In An Age Before – Part 233
Chapter One Hundred forty-eight
Gondor – The Third Age of the Sun
Now although the lands of the Wold and the borders of Fangorn Forest were a part of Calenardhon, and therefore a part of Gondor, they were rough terrain, remote from the cities, and they had ne'er been heavily settled. Even in the first days of its power, the South Kingdom had boasted more territory than people. Following their losses in the Haradrim Wars, the Easterling Wars, the Kin strife, and the Great Plague, the count of the Dúnedain had only fallen. The addition of loyal Men from Rhovanion and the southern fiefs could not make up for the decline in the population, for those realms had also known grievous loss.
So 'twas that the many military outposts, and even the ridge top garrison that had been manned in Eldacar's days, were now abandoned. None had o'erseen or sought to stay Helluin and Álfrhestr as they rode west from the North Undeep. The Noldo wondered if soldiers of Gondor had even patrolled that land since the Wainrider War of 1899.
On 28 Ivanneth, Helluin, Annuihír, and Lainiel rode south from the mouth of the long valley, following the dark line on the western horizon that marked the border of Fangorn Forest, to find the north bank of the river Onodló. This they reached in the mid-afternoon of the 29th after riding twenty leagues.
Much of the time, they followed Húveren, who loped along ahead of the horses, but at other times, the dog rode with Annuihír, seated on the front of his saddle with his tongue flapping in the breeze. The company advanced at a rate of roughly twelve leagues a day, and Helluin was glad to see that Álfrhestr experienced no hardship whilst keeping pace with the Ranger horses.
The river Onodló drained the eastern slopes of Methedras, flowing from Fangorn Forest down into Calenardhon. Forced west of the highlands of the Wold, the river covered twenty leagues in a southeasterly direction ere turning due south for thirty leagues. Thereafter, the land rising to the foothills of the White Mountains in the south drove the river's course east for twenty leagues ere it split into the myriad channels that threaded through a low, marshy land and finally emptied into Anduin. That delta ranged from seventy miles long in the north to 'nigh one hundred fifty miles long in the south, and met the great river along o'er one hundred miles of its western bank.
Helluin and the Rangers rode thirty-five leagues along the northern bank to a ford that crossed the river roughly halfway down its southerly extension, leaving its course long ere the fens and marshes began. That ride consumed three full days, yet in the early evening of 2 Narbeleth they reached the Iách Onodló¹, which the Noldo was very glad to find running shallow. ¹(Iách Onodló, Ent Swamp Ford = iách(ford) + onod(Ent) + ló(swamp)Sindarin or Entwade Westron)
"We are fortunate in the season, mellyn nín, for in spring this could be a deadly swim 'twixt the volumes from thunderstorms and snowmelt," she told them.
The Rangers eyed the thigh deep furlong of dark water that ran a fathom 'neath the level of the banks. A few willows populated the verge of the watercourse. They could have easily passed it by night, for the only clue to the ford's placement was the sloping of the banks down to the river.
"We shall await the morn to cross," Helluin said, and could have sworn that the horses breathed sighs of relief. "Ere that, I shall go fishing."
Annuihír and Lainiel proceeded to tend their horses and set up camp. Being as he bore neither saddle nor tack, Álfrhestr was free as soon as Helluin slid from his back. He walked down the slope to the water, drank his fill, then climbed back up and began cropping grass 'nigh the campsite. The two Ranger horses followed his actions as soon as they were free of their burdens.
Meanwhile, Helluin, lacking pole and line, or even a hook, traded her bracers, boots, and greaves for a pair of camp slippers and then slowly waded out into the river. From the time she set her first toe in the water, she moved carefully, causing nary a ripple or current 'round her feet. When she had come a couple fathoms from the bank, she bent at the waist 'til her forearms dangled in the water, and then she stood stock-still, feeling with the skin on her arms and legs for the small eddies and water movements that would betray a fish.
For the quarter part of an hour, Helluin waited thus and she soon marked movements in the water that ran counter to the flow of the current. These were creatures examining the strange invaders of their watery realm, curious, fleshy invaders that hung from the roof of their world and exuded an enticing warmth. Eventually, she felt a cautious nibble on her forearm, the tickle of stiff lips venturing an exploratory taste. With the lightning reflexes of a cat or snake, Helluin seized the fish and flung it into the air. During the heartbeat whilst she held it in her hands, she noted that 'twas a bespeckled brown, relatively slender, and weighed 'nigh a third of a stone. In that brief moment, she saw its panicked eyes, wide and round, (but are they not always so amongst fishes?), and its gaping mouth shrieking a silent, Noooooooo!
The fish described a high arc and landed with a thud in the grass 'nigh the campfire, startling the horses to flight and rebounding up to bounce off the back of Annuihír's tunic. Thereafter, it flapped vigorously, praying to return to the water. Helluin slogged from the river, eager to examine her catch.
Now the young lord had leapt from his seat at the fire with a great shout of alarm, and he spun towards his foe whilst unsheathing his dagger. Seeing the fish flopping on the ground not a pace away, he swung a mighty, adrenalin charged down-stroke that hewed its head clean off.
Helluin came to the top of the bank and squeegeed the water from her legs and arms with the edges of her palms ere flinging the moisture away with a snap of her wrists. At the campfire, Lainiel was laughing. The fish's body lay flapping still, Annuihír stood catching his breath and calming himself, and the fish's head lay with mouth opening and closing, silently gasping its final, Nooo! Nooo! Nooo!
"'Tis a brown trout," Helluin said after giving it a glance. "We shall eat well this night."
Lainiel rose and walked o'er to the closest willow, cutting free a number of withies with which she wove a baking frame. Chagrined at his display of panic, Annuihír took to gutting and scaling. Helluin went off the reassure Álfrhestr and the other horses.
'Tis not always thus, she told them, for fishing is more oft a quiet and contemplative activity.
He is more oft a calm lord, Annuihír's horse claimed, though traveling these strange lands may have set him on edge.
