In An Age Before – Part 240
As the Rangers stared at her, Helluin sat down hard on a boulder with the Orch's words still ringing in her ears. Near as she could discern, this company of Yrch, and perhaps others who had made the trip aforetime, sought the citadel of the Ithryn Luin, far to the east. With the aid of some Haradrim, they would be guided hence and thereby escape Sauron and their brutal lives in Mordor. She shook her head, trying to digest their tidings.
Not a half-year past she had left the Blue Wizards and the Mâh-Sakâ in Rhûn. They had held neither sympathy for, nor alliance with, any of Sauron's followers. Helluin just could not accept that so much had changed in so short a time. These Yrch had to be mistaken, perhaps misled, but the Noldo could not imagine Alatar and Pallando giving succor to these latter day creations of Morgoth. It flew in the face of all she knew. And yet…
"Many Avari and Men originally of Rhûn, Khand, and Rhovanion toiled as slaves, raising food for Mordor's armies in the lands 'nigh Lake Núrnen. From farms on the Plain of Nurn, we recruited many who had lingered there for generations after the war. Thou see, by the time of the war, most had dwelt there in thrall for tens of lifetimes of Men and knew 'naught else. Only did they know that after Sauron's fall they were suddenly free to eat what they grew and rule their own affairs.
In the centuries following the war, new leaders arose, most of them 'naught but warlords and petty tyrants. Upon receiving our offer, all the Avari and perhaps half the Men quit that land to join us. I believe the Núrnath have been far happier since," Pallando said.
Four centuries ago, the Ithryn Luin had offered sanctuary to the Avari and Men they had found farming the lands 'round the Sea of Núrnen, and many of those who had been freed from Sauron after the War of the Last alliance had accepted. They had settled on land 'nigh the river Rā, and there they had raised the farming community and fortress of Samara, after which they had remained closely allied with the Blue Wizards. Helluin had fought beside some of them at the Destruction of Sheol.
Could it be possible that now, after all the intervening centuries, some of the Men and Elves of Samara had returned to offer the same sanctuary to the Yrch with whom they had once shared servitude as they tilled the fields of Nurn? Helluin supposed that stranger things had happened. The only way she could see to learn the truth of the matter would be to allow the Yrch to meet the Latânu-hai, then take and interrogate them as well. Helluin briefly wondered, what would the king think, and what would the steward say?
Shelving those concerns, the Noldo returned her attention to the Yrch for further interrogation. First of all, she asked after their names. She probably should have known better.
"Shûmb begud!¹" Helluin demanded of one at random. ¹(Shûmb begud!, Tell name! Orkish)
"Snaga!¹" Declared the Orch that she had pinned with her eyes. He had thumped his chest with the palm of his hand as he spoke. ¹(snaga, slave Black Speech)
One by one, Helluin questioned each of the seven Yrch, and one by one, they declared their names to be 'Snaga'. It seemed they had no proper names and all were equally slaves. They had been granted no greater claim to individual identities than a spade or a hoe. The Noldo shook her head and felt a measure of pity for them despite her visceral hatred of their kind.
For the remainder of the night, Helluin questioned the Yrch. The process was tiresome, but at least 'twas possible since she spoke their tongue. The Rangers who were not keeping watch encircled them, listening in silence and anticipating her report.
When dawn finally broke and 30 Hithui opened, the Yrch hid 'neath their cloaks to elude the sunlight and hunkered down together in the lee of a boulder. Helluin took counsel with Sergeants Húbion and Orodben. Also during that time, Dúnriel and Draugrán surprised their fellow Rangers by taking up a small collection of rations, a mouthful of waybread, a bite of cheese or sausage, and a spare water skin. These they left with the Yrch and were surprised when the prisoners carefully divided the food and water amongst them, rather than snatching and scarfing down what was handed to them in self-serving disregard of their fellow slaves. After they had broken their fasts, an Orch set the water skin in the sunlight and all seven bowed their heads to the ground in thanks, as if they had ne'er expected, nor previously received 'aught of consideration for their welfare from anyone.
Now when Helluin spoke with the sergeants, she related the pitiful lore she had learnt.
"The tale begins in the years following the Great War, when the Last Alliance of Men and Elves threw down Sauron and Isildur took his Ring," she told them as many of the Rangers gathered 'round to listen. "Mordor was defeated and its thralls liberated."
The Rangers nodded in acceptance of this, for 'twas history they all knew.
"The slave lands of Nurn, wherein Men and Yrch had labored for centuries to provision the armies of Mordor, were freed of their master and their o'erlords, and so the prior thralls came to rule their own affairs. Then, somewhat o'er four centuries ago, the Ithryn Luin came amongst them and offered sanctuary and freedom. Alatar, Pallando, and Maglor said that all of the Avari and half of the Men accepted and relocated east, founding a farming community called Samara. The mortal thralls had originally hailed from Rhûn, Khand, and Rhovanion. Perhaps some came from Harad as well. Of the Yrch, so far as I know, none joined them, for I saw none."
The Rangers hung on her words, for just as had Helluin aforetime; they had ne'er considered the fate of the Dark Lord's non-combatants following the War of the Last Alliance.
