In An Age Before – Part 291
Now the years passed in Norðr-vestandóttir Bý and as in Rohan, they encompassed continuing peace. Yet for Helluin, the taking of the Fords of Isen and the passive investiture of Angrenost niggled unmercifully. She found herself contemplating Captain Hæglfaru's tidings at odd times, but rather than dismissing them as the affairs of others, the situation only whelped a furthering of her curiosity.
By 2712, the Noldo was at her wits' end, for she recognized that save by the deliverance of further tidings or the declaration of a war, she would find no surcease from her turmoil 'til she understood the truth of the situation in Dunland and westernmost Rohan. Finally, as the winter of 2712-3 came down and the short days left too much time for thought, she took counsel with Captain Æfæst, Ngandáro, and Arinya. 'Twas 2 Narwain, 2713, a couple days after the Yule celebrations of Mettarë and Yestarë¹ by the Steward Mardil's Reckoning. ¹(Mettarë and Yestarë, Last Day and First Day Quenya. Yestarë roughly equals the winter solstice that marked the start of the solar year.)
"My friends, I wish ye a good new year, yet with the seasons turned and the days growing longer, I would beseech your counsel."
"A good new year to thee, Helluin," said Arinya. "Thou know we are e'er willing to offer our aid." Beside her, Ngandáro nodded in agreement.
"What troubles thee, my friend? I have marked that thou art at times preoccupied," Æfæst added diplomatically, recalling when the Noldo had well 'nigh run her horse into a cow whilst seeming to see 'naught of the world compared to whate'er world turned within her head. That had been in Hithui, two months past, and it had been the horse that turned aside.
"Recall thou the tidings of Captain Hæglfaru?" she asked him.
"He last came hither two and a half years ago, Helluin," the captain said. "Hast thou been beset with doubt e'er since?"
"Aye, and increasingly so," the Noldo admitted. "I cannot dismiss the notion that the state of Angrenost and the Fords of Isen bears investigation. Doth it mark a reunion of sundered kin? Be it the toehold that foretokens an invasion to come? Could it be the birth of an independent realm? Are these folk friends or foes to Rohan and Gondor? With less known than unknown I cannot still my mind and feel compelled to seek for the truth of this matter."
"Neither I nor the captain of Rohan found satisfaction in the decision to leave the invaders be," Æfæst admitted, "yet we are both vassals of Déor King whilst thou art not. We are constrained from acting whilst thou art not."
"What wouldst thou then, Helluin, should thou find enemies at Angrenost?" Ngandáro asked.
"If 'tis rampant slaughter and bloodletting thou intend, thou hast allies," Arinya added, "four and ten with allegiance unsworn to any lord of Men."
"Aye, tireless allies who shall slay thy foes to the last though it take a hundred years," Ngandáro said.
A grim grin shaped Helluin's lips and she dipped her head to honor the offers of her friends.
Captain Æfæst regarded the three Elves. He had grown up watching them train, watching them shoot. Each would carry into battle at least one quiver holding two dozen arrows and he had ne'er seen any of them miss their mark. With the fourteen Tatyar and Helluin, that would potentially account for three hundred sixty dead ere they thrust a spear or unsheathed a sword. Yet he had also seen Helluin's bow drive a shaft through two bodies with one draw and the Elves sometimes bore two quivers to an engagement against great numbers of foes.
Their chosen style of battle was not the swift mounted charge of his people. They would shoot from cover, unseen and unsuspected, and then withdraw afoot, only to reappear unheralded to take more lives with their deadly arrows ere vanishing again. Patient, stealthy, and deadly, in a century they could slay thousands for they truly were immortal and using their manner of warcraft, functionally tireless.
"I wager we would learn little by traveling in winter, only to find the land deserted whilst the people shelter in their homes," Helluin said. "When spring comes and these Men again work their fields, we shall go to examine what passes in the lands 'nigh Angrenost."
Settlements of Men appeared barely active in winter, much like dormant trees and hibernating animals. Arinya and Ngandáro nodded in agreement. Though the winter's chill would have far less effect on them than on mortals, they understood that information was more easily obtained whilst o'erhearing conversations in fields, markets, or taverns. T'would draw far less attention than by breaking into homes and interrogating locals whilst holding them prisoner in the dead of winter, and what they would hear was far more likely to be true. Besides, those folk were not yet their enemies.
"In the spring then," Ngandáro affirmed. "We shall inform the others."
