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.

193. In An Age Before Chapter 193

In An Age Before – Part 193

In the aftermath of the battle, the remaining support personnel assigned to the cavalries rode up and parked their wagons to the south of the carnage. They joined the knights in the search for their wounded and ministered to them so much as they could on the field. Hours they spent treating the injuries, for each life was held to be of great value. Grooms removed the saddles and tack from the horses, then picketed, watered, and fed them. Finally, as evening drew down, they prepared a communal meal and shared it amongst the various allies. By torchlight there were still many tasks to accomplish, the most loathsome of which was the putting down of the stricken horses, for they would not be allowed to suffer through the night. 'Twas 'nigh midnight ere the knights and their auxiliaries finally posted sentries 'round their camp and went to their rest.

In the morning, they undertook a great labor. There on the plain southwest of the North Downs, they dug many graves and then laid their fallen comrades to rest with blessings and prayers to the Valar for the safe keeping of their spirits. The burials took a full day, and so 27 Gwirith passed as the Host of Angmar fled northeast.

In truth, the allied cavalries worried little about their escape. They were seven thousands fleeing en mass, and they would leave such a trail that a blind Man could follow it with little effort. A day or two's ride would find them caught up again with the slaughter to be renewed the day after. In any case, Prince Eärnur intended to meet with Prince Aranarth ere he set out after the fleeing host. There were tidings to trade 'twixt the infantry and the cavalry regarding the battles and their further plans.

By the banks of the Baranduin, Prince Aranarth and Bregedúr Candon had ordered their soldiers and undertaken the same tasks, save that they had no horses to attend. With the arrival of their support staffs, they ministered to their wounded, interrogated captured enemies, and then carried away their dead. They dug graves for their comrades at a remove from the battlefield where they intended to burn the fallen Yrch on the morrow. Ere sunset, the infantry marched a league inland from the river, leaving behind only cadres of scouts as observers. These marked the positions whence the Tor rose, but gave the creatures a wide berth and assailed them not.

Now when they arose from their pits, the Tor looked 'round their camp in confusion. 'Twas deserted save for the piles of bodies and the stench of blood. The ram was exactly where they had left it. Though living Hillmen, Easterlings, or Yrch were nowhere to be seen, they had their orders and their master had ne'er changed them. The hulking creatures set to work hefting boulders to the ford and laying them in the water. This went on all through the night as the scouts look on in amazement. Then, just ere dawn, the Tor dug themselves back into their pits and covered themselves with earth.

By the light of the rising sun, Rangers of Lebennin and scouts of Arthedain and Gondor marked the pits with stakes and then they broke off for their morning meal. They were still cleaning up afterwards when Prince Aranarth, Bregedúr Candon, and the rest of the infantry arrived with the sappers.

The prince looked to one of the Ranger captains with a raised brow. The Man said 'naught, but canted his head towards a stake standing 'nigh in freshly turned earth. The prince gave him a nod and then beckoned o'er a couple of sappers. He indicated with a gesture whither he bid them dig and they set to work with their shovels and spades. 'Twas not long ere they heard a steel blade ring as on stone, and then more dirt flew as the Men dug furiously ere they leapt aside. From the pit came a groan, and a huge and gnarly arm began to rise into the air, but then it stilled as it and the Torog it belonged to were transformed into stone by the light of the sun.

Having observed the process, the remaining sappers, with assistance from infantry volunteers, exposed the Tor located in each of the marked pits. The labor took the rest of the day, for the Tor still numbered 'nigh ten score.

The duty fell to the remaining infantry to gather the bodies of the fallen Yrch, pile them with firewood and oil, and then burn them in huge pyres whose smoke rose into the heavens. Three leagues northeast, another column of smoke rose as the cavalry burnt the bodies of foes slain there.

Whilst those tasks were in progress, Prince Aranarth came to the captains of the Rangers of Lebennin who had gathered to trade tidings of casualties, ration levels, supplies, and other bits of logistics that officers were ultimately responsible for. The group stopped and bowed as he approached, and he bowed to them in return.

