In An Age Before – Part 147
Chapter Ninety-nine
Imladris and Celenhár – The Third Age of the Sun
Now following the wedding of Lainiel and Galor, the years passed for a time in peace. In Eriador, Arthedain remained strong 'neath the rule of King Araphor, silently watched o'er by the Laiquendi. The royal couple had returned to Celenhár, whither Galor was hereditary lord, but also he was known now as the King of Eriador. 'Twas a great source of pride amongst the Rhudaurim, for Cardolan and Arthedain had both their own lords. Helluin and Beinvír spent much time thither, for Iarwain's charge to protect Lainiel still lay upon them, and with Hollin, whither the Green Elves held sovereignty but a few leagues east 'cross Bruinen, that town was as well defended as Fornost. During those years, the cleansing of Rhudaur continued with an increasing count of Rangers, and at times these were joined by companies of Laiquendi and Naugrim of Khazad-dûm.
Two years after their marriage, Lainiel gave birth to a daughter whom she and Galor christened Dúriel¹, the name being chosen to honor Lainiel's great-grandmother, Dúrrél², the only direct female ancestor whose name was known to her, but using an alternate spelling deemed free of portents or omens. Three years later, Galor and Lainiel celebrated the birth of their son, Galion³, named for Galor's father. 'Twas then T.A. 1487, and Lainiel was thirty-nine years of age. ¹(Dúriel, Dark Daughter = dúr(dark) + ield(daughter) In proper names, the final -ld resolves to –l Sindarin) ²(Dúrrél, Dark Daughter = dúr(dark) + rél(daughter) Sindarin) ³(Galion, Grower = galo-(v. grow) + -ion(masc. agent, n. on v.) Sindarin)
In 1490 word came to the two ellith of the passing of Eldacar son of Valacar, and the peaceful succession of his second son and heir, Prince Aldamir, to the throne of Gondor as her twenty-third king. The soulmates mourned their friend, on whose behalf they had spent fifteen years at war. Eldacar had lived 235 years, that being but three years less than his sire, and by this as much as by the wisdom and justice of his rule did he refute such doubts about his bloodline as had led to the Kin-Strife. Ere he laid down his life, he had become one of the South Kingdom's most beloved kings.
Helluin and Beinvír couldn't help but revisit the loss of Prince Ornendil, who had died in the fall of Osgiliath. They wondered little at what quality of king he would hath made.
"At our first meeting he greeted me in Quenya and spoke of his desire to visit Imladris and learn from Lord Elrond," Helluin recalled. "He valued language and lore, and most of all peace, far more than glory in battle, though he proved valiant at need."
"Indeed so," the Green Elf said. "I deem he was much that his father had wished to be himself; learned and even tempered, yet decisive 'neath pressure, a student of lore as well as a warrior. He reminded me most of Meneldil. Alas that he was lost untimely. None better could a realm have wished for in a king."
More years passed as the two ellith watched o'er their charge, and in those years they became teachers to the two children as well. Few amongst mortals had such contact with the nobility as did Dúriel and Galion. Many were the days they spent at the home of their maternal grandparents in Cardolan, and they visited Imladris as well, for thither dwelt their mother's kin. They passed their childhood with the privileges of heart and mind rather than wealth and indulgence, for they lived in a small rural town within a realm fallen and still being reclaimed. Their status left them with many questions, for every child tries to understand their place. 'Twas 1495 of the Third Age.
"Thou art a king, adar, and so then art not me and my sister a prince and princess?" Galion asked Galor at age eight, following a lesson about the kings of the Dúnedain.
"Aye, thou art a prince, and thy sister a princess," their father answered with a smile, "yet there is no kingdom, no castle, and no court. See thou a crown upon my head?"
"Nay, adar. So how can this be? What makes thee a king if thou hast no kingdom?"
"The title and position come of birth into a lineage," Galor told him. "My father was king ere me, as was his father, and many fathers ere him through many, many generations, yet they ruled 'naught but the hearts of those who acknowledged them. 'Tis more important that they were also the Lords of Celenhár, for the people of our town look to their lord for leadership and concern for their welfare. We must do first such good as we can for those we can aid."
