In An Age Before – Part 145
Chapter Ninety-eight
The House of Balan – The Third Age of the Sun
So 'twas that on the morn of 15 Nórui, Lord Galor, Lady Lainiel, Helluin, Beinvír, and a company of Rhudaur Rangers rode north at their ease through The Angle to the East Road. The riders' spirits were high, for t'would be the first such embassy 'twixt the two former kingdoms in many lives of Men. In the early afternoon of the 16th, the company made the East Road, and after pausing for lunch, rode west towards the Last Bridge o'er Mitheithel. The party came to the bridge on the 21st, and crossing it in the afternoon, entered the lands bordering Cardolan. Thither they paused, surveying what lay ahead.
"Ne'er aforetime have I ventured hither," Leginbór remarked, "for my concerns have e'er been with my own lands."
West he gazed down the East Road, noting that the forested hills smoothed to plains that stretched off into the distance and the solid cover of the trees gave way as well. The other Rangers and the Lord Galor surveyed the terrain with similar feelings. In past generations Cardolan and Rhudaur had been rivals, and though the old Kingdom of Rhudaur had included the lands north of the road so far as Amon Sûl, his generation had been preoccupied with securing The Angle and the lands of the Trollshaws to the north of the road. Their intention had always been to retake the lands east of Mitheithel up to the Hithaeglir ere pushing west.
"Of old the Great East Road was the frontier 'twixt the two kingdoms," Helluin said, "and 'twas traveled in peace by Men of both realms. Indeed 'twas regarded as a free passage to Men from Arthedain, Elves, Naugrim, and travelers from further south as well."
"'Tis becoming so again through thy efforts," Beinvír added.
"Yet now we shalt pass down the road another three days ride ere turning south," the Lord Galor said, "the first Men of Rhudaur to do so in peace since the partitioned Kingdoms were young."
"Aye, and in peace we shalt come to the home of my family and be received as friends," Lady Lainiel added with a smile.
"Ere that I deem we shalt be met by other friends, for the road and the Lone Lands art patrolled by Rangers of Cardolan," Helluin said. "Perhaps even thou shalt be greeted by those already known to thee."
And already we have been watched for some time, Beinvír told Helluin silently, indeed since we made the Road five days past.
Aye, the Noldo agreed, 'naught passes that thy folk mark not, t'would seem.
The company rode west in peace for another three days, and then, with not a few deep breaths taken by the Rangers, turned due south into the Lone Lands. They had traveled little more than a furlong ere they were hailed.
"Lady Lainiel, welcome home. Helluin, Beinvír, our thanks as e'er for your vigilance. My lady, I see thou hast brought friends."
'Twas Celegon, the Cardolan Ranger who had accompanied Rochen to Imladris with tidings of the Lord Húngan's wounding, and who had helped carry the plea of the three soldiers of Rhudaur for instruction as Rangers. Amongst the company of Rhudaur Rangers, he recognized Leginbór and the others from their months of training in Celenhár. To either side of Celegon, two other Rangers appeared at short distances, though these were unknown to the Rhudaurim. One of these was a young woman whose presence surprised the Rangers of Rhudaur.
"Celegon, 'tis good to see thee. Rochrýn¹, Lóthiel², well met. We come with tidings to visit my family," Lainiel said. ¹(Rochrýn, Horse chaser Sindarin) ²(Lóthiel, Flower Daughter Sindarin)
"They art well and shalt be glad to see thee," Celegon said, then with a dip of his head added, "welcome to Cardolan, Lord Galor."
"Thou hast my thanks, Celegon. Thy welcome is dear to me," Galor said, "as was thy aid and training aforetime."
His feelings of happiness at the welcome of the Cardolanath after the past centuries of strife 'twixt their lands was shared by the other Rhudaur Rangers. They had succeeded where kings had failed, in building trust and friendship with their neighbors.
Now at a sharp whistle from Celegon, three horses trotted up from the cover of a shallow ravine a short distance away.