It hath set me on edge, Lainiel's mare admitted, and the Elf forest was certainly a strange land. I feel as if I was there for half the time the moon tells and cannot remember the days clearly.
Think thou that there are oats to be had in this Southern Kingdom, Helluin? Álfrhestr asked.
I am sure that there are, my friend, pray be patient, Helluin told him.
He nodded to her and the Ranger horses nodded as well. They now had something to look forward to.
I shall also bring ye apples, the Noldo promised. Perhaps we can all return to the camp now? I pray there shall be no further outbursts and we can all rest well this night.
The horses followed Helluin back to the campsite where Annuihír was cleaning his dagger and Lainiel was roasting the trout fillets. Helluin kicked the now still fish head back into the river, and then donned her boots and greaves. Soon enough, the fish was cooked and the three ate heartily. Eventually, the Rangers wrapped themselves in their cloaks and drifted off to sleep. The horses took turns lying down for deep sleep or standing for a light doze. Helluin reclined on her ground cloth of cordura wool and stared up at Ithil, tracking his slow progress 'cross the sky. Eventually, the sun brightened the horizon.
They waited to set out 'til the sun was strong enough o'erhead to reveal the track of pebbles, stones, and slabs lying 'neath the surface of the water that formed the ford. The horses eyed it suspiciously, but as they could see it now by daylight, they only hesitated for a moment. With Helluin in the lead, the company crossed Onodló and made their way southwest 'cross open, rolling fields of long grass.
"Now ye have been told that your true names must be forsaken," Helluin said as they rode together at a walk whilst resting their horses. "Have ye given thought to what names ye shall be known by in Gondor?"
Annuihír and Lainiel looked to each other, but then both looked back to Helluin and nodded 'aye'.
"Pray share?" The Noldo asked.
"I shall take the name Forothadan son of Pengadan¹," Annuihír declared. ¹(Forothadan son of Pengadan, North Man son of Bow Man = forod(north) + adan(Man of the 3 Houses) son of peng(bow) + adan(Man of the 3 Houses) The –d becomes –th at the partition in Sindarin names. Sindarin)
At his choice, Helluin groaned aloud and shook her head ere coming to a halt.
"Such names shall ne'er do," she said in exasperation. "Thou would seem to claim thyself a descendant of the riders of the Éothéod who are loyal allies of Gondor, aye, but reckoned amongst the Middle Men, not amongst the Dúnedain. Worse, by using 'adan' rather than 'gweg' or 'firion' thou shalt be deemed to grasp at a heritage greater than thy blood would tell. Pray try again."
Whilst Annuihír gave thought to other choices, Helluin turned to Lainiel and asked, "What of thee?"
"I have chosen Dúnriel¹, daughter of Lahrín², the lady said. ¹(Dúnriel, West Maiden = dún(west) + riel(maiden) Sindarin) ²(Lahrín, Leaf Crowned = las(leaf) + rín(crowned) The –s becomes –h at the partition in Sindarin names. Sindarin)
Helluin mustered a non-committal nod in response.
"I deem the name Dúnriel a good choice, for it reflects a tie to the West," Helluin said. "Lahrín the Leaf Crowned seems to claim a kinship with, or actual Elvish strain in thy heritage, for the Tawarwaith and Avari crown their kings thus. I reckon such should be avoided lest it lead to unwelcome attention and questions of thy lineage."
Lainiel nodded, but Annuihír broke in, bemoaning, "so much thought required simply to create a new name."
"It seems a chore, aye, but t'will be familiar one day when thou names thy child," Helluin said.
The young prince rolled his eyes at the thought, but continued striving for inspiration. The Noldo and the Rangers resumed their ride southwest. They continued through the day, covering twelve leagues.
At their camp that night, Helluin again asked if they had chosen worthy names, and then inwardly cringed, imagining what they might have come up with.
"Ere nightfall upon the morrow, we shall come to the West Road and the chance of meeting Dúnedain of Gondor shall grow with each passing mile,' she told them. "Ere we ride that road, ye should have names and identities both believable and giving the desired impression. I hope that ye have found names that satisfy both needs, but if not, then we shall remain here 'til ye do."
They were in the midst of a field of gently rolling grass. A small stream ran towards the river to their northeast. 'Twas pleasant enough, yet if rain should come, or the stay grow long, they would find themselves wanting for shelter and needing to hunt for sustenance. The Rangers gritted their teeth at the thought and neither felt inclined to speak first. Helluin waited, silently, her eyes shifting from one to the other.
"For crying aloud," she cried in exasperation. "Ye have both learnt your lore. In tales of the Elder Days, heroes took new names as if they rolled off their tongues. I cannot believe that Turin agonized so o'er his decision when he named himself Agarwaen son of Úmarth¹, nor Beren when he named himself Camlost²." ¹(Agarwaen son of Úmarth, Bloodstained son of Ill-fate Sil., QS, XXI, Túrin Turambar, pg 251) ²(Camlost, Empty-handed Sil., QS, XIX, Beren and Lúthien, pg 218.)
"B-but they had grave c-cause to t-take those names," Annuihír stuttered.
Beside him, Lainiel nodded in agreement.
"Bah," said Helluin, dismissing his excuse with a wave of her hand. "I bid ye name yourselves or I shall. Ye have 'til dawn."
She then shook her head and reclined on her ground cloth of polar fleece to watch the stars. 'Cross the camp fire, Lainiel and Annuihír whispered 'twixt themselves, running through name after name 'til Helluin grew tired of o'erhearing and moved her bedding away to where the horses had gathered. Alas, their company brought her no peace. The horses, though they muttered to themselves in silence eye to eye, also contributed to her restlessness with the sounds of their dung dropping, the gushing of their water, and the expulsion of their gases. Finally, Helluin seized her belongings and stomped off a couple dozen yards back up the trail they had ridden and plunked herself down out of earshot of them all. There she reclined again.
Blessed silence at last, save for the gentle whispering of breeze through stalks of grass, the melodic song of the stream, and the soft padding of paws…huh?
