In An Age Before – Part 166
Chapter One Hundred-ten
Khazad-dûm and Azanulbizar – The Third Age of the Sun
Now in Khazad-dûm on 29 Gwirith, Beinvír arose from her pleasant memories at a soft knock on her door. She found Uhas waiting for her, more than ready for breakfast.
"Come, come, my esteemed guest, our morning meal awaits," he said, "and there is no glory to be had in keeping food waiting."
The Green Elf looked at him and saw that he was completely serious. She pulled on her boots, set the strap of her travel bag o'er her shoulder, picked up her bow and quiver, and followed him out onto the avenue. They retraced their steps of the previous night for a short ways 'til they came to a tavern called, 'The Slaughtered Ox'.
O'er the door hung a sign, gruesomely illustrating the concept. A glance through the adjacent window showed that the establishment was already well filled with patrons. When Uhas opened the door for her, the backwash of jovial conversation was raucous to her ears, but the scents of the food whetted her appetite and set her stomach to grumbling in anticipation.
Uhas beckoned to a waiter, who hastened to greet them. He snatched a pair of menus and two place settings from a stand 'nigh the door and then ushered them towards a table in the center of the room with several empty chairs at one end. The waiter bowed and directed them to a pair of seats with a grand and flowing sweep of his right arm.
"Welcome, welcome, my esteemed guests, your morning meal awaits," he said, echoing Uhas' greeting to the Green Elf just a few minutes earlier. "I am honored to assist you in the gastronomic preparations for your busy day. Please, please, be seated. We have all the favorites required for a wholesome and filling breakfast, and as all know, breakfast is the most important meal of the day."
Uhas and Beinvír took their seats, and she set her bag on the floor, her bow and quiver o'er the chair back, where she also draped her cloak.
The waiter smiled at the Green Elf, remarking that, "this humble establishment is honored to serve thee, noble warrior of the Elder Kindred. I cannot recall the last time one of thy fair folk graced our dining room. I pray that our fare satisfies thy palate."
"Good sir, I am sure thy fare shall be most satisfying, for the scents alone are enticing beyond all expectations. I find myself famished," she said, delighting him with her praise.
He presented them with the menus and set the napkins and silverware at their places.
"I shall return for your orders shortly, unless ye already know what you desire."
Beinvír had begun to peruse the menu, and Uhas deferred to her, though he was more than ready to order for himself.
"We shall be but a moment," he said to the waiter, who gave him a nod and then bustled off to greet another group of patrons just coming through the door.
"Dost thou know well this establishment?" Beinvír asked.
"Not well," Uhas admitted, "though I have eaten here aforetime." He thought for a moment and then admitted, "indeed, many aforetimes. 'Aught that thou might desire at breakfast is provided in good supply, expertly prepared, and professionally presented."
"I see," said the Green Elf, "and hast thou any favorites, or any suggestions?"
"I favor the buttermilk griddle cakes with fresh churned butter and a sweet syrup of honey and maples, a trio of eggs, boiled, fried unbroken, and scrambled, with sliced ham, strips of bacon, fried tomatoes, and a flagon of wine." He thought for another moment and added, "I suppose I shall forgo the three egg omelette of mixed cheeses with onion, tomato, ham, and mushrooms. T'wouldn't pay to o'ereat with such a long walk ahead of us."
The Green Elf nodded in agreement with his wisdom, wondering how he could remain awake on such a full stomach. She then returned to the menu.
Shortly later, she was startled from her reading when Uhas exclaimed, "I shall have three links of their Grey Mountain bat sausage rather than the fried tomatoes!"
When their waiter returned, Uhas ordered all that he had mentioned, whilst Beinvír ordered two slices of toasted bread with butter, an apple, sliced sharp cheese, and a side of ham. Both agreed to share a decanter of wine and a pitcher of fresh spring water. Whilst they awaited the server, they made some conversation.
"I have decided that though my time presses not, t'would be an intrusion upon the House of Gneiss were I to come to them with idle questions regarding the source of their wealth. I deem such lore is rightly theirs alone, won by generations of hard labor through thousands of years, and as a guest of the realm, I shall not press them o'er it simply to satisfy my curiosity," the Green Elf said.
Uhas nodded in agreement.
"Thou hast wisdom, and whilst thou may be one of few who might ask such questions without inciting suspicion, some knowledge is best kept close amongst those whom it most concerns," he said.
I could not have said it better myself, for knowledge held close amongst those whom it concerns is my whole reason for coming hither, she thought. So too believes the king.
"So following our meal, we shall continue upon our way?" She asked.
"Aye, and we should come 'nigh halfway 'twixt the Endless Stair and the East Gate in our day's march. Though our path remains on this level, it winds and twists somewhat 'neath the saddle 'twixt Barazinbar and Zirakzigil. Tomorrow's march should bring thee to Azanulbizar, but t'will be at the end of the day. Prudence counsels that thou remain in our halls the night of 30 Gwirith, and then take thy leave in the morn of 1 Lothron. Whate'er dangers may lurk in the outside world, t'will be the less 'neath the light of day," her guide claimed.
To this the Green Elf agreed, for though she suspected that Uhas distrusted the lands beyond his gates as a matter of superstition, still she preferred to begin the day's march to Lórinand in the morning, rather than in the evening.
"I accept thy counsel, good Uhas, for a day's walk will lie before me when I leave, and I desire to look upon the lands east of Khazad-dûm by daylight," Beinvír said.
Their food arrived and they began to eat. Despite the far vaster quantity of victuals that Uhas had ordered, he and the Green Elf finished their breakfasts at the same time. They drained the last from their goblets, Uhas paid the waiter by setting their expenses 'on account' for official entertainment, and they took their leave of 'The Slaughtered Ox'.
Now they continued down the main avenue, but soon their way began to twist and turn just as Uhas had predicted. 'Twas a different route than Beinvír had e'er taken aforetime. During that day's march, they passed many a hall and a variety of districts. Some were primarily residential, others commercial, and still others were reserved for vast markets and official services. 'Twas a representative cross section of Khazad-dûm, and Beinvír asked Uhas about this.
"Whilst it may seem that we needlessly duplicate many things, our organization distributes all more equally, gives convenience to local residents, and provides greater opportunities to more of our business people. Those who live in the Second Deep can work, shop, and keep homes in their own familiar district where they may enjoy the presence of their kith and kin. We deem t'would make no sense for many to travel far each day, and spend their time amongst strangers. Though some must do so, such as our soldiers and miners, or representatives of the civil service and the craft guilds, even these o'er time gravitate to taking up residence 'nigh the sites of their occupations. So we lose less time in travel, reduce the need for broader ways, and give more time to our people to enjoy the fruits of their labors."
"So was this arrangement planned in the building of thy halls?" Beinvír asked.
"I think not," Uhas said, "for our current expansions are not planned so. Rather, I believe all that was necessary for profitable work and a comfortable life was built first 'nigh Azanulbizar, and then as the halls expanded after, repeated o'er and o'er at comfortable intervals as need required."
"And such arrangements hold on all Levels and Deeps?"
"Aye, for the most part, though some parts of either may be dedicated to special uses. The Eighth Deep thou asked after yesternight is dedicated primarily to the miners and their necessities, for from it lead the mine-heads of many delvings, pits, and shafts. Purpose is more specific there, where three of five work each day plying the same trade together, and so there too are the residences and markets, taverns, and shops that serve the miners."
They continued for several hours, but 'round noon they stopped for lunch. This time, the two patronized a small take-away called 'The Gyrating Sandwich', tucked into a niche 'twixt a cobbler and a lamp seller's shop. 'Twas run by a jovial and vastly o'erweight Dwarf who seemed joyous to serve them.
"Greetings, my most esteemed guests," he well 'nigh chortled. "I am blessed by Mahal to be visited by such noble diners, and I give thanks for your patronage. Ye art wise indeed, for all know that lunch is the most important meal of the day."