My thanks, meldir nín," Helluin said. Then she turned to Captain Æfæst. "A fortnight ere Tuilérë¹ we shall take our leave. I pray thee and the council keep watch o'er the farm 'til our return." ¹(Tuilérë, Quenya, the vernal equinox and 91st day of the year by the Steward's Reckoning. It signified the beginning of spring and roughly corresponds with March 21st.)
"I shall have the trades name their representatives then," the captain said, "and form a council for this year. Worry not during your absence, my friends, with planting, birthing, and 'aught else that begins in spring, we shall have all the familiar tasks to occupy ourselves with."
Captain Æfæst thought to himself, I just pray the Wolves and the trees have 'naught to report.
In those days, the farm functioned like many a hamlet wherein the leadership was composed of a council of seven with five chosen from amongst the local livelihoods. The growers, stockmen, traders, artisans, and food workers each provided a representative with the Captain of the Riders and the Mylnweard¹ as the only permanent members. ¹(Mylnweard, mill-keeper (miller) Old English)
At Norðr-vestandóttir Bý, the trade positions on the council were neither hereditary, nor permanent. The people would not have stood for it, not only because they were all equally common born, but because it took time from their livelihoods. Thus, the grain farmers, the orchardists, the vegetable and flower gardeners, and the gatherers of mushrooms, berries, healing herbs, and other wild foods would take counsel amongst themselves and choose a representative for all the growers. So too would the horse breeders, stable hands, shepherds, shearers, ranchers, milkmaids, apiarists, poultry farmers, fishermen, egg candlers, and muckrakers choose a council representative for the livestock trades. 'Twas also oft the case that some senior member of a group would be chosen if they were retired from active labor yet retained their wits, for then productivity was minimally decreased.
Only the Captain of the Riders and the miller held permanent posts, the captain because of his duty to provide security for all and advise on decisions affecting it. He also upheld the farm's tithe to the king by providing warriors to the Éoherë. The miller held his position because the mill was located downstream, almost a half-mile away from the settlement and was therefore at greater risk whilst deemed a critical service difficult to replace, for e'eryone ate bread.
The council was chosen anew e'ery year so that the captain's initiation of the choosing of officers was 'naught out of the ordinary. Still, 'twas reassuring to Helluin and the Tatyar to know that life on the farm would continue uninterrupted in their absence, even if that continued for several years. 'Twas also Helluin's way of preparing the people for the day when they would rule their own affairs as a holding of Men.
The first two months after the winter solstice passed on the farm with the boredom of winter. There were no crops to tend, no weeding of gardens, and even the miller's backlog of grain from the fall harvest of 2712 had been ground to flour ere year's end. The hunters and trappers continued their work amidst barren trees and carpets of snow, seeking for the white pelts of hares, stoats, and foxes as much as fresh meat. Like all peoples upon whom the weather and the seasons bear, the folk of Norðr-vestandóttir Bý awaited spring.
On 16 Gwaeron, T.A. 2713, Helluin and the fourteen Tatyar gathered in the predawn stillness 'neath the apple trees in front of the cabin. The weather had warmed so that frost no longer lingered on the ground, nor did ice line the riverbanks. The first leaves adorned tree branches o'erhead as crocus, dwarf iris, and hellebore bloomed on the ground whilst the snowdrops had already come and gone. Soon, the spring rains would begin in earnest.
No words were needed 'twixt them for riding out on errantry was so familiar that each knew their part. Only the sounds of horses snorting and shifting their hooves broke the stillness as the company stood with their gaze turned upward to the sky as the stars faded o'erhead. Then, though Anor had yet to appear, the sky had brightened enough that the cock crowed to welcome the new day and the Elves mounted and turned their steeds toward the river path at a trot. They came to a gallop once they passed the split rail fence. By the time the Men of Norðr-vestandóttir Bý had broken their fasts and begun their day, they were already miles to the south.
On their third day they passed due west of Dol Guldur and paused only to rest their horses and meet with the local Wolf pack.
Greetings, bright one, said the pack alpha, if our lore is true, thy howl is no more convincing now than 'twas fifty generations past. His jowls were drawn up in a grin.
Greetings, grey hunter, my snout is no longer this day than 'twas then and I reckon my enunciation is ne'er to improve, Helluin replied whilst the Tatyar snickered at the exchange.
What brings ye south, O boar slayer of old?
There are some tidings of the western border in the realm of the Horse-lords that we would learn the truth of, my friend. Some strangers have taken a few miles of ground and their king is not inclined to act, Helluin told him. The Wolf dipped his head in appreciation of her sharing the information.
