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.

180. In An Age Before Chapter 180

In An Age Before – Part 180

The evacuation of the hill forts took three full days and the last to arrive were those who had the furthest to travel. They had ridden three score and five miles from the northernmost fort. The horses were lathered and the Men sweating and well 'nigh asleep in their saddles. 'Twas mid-afternoon on the 22nd and Helluin could see dust rising from the road to the west. She guessed that the Host of Angmar was no more than five leagues distant by then.

In the days since her arrival, Captain Úcúnon had arranged all things for their flight. The full garrison of Amon Sûl awaited the last of their comrades at the base of the ascending road, 'nigh the sentry post where water and food had been made available. The newly arrived Men and horses were allowed an hour's rest ere they were to ride east. Wisely, the captain had made space available in supply wagons retrieved from the other forts, and the fifty soldiers from the northernmost fort collapsed into them and fell into a deep slumber. Their horses were to walk on leads in a train behind the wagons, but without the weight of riders, saddles, or tack. In the fourth hour past noon, they set out at last, four hundreds mounted, and two dozen wagons with fifty riding in their beds, dead asleep lying on sacks of supplies and folded tents.

"I deem we have made our escape with 'naught of time to spare," the captain said to Helluin as they rode side by side down the East Road. They kept their horses to a fast walking pace, just swift enough to slowly outdistance Men and Yrch afoot.

"Aye, and our lead shall only grow, for when the enemy reaches Amon Sûl, full night shall already have fallen. In the dark, they shall not espy us even from that height. On the morrow, they shall spend time searching the ruins of the tower, and then more time searching the forts. I wager that we shall not be pursued, for by the time they would be free to give chase, we shall be beyond the Last Bridge, far out of their sight or reach."

The captain nodded in agreement. The plan was good and more, he had left behind a battle he could not have won, and he had preserved the lives of his Men. Of supplies, beasts, and wagons, the material of war, he had left 'naught. On that fading afternoon, he could not know that from the Fall of Fornost, almost all of Arthedain's soldiers had escaped, to either Lindon, or now, to The Angle. By the wisdom of King Arvedui, the Dúnedain forces had withdrawn from the Northern Fortress ere it fell, leaving behind a battle they could not have won, and of those lost, lore would recount the valiant fifty who had served their king to the last, and the two hundreds who had foolishly tried to hold the crossroads.

Behind the fleeing soldiers, the Hillmen and Yrch behaved just as Helluin had predicted they would. Eager for slaughter, (and deeming themselves crafty at tactics), they had continued their march, timing their arrival for after nightfall so as to fall upon their foes in the dark. They wagered their success on the advantage of surprise, and for the Yrch, the advantage of fighting in their favored element, darkness. As they marched east on the road, Anor sank behind them, and they even slowed their advance apace for the sake of their timing.

The Host of Angmar finally arrived at Weathertop, and with such stealth as they could muster, climbed the ascending track to the summit of the Hill of Wind. 'Twas two hours past nightfall when they reached the ring of stones, and there they found none to oppose them. Their initial surprise turned to frustration and rage ruled them. In a frenzy, they tore down what they could and burnt all they found. The flames further blinded them to 'aught else, and so they missed the train of riders and wagons slowly making their way east, and already a six leagues distant. By the morn when they finally stayed their flight, Helluin and the Dúnedain were o'er ten leagues from Amon Sûl.

Helluin and Captain Úcúnon rode through the hours of night and camped cold during the daylight for the first two nights, and they put 'nigh sixty miles 'twixt themselves and any pursuit, yet 'twas as the Noldo had expected. The Hillmen and Yrch spent the next week marching north seventy miles, seeking for foes amongst the deserted hill forts. When they found none, they returned not, but rather continued north, terrorizing the few they found ere returning to the Ringwraith in Fornost with tales of victory. In the meantime, Helluin and the captain's soldiers crossed the Last Bridge on 25 Cerveth and then followed the road east another two score miles ere they turned south on a surprisingly good dirt road. There Helluin stayed the column.

"Captain, here we enter the holding of the king, and though we come in peace, so many soldiers cannot but appear as an invasion force. I deem t'would be wise to display flags of parlay, one borne by the lead rider of each company of fifty, for we have been shadowed since we crossed the Last Bridge."