"We shalt accompany ye hence, my friends, as is befitting an embassy from our neighboring realm," he announced with a smile. "Rochrýn, send word of our coming to the Lord Húngan."
The Men of Rhudaur watched with interest as Rochrýn penned a message on a tiny slip of parchment and then drew a large, grey pigeon from a pannier behind his saddle. The Ranger rolled his note and placed it in a tiny brass capsule attached to the leg of the bird. After a few gentle strokes that brought forth a contented cooing, he released the pigeon, which circled once and then headed off to the south.
"I have heard tell of such messaging, but have not aforetime seen it for myself," Galor said as his Rangers commented softly amongst themselves.
"'Tis a skill that was known in Númenor ere the Fall, and which we have learnt of late in Arthedain," Celegon told him as he mounted.
With Rochrýn and Lóthiel, he turned his mount south, falling in with Galor, Lainiel, Helluin, and Beinvír, whilst his Rangers joined Leginbór's company. 'Twas much discourse 'twixt the Rhudaurim and the Cardolanath for the duration of their journey, for all were curious about their counterparts, yet by the time the company reached the Lord Húngan's mansion on the third day, they had discerned that much more did they share in common than not, and they forged lasting friendships during their ride.
Now when the party came to the estate of the Lord Húngan upon 27 Nórui, they found him waiting with his family in front of the mansion, and joyous was their reunion with their daughter. Yet as Regent of Cardolan 'neath the Crown of Arthedain, 'twas Húngan's part to also formally welcome Lord Galor and the Rangers of Rhudaur, for it had been many lives of Men since last their peoples had stood as friends and allies.
"I offer thee the welcome of Cardolan, Lord Galor, and to thy Rangers as well I extend the hospitality of my home and the friendship of my people," he said, offering a short bow. "Please, come inside and take thy ease after thy journey. We have rooms for guests enough to house thy company in comfort."
Galor had dismounted as soon as the company reined to a halt, and he bowed to the Lord Húngan, Lady Eilianu, and Rochen.
"Very glad am I of thy welcome, Lord Húngan," he said, "for it means much to me to have the good will of our neighboring realm after being so long sundered in purpose aforetime. I deem that we art creating history, and for the good. Too, thou hast my sincerest thanks for the aid and training gifted my folk by thee and thy Rangers, yet most, I give thanks to thee and thy family for succoring a lost child and raising her to become the most amazing woman I have lived to meet."
Hither the Lord Galor offered Lainiel his hand to aid in dismounting. 'Twas telling to all who knew her, for she had been since early childhood an avid rider. 'Twas the more telling that she accepted his hand.
Lainiel came and embraced her father, mother, and brother each in turn, and then said, "much has come to pass since I was last home, and now we have many good tidings to share."
They marked her smile and the look she gave Galor ere they all turned and made their way into the mansion.
Now whilst the Rangers of Rhudaur were shown to rooms and their mounts attended by the grooms, their captain Leginbór joined the lords Húngan and Galor, the ladies Eilianu and Lainiel, Helluin, Beinvír, and Rochen in the Lord Húngan's study, and thither they spoke of many things.
"The past four months we have spent enjoying the welcome of the Lord Elrond in Imladris," Lainiel told her family. "'Twas the Lord Galor's first visit thither and much knowledge he found amongst the writings in Elrond's library. For many years he hath studied history and he hath become a loremaster as well as a Ranger."
"I became a student of history," Galor offered, "desiring to know my own town's past, whilst the title of 'loremaster' I deem more fitting to those such as the Lord Elrond and some scholars at Fornost who have spent their lives seeking the broader knowledge of the Ages."
"And yet thou hast discovered 'aught known to none aforetime, m'lord," Leginbór added with a chuckle.