"Captains, I seek not to stay you from your duties, yet I would be remiss in not availing myself of your presence. 'Twas my father's belief that a day might come when your ways would be the mode by which our people would be defended. Perhaps that time has come, I know not yet for sure, howe'er I would first ask, whence came your training?"

For some moments the five captains remained silent, and they looked to each other as if trading silently in thought. Finally, four nodded to the fifth and he spoke.

"I am Berior¹ son of Innasron² from Linhir, port city of Lebennin, and I serve King Eärnil II. My peers defer to me as I am schooled in lore. ¹(Berior, Protector = berio-(v. protect) + -or(agent suff. n. on v.) Sindarin) ²(Innasron, Willful One = innas(will, intent) + -ron(masc. agent suff. n. on n.) Sindarin)

In 1847 of the Second Age, new rulers were appointed for our lands by the Lady Galadriel of Belfalas, of which Lebennin was then the east province. With them came much wisdom and our independence, and we have had our own identity as a people e'er since. During the years of their rule, our teachers became First Guardians of the realm and schooled our warriors in the ways of Beinvír Laiquende's people. Ere they passed on the rule of our realm in S.A. 2994, the nation was at peace and guarded by its Rangers. We guard it still. We are also loyal subjects, proudly accounted Men of Gondor, and we have served the kings since the fiftieth year in the reign of the Lords Isildur and Anárion.

We have long known that Beinvír and her people dwell in these lands. Her co-ruler, Helluin Maeg-mórmenel slew Prince Tindomul, second son of Tar-Ciryatan, on the quays of Pelargir in S.A. 2003 when he claimed the annex of Lebennin for Númenor. 'Tis said that when he died, he vanished from the mortal world. He became the first of the Ringwraiths, Lord of the Nazgûl, whom thou call the Witch King."

Berior's words resounded in Prince Aranarth's mind. Beinvír Laiquende was lost in 1851, but Helluin he had met in Lindon not two months aforetime. So, Helluin had slain a prince of Númenor in defense of Lebennin, and thereby created the Witch King. It explained much of her vehement enmity for that foe.

"The Laiquendi are all 'round us and many have they slain in defense of their homeland," the prince said. "I have met but one of that people, and that not a week past. All in the North Kingdom esteem them, though we see them not. 'Tis said that Beinvír was lost in 1851, in the valley of Nanduhirion that opens from the east gate of Khazad-dûm. Helluin I met in Lindon not two months past, when she came on the back of an Eagle bearing tidings of my father."

Aranarth marked the sorrow his words had wrought in the eyes of the Rangers that outweighed any expression of surprise. The five captains bowed their heads and touched the broaches clasping their cloaks that the prince marked now for the first time. They depicted the ring blade that Helluin bore, save that they were of black metal, not bright mithril. The Rangers remained silent for some time in tribute to an ancient leader they had ne'er met. Finally they raised their heads, but the sorrow remained.

"We saw Men of Angmar falling on the south bank of Baranduin yestermorn," Berior said. "The Laiquendi shot many who tried to flee and more during the battle, though few marked it amidst the action."

The prince nodded. He too had been occupied with the battle and had marked none falling at the hands of unseen archers, yet he had no doubts they had fallen indeed.

"The sole Laiquende I have met told of Helluin instructing some of my soldiers in thy ways," he told the Rangers, "east in The Angle that was once part of the realm of Rhudaur, yet she is not Laiquende, but Calaquende."

"Ere she came to Lebennin with Beinvír in S.A. 1847, they had already kept company for 'nigh on six hundred years. No tale I know tells that either was the stealthier, nor a better with the bow," said Berior. "They spent o'er four thousand years together, and 'aught that one could teach, I doubt not that the other learnt long ago. I deem thy Men shall be well trained."

"If thou should meet her again, pray offer words of sympathy on our behalf," a second captain said. 'Round him, the other captains nodded in agreement. "Our nation shall mourn."

"First Guardian Beinvír led our Rangers in King Anárion's service during the Great War, and again briefly during the time of the Kin-Strife," Berior said. "All of us were grateful when we were chosen to come to Eriador. 'Tis for us a pilgrimage of sorts."

