In An Age Before

by Phantom Bard

Part 298 posted, in which Helluin and the Riders of Norðr-vestandóttir Bý aid the Third Marshal Haleth in Rohan's defeat of the Easterling invaders. Brutal weather, disease, and failing morale play a part. Aldburg is no sooner freed of the eastern threat when tidings come of the Dunlending's invasion from the west. OCs galore as usual.

237. In An Age Before Chapter 237

In An Age Before – Part 237

Chapter One Hundred fifty

Harondor – The Third Age of the Sun

Now Helluin's invasion of Minas Morgul after but three weeks in Minas Tirith reestablished her standing in the city of Kings. Then tales were told of her part in the War of the Last Alliance and soon, the lore of Gondor's Great War was no longer the purview of scholars only, but captured the attention of the common citizens as well. Draugrán and Dúnriel reapt much esteem for having accompanied her from Eriador, and in barracks and taverns, both Rangers of Lebennin and soldiers of Gondor begged to hear their tales of the Witch Wars and the lore of the North Kingdom.

When tidings of the raid upon Minas Morgul were heard in the City of Kings, Eärnil called for Helluin's presence at court as soon as might be. She arrived at the citadel on 8 Hithui with Draugrán and Dúnriel in tow. She left the two Dúnedain at the Ranger compound in the Second Circle where they enjoyed a slobbering reunion with Húveren. The Noldo continued upwards through the city and barely had time to settle Álfrhestr in the stables of the Sixth Circle ere she was summoned to council.

Upon her arrival, the Noldo was conveyed to a conference room on the second floor of King Calimehtar's tower. 'Twas both more spacious and more formal than the king's withdrawing chamber behind the throne in the Hall of Kings. The ceiling was high and tall windows cast bright sunlight into the space, whilst pendant lamps awaited nightfall.

A long meeting table of fine wood dominated the center of the room, and 'round it, a dozen and a half chairs were set for the captains of Gondor's army and navy. When Helluin entered, e'er seat was occupied by generals and admirals, with King Eärnil, Prince Eärnur, and Steward Vorondil in chairs at the table's head. Behind each principal sat scribes and adjutants, just as had been the case in Fornost Erain at the kings' councils of war.

Helluin was directed to a podium mounted on a low dais situated with its back to the windows, halfway down the length of the table. Beside it stood an upright drawing board with several folio-sized sheets of paper pinned in place, and a selection of pressed charcoal rods with which to draw lying on a grooved rail 'neath it. 'Twas for creating visual presentations during military briefings, the sketches rendered then to be copied out fair in ink afterwards by scribes.

Vorondil stood from his chair and said, "Helluin Maeg-móremenel, tidings have come to us from Ithilien that thou hast engaged a Nazgûl in Minas Morgul. We would hear thy tale, for it bears upon the defense of the city."

Helluin bowed to the royal end of the table and said, "Your Majesty, Your Grace, Lord Steward, thy tidings are true and there is much to tell. I shall be glad to apprise ye of all I have seen and done."

Then she stepped up onto the dais and searched in her travel bag, drawing forth the Nazgûl's gauntlet and setting it on the podium. For the next two hours, she spun her tale, adding insights into the workings of Sauron's malice and the nature of those he held in thrall. To Men far more accustomed to dry reports of troop strengths and deployments, her words were rich in descriptions of places and events. It aided her that she had their rapt attention and they stared at her, both as a novelty and as a source of invaluable intelligence. Though she set 'naught to music, nor sang any melody, their receptive minds conjured pictures to illustrate her words. Ere her first few sentences had been spoken, the council sat enchanted and unmoving. They remained so for the duration of her recitation, and only after she ceased did they look upon the sketches she had rendered as if seeing them for the first time with their eyes rather than in their minds.

"I would recommend that the Ranger watch upon Imlad Morgul remain as a tripwire for any moves of aggression, yet I do not expect such for some time," she told them in summary. "The Lord of Lies shall be occupied fabricating a replacement Ring and his Nazgûl act not but at his command. And he is not without fear, for without his One Ring he is weak and he has been shown his vulnerability of late in Rhûn."

"But what came to pass in Rhûn to display his weakness?" A general asked.

Only the king, the prince, and the steward had been gifted with Helluin's visions, and they had shared only what was needed for tactical adjustments to address the reduced threat from the east. King Eärnil looked out the windows at the reddening light of evening and shook his head.