The specialty of the house was thin slices shaved from a conical roast of mingled lamb and beef, marinated in yogurt and many spices, which turned continuously on a vertical rotisserie. 'Twas served on rolled flatbread, with shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes and onions, a crumbled sharp cheese, and a tart white sauce. Beinvír and Uhas claimed one each, presented loosely wrapped in waxed paper, and accompanied by a pile of thinly sliced, deep fried potatoes.
After thanking the proprietor, they went on their way, eating as they walked at a leisurely pace. By the end of their meal, they had passed from that district and into the next, and they found a juicery on the avenue where a young Dwarf offered chilled spring water flavored with various fruits and honey. They each had a cup of the drink to wash down their lunch.
Uhas continued to lead Beinvír through the avenues and streets of Khazad-dûm, and in the late afternoon, they reached the midpoint of the saddle 'twixt Barazinbar and Zirakzigil. In that district were many arches and bridges o'er pits and exhausted mines left from many centuries of prospecting aforetime. Their way took them along a street that traced the sidewall of a chasm several hundred feet deep, after which they climbed a staircase both broad and steep. At the top of the stair they found a circular courtyard, with benches for resting after the climb on which several Dwarves relaxed. To the left stood the door of a small establishment selling snacks, drinks, and sundries, a convenience store of sorts. 'Cross the courtyard from the stair lay a junction of three ways, 'neath a deep arch. There at the branching, the left-hand passage led downwards, the central passage led on straight at the same level, and the right-hand passage led upwards.
"Let us pause from our march a while," Uhas said as he led them to a bench. "The view here is worthy of a few moments stay."
Beinvír took a seat next to him and looked back, out o'er the staircase they had climbed. Beyond the edge of the courtyard, the space seemed to drop off without a floor, and the vast cavern revealed cliffs and crags lit by many lamps, threaded by the paths and streets, now distant to their eyes, which they had trod aforetime. Strange it seemed, for no sky or stars hung above, yet it reminded the Green Elf of the vistas in Eregion, of the lower Hithaeglir as seen from high upon Hollin Ridge.
"'Tis impressive, good Uhas, and I thank thee for prompting me to enjoy the view of it," she said. By her estimation, 'twas o'er a half-mile in breadth, and ran north-south at least two miles. The ceiling stood easily a thousand feet o'erhead, and to what depth it fell, she knew not.
"'Twas at one time the center of mining from which much wealth was won, yet that was long ago, and the producing mines for the most part are now located to the west and down," he said. "Of course, 'naught could be done with this space after, save to enjoy it as a historical attraction. We now call it 'Ugar, the Greatest Cavern, though perhaps thy people would name it En Res Beleg¹." ¹(En Res Beleg, The Grand Canyon Sindarin)
Now after enjoying the vista a while, Uhas bid them continue. He led Beinvír through the central passage, which stretched on at the same level for a quarter-mile, ere it issued into a broader and more heavily traveled way. This avenue led mostly straight, though 'twas interrupted by several short staircases leading both up and down, whilst to the sides, the edifices became increasingly grand.
They passed many crowds, and great mansions and places of commerce. Brightly lit with a wealth of lamps was that way, and to the Green Elf's eyes, it held all the hustle and bustle of the greatest of the cities of Men she had seen. The Grand Causeway of Osgiliath had ne'er been brighter, nor more populous and hectic, even at high noon in the Royal Quarter. As she had during her first encounters with cities long aforetime, her eyes rove back and forth, taking in the sights and sounds. 'Twas only after a while that she marked that the air was far more wholesome and fresh than in Osgiliath, a thing wholly unexpected in a closed space far 'neath the ground. She could not have been more impressed.
"Soon we shall reach the guest apartments where our day's march shall end," Uhas said, "and after claiming our accommodations we may sup at a dining hall I know, for is not dinner the most important meal of the day?"
"Such shall be quite welcome, for we have walked long this day," Beinvír replied.
By her estimation 'twas now seven hours past noon, and they had been afoot 'nigh eleven hours. She suspected that they had come some twenty miles east, but with the twists and turns, the ups and downs, their actual mileage was likely closer to a score and seven.
After another quarter-hour they arrived at the facade of a prestigious hôtellerie, where three important looking Dwarves waited at the grand entrance. These wore long robes bearing the emblem of the Guild of Smiths embroidered in gold thread, and instantly recognizable to Beinvír, the crest of the House of Gneiss in mithril. For a moment, she wondered what business had brought them hence, but they approached straight away and greeted the two by name.
"The greetings of our house are extended to thee, Beinvír Laiquende, and to thy guide, the esteemed Uhas. We are honored by thy visit to our realm, noble friend and ally of the Ages, and we invite you both to join us for the evening meal. I am Tulkh¹ son of Aslâm, the twenty-eighth heir of the House of Gneiss." ¹(Tulkh, Smith Neo-Khuzdul)
Unsaid was that he was head of that house of craftsmen, and one of the most wealthy and preeminent of the Naugrim. He and his companions traded deep bows with Beinvír and Uhas, who was struck dumb with awe. Uzrak¹ Tulkh was arguably the second most influential Dwarf in Khazad-dûm, after King Durin. ¹(Uzrak, Master Neo-Khuzdul)
"'Tis my honor to greet thee, most esteemed Master Tulkh, and thou hast my sincerest thanks for thy gracious welcome. I am glad to renew the honor and friendship thy illustrious father showed to me and my beloved, and whose generosity shall live in my heart 'til the end of days. With joy shall I accept thy offer to share the evening meal with the representatives of the noble House of Gneiss," Beinvír said.
Another round of deep bows followed, and Tulkh said, "this fine establishment is retained by my house to provide a dining room and several guest quarters for our exclusive use. Pray enter and join us, my most esteemed guests."
Beinvír and Uhas followed Tulkh and his two companions into the hôtellerie, and they were attended by the owner and a team of solicitous employees, two of whom carried off their baggage to be taken to their rooms. The party of five was led to a finely appointed dining room in a quiet wing of the building that was not open to the public. There they were seated at a round table and provided with beverages of their choice.
No menus offered and no selections were made. 'Naught of these guests' precious time would be consumed in ordering from the kitchen. 'Twas understood that only the best of the establishment's fare would be presented to this table. At a nod from Tulkh, the owner withdrew to alert the kitchen that the meal would commence, whilst five of his employees took discrete stations in niches along the walls, to be on call, one for each of their guests.
As they waited for the meal to begin, Tulkh and Beinvír carried on a conversation beginning with the introduction of the two Dwarves attending the head of their house.
"My most esteemed guest, I would present my brothers, Zizîustabu¹, the Keeper of our Accounts, and Umrazugabshel², the Treasurer of the House of Gneiss." ¹(Zizîustabu, Accountant, lit. Accumulator of coins = zizî(coins, pl) + ustabu(accumulator of, sing person-form) Neo-Khuzdul) ²(Umrazugabshel, Treasurer, lit. Keeper of the Treasury = umrazu(keeper of, sing person-form) + gabshel(treasure of all treasures) Neo-Khuzdul)
Being seated at table, Beinvír dipped her head to each of the distinguished Dwarves and said, "'tis my honor to greet you, Zizîustabu and Umrazugabshel, esteemed brothers of my most noble host. Ye have my thanks for your gracious invitation, and I offer my apologies for the absence of my beloved, Helluin Maeg-mórmenel. I know she would have been honored to meet you as well. May ye live long and prosper in the practice of your crafts."
Now after a short time, Tulkh offered an explanation for their meeting.
"Friend of our House and ally of the Ages, we come to thee after hearing tidings of thy visit. Many in Khazad-dûm proffer information to the House of Gneiss, for 'tis known that we deem ourselves responsible for more in our realm than simply the accumulation of wealth and prestige. This position has gained official recognition at the highest levels. Thus, the knowledge of thy presence came to us from His Highness King Durin himself. Though we are not privy to 'aught that was said in thy council with our king, he hath hinted that thou hast suspicions regarding the bridge chasm and such depths as are known to our house."