"Then I pray you find solace and succor of spirit in these lands. On behalf of the North Kingdom, I offer you my thanks," Prince Aranarth said ere he bowed and took his leave.

Now on 28 Gwirith, the infantry began a march northeast, following the trail of the fleeing host of Angmar. After three hours, they came upon the camp of the cavalry, and there the commanders held a council. Reports were heard of the battles, the lists of casualties, the counts of enemy dead, and the status of the troops. The knights rejoiced to hear of the destruction of the Tor. The infantry rejoiced to hear of the slaughter of so many foes.

"They have now a two day lead and fled in haste with the Witch King at their head. By their direction, t'would seem that they make for Carn Dûm, for the sanctuary of Fornost is now denied to them," Prince Eärnur said.

Prince Aranarth nodded in agreement. 'Twas a march of some fourteen score miles and would take some nine to twelve days. He deemed it suicidal, yet the Nazgûl's army had nowhere else to go.

"They shall run themselves to death ere they reach Carn Dûm," Aranarth said.

"Aye," Commander Hírochon said, "and they shall already be weakened in several days when we catch up with them."

"We could shadow them another day or two, forcing them to run the longer ere we engage them in battle," Prince Arne offered with a grin.

'Round the council, other knight commanders stamped their feet and muttered in agreement.

"I deem they are already beyond the reach of the infantry," Aranarth said, "and little cause is there for me to force such a march on our footmen."

"I agree, my lord. The cavalry can much more easily prosecute their destruction," Eärnur said, "and we hold a vast advantage in numbers as well as greater options in tactics."

The mounted knights outnumbered the fleeing foot soldiers of Angmar by almost three to one, making the outcome well 'nigh preordained. They could mark but one negative factor, the wiles and conjuring of the Witch King.

"I shall take the infantry and invest Fornost," Aranarth said. "There may still be some remnants of Angmar ensconced therein, and if so, we shall root them out and liberate the city."

They were then a scant twenty miles from the North Fortress. The Prince of Arthedain was eager to retake the capital, but also apprehensive about what he would find. After a year's occupation by the Host of Angmar, he expected their home had been defiled atop whatsoe'er damage had resulted from the siege and fall. Still, a survey was necessary and despoiled or not, there was a certain treasure well hid in the tower that he hoped to recover.

With the decisions about their courses made, the allied host spent the remainder of that day resting and recovering from the battles and the labors after. On the morn of the 29th, the cavalry rode in pursuit of the Host of Angmar, and the infantry marched on Fornost.

Now on 26 Gwirith, the cavalry of Imladris had reached the plain east of the North Downs. The lands were dismal and all found Angmar depressing. 'Twas decided by the lords Elrond and Glorfindel that the knights would ride northwest for another two days, thereby positioning themselves on a direct line 'twixt the southwestern end of the North Downs and Carn Dûm. They would be in the path of a host fleeing back to their citadel and would then have 'naught to do but wait for their enemies to run right into them.

The Knights of Imladris rode through the 27th and 28th, and in the evening set a camp. They posted sentries and sent out scouting parties to the west, north, and south. And then the Eldar waited amidst what they deemed to be an ugly and inhospitable landscape, offensive to the senses, which afflicted them with a sensation of being vaguely unwell. Eager as they were to redress their grievances against Angmar, all hoped to leave as soon as might be.

Now on the 29th, the camp of the Dúnedain and their Northman and Sindar allies was struck, and the cavalry rode northwest, following the trail of the fleeing Host of Angmar. They proceeded alternating canter and trot, a pace they could keep up for many hours and that was faster than any going in haste on two legs could maintain. The commanders expected to catch their foes on 1 Lothron, and destroy them on the 2nd.

On that same day, the infantry marched on Fornost, and ere noon they had come to the North Road and saw none upon the walls. Indeed, the fortress appeared deserted though the gates were closed. That those gates had been damaged by the ram and then rehung was evident, as was the cratering and crumbling of the walls and battlements from the artillery duel during the siege. The tracks of many footmen and wheel ruts from the ram could be seen leading southwest from the gates, heading cross-country towards Baranduin.