"'Tis a far longer tale than that which we have just heard, and 'tis not a tale to supplant our evening meal," the king said. "Rather, we shall hear it told at the second hour on the morrow. Pray accept my thanks for your attendance."

With that, the council was adjourned. Scribes descended on the drawing board like locusts, unpinning and bearing off Helluin's drawings. The officers collected their entourages and filed out, leaving only Helluin and the lords of the city.

"Pray join us for the evening meal, Helluin," Vorondil said. "I shall send a chamberlain to first convey thee to quarters in the royal residence, and then we shall meet in a private dining chamber in one hour."

Helluin bowed to the three lords and said, "My thanks for thy invitation, Lord Steward. I shall be honored to accept."

Helluin recovered her travel bag, the steward recovered the Nazgûl's gauntlet, and the chamberlain appeared at Helluin's elbow, gesturing her hence. He was rather short for a Dúnadan and rather portly for a Man of any heritage, though not to the extent that he might have been mistaken for a relative of Iarwain's. He showed Helluin to a finely appointed apartment in the royal residence with broad windows opening on a view east o'er the city. More welcome to her was the bathtub of hammered copper standing on duck feet, and a chambermaid on call by the door. Though unaccustomed to being waited upon, Helluin requested water for a bath. She saw that towels and soaps had already been laid out.

"I must be ready for a summons to dine with their lordships in less than one hour," she told the maid, who had introduced herself as Gwilwileth¹ and appeared as delicate as her namesake. Better a butterfly than a spider, I suppose, Helluin thought to herself. ¹(Gwilwileth, Butterfly Sindarin)

Gwilwileth produced a dissatisfied tsk, tsk and confided that, "Men folk ne'er give a lady time to adequately prepare, and then they expect radiant beauty, but we shall do what we can, eh?"

"I am sure that 'aught shall be sufficient once I rinse away the road dust," Helluin declared. "I shall wear my armor, which requires 'naught but a wipe down with a damp cloth."

The chambermaid looked at her askance and was about to protest in favor of a gown, but Helluin distracted her by saying, "time passes and can ne'er be recovered. Pray summon some to hasten hither with water to fill this tub ere I am forced to appear as I am."

The Butterfly shuddered at the thought and fled the room as if chased by a hungry bird. Helluin heard her shoes beating on the floor as she hurried off down the hall. A surprisingly short time passed ere four strapping young Men arrived, each with a well-padded yoke 'cross his shoulders bearing two buckets of steaming water. Thrice they came, emptied their buckets into the tub, and took their leave in haste. By then, the tub was three-quarters filled, leaving room for Helluin's body, whilst a folding privacy screen had been set up in front of it. Helluin reckoned that by then, the third part of an hour had passed.

Now though in reality the water in the tub was little more than lukewarm, 'twas a world of difference from submerging herself in a running stream in the early winter as was her habit. Helluin took the opportunity to wash her hair, scrub her skin with a lilac scented soap, and then languish in the cooling water for what she reckoned to be the third part of an hour. Thereafter, she dried herself with a royally fluffy and absorbent towel, and then donned her spare shift.

She came from behind the screen to find the Butterfly wiping down her armor with a sea sponge and a bucket of water, and the Noldo judged her to be doing an admirable job. In spite of this, she appeared most apologetic.

"'Tis so many plates, so many more than the armor of our soldiers," Gwilwileth lamented. "I shall ne'er finish it all in time, for I have yet to even start on thy boots."

Helluin laughed and said, "I have 'naught else to wear 'til 'tis done, so I shall aid thee. I have long familiarity with it and if time truly presses, we shall do only the exterior for now."

Gwilwileth offered her a smile of relief though she could ne'er allow any to hear that a noble guest had been required to clean their own armor. Still, she could not but agree, and with Helluin's experience of many thousands of years, they managed to remove the residues of blood and dirt so that when the chamberlain arrived to summon Helluin to the evening meal, her armor was clean and she was just donning her boots.

"M'lady, his majesty's board awaits thee," he said and gallantly offered his elbow.

Helluin stifled her snickering at that, for the somewhat corpulent chamberlain stood o'er a head shorter than she. Ne'ertheless, the Noldo took his arm and he walked her out the door. A last glance revealed the Butterfly clamping a hand o'er her mouth as she snickered at the couple they made.

Now being as she was bound for the royal dining hall to share the evening meal with the lords of the city, Helluin deemed that security would be abundant and so she left Anguirél and her dagger behind, retaining only the Sarchram upon her belt.

