In An Age Before

by Phantom Bard

Part 298 posted, in which Helluin and the Riders of Norðr-vestandóttir Bý aid the Third Marshal Haleth in Rohan's defeat of the Easterling invaders. Brutal weather, disease, and failing morale play a part. Aldburg is no sooner freed of the eastern threat when tidings come of the Dunlending's invasion from the west. OCs galore as usual.

150. In An Age Before Chapter 150

In An Age Before – Part 150

"Permission to come aboard, Lord Captain," Haldan called up.

"Permission granted to thee and thy party, Sir Knight," the captain replied.

In silence the knights came to the cart, and one by one they lifted the caskets and carried them up, setting them in formation amidships upon the weather deck. Next they brought forth the memorial stones. When all six were aboard, Helluin brought the pennant from the wagon and handed it to the captain. This he passed to the bosun's mate who took it to the mainmast. Thither a sailor ran it up to the masthead, to fly 'neath the colors of the realm of Arthedain, Star of Elendil on black centered, with seven stars representing the palantíri arranged in a ring about it.

Helluin noted the same flag flying at the ensign position, aft o'er the taffrail, whilst the flag of the Royal Navy flew at the foretop o'er the captain's pennant, and a flag bearing the glyph of Araphor flew at the mizzen top. The flag of her homeport, Mithlond, flew from a jackstaff 'nigh the end of the bowsprit.

Now having conveyed the two ellith and the caskets aboard ship, the Knight Commander came to them and said, "Lady Helluin, Lady Beinvír, such duties as we were assigned art now discharged, and had I leave, I would beseech ye to allow me to accompany the funeral detail to Tol Fuin. Yet 'tis my part to return to Fornost and report my mission complete. Therefore I bid ye farewell and smooth sailing, with my hopes that the Valar smile upon your fortunes."

"Thou hast our thanks, Sir Haldan. Please convey our gratitude to His Grace, and give our thanks also to thy knights," Beinvír said.

And Helluin told him, "were thou free to follow thy desire, then gladly would we accept thy company upon our voyage, good Knight of Arthedain. Still, I have no doubt that tidings of our mission shalt come timely to Fornost, and thither I hope thou shalt learn 'aught of what came to pass. Know for now that thou hast done thy part to honor these ancestors of the Edain. Fare well, mellon nín."

The knights traded bows with the ellith in parting, and they debarked and mounted for their return to the Northern Fortress. Some of Círdan's folk took the cart for to stable Wiley the horse 'til their return, at which time they would report to Rochen and then ride to Celenhár with tidings of their voyage. One further surprise there was for the two ellith, and that came as the captain introduced himself and his officers.

"My ladies, I am Gwávílron¹, captain of my king's ship Núra Lúne Eari, at your service. 'Tis my honor to sail upon thy errand, for in doing so, I follow in an ancestor's footsteps." ¹(Gwávílron, Wind Lover = gwae(wind) + míl(love, affection) + -ron(masc agent, n on n) The consonant –m becomes –v at the partition in Sindarin names. The diphthong –ae simplifies to –á in compound proper nouns. Sindarin)

Here the two ellith regarded the captain in confusion, and Helluin raised an eyebrow in question, bidding him continue, "my Lord Captain, I follow thee not, pray explain."

"The Men of my House art long upon the sea, tracing back our ancestry to the Guild of Venturers of Númenor ere the fall. Careful records of their voyages they have kept o'er many centuries, including one who was First Mate aboard the second of four ships during King Elendil's flight from Atalantë. 'Twas he who brought many accounts of our earlier voyages to Arnor. Yet my tidings concern a voyage long ere that by a Captain Venturer once known to thee."

Here Captain Gwávílron couldn't resist a smile ere he finished, saying, "in the time of Tar-Minastir, my ancestor Captain Mórfang aided in the transport of Ciryatur's troops to Lindon, and after the war, conveyed ye to Tol Morwen. That voyage he ne'er forgot, and since childhood, I have oft read his account. 'Twas the subject of many a day dream, to do the like in my own time."

At first the two ellith could but gape at him. What were the chances that a distant descendant of Captain Black Beard was to be the captain on their only other voyage to an island remnant of Beleriand? Yet both felt that chance had 'naught to do with their situation and that greater powers were indeed at work.

Finally Helluin composed herself enough to reply, "I cannot think of any save a son of Dúrrél who would be a more fitting captain to take her and her family home."

"Joy we feel for thee, Lord Captain, that at last thy childhood dream shalt come true," the Green Elf added.

And to Helluin she said silently, eye to eye, I cannot recall being more astonished at a turn of fate, nor more certain that fate has 'naught to do with it.

Indeed, the Noldo replied, just as silently, for I deem we art caught in a phrase of the Song. Repetition of themes is a trait of music, and so we have the son of a house in the 3rd Age repeating somewhat of his forefather's part in the 2nd Age, and both scions of a house thought lost in the 1st Age.