To this, Beinvír nodded. Though still loath to reveal what she and Durin had spoken of, she deemed that the king had offered her an opportunity to further her investigations, and by including the House of Gneiss in his confidence, vouched for their trustworthiness in this matter of the gravest concern.
"Master Tulkh, though I cannot speak of what passed 'twixt myself and thy king, I do trust thee implicitly, for thy house has offered 'naught but honor and friendship to me and my beloved through the long Ages of this world. I did indeed express interest in the chasm 'neath Durin's Bridge, and in the deep places of thy realm, for I have come to believe that some threat may lurk therein. Though I hope that my fears are for 'naught, still I would welcome thy aid, for who knows better than the ancient House of Gneiss what passes in the depths 'neath thy mountain home?"
"Any threat suspected to this realm is the business of our house, for who amongst the Khazâd would fail in their service to our king?" Umrazugabshel asked.
"Whatsoe'er aid thou deem necessary to resolve or diminish thy suspicions, we shall gladly provide, for we are committed to safeguarding our realm in any way within our power," Tulkh said.
"I would know first if any have gained lore or knowledge of the depths of the bridge chasm," Beinvír said, "and how it compares with the delvings undertaken by the miners of thy realm. I would know what lies 'neath Durin's Halls."
Tulkh, Zizîustabu, and Umrazugabshel nodded in understanding of the Green Elf's request. They could offer some knowledge of these things, though the depths of the chasm remained unknown. None had been so audacious as to undertake its exploration. Ere they could comment further, the door of the dining room opened and the owner led in a company of servers, chefs, and elegant push carts laden with their cuisine and the trappings of genteel dining.
Now the table was set with linens and fine china, heavy silverware and cut crystal, and if the Green Elf had thought the 'privy feast' ordered by Deputy Assistant Counselor Khufshkarl sumptuous, the experience that followed eclipsed it by far. It began with a variety of trifles, offered from a special cart with a rotating platter, upon which were presented light, bite-sized delicacies. The chefs used golden tongs to lift complimentary selections onto small plates for each of the diners. The servers poured the appropriate wines. When these had been consumed, the plates were removed and a soup course followed.
Three chefs presented three soups in three small portions, each ladled out by one of three servers into specially partitioned bowls, and accompanied by three spoons and a selection of three differently herbed croutons. Each was introduced by its chef, who explained the ingredients, the cooking processes, and the special virtues of their cuisine. As aforetime, suitable spirits had been selected to accompany the soups.
All the offerings of this second course were delicious, and Beinvír soon understood that the meal was theater, wherein the entertainment was provided by the chefs and their attendant servers, whilst the owner acted as master of ceremonies. After each course was complete, (and received with much commentary and praise by Tulkh, Zizîustabu, and Umrazugabshel), the five employees came from their niches to collect the used dishes and silverware, and remove them to a cart that had been left in the hallway outside the dining room.
The meal progressed thus through a full seventeen courses, each presented in triplicate and each received with the full attention of the Naugrim. 'Naught of their business was discussed for the duration, some four hours at table, and this was indeed welcome to the Green Elf, who would have been greatly reluctant to air 'aught with so many ears literally upon the walls.
Following the soups came a formal appetizer course based on the eggs of hens, some baked with cheese and herbs in a flaky crust to form a small, savory tart. Other eggs had been boiled hard, deviled, and set in a well cut in the center of a small round of buttered toast. In a third preparation, the eggs had been poached, and set singly upon a thin slice of spiced ham, set in its turn upon half of a toasted, flat sourdough roll, and coated with a rich sauce of butter and egg yolks.
Course followed course, each accompanied by a carefully chosen wine. The fourth featured tiny bites of herbed mashed potatoes combined with wheat flour and eggs. Some of these were served with cheeses, some with corn, and others with tomato sauce. A fifth course presented three varieties of fish, baked, grilled, or poached. The sixth was a meat course, in this case, pork tenderloin medallions, marinated in plum wine and grilled, glazed with honey and orange slices and broiled, or slowly roasted in a glaze of maple syrup. Next came a palate refresher of crushed ice flavored with raspberry puree and sparkling wine. A heavier meat dish was offered as the eighth course, and this had been eagerly awaited by the Naugrim. The chefs presented a center cut tenderloin of beef, roasted with peppercorns and served accompanied by tiny roasted red potatoes, a rich gravy of pan drippings thickened with a duxelles of wild mushrooms and sweet onion, and green beans. The ninth course was roasted game hens with rosemary and sage, an individual bird for each diner. A cold salad of seven beans with red wine vinaigrette was presented next. The eleventh course was broiled asparagus, served with a spicy dressing compounded of oil, vinegar, egg yolks, minced chives, and a tomato sauce with hot peppers and horseradish. An aspic featuring thinly sliced cold meats and minced herbs was served as the twelfth course.
After three and a half hours of dining and twelve courses, Beinvír, Tulkh, Zizîustabu, Umrazugabshel, and Uhas were growing sated, but the chefs were still every bit as enthusiastic as at the meal's start. They simply presented their final five courses at a slower rate.
Crepes folded and filled with a sauce of apples, flavored with cinnamon and nutmeg, were accompanied by an aged cognac. Squares of buttered toast covered with melted sharp cheese came next, and then a selection of twelve cheeses with a variety of crackers was served with a dry, white wine. At last the sixteenth course, comprised of a variety of cakes and pies for dessert, was rolled in on its own cart for the diners' selections. With a muffled groan, Beinvír indicated her choice of a cheesecake covered with blueberries. Tulkh accepted a slice of chocolate cake drenched in a chocolate liqueur, whilst Zizîustabu choose a small custard topped with honey that a chef gleefully caramelized at tableside using a tiny blowtorch. Umrazugabshel eagerly devoured a trio of berry tarts, astonishing the Green Elf, and Uhas selected a dish of the frozen, sweetened cream, drizzled with honey and sprinkled with finely chopped nuts, the very same dessert that Beinvír had enjoyed with Tergel and Khufshkarl. And finally, much to the Green Elf's relief, the meal concluded at last with hot tea and some small cookies flavored with mint.
In the aftermath of the meal, the servers cleared all away, and they pushed the laden carts out of the dining room. The chefs received copious praise from the diners, which they accepted with genuine elation, and each spoke a short monologue explaining the esoterica of their processes and the philosophical aims of their cuisine. They too withdrew, leaving the owner to be showered with glowing praise and a significant gratuity from Tulkh, to be distributed amongst his employees. He himself poured the diners their final cordials, effusively thanking them for their patronage ere taking his leave.
Zizîustabu led the party from the table to a long sofa set before a hearth where they nursed their cordials and indulged in the lazy, hazy stupor brought on by their flagrant o'ereating.
"Ne'er in all my life have I partaken of a more elaborate or beautifully presented feast. Every dish was flawlessly prepared and absolutely delicious. Ye have my most sincere thanks for gifting me this unique experience, my most esteemed hosts," Beinvír managed to say, as she reclined with eyes closed, basking in the warmth of the fire.
"Mmmmm…thou art most welcome, my guest and friend of the Ages," Tulkh replied. "Our hotelier and his chefs truly outdid themselves this night. Pray let us relax a while ere we discuss 'aught further."
To this, the others nodded or grunted in agreement. 'Twas not too much longer ere the Green Elf marked the slowing of their breathing and the fall of the glass from Uhas' hand as he dozed off. When she opened an eye and cast her glance at the others, she marked that they too were fast asleep. 'Twas two hours ere midnight on 29 Gwirith.
Now after the passing of another half hour, the employees left their niches along the walls and summoned the owner of the hôtellerie. He arrived shortly and bid the five remove their guests to the rooms reserved for them. Tulkh, Zizîustabu, Umrazugabshel, and Uhas were gently lifted from the sofa and seated in wheeled chairs, and then conveyed hence for their night's repose. Beinvír was the only one to reach her rooms afoot, much to the amazement of the staff. She found that her belongings had been arranged on a sideboard, and marked that her cloak and travel bag had been laundered. There she passed the remainder of the night willing her digestion to hasten, for she knew that with the morn, she would be called to endure some breakfast of ghastly excess.