The meal began with the silent thanksgiving after Helluin had been welcomed and seated beside the steward at the king's left hand. Even in the eleventh month of the year, the fare was varied and plentiful…certainly far better than the beef stew at the First Circle's Old Guesthouse, yet nowhere 'nigh the extravagance of the meals in Khazad-dûm. Helluin refrained from airing either comparison, simply being thankful that the mild southern clime allowed for fresh greens.

Now the diners spoke of many things, but towards the end, when crackers, cheeses, and fruit were served, the Prince broached a topic that had not been mentioned at her briefing, though 'twas deemed a growing concern in Gondor.

"Helluin, of late our spies have marked some small companies of Yrch making their way into Harondor through the Nargil Pass," Prince Eärnur said. "They were observed meeting with Haradrim 'nigh the river Harnen ere returning to the Black Land."

"For o'er five centuries, our influence in Harondor has been tenuous at best," Vorondil said. "With the rise of the Corsairs in Umbar, the south became a contested land and remains filled with foes. In the days of Umbardacil, we reasserted our hegemony o'er the port, yet our numbers fall and our power wanes. Umbar was lost and became a stronghold of the Haradrim. Their defeat at the Battle of the Camp won us a respite, yet that is now o'er a half-century past."

"We fear that the Haradrim have forged an alliance with Mordor, or renewed the alliance they shared long aforetime," King Eärnil said. "We know they were in league with the Wainriders, but if 'tis as thou said and the power of the Wainriders has been broken by the Mâh-Sakâ, then we deem that the Haradrim have sought new allies. We reckon they have joined with Mordor and perhaps maintained their ties with Khand as well."

Helluin nodded her understanding of their concerns and then sat in silence, thinking about the balance of power and the shift that such a meeting 'twixt the Yrch and Haradrim might portend. All of her conclusions were bad.

With the Nazgûl already holding Minas Morgul, t'would be possible for Sauron to move against Ithilien from both the north and south, as had been attempted in 1944, and if South Ithilien fell, Pelargir and Anduin would be jeopardized. Corsair ships would have free rein to sail upriver from the sea. Soon enough, Minas Tirith would be isolated from her southern fiefs and her eastern frontier threatened from the Brown Lands to Belfalas. Even the loss of the lands bordering the river Poros would endanger ship passage through Ethir Anduin. Helluin shook her head at the dire possibilities she imagined and then reckoned that the reality would be worse.

"We would stymie further meetings if we could," Vorondil said, "and learn 'aught that we can of the alliances 'twixt Mordor and the Haradrim."

"Think thou that Rangers can achieve these goals?" King Eärnil asked.

Save for bringing companies of Laiquendi to Gondor, a thing that Helluin could not imagine Dálindir or Tórferedir approving, the Rangers of Lebennin were the best option she could see.

"I believe that if any in the South Kingdom can obtain the requested intelligence and suppress continued meetings 'twixt thy foes, t'would be the Rangers," she said. "Furthermore, learning the intent and status of whate'er confederation has been established shall require the capture and interrogation of prisoners, the seizure of documents if possible, and the understanding of what factions are involved. These actions may demand the infiltration of Mordor or Harad."

"Some have proposed sending a division of the Southern Army to take the Nargil Pass, but such a campaign would be costly and require a significant commitment o'er time," Eärnil said. "Our captains debate the value of occupying the pass when it lies so far from our established territory and could provoke a new war with Harad."

Ere he had finished speaking, Helluin was shaking her head.

"Is it possible for the Rangers to discover the truth of the situation without so visible a presence?" Prince Eärnur asked.

"For just such reasons as thou enumerated, I cannot recommend deploying ten thousand Men to the Nargil Pass," Helluin immediately said. "Such a show of force may not only provoke a military escalation with Harad, but drive such meetings as have been witnessed into new and unknown locations, resetting any current gains in intelligence to nil. Thy spies have reported only small groups of foes, and so a small group counteraction with more suitable troops makes sense. Also, I had mentioned the possible justification of an infiltration, not an invasion."

The time and logistical requirements for a division-sized campaign alone made that option undesirable, and the political ramifications were unacceptable. T'would take months to plan, deploy, and establish a base of operations in Harondor and by then, their targets would have either mustered their own armies, or vanished.