"T'would seem that after the destruction of Sauron's refuge in the east, he fled to Mordor and hastened his preparations for war. I wager that his Nazgûl had long labored to raise an army, the same army that took Minas Ithil but a year past. Yet all armies must be supplied, and so the farmlands 'round Lake Núrnen have been retaken and their peoples laid 'neath the lash.
Then to build Mordor's armies, the Ringwraiths supervised the breeding of thousands of Tor and tens of thousands of Yrch, for Sauron had already been deep in his master's counsels and had learnt thereby the formulas for their creation when Morgoth first bred those kindreds in Utumno. So the Yrch of Dol Guldur and some warrens in the Hithaeglir were conscripted, and these were bred 'twixt themselves, or crossbred with mortal prisoners, and their numbers increased. Yet some were deemed undesirable, too small or healt to bear arms, and so they were gelded and relegated to slavery.
Harsh were their lives and short, whether attending the armies as servants, or tasked with growing crops 'nigh Lake Núrnen. The seven we captured are just such, and indeed they bear no names of their own, being called 'Snaga' one and all, which is 'slave' in the tongue of the Black Land. Their plight only grew worse with the return of Sauron to Mordor a decade past, and in growing despair, some have sought flight through the Nargil Pass. I am amazed that they made it so far, for they have been starved since birth and could only look forward to being worked to death long ere their proper time."
'Round her, the Rangers weighed her words. 'Twas hard to feel pity for such creatures that had been their foes since time immemorial, cruel and bloodthirsty enemies consumed with malice, the nightmare creations of the Dark Lord that ate those they slew. Yet these prisoners had ne'er borne arms, and they had suffered at the hands of their own as badly as any slaves taken captive in war. Whilst looking at them, 'twas hard to imagine them as the same fearsome monsters that had haunted their childhood nightmares. They were simply too pathetic.
"They seek to meet with some Men of the South who shall convey them east to sanctuary," Helluin continued. "I must wonder if these Southrons are not scions of the same Men who once accepted freedom from the Ithryn Luin and left Nurn to found Samara. Long ago, they were all slaves together, Men, Avari, and Yrch.
In any case, our charge was to obtain information on the Yrch and the Haradrim, and what the nature of their alliance might be. I believe that learning the truth of this is important, and so I propose to aid these prisoners in completing their flight. We withdraw from the pass at nightfall."
Her case made, Helluin sighed and fell silent. She wondered what the Rangers would think. Yet 'twas little they would say to amend her decision. In the time of the Kin-strife, Lord Barahíl of Linhir had deferred to Beinvír's command, for she had been named Cónhal by King Anárion, to lead the Rangers at the siege of Minas Ithil fourteen and a half centuries aforetime. Anárion had died in Mordor, and whether by o'ersight or for honor, King Isildur had ne'er rescinded the Green Elf's commission. Yet more importantly to the Rangers and the Men of Lebennin, Beinvír and Helluin had been the First Guardians of their realm. Now their king had sent the Úlairdacil to command this mission on his behalf, and no sergeant had the authority to gainsay her.
Amongst themselves, the Rangers of Lebennin commented in whispers as they pondered all they had heard. In western lands, the history and status of Rhûn were for the most part unknown. The same held true for the social order of Mordor, save that all served the Dark Lord. The doings of Wizards were deemed beyond the ken of mortal Men, as reflected in several popular folk sayings, such as, The answers of Wizards are oft more confounding than the questions, and, Questioning a Wizard proves only one's own ignorance. Their council continued through the remainder of the morn and their noon meal.
Eventually, it seemed that all their discussions had been held, their concerns aired, and the Rangers made ready to march. By then, Draugrán and Dúnriel had been seated on their packs in increasing boredom for hours, patiently waiting for the order to leave the Nargil Pass. When it seemed that the company had settled their uncertainties, Helluin beckoned the sergeants a short distance away, so to speak without being o'erheard by their captives.
"Sergeants Orodben and Húbion, pray take twenty of your Rangers outside the pass and establish a watch 'nigh the entrance," Helluin told them as the Rangers finished their meal. "I shall retain Draugrán, Dúnriel, and the two forward sentries to guard the prisoners. We shall depart at nightfall. I hope that ye shall have secured your positions ere the Haradrim come. I deem they shall be loath to linger 'nigh the pass longer than required and shall only arrive to meet the Yrch after dark."
The two sergeants saluted the First Guardian and then gathered their Men. They began their withdrawal from the pass in haste, sending two Rangers ahead as scouts whilst the rest maintained only a minimum of stealth 'til they came 'nigh the foot of the pass. They had just o'er six hours ere sundown in which to descend and establish a cordon of guard. The soft fall of their boots faded quickly to 'naught, and soon, no trace of their presence could be marked.
During that time, Helluin and the Dúnedain Rangers waited on the passing afternoon. The Yrch barely moved, remaining in the shadows 'neath their cloaks, so to avoid the sunlight. With the coming of twilight, a whistle resembling a bird-call summoned the two forward sentries to abandon their watch post and cross the col to join Helluin and the prisoners for their retreat from the Nargil Pass.
Darkness fell early amongst the rocks of the pass. The sunlight failed and the Yrch began to uncover themselves, looking 'round apprehensively at Helluin and the few remaining Rangers.
"Radghizgu," Helluin told them, gesturing to the trail leading downhill.
