In An Age Before – Part 232

Helluin offered the herd the apple slices she had brought and watched as they shared the treats. They had become comfortable in her company and shared further speech with her, eventually extracting her promise to examine some loose floorboards in the stable, and to attempt to shore up the chicken coops.

Now upon accepting his offer, the first thing that Helluin did was examine his hooves. 'Twas a first exercise in trust for Álfrhestr to allow the elleth to lift and hold his feet. The Noldo found the young stallion's hooves to be well conformed, neither o'ergrown, nor thin, and they were evenly worn at all four corners. It seemed that living on a variety of soils and surfaces had kept his feet from going thin or needing trimming for evenness or to correct excessive growth. The range from stone, hard packed earth, and scree to soft turf in combination with a balanced diet had blessed Álfrhestr with sufficient wear and promoted strong walls and cushions. Helluin was also quite pleased to find the wear on his hooves was even, for that signified equal weight bearing and testified to freedom from favoring any foot due to pain or skeletal irregularities. She felt that his tendons were strong, his frogs and soles well calloused, and his coffins sound.

When Helluin had set his fourth hoof back on the ground, she smiled and told him, thou hast sound and healthy feet, Álfrhestr, and that the most important factor for a traveling horse. We shall cover terrain both soft and hard, but I would not choose to shoe thee save if we came to spend most of our time on cobbled city streets. 'Aught else of strength and stamina can be built up during our travels simply by covering many miles each day.

He nodded to her and grinned, finding himself well pleased by her praise of his feet.

We shall next acquaint thee with the new sensation of bearing weight upon thy back, Álfrhestr, she told him. At his expression of uncertainty, she assured him that, like many Elven folk, I ride bareback, and in any case, I own no saddle or other tack. From such experiences, thou shalt for now be spared. Nor shall I climb immediately upon thy back. That we shall work up to bit by bit. First, we shall begin with a blanket.

After allowing the stallion time to sniff and nibble to acquaint himself, Helluin tied her ground cloth of felted dog hair onto his back and let him wander for an hour to assimilate to the sensation. It weighed barely two pounds and caused him no strain, though at first he felt as if something lupine was following him closely and the matted dog hair caused him some itching. Still, he bore it well as the other horses watched with great interest.

Thereafter, Helluin spent a few more days acclimating Álfrhestr to increasing weight, first by adding her travel bag and then e'er larger bundles of the very familiar lucerne. The young stallion accommodated the strange sensations well, though it helped him immensely that Helluin spoke much with him, offered many reassurances, and explained all to his satisfaction at each step. More importantly, bit by bit, they were coming to trust each other.

During that time, Helluin accumulated the hulls from walnuts and the rhizomes of irises planted in the flower garden. These she steeped together for a day, obtaining a strong, black dye. Into the pot of dye went her cloak and by the following morn, its mixed greens had been rendered to a dense black. After a thorough rinsing, the cloak dried dark as night, as dark as the galvorn that coated her mithril armor. Again, Helluin would appear as one of the Nazgûl.

Now on 10 Ivanneth, Helluin bid Álfrhestr accompany her to a large boulder. There she doffed her armor and weapons. As he stood with the large rock on his left, she demonstrated their next lesson.

Behold, Álfrhestr. I am placing both hands upon the rock as I shall do upon thy back, and by thy leave, slowly increase the weight they shall bear.

That seems like a small enough threat, Helluin. I suspect that I shall favor thy hands o'er that itchy blanket.

With a nod, Helluin climbed atop the boulder and then leant forward to place her palms on Álfrhestr's back, one to each side of his spine. He bent his neck, swinging his head to the left so that he could eye her directly, but found 'naught amiss. The weight was far less than the four stone bundle of lucerne that she had last laid 'cross his back aforetime. He nodded to her, accepting her touch and the minimal weight she had applied.

Very good, Álfrhestr, Helluin praised. Now I shall increase the weight I place on my hands.

Again, he nodded in acceptance and watched as the Noldo slowly shifted more of her weight onto her hands. The stallion could clearly see that her feet were still borne atop the boulder, even as she came to lean forward onto her hands. After several minutes thus, Helluin withdrew and stood full atop the boulder. Álfrhestr shifted and reset his stance as the weight disappeared.

Again, thou hast done well, my new friend, she told him. Observe now our next lesson.

The horse watched as Helluin hopped down off the boulder and came to stand 'cross it from him. Then she leant forward, placing her hands atop it ere lowering herself so that she lay on the boulder with her stomach. She then removed her hands and allowed her arms to drape o'er it so that the rock bore her full weight. There she lay awhile unmoving, her face turned towards him so that she could mark his reaction.

Álfrhestr had watched as she had begun with both hands on the boulder. 'Twas the same position in which she had just set her hands upon his back and applied her weight. When she lay full 'cross the boulder, his eyes widened a fraction, but he remained unmoving, watching her carefully and seeing 'naught change 'til she withdrew and stood again on the ground.