The Nargil Pass lay at the headwaters of the river Harnen, some three hundred seventy-five miles southeast of Minas Tirith as the Eagle flies. By the South Road through Ithilien and then the Harad Road, that distance was closer to double, all of it visible to spies, and the latter half passing through contested territory. Helluin calculated that a division of the army could lose a third to a half of its strength en route.

By contrast, a company of a few dozen Rangers could deploy from the Harlond, sail ten score miles down Anduin to the mouth of the river Poros, sail upriver seven score miles to the Ford of Poros, and then ride eleven score and ten cross-country following the foothills of the Ephel Dúath. If all went well, none would mark their passing. The horses would be left in the foothills at a field camp with a dozen Rangers for security. The remaining troops would march in stealth to scout the Nargil Pass. A fortnight, she thought, and Gondor shall have eyes on the pass and sufficient strength to take prisoners.

When Helluin returned her attention to the table, she saw King Eärnil, Prince Eärnur, and Steward Vorondil eyeing her expectantly.

"Is the river Poros still navigable from Anduin up to the ford?" She asked. It had been so in the time of the Kin-strife, when Beinvír had led Rangers sailing from Linhir to hold the ford against Castamir's reinforcements from Umbar.

"Aye," the steward said. "We maintain forces there to hold the ford and the river passage as 'tis the southern border of Ithilien."

Helluin nodded with relief.

"With three dozen mounted Rangers and ships to carry them and their horses from the Harlond to the Ford of Poros, we can establish a watch post in the Nargil Pass in a fortnight. I know not how long after t'will be ere we can capture prisoners."

"So few, Helluin?" Prince Eärnur asked. "And why sail when thou can easily ride from Minas Tirith and thence through Ithilien by way of Osgiliath?"

"The fewer the better to remain unmarked," Helluin said. "By sailing, we shall save three or four days o'erall, cutting our riding time from a fortnight to seven days, thereby reducing our exposure and saving the strength of the horses and Men. We shall travel lighter by carrying fewer provisions, and lose less time by resting the horses, finding water, chopping firewood, establishing, and guarding nightly camps."

Prince Eärnur nodded, accepting Helluin's reasoning.

In the time of the Kin-strife, Beinvír and sixty-four Rangers had fortified the Ford of Poros against a host from Umbar, and with the aid of irregulars gleaned from amongst the residents of the villages 'nigh the South Road, held it for eight months and harried the enemy's passage to Pelargir after. To waylay the Nargil Pass and seize captives for interrogation, three dozens was far from the minimum in Helluin's estimation.

"We shall propose thy plan on the morrow, Helluin," King Eärnil decided, "but first, my officers need to hear about thy time in Rhûn and the status of the east."

Helluin nodded to the king for 'twas his realm and its welfare was his calling, though she had some reservations. The steward too had somewhat to add regarding his lord's decision.

"My lord, this plan of Helluin's entails so small a contingent as to slip 'neath the concerns of those commanding armies and navies," Vorondil said. "With its aim of secrecy, I must suggest that it may be better simply to allow her to proceed with this mission 'neath her own initiative. I deem that it gains 'naught from o'ersight by the command staff. Perhaps 'tis best to let the Rangers manage their own preparations in this, eh?"

The prince eyed the steward and his father closely. Helluin stifled a smile.

"As a captain, I found such wisdom to be the best approach," Eärnil said after some moments' reflection, "and the fewer knowing a secret, the fewer who can spill it. Very well.

Helluin, whilst thou 'entertain' the command staff on the morrow, canst thou have the arrangements to deploy made?"

"I believe I can, Your Majesty," Helluin said. "As I am to present to the staff at the second hour, I can relay our plans to the Rangers in the first hour and they shall make the arrangements on the morrow. Should we plan to take our leave of the Harlond 'neath cover of darkness?"

"Aye, t'would save thee from delays for questioning, tangential discussions, or 'aught else the commanders may dream up to satisfy protocol or their curiosity. What thou shalt relate shall gravely challenge them and I reckon they shall not digest it well."

With a nod, Helluin accepted the king's judgment, which suited her just fine.

The evening meal ended shortly thereafter and Helluin bid the lords of Gondor a fair night. The same chamberlain offered his elbow and the Noldo allowed him to convey her back to her apartment though she did not remain. Gwilwileth was nowhere in sight, but Helluin did not miss her. Being as 'twas still not even three hours ere midnight and she felt no need of rest, Helluin tied on her sword belt and took her leave.