Helluin sat up sharply, seizing her bow and knocking an arrow. She searched the surrounding darkness and by Ithil's light, clearly saw a half-dozen pairs of eyes glimmering back at her in calculating curiosity. In reply, she produced a soft ril of silver and gold, sufficient to illuminate the bow she held, and a hint of blue battle fire that made her eyes glow.
Pray do 'naught unconsidered this night, silent hunter, for I am a hunter too and far more fell, she told the approaching eyes.
Five of the six pairs of eyes held and then lowered slightly as they sat. The sixth drew closer 'til the form of a large, grey wolf revealed itself a couple fathoms away, and there it too sat. Now after panting a pace with tongue lolling from the side of its mouth, the pack alpha spoke whilst meeting her eyes.
We seldom meet those of the Elder Kindred in these lands, the wolf said, yet with thy folk we have no quarrel. Dost thou accompany yonder mortals and their steeds?
Indeed so, Helluin replied, and thou may consider them 'neath my protection.
With a sigh, the wolf nodded his agreement.
Very well, he agreed, we seek no battles, only sustenance, and we are far from starving this night. Whither goest thee and thy company, pray tell?
We ride for Minas Tirith bearing hence an embassy to King Eärnil. We have come far, from Eriador west of the Misty Mountains.
The wolf blinked and then sat a while giving thought to her words. Finally, he resumed their conversation with a surprising bit of lore.
I have ne'er set foot west of the mountains, nor my sires for four generations, yet upon a time, my line came from Eriador whither they abandoned their service to a cruel and incompetent sorcerer. I have heard it rumored that he fell and his reign ended.
Helluin withdrew the arrow from her bow and replaced it in her quiver.
Thy lore is true and thou hast heard right, she told him. I wager thine ancestors once served the Witch King of Angmar, but renounced his lordship o'er them whilst his host occupied Fornost where Men and Yrch starved due to his poor leadership. Perhaps I even met some of thy kin once 'nigh the Weather Hills, three decades past. They had disavowed the Witch King and sought to live free as Eru made them. Noble, I thought that notion, for they knew their hearts and their purpose here in Middle Earth.
I know 'naught of such a meeting, yet I doubt not thy testimony. We live free, running, hunting, and serving no master save the One who made us. May there be peace 'twixt us this night then, bright one.
Peace be with thee and thy pack, grey hunter. I bid thee a fair night and success in the hunt.
The wolf nodded and then rose, and he returned to his pack and they set off to the east, loping away in silence. Helluin returned her gaze to the stars, but now she had some ideas for names, if the Rangers had found no more desirable options on their own.
Finally, the dawn of 4 Narbeleth opened and the land brightened 'neath a few thin clouds. Helluin gathered her belongings and returned to the campsite. There she found Annuihír and Lainiel still softly discussing possible names. With a sigh, she set down her travel bag and weapons.
"T'would seem your quandary is not resolved," she said, pinning the mortals, one then the other, with her eyes. Finally, the two Rangers shook their heads 'nay'.
"We have bethought 'nigh e'ery name known to us," said Lainiel, ere throwing up her hands and stifling a yawn.
"And many unknown to us," Annuihír added with a groan.
"I have taken counsel with a hunter in the night and have found inspiration," said Helluin with a fugitive grin.
The Rangers looked to her in confusion, for they had detected none 'nigh their camp.
"Lord Annuihír, thou shalt be known hereafter as Draugrán¹ son of Faradan²," Helluin proclaimed. ¹(Draugrán, Wolf Moon = draug(wolf) + rán(moon) Sindarin) ²(Faradan, Huntsman = faro-(v. hunt) + adan(Man of the 3 Houses) Sindarin)
The Ranger tried out the names and found them savory on his tongue, for they suggested a backstory that he could embrace. He vigorously nodded in agreement to the Noldo and offered her a smile.
"Lady Lainiel, thou shalt be known hereafter as Dúnriel daughter of Anoriel¹," Helluin said. ¹(Anoriel, Sun Daughter = anor(sun) + ield(daughter) The final –ld becomes –l in Sindarin names. Sindarin)
"I like that," Lainiel said, "I thank thee, Helluin."
"Pray spend time this day to create details of your status and the lives ye at home in the north," the Noldo advised, "for such personal lore is best not made up whilst 'neath the questioning of some newly met lord or captain of Gondor. I advise ye to account for the familiarity 'twixt ye, attesting to your status as comrades in service to your chieftain, but 'naught closer. As these new people ye shall live for howsoe'er long we remain in the south."
The Rangers nodded to her and gave thought to perfecting their subterfuge, a trait wholly alien to them, being by nature truthful people.
"And practice calling each other by your new names," Helluin added as an afterthought. "Your true names shall not be spoken again 'til ye return to the north."
The newly christened Draugrán and Dúnriel spent the day's ride conspiring to create life stories for their new identities, with many an advisory comment from Helluin along the way. To indulge that conversation, the company rode at a walk, but still, as the sun fell behind the distant Ered Nimrais, they forded a small stream, broke from the grasslands, and came to the Great West Road.
"For two thousand years and more, this road was part of the continuous Royal Road that linked all of Elendil's kingdom," Helluin said, waxing didactic. "It begins at the Stone of Erech, which Isildur set at the mouth of the Blackroot Vale in Lamedon when his third ship was beached upon reaching Middle Earth after the Whelming of Númenor. Thereafter it traces its way east to Linhir in Lebennin and Pelargir upon Anduin, and thence north to Lossarnach and Minas Anor.
After curving 'round Mindolluin, it turns west and traces the foothills of the Ered Nimrais 'til it reaches the Fords of Isen. There it turns north through Dunland, entering Arnor as the South Road. It passes ruined Tharbad upon Gwathló and continues north as the Greenway that runs through Andrath to Fornost Erain. Midway 'twixt Tharbad and Sarn Ford, the road branches and a leg runs northwest to Sarn Ford upon Baranduin ere it terminates in the White Downs at its junction with the West Road. Ye know those last roads and the West Road that runs from the White Towers in the Emyn Beraid, east through Eriador to the Ford of Bruinen, Imladris, and the High Pass.