Captain Úcúnon gave her a startled look, then turned and looked back down the column. Four and one-half hundreds of mounted Dúnedain bearing spears, swords, bows, and shields. He looked at Helluin in her ragged black cloak and antique black armor and shook his head.

"We look like an invasion force, aye, led by a Ringwraith," he said, and then burst out laughing at the expression of shock on the Noldo's face.

Ere they set out again, the sergeant at the head of each company bore a white flag measuring one ranga by two, attached as a standard of peace to the shaft of the spear he carried.

Along their way south they saw cultivated fields absent farm hands, hamlets in which 'naught moved, and farmhouses standing still and silent. They saw not a single living person or beast, and heard no voices or sounds of labor. 'Twas eerie indeed, and despite their flags of peace, 'twas the reception given to an invading army. And yet Helluin knew they were not alone.

Now in the afternoon of their second day riding south they came upon a place where Helluin's memories told of a fence stretching off 'cross the landscape in both directions, and a gate 'cross the road bearing a sign requiring all who came thither to wait forty days ere they could pass to sanctuary. Trees had grown up since she had seen this place last, and what had been cultivated fields were now open woodland. There, Helluin called a halt and rode on alone through the gate and past fence that stood now only in her memory.

She had come not a dozen yards ere she was halted by a company of Rangers in hooded cloaks of mixed greens, who rose from the ground or came from behind tree trunks. A dozen held drawn bows aimed at her and only the sergeant of the company stood with a bared sword and hailed her.

"I bid thee name thyself and thy purpose. Thou ride at the head of an army who have come uninvited to the lands of Rhudaur. Be thou friend or foe? Answer swiftly, for thou and all thy Men stand at arrow point."

The Rangers had appeared as if from 'naught and had mustered and surrounded the Dúnedain in silence, wholly unmarked. Helluin nodded to herself in approval. The training that she and Beinvír had provided to the original Rangers in King Galor's time had been faithfully passed down for o'er five hundred years.

"I am Helluin Maeg-mórmenel of the Host of Finwë, and with Beinvír Laiquende, was upon a time the tutor of the original Rangers of Rhudaur in the days of Galor son of Galion, Lord of Celenhár and thirty-fifth King of Eriador. In those days, we were also the protectors of Lady Lainiel, heiress of Dúrrél, Lady of the First House of the Atani of Beleriand, and after, Queen of Eriador.

In search of sanctuary and succor, I have led hither the survivors of the garrisons of Amon Sûl and the Weather Hills forts, loyal Dúnedain soldiers of King Arvedui in fallen Arthedain. We come in peace and mean no harm to the realm of Rhudaur or its people."

For long moments the sergeant and his company moved not, nor lowered their bows.

"If thou art truly Helluin Maeg-mórmenel, trainer of the first Rangers, then the names of the three met upon the road who first plead the case for training are known to thee."

"Aye, they are known to me," Helluin answered. "Cánégin, Rachdan, and Leginbór whose horn we heard as they came from south of the road to aid us against two dozen Hillmen who had assailed us as we rode from Imladris. They wore the aged uniforms of soldiers of Rhudaur. 'Twas Nórui of 1472."

The sergeant nodded, accepting her words, yet that lore was known to all the Rangers.

"As one who witnessed those days, I pray thee, share with us thy recollections of the meeting and courtship of Lainiel and Galor, for he had long been king and she a lady of equal station. 'Twas in the year following her arrival with thee that they became betrothed."

At first Helluin could but stare at the sergeant, wondering how badly his people had distorted their past. Finally, with a sigh, she sought to disabuse him of his version of history.