Dost thou deem that war is to come? I see thee and thy companions bear many arrows, he observed, marking that each warhorse bore two quivers ahead of their saddlebags.
We go prepared but are as yet unsure if there is a fight to be found, she said. This may all be 'naught but kin joining kin 'cross a border they made no agreement to.
I see, or rather, I do not see, but understand. Thou shalt find it well then that our range is at peace and no Yrch have been scented or seen in many generations. Perhaps the Great Enemy's fortress in the forest is emptied for good at last.
Perhaps, and I can only hope that peace remains in thy lands, grey hunter. I thank thee for thy tidings. It eases my heart to ride from home knowing the old foe is quiescent.
I shall bid thee and thy company well and safe upon the road 'til next we meet, bright one, the Wolf said. We return to the hunt.
And I shall bid thee and thy pack peace, success, and full bellies 'til next we meet, grey hunter, Helluin said, offering the alpha a dip of her head.
With a yip, the alpha rejoined his pack and then led them west, loping off into the newly sprouted grass. Helluin and the Tatyar remounted and continued their ride south.
They passed Lothlórien 'cross Anduin the next day and their far-seeing eyes revealed a glow of gold four leagues to the west 'neath the distant, shadowy ramparts of the Hithaeglir. In an act of deference, each bowed their heads towards Caras Galadhon, though even their eyes revealed it not amongst the mellyrn. To Helluin alone came the voice of the lady.
Whither ride thee and thy company, meldis nín? Galadriel asked from ten leagues away.
To Angrenost, meldis nín, Helluin replied in thought, Dunlendings came o'er Isen and blockaded the fortress three years past. Egalmoth and Déor chose to do 'naught and I would learn what passes so close to a palantír.
Now I too am curious. Pray share thy findings on thy return, old friend.
I shall be glad to do so, princess. How is Celeborn and how stands the wood?
We have been at peace, but my husband frets that it may be the calm ere a storm. The evil of Sauron rests not but only premeditates his schemes a while. I have seen 'naught of late to alarm, and yet in the back of my mind I sense that the threat of the Shadow remains.
The threat of Sauron shall remain 'til he is cast into the Void and his Ring unmade, Helluin grated out in thought. Not 'til then shall Middle Earth truly be free. Like Celeborn, I too am suspicious of this peace.
I understand, Galadriel's voice said. Pray be safe 'til next we meet, Helluin.
And thou, my lady. Helluin had resumed her attention on the land 'round her company when her peace was shattered as Finarfin's daughter gave in to her mirth and guffawed, my snout is no longer this day than 'twas then and I reckon my enunciation is ne'er to improve! Bwa-ha-ha-ha-ha!
When she had recovered from the aetheric assault of Galadriel's laughter, the dark Noldo gritted her teeth and silently huffed, Boundaries, Artanis, boundaries, I pray thee! The only reply was a fading tittering in the distance. Helluin could but groan and shake her head as she continued south.
After another one hundred leagues and five days, two of which had seen rain, they reached the South Undeep. The water was higher than ideal, as t'would have been later in summer, but still not so deep as to be impassable, and so with soft words of reassurance to their horses, they crossed Anduin. 'Twas then 24 Gwaeron and they stayed their ride to give the horses a day of rest in which to graze.
Ten score and three years aforetime, Helluin had accompanied Borondir, Eorl the Young, and the Éothéod 'cross that same stretch of water on their way to the Battle of the Field of Celebrant. On this day, they had chosen the southerly ford so as to enter Rohan amidst the downs rather than in the rougher land of the Wold and they were therefore closer to the Ford of the Onodló, the Entwade. From there, instead of riding south to join the Great West Road of the kings, they planned to cross the West Emnet in a straight line of fifty-six leagues and two, the easier to pass unnoticed by any that might try to stay or question them.
The Elves found their way trackless and in truth, they would have avoided any roads they found, and so their ride was slower 'cross that unknown land. Yet still, whilst skirting scattered fens and fording a few shallow creeks, they spent but five days to traverse the hundred and seventy miles 'twixt the Entwade and the Fords of Isen. Their secrecy was abetted by windswept and at times torrential rain on four of them.
The river Isen they approached warily, avoiding the few Men they found and carefully making their way north through woodland, coming to the settlement that lay 'twixt the southern arms of Methedras the next day, that being Tuilérë, the vernal equinox. On that day eight hundred and ten years aforetime, Norðr-vestandóttir and Ivar the Hunter were trothplighted, foreshadowing the births of Leifr and Ljóss and assuring the prophecy of the Eagle at the Hallows of Mindolluin in an Age before.