The slaves nodded in enthusiastic agreement and dipped their heads to the Noldo in thanks as they rose to their feet. Soon, the mixed company of Elf, Men, and Yrch were all walking west, back down through the pass towards Harondor. Helluin let the Yrch set their pace, deeming their physical condition, and that they would know when they were to meet the Latânu-hai, to be the determining factors. The seven Snaga marched without undue haste, but neither did they lag. They went forward as would any in difficult and foreign terrain. Along the way, Helluin marked that they pointed to the cairns as they appeared and commented on them 'twixt themselves, seeming to find comfort in the confirmation of their path.
The hours passed and the company carried on at a steady pace. The Yrch took no breaks. Helluin calculated that if they continued thus, they would reach the foot of the Nargil Pass 'round midnight. Actually checking the time by the stars or moon was 'nigh impossible amongst the high, narrow canyon walls that bracketed the trail, but they were walking downhill as comfortably and consistently as could be expected at something slightly o'er two miles per hour.
When they finally reached the foot of the pass, the Yrch remained hidden in the shadows of the rocks, making no moves to exit, but staring out into the flat lands of Harondor. All there appeared empty. Helluin looked to them with a questioning glance.
"Fauthizgu,¹" several declared, and Helluin nodded to them. ¹(Fauthizgu, We wait = fauth-(v. wait) + izgu(1st pers. pl. suff., we) Orkish)
"Hukizgu,¹" Helluin replied, and they bowed their heads to her in thanks. ¹(Hukizgu, We go = huk-(v. go) + izgu(1st pers. pl. suff., we) Orkish)
Then the Noldo gestured the four Rangers hence, and after carefully checking the land beyond the pass and marking 'naught of movement, they walked out and were soon lost amidst the shadowy, irregular terrain of the Ephel Dúath's foothills.
As soon as Helluin deemed that they were out of sight from the entrance to the pass, she made a circling motion with the index finger of her raised hand and the Rangers turned. Then with their full stealth, they made their way back towards the pass, spreading out and finding cover when they came 'nigh. Invisible amidst the surrounding land, the remainder of their company had taken up similar positions from which to keep watch. Thereafter, they could not but await the approach of the 'Latânu-hai'.
Now though the time seemed to stand still, in truth, they had not long to wait. After but the half part of an hour, a company of three dozen Haradrim, easily recognized by their garments and the arms they bore, came from the south. They passed right through the leaguer of the Rangers yet marked them not and remained none the wiser. They advanced to the foot of the pass but entered it not. There they called out no greetings nor hailed the Yrch. Instead, they formed a wedge formation and freed their weapons, then thy too waited.
All this, the Rangers marked, and Helluin found it very strange, for the Yrch came not forth to greet them, nor hailed them though they would have been easily visible from within the shadows of the pass. If this meeting had been prearranged, then the protocol escaped her. Neither party should have been prolonging this dangerous time, nor should they have chosen to linger in so vulnerable a place. The Noldo was beginning to have grave doubts, for the situation resembled a standoff more than a rescue, but prudence bid her bide her time yet a while.
Finally though, the decision was made for her. From the east came another company, dark cloaked and hooded, numbering a dozen, and leading a cart drawn by a single horse. They were following a track that traced the contours of the foothills and so were out of sight of the foot of the pass. They would not be aware of the Haradrim 'til they were within a hundred yards of them.
The Haradrim became aware of the newcomers by hearing the creak of the cart's wheels and the clop of their horses' hooves when they struck bare rock. They traded glances 'twixt themselves and then at a gesture from their leader at the tip of the wedge formation, spread to the sides of the entrance to the pass and sought cover. There they set an ambush and waited for the cart to draw 'nigh.
Helluin and the Rangers clearly marked their actions. They had already grown suspicious of the first group, for they had made no attempt to contact the Yrch and the Yrch had made to attempt to greet them. All that the Haradrim had done was waylay the exit from the pass, and now they waited to ambush the strangers. If they were the 'Latânu-hai' that the slaves had come to meet, then their behavior made no sense.
The Noldo continued to watch and the strangers continued to advance. They came 'round a shoulder of rock and into view of the foot of the pass where none awaited them. Immediately they slowed, wary, as if they found the situation suspect. The cart driver halted the horse, took up a bow, and knocked an arrow. Ten of the cloaked strangers dismounted, tethered their reins to the cart, and advanced afoot whilst one remained and laid a hand on the cart horse's headstall to calm the beast.
The small group of strangers had come within fifty feet of the waiting Haradrim when one of the seven slaves charged from the entrance of the pass. He ran right past the Haradrim, frantically waving his arms to warn off the newcomers.
"Armauku! Armauku!¹" He shouted at the top of his lungs. ¹(Armauku!, Enemies! Orkish)
One of the Haradrim broke cover and lunged from the shadows with a drawn scimitar to silence him. Ere he could cover the four paces to slay the Orch, a broadhead arrow slammed into his chest with such force that it pitched him backwards off his feet. The Orch stood shuddering in shock, for the arrow had but narrowly passed him by. Then he recovered his wits and began jogging desperately towards the newcomers.
