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.

186. In An Age Before Chapter 186

In An Age Before – Part 186

Chapter One Hundred twenty-two

The Liberation of Imladris – The Third Age of the Sun

Now to the realm of Gondor on 2 Gwaeron came an embassy to Eärnil II. In the Hall of Kings, the Lord of Gondor met this esteemed assemblage, for they were allies of old and had proven faithful to the Men of the West since the days of Minalcar. The king descended from his throne and clasped forearms to welcome the three Men who had ridden south to Minas Anor.

"Lord, I am Arne, Captain of the Third Hors Earm of King Frumgar. In Rhovanion we have heard that thou prepare to wage war on behalf of thy brothers in the north of Middangeard," the golden haired Man said.

"Aye, thou hast heard true," King Eärnil said. "A fortnight hence we sail for the port of Lindon to honor our treaty with the realm of Arthedain."

"Our king sends warm greetings to his far cousin and offers our aid in battle if thou would have it. I have brought two thousand riders to join the host of the long sons of Vidumavi. Lord, the Men of the North honor their alliances too."

King Eärnil bowed his head to honor Arne's words and the bond of distant kinship that King Frumgar cited. In truth, he was thankful to have the Northmen's aid. Expert horsemen and courageous warriors they were, and their people had aided the Dúnedain since the days of Rómendacil, o'er seven hundred years aforetime.

"I would be honored to have thy aid, Captain Arne Frumgarsen. Great thanks I shall send to King Frumgar."

The captain smiled and bowed to the king. 'Round him, his fellow Northmen congratulated each other. They would ride to war for glory and revenge against the goblins who had slain their late queen. If anything, they bore a deeper hatred for the Witch King than the Dúnedain of Gondor, for they had suffered the persecution of his old minions in Dol Guldur.

"Pray have the riders housed and their horses stabled, Lord Pelendur," the king told his steward.

Pelendur nodded and stood from the low chair at the bottom of the dais. Like his king, he knew that Arne was not merely a captain commanding a cavalry army. He was the second son of King Frumgar, younger brother of his king's heir Prince Fram, and therefore second in line to inherit the throne of Marhwini. The youngest of the two riders who accompanied him was Leifr Frumgarsen, King Frumgar's third son, no doubt sent to gain experience in war.

"Pray follow me, my lords. I shall assign Men to attend ye and to find lodgings and accommodations for your Men and horses," the steward said.

Pelendur led the embassy out of the Hall of Kings by a door to the rear of the throne. Along the way, they spoke much of the state of Rhovanion, the realm of the Northmen, and what requirements and accommodations their army might favor for the coming fortnight.

"My lord, we are Men accustomed to freedom, who live close to our mounts," Prince Arne said. "Also, we are many, and having so many riders and horses in the city could prove a strain. We seek not to discomfit our allies and friends in Minas Anor. Likewise, we are an army, used to hardship. So long as we are unconstrained and our mounts are safe, we shall be satisfied."

Pelendur looked at the Man a moment. All too oft aforetime had the steward been required to cater to self-centered and self-important minor nobles from the fiefs to whom no measure of hospitality seemed sufficient. He deemed that Arne was of a wholly different sort, more concerned with being unrestricted by foreign convention than kept at his ease.

"Surely after their long ride thy Men would favor some comforts whilst in Minas Anor, food, drink, and the sights of the city," he said.

"Aye, all those they would enjoy, I doubt not," the prince replied, whilst thinking to himself, and thy merchants and hostlers would equally enjoy the commerce of two thousands. "Lord Steward, I deem that if thou can provide us space to encamp and allow us free entry to the city, we shall be happy as guests for a fortnight. I see already many soldiers here'bouts. Indeed the crowds in the streets are foreign to us and to our horses. We shall both rest easier outside thy walls."

Pelendur nodded to Arne and 'twas decided. The lands to the south of the outer wall and close by the foot of Mindolluin were set aside for the camp of the Northmen. There they would have ample room to spread their tents, fresh water from the streams coming down from the mountain, and easy access to the gate of the city. In the first circle, the riders could gather in the common rooms for ale and a meal, and to share camaraderie with other soldiers and knights. Indeed, they would not even need to ride thither, leaving their horses comfortably grazing on the dried winter's grass of the Pelennor, or riding for exercise without walking the cobbled streets within the circles of Minas Anor.

After Pelendur led the Northmen from the Hall of Kings, Eärnil sent messengers to Pelargir. Ships to berth and transport two thousand riders, their horses, support personnel, and supply train were now required, for the Princes of Rhovanion would ride to war with the Host of Gondor.

Now on that same day, Helluin came to the town hall in Celenhár, having returned from Lindon to The Angle with Meneldor the previous night. She immediately sought audience with Lord Níshír. They met in the kitchen at the rear of the town hall, with Lady Brithil, Prince Gwíthír, and Mithrandir attending.

"How fares the king, Helluin?" The Lord of Celenhár asked.

"I deem he awaits the ship I saw leaving Mithlond, and his wait shall be for another three days, or perhaps four. More than this, I know not, for I have heard no more from him," she said. "I will say that Queen Fíriel and Prince Aranarth are joyous with hope for King Arvedui's rescue and return. I too hope it shall be so."

She mentioned not the Lord Círdan's reluctance to have either she or the prince sail to the north. Having heard 'naught from the Ship Wright of any definite danger, she could report no certain reservations. Rather than taint their hope with doubts, she held her peace.

Lord Níshír nodded. In truth, he had expected to hear no more.

Mithrandir, on the other hand, looked at her closely. She had also said 'naught concerning Meneldor, for some thoughts had come into the Istar's mind regarding that Eagle's comportment, though not anything definite. Still, he had suspicions that some gruesome caprice had taken place. He shook his head and dispensed with that train of thought.

"Helluin, what intend thee?" The Wizard asked instead.

"I deem the matter most pressing now is the liberation of Imladris. If Gondor comes as thou suspect, then Lindon shall fare well against the remnants of Angmar's blocking force. I wager that the Hidden Valley shall receive less aid from the south, and even more dire would be their plight should reinforcements come from Carn Dûm. 'Tis therefore to the freeing of Lord Elrond and his people that I now turn. I shall enlist the aid of the Laiquendi."

