Barad Lomin
Laura White, aka halavana

Chapter X

Morfindel's Counsel

Once the messengers and knights had rested from their journey, they held counsel. They compared reports of goblin sightings and movements of other folk, activities in the various regions of the king's subjects and enemies. Barad Lomin was only a small town on the southern bank and the first bend of the Baranduin, in western Cardolan. Duinbar, the southernmost town of Arthedain, was only a minor seaport. The elves doubted they fared differently than any others. From scattered regions where dwelt kindreds of elves they received news that dwarves of the mountains were again being harassed by strong goblin forces and other dark things were stirring which only the elves remembered fully and men knew as tales from their grandfathers. Men strove with each other for the possession of this hill or that vale and loyalties were strongly divided between the three provinces, Rhudaur having proved renegade. The prince of Cardolan wanted the watch tower of Amon Sul, and the palantir with it, but was more willing that Arthedain should keep it than to have it fall to Rhudaur. In truth, the region where the three provinces joined was hotly contested and the knights gathered were of differing opinions. They would have argued vehemently, but Morfindel was master of his counsel. At the elven lord's insistence they set disagreements aside until they could determine what was to be done now.

After much telling of news, Morfindel turned to Keren. "What say you? Think you Millerson is in league with Goblins?"

Keren had listened closely, for the subject matter interested her deeply. Again she had been invited to the counsel and sat near Lurisa, and, although they were welcome to hear, rarely were the womenfolk asked to speak. Startled, Keren sat dumbly until Lurisa took her hand, saying "Be not daunted by them in counsel. They are the same with whom you eat and drink and dance."

Somewhat reassured, Keren said, "It wouldn't surprise me, for often I've seen him behave in a manner intended to please and undo the deed in secret. He gives alms and steals the gift away again. Although I've no proof, I still fear he's a murderer, for the wound I saw on Starfoot was very much like the one I saw on the body of my first fiancé. If Starfoot says Millerson attacked and wounded him after trying to waylay him in league with goblins, I would believe elf over Millerson, no matter what witnesses are brought forth stating the contrary, even if my own father were among them."

"Would you wed the man?" asked a knight.

"Don't tempt me!" answered Keren, with a sharp look. "I might, just for the chance to put a knife in his heart. For that reason and that reason only would I consent to be his bride. Don't tempt me with murder."

Only Keren's brother was not surprised by this statement, and he smiled grimly and nodded. "Millerson has not changed since our childhood. Or only for the worse."

"How well know you the town and its folk?" asked another knight.

"Very well. As a child I was free to follow my brothers where they went. We played often in the woods on my father's land and in company with other children we explored all the deep dark places within five miles. With my father I've gone on many errands to Duinbar, Fieldbrook and Millbank. As for the folk, I've done business with everyone and can tell you who is likely to deal fairly with a stranger and who is not."

"Is there a place where a host of goblins could hide?" asked Neldoras.

"A host? Not a large one, but perhaps thirty could find place near Fieldbrook. Between Millbank and Fieldbrook there is a ravine with caves perhaps a mile away to the east of the road. As children we often resorted there but it's become foul in recent years. Few go there now, except to discard the carcass of a large animal. I don't know for certain but have been told that anything left one day will be gone the next. So it's been said for several years but I know not why, or even if it's true."

"I know the place," said Brogan. "It would be a perfect place for goblins in our midst. I'm ashamed that I thought not of it."

"I thought not of it until questioned," said Keren. "Perhaps you, in your travels have seen other places which I haven't."

"Perhaps we will all think of such possibilities, now that we are united in purpose," observed Neldoras.

Now it should be known that elves can hold counsel for days on end when needed, taking not so much as a moments break. However, the knights being men, Morfindel granted them leave to walk about and stretch their limbs for a few hours. Keren and her brother again walked about talking. The elves took advantage of the rest as well, thankful for a respite from such unpleasant discussion.

Brogan and Starfoot roamed about a while, fencing here, drawing a bow there and enjoying each other's company. The elf was much recovered and relished his regained mobility.