Like the North Kingdom, the road through Arnor has fallen into disrepair, but in the South Kingdom, the road still runs, continuous and smooth, and connects with Gondor's Royal Road that joins Minas Tirith with Osgiliath, and Minas Morgul. In Ithilien is the crossroads with the Ithilien Road that runs from the Black Gate of Mordor to Harondor ere it crosses the Fords of Poros to be known after as the Harad Road. Eventually, it leads all the way down to Umbar."
Before them lay a well-paved way of ten rangar in breadth, accompanied by a riding track of five rangar in breadth covered in short, tough grass. Evidence of horse traffic could be seen in the hoof prints and intermittent patches of bare earth on the riding track. It seemed that citizens, messengers, and Knights of Gondor regularly traversed Calenardhon, even with the diminished population. Helluin could not help but recall riding this same stretch of road with the host of Eldacar as he moved to invest Osgiliath and reclaim his crown. Five hundred sixty years it hath been since last I set foot in the South Kingdom. I wonder what we shall find.
Her question was answered in the morn of 5 Narbeleth, when after only three hours on the riding track, the company came upon an outpost of the Northern Army manning the beacon upon Írensaga. (Ere the Steward Cirion ceded Calenardhon to Eorl the Young and the Éothéod, Gondor had maintained sites for beacon fires on hills for the full length of the Ered Nimrais, north and south, the westernmost being on the northern slopes of Thrihyrne on the border of Arnor. By the time of the LotR, only the eastern beacons remained in the north, running from Amon Dîn to Halifirien.)
Having been marked from the watchtower 'nigh the beacon, a dozen Knights of Gondor waylaid the road and stood their mounts in a phalanx to stay the strangers. Their initial impression was improved not at all for Helluin appearing as one of the Nazgûl, black cloaked and riding a black horse only a year after the fall of Minas Ithil. The knights were nervous, bearing unsheathed swords, knocked arrows, and leveled spears as their mounts snorted and stepped in place.
"Stay and stand, strangers," the Knight Commander called from the point of the phalanx. "Ye ride the King's Road and must satisfy his requirements ere ye proceed further."
Helluin and the Rangers came to a halt as commanded, and Helluin answered their challenge.
"Noble Knight of Gondor, we are travelers from Eriador bearing an embassy from the Chieftain Aranarth of the North Realm of the Dúnedain. I am Helluin Maeg-Móremenel, ally and friend of Gondor since the reign of Isildur and Anárion, and with me are the Dúnedain Rangers Draugrán and Dúnriel. We would beg audience before King Eärnil II in Minas Tirith to share tidings of the north."
Then for a while, the knights answered 'naught as they conferred 'twixt themselves. To Helluin's sharp Elvish ears came their whispered comments and their many uncertainties about both herself and the Rangers.
It seemed that they recalled some tales told by soldiers returning from the war in Eriador, of a Knight of Imladris who had driven off the Witch King. By all accounts, that Noldo had appeared much like the one before them now and the name their allies had given was the same as that which she had claimed. Yet what were the chances that a knight of such singular prowess had appeared on the road in the midst of Calenardhon? No Elves had come to Gondor in living memory. As for her two companions, Arthedain was no more, their last king was dead, and its people were scattered and dispossessed. That a Chieftain ruled them now and had sent Rangers of the North bearing tidings to their king was thought less likely still. As their debate continued, Helluin began losing patience. Perhaps common foot soldiers could be excused for knowing so little of their history, but knights? 'Twas appalling.
With slow deliberation so as not to alarm the knights or arouse further suspicion, Helluin doffed her cloak, bow, and quiver, revealing the black armor of Khazad-dûm. On the sword belt at her waist were sheathed Anguirél and her dagger, and on a clip, the Sarchram. Only the mithril of the Grave Wing shone bright.
"Hear me, O Knights of Gondor, and recall the lore of the South Kingdom. In the Great War two thousand years ago, I fought Sauron's Nine in Orodruin, holding them at bay 'til the Morannon fell and the Dark Tower was invested. Six of their number were wounded and one fell by my hand. For this victory, I am called Úlairdacil. The Palantír of Minas Ithil I recovered in single combat with the Dark Lord, in his chamber atop the Barad-dûr. Aye, 'twas the selfsame Seeing Stone as has come of late to the accursed hand of Gorthaur in the despoiling of fallen Minas Morgul. Of old, your people knew me, for I knew them and their sires in Númenórë and Beleriand. Through the daughter I bore to Tar-Elendil's Captain-Admiral Vëantur, my blood runs yet in the veins of the House of Kings. I pray ye, if a Man amongst the garrison is learned in lore, summon him hither to hear my tale."
By then, the Knight Commander was as dissatisfied with their indecision as Helluin had become. He turned to his second and whispered an order and the knight rode back to their outpost. He then turned and addressed the Noldo.
"We have no lore master in our garrison, but we have one who may recall thee for other cause. Pray wait on his coming, and perhaps the king's requirements shall be satisfied."
Helluin acknowledged the commander with a dip of her head and then, with Draugrán and Dúnriel, continued to wait in silence.
Now it took the sixth part of an hour ere the knight returned with one from the garrison cloaked in grey-green. He was brown-haired, dark-eyed, shorter, and somewhat stockier than the Dúnedain knights, yet his eyes were bright and he carried himself with the grace of one long trained to woodscraft. He bore a bow and quiver of arrows o'er his shoulder, and a sword and dagger on his belt. The two Rangers of the North stared at him whilst a grin shaped Helluin's features.
Ere he even offered his commanding officer a bow, he snapped to attention and lowered his head as he grasped the circular broach that fastened his cloak o'er his heart. The knights watched him carefully, unsure of what to expect.