What think thou, Álfrhestr? She asked.

Shalt thou weigh more thus, when lying atop my back? He asked.

I shall weigh the same as I e'er have, yet thou shalt bear the full measure of my weight and I shall seem heavier to thee, she said.

To her explanation, he nodded and said, I believe I understand.

By thy leave then, shall we attempt it? Helluin asked.

Aye, let us try. Pray go slowly though, for I would not have my back broken ere I can warn thee of the pain.

Helluin nodded to him, and stifled the rolling of her eyes. He could probably bear a weight equal to two or three of her, but she realized that he knew that not.

Now Helluin stood again atop the boulder and at first placed her hands on his back as she had aforetime. She watched his eyes as he twisted his neck 'round to watch her. So far, he seemed more curious than 'aught else, for so far, what she had done was familiar.

Next, she slid her hands further apart on his back and then leant forward so that her belly touched his back 'twixt her palms. Most of her weight remained borne by her legs, still standing atop the boulder. Helluin felt a slight hitch in his breath, but deemed it a reaction to the new sensation and not alarm, for his stance shifted not and his hooves remained firmly planted on the ground.

Art thou still free of pain, my friend? The Noldo asked.

Aye, Helluin, thou seem but little heavier though 'tis now more than just thy hands upon my back.

Then shall we proceed?

Álfrhestr nodded 'aye' and Helluin felt his nervous stiffening in anticipation of a crushing weight laid upon his spine. In response, she slowly let her stomach take more of her weight, and when she was leaning on him, she lifted her hands and draped her arms o'er his right side.

"Art thou still free of pain, Álfrhestr?" She asked aloud, for her head was now out of his sight on the far side of his body.

The stallion swung his head 'round to look to his right and recaptured her eyes.

I feel more of thy weight, Helluin, but I am not in pain. I wager thou weigh no more than the bundle of lucerne. As I mark thy feet still atop the boulder, I must believe that they are the heaviest part of thee. Perhaps 'tis thy boots that make up most of thy weight?

Helluin was by now accustomed to the reasoning of horses, but after recently learning how much belief determined their perception of reality, she simply told him what she believed.

Rather than the weight of my boots, I would say that my legs are still bearing part of my weight so long as I stand atop the rock.

Álfrhestr swung his head back to his left and saw that both Helluin's feet were still planted firmly on the boulder. He nodded, accepting her reasoning. He then looked back to his right and met her eyes.

I believe thee, Helluin. What next?

Now I shall lift one leg so that more of my weight is borne by thy back. Pray tell me at once if thou feel pain, my friend.

I shall be quick to do so, Helluin.

Now he looked back 'round to his left so as to carefully watch her legs. When he was set, Helluin slowly began to raise her left leg, that which was closest to his head and in full sight. He saw her boot rise from the stone and felt the increase of her weight upon his back, but felt no pain. Álfrhestr reckoned that she was heavier than the bundle of lucerne, but that had not been painful. He was now bearing perhaps six stone of her nine stone total¹. ¹(6 stone = 84 lbs. 9 stone = 126 lbs.)

"Art thou still free of pain, Álfrhestr?" She asked again.

He looked 'round to his right, met her eyes and said, Aye, despite thy increase in weight, I am free of pain as yet.

Then by thy leave, I shall lift my right leg and place my full weight upon thy back. What say thee, Álfrhestr?

I am ready, Helluin. Pray continue…slowly.

Very well. Thou may keep watch on my feet and if 'aught should pain thee, pray whinny and I shall step off at once.

Álfrhestr nodded to her and swung his head 'round to look back to his left where only her right foot still supported any of her body. He was watching so closely that he squinted and froze in place, again expecting to feel a sudden and crushing weight.

Helluin slowly raised her right foot. The stallion exhaled softly as he took her full weight. Her body did weigh more draped o'er his back with both of feet in the air, but 'twas lighter than he had expected. There was no pain, only the load of the now familiar elleth. 'Twas o'er double what the bundle of lucerne had weighed, but in that moment, he knew 'twas well 'neath his limit. His lips curled in a self-satisfied grin and he swung his head back 'round to his right to meet Helluin's eyes.

I had thought that surely thy right leg must weigh much more than thy left, but I find 'tis not so, Helluin. Thy weight I can bear and I feel no pain from it.

Excellent, Álfrhestr, Helluin said, thou art far stronger than thou had believed. Art thou comfortable?

Despite thy weight, I am able to stand without straining my legs or back. I am honestly surprised.

Shall we make another trial then, Álfrhestr? Would thou chance to take a few steps?

The stallion gave thought to her query and Helluin could well 'nigh see the wheels rotating in his head. He was wondering if three legs, or perhaps even two, might still be able to support her weight. Finally, he nodded and took a single step forward with his right foreleg. A moment later, his left hind leg followed. There he paused a moment and then in rapid succession, his left foreleg and right hind leg followed. He had completed a full stride of a walking gait. He then stood, looked back o'er his right shoulder and then his left shoulder, satisfying himself that Helluin and both of her legs were still draped o'er his back.