Galion looked at his father, trying to understand all he had said. What the boy found difficult was that though his father was both a king and a lord, of the two, he deemed his lordship of a small town more pressing than his kingship of an entire realm.
Reading the confusion in his son's eyes, Galor said, "thou recall last autumn when the bakery burnt down?"
Galion nodded 'aye'. 'Twas hard to forget the flames rising high into the night, the charred ruins the next morn, and the lack of cakes and bread after, ere the bakery was rebuilt.
"Méahbending¹ had then no bakery and could not practice his trade, yet he remained the town's baker and was still known thus. The kingship of our line is much the same. Our forefathers have been kings, but lacked a kingdom." ¹(Méahbending, Doughboy = moeas(dough) + bend(man) + -ing(diminutive suff on n, boy) The –oe diphthong resolves to –é and the –s at the partition becomes –h in Sindarin proper names. Sindarin)
Galion nodded again, having reached an understanding.
"Then shalt we not rebuild a kingdom, adar?"
"Indeed we art doing just so, for the restoration of the Kingdom of Rhudaur goes forward, that being the only part of the Kingdom of Eriador still unclaimed by other kings and kingdoms who art our friends."
Unlike her brother, Dúriel was unimpressed with her status, as had been her mother ere her. Indeed very like in temperament to her mother she was growing to be, more interested in lore for its own sake than for her place in it. At the age of eleven she was already learning the names and nature of plants, and by Lainiel she was taught their virtues as food or medicine. So too, living in a rural community brought her familiarity with the beasts of farm and forest, and the creatures of the river Idethol. She took to keeping pets, a scruffy brown dog, a lazy tabby cat, a box turtle, and several fish in a half-barrel in the yard, and these brought her both much joy and an early familiarity with the pangs of loss upon their passing.
During that summer her dog, whom she had named Húveren¹, took ill after eating something fell. Vomiting and diarrhea he presented ere he staggered off to a corner where he lay whining and sweating and shivering. ¹(Húveren, Happy Dog = hú(dog) + meren(joyous) The -m changes to –v at the partition in Sindarin proper names. Sindarin)
Knowing the nature of dogs to eat with little discrimination 'aught that they found, Lainiel reassured Dúriel that Húveren would recover from his food poisoning in a couple of days, but the sympathy native to the girl's heart bid her do such as would ease his suffering. So 'twas that an hour later, Lainiel came upon her daughter sternly glaring at her dog whilst pointing to the dish before him. A glance and a sniff reported the contents to be the vinegar of apple cider and finely ground charcoal. She stifled a bark of laughter at Húveren's obvious reluctance to consume the bitter draught, but then aided her daughter by pointing imperiously at the dish whilst looking the poor animal square in the eyes. 'Neath the combined commands of both his mistresses, he lowered his muzzle and suffered a few laps with eyes tightly shut.
Now Lainiel watched as her daughter demanded he follow this 'treatment' thrice more that night ere the dish was emptied and she curled up to sleep on the floor with her furry friend. In her heart Lainiel felt pride and thanksgiving, for apple cider vinegar and charcoal was a treatment well known for such ailments of the stomach, and her daughter had not only recalled her lessons, but had sought to ease the suffering of one close to her.
Perhaps a healer she shalt be. She hath the heart for it and I shalt teach her all I can, yet the mastery in healing is held by the Lord Elrond, and so to Imladris she must go one day to further her studies. 'Tis well that she is already known thither.
Six years later, when Galion was fourteen and Dúriel seventeen, the Rangers of Rhudaur finally completed their reclamation of that region of their homelands 'twixt Mitheithel and Bruinen, from their junction at the southernmost tip of The Angle, north to the Hithaeglir. They had labored in the rough lands of the Trollshaws and the Coldfells for twenty-nine years. By then it had been four years since the Lord Galor had last borne arms as a Ranger, for he was fifty-nine years of age and cherished by his people as lord, loremaster, and king. Lady Lainiel was fifty-three, the Queen of Eriador, mother of two teens, recognized as a gifted healer, and acclaimed as the mother of the Rhudaur Rangers. 'Twas T.A. 1501.