The morn of 30 Gwirith came all too quickly, as any convict awaiting execution at dawn will attest. A rap on her door rousted her from bed, and there she found a messenger who summoned her, saying, "most noble and esteemed guest, Master Tulkh and his party crave thy presence at breakfast upon the privy terrace. Pray allow me to lead thee hence."
Beinvír could but nod and accept his invitation. She followed him through several halls, and up several flights of stairs. He conveyed her to a parlor that opened onto a terrace several floors above street level, from which a vista of the avenue opened, and at which Tulkh, Zizîustabu, Umrazugabshel, and Uhas were already seated 'round a table of filigree steel painted a pristine white. The Green Elf thanked the messenger, who withdrew straight away, and then she joined the company, taking the only unclaimed seat.
"Welcome, welcome, my most esteemed guest," Tulkh said, "'tis a fine morning, and I am glad thou hast joined us for breakfast, since all know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day."
Beinvír took a quick glance down at the street. 'Twas indistinguishable to her eye from its state the previous night, already abustle with traffic.
"My sincerest thanks for thine invitation, my most gracious host," she said. "'Tis my honor to share with you another important meal."
Scarcely had she spoken ere a server wheeled in a cart upon which was arranged a plethora of breakfast foods. There were stacks of griddle cakes and waffles, sliced breads and the toaster holding a bed of glowing charcoal 'neath its racks, fresh fruit, grilled sausages, sliced bacon and pan fried ham, hash brown potatoes and cooked cereals. A chafing dish held the scrambled eggs of many hens, soft, golden, and fluffy with milk. Accompanying these were a dish of softened butter, pitchers of cream and maple syrup, a salt cellar and a pepper mill, a bowl of sugar, a pot of coffee and another of hot tea, and a glass pitcher of chilled spring water in which slices of oranges floated. It struck the Green Elf as a very important meal, indeed more than she and Helluin would consume in a fortnight of breakfasts.
"I pray ye slept well?" She asked, just to make conversation. From 'round the table came a chorus of nods and grunts of affirmation.
Zizîustabu remarked that, "I sleep most soundly at every night's stay here. I deem this establishment's mattresses and pillows most accommodating."
Following such dinners as that in which we participated last night, I doubt not that a place on the pavement or in the wild would provide equal comfort for a night's sleep, she thought to herself.
The server introduced the breakfast fare and then withdrew. It seemed that he was charged to leave them in privacy for the duration of their meal, as he closed the doors 'twixt the parlor and the terrace, ere taking his leave of the parlor. The diners served themselves from the cart, heaping food upon their plates, or in Beinvír's case, selecting fruit, buttered toast, and tea. When all were served and seated again, Tulkh resumed their conversation of the night before, as if 'naught had come to pass since.
"As I offered aforetime, 'aught of aid that I can provide in hopes of safeguarding this realm shall be yours, my esteemed guest and ally of the Ages," he said ere he liberally doused a stack of griddle cakes with maple syrup.
"Thou hast my thanks, my most gracious host, and I hope that 'naught shall be uncovered that threatens the ancient Halls of Durin. Still, some images that came in a vision gifted to my beloved bring questions to light."
She marked that she now had the full attention of the Naugrim, and so she continued, providing some background for her concerns, for the content of Helluin's vision was not a privy matter 'twixt herself and the king.
"Alone she stood in a deep cavern whose floor was riven with fire, and in that dim place she sensed evil, and she saw ruddy flames advancing towards her. Neither she, nor the Lord Elrond, nor thy king recognized that place or time. A vast lake amidst tall cliffs far 'neath rock and stone she also saw, and this too was strange to the king and the knowledge of the Wise. None we have asked knew 'aught of those places, either from rumor, or from memory."
"No vast lake at the base of cliffs is known to me," Tulkh said with certainty ere he cast glances to his brothers, each of whom shook their head 'nay'. "I recognize not the chamber with riven floor and fire, though perhaps such may exist indeed, for in the deepest of our mines, some heats greater than reason would suggest have at times been reported."
"Whence?" The Green Elf asked as a shiver of dread passed up her spine.
"Such reports come from the depths of the Barazinbar Spur, which thy beloved discovered long ago. It hath been mined exclusively by the House of Gneiss for o'er fifty-one centuries now, and surpasses all other mines in both extent and productivity. Indeed a new vein has been found of late, leading steeply downward and to the north, towards the foundations of Barazinbar. The ore there is quite rich."
At the mention of the find, Beinvír marked a glint in Tulkh's eye that was mirrored by both of his brothers. They anticipated great wealth of mithril to come from the continued mining of the Barazinbar Spur.
"How deeply has the mining delved, pray tell? Does it surpass the Eighth Deep?"
To this question, Umrazugabshel chuckled and said, "the depth of the Eighth Deep was surpassed after six centuries of the Second Age. The Barazinbar Spur dives steeply at times, and runs 'nigh level in other places, yet o'erall, it shall continue to the very roots of the mountains, t'would seem. I wager 'tis now at least the equal of a dozen Deeps 'neath the lowest of the inhabited levels. 'Tis hard to be certain."
"Twelve Deeps 'neath the level of the Eighth Deep?" Beinvír asked in astonishment. She had only climbed the equivalent of ten deeps to pass from the level of the Ennyn Durin to the chamber on the Eighth Level wherein she had held counsel with the king. The current depth of the Barazinbar Spur was probably 'nigh one thousand two hundred feet 'neath the Eighth Deep.
Umrazugabshel nodded 'aye'. And t'would go deeper still, for the House of Gneiss would ne'er desist in mining so long as mithril ore was present.
"How oft come the reports from the depths of the mine, and how hot do those places become?" Beinvír asked.
"'Tis not so oft that we hear such," Tulkh said, "perhaps once or twice a fortnight. The heat varies, from just to be marked, to such as drives miners from a section for a day or two. Yet always it hath resolved on its own, and all returns to normal after."
"Have any divined a cause for such episodes?"
"Nay, they have not, and though guesses abound, none have been proven or disproven as yet," he said. He took up his fork and began eating a pile of scrambled eggs.
The Green Elf thought a while on what she had heard. It seemed that such heats as plagued the depths of the Barazinbar Spur came and went, the cause either growing and dwindling in many places, or else moving from place to place. She couldn't help but think of the moving fires that Helluin had seen in her vision.
"How widely are such reports dispersed?" She asked. "Came they from many distant places, or do they seem to abide closely 'nigh one another?"
"The reports have come from three areas, and have clustered 'nigh them in all cases," Zizîustabu said. "Two are at depths within a fifty fathoms of each other, whilst the third lies deeper still and somewhat to the north.
Perhaps they tell of intermittent pockets of steam, or even the magma that heats it. We know not. What we have not marked in any report is 'aught telling of instability. For two centuries there have been no tremors, or falls of rock from ceilings or walls in the mines reported. Nor have any told of the fumes or gasses that we associate with molten rock. None have spoken of hissing or rumbling heard through the walls of stone. 'Tis a mystery to all, yet so far, a mystery without ill consequence."
"Are such incidents predictable?"
"Nay, they are not. Neither place, nor time can we foretell."
Beinvír nodded to Zizîustabu in thanks for his words. Whatsoe'er generated the heats gave no indication that it moved, or it did so silently so far as the Dwarves could tell. It came and went, but with no predictable order. It manifested as heat alone, felt through the walls of the mine, but without any accompanying effects of sight, scent, or sound.
Many tidings they have shared, but no conclusions, and 'naught of certainty as to cause. Yet I deem all such tidings secondhand, for I doubt such preeminent Dwarves as these have e'er tarried whence the reports came.
"My most esteemed hosts, would it be possible for me to visit the site of the most recent report?" The Green Elf asked. She was unsure whether such a request would be acceptable, or if t'would be seen as doubting of the veracity of their tidings. Yet she hoped that her request would be taken as an opportunity to discover if there truly existed any threat to the continued mining of the mithril ore. In fact she was pleasantly surprised by their response.