I have borne a rider! He chortled silently to Helluin, eye to eye. I shall be a warhorse in no time!

Rightly said, my friend, Helluin agreed, stifling her astonishment at his conclusions, and though there are more lessons to learn, thou hast taken thy first step, (literally, she thought to herself). When one sets their foot upon a new road, one can ne'er know for sure whence it leads. I wager many miles and much renown lie before thee, O Álfrhestr!

Very pleased with himself now, Álfrhestr took another step and then another, eventually walking 'round the boulder at an increasing pace as Helluin bounced upon his back like a sack, in greater discomfort than he. Finally, he returned to the rock and Helluin gratefully slid off wondering if she had broken her back.

What next? What next? He asked excitedly as he stood shifting his feet with enthusiasm.

Helluin had been stretching and arching her back, but told him that, What comes next is the heart of becoming a warhorse, Álfrhestr. I must mount upon thy back and ride there seated upright. I promise I shall weigh no more than aforetime, but I shall be able to aid thee by moving in time with thy gait.

He gave her a questioning look at that assertion, not understanding in the least what she meant by it.

By sitting upright, I shall also be able to wield weapons in battle, or even dismount quickly should that become necessary, she told him. Thou shalt see. Shall we try?

So far, she had told him 'naught that had proven untrue, and so he chose to believe her now and agreed with a nod of his head.

Now Helluin stood on the boulder as Álfrhestr waited alongside, and she carefully swung her right leg o'er his back and then lowered herself just as slowly so that she sat astride him.

Pray take some steps forward, my friend, the Noldo encouraged.

Álfrhestr walked forward again 'round the boulder, and this time, the elleth subtly shifted her weight to match his movements. The stallion no longer felt her as a dead weight, and being vertical o'er his body, no longer a hindrance to his balance. He happily quickened his pace to a fast walk.

"Art thou well, my friend?" Helluin asked aloud.

The horse stopped and turned his head 'round to face her and meet her eyes.

'Tis true that thou weigh no more than aforetime, and indeed I find thee less of a burden now. I even believe that I could proceed more quickly. Is that done?

Indeed so, Álfrhestr. With practice, we may advance together at a walk, a trot, a canter, and a gallop. As we go faster, I shall need to clutch thy sides with my legs to maintain my seat atop thee, and eventually give thee directions with pressure from them so that we need not stop to talk.

We shall be able to talk without speaking? Amazing! Why would we need to?

So that I may show thee the correct trails when they fork, or to avoid dangers I can see more easily, being higher above the ground, she said.

What she said made sense, and he could imagine the value of having more eyes higher up.

I should like to try more, he said, I would very much like to trot.

Then we shall trot, Álfrhestr. Pray go at thine own pace and choose thine own course.

They spent that day and the next week familiarizing the stallion with the feel of carrying a rider at each of his gaits. He became accustomed to bearing Helluin, along with her armor, weapons, and travel bag, at a walk, trot, canter, and gallop. He found the added weight little challenge, and indeed, as he became used to having her on his back, she seemed to become lighter with each passing day. At the end of the week, he remarked on this.

Helluin, art thou becoming lighter? Thy weight seems the less with each day. Shalt thou soon weigh 'naught?

I shall not. I weigh the same as I did aforetime, my friend. 'Tis thee who has changed. Thou art growing stronger and soon, I wager, my weight shall be no encumbrance to thee at all.

Is it always thus for a warhorse?

Usually a warhorse begins training as a colt so he grows up becoming stronger rather than gaining that strength all at once as an adult. 'Tis more noticeable to thee, feeling the changes now, yet I reckon thou shalt be as other warhorses in the end.

Then I must run and run to make up for lost time, Helluin.

Thou shalt have many chances to run, for tomorrow we begin our journey to Gondor. I deem thou hast learnt enough to bear me hence. Great adventures await, Álfrhestr.

The stallion pranced in place, o'erjoyed to hear that their journey would begin on the morrow.

Pray spend time this last day in Suꝺriborg to say thy farewells to family and friends. It may be some time ere thou come hither again, yet when thou dost, thou shalt have many stories to tell.

I shall be remembered fore'er in lore! Álfrhestr chortled. Very well, Helluin, I shall take thine advice and spend this day to give my parting wishes to kith and kin.

Helluin dismounted and watched the young stallion canter back to the herd. She then went back to the farm and gave attention to the loose floorboards in the stable, and the propping up of some sagging walls in the chicken coops. Afterwards, she gathered apples and berries, such nuts as she found ripe, and some vegetables that the rabbits had not laid claim to, and these she packed as trail rations in her bag. Alas, the bees had rebuffed her request for some of their honey. The Noldo had debated with herself o'er bringing oats to make cooked cereal, finally harvesting a small sack to simmer on rainy days, and then relaxed for the night.