"Excellent," he said. We see the need alike in this, and so she saves me the need to ask, for I have already asked much…even if some of those requests have been unspoken. "Hast thou any impressions of that front?"

"Well 'nigh as soon as it appeared, the blocking force was marked by the Green Elves, and they have kept watch on those servants of Angmar e'er since," Helluin said. "With the fall of Fornost, whither they had deemed their arms were most needed at first, they split their forces 'twixt Lindon and Rivendell, and they have whittled away at the count of the enemy on both fronts e'er since.

I must meet with Laiquendi scouts to hear tidings of the foe and of the battle as it now stands, yet I am sure that the blocking force outside of Imladris has been substantially reduced from a year ago. Indeed I would not be surprised to learn that they have been halved in that time."

Mithrandir nodded, accepting her calculations. There had been no tidings of major battles 'nigh the entrance to the Hidden Valley, and so whate'er fighting had occurred would have been scattered incidents of sniping or minor engagements. The Green Elves were inclined to shoot scouting parties, foragers, deserters, and small companies they could surround in the dark, rather than fight in massed battles.

"Helluin, would thou consent to bringing Rangers to meet with the Laiquendi?" Lord Níshír asked. "In days past, we allied ourselves with that kindred, and though it hath been many years now, they aided us during the Plague Year and in numerous campaigns aforetime."

The Noldo gave serious thought to his request. Were he anyone else, she would have refused outright, yet the Rangers of Rhudaur were the one kindred of Men who had historically joined the Green Elves in battle and been accepted by them as allies. In the future, it might be a benefit if they were to reestablish their alliance.

"Three whom I know may accompany me to meet with the Green Elves," she said. "Túrandir, Remmirath, and Cúran shall go, for I fought beside them in the neck two months past."

Níshír nodded, accepting her reasoning. Any warrior would prefer proven comrades in arms to strangers. 'Cross the table, Prince Gwíthír swallowed his disappointment, yet he too understood her choice.

It took the remainder of that day and the next to recall the three Rangers, for only Cúran had been in Celenhár. Remmirath had been on patrol to the west and Túrandir had been on leave, visiting his family's farm. Yet at dawn on 4 Gwaeron, Helluin and the three Rhudaur Rangers rode north along the same track they had taken aforetime to exterminate the Yrch deserters. By day's end, they had reached the base of the neck 'twixt the East Road and Bruinen where its course turned more easterly. Thereafter, the land narrowed, becoming hillier and more densely forested. Fifty miles on at its furthest tip lay the eastern end of the king's road and the Ford of Bruinen.

"We shall set a camp here tonight," Helluin said, "and perhaps we shall be met, for I have no doubt that we are marked. If not, then we shall proceed in the morn."

The Rangers nodded, saying 'naught as was their nature when in the wild, but setting to work tending their horses. 'Twas telling that despite the chill, none sought for deadfall to make a fire, nor prepared a circle of stones to hold it. Cúran and Remmirath took the water skins and guided the horses to a stream, one Ranger to keep watch as the other refilled the skins whilst the horses drank their fill. As the weather that day was clear, they spent no effort on constructing shelters for the night, leaving themselves fewer traces to hide the following morn.

After Cúran and Remmirath returned, they picketed the horses 'nigh the camp. Helluin and the Rangers consumed some rations and then the mortals settled to sleep whilst the Noldo kept watch. The camp was dark, silent, and scarcely to be marked even by one passing 'nigh. If 'aught revealed their presence, 'twas the scent of the horses, their occasional soft breathing, the shifting of hooves, the fall of dung, or the swish of a tail. Ithil made his nightly journey 'cross the sky and the stars twinkled far above. All seemed at peace.

Hours passed as Helluin sat in the dark. She cast forth her senses, and as she still did from time to time, sought for the connection she shared with her beloved Beinvír. Ne'er had that link 'twixt their fëar disappeared, and so she sighed in relief, for by that sign she knew that somewhere, somehow, the Green Elf yet lived, and on the spiritual plane they were still bound together. Alas, there was no reply. There had been none since that final explosion of woe on 2 Lothron, 1851.

Now Helluin's spiritual seeking was not without profit. The landscape revealed through her 'sixth sense' reported on the fëar of the living that surrounded her. Closest, she marked the three ghostly glows of the sleeping Rangers, wavering phosphors of white, as mortal Men of virtue had e'er appeared to her. Such could vary wildly in intensity. There too were the four glows of the horses, and myriad lesser points of light marking the smaller lives of squirrels, birds, and 'aught else that drew breath. All of them were surrounded by a haze of pale green that varied in concentration, as she perceived the lives of the olvar in their season of rest. Finally, at some remove, she marked four steady points of white, more focused than the spirits of Men. Green Elves, she thought, for such lights were the tell tale of the Firstborn, as white gems they are, yet not so brilliant as those who once dwelt in Aman.

If she could see them thus, then she knew that they could see her as well, and probably more easily still. Only from the Great Enemy was the sight of her fëa denied. She had but to await their arrival for the meeting she sought. T'would be a pity if the Rangers slept through it all.

With the toe of her boot, she pressed against the bottom of Remmirath's foot, her breathing being quickest, indicating that she slept the most lightly of the three at that time. The Ranger's eyes opened and by the blue glow of the Noldo's eyes, she saw Helluin holding a finger to her lips requesting silence. Then she cast her eyes to the other two Rangers.

Slowly, Remmirath reached o'er and clasped Túrandir's forearm, giving it a squeeze 'til he wakened. Like the female Ranger, he moved 'naught save his eyes. He looked to Remmirath and saw her glance at Cúran, who slept soundly on his other side. Túrandir repeated Remmirath's action, waking his fellow Ranger just as silently. When Cúran's eyes opened, he looked to the other two Rangers, saw that they were looking at Helluin, and then he too gave the Noldo his attention. Staring eye to eye, they each heard her voice come into their minds, communicating thus in silence.