Now the Elves looked out from the shelter of the woods, and before them lay tilled grain fields newly seeded and garden patches already showing the green of sprouted lettuce, onions, cabbage, beans, and peas. Smoke rose from the chimneys of farmhouses and Men worked the fields. Horses drew carts and wagons down muddy tracks 'twixt farms and a central hamlet lay astride a northbound road whence came the ringing of a blacksmith's hammer and the distant voices of hagglers at market.
They marked no soldiers, no sentries, no watchtowers, and no walls. There were no work gangs and they saw no prisoners at forced labor. 'Naught appeared to have been burnt. In all ways, the scene before them conveyed a sense of order and peace such that it could have been a small, isolated farming community anywhere in Middle Earth. Only the glowering fortress of Angrenost two miles north placed it. After watching for a while, the Elves withdrew back into the woods and took counsel.
"T'would seem there is 'naught to see here," Marhrondo said with a shrug.
"I am reluctant to dismiss Captain Hæglfaru's tidings of invasion so swiftly," Helluin replied. "'Tis going on three years since the Dunlendings came o'er Isen and mayhap the occupation has stabilized."
"That may be, Helluin," Lirulin allowed, "and we have viewed this settlement only briefly and from a distance. We need more information."
"I should not care to leave so soon, having ridden all this way," declared Ránehen. "I would favor learning more ere accepting any conclusions."
"I too would learn more of the mood of these Men," Nieninque said. "We shall be wiser in a fortnight."
"And we shall be wiser still after a month," said Sivimaseldo, "yet with each day we increase our chances of being marked. T'would be different were we afoot, but with the horses…"
To this, the others nodded in agreement.
"Would that we had a secure place from which to act," Erinítaite said, "yet home is far away."
Helluin cast her gaze beyond the settlement to the north whither lay Angrenost 'twixt the arms of Methedras and a grin shaped her lips.
"I know just the place," she said, "pray follow me to the east beyond mortal sight and then we shall circle back to our home away from home."
As they led the horses deeper into the wood ere turning east, Vorsaira asked the Noldo, "What think thee, pray tell?"
"We are not a league south of the strongest fastness in Gondor, a place where none have set foot for o'er a thousand years. I believe it shall do nicely."
With the eyes of Men being sharp as they are, the Elves needed to ride only a league east ere turning north. After a couple miles, they found their way blocked by an earthen dyke atop which stood an outer wall of well-laid stone three rangar in height. This they followed east and Helluin was glad that the wall was not of the same black stone as the rammas, (the encircling curtain wall), of Angrenost.
After following this dyke another mile, they came upon a culvert through which a creek ran down to join the Isen, and where the out wall continued unbroken atop an arched span o'erhead with an iron grate beneath. They wrenched the grating from the stones by the labor of several horses and so gained entry to the lands closest to the fortress. They had heard that neither the descendants of the Dúnedain garrison, nor the invading Dunlendings had dared to tread there, and they hoped that they would be safe from prying eyes.
Ere the light of that day failed, they scouted the circuit of the fortress, roughly a league and a furlong 'round, for the curtain wall enclosed a circular area of a mile in diameter. They found no breach points save the single gate blocking the approach road standing fast as if untouched by time. Where the dyke and out wall crossed the road, both were open as if they had ne'er been meant to restrict entry. Windblown dirt lay on the pavers, several inches deep and undisturbed. They saw no wagon tracks, no hoof prints, and not even the mark of a boot, yet no sprout of tree or grass had grown 'twixt the stones laid long ago by the engineers of Isildur and Anárion.
Having surveyed their surroundings and assured themselves that they were alone, they set their camp beside the creek, valuing having fresh water 'nigh to hand and intending that their comings and goings not disturb the dirt on the road. The horses were freed to graze with instructions not to wander further than need required.
But why can we not wander and explore if this place is safe? whined Helluin's bay mare Celigbedin¹. ¹(Celigbedin, Swift Feet = celig(pl adj, swift) + pód(foot) + -in(pl suff, feet) At the partition in proper nouns, -p becomes –b and the vowel –ó changes to –e in deference to vowel harmony. Sindarin)
Because we have had but a couple hours to declare it safe and so it seems, yet all of Angrenost is visible from the heights of Methedras and I have hunted Yrch there in years past, she replied. I pray thee remain close, at least for now.