"I have no such recollections, for the events involving the courtship and marriage of Lainiel and Galor, and even his discovery of his lineage as king, happened far differently from how thy lore recalls them. Hearken to me now, and I shall tell you how it truly came to pass…"

Thereafter, she spent the quarter part of an hour recounting how Galor and Lainiel had grown in mutual esteem o'er the course of the Rangers' training, and how in Gwaeron of 1482, she and Beinvír had accompanied the couple on Galor's fateful first visit to Imladris. She told of how, after months of research in Elrond's library, Galor had stumbled upon a chart of lineage that traced his line down from Balar, the lost son of Balan, who had been acclaimed the first King of Eriador in S.A. 2994. The Noldo related their return to Celenhár with the now declared couple, and how Galor had been acclaimed by his people, and then proposed to Lainiel during a night of drunken revels that he had for the most part forgotten by the following morn. The couple then rode to the home of Lainiel's adoptive parents, Lady Eilianu and Lord Húngan, Regent of Cardolan, where their betrothal was reaffirmed, and where their wedding was planned and celebrated on 21 Cerveth, 1482. The whole was a less heroic, but much more humorous and human story that rang with the unexpected twists that real life brings. Ere she finished, the Rangers had lowered their bows and the sergeant had sheathed his sword, for ere she had spoken long, they had looked her in the eyes, and there they had been held so that pictures came into their minds from Helluin's memories. They saw the truth that no spoken lie could taint.

"But I deem you test me, to relate that which you already know," she said at the end, ere she blinked, breaking the spell. Whilst sharing thus, they could no more dissemble than could she.

"Thou speak the truth in that as well," the sergeant admitted, "yet in these times, with a host from Angmar already on our borders, we could take no chances in light of the strength thou hast brought. Be welcome then, Helluin Maeg-mórmenel, and bring thy soldiers hence to encamp for the night. Word shall be sent to our lord of your arrival, and further arrangements shall be made."

"Ere we part, I pray thee, tell me, good sergeant, is there still a king as well as a lord in Celenhár, and is there still also a Lady of the First House? The last I knew were King Boron, son of Hírnas and his cousin, Lady Rínriel, in the time of the Great Plague."

The sergeant shivered and looked at her a moment ere he answered. The horrors and suffering of the pestilence were still a source of fear. Those whom she named had passed 'nigh three and a half centuries ago, and the current king and lady represented the tenth generation since.

"The realm of Rhudaur is ruled by Níshír¹, Lord of Celenhár and the nine and fortieth King of Eriador. The Lady of the First House is Athelrian², Chief Healer of the realm. ¹(Níshír, Triangle Lord, 'Lord of The Angle' = naith(triangle) + hír(lord) In proper nouns the diphthong –aí simplifies to -í and the –th at the partition becomes –s. Sindarin) ²(Athelrian, Herb Lady = athel(herb) + rian(lady) Sindarin)

After thanking the sergeant for his tidings, Helluin pledged to settle the Dúnedain ere bringing their captain to present himself before the Lord of Celenhár. To this, the sergeant nodded in agreement with her course and then gave a piercing whistle that even set some of the horses to prancing. From the ground and the surrounding woods, Ranger after Ranger appeared, and though Helluin did not attempt to take their count, they seemed no fewer than the soldiers of Arthedain. The Rangers formed themselves into companies and quickly dispersed into the countryside, save for a contingent who passed down the road towards Celenhár.

Helluin returned to the mounted column and marked the astonished stares at the withdrawing Rangers and the muted comments from the soldiers. She rejoined Captain Úcúnon and they took counsel together, for he was both greatly impressed and very curious.

"Captain, the Ranger bid thy soldiers encamp on this land, and after all is ordered, we are to present ourselves before the king at the town of Celenhár, where he is also the town's lord," Helluin told him. "I shall lead thee hence."

"Very well," Captain Úcúnon said, for he could not but agree, as he needed the aid of a people who had already proven themselves formidable. In spite of that possible threat, he was more curious than afraid. "Thou hast known these Rangers aforetime, Helluin. What sort are they?"

"Aye, I knew them well in days past. I found them courageous, determined, honorable, and loyal. They have preserved their training for five hundred years, and I expect that their other virtues remain unsullied."

The captain nodded, accepting her words, and then he called the sergeants and his lieutenant, whom he charged with ordering the camp. When he saw the soldiers dismounting and taking up the tasks assigned to them, he returned to Helluin.

"I deem the ordering of the camp in good hands, for 'tis a labor long familiar to all. I believe I am free to accompany thee to answer for the presence of myself and my Men."

