor has been growing e'er since the days of Tar-Anárion, my grandfather…thy pupil. From the very day of his ascendance upon the throne he decreed that this nation make itself ready, for he considered the war to come better fought upon the mainland. Give us but another 25 years, and 100,000 foot and horse shalt march upon the Hither Shores to stand against the Great Enemy."
The two Elves were struck silent. The Númenóreans could already field and transport an army of 80,000? Helluin had thought the Army of Khazad-dûm the mightiest force upon Middle Earth, numbering just o'er 30,000. In all the lands, the Eldar would be pressed to field even 25,000, were all the kindreds and companies gathered and marshaled, and of the Noldor, perhaps but 3,000 or 4,000 remained battle worthy.
The Elder Children of Ilúvatar gained but slowly in numbers o'er time. Long-lived, the Naugrim were much the same. But Men reproduced much faster. Knowing they would die all too soon, mortals sought to leave a legacy of both action and offspring, passing on their wisdom and heritage to e'er increasing numbers of progeny. They had already been a numerous folk when first they had come o'er the Ered Luin in the third century after arising in Hildorien. The next three centuries had decimated them. Only in the First Age, when war had come again and again and deaths had outpaced births, had the numbers of the Edain plummeted. But in the Second Age, whilst enjoying the prosperity and safety of their island home, their numbers had exploded o'er the last 1,600 years of peace.
"O Queen, I am greatly heartened by thy news," Helluin said. "I should wager thy strength in numbers already equal to all the allies that walk free in the Mortal Lands. I doubt Sauron has even the dimmest inkling of thy strength."
"And he shalt know 'naught of it aforetime," Minastir said, "for in little more than a fortnight can we marshal and sail to thy aid. We need only hear word of battle and we shalt sail for Lindon."
Helluin and Beinvír nodded at his words. Even on a cargo transport they had just made the crossing in eight days. Both felt great relief knowing the strength of their allies, and they knew Gil-galad would be equally impressed.
In the following days, Helluin and Beinvír discharged their embassy, and they spent much time in counsel with Queen Tar-Telperiën and her Heir. They also spoke before the court, answering many questions from the Númenóreans.
They stayed in Númenor a month, and whilst not attending to their official duties, had time to take in the city and the surrounding lands. 'Nigh the end of the month of Narbeleth they had a week free, and so Helluin begged leave to take horses and ride west to Andustar. Thither she sought to show her friend the harbor upon the Bay of Eldanna, and the city of Eldalondë. Thither were ships from Tol Eressëa wont to come at times, and aforetime Helluin had oft met with Eldar from the Blessed Isle, and thither too she had taken ship following the death of Vëantur in S.A. 992.
To Be Continued