Prince Aranarth ordered a halt and the Men and Elves paused astride the road for the noon meal. In the meantime, the prince and a select company of a hundred approached the gates. They went forward warily, expecting to be assailed once they came within range of a bowshot, but no arrows were loosed towards them. They reached the gates unchallenged and Aranarth laid hands on them. When he pushed, they gave inward for they had not been barred from within. By this, he deemed that Fornost was indeed emptied and none had remained within to secure the gates or defend the fortress. He and his company forced the massive doors open wide, and from a distance, heard a great cheer from the infantry.

Following their noon meal, the eager foot soldiers marched up the road, through the gates, and into the outer courtyard. There they saw the evidence of much burning, attested by blackened walls and pavers that continued down the avenue and out of sight 'round the next turn. Again the prince went forward, and he came to the destruction of the inner gate. At some time, the Ringwraith had discovered the position of the hidden monolith, but had ne'er learnt how to raise it. Instead, it appeared that he had managed to break through it instead. During the year of his occupation, not even a temporary gate had been installed to take its place. The way into the city lay open and unguarded. In the inner courtyard they marked the remains of feasting, but still saw no living foes.

Prince Aranarth sent soldiers of Arthedain up onto the wall walks to survey the once familiar battlements. They found evidence of some explosions and fires, a few damaged catapults, and many more that remained sound and appeared untouched since the Dúnedain had fled. Piles of unfired shot still sat next to them, along with the tripods for igniting flaming and liquid projectiles. From all appearances, they were ready to be loaded and fired.

Parties were dispatched east and west to make a circuit of the walls and to examine the corner towers, and that task would take hours for the outer curtain wall alone ran a mile on each side. The soldiers deployed for that duty found the battlements deserted. Looking down into the city they saw none.

As evening approached, Prince Aranarth called for the reports of the soldiers and then withdrew his forces to the inner and outer courtyards. 'Til he could clear the city and assure himself that 'twas truly unoccupied, he would not jeopardize his forces at night, the time favored by Yrch and Tor. A camp was set and the evening meal prepared. Sentries were posted on wall and street.

That night in the camp there were many conversations amongst comrades who shared their impressions of the Northern Fortress of the Kings. Many of the Sindar had fought at the defense of Fornost in 1851, and the layout of the city was known to them. Mostly, they rued the destruction of the gardens, and the somber atmosphere of the emptied streets and buildings.

Amongst the Men of Arthedain, sorrow warred with anger at the damage inflicted upon their city. Fornost had ne'er been designed to be beautiful, as Annúminas had been, but 'twas all most of them knew, and it had been home. They were the most aware of the changes war had wrought on the buildings and streets they had walked all their lives, and they hated Angmar all the more for it.

The Men of Gondor and Rhovanion shared mixed awe and amazement. None of them had seen Fornost aforetime and few enough had heard more than its name. Now they stared up at the battlements crowning walls that rose a hundred feet from the North Downs. The wall walks were thirty feet in breadth and the gate had towered sixty feet o'erhead. In the distance, they marked the king's tower rising five hundred feet into the night sky. Some who had ascended onto the wall added their impressions to the views they had shared during their approach up the North Road. The fortress encompassed a square mile, the curtain wall one mile long on each side with a massive round tower at each corner rising another two stories. There had been emplacements for twenty-four artillery pieces visible on the south wall alone, half the count defending the entire city of Minas Anor. Crenellations in the outer battlement had provided cover for thousands of archers. The inner and outer courtyards provided space to muster thousands of Men and horses.

Not a one of them knew that 'neath the fortress lay 'nigh as much space as rose above ground. Great ramps led down to galleries and chambers, the armory and arsenal. There too had been refuges for civilians, barracks for soldiers, stables for horses, garages for many wagons and carts, vast storerooms and larders filled with supplies. The chalk of the down was riddled with tunnels and rooms that had been excavated through two thousand years of occupation. Despite their repeated searches, Tindomul's troops had not explored or even found all the ways of that sprawling warren.