"'Tis 'naught that we would appreciate more than thy willingness to investigate with thy fine senses and new perspective, 'aught of these phenomena that may be found, whose source has confounded us for centuries," Tulkh said. "An engineer shall be assigned to guide thee hence."
And Umrazugabshel added, "thou should take with thee thy guide Uhas, for I wager he hath orders to accompany thee 'til thou pass from Azanulbizar."
Next to her, Uhas gulped and nodded that 'twas just so. Obviously, descending to the depths of the Barazinbar Spur was the very last thing he craved.
Now Beinvír and the Naugrim continued their breakfast, though Zizîustabu took his leave for a short time, but returned ere the meal was done.
"I have arranged for an engineer of mining science to join us," he said, "and from here he shall lead you hence."
Beinvír expressed her thanks to the treasurer, whilst Uhas groaned. The meal ended and the five shared details of what to expect during their descent, though the engineer would provide more specific details.
The engineer finally arrived, and was introduced as Guryel¹. As she did not speak Khuzdul, Beinvír simply greeted him and expressed her thanks for his aid. Uhas blanched at the mention of his name. Guryel was a relatively young Dwarf to hold such a position, close to Uhas in age, the Green Elf reckoned, who proved possessed of a cheerful demeanor and demonstrated a good command of his craft. ¹(Guryel, Disaster/Calamity lit. Accident of all accidents. Neo-Khuzdul)
Beinvír and Uhas parted from Tulkh and his brothers with much praise and friendship, and great thanks to the House of Gneiss for their hospitality and aid. They followed Guryel from the hôtellerie, and then through the avenues and ways by which he led them. After perhaps a half-hour, during which time they had made their way in a more northerly direction than aforetime, the engineer directed them down the first of many flights of stairs. These were not continuous, as in the Endless Stair, but rather a staircase might lead to a landing and another set of stairs, or to an avenue and then an unassociated staircase. Save for Guryel's guidance, Beinvír, (and even Uhas), would have soon become hopelessly lost.
The trio continued thus for several hours, during which time Guryel recited the most recent reports, and those most outstanding since their start. He continued with a running commentary that did much to help lighten the time. 'Twixt his discourse and the passing scenery, Beinvír was surprised when Uhas called a halt for the noon meal. By then they had descended some three levels and come a league north.
Uhas led them to a small establishment well 'nigh identical to the one they had patronized for lunch a day ago. Indeed 'twas also called 'The Gyrating Sandwich', and 'twas run by a jovial and vastly o'erweight Dwarf who could have been the twin of the proprietor they'd met aforetime. Beinvír was astonished at all this, and yet more so when he spoke the very same words she had heard yesternoon.
"Greetings, my most esteemed guests," he gleefully recited. "I am blessed by Mahal to be visited by such noble diners, and I give thanks for your patronage. Ye art wise indeed, for all know that lunch is the most important meal of the day."
The Green Elf couldn't help but roll her eyes at that.
Again they ordered the specialty of the house, thin slices shaved from a conical roast of mingled lamb and beef, marinated in yogurt and many spices, that turned continuously on a vertical rotisserie. 'Twas obvious that Guryel knew the place and the owner, for they traded good-hearted barbs ere the trio took their sandwiches and resumed walking as they ate. Eventually, Uhas explained the bizarre situation.
"A family of thirteen brothers, long in the restaurant trade, developed a new business concept by creating identical establishments in various parts of the realm. They serve identical menus and strive to appear identical in all respects, for they believe that familiarity breeds trust and comfort amongst their patrons. Of late they have actually accepted another dozen proprietors, so long as they abide by the established business model and appear akin to the brothers. These secondary locations they call franchises, for each pays a monthly fee for the use of the concept and menu."
Guryel added that, "they hope to expand yet further, for their franchises have been successful, though they are looked down on by devotees of high cuisine. I wish them luck, for 'tis convenient to be able to find food of known quality wheresoe'er one may travel."
The Naugrim were certainly enterprising, and Beinvír could understand the appeal. Many a time she and Helluin had rued their patronage of unfamiliar local taverns whose common rooms foisted off questionable fare and remained open only due to their ale.
Through the afternoon, the three continued on their way, descending a staircase here, and walking an avenue there. In that way, o'er the course of another five hours, they reached the mine head on the Eighth Deep, some two leagues north towards Barazinbar.
"Now ere we enter the mine proper, there are some details to settle," Guryel said. He handed Beinvír and Uhas documents of many pages, and told them, "these are the standard visitor waivers, which must be filed by all non-employees of the House of Gneiss. 'Tis a formality for the most part, and ye needn't dwell on the details." He handed each a pen with which to sign the bottom of the last page.
The Green Elf found the Khuzdul text rendered in cirth of Khazad-dûm, and she couldn't read a word of it. A glance at Uhas revealed his bug-eyed stare at the first page, which read, "Guest Waiver for Accidental Death or Dismemberment".
After signing the documents, Guryel provided them with miner's safety helmets, each bearing two candles elevated on 'horns', and torches to carry.
"We need not light either as yet," he said, "as the mines are well lit for the most part. The added light is simply for emergencies."
'Twas not reassuring at all, but the engineer seemed unworried, and so Beinvír followed him down a ramp that led into the mine. They proceeded downward for another two hours ere they came to a section where a tunnel had been widened into a room, and where some concessions were provided. These included a well for drinking water, and a counter serving a daily meal. Being 'nigh a normal dinner hour, the space was filled with miners, and the trio joined them in a serving line. There they received a mug of water and a bowl of stew, with a hunk of dark, buttered bread. They sat with the miners on one of the many benches and ate.
After finishing their meal and returning their bowls and mugs, Guryel led them through a short passage and into a much larger chamber. There a shaft opened into the depths of the Barazinbar Spur, and atop it stood a massive contrivance wholly unfamiliar to the Green Elf. A glance to Uhas revealed a look of utter terror etched upon his face. Beinvír cast a questioning glance to Guryel and received a brief explanation.
"'Tis the Descenderator, a mechanical substitute for many miles of passages and stairs. It hath been in daily use for some centuries," he said, and after a slight pause, added, "and mishaps are quite rare. Come, my esteemed guests, let us board."
He led them onto a platform of sturdy planks measuring two fathoms square, with a hand rail for safety and a superstructure of struts. At the apex, a thick cable was attached, and this was wound through an arrangement of compound pulleys dangling 'neath a massive frame. The cable continued on to wind 'round a drum with cogwheels for further multiplying force, and a ratcheting wheel to prevent motion in the opposite direction. The drum sat in a cradle which had been anchored upon a stout foundation of masonry on the floor of the chamber. To each side of the drum stood a stout Dwarf with both hands resting on the handles of a crankshaft. By their effort, the mechanism could be activated, to raise and lower the platform with minimal exertion.
Guryel, Uhas, and Beinvír were joined on the Descenderator by a crew of nine miners, the last of whom was their foreman and closed the hinged gate in the handrail to fully enclose the platform. After a quick glance 'round, this Dwarf also called out, "all aboard!"
With that, the two Dwarves commenced to cranking the drum, and the platform began its descent. The movement was smooth and thankfully, somewhat slow. Uhas gripped the handrail with whitened knuckles, eyes clamped shut. Beinvír clasped the handrail and leaned far out o'er the side of the platform, the better to glimpse what lay below. This brought a chuckle from some of the miners as her slight weight caused the platform to list o'er a bit, prompting whimpers from Uhas.
"'Tis little enough to see in the depths," Guryel told her, "for the bottom lies so far 'neath us as to be invisible from here."
"How far down shall we descend, good Guryel?" She asked.
"The quarter part of a mile, or so," the foreman of the miners replied. "T'will take the quarter part of an hour."
A short time thereafter, the crew of miners began a chant in Khuzdul, which Guryel translated into the Common Tongue for Beinvír's benefit, and whose words were not the least bit encouraging.