Remain still, mellyn nín. Four approach with stealth. We shall await their arrival.

Though unnecessary, each gave her a nod of understanding, as is the impulse amongst mortals.

'Twas another ten minutes ere the silent Laiquendi came 'nigh the camp. They stood in the darkness marking the group.

"Pray be welcome to our camp, mellyn nín," Helluin whispered to the darkness.

"Mae govannen, Mórgolodh," a soft voice replied from the shadows. "Túlich mellyn ifent vín.¹" ¹(Túlich mellyn ifent vín, You have brought our old friends = tulo-(v. bring) + -i(near past tense suff, have brought) + -ch(2nd pers sing subj suff, you) + mellyn(friends) + ifent(old, pl adj. form) + vín(1st pers pl poss. pron., our) Sindarin)

Helluin nodded in agreement and glanced at each Ranger in turn as she introduced them.

"With me are the Rhudaur Rangers, Cúran, Túrandir, and Remmirath, who come to honor the friendship and alliance of old 'twixt their people and yours," she said. "We intend to add our arms to the breaking of the leaguer of Imladris. How stands the battle?"

Having met friends and learnt the 'who and why' of their presence in the woods, the four Green Elves broke from their stealth and entered the camp. The Rangers sat upright now and dipped their heads to their guests in greeting. They received nods of acknowledgment in return. Three of the Laiquendi seated themselves whilst the fourth remained standing, surveying the surrounding night as a sentry. Helluin considered her watch relieved and sat with the others.

Now of the Green Elves, none were familiar to Helluin by name. A couple seemed vaguely familiar, perhaps seen at one time or another o'er the centuries, but she did not spend time seeking for those memories.

"I am Andwath¹, and with me are Calenél, Tavor, and Gíllas²," the seated ellon said, nodding to indicate each of his company in turn. ¹(Andwath, Long Shadow = and(long) + gwath(shadow) At the partition in proper names, –gw becomes –w, but the usual change of –d to –th does not occur in this case. Sindarin) ²(Calenél, Green Star = calen(green) + él(star), Tavor, Woodpecker, and Gíllas, Bright Leaf = gail(bright light) + las(leaf) Sindarin The diphthong –ai becomes -í in proper names. Sindarin)

Helluin nodded to each as they were introduced and received a nod in return. Calenél and Tavor, an elleth and an ellon respectively, sat to either side of Andwath, whilst the second elleth, Gíllas, had taken the watch. Having introduced his company, Andwath replied Helluin's query.

"We came hither from Fornost in late Gwaeron last, and for the past year we have prosecuted a campaign against the blocking force outside of Imladris. Our scouts deemed their initial count to be some six thousands, mostly Yrch and Hillmen who fight afoot, but also a few hundred mounted Easterlings. They were accompanied by six score Wargs, many of whom served as mounts for the Yrch, and packs of wolves numbering a couple hundred. Of the Tor, we have marked a score and two.

Straightaway we began shooting any we found in scattered encampments, or traveling a few together on their flanks. By Lothron, we counted five hundreds slain, mostly Men and wolves. O'er the months since, we have taken another fifteen hundreds, Yrch, Men, Wargs, and wolves, and we deem that of the latter two kindreds, but few now remain," Andwath said.

"The Yrch hold the road and the lands close to it and so have not presented themselves on the host's outer flanks oft enough for us to have reduced their count by more than a few hundreds. Of the Tor, they remain closest to the entrance to the Hidden Valley, and we have not tried to engage them," Calenél added. Andrath and Tavor nodded in agreement with her.

Helluin nodded to them, understanding now the disposition of the enemy forces. By night, the Tor would be the most effective at blockading the narrow opening through the cliffs. The Yrch had remained closest behind them where the possibility of taking prisoners for sport and feasting was most likely, and perhaps too, cowardice at serving on the flanks of their host whither the danger of unseen foes was greatest.

"The entire host has become concentrated upon the road and within the lands a couple furlongs to either side," Andwath said. "They now fear to tread far afield."

His comment brought a grim grin from the Noldo, and then she asked, "are the positions of the Easterlings' cavalry pickets known?"

'Twas Calenél who replied. "O'er the months of winter, many of the horses have succumbed to starvation; their own and that of the troops. The lands here'bouts are hilly, wooded, with little grass for fodder, and so they found insufficient pasturage. Hunger too drove Men and Yrch and even the Wargs and wolves to feast upon them. I doubt many more than a hundred survive, kept 'nigh the southern verge of the road whence the Easterlings encamp." She shook her head sadly at the fate of the once proud beasts.

Helluin nodded her thanks for those tidings.

"When morn comes, I bid ye return to Celenhár," she told the Rangers. "Prepare then all of the Rhudaurim and the Dúnedain who would take part in the coming battles and await me there. I must first come to Imladris and take counsel with the Lord Elrond. I shall rejoin you in seven days' time."

Cúran, Túrandir, and Remmirath all gave her a nod of acceptance, and though they each had many questions, they held their peace and maintained their silence.

To the Laiquendi, she said, "I shall arrange the destruction of the Tor and deprive the Easterlings of their remaining horses, for they deserve not their service."

The three Rangers looked to her in astonishment, only to see a feral grin shape her lips. When they looked back, the four Green Elves had vanished.

On 5 Gwaeron, the Rhudaur Rangers mounted their horses and took their leave, returning south to Celenhár. They had many tidings to share with their lord and their commanders, yet each of them knew that ere the morrow's end, two thousand Rangers and four hundred fifty Dúnedain would be preparing their weapons and looking for Helluin's return. Captain Úcúnon would no sooner miss a chance to strike against the forces of Angmar than would they.

Of those things still unknown were Helluin's plans and the count of the Laiquendi. She had asked not after their troop strength and they had claimed 'naught unasked. Mostly, they wondered how she planned to destroy a score and two Tor, for to defeat even one of those creatures would require the efforts of a company.

Now with the departure of the Rangers, Helluin went to Barq and spoke with him, for she had a mission that he was best equipped to undertake.

My friend, battle comes soon and again I shall not ride into the first clash of arms.