On 17 Ivanneth, Helluin and Álfrhestr set out south. The herd, many of the cows, and most of the sheep had gathered to farewell the young stallion. The chickens, bees, and all of the trees and vegetables had ignored the entire proceeding.

Serve well, my son, for thou art a warhorse now and 'aught that thou dost reflects upon the honor of Suꝺriborg, said the herd stallion.

And keep your nose clean, added the mare ere she turned away, unwilling to show the tears gathering in her eyes.

Helluin met their eyes briefly and offered what reassurance she could, saying, I shall look after thy son as I can. I hope he shall win great renown and return to ye with honor.

The herd stallion nodded to her, accepting her good will. The mare nodded as well, but could not resist adding, pray make sure he eats enough and doesn't stay up too late.

Helluin managed not to roll her eyes at that 'til she and Álfrhestr had turned away east to find the north south road. They went forth at a comfortable trot and the Noldo wondered how long the young stallion would be able to continue. He had not been tested at distance and his stamina was unknown. One thing only could she be sure of. If he had any eastern blood, she could not mark it from his conformation. He was neither Barq, nor Red and would probably ne'er perform like them. Whereas Barq had once run down the Witch King's dead and enchanted steed 'cross a hundred miles of southern Angmar and Red had easily covered the miles from Didā Artāvan to Imladris, Helluin could only hope that Álfrhestr would ne'er be so sorely tested.

The north south road ran one hundred forty miles from Suꝺriborg to the east bank of Anduin 'cross from Lothlórien. On their first day, they made a respectable score and seven. They had made stops for water and rest whene'er possible. That evening, after Helluin called a halt, Álfrhestr stood cropping grass, but the Noldo could see that he was tired, for his head drooped and he took deep breaths more quickly than when he was comfortable.

Are we 'nigh Gondor yet? He asked hopefully as he chewed.

Helluin swallowed a bite of apple and shook her head 'nay'.

I reckon we have come seven leagues this day. Seven score miles lie 'twixt Suꝺriborg and the Elvish realm of Lothlórien. In the evening five days hence, we shall be 'cross the river from Lothlórien and I shall give my friends there a sign. They shall travel south on the west bank to meet us at the North Undeep, another forty leagues hence. There we shall 'cross Anduin and join them for to continue our ride south.

Álfrhestr thought a moment, calculating the mileage. Eleven score and thirteen miles lay ahead ere they came to the North Undeep, o'er seventy-seven leagues. He groaned 'round a mouthful of grass.

Ok, Helluin. I shall admit that the world is larger than I had guessed aforetime. Is this North Undeep 'nigh Gondor?

When we cross Anduin, we shall be in Calenardhon, the northwestern province of Gondor. In the east, there are sloping downs embracing rugged and folded uplands that extend on both sides of the river. We shall ride eighty-five miles west through a long valley 'til we reach flatter lands bordering the river Onodló, and from there strike southeast and then south along its northern bank for one hundred sixty miles. There we shall find a ford and cross Onodló. Fifty miles southwest, we shall join the Great West Road, and that we shall follow one hundred and ten leagues, all the way to Minas Tirith, the fortress city of Gondor and the seat of the Kings.

The Noldo could see Álfrhestr tallying the miles as she mentioned them and ere she had finished, he actually sat down on his haunches, shaking his head in dejection.

Helluin, all told that is eight hundred and eighty-five miles, he groaned silently, eye to eye. We shall ne'er get there.

Bah, the Noldo told him. Let not the mileage daunt thee. I have made this journey many times. Take heart, my friend, we have already come twenty-seven miles.

With a moan, Álfrhestr slumped onto his side and shortly took refuge in sleep. Helluin sighed and drew some fruit from her travel bag, then ate a meager evening meal. The few times that Barq or Red asked about distance, they took the answer as a challenge more than 'aught else, she thought to herself. Neither had any doubt that they could cover those miles, and their native impulse was to do so as quickly as possible. Barq loved to run, Red too, and both were curious to see new places. Ahhh well. Perhaps Álfrhestr shall become more like them after gaining the confidence that comes of conquering a first journey.

On the 18th, they made ten leagues, and though he showed fatigue during the last miles, the young stallion continued on if a bit grimly. Helluin deemed that he was beginning to exhibit the stubbornness of his kind, loath to admit to any deficiency in that one characteristic that defined them, we of the swift-hooved persuasion, as his dam, the herd's lead mare had said.

Though Álfrhestr seemed stiff the following morn and rose more slowly than aforetime, he gritted his teeth and took off from their camp at a trot. They rode another thirty miles on 19 Ivanneth and covered eighty-seven of the hundred and forty miles to Lothlórien by nightfall. So too went the 20th, and in their camp that night, Helluin praised her new steed.

