Chapter Thirty-Four
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SUMMARY: Thranduil accompanies Tilda's class on a trip to one of the farms, but he's there for other reasons, too, and has some additional concerns for Bard.
A storm is brewing… Where will it end?
And letters from the Golden Wood!
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City of Dale, 18th of April 2043 T.A.
Spring in Dale was busy. The farmers were getting ready for the Spring Planting again, and much of their livestock had increased. The teachers at the schools organized field trips to the farms, and Ada went with Tilda's class one afternoon to see all the new lambs.
"They were sooooo cute, Da!" she ran into Bard's study and crawled in his lap. "And sometimes, when the sheep move together really fast, they jump over top each other! They do this little hoppy thingie where they jump on all fours and the same time! Farmer Jarvis called it 'sotting.'"
"'Stotting," Thranduil corrected.
"Yeah, that. It was so cute when the lambs did it! And we got to hold some of them, and me and Alis got to feed one with a bottle! And it burped! Maddox and Gwen did another lamb, too, but it didn't burp like ours did. Then we saw some piglets, but we couldn't get too near because the Mams get mad, and then we saw baby cows –"
"Calves," the Elvenking smiled.
"Uh huh! And baby horses, too! Those are called 'foals.'"
"You don't say," Bard grinned down at her. "You sure are lucky. I had to sit in my study all day," he pouted. "So, which did you like the best?"
"The lambs! They're so cute and woolly and Farmer Jarvis's wife showed us how she can spin the wool, which I saw before when I was little, but she showed us how to dye some of it, and she gave us each a piece of wool and Miss Eryn says she's gonna teach us how to dye it!"
"You had quite a day. Anything else?"
"Well… We got to see how they milk the cows, but that was just like how they milk the goats, so that's nothing really new, but it was fun. Their poop really smells though. But not as bad as the pig's does."
"Thanks for the warning. Farms are fun, aren't they?"
"Uh huh! I'm glad we don't live on the Lake anymore. There's so much more to do here!"
Bard gave her a hug. "I'm glad you had fun, Little Bean, and you can tell everybody else about it at dinner," he looked at her face, "you look a little tired, so I think you need to get your nap, now."
"But I'm not tired!"
"Humor me, love. If you go get washed and pottied, I'll come in and read to you. How's that?"
"Will you do the funny voices?"
"Every one of them." He booped her nose, and put her down. "Go on, darling."
After she scampered toward the bathing room, Thranduil smiled and gave his husband a quick kiss. "How was your day?"
"Busy." Bard stretched his arms out. "How did those new men work out?"
Two weeks ago, a caravan of traveling farm workers were brought to the Great Hall, hats in hand, and explained that they spent their time going from place to place, to help plow, plant then harvest, then spent winters at home with their wives and children. They pay they asked for was reasonable, so it was worth considering. After conferring with his Council and Thranduil, Bard decided to hire them on a trial basis, and had them set up in one of the apartment houses in the City.
Thranduil did a bit more than chaperone the schoolchildren today. He was watching those men and gathering reports from the farmer, who had been asked to look for anything suspicious.
"They seemed to be all working hard, and Farmer Jarvis has no complaints."
"Does anyone else know we asked him to keep an eye out?"
"Not that I could tell. Jarvis did say that his man, Tim, gets along with all of them very well. The farmer asked him if they had known each other before, but Tim denied it."
"Tim? He's the Handyman, right?" Bard rubbed the beard on his chin. "He moved here in February, I think. Where was he from, again?"
"I do not know, Meleth. He came to Dale, while I was working at the Palace."
"Percy's got all that paperwork. Seemed like a nice guy, but…"
"But what, Bard? What is it?"
"Well… I had Thangon with me, when he was brought into the Great Hall, and the dog didn't like him much. He didn't growl or anything; he just got a bit tense leaned against my leg and wouldn't budge. But I don't understand; Tim seemed respectful, and Jarvis tells me he's a good worker and knows his stuff. On paper, he looks great…" Bard sighed and shrugged. "What am I going to say? 'No, you can't stay here because I don't think my dog likes you?'"
"Bard…" Thranduil said carefully, as he rested his hands on the Bowman's desk. "You know I have made every effort not to interfere with your job, but I'd like to talk with you about something."
"Of course, love. Go ahead."
Thranduil's expression grew worried. "I'd like you to consider my own Palace, and how far away our rooms are from the Throne and Council rooms, or any of the public rooms! If we were under attack there, the Royal Wing can easily be sealed off, but what about here, in Dale?
"I know you are determined to get the City done, before you work on the Castle, but… I am concerned for the family's safety. At present, only thing that separates our children from anyone in the Great Hall are two doors.