O down, down, down we go,
Into the depths, steady 'n slow.
Hung from some woven threads, you know,
Lest we fall 'n smash our heads, ho, ho.
O dig, dig, dig you mole,
For treasure in this rocky hole.
We hope the ceiling holds, you know,
Lest we're crushed flat as rats, oh, no.
O crank, crank, crank us slow,
For gems 'n gold instead of coal.
Hung from this ancient rig, we hope,
The ones up top don't sneeze 'n let go.
The chant continued in the same vein for many verses, and just as the last was sung, the platform touched down with a thump, but no worse. The foreman opened the gate and the miners debarked. Ere leaving them, he explained, "the deeper the mine, the more verses they compose to fit. If they finish too soon, or worse, too late, they know the ones up top are off their game. Pray remain safe and have a good day."
Uhas finally let go of the hand rail and opened his eyes, saving Beinvír and Guryel the effort of prying loose his grip. The engineer directed them to one of the many tunnels opening into the chamber at the bottom of the Descenderator.
Now the trio continued on their way afoot, and e'er the tunnels led downwards and to the north. Many a side branch they saw, and many a tapped out vein they passed. The mine seemed endless, yet 'twas not so. 'Round what would have been two hours ere midnight, Guryel, Beinvír, and Uhas came to the end of the tunnel from which the last report of heat had come. This was at the end of an active segment, and many miners worked there with pick and shovel, sledgehammer and wheeled barrow. Many lamps lined the walls, or hung from the timbers that shored up the walls and ceiling. Their ears soon rang with the impacts from pick axes and hammers upon stone, the scrape of shovels removing chips, and the clatter as such were dumped into the wheeled barrows.
A gruff foreman met them as they approached, for though he recognized Guryel, he was loath to have any pause in his crew's digging, and so was less than welcoming at first.
"Time is money, Guryel, so I hope you'll not be making me broke this shift," he said.
"I have no plans to stymie thy efforts this night, my friend, pray carry on. We shall not be long, nor shall we hinder thy crew."
The foreman grunted, accepting the engineer's claim. He went back to where his crew was working to enlarge a depression in a section of wall where mithril ore was visible. Beinvír and Guryel came to stand behind the crew, watching as they labored to gain access to the vein.
After spectating a while, Guryel led them down a short side tunnel.
"Here is the site of the most recent report of the unexplained heat," he said. "After it abated, the remaining ore was extracted. That was now three days past."
Beinvír nodded to him and then came to the wall, and she set her hands upon the rock. Then she leant forward and set her ear to the stone. The ringing of the work crew's picks came clearly to her, along with the fainter sounds of their other labors, but 'naught else unexpected. Still, she remained thus for some time, concentrating in hope of detecting some tell tale rumor that might aid in explaining the fugitive heats. Yet finally, having marked 'naught, she straightened and sighed.
"I have found 'naught amiss and have gained no knowledge to aid in the resolution of this riddle," she said. Guryel nodded, expecting no more. Uhas breathed a sigh of relief, hoping they would soon be on their way from the mine.
"Thou hast said that the episodes of heat occurred in three areas of the mine," she said to Guryel, who nodded in confirmation. "Whence came the manifestation now oldest?"
"T'would be some three hundred feet higher in the mine and two furlongs north, give or take," the engineer replied after a moment's thought.
"Could we visit that site ere we depart, my good Guryel? Being already so deep in the mines, I see no reason not to take the opportunity to come thither."
"Aye," he said, "I see no reason to stay such a visit if 'tis thy desire."
At a nod from the Green Elf, he added, "come then, I know a route which shall spare us much backtracking, though we shall have to climb some stairs."
Indeed they climbed many stairs, and walked through many passages, yet in the half part of an hour, they found themselves in a deserted section of tunnel that dead ended in narrow chamber with high walls that resembled a well. 'Twas obvious that much labor, and probably much ore, had been extracted, beginning on a level some hundred feet above. The miners had then followed the vein downwards, eventually intersecting the tunnel they had arrived through.
"'Nigh a fortnight ago, the temperature in this space rose 'til none could abide it," Guryel said. "Two days later, 'twas again as it had e'er been. The mining here finished four days ago with the last ore taken at the base of the further wall."
Again, Beinvír set hands and ear to the stone and stood stock still, listening and concentrating in hope of marking 'aught awry. Here no sounds of mining could be heard 'nigh, only some distant echoes, and she deemed this a boon. Long she stayed thus, concentrating deeply, yet in the end she marked 'naught of heat coming from the wall. As she lifted her head and hands from the wall, and shook her head 'nay' to Guryel and Uhas, a faint sound akin to the echoes of the miner's labors came to her.
Uruš¹, it seemed she heard. If it had indeed been a word, 'twas from no language she had e'er known. Nor had it been spoken by a living voice, but rather it seemed a fanciful conjunction of background noises, conjoined by 'naught save her own mind's whimsy. After a moment, she dismissed it as the product of her deep concentration and deeper desire for a result. ¹(Uruš, Fire Valarin)
"We are done, I deem, for I have found 'naught peculiar in the Barazinbar Spur," she said, much to Uhas' relief. "Pray lead us hence, good Guryel. 'Tis time we quit this mine."
Guryel led them from the well through many tunnels, leading e'er upwards and to the south. Finally, they reached the large chamber where they had first entered the lower levels of the Barazinbar Spur. Uhas took one look at the platform and groaned.
"'Naught save my desire to leave of this place makes the sight of thy Descenderator welcome," he said.
"'Tis not a Descenderator, good Uhas," Guryel said, a note of cheer in his voice. "'Tis only known thus when used to descend. When used to reach a higher elevation, 'tis called an Elevator. 'Tis but common sense."
Beinvír stifled a chuckle and stepped onto the platform. Guryel and Uhas followed. This time, no crew of miners accompanied them. When he had closed the hinged gate, the engineer called out, "all aboard!" to a Dwarf standing to the side of the platform. The Dwarf took a deep breath and then blew a deep note on a comically large and ornate horn that was permanently affixed to the wall. The note reverberated and echoed as it carried up the deep shaft. After a few moments, the platform gave a lurch and began to rise.
Now after the quarter part of an hour, they reached the top and debarked from the Elevator. Guryel led them by different paths, for he knew his way 'round the mines and knew they were bound for Azanulbizar.
"O'er the course of our day's walk we have come not only down, but also to the north. The way to the East Gate lies along a different route than ye would have taken had we not visited the Barazinbar Spur. Therefore I shall convey you to the Eighth Deep where lodgings may be had, and in the morning we shall continue on our way. I deem that you shall come to The Second Hall of the First Deep in time for the evening meal."
For another hour they walked upwards and to the south, yet they came to the Eighth Deep in good time, for Guryel led them by less traveled ways, so 'nigh midnight they reached a serviceable inn that catered mostly to those who had business at the mines. The two Dwarves went to their rooms straight away, and fell immediately to sleep. Beinvír sat up on her bed, replaying the day's events, but she discerned 'naught that had been missed. Though disappointed by the lack of answers, she finally deemed that a good sign, and drifted off into memories of the Greenwood and the Woodland Realm. 'Twas by then the early morn of 1 Lothron.
The following day was spent ascending from the Eighth Deep, whilst walking south and somewhat east. With each mile, it seemed they ascended a level, climbing many staircases one after another. Ere noon, Uhas recognized their location on the Fourth Deep, and after conferring briefly with Guryel, the engineer took his leave and Uhas resumed his role as guide. His first destination was a place to eat lunch.
They patronized an establishment that specialized in hot sandwiches comprised of a grilled patty of ground beef on a toasted bun, topped with melted cheese, strips of bacon, sautéed mushrooms and onions, and pickled cucumber slices. The bun was dressed 'neath the patty with a spicy yellow sauce, and above with a sweet tomato sauce. 'Twas accompanied by a pile of deep fried potatoes, sliced into thin strips that had a square cross section much like very short leather thongs. O'er the door hung a sign depicting a jolly king seated upon a throne, whose seat was one of the sandwiches. It bore Khuzdul cirth that Uhas translated for Beinvír as 'Burger King'.