"The woman, Woodman's daughter and my companion's sister, seems quite fond of you," said Brogan to Starfoot as he lounged beneath a tree of the elven forest. "Might even say she was infatuated."

The elf laughed and swung down from the branch where he had been sitting. Hanging upside down by his knees he regarded the knight who returned his merry gaze with a wry smile. "What is between Keren and me can hardly be termed infatuation. She is much too clear sighted for such illusions."

"I've heard of elven women consenting to marry mortal man, but never mortal woman an elf."

"Alas, it has happened and elves are not proud to say it. Under influence of the enemy, many things were done which should not have been. In fact there are some among us who think it possible the creatures known as hobbits, or halflings, are descended from the union between Avari and mortal women. We do not know of a certainty, though." Starfoot swung slowly from his branch, straightened his legs, flipped and landed on his feet. "But to us, mortal women seem so frail that we guard them as sisters or daughters."

"Yet more to you is Keren than sister or daughter. That's plain. Else why would you risk so much on her behalf?"

"They say elves are nosy gossips," laughed the elf and sprang once more into the tree, grabbing a branch high over his head as it swayed in the breeze.

"But is it not true?"

"Oh verily, but what should not be, is best if it were not. She would have a long life, but not with me," answered Starfoot, his voice tinged with sadness, but only briefly for he continued brightly "With you she would live quite happily the full number of her years. You have no wife. Middle Earth could use as many such as yourself as may be born. Do not mistake my meaning. I would not thrust the two of you together against your will, and you also must meet with the approval of her father and brothers, but as brother/father/friend, it is my duty to point out a good match when I see one."

Brogan gaped at the elf, then sprang to his feet. "The courtesy and generosity of elven folk amazes me, for it is common that a man say 'if I can't have her, no other shall.' Having seen the two of you together and the delight you have in each other's company, I refused to allow any such thought of her into my mind. Would that she gazed on me as she looks at you."

"You need not fear of her affection for she speaks comfortably to you. As easily as she converses with me. In fact, I would not be speaking thus if I did not know she but needs to hear you regard her well, and not merely as a madwoman who ran off chasing elves."

Brogan laughed merrily. "No possibility I should say such a thing. I've heard the story of how she came here and if I were not kindly disposed toward elves, I should seek out those who harassed her and give them a well deserved lesson on how to treat womenfolk properly."

"My lord Morfindel has already chastised them in other ways. You need not trouble yourself. But the day progresses and our time of rest has ended. You at least must return to the counsel." With that the elf dropped to the ground and together they set off for the elven halls.

The counsel proceeded into the late hours of the night when at last the elven lord and his counselors came to a decision. In relief, one of the elves called for a feast to celebrate the occasion and all concurred. Keren knew the elves would be making merry until dawn and since the time was well past midnight she bade her brother and those near a good night.

"May I escort you?" asked Brogan. "To your door, that is."

"Of course. I would be glad of your company."

They walked together through the moon lit trees, speaking of this and that. He told her of his family who lived near Duinbar at one time but moved north when his father took up service of the King. They would have moved to Fornost, but Broluin counted it too dangerous a place for his family to dwell. So they remained in his family estate near Evendim. Brogan and both his brothers, one older, one younger, were knights and all were concerned about the decisions within the realm. They feared goblins would take advantage of the dissension, were doing so even now as the trouble at Barad Lomin suggested. Many in the kingdom paid heed to warnings that maybe a dark hand guided them, but few would venture a way to stop it.

"What says the King?" asked Keren.

Brogan laughed weakly. "He also sees much which troubles him, yet his counselors advise him to concern himself primarily with border matters and endeavor to reunite the three divided provinces. Most knights of Cardolan would accept such a reunion as long as they may still answer to their prince, but Rhudaur speaks against it. The line of the kings no longer exists there. I think Malvegil will not lay claim to all three, for should he do so he must have power to stand behind the claim."

"Is the kingdom truly so weak?"