With a nod, Helluin bid the captain follow her, and she led him down the road, past the copse of willows, now grown great, whither Gwilolrán and the other Green Elves had tarried as they aided the Rangers in maintaining the quarantine during the time of the Great Plague. The group of trees along the bank of the Idethol appeared deserted, and though both knew that appearances could be deceiving, Helluin sensed none lingering there.

Now they took the road that led east, towards Bruinen, and after a couple miles, they saw the gently rising land upon which the town of Celenhár stood. Though the Noldo marked the rooflines of a few newer buildings and the modest expansion of the structures along the banks of the Idethol, the size and character of the town were remarkably unchanged. It brought a smile to her face.

Though from different causes, time passes Celenhár by as surely as it doth pass Imladris by, she thought.

Their feet felt the change as they reached the upslope that led into the town where there stood neither wall, nor gate to stay them. The street intersected a main way as it had e'er done, whilst the same market square she had known aforetime bustled with activity. Helluin had no difficulty leading them to the town hall. It appeared in all respects identical to her memory of it from 1472, when she had first arrived with Beinvír, Lainiel, Leginbór, and Rachdan. A company of Rangers waited outside, but they stood at their leisure, softly talking amongst themselves, not as sentries on guard. Helluin caught the eye of one and tilted her head towards the door. He nodded to her to proceed, and then resumed his conversation.

I deem that by now, 'tis little we can tell the lord, for I am sure he hath received detailed reports from his Rangers.

"Captain, this town, and perhaps this hall as well, date from the mid-Second Age. Indeed Celenhár was founded, or I should say rebuilt, following the return of its people after the War of the Elves and Sauron. 'Tis but scant years younger than Imladris and predates the building of Fornost by 'nigh seventeen centuries."

Surprise registered plainly on Captain Úcúnon's face, and he regarded the building, two stories of wattle and daub, half-timbered and rising from a waist-high foundation of fieldstone. 'Twas unremarkable to his eye, much the same as many a town hall in villages throughout Arthedain. Though 'twas his first time setting foot in a settlement in what had once been the rival realm of Rhudaur, had he not known otherwise, he would have thought himself home. Still, he could not help but feel a sense of awe at the ancientry of this place that dated from the time of Ciryatur and Tar-Minastir. Just ere she opened the double doors, Helluin paused again.

"The Lord of Celenhár is a hereditary office held by sons in direct line for eighteen generations or more. The lord has also been King of Eriador for at least as long," she said. Then with a sigh she added, "Lord Níshír is the nine and fortieth king who can trace his lineage back to the First Age. He is the heir of Balar, elder son of Bëor, who led the First House of the Atani into Beleriand. His kingship has endured beyond Númenor, Arnor, and now, Arthedain as well."

With that, she opened the doors and they came into the antechamber. Then she led the captain into the hall proper, where all appeared as if taken from her memories, save perhaps the greater wear on the boards of the floor.

Úcúnon saw an open space, thirty feet wide by sixty feet in length, with 'naught of posts or interior walls to support the exposed ceiling beams two fathoms o'erhead. He marked the tapestries on the walls and the low dais with its four ascending steps at the far end, upon which were set three simple chairs of carved wood. The dais was backed by a large tapestry whereon the elk of Rhudaur was embroidered in gold upon a field of red. The center chair was occupied by a Man of middle years, dressed as a Ranger, who was just rising to greet his guests. The flanking seats were vacant.

Úcúnon marked that the Lord of Celenhár was a tall Man and obviously a Man of Twilight. He was 'nigh equal to the captain in height, but more powerfully built. His hair was a medium brown, as were his bright eyes, and his skin was shades darker than the pale Dúnadan's complexion.

As they walked towards the dais, Helluin's eyes rove o'er the space as she sought something unseen that she sensed lingering 'nigh. 'Twas a strong power, neither hostile, so far as she could tell, nor wholly strange. Softly, to the captain who paced beside her, she whispered, "we are not alone."

The captain gave her a questioning glance, and though he carefully surveyed the hall, he held his peace, for he saw 'naught save the lord descending the steps to greet them.

When they had advanced to a fathom before the dais, Helluin stopped and offered the Man a deep bow, and the captain did likewise, for he was following her lead.