Ere the third part of an hour had passed, Helluin entered the Ranger compound in the Second Circle garrison. Unlike the royalty, within the military there was always someone on watch. She found many Rangers awake, whether on duty or off. Without fail, each came to attention, saluted, and received a nod of acknowledgement from their First Guardian.

Upon her request, Helluin was conveyed straightaway to Lieutenant Faradrim, the ranking duty officer of the watch. She found him seated at a cluttered desk in a small office, poring o'er a stack of reports and sipping from a glass of wine. He stood and offered a salute at her appearance in his doorway.

"First Guardian, what brings thee hither at such an hour?" He asked, beckoning her in and gesturing to a chair. He canted his head towards the bottle and glasses on a sideboard, and at her nod, poured her a glass.

"Mae govannen, Lieutenant Faradrim," she said. "Hath Commander Turor already gone to his night's rest?"

"He hath left me but a few minutes past," he said, "and I wager he hath not yet sought his bunk. 'Tis his habit to take the night air on the battlement for to settle his mind ere he seeks sleep. Perhaps we may find him thither if we go now."

At Helluin's nod, the lieutenant rose and led her out of the office, down a corridor, and through a door into a narrow courtyard backed against the wall of the Second Circle. That yard was hedged on all sides by windowless walls. At one end, a stairway climbed to the wall walk, and sure enough, they saw a standing figure silhouetted against the sky. He turned at the sound of the lieutenant's footsteps and then awaited their arrival.

Commander Turor and Helluin traded salutes and he waited on her words.

"Commander, I am glad to have found thee still awake," she said. "I have come to apprise thee of a new mission, decided not a half-hour past o'er the king's board."

The Rangers regarded her expectantly, their full attention focused on the First Guardian.

"Reports have come to the king that Yrch have been seen meeting with Haradrim of late. Small companies of them cross from Mordor by the Nargil Pass and meet their suspected allies 'nigh the river Harnen in Harondor. 'Tis thought that they have formed an alliance as of old."

No questions came from either Ranger, and only the commander's brow cocked in question bid Helluin continue.

"'Tis hoped that we may uncover the truth of this and soon. I have proposed to take three dozen mounted Rangers south by water from the Harlond, downriver to Poros and then upriver to the ford. From there, we shall ride to the foot of the Nargil Pass, establish a watch post and picket, and then with two dozens afoot, waylay the pass. There I hope we shall take and interrogate prisoners, preferably of both kindreds, seizing any documents, and determining the jeopardy posed to Gondor ere returning to bear tidings to the king."

Still there were no idle comments or questions. A mission within their purview had been proposed by the First Guardian on behalf of their king. Their refusal was inconceivable.

"When?" Turor asked.

"I am expected to brief the staff council in the tower on unrelated matters at the second hour and wager I shall be occupied thither 'til mid-afternoon. If arrangements can be made for ships, I would choose to leave after dark on the morrow."

"Is this mission covert?" Lieutenant Faradrim asked.

Helluin nodded 'aye' and said, "Having the king's approval, I shall not inform the council. Pray choose those ye think best, though I request that Draugrán and Dúnriel be included. I shall meet the company at their morning mess, and join them after at the Harlond."

There was no debate or discussion. Commander Turor simply nodded and Helluin knew the arrangements would be made. She dipped her head to the Rangers and took her leave. When she had gone, the two Men shared smiles.

"After a year, finally we begin to amend the evil of Mordor," Turor said softly.

"Aye, and already a Nazgûl has been slain and the compliment of Minas Morgul revealed," Faradrim added just as softly. "Fair returns in so short a time."

"We must find trusted captains from Linhir sailing for home who are willing to earn some coin," Turor said, thinking aloud.

"And Men accustomed to ships whose horses shall accept a week of such transport," Faradrim added.

"The morrow shall be a busy day," Turor declared, staring down for a last look at the First Circle and the Pelennor beyond. Finally, he turned and said, "I am off to bed."

"And I shall retally my duty rosters though I was 'nigh done," the lieutenant said, shaking his head.

With dawn on 9 Hithui, the Rangers were called to a meeting at their mess. O'er the scrambled eggs of hens, strips of bacon, and buttered bread three dozens were selected for a mission by Lieutenant Faradrim and ordered to report to a briefing by Commander Turor. The chosen Rangers finished their meal quickly and assembled in the same courtyard where the lieutenant had brought Helluin the previous night.