At his appearance, the ten strangers had drawn their swords and moved forward to protect him. When the Orch reached them, he spoke in haste, and with many gestures back towards the mouth of the pass, clearly sought to warn them of the ambush. Then, to the surprise of Helluin and the Rangers, the ten sent the Orch to the cart and advanced on the pass, challenging the Haradrim to show themselves. They continued forward 'til they stood but five fathoms from the foot of the pass and had still received no answer. The Haradrim remained hidden in the shadows, doubtlessly hoping their new foes would come closer yet, for they outnumbered them three and a half to one and anticipated fighting only a short battle to o'ercome them. The closest of the strangers marked the fallen Southron and the arrow protruding from his chest, and then he cast back his head and laughed.
"'Tis well that ye cower in the shadows, for ye are surrounded and your death is 'nigh," he said in a clear voice. "'Naught but surrender can spare ye."
His words went unanswered. The Haradrim remained hidden in the shadows. The Man nodded to himself and sheathed his sword. Then he produced a paper tube and a small tin from 'neath his cloak. With his thumb, he made motions that struck a spark, and behold, a small and wavering flame came to life atop the tin. He touched the end of the tube to the flame and from it suddenly burst a brilliant, hissing fire whence came billows of white smoke. This he flung on the ground before the entrance to the pass and it illuminated the Haradrim cowering thither, revealing their positions and their count. The small tin was extinguished and returned to his cloak, and then he drew his sword and charged forward with his comrades at his heels.
The Rangers had seen all this and could only regard it as sorcery. They stared in shock as the ten strangers charged the three dozen Haradrim and began assailing them without a moment's hesitation. By all rights, the Haradrim held the advantage of numbers, but 'twas soon seen that it availed them 'naught. The swordsmanship of the ten strangers proved by far the more fell, and one by one, the Southrons began to fall. Yet Helluin and the Dúnedain Rangers who stood closest marked that of the ten, eight fought with the fluid precision of the Elder Kindred whilst the remaining two handled their weapons with the practiced prowess of mortal Men.
Being as she had already slain one and her presence had been revealed by her actions, Helluin stood forth and began shooting, and she felled another seven of the Haradrim with her arrows ere the combat came to its end. When the last had fallen, the ten beckoned the remaining six Yrch from the pass and received them with concern, welcoming them as friends. Nine of the strangers led them back to the cart. The tenth turned from the cliffs and paced forward to meet the Noldo. When they stood face to face, he doffed his hood and greeted her with a smile.
"Suilad nín, Lady Helluin. Thou hast our thanks for thine aid," he said. "I count us blessed to come upon so fell an ally so unexpectedly."
Helluin dipped her head to the Man in greeting. Although fifteen years had passed since she had first met him and 'nigh a decade had fled since they had last parted, he had not aged so much that she could possibly mistake him. Upon a time, Helluin had beseeched him to allow Barq to mate with his mare Fatemeh, and the Noldo had ridden their son Red when she returned to the west. In the years since she had interrupted his sword drill with the other gate guards at the wizards' citadel, he had increased his skill far beyond the distracted recoil from his sparring partner's blade during his session of training.
"Suilad nín, meldir Gorvon," she said, "'tis a surprise to me as well. I had wondered if 'twas the Núrnath that had sought to succor more of their own."
"'Tis so indeed. The Ithryn Luin deemed their defection a small but beneficial detriment to the Dark Lord's realm and they have supported it these past months. 'Any blow struck against Gorthaur is still a blow, no matter how slight,' Alatar said, and we in Samara agree."
Helluin nodded to welcome that sentiment. Few amongst Elves or Men counted e'ery blow struck against Sauron with greater relish than she. Whilst they spoke, the Rangers broke cover and came 'nigh, curious about the strangers who had so ably dispatched the more numerous Haradrim.
"Of late we have scouted the lands beyond our western frontier," Gorvon said. "As thou know, Helluin, we held the lands east of Mordor and sought to look upon our ancestral home. Thirteen score miles wide is that border and easily penetrated, for 'tis but sparsely patrolled. Thither we found the rule of Sauron restored and many who had aforetime ordered their own affairs now subjugated. Sympathy we felt for those suffering anew the slavery that our own ancestors escaped. We could not but offer our aid, just as the Ithryn Luin once offered succor to us."
Helluin dipped her head to honor their noble intentions despite retaining some doubts.
"I have seen the shores of Núrnen and walked the fields of Nurn," he said proudly. "We meet those fleeing through the Nargil Pass if they hail from Nurn in the west, or lead them out through the wider border if they labor east 'nigh the Sea of Núrnen. Many of our companies are occupied thus."
After settling the seven Yrch in the cart, the other eleven strangers also came 'nigh and the companies greeted each other as previously unknown allies in the fight against Mordor. Helluin and Gorvon made the introductions and tidings of the east and west were traded.
Of the dozen strangers, eight were Avari and four were mortal Men. Helluin recognized three of the Avari by sight, but had not learnt their names aforetime. Amongst the mortals, only Gorvon was known to her. Those of both kindreds who had fought at Sheol recognized the Noldo, and the remainder knew her by reputation. The Men of Lebennin were duly impressed that these Men of Rhûn had dared infiltrate Nurn, their ancient homeland, and there offered aid to the slaves who tilled their ancestors' lands.
Sergeant Orodben offered the strangers the hospitality of a night's camp, but Gorvon declined, saying that they needed to begin their journey back to Samara ere dawn. They had many miles to cover, and as they had just confronted Haradrim slavers, they were loath to tarry so close to the Nargil Pass.