The warhorse regarded her with a long-suffering pout.

I doubt not that thou hast thy plans, O Helluin, yet what part may I play save charging into battle with thee? He asked.

Ere I am free to join thee in battle, I must free many of thy kindred from starvation and predation, O Barq. I would that thou lead them hence once I have achieved their liberation.

To this, the warhorse gave serious consideration. 'Twas a noble task and she had asked nicely.

Have their masters taken such poor care of them? Have they received so little consideration?

They have been starving in lands unfit for horses to abide, and of late, they have suffered slaughter and been consumed by hungry Men and Yrch. 'Tis no just fate and I chafe to allow its continuance.

At these tidings, Barq snorted and stamped and narrowed his eyes.

I shall lead them hence with joy, O Helluin. Thou hast great honor to consider the welfare of others even ere taking up arms in a righteous combat.

Then accompany me hence and we shall come 'nigh the place of their captivity this day. In the night I shall free them so that they may come to thee. I pray thee lead them to Celenhár that they may take up a new and better life.

The horse nodded and began stepping in place, obviously eager to begin the mission. Helluin rolled her eyes, but only after turning away to collect her travel bag. They took paths leading northeast through the woods of the neck, and after coming a score and ten miles, they broke for a rest in the mid-afternoon.

Henceforth we shall walk together, O Barq, for now stealth more than speed is most necessary.

As thou wills, O Helluin. I shall be quiet as a mouse, he said.

Helluin nodded to him in approval though she considered his claim ludicrous. Yet as they progressed, she was truly impressed with how soft his hooves fell and how quietly he breathed. She marked that he was even taking care in the placement of his feet, snapping no branches 'neath his hooves and treading not upon rocks with his iron shoes.

Evening came and then night fell as they continued their march. In the third hour of darkness, they came to the banks of the Bruinen, just o'er a league south of the road, and again they paused whilst Helluin projected her senses.

We draw 'nigh, she told him. The closest of the Easterling camps lies but a league north. We shall approach another two miles ere I must leave thee, my friend. There I bid thee await such as I may send.

Barq nodded to her and then followed her silently along the bank of the river. After another hour, they reached a small dell where the forest had opened and a sheltered patch of dried grass lay alongside the water. Barq immediately lowered his head and sampled the fodder.

Hmmm…not bad, if a bit dry, he said when he looked back up into her eyes.

Helluin nodded and told him, t'will be a good place to wait, and an easier place for the others to find than any clearing amidst the woods. They need only follow the banks south.

Barq nodded in agreement. The dell had both fodder and water, and was out of sight.

I shall await thee and those thou send hither, he said.

Pray await me not, but when the last arrive, I bid thee take thy leave. I must find my way into the Hidden Valley after. I shall rejoin thee in Celenhár.

He nodded and said, may good fortune and victory follow in thy footsteps, O Helluin.

Now after she had taken her leave of Barq, Helluin made her way forward with stealth, and she came 'nigh the camp of the Easterlings. The stench of it announced its position even ere the sounds of a couple hundred Men and their remaining horses. Though she could have passed the sentries unmarked, she silently slew a dozen so that the southern flank was unwatched after.

As expected, she found the pickets 'nigh the bank of Bruinen where water was most easily available. In silence, she slipped amongst the dejected and fearful beasts, and she spoke with them in silence, eye to eye, as many as she could engage with at a time. Group after group she shared thought with, and they spoke softly with others of their kind 'til after the better part of an hour, all had heard her offers and decided to quit their service to the Easterlings and escape. In truth, they had few options.

They were in a strange land, starving, and after others of their kindred had disappeared and not returned, they had become increasingly nervous and distrustful. Their masters were obviously lying to them regarding the fates of those missing, any horse could tell that. They felt betrayed and most had to admit that they were no longer in condition to bear a rider into battle. They had become too weakened by the cold and the lack of food. Staying would serve no purpose save hastening their demise.

Now one of a kindred with whom they could speak directly had come amongst them. No more could she tell untruths when conversing thus than could they. She obviously perceived their sorrow, fear, and hopelessness, and they felt her sympathy for their plight. When she offered them liberation, they nodded and agreed to follow her instructions to meet with one of their own kind previously freed from like servitude. They all had enough 'horse sense' to recognize a good deal when they heard it.

So 'twas that Helluin slipped amongst them, cutting picket lines and fetters. She bid them hasten south down the riverbank to a dell whither her friend Barq waited, and there to inform him, (as they had informed her), that they were the only survivors and no more would come after. There they could take water and graze a short while, but they must be away as soon as possible lest they be pursued by wolves or Wargs. They nodded gravely and offered their thanks ere they walked quietly away into the dark.

Helluin watched them go 'til their footfalls faded from hearing. She walked swiftly away from the pickets heading west, and when she had come three furlongs from the river, she turned half north. She intended to make her way beyond the Easterling camp and that part of the road patrolled most closely by the Yrch and Tor ere crossing and disappearing into the shaws north of the road. In another day, she deemed she could come to the high moors, and crossing those by the same paths she and Beinvír had sometimes used to bypass the sentries and the narrow way leading down to the ford, enter Imladris from the north with stealth. During that night, she silently slew any amongst the Hillmen, Yrch, and Easterlings that fortune delivered to her sword.

With the dawn of the 6th, Helluin crossed the East Road some two leagues west of the Bruinen, and thereafter she made her way amongst the eastern Trollshaws, passing unseen 'twixt the trees and boulders. The way was difficult, but it had the virtue of being only sparsely patrolled by the blocking force, as no threat was expected from that quarter. Whilst climbing amongst the ridges and ghylls in that land, she felt the presence of many others who remained unseen. Helluin continued thus through that day and the following night, and on 7 Gwaeron, came to the high moors that lay north of Rivendell.

Helluin let memory guide her 'cross that treacherous and broken land, and by evening, she had found the descending trail that led into the Hidden Valley. She was surprised to find a company of Noldor guarding the path some ways down from the moors. They ne'er marked her as she passed, for sharp-eyed and wary as they were, none save another Green Elf can perceive the presence of one of their own if they will it not, and Helluin had learnt their ways o'er many centuries from the one closest to her heart.