The chosen Rangers numbered three dozens, and amongst them were three sergeants, Renidir, Húbion, and Orodben¹. Lieutenant Faradrim was confident in his choices as the company formed up in the first third of the first hour. As their names suggested, Renidir and Húbion came of watermen families out of Linhir, whilst Orodben hailed from the uplands of the Gilrain Vale. No sooner had the columns settled at parade rest than Helluin strode from the Lieutenant's office and guards barred the door behind her. ¹(Renidir, Sailor = renio-(v. to sail) + -dir(masc. agent n. on v.), Húbion, Harbor Son = húb(haven, harbor) + iond(son) The final –nd becomes –n in proper nouns. Orodben, Mountaineer Sindarin)

Ere Lieutenant Faradrim could even call an order, each Ranger snapped to attention and as one, saluted the First Guardian. Helluin returned their salutes, her face grim.

"We are called to execute a mission for Gondor on behalf of the king. Secrecy is paramount. Speak to none of what ye shall hear," she ordered. She marked that the assembled Rangers barely blinked. "Ye are to prepare to travel by ship and horse to waylay the Nargil Pass. There we shall take prisoners, Yrch and Haradrim who have been reported meeting thither, and to interrogate them seeking information on a suspected alliance 'twixt Mordor and Harad. We depart from the South Haven after nightfall this eve. I project the mission duration to be 'twixt one and two months. I shall join ye on the quay."

Helluin's eye roved o'er the company. Not a Ranger moved, nor came a sound from them save their soft breathing.

"For king and country," Helluin said softly and then saluted the gathered warriors.

"For king and country, First Guardian," came the whispered response. The Rangers returned Helluin's salute and then she rapped twice on the door and disappeared back inside.

During that day, whilst the chosen company prepared their kit, drew rations, and checked o'er the tack of their horses, Helluin 'entertained' the military command staff in the council chamber of the tower. There she presented an encapsulation of the past twenty-eight years that she had spent in Rhûn. Throughout her recitation, not a general or admiral moved. None asked 'aught, for along with her words she added an etheric imperative against questioning. Instead, they sat rapt as she told of the great conclave of allies and their virulent hatred of Sauron and his minions. She described the campaigns of the Mâh-Sakâ and the nobility of their leaders. They learnt of the creation of E-Ngúrglaw and its deployment at the Fall of Skator. They were told of how the Great Enemy was driven to flight, and they heard of the destruction of his eastern fastness. And last, Helluin told of the greater evils of Ungolúróg, Nehemoth, and the husks of Contention.

In the aftermath of that bombardment of information, the council of generals and admirals sat silent, o'ercome by the horrors they had learnt of, the potential evil they had been spared from facing, and the enormity of the unknown events in the east. Though many indeed had questions, the words died on their tongues. So stunning had Helluin's presentation been that they marked not the suppression of their curiosity, nor that 'twas already the third hour past noon. For a full eight hours they had sat in thrall, foregoing the noon meal and 'aught else. Helluin bowed to the lords of the city, and at a gesture of dismissal from the king, withdrew.

Ere a half hour had passed, the Noldo had recovered her belongings, thanked the Butterfly for her service, and vacated the apartment. She descended to the Sixth Circle, entered the stable, and praised the grooms for their care of Álfrhestr. There, she told him of their mission.

Art thou prepared to run, O Álfrhestr? Helluin asked.

I am eager to run, O Helluin, though less than enchanted with the possibility of being confined within a ship for a week.

Yet after riding in the ship, thou shalt have great opportunity to run further. Pray look forward to that whilst we pass o'er the water.

The young stallion looked at Helluin in alarm.

Helluin, shall this ship be set upon the river?

Of course. Whither else would it be bound save perhaps upon the sea.

Now the Northern horse looked at the Noldo in abject horror.

I had thought it bad enough to be constrained in a tight cell of wood for a week on end, but now I hear that cell shall be afloat upon water? That notion fills me with dread. 'Tis unnatural.

Save when they are a-building or sorely in need of repair, ships are always upon the water.

Perhaps thou could lead with that next time, O Helluin? And perhaps thou shalt forewarn me when we approach a ship? I am uncertain of their appearance and demeanor.

Thou hast not aforetime seen a ship? Helluin asked, and then realized that the stallion hailed from lands whence no ships traveled Anduin save perhaps the rafts of the Periannath, and those barely counted as watercraft. She groaned silently as he shook his head 'nay'.