"Suilad nín, First Guardian Helluin Maeg-mórmenel," he said. "I am called Thálhún¹ and 'tis my honor to meet thee. Lebennin renews its thanks for all thy teachings and offers its sorrow for the loss of First Guardian Beinvír Laiquende." ¹(Thálhún, Steady Heart = thál(steady) + hún(heart, organ) Sindarin)
"Thou hast my thanks, Thálhún, noble Ranger of Lebennin," Helluin said, dipping her head to the Man and offering him a smile. "I am honored to be recalled after four thousand years."
"The Men of Lebennin shall ne'er forget thee so long as there are Men of Lebennin, for we know whence we came. If not for thee and thy beloved denying Pelargir to Murazor, these lands would have been the north province of Umbar."
The Ranger then turned to the Knight Commander and offered him a bow.
"Lord Annuihír, before thee stands Helluin Maeg-móremenel, First Guardian of Lebennin in the days from Tar-Ciryatan to Ar-Zimrathon. She and her beloved created the Rangers."
At the Ranger's naming of the Knight Commander, Draugrán and Dúnriel stifled gasps of shock and then gave thanks for the wisdom of Celeborn, Galadriel, and Helluin. T'would have been beyond awkward to have two Annuihírs at their first meeting with the Gondorim. Helluin could only shake her head in amazement and wonder what jest the Valar played now.
After a short span to let what he had heard sink in, the Knight Commander sighed and ordered his company to stand down. The knights relaxed and sheathed their weapons.
"Thálhún, I accept thy voucher of Helluin, and hers of the Rangers of the North, for thou hast ne'er counseled me wrong aforetime, my friend," he told the Ranger of Lebennin. Then he returned his attention to the travelers and said, "Were it a couple hours later, I would invite ye to the noon meal, for I deem there are many stories wound about ye, and as ye have seen, lore is no strength of mine. Yet 'tis my part only to secure the road and so I bid ye go forward 'neath the king's blessing. I shall provide ye with a writ of passage that shall see ye safely to Minas Tirith."
Helluin and the Rangers dipped their heads to the Knight Commander and waited for the writ to be produced. Whilst they waited, Thálhún came to them and they shared speech 'til 'twas time for them to ride. For the most part, he asked after the war with Angmar in which some of his people had fought, and after the Rangers of the North, for in his experience, the Dúnedain did not train thus.
"We learnt our ways from the Rangers of Rhudaur amongst whom we now dwell. They were trained by Helluin, Beinvír, and the Rangers of Cardolan long ago. In this, I deem we have much in common," Dúnriel said.
A twinkle came to Thálhún's eyes and he asked after a tale told by a few veterans of the Witch War in Eriador.
"Hast thou e'er met any of the Laiquendi? The folk of First Guardian Beinvír? 'Tis said they abide still in Eriador."
"We have both met them on one occasion, and though we dwell in their lands, 'tis only by their grace that our peoples meet," Dúnriel said.
"Yet 'tis also told that they share a special alliance with the Rangers of Rhudaur and the town of Celenhár, and that alliance comes down from the earliest of days," Draugrán added.
Thálhún nodded and would have continued with his questions, but at that moment, a knight joined them and proffered a small parchment bearing a signet seal in silver wax. This he presented to Helluin with a bow and then withdrew, beckoning the Lebennin Ranger with him.
Helluin gave the writ a quick read, then folded it and tucked it into her gauntlet for quick retrieval at the next outpost. With a last glance after the retreating knight and the Ranger, the trio resumed their ride east toward the city of kings.
Now the Great East Road ran three hundred fifty miles from Írensaga to Minas Tirith. Helluin and the Rangers spent eleven days riding that road, being challenged and stayed at each of the fourteen beacon outposts along the way. This Helluin considered a good sign, for it attested to the vigilance of the Dúnedain, despite their apparent abandonment of the Wold outposts and Calenardhon being one of the more secure segments of the realm. Indeed, Helluin had ne'er aforetime encountered such robust security, yet she blamed the Gondorim not. She deemed it a consequence of the recent loss of Minas Ithil, the increased threat of Mordor, and perhaps the fact that the current king had been a soldier first and a royal second.
As Knight Commander Annuihír had claimed, their writ of passage allowed them to pass each outpost with the good grace of the South Kingdom. Just past the bridge crossing the narrow river Anwarhír¹, later the Glanhír², in the wood 'nigh Amon Anwar, Helluin and the Rangers enjoyed the hospitality of the garrison, for they had arrived in the late afternoon and were invited to share the evening meal and spend the night. ¹(Anwarhír, Stream of Awe Relates to the designation of the hill, Amon Anwar, the Hill of Awe whereon Isildur created a tomb for his slain father, the High King Elendil. The hill was originally called Eilenaer, but I found no previous name for the Mering Stream from times before the arrival of the Rohirrim, and so I fabricated an older name.) ²(Glanhír, Border Stream Sindarin, Mering Stream Westron)
In the welcome and invitation of Captain Angren, Helluin felt the same desire for surcease from the boredom of his post that had inhabited the captains Barahir and Galdor at Orthanc centuries aforetime.
"Little traffic do we see on the road save the king's messengers, or troops riding to and from their postings," he said. "T'would be a boon for my Men to meet one of our most ancient allies and the Rangers of our brothers in the north. Pray stay this night and take thine ease in our company. The afternoon is soon to pass and I wager thy mounts shall make better time on the morrow after a night's rest."
"Gladly shall we accept thy generous invitation, Captain Angren, for we have ridden many days," Helluin said, after a quick glance revealed the looks of hope and then relief on the faces of Dúnriel and Draugrán at the prospect of a hot meal and a bunk for the night. "Ere we join thy board and retire though, I should like to pay my respects to an old friend and share with these Rangers a bit of their history."
The captain offered her a grin and said, "Having ridden all the way from Eriador, I too would not pass such an opportunity by. I have oft stood there alone with my thoughts, and e'er I have found peace and inspiration."