Goblins? I have heard rumor that they may eat a horse from time to time, Celigbedin said, showing the whites of her eyes.
Say rather 'at e'ery chance they get', Helluin said. They favor horse only less than the flesh of Elves and Men. Not at all reassured, the mare nervously shifted her hooves.
I believe I shall remain 'nigh the camp and keep one eye on Methedras, said the horse. I shall speak with the others.
I thank thee, good Celigbedin. 'Tis a prudent course at present. If the area remains at peace, then thou may explore in responsible fashion. Simply mind thy nose if thou wander. Yrch do not tend to smell pleasant. After a moment's thought, she added, And pray tread not upon the road.
The mare wandered o'er to the creek where the other horses had gathered, and by the turns of heads to regard her and their glances up at the mountains, Helluin reckoned that her words of warning had been spread. That night, they remained at the camp, sniffing the breeze and staring out into the darkness whilst taking turns dozing upright.
Of the fifteen Elves, three stood watch at intervals 'round the camp whilst the rest turned their backs to the scant light from the glowing embers of the trench fire and viewed their surroundings and the stars. The watch rotated thrice during the night so that it involved only nine of their company and none would take that duty more than two days in a row. By dawn of 1 Gwirith, they had heard and seen 'naught suggesting any activity on the high ground of the mountains and the company began to relax a bit. In the morn, they broke their fasts and then set out in ones or twos to learn what they could from the farmers.
On the outskirts of the hamlet that day, two women chatted in the kitchen of a rickety house as they baked a score and four blackbirds into a pie. 'Twas a laborious creation, for surely there was no more than a mouthful to be had from a blackbird.
"I be blīþe¹ thou came hither, Greta. I was āfæran² for thee in the south." ¹(blīþe, blythe joyous Old English) ²(āfæran, afraid Old English)
"And I be blīþe to come hither, Aida. Thou an' Seabert've been generous to us an' we're grateful. 'Twas hard, leavin' home."
"Sure that 'twas, coz, but young lordlin' Freca levies many for his rēafian¹. Now Kenley an' Whit'll be farmin' rather than fightin'," Aida said. ¹(rēafian, raiding Old English)
"Aye, Kenley's an honest husbandman but no man-at-arms, an' Whit's a swain too young for war in this mother's opinion," said Greta. After a pause, she added, "I'm āfæran for what's to come." (husbandman, a farmer Archaic English) (swain, a country youth Archaic English)
The pie went in the oven and the two women chanted a silly ditty to relieve their tension and perhaps bless their baking. Whate'er their differing origins, both knew the words and the tune.
Sing a song of wiccecræft¹,
A kettle full o' lye.
Four an' twenty blackbirds,
Baked inside a pie.
xxxxx
When the pie is opened,
Dead birds began to sing.
What an āwierged² dish,
To set before the king.
¹(wiccecræft, witchcraft Old English) ²(āwierged, accursed Old English)
Helluin slipped away from the rickety house and made her way to a copse where she sat hidden amidst the boles and pored o'er what she had heard.
How came they to catch two dozen blackbirds for their pie? Those are not easy to trap, and whyfor would they not use a single grouse or chicken instead? T'would be far less work. Even four and twenty mice would be a lesser labor. Perhaps 'tis a requirement of their sorcery? Do they intend to poison or bewitch the king?
The Noldo sat shaking her head, confounded by these mortals and their culinary proclivities.
At least 'tis evident now that Greta and Aida share blood as no doubt do many come east 'cross the Isen. So, Greta's family fled north and east ere her men folk Kenley and Whit could be impressed to serve in some campaign of their Lord Freca. I wonder for what he fights? Treasure, power, land? These are the usual causes for strife.
I have found some answers, but would know more. Who is this young Lord Freca. Whither doth he hail? Whom doth he raid? Shall he be a bane to Rohan? At least they seem to have no interest in Angrenost. I shall have to continue listening and hope that the rest have learnt other pieces of this puzzle.
At their camp that night, the Elves traded tidings and sure enough, the Tatyar had made their share of discoveries. The details taken together began to sketch a conflict beyond Rohan's borders, yet little chance of greater strife for Rohan from those come in 2710.
"I have o'erheard members of two families," said Lirulin the Lark, "as they bartered woven baskets for pickled vegetables in the market. A mother with a young woman assisting her answered a question about her basket designs, saying that the shapes were as she had learnt them from her mother in a farming village to the south, hard by the river Adorn. Her family had fled east to join the family of her second cousin, the granddaughter of her father-sister, here in Rohan. The vendor of pickled vegetables accepted her words without rancor, as if such an origin mattered not at all.