She made her way down into the Hidden Valley and even to the halls of the Last Homely House. To the Lord Elrond's study she came, deeming it the most likely place to take counsel with him unannounced. Sure enough, the Peredhel was at his desk. He alone sensed her by the power of Vilya, and only then as she entered the room. He looked up, startled to see her ere a smile graced his features and he stood from his chair to welcome her. They had not met since she had taken her leave clasped in Meneldor's talons; ten and a half months aforetime.

"Helluin," he said, "I am surprised to see thee hither."

The Noldo dipped her head to the lord and said, "I have been engaged in many tasks since we last met, Lord Elrond, yet now I have tidings and a plan to share. I deem the time has come for the liberation of Imladris."

"Pray be seated then, my friend, and I shall hearken to thee," the Peredhel said, ere adding from long habit, "care thou for refreshments? A glass of wine and some cakes perhaps?"

Helluin nodded 'yea' to his offer as she seated herself in a chair 'cross the desk. Shortly later, after sipping from a goblet of a deep red wine and taking several bites from a seeded cake, she began to give an account of her actions o'er the past year, including much information regarding the state of Eriador that had not come to his ears aforetime. Two hours she spent thus, yet finally she revealed her plans and made a request.

"Lord Elrond, hast thou still thy 'invention'?"

"Aye," he said, "'tis as 'twas the last time thou saw it. We have not had cause to use it since."

"Then might I borrow that section through which the light was cast forth, though without the emblem of the Eagle? I deem it hath the virtue of focusing lights of all types, and if a trial should prove my expectations sound, then I deem it a potent weapon that could serve our cause."

He regarded her a moment, having no idea of her inspiration, but finally his curiosity prompted him to nod 'yea' and ask, "what preparations need be made for thy test?"

Later that night, after removing the brass tube and its yoke from the outbuilding with the sliding roof and mounting it upon a small cart, they set it on the broad deck outside of Elrond's study. Helluin and Elrond were joined there by the Lord Glorfindel, who was happy to see his old friend and utterly confused about what was to take place. He recognized the parts from Curumo and Faradae's device, whilst at the far end of the deck stood a bale of straw.

"What intend thou, meldis nín?" Glorfindel asked Helluin.

"A score and two Tor stand guard at the entrance to the narrow way. They are vulnerable to daylight, but arise only at night, and yet to win the freedom of Imladris, we must destroy them," she said. "Aforetime, I have seen this device send forth a beam of light from cat fur and glass rods, and I deem it can also send forth our own Light, to the great detriment of our foes."

The Lord of the House of the Golden Flower nodded as understanding of her purpose came to him.

"Ghâsh gijak-ishi," he said, grinning at her as he recalled the words of the dying Orch found by the soldiers of Khazad-dûm.

"Draut gijak-ishi¹," she replied as she aimed the brass tube at the bale of straw. "Stand here with me now, meldir ifant nín." ¹(Draut gijak-ishi, Light in the Blood Orkish)

Helluin and Glorfindel, two of the most powerful Noldor remaining in Mortal Lands stood side by side behind what had been the open lower end of the brass tube, and at a sign from Helluin, they burst into a ril of Light. The portion of their incandescence that entered the tube was concentrated by the crystal lens within and blasted from the far end. A blinding white beam struck the bale of straw, and in a heartbeat, it burst into flame. In the next moment, the deck was reclaimed by the dark of night as the two Noldor ceased their efflorescence.

"I deem our test successful," she said. "Now I must return to Celenhár straightaway to marshal our allies. When I return, we shall open the way from Imladris."

Now Helluin did indeed take her leave of the Hidden Valley ere dawn, and she made her way to the Ford of Bruinen, surprising the watchers on the telain that guarded the hither bank. She waved to them ere slogging her way south down the river bed. After a couple furlongs of alternately swimming and wading through the chill water, she passed the place where the Easterlings' horses had been picketed. The ground lay trampled by myriad hooves for o'er a year, but 'twas now deserted. After another mile, she came to the small sheltered dell and saw the grass cropped and many tracks leading away to the south. She smiled at that, for it revealed that the horses had followed Barq to safety.

At the dell, she crossed the Bruinen in what was either a deep fording or a shallow swim. There Helluin hauled herself out onto the western bank and stood shivering ere deeming that activity would be most helpful in regaining warmth. She hastened south at a jog and by noon was reasonably dry again. For two more days, she made her way through The Angle, but finally, in the evening of 11 Gwaeron, she came to the road that sloped up to the town of Celenhár.

There she was soon met by Rangers and Dúnedain who celebrated her return and peppered her with questions. She groaned and told them that her tidings should come first to the Lord Náshír. To that, none of them could argue and they gave her peace.

"Has my horse Barq returned?" She asked of them.

"Aye, he came in the evening of the 7th leading six score and seven starved horses," a young Ranger answered, "and very grave was their condition. After being checked o'er by the grooms, they were given stalls and access to pasture. They have spent their days outdoors cropping grass, and their nights indoors resting, and a more well behaved herd we have ne'er seen. 'Tis almost as though they are thankful to be here."

With a nod and a small smile for his tidings, she left them and made her way to the town hall.

When she arrived, it seemed that word of her return had preceded her. Lord Náshír, Mithrandir, Captain Úcúnon, Prince Gwíthír, and the Lady Brithil awaited her in the kitchen at the back of the hall. She bowed to them and was acknowledged.

"Túrandir, Remmirath, and Cúran returned in the afternoon of the 7th with tidings of meeting four of the Laiquendi, and that you intended to visit Imladris. Then in the night, thy horse returned riderless, but leading o'er six score other steeds, much abused, by the look of them. What goes forth, pray tell, for we have heard that thou hast a plan?" Lord Níshír asked.

"Aye, lord, and in Imladris I secured the means to defeat the Tor, yet there still lurk upon the road some four thousands of mixed kindreds, Yrch, Hillmen, Easterlings, wolves, and Wargs. Of one thing, I am now certain. With the return of the horses, the foe fields no cavalry, and so they may be met on equal footing by infantry," she said, and the lord of Celenhár nodded, for such was good tidings indeed.