"Pray follow me now, my friends," Helluin told the two Rangers a short time later. "We shall take a short ride and a short walk, both uphill, and though another day of riding nears its end, I wager ye shall find this climb of value."
Unclear as to their destination, Draugrán and Dúnriel followed Helluin at a walking pace uphill on an unpaved track through the trees. After riding a half-hour, they left the horses amongst the last peeling birches and walked from the trees on a path of white gravel that led to a staircase of white stone. At the top of the stairs, they found the hill's crown leveled by the hands of Men long aforetime.
A panorama opened 'round them. To the north, the sloping canopy of the forest in autumn color through which they had ridden blanketed the land. Anwarhír sparkled 'neath them on its way through a marsh to the Onodló. To the west, the land fell away steeply into the deep and silent gorge from which the stream arose, and 'cross that defile, the shoulders of the Ered Nimrais rose to snow-clad heights, scenting the autumn breeze with pine and frost. Just back from the verge of the precipice stood the unlit beacon, a sturdy pavilion of stone with open sides. 'Neath its high roof was stacked a full cord of hewn logs with a lit oil lamp of massive proportions dangling above on sturdy chains.
Directly before them stood an obelisk of white stone rising fifteen rangar from a broad slab of the same white stone. A narrow shoulder step separated the two, and they marked words graven upon it in the High Elven tongue.
~Síno sera tenna i metta ára Elendil Tára Arano i Númenantani~¹
¹(Síno sera tenna i metta ára Elendil Tára Arano i Númenantani, Here rests 'til the last dawn, Elendil, High King of the Dúnedain = síno(here) + sera(rests) + tenna(until) + i(the) + metta(end, last) + ára(dawn) + Elendil + tára(high) aran(king) + -o(gen. n. suff., of) + i(the) + Númen(west) + antan(man of the 3 Houses) + -i(n. pl. suff.) Quenya)
The translation took the young Rangers a moment, yet soon both understood and they remained silent with heads bowed to honor the founding lord of their people.
"Ere taking his leave of Gondor, Isildur toured the realm accompanied by his sons, his nephew Meneldil, and their most trusted companions," Helluin told them. "He brought hither to what they reckoned the mid-point of the South Kingdom, his father's remains. A mound they raised and 'neath it to this day rests a casket containing the hröa of the High King Elendil. The steps and monument were constructed shortly after."
"Thou fought in the War of the Last Alliance, Helluin," Dúnriel said. "Didst thou come hither for Elendil's interment?"
"Nay," the Noldo answered. "Beinvír and I tarried in Osgiliath only for the beginnings of the victory celebrations, but soon tired of the revelry and took our leave. We returned to Eriador in T.A. 1. 'Twas ere Isildur and Meneldil toured the bounds of the realm or lay Elendil to rest."
"'Tis a site of great beauty and solemnity, aye," Draugrán observed, "yet I feel sorrow that Elendil returned not to Annúminas for his final rest…nor did his son."
"Nay, they did not, nor did Isildur's sons, Elendur, Aratan, and Ciryon," observed Helluin. Nor did his crown or his precious weregild. Two generations of leaders, the original Elendilmir, and Sauron's wretched One Ring, all lost on the banks of Anduin in a disastrous day of fighting. She shook her head, somber now, and watched the sinking sun.
"Come my friends," she finally said, "dusk draws 'nigh and the garrison's board awaits."
She led them back down the stairs and the path. They mounted their horses and returned downhill through the birch wood at a faster walk. It seemed that the horses were as eager to eat and rest as their riders.
At the garrison, the knights greeted them with honor and much curiosity. There were many questions. It began almost at once with the groom who took their horses to the stable.
"M'lady, hast thou no saddle? No tack?" He asked Helluin after she had retrieved her travel bag and weapons.
"Nay, good squire, I ride bareback after the fashion of many of my people," Helluin replied.
"I had not expected…some tales I had heard from those who fought against Angmar relating the finery of the knights of Lindon and Imladris…," he haltingly explained, loath to offer any offense to a foreign knight.
"I understand," she said, "and those impressions hold true. Most knights in these times use saddles, reins, bits, and 'aught else of tack for the ease of managing their mounts whilst in battle. I simply ne'er have, but I more oft fight afoot than mounted."
He nodded to her and took the reins of the Ranger horses, then looked to Álfrhestr who had no lead.
Helluin hid her grin, and after giving the young stallion a stern and pointed look, said, "He shall follow whither thou lead the others."
To the groom's surprise, Álfrhestr indeed followed, just as eager for fodder and rest as they.
Now Helluin, Dúnriel, and Draugrán followed a page to the mess hall where Captain Angren beckoned them to the head table. 'Round them, another five dozen knights and Rangers of Lebennin stood at their ease behind the benches at five long tables. Immediately upon Helluin's entrance, the contingent of a dozen Rangers snapped to attention and offered the same greeting that Thálhún had given her at Írensaga. Helluin returned their bow, dipping her head with her hand o'er her heart as the Dúnedain looked on.
Whilst all still remained standing, Captain Angren introduced the travelers to the garrison, saying, "Men of Gondor, this night we are blessed with guests from afar. Here are Helluin Maeg-móremenel, Úlairdacil, friend and ally of Gondor since its founding, and accompanying her are the Rangers of the North, Draugrán and Dúnriel who bear an embassy from their lord to our king. Pray welcome them to the Beacon Garrison of Amon Anwar."
The knights and Rangers applauded and stamped their feet ere stilling at a gesture from their captain. Then all took their seats, and though the tables were already laden with pitchers of drink and platters of food, they first dipped their heads and remained silent, observing the thanksgiving to Eru for the bounty of which they would partake. That tradition of prayer was familiar to the Men of the north and south and to the Elda as well. After 'nigh a minute, they followed the example of their captain as he raised his head and then began to load his plate.
"I wager thou hast enjoyed the hospitality of beacon garrisons aforetime, Helluin," Captain Angren said shortly after they broke from the silent thanksgiving.