30 Gwirith dawned and Prince Aranarth sent companies of Men to scout the city. They went forth a hundred strong lest they meet resistance, and horn calls had been arranged to spread messages in case of emergencies, or to call for aid if embattled. Ere evening, they had found none lurking amongst the buildings and the ways of the city, yet just as had the Witch King aforetime, they remained suspicious and dropped not their guard. Better than the Host of Angmar, the Men of Arthedain knew how great was the extent of the fortress.

'Twas in the evening of the 30th that several companies returning late to the inner courtyard reported having encountered some presences of whom they could report little save furtive movements and horrifying appearances. They had not been challenged, but the incidents had chilled their blood.

"Lord Aranarth, at sundown as we sought to pass a building burnt and collapsed, my company espied some few amidst the ruins. As cadavers, yet less than solid they were to our eyes. No stench of corruption preceded them. They voiced 'naught to us and seemed not a part of their surroundings, strange as that may sound," a sergeant reported following his company's return. The prince marked the fear in the Man's eyes. "They approached us not, nor did we approach them, for a chill spread amongst us and our hearts shied from this eldritch visitation. My lord, I cannot even say for sure to what kindred they clove.

After that sighting, we retreated and took a longer route back, hence our delayed return."

"I thank thee for thy report, sergeant," Aranarth said. "I wager your company witnessed some morgûl left behind by the Witch King. In truth, I know not what threat such may pose, and so I can only counsel thee to avoid them. T'would seem from thy report that they appear at night as evil oft does and are constrained to certain places. For now, pray take some food and rest. Perhaps we shall learn more of them on the morrow."

The prince had heard two such reports but shortly aforetime. So, the Witch King has populated the city with his wights. I wager they are the spirits and bodies of his fallen, cursed by his fell necromancy to haunt the scenes of their deaths e'er after. I shall have to take their measure, for fearsome as they must appear, I cannot ask this of any other.

Prince Aranarth called for Bregedúr Candon, Captain Berior, and a lieutenant of Gondor. With them he held council on this new threat, and on his desire to come to the tower.

"My lords, it hath been spoken in reports that some companies encountered wights amidst the ruins of the city. These became visible at nightfall, yet remained passive. They advanced not, nor made efforts to leave those places whence they appeared, yet the sight of them alone birthed fear amongst our Men," he said. "I feel I must learn more of them to properly judge their threat, and one site lies on the way to the citadel and the tower. Thither I must come, for I have business within. I should like to bring representatives of my allies with me on that errand, yet I shall not require any to come, for the danger may be great and this sojourn is not a tactical necessity."

For some moments the other commanders were silent. These tidings were unexpected and they partook of aspects that were unnatural and foreign to all. Yet duty and curiosity outweighed any fears they felt.

"Thou art the heir of King Isildur to whom we pledged our fealty long ago," Captain Berior said. "We served both King Isildur and King Anárion in Gondor and have renounced our loyalty to neither house since. Rangers shall come."

"We fear not the spirits of the dead, Man, Elf, or Orch. We too shall come," Bregedúr Candon said.

"Many amongst the Host of Gondor hold great curiosity about Fornost, myself included," said Feredir¹, the lieutenant from Gondor. "I shall probably have to turn away many whilst choosing a detail." ¹(Feredir, Hunter Sindarin)

"Very well, my friends," said the prince. "Rest well this night and on the morrow we shall march to the royal quarter."

Though Prince Aranarth had envisioned marching to the tower with a company of one hundred, in the morn he was met by double that count gathered in the inner courtyard to accompany him hence. Roughly fifty soldiers from each allied contingent stood waiting. He looked them o'er and nodded to himself. None of his allies had been willing to be left behind.

The prince and the soldiers of Arthedain who knew the way best led the company forth from the courtyard. Down once familiar avenues through the city they marched, silent and wary, eyeing every alley and doorway they passed along the way. Once they had come a half mile through what had been the most populated precinct of the city, they found a grand avenue that ran straight on through neighborhoods, parks, and administrative buildings 'til it reached the gates of the citadel. These were tall and sturdy, faced with gilt bronze panels depicting reliefs of Númenor, Armenelos, and the royal palace of the kings.