The pickle vendor then said that her great grandmother had come from Dunland whilst her great grandfather had been both Dúnedain and Eorlingas. T'would seem the mixing of blood is common here'bouts."
Nieninque had listened to several farmers tending a field. They had not traded lineages, but had seemed fast in friendship as they worked two fields belonging to different families. The Snowflake had marked the differing hair colors and complexions of the four Men, none of them classical Dúnedain or Eorlingas, but all four seeming to blend those bloodlines with a darker, swarthier strain in varying measure.
Castalda had marked the differing harness of the draft horses as they drew wares to the hamlet. Some were closer to the tack of the Rohirrim, the Tree Tender said, whilst others had elements of the tack of Gondor. For the basic uses demanded of them, both worked equally well. He had also marked some variations in the thatching patterns in the rooves of several homes and the differences in some carved decorations upon their posts and door lintels.
Arinya and Ngandáro had listened critically to the speech of many folk in the market and had heard variations in accents and word usage, some vernacular expressions, and some proverbs. Morning and the Harper had concluded that such was considered normal and had drawn no attention from the people they had o'erheard. The local culture was inclusive with respect to language.
Vorsaira then noted some minor differences in the farm implements he had seen, count of tines on pitchforks, shapes of hoe blades, forms of plowshares, and the like, whilst Marhrondo had added that the planting of some crops varied slightly concerning rows, tillage, and even fencing.
The other seven Tatyar had made similar observations and when it came time for Helluin's recitation, she shared what she had learnt.
"I came upon two witches baking an accursed pie of four and twenty blackbirds," she said, prompting astonished looks from the rest of the company. "They recited a spell as they set the pie to bake, predicting the rise of bird wights as a curse upon some king. Alas, the only king in these lands is Déor of Rohan."
They asked the Noldo if she could recite this spell, and at her nod 'aye', they hearkened with disquietude for the words of spells were e'er suspect. Helluin sang the ditty and explained all the particulars afterwards to their growing consternation.
"I fear that we have come upon a community harboring dark sorcery and mayhap a plot to bedevil the king. Whether this is the sentiment of all or the isolated undertaking of a few, I know not as yet. I shall needs seek after further intelligence."
Thereafter she continued on, telling of the warmongering of some petty Lord Freca whom the witch Greta's family had fled and of whom none of the others had heard mention, and that his realm lay south of the Fords of Isen. Hers had been the only upsetting tidings told that night, but Helluin's report had given them all cause for thought. None rested wholly at ease that night. On the following morn, the fifteen Elves resumed their spying.
Through the first fortnight of Gwirith, their espionage continued, and bit by bit, the Elves learnt more of the mood of the people. In 'nigh all respects they appeared hardworking, friendly to their own, and declared a dearth of political opinions, for Edoras and Minas Anor were far away. Only a scattering of mentions of Freca were heard, his name universally spoken with loathing and dread.
'Twas during that time also that the night watches marked from time to time the appearance of short-lived lights upon the slopes of Methedras, as of torches briefly shining forth from the entrances of caves or revealed as someone marched 'twixt obscuring rocks upon a high trail. These remained far and high and descended not nor lingered long.
'Twas many small impressions accumulating into a concretion of knowledge regarding the area that grew for Helluin and her company as the days passed. Of rare note was a nursery rhyme related by Nieninque on the 10th.
"I have o'erheard a gaggle of children amusing themselves in morbid fashion," the elleth declared. "Together they chanted a verse with much glee though the subject was grim. I thought it peculiar, even for the young of mortals."
Asked to recite what she had heard, Nieninque sang in a beautiful voice that somehow rendered the lyrics yet more horrible.
Maida had a little lamb,
Its fleece was white as snow.
An' e'erywhere that Maida went,
The lamb was wont to go.
xxxxx
It trailed her up a greening hill,
Then down into a dell.
An' last into a quicksand pool,
Where it followed her to hell.
The other Elves had regarded her askance.
"Truly? This is what they sing whilst amusing themselves?" asked Ránehen in disbelief.
"Aye, and they giggled together like little Orcs at the final line, o'er and o'er as if they could not exhaust their mirth at such misfortune," the Snowflake said.
"And then they mature in their sorcery to bake accursed pies," finished Helluin. A grim set came to her lips. Her impression of the folk was dropping with each day that passed. Innocuous enough they seemed, but did not evil oft cloak itself to casual sight 'neath innocence whilst festering black hearted within?