"I have not, Lord Captain," the Noldo replied, "for when I last visited the South Kingdom, they were hostile and but newly installed."
The captain looked at her in surprise and confusion, his expression clearly asking 'when'.
"In Lothron of 1447, I was part of the rebel army that prosecuted a front of battle whilst awaiting the arrival of King Eldacar. I then rode for Minas Anor as his army marched down the road to reach the Pelennor. In those days, the newly established northern beacon garrisons were loyal to Castamir the Usurper, though they were quickly suppressed by companies of Rangers come o'er the Ered Nimrais. At all times prior when I had visited Gondor, the lands of Calenardhon west to Angrenost could be raised by the kings speaking through the palantíri, and beacons were only maintained in the south."
Captain Angren spent a moment digesting her words, for they told of days long ere his birth.
"I had thought the north and south beacons a fixture in Gondor since its founding," he admitted.
Yet her words made sense, for the kings of old had been the masters of the Seeing Stones. Far faster would their words have traveled thus, with nuance for specific instructions. Only when Eldacar had fled Gondor with the remaining palantíri in 1437 had Castamir been forced to establish the northern beacons, whilst the fiefs of the south he had trusted not at all.
"Those were troubled times," the captain said at last, "but to this day, I give thanks that King Eldacar was restored to the throne. Thou hast my thanks for thy part in that."
Helluin nodded to the captain, but something in his voice had hinted at more than simple gratitude for aiding in the restoration of the monarchy five and a half centuries aforetime. In answer to her questioning glance, the Captain Angren elaborated.
"'Twas in 1634, 'nigh a century and a half after Eldacar's time, when the Corsairs of Umbar assailed Pelargir. The onslaught of Angamaitë and Sangahyando was far stronger than any had expected. Their forces devastated the port and during the fighting, King Minardil was slain. Prince Telemnar had accompanied his father from Osgiliath and he too was sorely threatened. Castamir's great-grandsons had hoped to end the line of kings that day.
Employed in the port by Gondor's Navy was a smith who served the crown forging ship's fittings. When the attack was at its most dire, he and his apprentices took up 'aught they could find and aided in delivering their king's heir. The soldiers of Prince Telemnar's bodyguard had fallen one by one 'neath the Corsair swords. The prince fought on in increasing desperation, when into the fray waded the smith and his Men. 'Tis said that he wielded a raw sword billet in one hand and a hot cut hammer in the other, his apprentices were armed only with tongs, chisels, hammers and the like, but they held off the foes 'til the prince's bodyguard was reinforced. The prince credited them with saving his life."
Captain Angren sighed.
"I wager thou know that King Eldacar created an Order of Honor in Gondor whereby the valor of common folk was recognized. Prince Telemnar became king after his father, and though his reign was brief, he honored the smith and his surviving apprentices. The smith was known after as Sir Angdan¹ of Pelargir and he was thought a hero. ¹(Angdan, Iron Wright = ang(iron) + tán(wright) The –t becomes –d at the partition of Sindarin names. Sindarin)
I tell this obscure bit of lore because it brought not only prestige to the smith, but also marriage to the younger daughter of a minor noble house whose family, though largely bereft of wealth, had retained their title. In that way, the honor that Sir Angdan won became hereditary amongst his descendants. Then the Great Plague came, but by the mercy of the Valar, the smith and his family were spared when so many others were not.
Sir Angdan was my great-grandfather, and the sons of my family have served the crown at arms in e'ery generation since. And though I have neither wealth, nor a lordly estate, I have a title come of my great-grandmother's line, and the honor accorded my great-grandfather, and I strive to live up to both each day of my life."
"I understand," Helluin told him, "for 'twas only in 1514 that my beloved and I were elevated by the grace of King Araphor of Arthedain. For the return of the Palantír of Amon Sûl to Fornost in 1409, we were granted the status of knights. Aforetime, we had been common born warriors, and I still have neither wealth, nor a lordly estate."
She and the captain shared grins of camaraderie.
After a while, in which she surveyed Dúnriel, and Draugrán jesting and trading tales with the Gondorim, Helluin resumed, saying, "At his coronation on the Ré Anaro in 1447, King Eldacar made his initial proclamations. The first reaffirmed the friendship and alliance of the Gondorim with their allies, north and south. The second restored the courts and the law. 'Twas his third act of which thou spoke.
…though 'tis only lineage that makes one a noble, from this day forth I decree that there shalt be amongst the people of Gondor a lifetime order, conferred by the crown with honor to any subject who has demonstrated nobility of character, fealty to the realm, and courage at need beyond normal expectations, and this shalt be regardless of their standing or station at birth. They shalt thereafter be addressed as 'Sir' or 'Dame', and be granted the honors and privileges of a knight in the king's service. Now by their own will shalt the best of us be elevated from this day forth," Helluin recited from her memories of that day.
"That night, Beinvír and I accompanied the newly restored king to a tavern 'neath the causeway in Osgiliath. There, amidst some of his most fervent supporters, he decreed the first recipient of that honor, Sir Boromir of Osgiliath, a hunter who leapt before a traitor's arrow and gave his life to save his king during the duel with Castamir."
"He was a true hero of Gondor," Captain Angren solemnly said.
"Aye, he was, but also irreverent towards the pretensions of the nobles and quick to support the king during the defense of Gondor. He was last to flee Osgiliath's fall and accompanied the defeated army north to Rhovanion.
During Eldacar's battle to retake Osgiliath, he led those who created the diversion that allowed the opening of the city gates and then stood as a witness to Eldacar's return to the throne room. After he fell on the final day of battle, my beloved told the king, 'He stepped into the path of an arrow meant for thee, Lord Eldacar, and in a moment proved his worth equal to any knight'. The king agreed, for he had come to know and esteem Boromir by then. 'The hands of the king art the hands of a healer, 'tis said, yet no king of Men may bring back a spirit fled from Arda. Alone does that boon belong to a king greater than any Lord of the Dúnedain. 'Naught can I do for him save in recognition of his valor, yet mayhaps in that I have an inspiration.' So his edict was made to honor Boromir and those of like valor who came after. 'Twas a great tradition in which thy great-grandfather partook."