"'Tis believed that they have benefitted by abducting fleeing slaves this past decade, for this has been going on since shortly after Sauron's return to Mordor. They hoped to deliver the Dark Lord's chattel into new servitude for their own profit. We have had trouble with their like aforetime," Gorvon told Helluin, "and as aforetime, we have stymied their greed. Alas, we cannot benefit from their potential as fertilizer."
He and Helluin traded cold grins.
"We take our ways close by the foothills of the Ephel Dúath to avoid them," he said, "and have counted ourselves fortunate, for we have not yet been forced to contest with the Men of Khand. They too avoid Mordor.
Once we pass beyond the Ephel Dúath, we turn north and in a hundred miles, we are back in territory we hold. Perhaps when we return in two months, we shall need to bring more warriors."
"I am curious about thy tactics," Sergeant Húbion said. "Pray tell, how made thee thy fire with such ease, and whence came thy light?"
"Ahhh," Gorvon said, drawing the small tin from 'neath his cloak and flipping back its hinged lid. "They are magickal contrivances of the Ithryn Luin. Herein is contained a wick and reservoir of lamp oil. For the spark to ignite the oiled wick, the sharply reeded edge of a steel wheel is scrubbed against a chip of flint."
Gorvon demonstrated. The Rangers watched in amazement when he struck a spark and produced a flame. Closing the lid extinguished it. He then produced another of the light flares and passed it 'round for inspection. 'Twas a tube of rolled paper coated with wax, its ends plugged, and a short fuse protruding from one.
"The light comes of burning powdered charcoal, nitron, and brimstone," he said. "The exact formulation, the fineness of the powder, and the powder's compaction within the tube are known only to the Ithryn Luin, and we are warned that mistakes can be fatal."
Ere the Núrnath took their leave, Helluin told them of her slaying the Nazgûl in Minas Morgul and the destruction of its Ring. This tiding was received with jubilation by the company from Samara and they assured her that they would convey her words to Alatar and Pallando upon their return east. Helluin had one further concern of which she asked them.
"Have any of ye seen E-ngúrglaw at the Ithryn Luin's citadel? Is it still stored thither? Is it still intact?"
"I know not," Gorvon said, "for the rotation thither upon which I met thee was my only tour of duty at their citadel and I have served at Samara e'er since."
He looked to the others in his company, but one after another, they shook their heads 'nay'. It seemed that none of them had been assigned to duty at the Blue Wizards' fortress. 'Naught had been heard of the Death Ray since 'twas stored after the Fall of Skator, and no tale told of it being used again. Helluin nodded her thanks for their tidings, or lack of them. She doubted not that the weapon was as she had left it, stored against unforeseen future need, but unused for lack of any capable of powering it. In the end, 'twas more or less as she had expected.
Finally, with much honor and friendship, the company from Samara took their leave. The Rangers kept watch o'er them 'til they disappeared into the darkness, and then they turned west, to begin their return to the coomb.
The night was old and the dawn of 1 Girithron 'nigh when they reached the entrance of their refuge. They passed the sentries and greeted their comrades and their horses within the blind alcove. As Sergeant Húbion and Sergeant Orodben's Rangers went to their rest, Helluin reported to Sergeant Renidir on all that had come to pass o'er the last dozen days. His surprise at the Noldo's tidings was expected, and after he had digested the tale, they took counsel together, deciding that they would remain that day to rest the two dozen Rangers who had held the pass, and then begin their return to the White City on the 2nd.
"We shall take the South Road through Ithilien and cross Anduin at Osgiliath," Helluin said, simply confirming their original intentions. "Once 'cross Poros we can ride with lessened stealth and greater speed at least 'til we come 'nigh Imlad Morgul."
"I concur," the sergeant said, "for since thy leave-taking, we have seen none. Though 'tis technically hostile territory, this part of Harondor seems uninhabited. Still, I would be uneasy to ride openly on the road 'til we cross the border."
"Aye, t'would be prudent to ride east of the road and beyond sight of it 'til we come to the ford."
After agreeing on their course, Helluin walked into the alcove and found Álfrhestr dozing upright. He roused at her arrival and they conversed whilst the Noldo consumed some rations.
Ahhh, thou hast returned at last, Helluin, the stallion said sleepily. We have been bored out of our wits, the Rangers too, and of late, I see these cliff walls even in my sleep.
Thou hast my sympathies, O Álfrhestr. The days we spent in the pass were quite dull 'til I was carried off by the owl and received tidings at last. Thereafter, the mission became more lively.
Álfrhestr shivered at the thought of being carried off by an owl. 'Twas a visceral artifact of being born a herding herbivore. His kind had adapted to elude predators by running more swiftly than those giving chase, but attacks from above were not something horses could escape if their size alone was not defense enough.
I find myself increasingly uncomfortable 'nigh these mountains, he admitted, and I shall be glad to take my leave. Where there is one owl there must surely be more. Were several to pool their wings, I too could be carried off.
Helluin resisted rolling her eyes at his hypothesis. The thought of several owls ganging up on a horse was ludicrous in her opinion, when each could carry off a rider on its own. Still, she chose to humor the young stallion.
Then thou shalt be glad to learn that after a day of rest, we return to Gondor on the morrow. I wager thou shalt be even more glad to learn that we shall not go by boat.