The gates were set into a gatehouse in the citadel wall that ran in a rectangle 'round a precinct housing the palace, tower, and royal residences. 'Nigh half its enclosed space was devoted to the royal gardens, a vast park with many fountains, terraces, and pavilions that lay to the west. To the east stood the palace, a structure of surprising airiness and verticality that housed the throne room, great hall, banquet hall, council chambers and the Chamber of the Palantír. Beside it, and 'nigh dead center of the citadel, stood the tower, a lofty spike, fluted and reinforced with ribs and buttresses, and faced with stone that blushed rose in the dawn, blazed dazzling white in full daylight, and glowed gold at sunset. Joining the two structures and rising six stories was the vast royal residence wherein the king's family had their apartments and where many guests and staff members could be housed. There too were the kitchens and sculleries, the bakery, confectionary, and creamery, the shops of tailors, dressmakers, hatters, glovers, hosiers, cobblers, manicurists, barbers, wigmakers, and the offices of jesters, soothsayers, astrologers, and the closest of the king's counselors.

They found the gates ajar, the garden uprooted and burnt, and the buildings silent and empty. 'Twas depressing to all who had known it aforetime, the prince foremost of all. He gave a sigh and shook his head, yet he had expected no better and indeed much worse.

The company made their way to the palace and entered its great hall through the eastern of two arched doorways in the south facade. 'Twas a space of truly magnificent proportions, open for a hundred and fifty feet o'erhead, with compound columns and sculpted pilasters supporting a complex, ribbed and vaulted ceiling. Much stained glass lit the hall in rainbow colors through tall, narrow windows set 'twixt the columns and in a clerestory above the pilasters. The floor was paved with black and white marbles set in a pattern of pentagons that recalled the five peninsulas of the Isle of Gift. In the shallow niches formed 'twixt the bases of the columns were set statues depicting figures from lore of the Elder Days and portraits of the Kings of Númenor.

Prince Aranarth led the company through the great hall, whose long axis ran north-south for one hundred yards. He set a pace that indulged the gawking and amazement of his allies from the South Kingdom, yet eventually they came to the far northern end of the hall. There they passed through double doors in the western wall, 'cross a short arcade, and into an antechamber wherein a staircase led upwards and a hallway led back towards the south.

Many doors pierced the west wall of the hallway. The prince explained that these were council chambers, and that the floor above held more in an identical arrangement. The stair continued on up to a third floor that held the banquet hall, whose ceiling was half the height of the great hall.

The hallway ended after fifty yards and passed through a modest doorway in the east corner of the north wall of the throne room. They found themselves entering beside a dais of five steps, the lowest of which was broad and deep with a seat for the king's steward, whilst upon the uppermost was set the king's throne, flanked by thrones for the queen and the heir. They saw the scraps of a dinner scarfed down in haste lying on the floor 'round the steward's chair where the Witch King's regent had dropped them.

Now the throne room was a space half the length of the great hall, but no less lofty, that ran back towards its main entrance in the south facade. The architecture of compound columns, vaulted ceiling, stained glass windows, and paved floor was the same as in the great hall, save that there were no statues.

Prince Aranarth led the company 'round the front of the dais towards the western wall of the throne room. There they passed through double doors and into an imposing octagonal chamber with a ceiling fifty feet in height. In each corner, the base of a massive pier rose, whilst at four equidistant points along each wall, a sturdy pilaster stood. 'Twixt these were tall windows of clear glass that lit the space. The center of the room was walled off and contained the stairwell that ran from base to roof in a squared spiral that rose five hundred feet. Doorways opened off the south side of the staircase on each successive floor, whilst within the walls of the staircase, runs of stairs encircled the inner sides, rising from landing to landing.

Whilst some levels were akin to the first, a great open space, most were subdivided into rooms, halls, and corridors. Many offices there were, bedchambers for the royal family, guest quarters, dining facilities, and a library with a scriptorium attached. On upper floors were observation posts from which to keep watch on and seek omens from the weather, the flights of birds, the forms of clouds, and the approach of storms. The topmost level and the roof were reserved for those officers of the court who made calculations by the stars and moon. Helluin and Meneldor had spent the night where many an astrologer, astronomer, diviner, and a few court charlatans had practiced their science. There too had the kings been wont to come for a respite when the intrigues of court left them yearning for a moment's peace.