"Aye," Galor said with a smile, "and two things foremost. A chart of the lineage of the Kings of Eriador was revealed, wholly unforeseen, its origin confounding even to the Lord Elrond. Thirty-five generations of the descendants of Balan, Chieftain of the First House of the Atani of Beleriand art named in line unbroken to the present day."
"To the present day indeed? Thou spoke true then, Captain Leginbór, for these tidings have not been heard aforetime," Húngan said with a smile.
"Balan was the first chieftain to lead Men into Beleriand, whither he was befriended by Finrod Felagund, King of Nargothrond," Helluin added. "In that land his house won great renown during the First Age, in friendship and service to my people. Of his house came Túrin, Tuor, Eärendil, Beren Erchamion, Elrond, Elros, and the Kings of the Dúnedain after."
"And of his house came also Baragund, Morwen Eledhwen, her elder sister Dúrrél, and last, thy daughter, Lainiel," the Lord Galor said, meeting her eyes to share a smile.
"The lordship of Balan's house in Beleriand was last held by thy daughter, Lord Húngan," Helluin said, "but comes down in Eriador from his elder son Balar, of whom we have spoken aforetime, for like Lainiel, he was conveyed hither in the house of Iarwain Ben-adar."
"As we told thee many years ago, Balar was acclaimed King of Eriador 'nigh Nenuial upon 16 Hithui, (November 16th), S.A. 2994. Many a chieftain had gathered thither in conclave that day," Beinvír said, "and great was their rejoicing."
"And yet of that declaration, no great kingdom arose," Galor said.
"The kings of Eriador ruled 'naught but the hearts of their folk ere they passed from memory shortly after the War of the Last Alliance," Lainiel said.
"Their kingdom and the lordship of their house was forgotten, o'ershadowed by the coming of the Exiles of Númenor and the founding of Arnor, and with the passing of a few obscure generations after, lost to all knowledge," Helluin said. "'Naught of their fate was known 'til but a fortnight ago."
"And yet their lineage was known to one at least," Galor said. "He who penned the chart knew their names and the dates of their reigns, but the identity of that scribe is wholly unknown."
"The scribe knew them all, save the two who came last," Lainiel said.
"So then art the names of the late and current Kings of Eriador known, or have we another mystery of ancestry?" Lady Eilianu asked her daughter.
"Aye, they art known indeed," the Lord Galor answered in her stead, and then after taking a deep breath added, "the late king was Galion, past Lord of Celenhár…my father."
Then for a time silence ruled the company as the implications were digested.
"Thou art…" Húngan began.
"My Lord Galor is the five and thirtieth Lord of the Line of Balar," Leginbór said, "and the reigning King of Eriador."
"Yet there is no such office in this Age," Galor said, soberly. "'Tis no claim to make, nor kingdom to rule, only a lineage long obscure."
"And still, he is the right king in direct and unbroken line from Balar, son of Balan, whose freedom we won from Iarwain Ben-adar in the Second Age," Beinvír said.
"And to assuage that transgression, Iarwain brought hither from Beleriand thy daughter Lainiel, at such time that she and the Lord Galor could meet," Helluin added. "Pray recall the Eldest's verse, Though years and grass grow very long, and her people pass to weak from strong. Ancestral lines must rejoin this Age, ere sword's reforged and crown's reclaimed.
I grant his words may refer to another time and for other cause, for though Narsil is broken, the Star of Elendil rests still upon the head of his descendant, and yet I deem 'tis no mere chance that they should meet thus," the Noldo said, nodding to Lainiel and Galor.
"Nor do we," Galor said, "and so comes the second of my discoveries in Imladris, and the more precious by far to my heart. In the Hidden Valley I came to recognize the one who shalt e'er hold my love and my devotion."
Then the Lord of Celenhár rose, and turning, knelt before Lainiel. Her left hand he lifted to his lips, kissing the ring upon her finger whilst she gently cupped the side of his face…a declaration and acceptance clear for all to see.
"Lord Húngan, Lady Eilianu, we have plighted our troth and would be honored to enjoy your blessings upon our coming union," the Lord of Celenhár announced.