I shall be very glad of both indeed, O Helluin. Pray keep watch on the skies 'til we leave these hostile lands, I beseech thee.
I and all others shall be most vigilant, here and during our return, she assured him, though the greater possibility of danger comes from unexpectedly meeting Haradrim slavers or bandits.
How horrible! Say that they fly not, I beg thee, Álfrhestr asked with palpable desperation, prompting a sharpened glance from the Noldo. She saw that he was completely serious.
I have seen none awing thus far, Helluin told him, but I shall keep a close watch.
The stallion nodded, and though superficially appeased at present, he remained nervous, casting the occasional glance to the sky. Helluin watched him a while and then shook her head in exasperation at his naiveté. She finished her rations and reclined on her travel bag to rest her mind a while.
Helluin realized that despite some unexpected events, she was quite satisfied with how the mission had unfolded. They had discovered all that the king had hoped and found no grave plots against Gondor in the offing. The Yrch were no threat, they were not aligned with the Haradrim in favor of Mordor, and indeed the whole affair rebounded to Sauron's detriment, if only in smallish ways. She and the Rangers had also obtained proof of the continued involvement of the Ithryn Luin in opposing Mordor. With a smile on her face, she drifted off into her memories of a tranquil time wandering western Eriador with her beloved and her old friend Glorfindel, newly returned to the Mortal Shores from Aman.
2 Girithron dawned bright and clear, and the Rangers broke camp, abandoning the coomb with relief to be heading home. They rode all that day, their horses mixing gaits to exercise their legs and minds after spending a dozen painfully boring days confined in the alcove. Oft they tilted their heads to the sky, searching for airborne threats. Indeed, the horses seemed motivated to cover ground in excess of the Rangers' inclination, and by nightfall, the company had covered three score miles. They sustained that pace through the 3rd, amusing Helluin, for no owls were to be seen, and they only slowed as the Ephel Dúath began to bend north on the 4th. By then, they were halfway 'twixt the Nargil Pass and the Ford of Poros and had saved a day of riding.
Now the company slowed somewhat, but still, they reached the ford in the afternoon of 6 Girithron. There they met a company of soldiers of Gondor's Southern Army. These were surprised to see Helluin and three dozen mounted Rangers riding in from the south, but when she told their captain that they were returning to Minas Tirith in haste to report to the king on the completion of a secret mission, he asked 'naught and waved them past. That night, the Rangers encamped in Ithilien, three leagues north of Poros.
Helluin and the Rangers spent the following six days riding north through South Ithilien and only resumed their stealth as they approached the mouth of Imlad Morgul. Along the way, they had returned many birdcalls from other Rangers who kept watch on the road from their base in the Emyn Arnen. They spent the night of 12 Girithron amongst the forward watchers at the entrance to the Morgul Vale, and on the morrow, came to Osgiliath and crossed o'er Anduin.
Noon on the 14th saw them riding in through the gates of the City of Kings. Being as 'twas 'nigh midmonth, the citizens dismissed them as Rangers returning from their watch posts in their standard duty rotation and accorded them no special interest. Straightaway, the Rangers returned to their compound in the Second Circle garrison, and Helluin continued up to the Sixth Circle stables.
Pray rest thy hooves, my friend, she told Álfrhestr as a groom came to lead him to a stall. Thou hast covered many miles of late 'neath the dual threats of boredom and owls, and have earned a respite.
My thanks, O Helluin, the stallion replied with relief. There were times when I thought I should not survive with mind or hide intact.
Helluin nodded to him and then, after acquiring a detail of guards, entered the lamp lit tunnel and climbed to the Court of the Fountain in the Seventh Circle. There as aforetime, she exchanged the Sixth Circle guards for an escort of Guards of the Citadel and was accompanied to the Hall of Kings.
It seemed that word of her return had preceded her appearance, and this was little wonder. No doubt, the steward had kept watchmen on the embrasure beyond the White Tree, and reports had come to his lordship at the arrival of the Ranger company at the city gate. The hall was empty and only Vorondil waited at the foot of the throne. He offered her a grin in reply to her bow and then gestured her hence, to the door behind the dais and into the king's withdrawing chamber.
Seated at the table there were Prince Eärnur and King Eärnil and no others. They rose and returned the Noldo's bow, and then the king beckoned her forward to a chair beside the prince. Steward Vorondil had barred the doors behind her and then he too joined them at table. Helluin saw that goblets of wine had already been poured and the decanter sat on its salver on the table. There would be no interruptions.
"Your Majesty, Your Highness, Lord Steward, I have somewhat to report regarding the doings in the Nargil Pass," she said. Helluin marked that she had their full attention and they hung on her words. "The reports of thy spies are only correct in part. After waylaying the pass on 19 Hithui, we succeeded in taking seven Yrch as prisoners on the 29th. At that time, we were also forced to slay another fifty Orkish soldiers of Mordor who pursued them."
"T'would seem there is some contention amongst Sauron's servants, though that is little surprise," Prince Eärnur commented.
"Aye, there is indeed," Helluin agreed. "By the testimony of a great hunter of the Ephel Dúath, we learnt of the pursuit of our quarry and that they would likely be o'ertaken and slaughtered ere we could question them. Therefore on Glohsúl's advice, we prepared for battle to win our captives from Gorthaur's minions."