And I deem we have been enmeshed in a web long abuilding, and much of it the doing of Iarwain Ben-adar, Beinvír added.

I agree, yet I deem he acted not alone. We art again as instruments being played, Helluin said, rolling her eyes and thereby terminating their conversation.

The good ship Núra Lúne Eari sailed that evening with the ebb tide, the six caskets and their memorial stones safely lashed down amidships on the cabin deck¹. The crew drove their ship down the outbound sea lane, heading west-southwest from their home port. ¹(cabin deck...this is the deck one level below the weather deck, which would have hosted the captain's cabin aft, and the officers' cabins forward of it. It would have been termed the Gun Deck in a frigate during the Age of Sail, but guns like cannon and carronades didn't exist in the 3rd Age)

Now the Gulf of Lune ran seventy leagues from the Havens of Mithlond to its mouth ere they could turn to starboard 'round the headland of Forlindon, and thence make their course west by northwest for another fifty leagues. This they did 'round dawn on 12 Narbeleth, after some thirty hours sailing. Thereafter they set their course due north for another fifty leagues, and the sailors sang with joy as they tended the lines, much as Helluin remembered of the Númenórean mariners during her voyages with Vëantur.

'Twas shortly after nightfall on the 12th when the ship passed the westernmost point on the coast of Forlindon. It lay at a latitude roughly equal to the northern shore of Nenuial, yet now they were upon Belegaer, and 'twas mid-Narbeleth. At times the north wind from Forochel blew chill. Núra Lúne Eari had been sailing some twenty miles offshore, but once past the point, the land rapidly drew away east, and soon they were o'er sixty miles from the coast.

"I deem us well placed," Captain Gwávílron told the two ellith a bit later, having joined them on the weather deck bearing an instrument to check his ship's position by the stars, "for if we hold our course due north, we shalt find the southern coast of Tol Fuin, or at worst, pass 'twixt it and Himring sometime upon the morrow."

"I have faith in thy navigation, Lord Captain," Helluin said, "for I know 'naught that would gainsay thy reckoning."

"Indeed we know all such lore as has been learnt by my folk and Círdan's in this Age and the last concerning those island remnants of Beleriand. Such charts as exist in Fornost and Mithlond art copied fair and much studied by my sailing master," he said, "and if 'aught differs, at least t'will be by daylight with the weather fine."

"We believe thou shalt find Tol Fuin," Beinvír said, "for we deem our mission guided by greater powers, as 'twas aforetime when we sailed to Tol Morwen."

Captain Gwávílron understood the Green Elf's confidence, for he recalled that which his forebear had writ long ago. 'We came to Tol Morwen directly, small as 'tis in the vastness of the sea, and after, sailed 'nigh the Undying Lands unhindered. 'Twas an eldritch fog that obscured the coming of the Elven ship, and after, cleared most timely ere a fair wind drove our ship home. Indeed, fairer weather I had not seen aforetime, blessings be to the Valar, for surely 'twas their hands as directed our course.'

"I find that I too believe we shalt come to Tol Fuin, for a fate uncanny directs ye as it did aforetime," the captain said, "and the more do I consider myself blessed in your company. Indeed even my crew seems uplifted on this voyage, for seldom have I heard them sing with such heart whilst at their labors."

Now once past the point 'twas but another hundred sea miles to the southern coast of Tol Fuin. Despite shifting winds o'ernight, Núra Lúne Eari made an average of eight knots, and so as Anor rose upon the 13th, the watch atop the mainmast called down to the deck, "land ho!" At a glance from the sailing master, he pointed 'dead ahead' with his arm stretched straight out past the bowsprit. Word was quickly passed to the captain.

"Lady Helluin, Lady Beinvír, we have sighted land dead ahead and some four leagues distant, upon which we art closing at 8 knots. 'Tis deemed too large for Himring, and so can only be Tol Fuin. I have ordered our course set to pass it close by to the east."

The two ellith prepared themselves and followed the captain up to the weather deck. Looking out past the bowsprit, the two ellith could clearly see the dark line upon the northern horizon that told of land. Thither they concentrated, and with the sight of the Elder kindred, descried the craggy cliffs that had once been the topmost heights of the Ered Gorgoroth, in whose shadow had dwelt the spawn of Ungoliant.

"Lord Captain, thou hast found Tol Fuin indeed, for we approach the upper reaches of the Mountains of Terror, and 'tis well that the lands of Nan Dungortheb that lay about their feet at drowned deep," Helluin told him.

Captain Gwávílron shuddered at the mention of that accursed valley of dark enchantment that had bordered the Girdle of Melian on the northern frontier of Doriath. Very glad he was that they were to sail 'round it to the east.