In the following year, the Rangers began cleansing the lands north of the Road and their border with Cardolan. 'Twas the wide, rolling terrain that lay west of Mitheithel, 'twixt the Ettenmoors and the Weather Hills. The southern and western borders were held by friends, Cardolan and Arthedain respectively, whilst the east was already liberated by Rhudaur, and so 'twas deemed the most prudent area to secure.
The Rangers marched west along the Road that ran to the ruins of Amon Sûl, and then they pushed north. As the campaign progressed, aid came from the Cardolanath, for the Lord Húngan deemed that securing the lands north of his border promised added safety for his own people. 'Twas his duty to King Araphor to strengthen the realm he ruled as his o'erlord's regent. In Fornost, the king agreed. When actions moved west, knights and soldiers of Arthedain from the Weather Hills garrisons added their arms for the same reason, and thereby, 'twixt the spring of 1502 and the autumn of 1512, most of the lands from Mitheithel to the Weather Hills were freed of the lingering allies of Angmar.
During those same years there were other causes for celebration and joy. In 1502, Rochen son of Húngan wed the Lady Calien¹, daughter of a noble family of Cardol. In 1510, Dúriel, Princess of Eriador wed Feredir², a Captain of the Rhudaur Rangers. So the years passed and the scourging of Rhudaur continued 'til 1512, yet thereafter followed a pause as winter came down with the failing month of Hithui. ¹(Calien, Shining Maiden = calo-(v. shine) + -ien(fem. suff., n on v) Sindarin) ²(Feredir, Hunter Sindarin)
In his mansion the Lord Húngan felt his vitality ebbing as the month of Girithron, (December), passed, and he bid his son Rochen send word to Lainiel and Galor in Celenhár, and to his friends, Helluin and Beinvír. Upon 8 Narwain, (January 8th), T.A. 1513, the party from Rhudaur arrived and all were saddened by the somber mood of the Cardolanath. They were welcomed by Húngan's four old comrades, Thansál, Dorondon, Angadan, and Drammor, the original Ranger captains. Lainiel greeted her brother, Rochen, her sister-in-law Calien, and comforted their mother, whose tears were restrained only with effort. When they went up to the lord's chamber, they were shocked at how he had aged since their last meeting. 'Twas the nature of the Dúnedain, to remain hale 'til death drew 'nigh, when it seemed that all their years fell upon them in a few seasons.
"My friends, I am glad that ye have come," the dying lord told the gathering. Then he turned to the two ellith and said, "it hath been 'nigh on a century since we first met in the ruins of old Cardol, when ye and your allies delivered me and my surviving Men from our failed raid. With your teachings, ye brought me and my realm hope, and later, ye brought to me a daughter who completed my family. 'Tis more than any Man could ask of friends or allies, and ye have my sincerest gratitude. Deeply blessed do I count my days, by destiny and king, and the greater King who rules all in the name of the One."
At the bedside, Helluin and Beinvír bowed their heads to honor their friend's words.
"Meldir nín, in all things since the night I stepped from the shadows on thy watch amidst the ruins, thou hast persevered with integrity to meet each challenge that thy path has set before thee," Helluin said. "We have been honored to aid thee as we could. Had all Men of the West been as thou, perhaps Arnor would still stand as one realm 'neath Isildur's heir. Yet it hath been foretold that through thy labors, a part has been forged that shalt bring just such to be upon some future day that we cannot yet see. Upon that day of triumph I shalt recall thee and I shalt honor thee, for I deem that thou hast laid a foundation upon which many shalt build in defiance of the darkness."
"Lord Húngan, during thy lifetime thou hast led the freeing of Cardolan, the establishment of its regency, and seen to the continuity of thy house and the First House of thy people," the Green Elf said. "Now Cardolan stands again and Rhudaur follows. Thy son Rochen shalt succeed thee in service to the crown, and thy grandchildren shalt face their time with a legacy of honor. The House of Balan and the Kingship of Eriador art restored, and the friendship 'twixt the three realms of old stands closer now than it hath for many lives of Men. Few have accomplished more. Noble warrior, able leader, loving husband, and devoted father; we could not be happier, nor prouder for thy achievements, dear friend, and we too deem thy life blessed, both by the West, and by thy own heart and hand. With rejoicing do we celebrate thy lifedays. With sorrow we shalt mark thy passing."