For but a moment the Lord Húngan and the Lady Eilianu turned towards each other and shared a smile born of their own love and contentment ere they turned to their daughter who regarded them with beseeching eyes.
"Thou hast our blessing, dearest daughter," Lady Eilianu said.
"And thou hast our approval to join with her in a life that we can see is already favored by fate and has come to be through the will of a greater power," Lord Húngan said to Galor.
And so it came to pass that the betrothal of Lainiel and Galor was indeed a fair memory to be shared through all their years together. 'Round the couple, family and friends offered congratulations with smiles and good cheer. Glasses were raised in a toast, and soon after word was spread throughout the realm of Cardolan that the lord's daughter would marry, and her betrothed no less than a King of the Men of Eriador rediscovered. These tidings passed also beyond the borders of the Red Hill Country, whither they were heard by lords of higher station.
Westward the news came by word of mouth to Fornost nine days later, and thither 'twas received by the Court of Arthedain upon 6 Cerveth, (July 6th).
In his chambers after, King Araphor, the 18th Heir of Elendil, gave thought to all he had heard. The daughter of his regent was soon to marry the lord of a small and ancient town in the fallen realm of Rhudaur, and so bring closer the divided realms of Arnor. Greatly would he favor any act that advanced his grandfather's dream of recovering the greater kingdom of their forefathers, especially since he was now the last pure-blooded descendant of Isildur and held all the palantíri of the North Kingdom. Argeleb had claimed the kingship of old Arnor, but 'twixt claim and reality lay many…details. Only in his own lifetime had Cardolan accepted Arthedain's rule, and only through a regency. But Rhudaur had long been held by allies of Angmar and there had been no Dúnedain lord with whom he could treat after Angmar's fall. Even now he had not the manpower to clear foes from Rhudaur and force a repatriation.
Custom lent precedence for his attendance at the joinings of vassal lords, yet since its founding, Rhudaur had been independent, indeed more oft in contention with Arthedain than confederation. It had been almost four generations of lesser Men since Rhudaur had fallen, and now a king of just such had been found and was to be the groom. And the tidings told that he could claim all Eriador as his realm, not Rhudaur only.
'Twas a delicate situation and his options were limited. Whilst his own presence might be accepted for the sake of royal prestige, an uninvited court minister could seem a condescension, and a military envoy would invite the memory of old hostilities.
He sighed. 'Twas now T.A. 1482. 91 years had passed since his birth, and he had ruled Arthedain for 73 of them. At the age of eighteen he had succeeded his father, Arveleg I, when the late king had fallen 'nigh Amon Sûl during the opening weeks of the war with Angmar. Since then he had become enmeshed in the duties of rule, spent most of his days at court, and somewhere along the way, the warrior he had been had become the politician he was today. The intrigues and requirements of maintaining his realm left him little time for travel beyond his borders, and a journey down all the miles south to Bree and then east nearly to Mitheithel, ere bushwhacking 'cross country to witness a rural wedding in Rhudaur would prove unacceptably time consuming. And yet it felt like an opportunity squandered.
Alas, my son is but nine years of age, far too young yet for diplomacy, he thought. T'will have to be my regent, Húngan who shalt represent Arthedain…at the marriage of his own daughter. He groaned and shook his head.
Further to the West other ears needed not a herald to mark what had come to pass.
"So Our brother's restitution moves forward," She said to Him with a nod of approval.
"As well it should," He replied, taking Her hand and planting thither a kiss which left sparkles dancing like stars upon Her skin for a moment, "for they grow no younger and have not the years of the Elder Children, nor even of the Dúnedain."
"'Twas such a romantic gesture…Galor planting thus a kiss upon his lady's knuckles," She said, offering Him a wink.
"A gallantry he learnt of Me, no doubt," He claimed with a straight face.
Her laughter in response brought Him joy to last a thousand years.
To be Continued