"Lord Níshír, son of Redhir, Lord of Celenhár and King of Eriador, I am Helluin Maeg-mórmenel, a friend and ally of old. With me is Captain Úcúnon, of late, Commander of the Garrisons of Amon Sûl and the Weather Hills. He is accompanied by four hundred and fifty loyal soldiers of Arthedain who seek sanctuary within thy realm whilst Arthedain is occupied by Angmar. I have led him hither, and by thy leave would see his Men, and other refugees who may come after, succored for a time in Rhudaur."

The Lord of Celenhár had descended from the dais, and came to stand before his two visitors. He returned their bow with solemnity and then, dismissing formality, offered them a broad smile and stepped forward to clasp forearms with Helluin in the manner of allied warriors.

"The welcome offered thee in the time of Galor, son of Galion is hereby renewed, Helluin, and I rejoice in thy visit," he said. "Of thee came many gifts to my people, for thou brought to us not only the ways of a Ranger through which many friendships were born, but also the Lady of the First House. From all these, we have been greatly enriched. I count myself blessed to live in this time when legends walk amongst us."

At his words, Helluin raised a brow in question. For all that the Rangers might consider her a legend, she was only one. With the twitch of an eyelid that might have been a wink, the lord passed on to other topics. Helluin found herself reminded of Lord Oldbark who had displayed the same affectation upon a time or two.

"Captain Úcúnon, thy soldiers and the Men of the West are welcome here. As thou know, my folk too have endured a dark history with Angmar and its Witch King. 'Aught that we can do to foil his designs shall be our pleasure," Níshír said.

Úcúnon dipped his head to honor the lord's words and said, "thy welcome of my Men is greatly appreciated, Lord Níshír. As thou and thy folk have done, 'tis our dearest desire to recover our lands and drive hence the minions of the Ringwraith."

The Lord of Celenhár nodded gravely, for he understood the captain. More than this, he desired to aid the Dúnedain in their quest to retake their lands, for far more welcome as neighbors and allies was the realm of Araphor and Argeleb whom his forefathers had known, than the realm of Angmar.

"Helluin, when I learnt that you had come, I sent for Lady Athelrian who is the current generation's Lady of the First House. I bid you both join us for the evening meal," he said. "Our families too shall join us, for I deem that none would miss the opportunity to greet you."

"We shall be honored to join thy board, Lord Níshír, and thou hast my thanks for thy gracious invitation," Helluin said. "Too, I have tidings of Eriador to share, of Imladris and Fornost, Lindon and Sûza, and of the actions of other allies known to thy forebears upon a time."

"Gladly will I hear thy tidings, Helluin, and some too have I to share with thee. Perhaps even some allies shall join us this evening as well," he added cryptically. Then he turned to Úcúnon and asked, "have thy soldiers sufficient rations and shelter to see them through the night, captain?"

"Aye, my lord. With Helluin's tidings we had three days' grace ere the foe appeared, and so we took all provisions, conveyances, and beasts from our posts that the Yrch and Hillmen who came after would find 'naught of sustenance or 'aught else to aid their cause, may the Valar curse them."

The Lord of Celenhár nodded and offered the captain a smile. It seemed that they were of one mind in their enmity for the Nazgûl and his minions.

"Helluin, another friend of old tarries amongst us, and he would greet thee," Níshír said.

'Twas obvious that he enjoyed holding some surprise and the Noldo could but nod to her host.

"Some presence I have felt hither, and I would share in the knowledge, for 'tis not thy Rangers only who move unseen here'bouts," she said.

Then from one of the two doors at the sides of the dais, which Helluin knew led to the living quarters of the lord's family, none other than Mithrandir came forth with a smile of greeting on his face. The captain looked questioningly 'twixt him, the lord, and Helluin, for he obviously failed to recognize the old Man in the worn grey robe with his long, wild hair and beard.

Straightaway the Istar said, "well met, Helluin, I had wondered when you would join us, though I know you have been busy of late."

Helluin finally understood whose presence and power she had sensed upon entering the hall. She bowed to the Maia and offered her own greeting.

"Mae govannen, meldir nín ifant, 'tis a joy to find you here. Indeed, I have been busy of late, having flown from Imladris to Fornost, and then to Lindon, ere riding to the Shire and finally hither by way of Amon Sûl."