'Twas a long and tiresome climb by anyone's estimation. The prince chose twenty, divided equally from each contingent of allies, to accompany him upward, and they set out leaving the rest of the company to secure the tower and palace. Now they climbed the stairs for the quarter part of an hour ere they came to the floor housing the royal bedchambers. Thither had Helluin come when she discovered the abandonated puppy, and thither the prince led his company.

Down a hall past rooms reserved for himself, his brother and sister they passed, 'til at the end of the hall lay the chamber of the king and queen. This was a spacious and fittingly lavish room dominated by a curtained four-poster bed, with chests, bureaus, and bookshelves along the walls, and chairs and a settee before a fireplace. The walls were paneled in dark wood, the ceiling was gilt and coffered, and grand windows looked out south and west from the corner of the tower.

The prince left his company in the hallway and entered alone. Straightaway he went to a bookshelf standing beside the fireplace, and at his touch to an ornament on the mantle, heard the release of a sprung catch and watched as it popped forward an inch. He grasped the side of the unit and swung it wide. In a niche concealed in the wall behind the bookshelf, stood a cabinet of carved wood with doors above and many drawers below.

Prince Aranarth opened the cabinet's upper doors and withdrew a single object that he inspected by the light streaming through the windows. 'Twas a circlet of mithril bearing a single white jewel that blazed with light far in excess of that cast upon it. This was the Elemmíre, the Star Jewel, crown of the Queens of Arnor and long aforetime, of the Ladies of Andúnië. 'Twas first borne by Silmariën, daughter and eldest child of Tar-Elendil, the fourth King of Númenor. Because she could not inherit the throne under the laws of her time, Silmariën became the root of the royal strain that infused the House of the Lords of Andúnië through her marriage to Elatan. From her father, she inherited instead the Elemmíre, its companion piece the Elendilmir, and the Ring of Barahir. Upon the birth of her son Valandil, her father created the office and title, and Valandil became the first lord.

Thereafter the prince and his company took their leave, descending to the ground floor of the tower. The Heir of Isildur's errand was done and he had recovered a treasure of Arthedain left behind amidst the trauma and sorrow of his mother's parting from her king.

The company rejoined their other allies on the grounds before the tower. The remainder of the morning and afternoon they spent taking stock of the state of the citadel. Save for the destruction of the garden, 'twas little actual damage to the structures, something for which Prince Aranarth was thankful, and at which the Men and Elves wondered. Most of their sorrow was given to the loss of the plantings, many of which had come from Númenor, yet they found too many suckers and shoots rising anew from roots left in the ground. Though the Yrch had been all too willing to chop down 'aught that grew, they but poorly understood plants. Save for those olvar uprooted by the Tor, the Witch King's servants had only succeeded in undoing centuries of growth. The One had made life more resilient and Yavanna Kenemtári had given plants a will to grow.

"One day thy people shall enjoy this garden renewed," Prince Aranarth said to Bregedúr Candon as they prepared to take their leave of the citadel.

"Aye, perhaps t'will be so," the Sinda replied, "and I shall remember this day and rejoice."

Now the company took their leave, passing out through the gate of the citadel and onto the broad avenue leading south. 'Twas lined with the stumps of trees from which now grew shoots with a few new leaves. They had but one further concern that day, and to address it, the prince led the company down a side street to the east. The Men and Elves passed from the precinct of official buildings and offices of the regency and into a neighborhood of homes and shops. Before a townhouse burnt and collapsed into the street they stopped and watched carefully as the shadows lengthened and Anor fell 'neath the level of the western walls.

Now shortly after the last rays of the sun winked out and the shadows deepened with the evening, there appeared a half-dozen decrepit figures who shambled out of the ruins and into the rubble. Scorched flesh and naked bone were revealed 'neath garments burnt and torn. These cadavers attested to immolation and subsequent cannibalism, a sorry appearance that chilled the blood of the living. The wights opened their mouths in silent screams and groans of pain. Anguish and resentment ruled their ruined features. The watching company they ignored, for the living gathered there had no connection to them in deed or time, it seemed.