The steward wrinkled his brows in uncertainty and said, "This hunter Glohsúl was an Elda? A Man?"
"Glohsúl is a spirit cloaked in the fána¹ of a great horned owl that stands Man high. I know not for sure from what order it comes, only that it acted for our benefit, bearing valuable tidings to me. We spoke by Ósanwe on two occasions," she said. ¹(fána, cloud or veil Used as a name for the physical form manifested by a Maia or other immortal spirit. Quenya)
Helluin thought that the lords of the city had digested her tidings well, for they offered no doubts or contention. They merely nodded and accepted her opinion, and the king gave a restrained nod, bidding her continue.
"Following the battle, I interrogated the prisoners. None would speak for all and each declared his name to be 'Snaga', which is 'slave' in the Black Speech. To wit, they had no proper names and their identities were as one with their status as chattel. As some amongst them had done aforetime, they had resolved to flee the lands of Nurn whither they were used as farm labor."
"So they were refugees?" The Seward asked, just to be sure.
Helluin nodded 'aye'.
"With the return of Sauron to the Black Land, their lot had grown worse, for now they were driven unmercifully, laboring to their deaths providing rations for Mordor's burgeoning armies. In despair, they chose to flee, and this not without some encouragement, though that shall come later into this tale," she said.
Again, no comments or questions came from the lords and the only response was the king's nod bidding her continue.
"During my interrogation, the slaves claimed that they sought to meet with guides who would lead them to sanctuary in the east, after they emerged from the pass. These 'Latânu-hai', or 'South folk', I took at first to be Haradrim, though I was later proven mistaken. To my astonishment, the 'Snaga' claimed that they fled to the Blue Wizards."
And finally, her words wrung a response from the Lords of the City. King Eärnil's mouth hung agape in shock. Steward Vorondil ground his teeth and narrowed his eyes in suspicion, and Prince Eärnur growled and clenched his fists, doubtlessly deeming the Ithryn traitors. Helluin raised her hands for peace, bidding them calm themselves.
"When first I came hence and shared with ye my memories of the Fall of Sheol, I spoke of the alliance 'twixt the Mâh-Sakâ and the Ithryn Luin. Yet I showed ye not their citadel 'nigh the River Rā, nor spoke of their long alliance with Men and Avari that they had liberated from Nurn long ago. These too were farmers, freed from the o'erlordship of Sauron by the Last Alliance. In the centuries since abandoning Mordor, they raised a citadel that they call Samara, and there engage in farming to support the Blue Wizards' armies. Their warriors fought beside me to destroy the Wainriders and bring down Sauron's refuge in Rhûn. I deem them noble and trustworthy.
Now some amongst them have sought to liberate those fleeing slaves, for upon a time, their ancestors were slaves of Mordor too and they deem the 'Snaga' to be akin in heart. For the past half year, they have led some to sanctuary in the east, but not without contention."
Helluin saw that the lords had indeed calmed, and though to them the notion of rescuing the minions of Sauron remained a strange enterprise for any Men or Elves, at least they no longer chaffed at her tidings.
"Now on the 30th, I sent all but four of the Rangers out of the pass during the daylight, bidding them set a watch upon the foot of the pass. Then with twilight, the remaining four Rangers and I accompanied the seven 'Snaga' down to Harondor. We reached the end of the pass 'round midnight, and with the Rangers, I left the Yrch to await the 'Latânu-hai', for I desired to take their measure and learn their minds. Only was I certain that 'twas no military alliance 'twixt Harad and Mordor that ruled them.
Alas, ere the 'Latânu-hai' arrived, there came a party of three dozen Haradrim slavers. T'would seem that aforetime, they had captured and sold escaping slaves, and sought to do so again. They drew up in a formation outside the pass whilst the Yrch cowered within. Still we waited, for those they sought had yet to appear.
So 'twas that after the half part of an hour, a cart drawn by one horse and a mounted company of a dozen came forth from the east and they approached the pass. At their arrival, the Haradrim took cover, to lie in ambush on either side of the entrance to the pass. The cart halted and ten of the dozen advanced afoot, seeking for the slaves. When they had drawn 'nigh, an Orch charged from the pass, shouting in desperation to warn the newcomers of the ambush. One of the Haradrim leapt forward to silence him, but I shot him in the chest. Then the Orch fled to join the 'Latânu-hai', and after conveying his warnings, the ten drew their swords and came to the foot of the pass.
There, one stood forth and challenged the Haradrim to come from the shadows, either to surrender or offer battle. The slavers did neither and the Man produced a magickal fire of the Blue Wizards to light the battle space and reveal the foe. Then the ten assailed the three dozens, and though I shot several more, the 'Latânu-hai' prevailed against the larger force, for their swordplay was the more fell and they left none alive.
In the aftermath, they met with us and we traded greetings and tidings. The Man who had challenged the Haradrim was known to me from the citadel of the Ithryn Luin, though he calls Samara home. He explained his peoples' affiliation with the slaves of Nurn, and how they had infiltrated the Black Land and encouraged the slaves to escape. Ere the night was done, they took their leave, returning to Samara with the freed slaves, whilst we withdrew to our base for rest and then began our return hither upon the following morn."