"Thou hast been busy longer than that, I wager, for the Hithaeglir thou hast not mentioned," he said, giving her a glint of his bright eyes and the quirk of his lips suggesting a wry smile.

Helluin groaned at that reference to her rampage amongst the Yrch, but the Wizard made no further mention of it at that time. Rather, he passed to other matters of concern.

"Now that thou art here, we can hold a council of war, for Imladris must be freed and Lindon too. Lord Meneldor bears tidings more oft than burdens and soon some disquiet in the east shall change the concerns of Gondor. We must be ready."

That glutton of an Eagle made no mention of troubles amongst the Wainriders, Helluin thought rather uncharitably.

But then, thou asked 'naught of him concerning tidings, Gandalf chastened silently, though with a smile on his face.

Helluin could only groan in response. Again, she was reminded of Oldbark and his Onodrim.

"The Men of Rhudaur are eager to do their part against the rats of the Angmar," Níshír said.

During all this talk, the captain had not ceased staring amongst the group. Finally, Helluin made the introductions.

"Captain Úcúnon, this is my old friend Mithrandir, a widely traveled counselor and mover of events, and a member of the Order of the Istari. Mithrandir, the captain was officer of the Weather Hills and Weathertop garrisons that were recently o'errun by the Host of Angmar."

"Welcome, captain of Arthedain," the Wizard said as he smiled at the Dúnadan. "'Tis good fortune that has brought you and your Men hither at just the right time, and I feel that many more shall follow thee in the future."

Helluin gave her old friend a questioning glance at that declaration, but he revealed 'naught and she could only guess that he meant the refugees and soldiers from the crossroads.

In fact, he did not, but that lore is written amongst the annals of latter days, yet it gave Mithrandir cause for thanksgiving. The suspicion of necessity that had brought him joy when Helluin and Beinvír had first taught their skills to Húngan and his four comrades in Cardolan had shaped the future he now saw more clearly. The way of the Ranger would be passed on in the north, for no longer would Arthedain be able to field massed armies and defend fortresses as of old. The way of the Dúnedain would change for a long time to come, yet a strong foundation had been laid, and strong would be the walls that rose from it 'til the King would come again.

Now the afternoon was growing late, and the lord bid Helluin and Úcúnon to join him and Mithrandir in the private spaces of the hall that lay behind the dais. They passed through the door and into the large kitchen, and there took seats 'round the dining table.

At a call from the lord, wide-eyed youth in Ranger greens attended them, pouring goblets of wine, and setting a cheese and a loaf before them upon a cutting board. He brought out a pot of fruit jam, a pot of honey, and a dish of butter. There too he set a frame for the toasting of sliced bread if any should care to hold it o'er the coals that glowed in the large kitchen hearth. Then at a gesture from the lord, (and with obvious reluctance), he withdrew through a door leading further into the lord's apartments.

"He is one of several village youths engaged in learning their letters in the scriptorium," Lord Níshír said. "Of course at his age he may value his lessons in woodscraft and archery the more."

That brought a chuckle from the captain, who said, "as did I at his age."

For another half-hour, the four spoke of the state of Eriador, and most, Mithrandir asked after the state of Elrond and Imladris, for because of the Ringwraith's blocking force, he had not yet been able to come thither. Helluin told all she could of the Peredhel's realm, both what she had observed in her few hours' stay and what Glorfindel and his company had told her as they had returned from the Hithaeglir. Mithrandir shook his head sadly at her tidings, but Captain Úcúnon listened in amazement, for of the Eldar he knew only old tales from aging veterans of the war in 1851, and none he knew had e'er visited the Hidden Valley.

Now the rear door of the town hall opened, and from the lane behind entered a young Ranger, a woman of middle age, and a younger woman in her twenties. These Lord Níshír introduced.