As the rest of the company watched in vulturine anticipation, Prince Aranarth shook off the few who sought to stay him and advanced into the ruins. He approached the wights directly, and they only deigned to acknowledge him when he had come within a couple fathoms. Then they turned towards him and advanced with shuffling steps 'til they stood before him in a semicircle. The Men and Elves waiting in the street gripped tightly their swords.

"Hath he no fear?" Muttered one of the soldiers of Gondor.

Captain Berior shushed him with a gesture, though he too was impressed.

Prince Aranarth looked from one sad apparition to the next. Sorrow, indignation, and suffering he read in their ruined faces and in what he felt from their spirits that words could not suffice to tell. They made gestures of supplication and frustration, raising their arms, shaking and wringing their hands, and lifting their faces to the heavens with mouths agape in silent howls.

Whence came ye, O ye souls brought low by catastrophe. What tale lies behind the torment of your fate? The prince asked of the wights standing before him.

After some moments of miming the gestures of one bereaved and wronged, and yet helpless to redress the trespasses done against it, the wraith directly before him and centermost amongst its group deigned to answer.

A rider of Rhûn I was upon a time, but I took service with a dark sorcerer and came west. Starving and freezing, I met my death when my refuge was set afire. As I staggered out into the fresh air, I was cruelly slain, then eaten by Yrch I had allied myself with 'neath the sorcerer, curse his name.

Sorrow and pity shaped the face of the prince. Here stood the remains of a Man of the East, an enemy warrior, aye, yet a Child of the One still. He shook his head at the wages that service to the Nazgûl had conferred. Not a warrior's death, but the usurpation of his intended fate beyond death and the suffering of life in the world.

I am a prince of the House of Isildur. Is there 'aught that I might do to relieve thy plight?

The words seemed to give the wight pause. He stilled from his groaning and protestations and his posture straightened.

Foe thou art and yet thou would offer aid? To us?

The prince nodded 'aye'.

'Tis 'naught that thou or any other can do, a second wight declared. Cursed by the glamours of the Witch King are we and only his fall shall free us of this.

'Round the circle of wights, the others nodded 'yea'.

I am sorry Aranarth told them. In battle, I would have slain ye, yet ye would have died as Men and warriors. I hate ye not so much as your master, t'would seem.

The wights nodded their understanding ere they resumed their shaking and rattling, yet the one to whom Aranarth had first spoken stilled again and offered tidings.

All those cursed thus by the Witch King shall return hither upon their deaths. I bid ye be ware.

Aye, even now more come. Another wight warned.

For the value of his tidings, the prince bowed to the wight and then withdrew from the rubble. He rejoined his company in the street, where many looked upon him with awe.

"Come, we must be away at once," the prince told his company. "Haste we must make and then recall any who linger in the city. Ere this night is past, all must depart Fornost, for the dead of the Host of Angmar are returning so swiftly as their shaky legs can bear them hence."

At these alarming tidings, the Men and Elves willingly followed the prince at a double-time jog south, back to the inner courtyard. There they announced that all would gather their gear and march from the city forthwith, to encamp upon the North Road a mile beyond the gates. The fortress was haunted and soon, ten thousand slain foes would repopulate it. T'would seem 'twas the will of the Ringwraith to occupy the North Fortress even if his host met defeat.

The infantry debarked from the city in record haste. Fear and horror flowered amongst the host and none would abide the city for another night. In their camp, few slept and most eyes were turned towards the north, seeking for any glimpse of an army of the dead shuffling back to the site of their enchantment. On that night, Prince Aranarth knew that his people would ne'er return to their city so long as the Witch King lived. The realm of Arthedain was changing, just as his father had feared it would.

"Arvedui naina anwin i tella aran¹," he whispered as he looked back at the fortress. ¹(Arvedui naina anwin i tella aran, Arvedui was truly the last king = na-(is) + -ina(passive past part v suff, was) + anwa(true) + -in(adj suff, truly) + i(def art, the) + tella(last) + aran(king) Quenya)

To Be Continued