Helluin fell silent and the three Lords of Gondor contemplated what they had heard. 'Twas all far stranger than they had expected, yet no threat to Gondor did 'aught foretell. For that, they were thankful. Still, they had many questions.
"Helluin, during thy time in Rhûn with the Ithryn Luin, had thou e'er seen or heard tell of Yrch rescued from Mordor and abiding in Samara?" King Eärnil asked.
"Nay, Your Majesty, I did not," she answered, "and 'twas both a revelation and a surprise to me to find it so. Yet as Gorvon, the Man from Samara that I knew attested, Alatar favored their course, believing that any blow struck against Sauron was a boon no matter how small. The policy is recent, but by offering succor to the 'Snaga', they deprived Gorthaur of labor to raise crops for his armies."
"And they trust these Yrch to live amongst them and not slit their throats," asked Prince Eärnur, the doubt clear in his voice. "I should not be so easily lulled simply by sharing slavery with them, for many are held thrall by the Dark Lord and I wager few enough are friends."
"I too would be hard pressed to offer them succor in my own house," Helluin said. "The slavery that the Avari and Men share with the 'Snaga' was the slavery of their ancestors many centuries ago. They ne'er labored side by side in this life. Yet the 'Snaga' seemed to trust the 'Latânu-hai' ere e'er they met, and 'twixt themselves, they displayed a more civil comportment than I have met aforetime in any Yrch."
"What said thy friend Gorvon regarding their infiltration of Mordor?" Vorondil asked.
"When I left Rhûn this midyear past, the Mâh-Sakâ held all the east lying north of the Sea of Rhûn, and extending three hundred miles west of its shores. The forces of the Ithryn Luin held the lands to their allies' south, from the River Rā, extending west to within a hundred miles of the gap 'twixt the Ephel Dúath and the Ered Lithui. On their southern border lies Khand.
The east Gap of Mordor runs thirteen score miles north south 'cross mostly flat land that Gorvon claimed 'twas but sparsely patrolled. The warriors from Samara have infiltrated from the east so far as the fields of Nurn, well west of the Sea of Núrnen.
When they journey to guide escaped slaves from the Nargil Pass, they travel amongst the foothills just south of the Ephel Dúath, hoping thereby to avoid the Men of Harad and Khand."
"How many such 'Snaga' would thou guess that the Men and Elves of Samara have liberated?" Asked King Eärnil.
This question gave Helluin pause, for though she had seen but seven brought forth from the Nargil Pass and Gorvon had claimed that they had only made a few such trips o'er the past half year, she had no way of knowing how many had been liberated through the Gap of Mordor. Still, the king had only asked for her best guess.
"From the Nargil Pass, I believe the count is not great," Helluin said, "perhaps but a few dozen all told. Yet the Gap of Mordor is broad and many could be conducted to freedom thus. Perhaps hundreds have fled Mordor that way, but save by questioning the warriors of Samara, there is no way to know."
The king nodded, understanding the limits of what had been discovered, not that he was o'erly concerned by the count of escaped slaves. Still, learning of the operation niggled, for the allies of Rhûn had dared what the Men of the West had not, actively working to undermine the Great Enemy. Not since their abandonment of the forts in Mordor following the Great Plague had the Dúnedain of Gondor enforced the watch on Mordor.
"One further consideration I would raise," Helluin said, breaking the king from his ruminations. "The land 'round Samara is steppe and cultivated fields are difficult to maintain. Only by pumping and the use of cunning water screws is sufficient moisture obtained from the River Rā to sustain their crops. If the liberated 'Snaga' are to take up farming in the east, then great labors shall needs be made to prepare land. I deem this may enforce a limit on how many can be brought forth in any given time."
The Lords of Gondor considered this, though it still left great latitude for how many refugees could be brought out of Mordor. Still, the importance of what was being done was as much in it happening at all as on what scale 'twas being conducted. Finally, the steward asked the last question of their council.
"Helluin, in thine opinion, what could Gondor do to best strike a blow against Mordor in favor of our allies from Samara?"
This was a question that Helluin had asked herself as she and the Rangers were riding north from Harondor. Indeed, she could imagine many acts that would aid the 'Latânu-hai', but she had also known that any large campaign involving the Army of Gondor would be a poor choice to prosecute a limited action far behind enemy lines. The king would not favor the appearance of initiating open war with Mordor, especially on behalf of Yrch slaves. His foremost military objective was ensuring the safety of his realm, and secondarily, countering the Nazgûl and perhaps even recovering Minas Morgul. No, any actions taken on behalf of the 'Snaga' would be those of stealth, of small companies, and of low intensity, localized conflicts.
"Lord Steward, 'tis my opinion that Gondor could best support its eastern allies by sending Rangers o'er the Nargil Pass to engage and slay Sauron's troops and slave drivers in Nurn, especially in the west 'nigh the Nargil Pass, thereby easing the escape of the 'Snaga' and reducing threats within the pass. As a secondary consideration, I would recommend using the same troops to suppress the local Haradrim slavers and bandits in Harondor 'nigh the exit from the pass."
To this, the steward and the king nodded in acceptance of Helluin's counsel. More troubling to her was the glint of anticipation in the eyes of Prince Eärnur. Easily reading his ambition of leading an expedition into Mordor, Helluin silently groaned and wondered if there was any hope in training Eärnil's heir as a Ranger.
To Be Continued