A couple days later, when Lirulin reported hearing another rhyme sung by a different group of children, they all hearkened, expecting the worst. They were not disappointed as the Lark sang in her enchanting voice.
Baa, baa blackguard,
Hast thou any wool?
Aye sir, aye sir,
Three bags full.
xxxxx
One for the turnkey,
An' one for his dame.
An' one for the crookback¹,
That's poxy, deaf, an' lame.
¹(crookback, a hunchback Archaic English)
"How gruesome!" Arinya exclaimed in horror. "What cold and cruel sentiments must they be taught at home to twist them so?"
At home, where they are dining on accursed blackbird pies and steeping in their mothers' witchcraft, no doubt, thought Helluin.
"I followed this group of young ones for I bethought Nieninque's tidings could not encompass all the children in the hamlet. Alas, t'would seem I was wrong and I pray thee forgive me my doubts, meldis nín," she said, dipping her head to the Snowflake.
"I would that thou had found me at fault," Nieninque replied, "yet thou hast heard their voices raised in a mockery of youthful innocence too. Now I must wonder if we can trust in 'aught their elders have said?"
"I am wondering just such myself," said Helluin. "Let us continue a couple more days in hope that some redeeming deeds or beliefs might be uncovered to raise these folk above the reputations of their fathers." 'Round her the others nodded in agreement, yet should they find 'naught, they would have little choice but to act…for the Greater Good.
On the 13th they heard 'naught to change their opinions one way or another. In the mountains, a few more lights were seen, more than on any previous night. 'Twas on the 14th that Nieninque again followed a gaggle of children, and this time, whilst hiding on the bank of a creek, they marked each other's foreheads with smears of mud and chanted:
Tingle, tingle puckered scar,
How we wonder what thou are!
Branded on thy forehead high,
Like a staring lidless eye.
xxxxx
All the black night's sky thou keep,
An' oft through my curtains peep,
Thy master ne'er shuts his eye,
He watches 'til the day we die.
xxxxx
'Tis thy shuffling in the dark,
Servant's cries that bid us hark,
Tho' we know not who thou are,
Ye that bear the puckered scar.
When Nieninque shared her account of the incident that night, the other Tatyar were shocked, but Helluin gritted her teeth and muttered, "Witches may some of their parents be, but their children are raised to play at being Orcs."
"So t'would seem and now I must wonder if they came hither to join their allies in yonder mountains," Marhrondo said, casting a glance to the night dark slopes of Methedras.
"And I must wonder if they are called hither by the Úlaire of Minas Morgul, to imperil Gondor and Rohan with foes east and west," Helluin said.
"Their control of the fords may indeed be a precursor to war as we suspected aforetime," Ránehen agreed. "Do we now accept that their malfeasance is proven?"
"I have come to accept their malign intent," Helluin said, nodding to herself. The ancient animosity of the Enedwaith for the Númenóreans appeared to be reiterated in their Dunlending descendants' hatred for the modern Dúnedain and their Rohirrim allies. Helluin most notably recalled their ancestors joining Gorthaur's cause in the War of the Elves and Sauron.
Though the Elves had marked no overt military presence, the farmers included witches practicing spells intended to jeopardize Rohan's king, and they held territory that was likely to be strategically important in the future. With the lights in the mountains, it seemed that Men and Yrch were local allies. She shook her head, for there appeared to be little benefit in allowing the situation to continue.
"I am inclined to destroy them, distasteful as it shall be," she decided.
"What of those descended from the Dúnedain guardians of Angrenost?" asked Vorsaira.
"They are allied in sympathies and blended in blood. This we have seen and heard, how then shall we discern one from another?" Helluin asked. The Stable Genius could only shrug.
"And should we slaughter them all tomorrow, what would stay others less peaceful from replacing them in a day, or a month, or a year?" asked Lirulin. To that, Helluin could only shrug.
"Shall we not become monsters ourselves should we indiscriminately slaughter this entire settlement whilst it is at peace?" asked Arinya. "There is no war here and even the king of these lands deigns not to assail them."
"Thine argument is sound, meldis nín," Helluin replied, "yet should war come to these lands, we shall be far away and likely engaged elsewhere. Ignoring the potential threat today would be like leaving weed sprouts 'til they o'ergrow the crops ere tearing them from the fields."
"Yet these are men, women, and children, not weeds, and these lands are at peace," said Ngandáro. "If war comes, they shall have a choice to make and perhaps they shall flee rather than fight, just as they have done from their Lord Freca."
