That afternoon, Maedhros was back in his room, checking over what he could make ready for tonight. The gate trap was done, if not as large as he had hoped for. He'd packed a bag with provisions and a first aid kit for if they ran, and his sword and armor were ready for use. He had been informed that if there was fighting to be done, he wouldn't be doing any of it. Ha! He'd like to see Finwe try and stop him. There was nothing left to do but wait. At least his brothers no longer felt the need to watch over him every second. He took a nap.
Maedhros lingered by the window after waking up, watching the sky, for a few minutes, then sighed and went to get ready. He girded on his gambeson and the rest of his armor, as well as his sword, little help though they were likely to be. He wasn't Fingolfin, to try and kill Morgoth – especially not when Morgoth was accompanied by a treelight-swollen Ungoliant. He wasn't suicidal… well, not today, at least.
The armor felt a little odd, and yet entirely familiar. His mind hadn't worn this armor since he'd been captured by Morgoth, while his body had probably practiced sparring in it earlier that week. He also realized he'd belted his sword on the right side of his body, ready to be drawn with his left. What would his reflexes be like right now?
He drew the sword, and went through a pattern of simple moves in each hand. Both were adequate, but right was just a little better. He then did the same with the most useful moves he'd picked up in Beleriand. His left was much better than his right. It would be bad to use one of favorite moves and completely mess it up. Left it was then, so… oh. His shield straps were set for the shield to be used on his left arm. He spent a few minutes fixing that. He looked outside. It was now near to mingling. Maedhros settled his bag on his back, and took his shield in his right hand as he went downstairs.
He came down the stairs, clattering slightly. Tyelkormo greeted him at the bottom, also fully dressed in armor. "I thought you weren't to be fighting," said Tyelkormo.
"Oh, I won't unless I'm needed," said Maedhros. "But I don't fancy being unarmed and unarmored right now. Could you help me with the last few straps?"
"You get to explain the armor to Grandfather," said Tyelkormo. "I have a couple of things that need tying, too." They quickly fixed the last fastenings.
"Do you know where Grandfather is?" Maedhros asked.
"I think he is outside," said Tyelkormo.
"Thanks," said Maedhros as he snagged a bread roll on his way out the door. Having two hands again was wonderful.
He found Finwe in the courtyard, heading for the stairs to the top of the curtain wall. "Come up to the top of the wall with me," Finwe said. "What was it you were saying this morning about about darkness falling?"
They went up on the castle walls, and stood looking out over the town and the countryside beyond. All was fair and peaceful. The birds were singing, and crickets were chirping, although the treefrogs hadn't started up yet. A sweet-scented breeze blew from the south.
"First Laurelin will fail, then Telperien," said Maedhros. "It should become blindingly obvious soon. Within half an hour, the stars will be visible."
"We shall wait, and see if your vision be true," said Finwe. "Curufinwe tells me that the thing over the gate was your idea. What made you think of it?" He frowned. "Why have you switched your sword and shield arms? Your first real fight is not a good time to be practicing with your off-hand. Change it back."
Maedhros hesitated. "I've done some practice you haven't seen with my left. It is now a bit better than my right."
Finwe blinked, then shrugged. "I won't order you to change, then. Just remember that the lives of your brothers may depend on you if things go wrong." He looked south.
So did Maedhros. Was Laurelin dimming faster than normal? It was difficult to tell.
They waited, and waited. It got darker, and the treefrogs began to sing. They waited. It became darker still, and they could hear worried murmurs as others began to notice something odd. Finally, Finwe turned to Maedhros. "It seems you are right."
"Melkor won't be alone. We can't fight them-" Maedhros began.
"Get everyone inside the curtain wall," Finwe called to Makalaure at the gate.
Maedhros' hands clenched into fists as he fought the desire to shake Finwe until his armor rattled. Damn his family's bull-headedness!
Makalaure nodded, and called out loud and clear: "Everyone inside the gates. Bring your arms and armor if you have them."
"Curufinwe, get the torches lit," called Finwe. The first torch flared alight.
"What's happening?" demanded one of the guards.
"There is something wrong with the Trees. Get everyone inside," said Finwe.
Very soon, the sky was pitch-black, with a sprinkling of stars. Torches lit the courtyard, illuminating worried faces turned to Finwe.
"Friends, kinsmen, my people, I have reason to believe that there may be an attack on the settlement by Melkor tonight," said Finwe, without preamble. "We are prepared, and have already informed the Valar. They will be on their way soon, but we may have to hold out for a little while."
Murmurs of alarm sprang up, then died away as Finwe held up his hand. "We are prepared. This is not Cuvienen: we have strong walls to defend us, flights of arrows, and swords and armor of steel. We will hold firm, and if Melkor tries to harm us, he's going to get a nasty surprise."
Some people cheered, notably Tyelkormo and Curufinwe.
Maedhros ground his teeth. A fat lot of use Finwe's sword had proven last time, and Maedhros had little faith their trap would do more than annoy Morgoth. All Maedhros had managed to do so far was make things even worse! Why had Eru sent him back, if everything he touched was forever doomed to turn to dust?
"I want the women, excepting those of the militia, and the children, to take shelter in the caves at the back. Third company will guard them. Melkor's most likely target is the silmarils in the treasure chamber. First company, man the keep. Second company, to the curtain wall. Captain Curelda, I want you over the gate, ready to drop rocks on Melkor's head."
Finwe left Maedhros on the wall, keeping watch for Morgoth's arrival. He seemed disinclined to listen to anything his grandson said with regards to Morgoth or Ungoliant. So Maedhros grew silent, waiting for the Unlight to arrive, and wishing he dared hope that someone had found one of Tyelko's birds and brought the message to Manwe in time.
A/N: Fanr, I'm glad you're enjoying the story, and thanks for the feedback. I won't tell you how the story ends, but I can say that Maedhros' efforts will cause noticeable changes to the plot. He will be overjoyed at some of the changes, and alarmed by others.