Thereafter they continued on their way by many avenues, through large public halls, and always it seemed, up another staircase. That afternoon passed thus and without respite, yet as Guryel had promised, 'round the time of the evening meal, they entered the Second Hall of the First Deep. Down a side passage lay a hotel that catered to the merchants and traders who came to the East Gate to barter their wares. There Beinvír and Uhas took rooms for the night, and then repaired to the common room for supper.
"I am not at liberty to discharge my duties ere I see thee safely upon the road, my most esteemed guest," Uhas said as they ate a supper of basic tavern fare. "So, thou art bound next for the realm of Lórinand?"
"Aye, there to trade tidings with King Amroth, and to meet with the Lord Celeborn and the Lady Galadriel."
"I have heard some lore regarding that land, and from the vale of Azanulbizar, even have I seen a distant hue of gold, just to be espied on a clear day. 'Tis said the trees bear leaves of gold that fall not 'til spring. Could such be true?"
"Thy lore is sound, Uhas, for the mellyrn trees of Lórinand are famed in all the western lands," Beinvír said. "Tall and straight they grow, and amongst them are set many telain, platforms upon which some of the Elves there live, whilst others are used as lookouts and shelters by the wardens of the marches."
"A wonder it must be," the young Dwarf said, and the Green Elf marked a faraway look in his eyes that spoke of daydreams. "Our traders see that land from their caravans as they drive north upon the road to the Ford of Anduin. They tell many stories of the other places they have seen."
"There are many wonders in the world, and many tales to hear. Perhaps one day thou shalt see somewhat of the world beyond thy halls."
"Perhaps," Uhas said as he finished off his mug of ale, "but for now, 'tis to bed that I must go, and so I wish thee a good night."
They took their leave of the common room, and Beinvír bid her guide a fair rest. Then she repaired to her room, reviewing the way down Nanduhirion to Lórinand that she would tread upon the morrow. She wondered if she would find Haldir and his brothers upon the border, and perhaps visit Lady Nimrodel. She had many tidings to share with the high-strung lady of the Golden Wood.
A chuckle escaped her at the thought of how Nimrodel would receive the account of her little sister's wedding to King Thranduil, and then she gasped. All her senses were fixated by an outpouring of such power as she had not felt in many, many centuries. 'Twas the Light of Aman, and it called to that fragment of Light that she had once absorbed through the Palantír of Elostirion long ago. The power held steady for some moments, and then it diminished and passed, and for an instant she felt elation, and then dissatisfaction that progressed to brooding as the impression faded.
Beinvír knew of only one repository of such power upon the Hither Shores. Helluin. 'Twas the opening hour of the morn of 2 Lothron.
After sensing the blast of Light from Helluin through the link 'twixt their fëar, the Green Elf got no rest. With effort she resisted the compulsion to turn 'round and make for the Ennyn Durin and Eriador at once, to bring aid to the one who held her heart. Yet even a moment's consideration contradicted that impulse, and she remained outwardly calm. Finally, she resolved to continue with the plans upon which she and Helluin had agreed. Yet again, there was 'naught more that she could do.
For once, the dawn seemed delayed by several years, rather than arriving too soon. Beinvír had been pacing upon the threshold when a knock finally came on her door. She opened it so abruptly that Uhas flinched where he stood in the hall outside.
"'Tis time for breakfast," he offered, for once seeming uncertain about a meal.
"I pray thy pardon, good Uhas," Beinvír said. "I find myself…hasty this morn."
The Green Elf was standing with her travel bag already draped o'er her shoulder and her weapons girt about her. She stepped into the hall and pulled the door to her room closed behind her, then gestured Uhas to lead the way to the common room.
Breakfast that morn was a stilted affair. Uhas dined as normal, ordering a pot of scrambled eggs, bacon, ham, toasted bread with butter and honey, and fried, shredded potatoes with onion. Beinvír filled her flask with water from the pitcher on the table, then ordered three apples, two of which went into her travel bag, along with a small loaf and a cheese in red wax. Wholly preoccupied, she offered 'naught of conversation.
The blast of Light that had come from Helluin was unexpected and a cause for wonder, but the moment of elation after belayed her worries of mishap, and there had been no impression of fear or anguish. She resolved to ask the Lady Galadriel if she had learnt 'aught of the war in Arthedain from the Lord Elrond, or if tidings had come from Fornost regarding her beloved. Being Calben, surely Finarfin's daughter would have marked Helluin's outpouring of Light, and investigated it by such wiles as she commanded. The meal passed whilst she pondered these things.
At last, Uhas set aside his mug and said, "I mark thy preoccupation this morn, my most esteemed guest, and I can understand thy desire to be away. Pray let us make our path to the gate that thou can be the sooner upon the road."
Beinvír blinked and withdrew from her ruminations.
"I fear that I have been poor company this morn, my most esteemed guide. For that, thou hast my sincere apologies, along with my sincere thanks for all thy aid, and for thy indulgence of my curiosity in visiting the mines. I hope the delay of a day has caused thee no hardship in thy duties."
"I suspect that, as Uzrak Tulkh learnt of thy presence in Khazad-dûm from Durin himself, thy sojourn in the mines was intended, and so I expect no negative repercussions from the delay."
He regarded her 'cross the table for a few moments ere he continued, saying, "it hath been my privilege to accompany thee, Beinvír of the Laiquendi, friend and ally of the House of Durin. Despite my fears of heights and the deep places of this realm, it hath been an honor to spend this time with thee. Now I shall complete my assignment and accompany thee to the gate."
They rose from the table and took their leave of the common room. Shortly later, they left the hotel and made their way back to the Second Hall. Before them lay Durin's Bridge, and whilst crossing it, the Green Elf paused at the center of the delicate span and spent some moments staring down into the darkness of the bottomless chasm. But finally they reached the further landing and ascended the broad staircase to the First Hall, and there before them, flanked by companies of guards, lay the Azanulbizar Gate, the East Door of Khazad-dûm. To the Green Elf's surprise, all the sentries snapped to attention, and they bowed to her as she and Uhas passed the door. Beinvír could not but stop and bow to them in turn, with as much solemnity as she could muster, returning thus the honor offered her by ancient allies, renewed again.
"'Tis not oft that our soldiers have the opportunity to farewell a legend," Uhas explained. "Farewell then, Cónhal Beinvír, Ghost of Mitheithel, friend and ally of the Ages. The good will of all the Longbeards goes with thee. Pray offer the regards of His Highness King Durin VI to His Highness King Amroth of the Golden Realm of Lórinand, and those others of the great amongst thy folk who dwell there, the Lord Celeborn, and Galadriel, golden lady of the Noldor."
He then bowed deeply to her, and Beinvír returned his bow just as deeply.
"Thou hast my thanks for all thy aid, mellon Uhas, and for the hospitality of thy glorious realm, may it prosper 'til world's ending. I pray thee, offer my sincerest thanks to Uzrak Tulkh and his most esteemed brothers, Zizîustabu, Umrazugabshel, for their hospitality and friendship. Pray also express my deepest thanks to His Highness King Durin VI for his enduring friendship to me and my beloved, Helluin Maeg-mórmenel. We honor him 'til the last of days."
Finally there was 'naught more to say, and with a parting smile, the Green Elf stepped from the threshold and made her way down the Dwarf Road. But Uhas stood long 'nigh the door, and the captain of the guards at the Azanulbizar Gate came to him and asked, "'tis truly she who fought in Eriador when our warriors campaigned there in the Second Age? Had she any tales of battle to share with thee?"
After a moment's thought, Uhas replied, "aye, 'tis truly she, and yet no words of battle passed her lips, and no tales of celebrated victories did she tell. I deem that to her, such is distasteful despite the glory she hath won by it. Indeed, had she not borne a bow and the long knives gifted to her by our people long ago, I would not have taken her for a warrior at all."