"Lord, our foes are hard pressed. Winter has taken its toll on their readiness as much as the Green Elves who have ne'er ceased in sniping and shooting them as chance permits. Just past Yestarë, a party of Yrch were driven to desertion by hunger. These were slaughtered with thy Rangers. Of late, the Easterlings had taken to butchering their own mounts for lack of any other source of meat. Their morale and conditioning are low.

I propose to engage their rear companies in battle on the road, thereby drawing in their flanks and concentrating them in a narrow front where their numbers will offer minimal advantage. I am sure the Laiquendi will assault their resulting long flanks from the bordering woods whilst the Dúnedain infantry embattles their front.

Once their forces are split, I pray thee assail those remaining 'nigh the Hidden Valley from the south with thy Rangers. Preoccupied thus, I will destroy the Tor with the aid of Lord Glorfindel. When those creatures are removed from the blockade, the cavalry of Imladris will charge and ride down the remainder. I deem this a workable plan to break the leaguer of Imladris," Helluin said.

Lord Níshír and Captain Úcúnon nodded. The tactical assessment was sound. There were still some questions, such as how the Tor would be destroyed by only two Elves, and what of those foes who would certainly turn tail and flee the battle, heading north into the Trollshaws in hopes of escaping to Mt. Gram or Carn Dûm. These questions were asked.

"Whilst in Imladris, we tested a device that will allow us to slay the Tor with ease and o'er some distance. Behind this weapon, Glorfindel and I shall advance from the narrow way 'twixt the cliffs, clearing the threat of the Trolls," Helluin told them. "As for any deserters fleeing the battle, I shall hunt them if necessary with the Green Elves who already roam those lands. They will suffer none to survive. No word shall come to Fornost."

In the late-afternoon of 20 Gwaeron, battle was joined upon the Great East Road, two miles west of the narrow pass 'twixt the red sandstone cliffs that led into Imladris. There, four hundred and fifty Dúnedain soldiers of Arthedain marched to meet fifteen hundred Yrch and Hillmen of the blocking forces' rear guard. A pack of the few remaining wolves had marked their advance and fled east to the host of Angmar. Only a single wolf survived a gauntlet of Elvish arrows to bear his tidings of the attackers to the Yrch. These gathered some of the Hillmen of Rhudaur loyal to Angmar and marched out to meet them. Once they engaged the Dúnedain, they found themselves the targets of an endless stream of arrows, aimed with uncanny precision by archers none could mark. The fighting continued 'til after dark had fallen, by which time the Men of the West and their Laiquendi allies had slain two thirds of the enemy and were advancing east, back down the road towards the Hidden Valley.

As night fell, the creaking of wheels and the chuffing of horses was heard from the narrow way that led down to the killing field on the outer bank of the Ford of Bruinen. The Tor had just begun to arise from their pits 'nigh the road when Helluin and Glorfindel rolled their cart by hand to the entrance of the defile. Now the two Noldor marked the nearest of the Tor clearly, and they directed the brass tube towards those creatures. Then the slot canyon and the land just outside of it were blasted by a brilliant ril of Light. From the narrow entrance 'twixt the cliffs came a concentrated beam of the Light of Aman that scorched 'aught that it touched. Yrch, Men, Wargs, and wolves were immolated as they stared in shock, and it petrified one after another of the Trolls.

As the enemy shied back from the entrance of the slot canyon, the two Noldor advanced against them. Helluin and Glorfindel pushed their cart forward, clearing the opening and rolling up onto the road. Now they were able to aim their weapon straight down the paved way, and great was the slaughter they wrought, but e'er they targeted the Tor, for other allies would slay those of the lesser kindreds. For the quarter part of an hour, the beam shifted to and fro, and one by one the Hill Trolls were rendered into stone. A score and two grotesque statues stood on the road and to either side, ne'er to move again.

Even as the first of the Tor died, the Yrch, Hillmen, and Easterlings gathered at the eastern end of the road had begun to back away from the terrifying Elvish gûl that they understood not at all. So fixated were they in their horror that they even failed to mark the arrows that whizzed into their column from the woods on the southern side. Many fell, shot by the Rangers of Rhudaur. Then on a sudden the Light was extinguished, and for a while all stood still, blind as their eyes desperately tried to recover their night vision.

From the slot canyon, they heard the growing thunder of hooves. There came the Lord Elrond and o'er four hundred knights of Imladris bearing spears and lances, and they rode down upon their foes with bitter prowess, for now there were no horsemen to oppose them. The cavalry charge was unstoppable. Bodies of Men and Yrch were slammed aside by the horses. Spears were cast into compacted masses of foes, and lances impaled others from horseback. As the riders continued down the road, swords swept from scabbards and the Noldor hewed their enemies as they rode past. Behind them, the survivors were picked off by a constant cloud of arrows that flew from the bows of the Rangers.

After a short rest to recover from the exertion of their assault, Helluin and Glorfindel mounted and followed in the wake of the cavalry of Imladris.

Now at last we ride to battle together, O Barq, Helluin said to the Easterling horse silently, eye to eye.

About damn time, Helluin, though thy opening assault was…unorthodox, Barq admitted. I have seen not the like aforetime, yet 'twas quite effective.

Now the two warriors who had once come from Aman glowed as they charged to battle, and they found many still alive on the road to slay. Helluin marked that Barq seemed to take great pleasure in running down and trampling the Yrch in particular, and she allowed him his head, hewing with Anguirél in one hand and the Sarchram in the other those that managed to leap aside.

Sereg! Im aníro sereg!¹ The Black Sword endlessly chanted. ¹(Sereg! Im aníro sereg! Blood! I crave blood! Sindarin)

Eventually, Helluin and Glorfindel caught up with the charging Noldor, and they joined the rear guard as the cavalry slammed into the remnant of the force retreating from the battle with the soldiers of Arthedain. The Hillmen and Yrch ran straight into them, having no alternative as they fled the Men of the West.