"Weak? Well, not exactly weak, for we are able to hold our own together. But to draw in more would be difficult. And rumors, as I told you, reach many of us. We are not dismayed, but must remain watchful. We've heard of a great Witch King in Angmar, risen up in the northeast and possibly behind the strife with Rhudaur, but..." Here Brogan ceased talking abruptly, looking at Keren. "Forgive me. I had forgotten you're a woman and doubtless have no interest in such things. But you listen well. I see why the elves are much taken with you."

"I know not of elves being taken with me, but I'm very interested in what you say. My mother's kin lives to the north and as you know, my brothers are knight also. And let me assure you, if you had spoke as to bore me, I should have bid you good night long ago, for we're at my door."

"Oh. So we are."

"But tell me of this Witch King. My brother mentioned him several times but only briefly. He said he wished not to frighten me needlessly.

"Well, I would say the same for I also like not to speak of him," he stammered and then laughed at himself "Brogan, you fool," and sighed, bowing to her. "I bid you goodnight, lady."

"I'm no lady, but goodnight to you, sir," she curtsied.

An awkward moment passed, Keren smiled and stepped into her room, shutting the door quietly. Brogan stood without, sighed again and turned to go to his own place of rest. A merry chuckle halted his feet and he turned to face Starfoot and Keren's brother.

"You woo nicely, my good knight." laughed Starfoot. "Now tell me, what are your intentions toward my sister/daughter/friend?"

Argus cleared his throat softly. "That also was my question."

"Intentions! I've not thought to have intentions. Why ask you, old man?"

Keren's brother looked quizzically from elf to fellow knight. The elf laughed and quieted himself for they were yet not far from Keren's door. "A pity, for you should have intentions. If not, I shall have them for you, but come, friend Brogan. The hour is late and we elvish folk would have all you mortals tucked in and sleeping so we shall not need to worry over you while we greet the dawn. My wound is healed and I must make up for lost time. Goodnight!" So saying, the elf bustled the knight into his quarters and shut the door behind him.

"So what say you," Starfoot asked, turning to Argus. "Is he a suitable match for Keren?"

The knight rubbed his chin. "She's been threatened with worse, hasn't she. I'd like a few words with my father about that. Others speak well of Brogan, and I've served with him several years. We shall see. But come, lets to the merry making. I'm not yet weary. Would you consent that a frail mortal join in the festivities?"

"I would be honored, friend knight," answered Starfoot and bounded forward, pulling Argus after him.

Goblins groveled nicely, thought Millerson as he sat on a stone seat they had carved for him. After fighting with the elf, he had intended to go straight to Rhudaur and confront this Master they spoke about so often. On the way he met three goblins who, when smelling the elvish blood on his knife, swore to serve him to the end of their days, or his days, whichever came first. They would be his body guards if he wished when he returned to wreak vengeance upon the ones who slew his father, mother and uncle. Besides, they were going in that direction and enjoyed the prospect of advancement.

Upon his return, Millerson brandished the knife for all to see and shouted "When you saw this elf, you fled from him! I have slain him! And yet you slew my family in vengeance! I have not wronged you! You have wronged me! Let those who slew and consumed my family be brought forward!"

The command was obeyed. Five trembling, sniveling goblins dropped to their knees before him.

"Tormog commanded it!" shouted one.

"I thought as much," said Millerson, turning to his former contact as he was shoved forward.

Tormog did not grovel, but answered quietly. "And so I was commanded. If it appeared you were proving false, we were to attack your kin. You must admit, you did appear false cowering behind that elf."

"As did you, running from him," growled Millerson.

"So we're even indeed. What do you want?"

"To command you."

The goblin sneered and laughed. "This is indeed what the Master wanted. We'll consent, now that we know you're truly one of us."

Since that time the goblins had been busy. They excavated him a room in one of the caves and furnished it with anything he wanted, stolen from the surrounding towns. Now that it was finished, he no longer needed to return to Barad Lomin at all. Messenger goblins and crows came from Angmar, bearing instructions and information for Millerson to obey and use. With a little instruction from Tormog, Millerson learned to understand their languages. This Witch King of Angmar was a crafty one, thought Millerson. With the greatest of pleasure would he carry out his orders, to the letter.