Lainiel came to her father and held his hand, feeling the weakening of his pulse and the lessened strength of his grip.
"E'er I shalt be thankful to thee and to mother for sheltering, loving, and fostering me when I had no kin in this world. Would that I could heal thee as I did aforetime, yet no herbs can set aside the passing of time, and no healer can change the will of the One."
"My beloved daughter, 'tis the fate of all Men to pass from the world, and this must be accepted. I am thankful for what the years have brought to me; joy and love, satisfaction and accomplishment. No Man should beg a greater treasure than is his due. Here at the end I shalt not demean all that has come aforetime by clinging to life in pride and fear. Such was the folly of the kings of old, who clasped life as it were a piece of gold, valued for its own sake rather than what possibilities it might offer. The Grace of Ilúvatar is granted to me, to relinquish my life by my own choice, ere feebleness and bitterness sour the memory of it. This I shalt do, as did my betters ere me, with hope of joining their company at the feet of the Valar."
The Lord Húngan could count his life years nine score and sixteen, yet he looked not a decade older than Lord Galor, who was then seventy-one. The regent beckoned his son forward and Rochen came to his father's bedside. Húngan pulled the signet from his finger and laid it on Rochen's palm.
"Thou art Regent of Cardolan now, my son, and thy heirs shalt follow thee in service to our king. I have faith that thou shalt discharge thy duties with fealty and honor, and I have no reservations about thy readiness to assume this office. Thou hast my blessing, and I wish thee well in all things."
"Ne'er shalt I dishonor the regency, nor disregard my duties to our king and people. I shalt make thee proud, father, I swear it."
"I am already proud of thee, Rochen, come what may."
Then, rather than putting on the signet ring, Rochen simply clasped it in his fist and bowed his head to kiss his father's hand. "Thank you," he whispered, "for everything."
And finally, with his family and friends 'round him, Húngan released a deep breath, and as he exhaled, he evinced a serenity akin to a pleasant sleep. When his lungs were emptied he drew no breath after, but lay still with the hint of a grin shaping his lips. Thus passed the Regent of Cardolan to whatsoe'er fate awaits the kindred of Men.
So too appeared the countenance of Vëantur, when his spirit passed from Arda in S.A. 992, Helluin said silently to Beinvír, eye to eye.
As did thy husband, Húngan accepted his fate with grace, the Green Elf replied. How greater to honor the Wisdom of Ilúvatar?
Now the following day was reserved for those who came to the mansion to pay their parting respects to their lord as he lay in state. A feast in celebration of his life was laid, songs were sung in his memory, and many reminiscences were shared 'twixt kith and kin. Biting cold blew the wind of winter, but many Cardolanath came for the viewing, even late into the night.
Upon 10 Narwain, a wagon drawn by a four-in-hand team and draped in black carried the Lord Húngan's bier from the mansion. The late lord was accompanied to his rest by his surviving family, preceded by an honor guard of Cardolan Rangers, and followed by a train of friends and grieving subjects. The funeral procession made its way west upon a local road that ran to the north of the South Downs.
Where that track crossed the South Road, they were met by a delegation from Fornost led by King Araphor. Two dozen knights of Arthedain accompanied him, the foremost bearing his standard, and with him came his son and heir, Prince Argeleb, now thirty-nine years of age. The company greeted Lord Rochen as Regent of Cardolan, and paid their respects at Húngan's bier with heads bowed in silence. When the company resumed their way, Araphor and Argeleb rode with Rochen, whilst the knights of Arthedain followed the Cardolan Rangers in the order of procession. Thus they continued west through the remainder of the 11th, ere making camp in the gloaming hour.
A dusting of snow greeted the party on the morn of the 12th, and the chilled mourners continued on for another day, again sharing a camp at night, and finally reaching the barrows 'nigh the ruins of Cardol in the afternoon of 13 Narwain. Thither the Rangers of Cardolan opened the barrow of Húngan's family and laid their late lord to rest amongst his ancestors. Following the eulogies and a requiem, the tomb was resealed and the mourners turned to retrace their paths home.
To Be Continued