Helluin fell silent and Captain Angren weighed her words. From personal memory, she had recited Eldacar's edict and the reasons that had given rise to it, and she had known the participants in the story. She understood the mechanism that had elevated a blacksmith to a lord.
In the present, the most pressing threat to Gondor was one also known to her from personal memory, for her title, Úlairdacil was unprecedented.
"Helluin, as thou know, 'twas but a year past that Minas Ithil fell. It weighs heavily upon us, to lose Isildur's city, its Seeing Stone, and now to live 'neath the renewed threat of Mordor and the Sauron's Nine. Have we any hope of withstanding them? We deem 'tis but a matter of time ere they issue from accursed Minas Morgul," he said.
"I have heard the tidings of these things only of late, for I was long in the east, yet this I will say. The Nine obey their master in all things and shall act on Sauron's orders. As when they assailed Isildur's city, I deem they shall not act alone. Yrch, Tor, Wargs, and perhaps other fell spirits shall support them. These kindreds, Men may resist if their numbers are not too great, and if the terrain allows, as it did not in Imlad Ithil.
As for the Nine, they fulminate terror, a difficult test for any warrior to withstand. I know not if there is such strength amongst mortal Men in these latter days. Most oft aforetime when the Nazgûl were met in battle, the outcome was disastrous. Still, hope has e'er been the strength of Men and Elves. And there are still some who might meet them without fear, in Imladris and perhaps Lothlórien, foes of Sauron of old who know his evil and have withstood it aforetime. In the north, the Dúnedain have thrice defeated the Witch King with the aid of their allies."
"In the south such allies are no longer known," Angren said, "and in living memory, thy visit now is the only time one of the Eldar has come amongst us. I fear for us, should the Nazgûl and the armies of Mordor assail the South Kingdom."
"I too fear for thee," Helluin said, "and for other causes as well. Minas Morgul occupies a valuable strategic position. It blocks any assault on Mordor from the west. As a haven for the foes of Gondor, it may become decisive. With the Easterlings and Haradrim having a base in Ithilien so close to Osgiliath, there is great jeopardy. I hope to take counsel with King Eärnil regarding such considerations."
The captain had wrestled with just such thoughts aforetime and they darkened his counsels and hampered his rest. His post in Calenardhon was 'nigh as far from Minas Morgul as he could get, and yet should the armies of Mordor sally forth, t'would be no safe haven. He deemed 'twas only a matter of time ere the beacons flared and called him east to stand against the great Enemy of their era. Not for the first time did he wish for the allies and alliances of old, yet such tales only recalled days long gone by, and estranged friends driven from their homes or still diminished in might from the past Age. Hope was hard to keep and despair hard to hold at bay.
"Lord Captain," Helluin said, reclaiming Angren's wandering attention, "in the morn we shall continue our ride east. Pray grasp thy hope and nurture it close to thy heart. No battle is lost 'til the last gives up hope, and none of Eru's Children may know all that was sung in the First Song."
On the morn of 11 Narbeleth, Helluin, Draugrán, and Dúnriel continued their ride down the Great East Road. One by one, they passed the other beacon garrisons. At some, they accepted the hospitality of the Gondorim, a meal, a bunk, and stabling. At others, they simply rode on after presenting Captain Annuihír's writ of passage.
Towards the end, they came to Eilenach and Amon Dîn. Since shortly after they had passed Nardol, Helluin had carefully eyed the Drúadan Forest. 'Naught moved and the silence there was unbroken, yet she recalled the tale of the Rangers and Drúedain who had come forth to assail Castamir's sortie as King Eldacar approached the Pelennor. From centuries ere that, she remembered meeting Ghâr-buri-Glâr and his party as she and Beinvír had made their way to Osgiliath in the days of the cat bewitched Queen Berúthiel. The Noldo remained watchful 'til the trio passed Amon Dîn and the road turned south 'round the spur of Mindolluin.
Now on 16 Narbeleth, Helluin, Draugrán, and Dúnriel came to the Rammas Echor. Helluin noted that further construction for the strengthening of the defense was underway, whilst newly laid stonework was evident, especially to the east. 'Twas an endless process, she thought, and wondered if there were sufficient numbers to defend it.
In the hour ere noon, the three riders were granted passage through the northern gate, and they entered the Pelennor at the very same place where Captain Haldad had yielded to Captain-General Borgil of the Northern Army to admit King Eldacar's forces.
The sun was bright o'erhead, the sky streaked with thin clouds, and at a distance of three leagues, the White City rose against the backdrop of the Ered Nimrais. Since Helluin's last visit, the king's tower had been significantly aggrandized, for now it rose fifty fathoms above the Court of the Tree. 'Twas the work of King Calimehtar, which he had ordered constructed in T.A. 1900, barely o'er a century past, and shortly following his defeat of the Wainriders on the Plain of Dagorlad. Helluin had to wonder about its design, for rather than the previous tower's square cross-section, this one was hexagonal and gave an impression of greater verticality and majesty. 'Twas still inarguably less graceful than Elendil's tower in Annúminas, but she thought it an improvement nonetheless.
Dúnriel and Draugrán sat their horses in silence, staring 'cross the fields at the Tower of Guard upon its spur of rock. Its walls were high and its levels rose in seven tall tiers to the dizzying height of the royal court. Accustomed to the fields of Rhudaur and towns like Celenhár, 'twas far and away the most impressive edifice they had e'er seen, for they were of the first generation that had ne'er set foot in Fornost and they had 'naught with which to compare it. Their first impression was of a fastness unassailable and ancient, a fortress city to withstand the Ages.
Helluin urged them forward down the road leading to the city gates.
"Come, my friends. If we arrive soon enough, we shall more easily find a noon meal in some first circle tavern ere we ascend to the seventh level and the court of the king."
To Be Continued