"You must see that if a mob of men really wanted to, they couldget in here. It could happen while we are having a feast, or a dance, or while you hold Court - anything! We have arranged to have spells placed on the doors, but even then, they could be set on fire and burned down. And that passage leading from here to the Castle ruins is full of clever hiding places that, though heavily guarded, can offer access our children."
The Elvenking took Bard's hands, "This is your Kingdom, Meleth nîn, but I feel I have a right to demand that our family be installed away from this building as soon as possible. I am sorry if you are angry, but I must speak my mind."
"No, love," Bard shook his head. "To tell you the truth, I've been thinking the same thing, lately. Besides the fact we're all a bit crammed together in here -"
"That," the Elvenking smiled, "I have enjoyed."
"I don't doubt that, after so many years of loneliness," Bard gave him a smile, then became serious. "When those men came last week. I kept looking at the back doors to make sure the Elves were standing there, because I just got… nervous. Thing is, their papers seemed fine, and they had references –"
"You did send messages to those who wrote those letters?"
"I did, but I haven't heard back yet. At any rate, who is to say the ones who wrote them are legitimate? They could be just as bad as the rest of them! There's no way to know, and I don't have the gift of insight like you, Thranduil! What more can I do?"
The Elvenking sighed. "What you have been doing, Bard. Just be diligent and keep an eye on all newcomers. Trust Thangon, Meleth. If he is tense, you should be, also."
"I will. And I'll meet with Ben tomorrow and have him start plans on new living quarters."
"Thank you." Thranduil got up and pulled Bard up to stand and hugged him. "I just want to make sure everyone is safe, Meleth…"
"I know." Bard smiled ruefully. "Looks like the honeymoon's over, and Dale is going to start showing its warts." Bard kissed the Elf's neck. "It was nice while it lasted, love."
"Do not lose sight of all the good people here, Meleth nîn. Just be cautious, yes?" Thranduil stepped back. "Go read to our daughter."
As the Elvenking watched Bard go, he sighed. King Dáin's prediction about the Men who captured the Harad children was probably correct, and Thranduil had a bad feeling about it.
Trouble was coming. And the Kings of the North needed to get ready.
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Lothlórien, 20thof April 2943 T.A.
Daeron, Penlod and Orlin were on their way back from yet another village to check on their test patients, after administering the Variolation for the Pox. Each volunteer inhaled a minuscule amount through their nose, and remained in a house separate from the town and had been closely monitored for their reactions.
Most developed a mild form of the illness with a slight fever and a small rash, but soon recovered, only one developed intense symptoms, but even then, it was not as bad as those in the epidemic and one showed no difference at all, perhaps because he had been exposed long ago and developed in immunity. Reports from the other villages coincided with these findings, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
A shipment of the powdered material had been sent to Dale, and Daeron was eagerly awaiting word from Ermon with the findings, that would not be for some time yet.
They entered the Gates of the Golden Wood, to find Orophin and Elion greeting them with a smile. "Suilad! How are your villagers?"
Orlin spoke up with excitement. "Very well! This is an exciting breakthrough. We reiterated Lieutenant Daeron's protocols of frequent hand-washing and such and we think these Men will be much healthier overall in the years to come."
"That is good news," Elion smiled, then turned to salute his superior officer. "Things are well with our Guardians, Lieutenant."
"Well done." Daeron told him When we get back to the Woodland Realm, I am going to recommend you for a promotion."
Elion's face lit up. "Thank you, sir!" he saluted and climbed up the ladder to his flet to continue his guard.
He and his colleagues continued their journey to Caras Galadhon, then after they settled their horses in the stables, he took his bags and climb up the long stairs to his talon.
Before he unpacked his luggage, he saw the letter from Ermon and sat at the edge of the bed to and opened it eagerly:
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Suilad, Daeron:
The preliminary results from the variolation from the Pox,appear to be successful! While we have a few weeks to go for the trial, the patient volunteers have only suffered mild symptoms which were recorded as accurately as possible, and I have sent you a copy. Two presented with no symptoms at all, and there was one who did suffer more severe symptoms, but was in no real danger.
As per your instructions, all patients have agreed to remain in quarantine for a total of six weeks with no outside contact, and we are also observing the hygienic procedures.
Though it would be highly unlikely my wife would suffer any ill consequence from, shewould notcome near them, for fear it could have an adverse effect on our unborn children. Since neither of us is willing to take a chance, I could hardly argue the point.