Thou hast done well, Álfrhestr, she told him as he stood with head drooping, listlessly chewing on some grass. On the morrow, we need cover but a score and three and so we shalt have come to Lothlórien in five days. T'will be thine easiest day since we left Suꝺriborg.

Álfrhestr seemed to perk up a bit at her tidings and chewed with a bit more vigor.

Truly? He asked in surprise. I had not kept careful count, having ne'er ventured to master the esoterica of higher math.

Keeping count of the miles is my part, that and knowing the path, she told him whilst stifling the rolling of her eyes, deeming straight addition the exoterica of higher math.

Then we shall arrive in time for thee to send thy signal to thy friends 'cross the river?

Indeed so, and I wager we shall do so with time to spare. My signal shall be best marked after dark.

Álfrhestr returned to his supper and as the night fell, he marked that Helluin kept a watch to the east. Indeed her eyes seldom strayed from that direction, scarcely paying attention to the net of stars spread o'erhead. 'Twas as if she was apprehensive and that left him unsettled though he marked no threat by scent or any other sense. Finally, he tired of watching her watching the east.

Whyfor dost thou cast thine eyes so hard to the east, Helluin? Is there some danger I mark not that lies in wait?

Helluin sighed and broke from her concentration, turning to face him and meeting his eyes.

I too sense no danger this night, Álfrhestr, and yet aforetime great evil made its home upon a hill within the forest. Dol Guldur, which thy folk call Borg Fjōlkyngi, lies thither, seventy miles from where we stand.

Gahhh! Now I shall get not a wink of sleep this night, he said in alarm. Should we not continue on despite the darkness?

Nay, we shall flee no phantoms. There are real dangers in the night, potholes, molehills, and loose stones amongst them. Rest this night, for many miles lie ahead. Fear not, my friend. I shall keep watch.

The stallion nodded, cast an uneasy glance to the east, and then locked his legs and dozed off standing upright. Helluin continued to watch, sensing 'naught, just as Galadriel had reassured her a month past. Grudgingly slowly, it seemed to her, the night passed.

Morning dawned on the 21st as it had e'er done. Álfrhestr was eager to be away and Helluin felt no desire to linger. The road bent westward, away from Dol Guldur and closer to the river. They were riding southwest towards the bank of Anduin as the sun lit the grassland west of the forest. The stallion remained at a trot for the first hour, but thereafter picked up his pace to a canter. Each morn it had taken a while ere the stiffness and soreness was relieved by the warming of his muscles and the pumping of his blood, and whilst he had marked it not, Helluin had found his recovery time dwindling with each passing day. The road was conditioning Álfrhestr and his stamina was increasing. Somewhere 'round the North Undeep, the Noldo deemed that he would wake in the morn feeling no pain from the past day's exercise.

Now despite several breaks for water and rest, and for Helluin's noon meal, they arrived at the riverbank 'cross from Lothlórien in the late afternoon. Downstream on the opposite bank lay the mouth of the Silverlode. The stallion was actually surprised when Helluin called a halt.

We have arrived, my friend. 'Cross the water lies a forest thick with trees. 'Tis the Elvish realm of Lothlórien. With nightfall, I shall signal to my friends and they shall begin their journey south on the morrow to meet us. Pray take thy ease now 'til the dawn.

We have reached our first destination! Hip Hip Huzzah! Álfrhestr proclaimed with mock jubilation as he panted to catch his breath.

Through the remainder of the afternoon and evening, the stallion drank and ate, thankful for the more tender plants that grew 'nigh the riverbank. Eventually, he recovered from trotting and cantering for the day and stood dozing as Anor sank 'neath the distant Hithaeglir. Helluin waited with a touch of impatience as the sky dimmed and the shadow of night stretched from the east to meet the shadow of the mountains from the west. Yet finally, the stars were kindled and darkness fell o'er the Vale of Anduin. To Helluin's sharp eyes, the dim glimmer of a few lamps winked from flets 'cross the river.

Now Helluin doffed her cloak and walked to the bank. There she stood and blazed with the Light of Aman. Álfrhestr's head shot up as he lurched from his doze. A star burned on the bank of Anduin, so bright that it illuminated a surrounding circle 'til it seemed that spot of ground lay 'neath the noonday sun. She held her ril steady for the count of ten and then extinguished the flare.

On a flet 'cross Anduin, a trio of marchwardens jumped up. The signal was unmistakable. So bright was the Light that they saw the shadows cast from their own bodies leap in imitation of their movements as they climbed down from their talan of guard. Quickly, the Light winked out again and darkness returned, but they had a duty to execute. One set out on a dash to Caras Galadhon. A short jog brought the other two to the west bank, and there a signal fire was laid ready.

With a few strokes of a flint down the spine of a dagger, sparks leapt forth to land amidst the kindling and small flames caught and rose. Then the dried pine branches ignited, chosen to burn hot, bright, and quick. Within a minute, a bonfire blazed, large enough to be easily marked from 'cross the river.