Now an hour passed and then two, and Núra Lúne Eari sailed to starboard of Tol Fuin with the crew staring at it from the portside railing. They rounded the eastern shore in the third hour past dawn and followed that coast throughout the morning and into the afternoon. Fifty miles due north they sailed, at a distance of half a league. Somewhere 'neath them lay the Pass of Aglon, held by Celegorm and Curufin during the Siege of Angband, 'til 'twas forced by Morgoth's soldiery in the Dagor Bragollach. Helluin and Beinvír had climbed to the high talan upon the main mast to see what they could.

'Twas in the third hour past noon that Captain Gwávílron ordered their course altered, and the ship turned eight points to port, coming onto a heading due west. After another half-hour, the northern coast was revealed, stretching off west and displaying a rugged landscape of many pine-clad hills and valleys ending in a narrow strand, rather than cliffs with precipices falling hard to the water. Save that it had a coast, the two ellith were reminded most of the lands of the Trollshaws, north of the Road in Rhudaur. Two hours later the lookout called down reporting a small cove a league ahead, some broad and steep valley now submerged, no doubt. Helluin and Beinvír quit the talan and climbed down to the deck.

"Lord Captain," Helluin said, "as we have no way to pick one landing more favorable than another save that it be within those lands that were Ladros of old, then should this cove prove a safe haven, t'would be as fine a place as any."

The captain nodded to her and they stood at the rail of the port bow to watch the coast passing by. Shortly later, when Núra Lúne Eari lay with the cove upon her port beam, and the watch had reported blue water thither, he ordered the sails furled and the anchor dropped. Straight away a longboat was lowered, and ten sailors made a circuit, taking soundings and searching for shoals or submerged rocks. At their return, they reported six fathoms depth or greater extending to within a hundred yards of shore.

"Bring her in, Sailing Master," Captain Gwávílron ordered.

With practiced haste, the anchor was raised, then the jib sail was unfurled at the bowsprit and the topsail upon the main mast. Slowly and carefully, yet smoothly too, the ship gained a little way and turned to port. Now she crept into the unfamiliar haven, describing a tight S-curve that left the portside of her hull pointed shoreward at a distance of one hundred twenty yards. The portside anchor was dropped at a nod from the captain, and it dragged ere finding purchase seven fathoms down. Finally the Sailing Master ordered the sails furled and the rudder fixed. Núra Lúne Eari lay at rest one hundred twenty-five yards from shore.

'Twas evening by that time, and the captain and the two ellith agreed that t'would be wiser to explore this strange land in the morning. So an order was given and a watch of marines with bows was set, and the ship's crew rested at anchor for the night of 13 Narbeleth. As the last sunlight faded and full dark drew down, all marked the lack of any source of illumination ashore. No campfires or torches, no lamps or candles reported on any sign of habitation. The breeze brought no scent of smoke or cooking food to their nostrils. For all they could tell, Tol Fuin was deserted.

"And that should be little cause for wonder," Captain Gwávílron told Helluin and Beinvír as they shared the evening meal with the other officers of the ship, "for if lore speaks true, Dorthonion had been deserted many years ere Beleriand was inundated."

"Aye," Helluin agreed. "If any of noble kind came e'er thither after Túrin, Beleg, and Gwindor, then no tidings I have heard tell of it."

On the morn of the 14th, two longboats were rowed ashore bearing Helluin, Beinvír, Captain Gwávílron, and a dozen marines armed with bows and swords. The sailors who had manned the oars remained at the landing site to guard the boats 'til the landing party's return.

Without delay the company made its way from the strand, and they turned uphill by the route they deemed easiest afoot, for should they find a place appropriate, thereafter they would return bearing the caskets and the memorial stones. Laden thus, the surest footing would be the safest, for upon those steep slopes they found no roads or paths, neither of Man nor of beast, and so they walked uphill amongst the tall and silent pines. No scurrying of animals or songs of birds did they hear, only the soft sighing of a breeze that blew chill out of the north.

After climbing for the better part of an hour, they came to a gently sloping table meadow measuring 'nigh an acre, which lay some ten fathoms 'neath the crest of the ridge. The ground bore many dense clumps of low growing heathers, still blooming past summer's end in lavender, pink, white, purple, and magenta. Less plentiful were summer sweet, creeping grape holly, and common sage. Here and there amidst the vegetation, the remnants of foundations and tumbled walls of stone showed forth. Men had once dwelt where they now stood. At the far edge of the meadow a vista opened out o'er the crowns of the trees below, showing the sea, and seemingly 'neath their feet, the cove with Núra Lúne Eari floating at anchor.

"My Lord Captain!" One of the marines called out. He was kneeling amongst some tumbled stones 'nigh the center of the meadow, beckoning to them with urgency.

Captain Gwávílron hastened to him with Helluin and Beinvír following close behind.