This could besuch an advancein the treatment of Men, Mellon, andI applaud your courageto act upon a casual observation of Lord Elrond's. May the Valar bless him for thinking to include that short passage in his book!
On a personal note, my wife is glowing! Elénaril is beset with strange cravings, although she has found out the hard way that our children rebel against spicy food, and seem to like any form of apples that can be prepared. Not surprisingly, she does not show, and will not for another few months, but word has spread to the people here in Dale, and they eagerly await our children.
I know you will say that mood swings are normal for a pregnant woman, and even a pregnant Elf, but I must tell you it takes a bit of getting used to. Lord Thranduil was helpful by reminding me of Queen Mírelen's strange behavior when she was carrying Prince Legolas. Lord Bard said the same things, and recommended keeping a bottle of wine handy (for me, not for her) and endless patience.
As a Healer, I know all this, but when it is happening on a personal level, it really is different, Mellon nîn.
Best wishes for your continued success in the Golden Wood, and my the Valar bring you safely back to us. As you know, Elénaril is counting on you to preside over the birth of the twins, and will not entertain the idea of me acting in any other capacity but expectant father!
Warmest regards,
Ermon
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Oh, Praise the Valar! Daeron breathed a sigh of relief. For weeks, he'd been haunted by dreams of Rhian and Darryn falling prey to this plague and… he couldn't even finish his thoughts. He was getting ready to take a long, hot bath, when a Guard knocked on the door.
"The Lord and Lady would like you to report to them immediately, sir."
"Thank you. Please allow me to change into fresh clothes and I will be there directly."
Twenty minutes later, he was seated on the chair in front of Lord Celeborn's desk in his study, with the Lady of Light sitting beside him.
"I know you might be fatigued from your long journey, Lieutenant, but we are most anxious to know the results of your study."
Daeron handed them the reports of the studies and he went over each of them to explain. Of all the villages that participated, the averages were about the same, which was excellent news.
"I have also just received a letter from my colleague in Dale, and he reports the same findings." Daeron smiled. "This is a particular relief to me as many of those Men are my good friends."
"Lieutenant, you are to be commended for this bold step, and your diligence in treating those who suffered. The populations of these villages have been reduced from this plague, but this will give them a chance for their numbers to grow."
"Please, My Lord, My Lady: the credit goes to Lord Elrond, and I could not have done this if it weren't for him. I only followed his instructions."
"So, it was, and I have written to him of your work." Celeborn smiled. "I must also thank you for keeping my grandsons busy. They… tend to get into mischief if they have too much time on their hands."
"No thanks are required. They showed great tenderness to the victims and no task was beneath them."
"They are their father's children," Galadriel said proudly, then changed the subject. "The other matter we need to speak of is our recent reports concerning this kidnapping network King Bard has spoken about. We, of course, notified every village in our area, and sent a missive to King Fengel, but with the epidemic, too much of our outside resources were occupied with saving their lives."
Celeborn handed him a small stack of papers. "These are reports of such caravans, and attempts were made by Men to waylay them, but many were unsuccessful as these wagons were heavily guarded by mercenaries. You and the Galadhrim will participate in a joint operation the Rohirrim, under the Command of Lord Léod, Marshal of the Wold. that will attack from many directions.
He got up and walked over to a table where the map of the area had been spread out, and pointed out the various sightings, and gave the Lieutenant all the details.
"How long will the campaign take, My Lord?"
"Six weeks; perhaps longer. We will keep the refugees here and when their King comes for them, our troops will accompany them home. I am taking no chances."
Daeron smiled. "I have received many letters from home, My Lord, regarding the children in Dale, and they are doing well. I think you will enjoy having some of them here, even if it is only for a short time."
Celeborn smiled, "Although it is under the worst of circumstances, we hope to ease their hearts a bit."
"I am sure you will, My Lord. When do we leave?"
"You will ship out in two days. I know you are tired, Daeron, but we cannot delay. The Master and Orlin will stay here to follow up with the villages affected by the Plague, but I want you and Penlod to serve as Healers for those who are rescued and any injured along the way. You will be accompanied by Elladan and Elrohir, though they will be under Haldir's command."
"Of course, My Lord," the Lieutenant nodded.
When he returned to his rooms, he flopped down on the bed and sighed. He was beyond tired, but Lord Celeborn was right: the need was too great, and his duty was clear, and no matter how he physically felt, Daeron would be there to serve.
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City of Dale, 21stof April 2943 T.A.
It was nearly midnight when they gathered in Tim's apartment on the lower portion of the Dale.
Since his arrival in Dale last winter, he'd found steady work around Dale as a general handyman; especially around the farms outside the City Gates. He'd gotten a general lay of the land and a feel for the people of the City. And he'd sent everything he found out back to The Boss. Whoever that was. Wherever he was.