Finally, Elrond and his knights met Captain Úcúnon and the soldiers of Arthedain. Great was their rejoicing. For the first time in o'er a year, the way from Imladris was free, and for the soldiers, they had finally struck a blow against Angmar. Behind the warriors, mostly from the north side of the road, the occasional body of a Man or Orch would tumble downhill, out of the forest and onto the road. They invariably bore an arrow in the eye, throat, or chest, deserters fleeing the battle, only to be slain by the Green Elves who hunted those woods.

In the aftermath, as the night grew old, the jubilation was tinged with sorrow for the fallen, forty-nine Dúnedain including Captain Úcúnon's lieutenant and the sergeants of two companies, a score and seven Rhudaur Rangers fallen when they were charged by a desperate band of Hillmen, and fourteen knights of Imladris. Whatsoe'er casualties were suffered by the Green Elves, none of their allies might e'er know.

The allies stood down, and for the first time, an army of mortals filed through the slot canyon and onto the killing field before the Ford of Bruinen. There they would camp in safety ere they returned to Celenhár after a day of rest and the tending of the wounded. During the day of 21 Gwaeron, ere they marched for home, Captain Úcúnon and the Lord Níshír were invited to join Helluin, Glorfindel, and Lord Elrond in the Peredhel's halls in Imladris. Both crossed the ford with wide eyes, staring all 'round in amazement at the beauty of that land upon which a faint enchantment lay, just to be felt.

For the Captain of Arthedain, the visit was as a page of ancient lore come to life. Elendil and Isildur had trod these halls ere they went down to the Black Land to contest with Sauron.

For the Lord Níshír, Imladris was also a page of lore come to life, but far more recent lore than what the Dúnadan knew. Beginning in 1482 with the first visit of Lord Galor to the Hidden Valley, several subsequent generations had visited. Too, the Lady Lainiel and the thirty-fifth king had fallen in love here, and 'twas here as well that they had discovered his lineage as King of Eriador. She had been the Lord Elrond's fourth cousin. It boggled his mind.

During their day in Imladris, the two Men met many of the Noldor and saw much of Elrond's home. The settlement was elegant and beautiful in both architecture and scenery, a place neither would e'er tire of viewing. In the evening, Elrond came to the Lord Níshír and asked him to verify the information on the original chart of lineage that traced his descent. The Man found it correct and complete in all details. Somehow, the Peredhel had managed to keep track of each passing generation.

Captain Úcúnon looked o'er their shoulders and followed the names and dates through all of the Third Age. He marked the gap in dates 'twixt the names at the top of the list, half of the First Age and well 'nigh all of the Second separated Balan and Balar. In a generation, the Kings of Eriador had leapfrogged more years than all the days of Arnor and Arthedain combined. A score and four lords had ruled the realms of the Dúnedain in exile, and beside him stood Níshír, the nine and fortieth King of Eriador, a lord of the direct line descended from the first lord of Men to enter Beleriand, three centuries ere Tar-Minyatur ruled as the first sovereign of Númenor. The Men of the West were an offshoot of a far older lineage. It boggled his mind.

"In varying degrees, ye are both kin to me," the Lord Elrond told them that evening as they prepared to return to the encampment of their Men. "To each of ye, the welcome of my house is extended. Pray offer the same welcome to the Lady Athelrian and her house."

Lord Níshír bowed to the Peredhel in thanks for his welcome, hoping that he would be able to return for a longer stay one day.

On 22 Gwaeron, the Rangers of Rhudaur and the soldiers of Arthedain took their leave of the Hidden Valley with varying degrees of regret. They made their way south to The Angle at an easy pace for the sake of their wounded, yet on the 25th they came again to the uphill slope and entered Celenhár to be greeted with mingled celebration and sorrow.

That night, the lord held a town meeting and spoke of the successful campaign and the liberation of the Hidden Valley, and the people rejoiced that their enemies were defeated and no longer did the servants of Angmar abide in their lands. Yet all also knew that there was much left to do and more battles to fight, howe'er for that night they celebrated and gave thanks, and their spirits were higher than at any time in the last year.

The following day, the Men of Celenhár and the Dúnedain of Arthedain gathered at the village cemetery and laid to rest the fallen of both kindreds. Forty-nine Dúnedain and twenty-seven Rhudaurim joined the past dead in that hallowed ground. 'Twas a somber time and many tears fell as each of the recently slain was recalled by kith and kin.

Such are the wages of war, thought Captain Úcúnon as he looked on. For six score and seven I have borne arms, and ne'er does it grow easier on the heart. Indeed, it should not, lest battle for its own sake become a cause for rejoicing. I find I abhor it the more with each passing year.

By evening, the interments were done and the people had filed out of the cemetery, back to the town for a collective wake to celebrate the lives of those lost. The captain remained a while, slowly wandering amidst the grave markers, deep in thought. The further he walked, the further back in time the graves recalled. He passed the resting places of hundreds of years of villagers who had spent their days in the small riverside town.

Eventually he came upon two markers surrounded by a low fence of wrought iron, the ground within blanketed with small, white flowers even so early in spring. The grave markers bore centuries of wear, yet still he could read the inscriptions.

Galor son of Galion, Nelchaen a Lefnui Aran Eriador, b.1442-d.1529, and upon the stone beside it, Lainiel Hílil Dúrrél, Adaneth en Herth Erui Dorthonion, b.F.A.-d.1534.

Those names he recalled from the lore he had recently heard in Imladris. Here lay the first King of Eriador in centuries to recall his lineage, and his queen, a mortal woman of the Middle Kindred who had lived five thousand five hundred years.

The captain shook his head. 'Twas hard to imagine. Then he kept walking, for it seemed the cemetery stretched on toward a wood some four furlongs ahead. Ere he had come far, he realized that all that land was bespeckled with markers and head stones. 'Twas far more than the population of the town. For a half hour he walked on, occasionally reading a memorial as the dates grew e'er more ancient. Finally, he reached the verge of the wood.