They are much like carts, save that they ride upon the water rather than upon roads, the Noldo said, trying for a calming explanation. And rather than horses, mules, or oxen to draw them forward, they are driven hence by trapping the wind in their sails.

So they are much like a wooden Eagle? I find that unsettling in the extreme, in fact, horrifying, Álfrhestr said after a pause for attempting to imagine Helluin's description.

In the end, Helluin could only plead that he would not be alone in his plight.

Fear not, my friend. We shall be accompanied by at least three dozen of thy kind. I am sure their reassurances and experiences shall set thy heart at ease once thou share speech with them.

Álfrhestr gave her a doubting look, but finally heaved a sigh of resignation and together they rode down through the circles of the city 'til they came to the Ranger compound. There, they found the preparations 'nigh complete and the Rangers preparing to ride to the Harlond.

"We shall go forth from the city in twos and threes and at odd intervals, the better to disguise our initial deployment," Lieutenant Faradrim explained.

Helluin nodded and offered a small smile in praise of the Ranger's wisdom. Odd groups of Rangers irregularly departing the gate would draw far less attention than a company of three dozen riding south in formation.

"I shall go forth alone and shortly, for if any are likely to draw attention, t'will be me," she said. For a disguise, the best she could do was to draw her cloak 'round her to cover her armor and pull her hood up o'er her head. Alas, any seeing her go would mark that she rode bareback.

So 'twas that when Helluin and Álfrhestr rode forth from the gate of Minas Tirith, they were marked and celebrated by a cheering gaggle of young boys who ran after them for 'nigh a hundred yards down the road towards the Harlond. They probably would have followed further, but Helluin leant forward and Álfrhestr came to a gallop, leaving them in the dust. Preoccupied thus, they ignored the trio of Rangers who trotted from the gate in her wake.

After outpacing her adoring young fans, Helluin brought Álfrhestr to a walk after half a mile and shortly, Rangers began to catch up with her. The road ran a league and half a mile from the city gates to the Harlond, and during that time, half the company accumulated in the First Guardian's riding, including Draugrán, Dúnriel, and the sergeant Renidir. After an hour, they reached the outlying buildings of the river port and began to smell the attendant stenches of the water, the middens, the spit from ships' bilges, and the rotting weeds along the bank.

The riders broke into three groups of a half-dozen and entered the settlement, moving slowly but with purpose towards a row of smallish ships berthed at the downstream end of the quay. These were not of uniform hull conformation or rigging. Well 'nigh the only thing they had in common were the ensigns flying from their mastheads, blue wave crashing against a green curve that sloped up to a snow-capped mountain peak, the colors of Lebennin, unchanged since the conclave of self-rule in the late Second Age.

Helluin scanned the row of ships, deeming most to be variations of two-masted brigantines and schooners based on their rigging. There were also a few single-masted sloops and ketches. Beinvír was able to bring staysail schooners upriver on the Poros, she thought and then dismissed her concerns and ceased to worry o'er the choice of ships. Turor knew whither we are bound and he surely knows his history.

A pair of Rangers approached them and confirmed that the arrangements had been made. The company would board four ships of different sizes, merchantmen out of Linhir willing to make a detour up the river Poros ere returning home.

"Seven shall ride in the small brigantine called Celeg¹," one of the Rangers told her as he pointed out a ship with a hull barely eighty-five feet in length. ¹(Celeg, Agile Sindarin)

"The schooner Andaith and the brigantine Limlug¹ can carry nine each," said the other, pointing to two ships with hulls of a hundred feet in length berthed side by side and seeming to differ only in their sailcloth. ¹(Andaith, Accent and Limlug, Sea-Serpent Sindarin)

"And the larger schooner Gwathui Gaer¹ can carry a dozen," said the first, indicating a larger ship of perhaps one hundred fifteen feet in length. ¹(Gwathui Gaer, Shadowy Sea = gwaith(shadow) + -ui(adj. on n. suff, -y) + gaer(sea) Sindarin)

"They shall be ready to sail with nightfall," confirmed the second Ranger.

Helluin nodded to them and asked, "know ye these captains?"

"Aye, they are known to us, for they bring supplies and the post from Linhir and we have ridden home on furlough and back to the city with them aforetime."

"Would ye deem any of the ships more comfortable for horses?" She asked.