On the east bank, Helluin marked the return signal and sighed. Shortly, her friends would know that she was riding south to meet them. Four days hence we shall cross the river, she thought, and in a week we shall meet just west of the Wold.

Ere midnight, a runner came to Caras Galadhon and made his report to the commander of the guard station at the city gates. The captain hastened to the ladder and ascended to the Royal Talan. There he found the lord and lady, but also their guests, Annuihír and Lainiel. It seemed that the Rangers had been summoned, and he suspected that his tidings were little news at all.

After offering his sovereigns a deep bow, he reported that, "the signal was received shortly after sundown and was returned immediately as ordered."

The captain received the thanks of his lord and lady and then he was dismissed.

"In the morn, ye shall set off," the Lord Celeborn said. "We thank you for your patience."

"Ye have seen the maps and know the route," Galadriel said. "Your pace, ye shall determine. I wager that Helluin shall meet you in one week's time."

"Lord Annuihír, Lady Lainiel, we wish you safe and well upon your road."

The young Rangers bowed deeply to their hosts.

"Ye have our thanks for all your aid and the hospitality of your realm," Annuihír said.

"Our thanks also for your good wishes for our journey," Lainiel added. "We shall take our leave at dawn."

After parting bows, the Rangers climbed down the ladder from the high talan and returned to the pavilion that the Galadhrim had set for them amongst the boles of a mellyrn grove. Húveren met them, wagging his tail and sensing that a change drew 'nigh. There they packed for the morrow's ride and then returned to their cots for a few more hours' sleep.

When the first hint of dawn lightened the sky, they rose and broke their fasts, then tacked up their mounts, and set out west through the forest. They were first required to backtrack towards Nanduhirion where stood the stone bridge o'er Nimrodel, for 'twas the only place they could cross with horses. Only thereafter could they join the trail leading south past Fangorn.

"I am impressed that Helluin could find a good horse in only a fortnight," Lainiel remarked as they rode. "Surely she could not have come all the way north to the Éothéod."

"I too had thought her errand would take more time, not that I minded lingering in Lothlórien," Annuihír remarked. "I wager that no others amongst our people have visited there."

At their camp that night, the Rangers would discover that their stay had been longer than they had first reckoned. One glance at the moon's phase gave them pause, for like all of mortal blood, they had not felt the passing of time aright. What they had judged to be a fortnight had actually been a month and a day.

'Twas an effect whispered of by those few Men that visited the Golden Wood o'er the years of the latter Third Age. Eventually, some of the Wise discerned that Lothlórien was an eldritch realm wherein the passage of time was held at bay by some power none might apprehend. Alas, they were not wise enough to suspect the true cause, for the disposition, (and later the very existence), of the Three had been forgotten in the mortal world. Instead, they came to suspect and distrust the rulers, and especially the lady of the realm, deeming them sorcerers of unfathomable intent. Ere a millennium had passed, even their names were no longer common knowledge and only the distrust of mortals remained, for as in Númenor aforetime, the kindreds of Men and Elves were estranged. Lothlórien came to be regarded as a semi-mythical land of ill repute, shunned and feared. Yet even then, there were still a few who were Wise.

"Perilous indeed, fair and perilous; but only evil need fear it, or those who bring some evil with them."¹ ¹(Aragorn speaking to Boromir, LotR, Book 2, Part VI, Lothlórien, pg 329)

Now the morn of 22 Ivanneth broke. As Annuihír, Lainiel, and Húveren made their way from Caras Galadhon to the Nimrodel Bridge, Helluin and Álfrhestr continued south on the east bank.

Whether the lesser mileage on the 21st had assuaged the stallion's fatigue, or perhaps his constitution had become inured to the days of running, he tired less quickly as the miles passed. On that day, he made eleven leagues as the river turned half-east and felt only slightly winded when they camped for the night. A week of riding had strengthened him and added to his capacity, his stamina. On the 23rd he ran twelve leagues, and on the 24th fourteen. In the early afternoon that day, the land began to change. The green, rolling fields with its scattered copses of trees gave way to a flatter and drier landscape. By evening, the first humps of the folded Brown Lands drew 'nigh.

We have come to the northern verge of the Downs, my friend. Thou hast done well, Helluin said.

I have felt less worn these past few days, Álfrhestr replied, seeming surprised at his realization.

The miles have begun to work their effect upon thee, for like any other exercise, thou art strengthened by the doing. This past day, thou ran five leagues further than on the day we left Suꝺriborg.

Truly? He asked in amazement. I feel far better this night than I did on that night. Indeed, I could continue a while longer.

We shall rest this night, and on the morrow cross the river. Ahead lie the long slopes and steep faces of two downs. Beyond them we shall find a valley that runs mostly east west. That we shall take to the ford, the North Undeep. I wager we shall reach it ere noon for it lies but a score miles ahead now. There we shall turn west towards Anduin. Ere nightfall of the morrow, we shall be on the west side of the river riding down the long valley towards Fangorn Forest.