Amongst the trees lay yet more grave markers, ancient, weathered, and some uplifted by the roots of trees now grown great. He entered the wood and for long wandered amongst the boles. By then the stones were no more than fragments, jagged teeth of rock, white, black, and grey, their inscriptions no longer to be read. At last, he came to the bank of the river, and there he found a greater stone shaped like a sarcophagus. Whatsoe'er script it had borne was long weathered away. Then his hand snapped to the hilt of his dagger as he whirled 'round, for his senses screamed that he was not alone. Alas, he had not worn his sword to the funerals.

"Sídh, tegidir in Dúnedain. Thelon cin úharnas,¹" a soft voice said as the speaker came from behind a bole on his right, scarcely more than a body-length away. He had walked right past her! ¹(Sídh, tegidir in Dúnedain. Thelon cin úharnas. Peace, captain(leader) of the Dúnedain. I mean you no harm(hurt). Sindarin)

The figure advanced no further, but raised her hands to pull back the hood of her cloak. Captain Úcúnon marked that she bore a bow and quiver o'er her shoulder, and a long knife at her belt. The cloak was of mixed greens, rendering her difficult to see even as he stared directly at her from a fathom. Yet now he relaxed, for he had seen such kit aforetime…not a Ranger, but one of those from whom they took their ways. Laiquende, Green Elf.

"Far from the village hast thou come, and far back in time," she said. "I am Lind¹, a guardian of this place." ¹(Lind, Melody Sindarin)

The captain bowed his head and said, "I am Úcúnon, captain of Arthedain. I but followed my curiosity and it led hither. Is it allowed?"

A small grin shaped the Green Elf's lips and she said, "no prohibition stands against friends coming hither, captain, yet these days few do, even of the people of Celenhár. Memory fades as time passes, but we remember."

Úcúnon nodded to her. She had not needed to add, mortal memory.

"What is this place?" He asked, tilting his head to the marker.

Lind sighed and after a long pause finally answered.

"This is the grave of Enhír¹,the founding lord of Celenhár when 'twas rebuilt following the War of the Elves and Sauron. In those days, it lay on the outskirts of the town, but o'er the centuries, Celenhár has slowly moved south to the banks of the Idethol, which in his day was but a rivulet of no remark." ¹(Enhír, Middle Lord(Lord of the Middle Men) Sindarin)

He nodded his thanks for her explanation, but then as he marked her words in full, he gaped at her. The War of the Elves and Sauron! Those were the days of Ciryatur, Tar-Minastir, and the fall of Ost-in-Edhil. S.A. 1700. Three thousand seven hundred years! 'Rebuilt'?

Dimly he recalled Helluin's words on the threshold of the town hall. When he had finally mastered his amazement, he asked, "Lind, how old is Celenhár?"

Now 'twas the Green Elf who remained silent a while, her eyes focused far away. Finally, she blinked and looked back to him, and she said, "we are not truly sure. The town came not to its fullness in a day. If thou would have it so, I can show thee what I know."

By now, Captain Úcúnon was wholly enthralled by his curiosity and the revelations he had heard. To learn more was unrefusable. He eagerly nodded 'yea'.

"Then gaze into my eyes, and I shall share with thee," Lind said.

The captain looked into the Green Elf's eyes and felt the world dissolve 'round him. The night and the woods vanished, and he saw through her eyes what had passed in this place long aforetime.

'Neath the light of the new sun, tribes of Men marched west. They were clad in skins and furs, decorated with beads, feathers, and shells. Long was their hair and unkempt their beards. In their hands, they bore sacks of goods, and some carried clubs. They were more primitive than any Men he had e'er seen, and yet he marked their features, pale skin, dark hair, light eyes. Men of the First House ere they came to Beleriand and became the Atani!

In a flash, the scene shifted. He knew not how much time had passed, but it could not have been long, for he saw Men akin to those who marched west fighting Orcs! 'Twas brutal combat and the ferocity of the Yrch was matched by the fearless violence of the Men. And then he marked some of the Yrch falling, slain with great precision by arrows.

In the aftermath, Men met with Elves in the field as they surveyed the dead. Though they could not share speech, they gestured and pointed, introducing themselves and declaring their intent to continue their march west. Eventually, some looked the Elves in the eyes, and as he did now, learnt in silence of friendship and an offer for the future.

For their aid in driving off those we discovered a mutual hatred of, we told them that should the west not prove good, they could return and settle in these lands with our friendship.

Though the captain could not understand how he knew, he felt that a century had passed when he saw Men returning from the west. Though still primitive compared to the Dúnedain and the Men he knew, they were enriched. Now they wore clothing of woven fabrics, and bore swords and spears of steel. They met again with the Green Elves that their ancestors had met on their march west, and recalled their offer of haven. To these Men, Beleriand had been a horror.

Now a town grew up and homes and farms sprouted. Twenty centuries passed and then the Glamhoth came, destroying all in their path. The Men of ancient Celenhár fled west before them, along with all others in Eriador. War raged and the count of the slain grew beyond reckoning.

The scene shifted, and on a plain 'nigh a river, hosts contended in bloody combat. The Númenóreans and Eldar engaged the Glamhoth in a press of hundreds of thousands, yet finally they advanced in the wake of a blindingly bright warrior. Then a second host of Númenóreans came up from the south and the Host of Sauron was worsted utterly.

Slowly, Men returned to their old homes and they saw the devastation of war, but still, these lands were well known to them from of old. They resettled, replanted crops, and rebuilt their town. With a blink, Lind brought the vision to an end, and Captain Úcúnon sat blinking in shock and astonishment.

"You were there," he whispered.

"Aye," she agreed. "With the others who first met the people of Balan, we have kept watch o'er this town, save during the time of war. We have been allies of the Men of Celenhár for o'er five thousand seven hundred years, even when they knew it not."

What he had learnt this night was utterly sobering. Eriador was far more complex than his people knew, and far more ancient as well. He nodded his thanks to Lind, and looked again at the tomb of Enhír.

"All have their parts to play, captain," she said. "Return to thy Men and do what thou can during the years Eru has granted thee. No more can any do."

When he looked back to agree, she had vanished.

To Be Continued