The Rangers remained silent a moment, reviewing the ships in their minds' eyes. They looked briefly to each other and the younger gave the elder a restrained nod, deferring to him to answer.

"Were I to choose, t'would be Gwathui Gaer," he said. "Being the largest, she should be marginally more stable, but more important, she hath conveyed some of our horses aforetime and has proper troughs for feed and water on her lower deck."

Whilst they had been speaking, another pair of Rangers rode up and joined them, they being the remaining two sergeants, Húbion, and Orodben. With an hour remain 'til sundown, they were awaiting the arrival of a final fourteen. These began to appear by twos and threes shortly.

"Sergeant Orodben, Dúnriel, Draugrán, pray join me at the Gwathui Gaer," Helluin said as Anor sank behind Mindolluin, casting the Harlond into twilight. She reckoned that full dark would follow in the half part of an hour. "The remainder of ye have leave to order yourselves and choose a ship," she told the other Rangers.

Like Álfrhestr, the Dúnedain Rangers' horses had ne'er set hoof aboard ship and she hoped that they could commiserate together 'neath the weather deck. With the sergeant from the Ered Nimrais, she sought to learn what was known in Gondor of the Nargil Pass. They rode at a walk to the schooner and Helluin could feel her stallion's nervousness. She saw it mirrored in Dúnriel and Draugrán's mounts as the three horses traded glances with widened eyes and ears twitching back. The ship's captain met them at the foot of the gangplank.

"Greetings, First Guardian. I am Captain Dórvelethron¹," he said. "'Tis my pleasure to welcome thee and thy noble steed aboard Gwathui Gaer." ¹(Dórvelethron, Land Lover = dór(dry land) + melethron(m. lover) The –m becomes –v at the partition in proper nouns. Sindarin)

Helluin's eyes had widened a fraction at the declaration of his name, but he had the weather-beaten look of a one long at home upon the sea. More reassuringly, he smelt of salt air and grog. She offered the captain a dip of her head and said, "My thanks for thy welcome, good captain, and for thy consent to bear us hence."

He gave her a nod of appreciation and then eyed the horses as they regarded the all too narrow looking gangplank. Finally, he shook his head and addressed them directly.

"Eh now, ready to charge against foes and yet shy of a board o'er the water? 'Tis perfectly safe, trust me," he said, backing away up the gangplank without even looking. Halfway up, he produced a large carrot from a pocket in his coat and held it out to Álfrhestr. "Just like an old vet…what you won't leap to for king and country, you might do for a bite and a full belly."

To Helluin's moderate surprise, the stallion followed him up the plank to take the carrot when his hooves were planted on the deck. Draugrán and Dúnriel's horses had watched all this and marked that Álfrhestr had survived. When Captain Dórvelethron displayed another carrot, Draugrán's steed walked up the plank to take it. Dúnriel's horse followed shortly later.

Eventually all the Rangers and horses were aboard. The gangplank was stowed and the ship's lamps were lit. In the galley, Gwathui Gaer's cook kindled his stove and mixed dough for biscuits. Lamps glowed in tavern windows along the Harlond waterfront whilst dark shadows gathered in the streets and alleys. Looking down the quay revealed Limlug, Celeg, and Andaith similarly prepared. Somewhere a bell ashore rang the seventh hour past noon. A minimal wind came downriver from the north.

Captain Dórvelethron's mate called down for the lines to be cast off, and the dockhands released them from the pilings, bow and stern lines, then the back spring line and the head spring last. Released from its mooring lines, Gwathui Gaer began to drift slowly away from its berth using only the resistance of the slight wind against the hull. When her bow began fall off the wind and the schooner turned in to the current, Captain Dórvelethron ordered the rudder to starboard and the turn quickened. 'Round them, the other three ships were making matching movements.

The river current provided enough way for maneuvering and the four ships left the Harlond behind as they eased out into the downstream traffic lane. After the third part of an hour, the Harlond's twinkling lights were shrinking and the captain ordered a couple sails set to increase their speed. Shortly later, a sounding revealed eight knots. The captain ordered another sail set, the large mainmast main sail. Following the next sounding, Captain Dórvelethron came to Helluin where she stood at the bow rail gazing at the stars.

"We're making twelve knots, First Guardian. Limlug, Celeg, and Andaith keep pace. We shall reach the mouth of the river Poros 'round noon on the morrow."

"My thanks, good captain," Helluin said. "'Tis a beautiful night."

To Be Continued