And thy friends?

I reckon we shall meet them in the evening three days hence.

Álfrhestr nodded and then went to eat of the green plants 'nigh the riverbank. Helluin marked that he no longer 'drooped' for the first hour after breaking from the day's ride, but rather stood comfortably as he cropped his dinner. She nodded in approval. His condition is much improved since the night we spent 'nigh Lothlórien. I wonder if more than simple physical conditioning has influenced his stamina. Much is preserved in the Golden Wood and the Lady sees far…

On 25 Ivanneth, Helluin and Álfrhestr broke camp at dawn. In the first hour, they felt the incline of the outer slope of the first down, but the stallion ascended as if the land was still flat 'neath his hooves. At the top, they paused to survey the landscape.

To the east, the land stretched out, dun beyond the curve of the down and flat as it disappeared into the haze of distance. Before them to the south lay another down 'nigh identical to the first, and beyond it, two score miles of the uplifted and folded hills of the Brown Lands. These they would not traverse, for 'twixt the second down and those rugged hills lay the long valley that led to the North Undeep. Helluin and Álfrhestr looked upon the steep slope 'neath their feet.

Art thou ready, my friend? Helluin asked.

Aye, the stallion answered, this looks like fun. I have ne'er aforetime seen such a tall slope.

Mind thy footing, such down slopes are best taken at speed.

With a nod of agreement, Álfrhestr began his descent. His trot quickly progressed to a canter, and with gravity's aid, to a gallop. Then he was flying down the face of the slope, mane spread with the wind of his passing, hooves beating a fast tattoo on the dry earth. His ears were pricked forward and he held his head up, and Helluin sensed his joy in their speed. When he reached the bottom, he carried on forward at a gallop, climbing half the gentle northern slope of the second down ere reducing his gait to a canter. He reached the top and paused.

The stallion turned his head to face Helluin and his eyes were bright when they met hers.

That was great! I cannot wait to repeat it! Shall we encounter more such downs?

Alas, we shall not on this trip, Helluin answered. Pray enjoy the one ahead.

Álfrhestr nodded and then looked to the fore. He gathered himself, took a deep breath, and then with a whinny of anticipation, leapt downslope at a full gallop. Helluin leant forward o'er his neck, squinting into the wind as they descended. 'Twas exhilarating, such speed, and she deemed that, he has become strong enough to enjoy being a horse at last.

Now when they reached the bottom, Helluin rotated her hips to the right and pressed against his ribs with her right leg, urging him into a right hand turn. Álfrhestr obliged, continuing at a gallop for another mile ere he slowed to a trot.

They came through the valley 'twixt the steep walls of the second down and the first ridges of the Brown Lands, an east west corridor long known to the people of the south. Though Helluin had expected him to pause for a rest, he did not, and continued on the remainder of a league 'til the east bank of Anduin lay before them.

There lay shallows of two furlongs breadth, sparkling water covering a bed of brightly colored pebbles and marl, the current strong, but its depth rising only to mid-calf. There Álfrhestr finally paused for a drink. Helluin dismounted and refilled her water skin ere drinking her fill. 'Twas still two hours ere noon.

Excellent progress we have made this day, the Noldo said when she caught his eye.

Were all of our road so much fun, I should cover it in half the time. So now, we cross this ford and continue, for the valley continues on 'cross the water.

Just so, my friend. We shall ride through the valley for the next two days ere finding its end.

Álfrhestr was in high spirits. He well 'nigh pranced through the water. Dead center of the ford he stopped and turned to look up river where Limlight joined Anduin, and then downstream where the flow continued ere bending east. For a while, he seemed mesmerized by the glinting highlights off the water as they danced on the ripples and shallow chop. The sun was bright o'erhead and the water clear.

This is a magickal place, Helluin, he declared. The water itself seems…happy.

I would say that on such a beautiful day as this one, the water has good reason for joy. One day, perhaps thou shalt come to Imladris, a land of great beauty with many singing streams and waterfalls of inspiring majesty.

Waterfalls?

Aye, places where a stream plunges o'er the face of a cliff to fall with a roar into a pool, giving rise to mists, and where rainbows stand brightly colored in the sunlight.

He stood silent for a while trying to imagine a waterfall, but finally shook his head as if waking from a dream.

I should very much like to see such a thing one day, Helluin.

He turned then and walked the remaining furlong to the west bank. There he stepped out of the river and then after a final glance back at the magickal ford, took off west through the valley at a canter. They stopped 'round noon for a quick rest and meal, then continued on 'til dusk. Ere they paused for the night, they had come a score miles through the Wold.

For two more days, they rode west through the long valley, and they covered the remaining sixty-five miles by the mid-afternoon of 27 Ivanneth. At the mouth of the valley, they stayed their ride. The land 'roundabout lay deserted.