"Helluin Maeg-mórmenel, Captain Úcúnon, I am pleased to introduce my son Gwíthír¹, who serves Rhudaur as a Ranger. Here too are Lady Athelrian daughter of Canthriel², Lady of the First House of the Atani and First Healer of Rhudaur, and her daughter Lady Brennil³. ¹(Gwíthír, Country Lord = gwaith(people, country) + hír(lord) In proper nouns the diphthong –ai simplifies to –í. In this case, the –th is not changed to -s at the partition. Sindarin) ²(Canthriel, Bold Daughter = cand(bold) + riel(daughter) In proper nouns the –d becomes –th at the partition. Sindarin) ³(Brennil, Lady Sindarin)

All three of them stared at Helluin, and she at them, especially Brennil, who to the Noldo had all the familiarity of a ghost. This Mithrandir marked and he shot Helluin a questioning glance. Having finally recovered from her surprise, she joined the captain in rising to her feet and offering the prince and the ladies a bow.

"Lord Gwíthír, Lady Athelrian, Lady Brennil, 'tis my pleasure to greet you," she said, and then after nervously swallowing and taking a deep breath, added, "Lady Brennil, thou remind me of one known to me from thy house long aforetime, and I was shocked at first to see one from my memory alive before me again. I pray thy pardon should my reaction have caused thee any discomfort."

To her credit, the younger lady only smiled gracefully and asked, "Lady Helluin, of whom dost thou speak? To whom does my countenance bear such likeness?"

"Thou art the image of my charge, Lady Lainiel, returned 'cross time. She was dear to me and hard was her passing, for I had known her all her life. Even thy voice is the same to my ear."

"Lady Lainiel, the adaneth who was borne 'cross time and wed Lord Galor?" Lady Athelrian asked in astonishment. "The first lady of our house in the Third Age?"

With a nod, Helluin confirmed her words. "Aye, Lainiel, heiress of Dúrrél, elder daughter of Baragund, the elder son of Bregolas of Dorthonion."

"This reappearance of those known aforetime is an effect thou hast seen aforetime," Mithrandir said. 'Twas not a question.

"Aye, I have indeed, my friend. Tar-Ancalimë, Tar-Telperiën, and Inzilbêth vesse Ar-Gimilzôr all looked exactly like me, whilst Tar-Minastir looked exactly like my husband, Vëantur." At the looks of astonishment from the others, Helluin explained, "my daughter Almarian wed Írimon, who took the name Tar-Meneldur, the fifth king. Almarian's younger daughter Almiel wed Númandil, third lord of Andúnië."

"Likewise thou art a wonder to us, Helluin," Brennil said. "We have a picture of thee, now o'er five hundred years old, and thou art identical to it."

"I know the one," Gwíthír said and he took his leave in haste.

Now during his absence, the gathered company spoke more of Lady Lainiel, for Brennil was intensely curious about the ancestress to whom she bore such an exact likeness. Yet soon Gwíthír returned bearing a worn folio that Helluin recognized immediately.

"'Tis the work of Lord Rochen," she said in amazement, "second Regent of Cardolan and Lady Lainiel's adoptive brother," she added for Captain Úcúnon's benefit.

"In the days of the Great Plague, the line of the regents was ended with the death of Lord Castron, son of Rochen. After the Plague died away, Rangers of Rhudaur came to Cardolan seeking tidings of our allies there. The land was emptied and that branch of our family fallen. They came to the mansion, and finding it deserted, recovered 'aught of historical value that it not be abandoned to the ravages of time," Lady Athelrian explained.

The prince leafed through the drawings and sketches, finally finding the one he sought and then laying the folio out for all to see. There, lovingly preserved as if it had been rendered a day ago, was a sketch of Helluin and Beinvír with the swaddled babe ere she had a name, drawn in 1448 by Rochen at the tender age of seven.

Mithrandir cast a worried glance to his old friend. In Helluin's memory that moment lived, to be recalled and seen with the clarity of the present. None of the others gathered there understood this gift and affliction of the Eldar. None truly understood the silent tears that tracked down Helluin's face, or just why the Istar reached o'er and gently shut the folio. His heart broke for her as she slowly rose from her seat and without a word, walked to the back door and went out to sit on the steps outside.

To the questioning looks from the captain and the lords and ladies, he said, "after o'er four thousand years together, Beinvír was lost to Helluin in 1851, and to this day, she has not discovered her fate. Since that time, she roamed the Hithaeglir seeking tidings. She asked her questions of the Yrch, and when none of them could answer, she slew them all, sixteen thousands."

To Be Continued