"This too may be true, meldir nín, and there are points both yea and nay," Helluin admitted. "I find the situation confounding despite my inclinations. As thou say, these lands are at peace and the time of their decision lies ahead. Shall we agree then that we too should set any decision aside whilst war presses not? Shall we instead continue our watch for now?"
This decision the company agreed to, some with relief and some with foreboding, but all were happier not to be taking lives upon the morrow without battle pending. So the Elves continued to spy on the farmers, but no further revelations were forthcoming.
On the night of the 22nd, they marked torches on the slopes of Methedras, descending a trail leading towards Dol Baran. That was the last hill of the southern arm of the mountain and lay to the west of Isengard and the river Isen. Helluin recalled it as a campsite that she and Beinvír had used in 1446 when they accompanied Maglor's warriors and a company of Lebennin Rangers to subvert the fortress of Angrenost in favor of Eldacar the returning king.
Erinítaite, Sivimaseldo, and Lirulin who were standing watch reported the sighting to the rest of the company, and through the remainder of that night, the Elves watched the progress of those potential foes. 23 Gwirith dawned and the torches stayed their march and then went dark on the ridge above Dol Baran. By their night travel and sheltered rest during daylight, the Elves were 'nigh certain those approaching were foes.
"Surely they are Yrch," Castalda said, and the rest nodded in agreement. "What other kindred would choose to cross mountain trails at night and then hide from the sun?"
"They come to join their allies in the settlement, I wager," Vorsaira ventured.
"Now we shall see what side these farmers take," Ngandáro said, "be they friends or foes."
"And if they be foes, none shall see the morrow's dawn," Helluin finished.
On that day, for the first time since their arrival, the Elves remained in camp and went not to spy on the settlement. Instead, they prepared their weapons and set aside their camping supplies. They confirmed the condition of their mounts and warned them that they would likely see battle that night. Then they gathered in the shadows 'round the breach in the out wall where the road that led to the fortress passed and there awaited dusk and the movement of their enemies. Alone amongst them, Helluin wondered if this company of Yrch was driven by a Werewolf, as had been the company that had come to the Battle of the Field of Celebrant.
Anor sank behind the arm of Methedras and dusk came to the lowland south of Angrenost. Shadows stretched west to east as night came down, and in the distance, the windows of farmhouses and homes in the hamlet were lit as families gathered for their evening meals. In the second hour after full dark, two torches appeared on Dol Baran and they moved east at a walking pace to cross the Isen. After another hour, they came to the road and followed it south.
In the starlight and scant moonlight from Ithil's waxing sliver, the Elves rode at a walk along the o'ergrown track where their horses' hooves would make no sound as they paced beside the paving stones of the road. Of old, the king's message riders had used that track, but centuries of neglect had left Helluin's company passing through tall grass and circling 'round copses of trees. Here and there, they forded lazy, shallow creeks, but in no place had the road or the riding track been washed out, a testimony to the civil engineering of the Gondorim in their first strength.
For an hour the Elves trailed the Yrch, for by then they had heard the harsh voices, the bickering, and the threats and curses that identified that party even in the dark. They tramped down the road, the easiest way south, heading straight for the hamlet. Had there been any prior doubt of their destination, it evaporated as they trudged on, barely muffling their steps on the pavers in what passed for that kindred as stealth.
Where the road passed from woodland into the cleared fields surrounding the hamlet, the Elves paused. Ahead now only a half-furlong away marched the Yrch.
"I make their count five score and ten," whispered Erinítaite and the others nodded in agreement with her tally.
They continued to watch and were surprised when the war party passed the dirt track leading to the first farmhouse. Isolated, t'would have provided an opportunity for sport and feasting on warm flesh, but they tarried not and continued towards the cluster of buildings astride the road a furlong and a half further south.
"Now all the more convinced am I that they go to meet with allies rather than to raid victims," Ránehen muttered, and some of the company nodded, suspecting the same themselves.
"If so, then I am persuaded that they both serve a greater master, for Yrch have few friends even amongst their own kind, save when they are compelled," added Helluin.
"And so we shall soon see what choice these Men make," Ngandáro said.
To Be Continued
See an Artbreeder portrait study of Helluin Maeg-móremenel at imgur /a / ICCBxqx
XxHerefor NowxX: Thanks for favoriting and following "In An Age Before". I hope that you continue to enjoy the updates. After 19 years of writing and 17 years of posting, I think this story will be finished this year. Then come the edits and corrections. Stay tuned and stay safe.