When they came 'nigh, the marine pointed to the fallen fragment of an arch, including the apex and unequal parts of its two sides. Incised there, much weathered yet still to be read, they saw part of a great bow with the carving of one limb intact, and past the string notch at its tip, the symbols of a harp and a torch within a square field.

"My lord captain," Helluin said, "hither we find the emblem of Bregor, 2nd Lord of Ladros, for 'tis his bow displayed most prominent, and with it the heraldry of Findaráto Ingoldo, Finrod Felagund, first and greatest friend of Men. Whether 'tis indeed his keep, or the holding of a loyal vassal, none living may tell, yet Bregor was grandfather to Baragund, and hither we shalt lay to rest the Lady Dúrrél and her family."

The captain nodded in agreement and the Green Elf added, "they shalt lie 'neath the sun and the moon and the stars with the sea at their feet, defiant of their great foe in the north to the last."

And so as aforetime on Mórfang's voyage, wonders of the Elder Days art revealed, Captain Gwávílron thought, for this could have been the home of Lord Bregor, father of Barahir to whom Finrod gifted his ring…the ring my king now wears. I wonder if Beren Erchamion grew up in this place.

They found no further tokens, but having decided their course, they took their leave.

Swiftly they made their way back to the shore, and swiftly they returned to the ship. Then, it being still two hours ere noon, preparations were made and the third longboat launched. A burial party embarked with the caskets 'neath their shrouds, the memorial stones, picks, shovels, spades, and the victuals for their noon meal.

At a measured and dignified pace, the procession climbed the slope. The marines had shouldered their bows and did duty as pallbearers. 'Nigh noon they entered the high meadow and set down their burdens ere a fire was kindled and their meal prepared. Whilst the Men ate, the two ellith walked the meadow, finally choosing the burial site and marking an arrangement for the graves with loose stones.

Now after the meal was finished, the company moved to the digging of the graves, and with all taking turns, 'twas swiftly accomplished. Then the caskets were lowered in and their shrouds laid atop. The company gathered 'round for eulogies and the observation of the moments of silent reflection in which the living ponder the passing of those who have gone before.

After the Dúnedain had stood a while in silence, Captain Gwávílron spoke, saying, "it hath long been the way of the Men of the West to honor those of us who lived aforetime, for each life adds its weight to the history that defines us. Therefore 'tis with the greatest humility and respect that we pay tribute to these fallen, who lived in the time of our ascendance as a people. By the actions of their House did we gain an identity and a place in the esteem of all others, mortal and immortal, and those in the West who have e'er been. These whom we lay to rest this day lived in a time of fear and dwindling hope, yet no stain or shame lies upon them as came after from the betrayal of the Kings and the fall of the Land of Gift. Upon this latter day we honor thee, Lady Dúrrél, daughter of Baragund of the First House of the Atani of Beleriand."

Then he turned to the Noldo, and ere the first earth was placed o'er the caskets and the filling of the graves commenced, Helluin sang a requiem for the dead.

Clear voices sang, the world was made,

And with hope many plans were laid,

Through conflict, 'neath the heel of might,

Until all ills are set to right.

Love and anger,

Fear and hate,

All shall fade,

All shall fade.

Home is behind, the world ahead,

And there are many paths to tread,

Through shadow, to the edge of night,

Until the stars are all alight.

Mist and shadow,

Cloud and shade,

All shall fade,

All shall fade.¹

When life ends and our days are spent,

And we go whither doom is met,

Through suff'ring, to a shore of light,

Until the days are shining bright.

Joy and struggle,

Work and play,

All shall fade,

All shall fade.

Where is that place we yearn to find,

And what ties do we long to bind?

Through labors, to our final rest,

Until our fate at last is blessed.

Toil and sorrow,

Blood and shame,

All shall fade,

All shall fade.

Who stands behind the world ahead,

And whither have our footsteps led?

Through Ages, to the end of time,

Until we hear His voice sublime.

Deeds and treasure,

Found or made,

All shall fade,

All shall fade.

Now that song had first been composed in Beleriand by a minstrel of the Noldor, concerning their exile, their beliefs about the world, and their hopes of returning someday to Aman, but the melancholy strains felt fitting too for the hopes of each mortal as much as for a race of immortals. 'Twas the shared faith in something better that followed the trials of life in Middle Earth, a belief in which Elves and Men both took comfort.

When Helluin fell silent the marines took shovels in hand and filled the graves, and the carved memorial stones were set in place atop them. And at the last the company gathered their possessions and took their leave. They were back aboard Núra Lúne Eari in time for the evening meal. On the morn of the 15th they weighed anchor and quit the cove to begin their voyage home.

¹(Second verse is"The Edge of Night", sung by Billy Boyd in the movie The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. The lyrics were inspired by the third verse of a walking song authored by Bilbo Baggins, which opens with the line, Upon the hearth the fire is red, JRRT.)

To Be Continued