Were thy friends to meet us hither upon this day, Helluin? Álfrhestr asked.

Aye, Helluin replied, yet the day is not yet done. We shall await them, for if they arrive not on this day, then surely they shall appear on the morrow. In the meantime, take thy ease, my friend.

Now Helluin set her camp and kindled a small trench fire in the manner of the Laiquendi. There she simmered half the oats taken from Suꝺriborg. The other half, she gave to Álfrhestr as a well-earned treat. As twilight drew down, she stirred a sizable pot of oatmeal and appraised the remaining fruit, a couple apples and some nuts that she deemed still wholesome.

Finally, as Ithil rose o'er the river, Helluin set her head to the bare rock and concentrated. Still distant, she perceived the faint vibrations of hooves on hard packed soil. A grin shaped her lips.

An hour later, Helluin rose and waited as the clip-clop of horses approached. Álfrhestr too had heard, and he stood beside her, ears pricked forward in anticipation of meeting other warhorses. When the riders were close, Helluin set her fingers to her lips and produced a soft whistle, directing them hence. A couple minutes later, Húveren bounded into view, yipping a greeting, and then the Rangers appeared 'round a standing stone and breathed a sigh of relief. They dismounted and joined the Noldo at the fire.

"Welcome, Lord Annuihír and Lady Lainiel. 'Tis good to find ye safe," she said, after offering a bow of greeting.

The Rangers bowed in return, smiles lighting their faces.

"Mae govannen, Helluin," Annuihír said. "'Tis good to find thee safe as well."

"Suilad nín, Helluin," Lainiel added, "I see thou hast been successful in enlisting the company of a horse."

"Indeed so, my friends. Pray greet Álfrhestr of Suꝺriborg, warhorse of the Éothéod."

The young stallion dipped his head to the nobles and then stood at attention, fairly glowing from Helluin's introduction. Warhorse of the Éothéod indeed, he thought.

Now whilst Helluin, Annuihír, and Lainiel traded tidings of their days since they had parted, Álfrhestr made the acquaintance of the Ranger horses. He had many questions for them, and they for him. Mostly, their speech had to do with the virtues of the fodder they cropped, the character of the ground 'neath their hooves, and the sweetness of the local water, just as Helluin had suspected. Yet afterwards, they also compared accounts of the roads they had taken, shared their impressions of the wonders they had seen, and by midnight when they adjourned their council to doze off standing upright, they had become friends.

"So thou ne'er met any of the Northmen?" Lainiel asked.

"Nay, they were long gone and far north," the Noldo said. "Suꝺriborg was a relic, abandoned by Men, and yet still functioning as a farm and home for the animals."

"How peculiar," Annuihír said as he fed Húveren some tidbits of the sausage he had contributed. "I am surprised that the livestock was not brought north when the Éothéod left."

"I was surprised as well at first, yet the herd stallion and mare explained that the Lords of Suꝺriborg had given to their livestock, the choice of whether to leave or stay. Apparently, many chose to remain where they had lived for generations."

"And these lords, they were Men and not Elves?" Lainiel asked.

"Indeed so, for the stallion and mare spoke of three generations of lords and ladies. Suꝺriborg grew from a farm established in 1856 after the Northmen were driven from their lands to the east. I reckon some daughter of that people came upon a farm of the settlers and built upon what she found, eventually winning renown amongst her folk for her farming. She and her husband were granted noble titles and their farm given the status of a fortress in 1914. I wager their heirs left with the rest of the Éothéod in 1977."

"So for a quarter century, the animals ruled their own affairs?"

"Aye, Lord Annuihír, or so they explained it to me. I found there horses, cows, sheep, chickens, and the crops, wheat, oats, barley, and lucerne growing still in fields long established. There too were a garden of vegetables, wildflowers for the bees in their hives, and trees bearing nuts and fruit. There was even a mixed berry bramble, larger than the one Elrond cultivates in Imladris."

"Amazing," Lainiel remarked. "And the homes? The farm buildings?"

"Those still stood, and the shops of craftsmen, a smithy, a pottery, a tannery, the studios of a weaver and leather monger, and the outbuildings, stable, byre, fold, and coops. I saw there too a fortification with stockade, stable, and barrack to house a garrison of many soldiers of the king."

For a while, they thought on what Helluin had seen. 'Twas surprising that the Northmen had left so much behind, and more surprising that a farm so well developed was now still home to a full complement of livestock. In the end, they deemed it a rich boon waiting to be claimed, and the fact that none had yet laid claim to it was reassuring. Had there been evil Men or Yrch, they would certainly have commandeered it for so long as required to slaughter the animals and eat what grew, ere they burnt the rest. From this conclusion, they deemed that the lands were largely free of foes and Dol Guldur remained deserted. Time would prove them quite mistaken.

To Be Continued