The captain shook his head, understanding it not in the least. Though valiant, Elves were strange people. He nodded to Uhas and then returned to his company.
Now when Beinvír came to that place where the road ran 'nigh the southern bank of the Mirrormere, and Durin's Stone stood close by, she found a company of traders walking in the same direction. They bore heavy backpacks laden with trade goods, and carried walking sticks to ease their passage. The Green Elf hailed them as she approached, and they made her welcome amongst them, to share the road in good company, as there was e'er greater safety in numbers. So they passed the morning, telling tidings of the trade route that ran east to Lake Town and the City of Dale. These were places the Green Elf had ne'er visited, and so she was curious and greatly enjoyed the traders' lore.
The road ran alongside the river Celebrant as the land descended towards the banks of Anduin, and Beinvír delighted in the water's silvery voice. The morning was sunny and warm, and promised a beautiful spring day. The Dwarves too were in high spirits, for they were optimistic about their possibilities for profit, and not yet weary from walking. Though their packs were heavy with wares and rations, the road ran downhill and they made light of their burdens. By noon the company had come four leagues from the gate, and they stopped for the noon meal in a pleasant glade that was known and frequented by travelers.
The meal passed with growing friendship and many jests and tales told. Beinvír spoke of her visit to the mines, a place where none of the traders had been. They listened in amazement to her descriptions of the vastness of the excavations and tunnels, from which so much wealth had been won, wealth that had trickled down to enrich a kingdom and in part, even finance their own enterprises. Finally, after passing a leisurely hour, they resumed their way. 'Twas then an hour past noon, and in another three hours, they would come to the branching of the road, where the company would part ways. The traders would take the northward spur leading past the Gladden Fields to the Old Ford of Anduin. The Green Elf would continue on the eastward spur, which crossed Celebrant's tributary by the 'New' Bridge 'nigh the flet of Nimrodel, and then follow it 'til she turned north into the Realm of Lórinand.
Now the road continued to descend, and they passed into the first trees of the forested slopes that led down to the banks of Anduin. These were not mellyrn, but rather a mix of ash, elm, sycamore, alder, birch, rowan, and bird cherry characteristic of a mixed upland hardwood forest. The company enjoyed the sounds of birdsong from many species, and the continuing music of Celebrant's water, running e'er stronger in its course. Their pace was leisurely, for they enjoyed both the blessings of the day and each others' company, and none were in a hurry to part ways.
So 'twas that they came to the branching of the road at half-past the fourth hour after noon, and there they spent some minutes bidding each other farewell. Yet finally, the Naugrim hoisted their packs and set off north, and Beinvír watched their backs disappear round a curve amidst the trees, and then she too began walking again, now anticipating a meeting amongst the mellyrn with friends long sundered. Alone now, she brought forth a flute from her travel bag and began a tune, upbeat, melodic, and appropriate for a pleasant walk. After a short time, she marked that some birds tried to join in, and this brought a smile to her face. Then, as she took a breath to begin the next passage, she heard the distant voices of Dwarves raised in shock and fear, and amongst them, the harsh voices of Yrch.
The voices she recognized as those of the traders she had just parted from. All too easily she could imagine her new friends assailed by their hereditary foes, and so she dropped her flute and travel bag, and took off back up the road at a dead run. Quickly she came to the branch in the road, and she hastened north as fast as her feet would carry her. 'Twas not long ere she heard yelling and the clash of steel and wood. The traders were defending themselves against Orkish swords with 'naught but their walking sticks. Then she came 'round a turn, and through the trees before her she beheld the battle.
As her ears had told, the traders stood in a circle back to back, with an increasing count of Yrch completely surrounding them. Their backpacks lay on the ground 'twixt them and their assailants, and they brandished their walking sticks in defense, but they were so vastly outnumbered as to make their defense in vain. Yet more Yrch were drawing 'nigh, coming from the west, from the uplands of the Hithaeglir…from the eastern foot of the Caradhras Pass. These were the survivors, or perhaps the deserters, of the battle she had seen on the western slopes ere she came to the Ennyn Durin. They would have no love of Dwarves.
Now her bow was in her hand, and she drew and released on the run, dropping those foes closest to her friends. Two dozen arrows she shot, and two dozen of the enemy fell, and the Dwarves would have cheered her prowess had the field not stood so dire, for their enemies numbered still o'er two hundreds. Then she dropped the bow and her empty quiver, and the twin long knives were in her hands.
Into the midst of the circle of Yrch she spun, hewing and stabbing at a blinding pace, and 'twixt their shock and her speed, none could get a blade to bite upon her. Seeing her onslaught, the Dwarves took heart and swung their walking sticks at the arms and heads of their enemies with deadly intent. More of the Yrch fell, and yet more came.
Then amongst the Yrch newly come to the battle was one who bore a short, black bow. He stood back at a distance of but four fathoms, closing not, but preserving his distance for shooting. Clumsily he set an arrow to the string and he drew. Yet graceless as was his handling of his weapon, when he aimed, his release sent a black fletched arrow to stick in the chest of one of the traders. The Dwarf fell to his knees, and he comrades stood still in shock. 'Twas all the advantage the surrounding Yrch needed, and they fell upon the traders, slaying another two in but moments. And Beinvír saw that the archer was drawing again.
The Green Elf cut down two foes to gain a clear path to the archer, yet even as she charged, she could see that he would release again ere she could stop him. His second arrow was as well aimed as his first, and another Dwarf fell, shot in the eye. In the next moment, one of her knives sliced 'cross his throat, and his blood fountained up in a dark geyser. Behind her, the remaining traders were stunned and in shock. They swung their walking sticks ineffectively, or simply held them up to ward off blows. O'er the next few minutes of the battle, they fell, one by one.
In a wrathful frenzy, Beinvír had continued slaying all whom she could reach, and in some corner of her mind, she finally understood the rage that so possessed her beloved in combat. Yet the Green Elf was not the Mórgolodh, whose very presence would have brought despair to those that opposed her, sending such as faced her now to flight. She was not a tireless Calaquende, possessed of the Light of Aman from which to draw strength and endurance. She wore no impregnable armor of mithril. No enchanted Ring had she, to fly and slay at her command, and then condemn the spirits of her fallen foes. Two fighting knives she bore, each the length of her forearm, not a longsword with a fell will and bloodlust all its own. But most importantly, she had not the blind joy in battle, the craving for slaughter, and the fey prowess such traits conferred.
For another quarter part of an hour, the Green Elf continued to slay her foes, and still none could lay a weapon upon her, but rather they fell at a steady pace. Yet as that time passed, the Yrch seemed to gain in prowess and their courage was increased. 'Twas strange, but now Beinvír was required to put forth her greatest efforts just to slay those that opposed her, and in each moment, it seemed that more and more were willing to do so. Their resistance to her efforts continued to increase, 'til she was forced on the defensive, and thoughts of taking flight came to her. So many of the enemy still surrounded her, and still more were approaching the battle. She realized 'twas a conflict she could not win by force of arms, and she deemed her best option was to withdraw.
Despite some difficulty, Beinvír had cut down a pair of Yrch, and now a path out of the fighting lay open to her. She moved into the breach 'twixt her foes and looked for a passage through the forest, and there she beheld a horror wholly unexpected.
Thither, not four fathoms before of her, stood a tall figure in a tattered black cloak, a rusty longsword clasped in the antique gauntlet encasing its right hand, but 'neath the cloak's hood, 'naught of a face was to be seen.
A Wraith of Sauron! Scant wonder then, the reinforcement of the Yrch.
Well hast thou fought, an opponent far beyond the ken of my slaves who opposed thee. I applaud thy prowess, She-Elf, yet now 'tis thee who is outclassed.
The Wraith made a gesture, and Beinvír felt the morgul he cast as a blow that drove all sense from her. Just ere the blackness enveloped her, she cried out 'cross the link of spirit that she shared with Helluin. No words, only sorrow, and the pain of loss.
'Twas five hours past noon of 2 Lothron.
To Be Continued