This assignment didn't seem all that bad. Before he'd been recruited as a spy in the Boss's network, he made a decent living as an all-around handyman, and this served him well wherever he was sent. He was quickly hired on to repair equipment on several of the farms, or the stores in the Marketplace or even somethings in people's homes.
And he did what he did best; he listened. And reported.
They arrived last month, under the guise as traveling farm hands, to look for work with the spring planting. They rode in traveler's wagons, outfitted as small living quarters, which would normally be used as a 'brothel on wheels, where the workers were locked inside, and their guards stood outside to take the money and prevent escape.
Could they please rent rooms inside the city, they asked the King? They told Bard that living in such wagons was pleasant enough, but a man liked a bit of a variety, and a place where he could stretch his legs a bit, wouldn't he agree?
It was easy for these men to post as beefy muscular farm workers who could easily handle horses, mules and cattle, because it wasn't all that different than handling drunken customers in the Pleasure Houses, or breaking the bones of those who didn't want to pay up. Most of them had grown up on farms in their youth, before The Boss hired them, so this was nothing new.
And tonight, as Dale slept, Tim had all twelve of them in his rooms. Harry, the foreman of the workers spoke.
"The Boss's kids are under constant guard by both the Elves and those fucking Dwarves. We'll never get at 'em if we charge the place, so The Boss has come up with a plan."
It was only then, that Tim noticed something about "Jarod," the man sitting next to Harry. Since the workers arrived, he'd been pleasant to the men and charming to all the ladies he encountered in the Marketplace. He was obviously well-educated, and charismatic and everyone liked him.
That much Tim already knew. But he had just noticed Jarod's hands. The skin was smoother, callouses were newer, and they hadn't been stained with dirt like the others. These were the hands of a businessman.
Oh shit… he couldn't be…
And he knew. Tim felt the bile rise in his throat, as he realized the horrible truth of what was about to happen.
"Jarod" was in fact, "The Boss," and he was getting ready to play his Endgame, and it was going to be bloodier than anyone could imagine.
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LETTERS FROM LOTHLÓRIEN
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To Thranduil from Celeborn:
Suilad my dear cousin:
I am full of praise for your Guardian's behavior doing the recent epidemic in our region, and though he insists upon modesty, Lieutenant Daeron's insights has saved hundreds of lives and this new procedure will prevent countless deaths.
I, too have received news from the Southeast regions about the rescue efforts, the Marshall of the Wold in Rohan and I have assembled a joint-rescue operation, and as per your suggestion, will leave the prisoners for the Harad to deal with. If necessary we can bring the children here in the Golden Wood for safekeeping, but the Marshall and I agree that if possible, they would to better among Men.
I have also received reports from Gondor and Osgiliath and King Abdullon has already had great success. As you know, Steward Turgon is ancient in years, and his son Ecthelion II has recently taken over most of his duties, and has been introducing sweeping changes in the City.
He has been cooperating with King Abdullon and it was discovered that one such "Pleasure House" existed in the lowest levels of the White City! The victims were rescued, King Harad took custody of the criminals, and Ecthelion ordered that every person caught engaging in a despicable act with a young one to be castrated.
The same was done in the nearby City of Osgiliath, with the same consequences.
I have passed your thanks to my wife for the beginnings of new life in your Kingdom, and it has greatly brightened her spirits, almost as much as the letters from your delightful daughter.
I hope we have an opportunity to meet your family soon, but until then, we will keep you and your people in our thoughts
Regards,
Celeborn
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To Turamarth from Daeron:
Dear Gwador:
My heart lifted mightily when I saw a letter from you, after four long months of silence. Winter is over, praise the Valar, and life blooms anew.
I am sure you have heard of my work over the winter months and all I will say is thatI am glad it is over! Theone blessingis that the endless, backbreaking work left little time to wallow in self-pity, and worry over the future.
My colleagues and I have just returned from the villages in the Wold and were delighted to find most of them in good health.
The six of us are about to be deployed along with the Galadhrim to locate and rescue more of the victims in this network and I have been warned it might get brutal. I will write when I can, but do not let that stop you from sending me pages of your usual nonsense!
Give my love to Aunt Indis, and try to behave, Gwador.
I will see you soon,
Daeron
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To Tilda from Galadriel:
Greetings Little Princess:
I hope this letter finds you well, as you enjoy the spring weather. It rains quite a bit this time of year, but that will only help the flowers bloom. I have enclosed some pressed flowers for you that grow in my Kingdom. They are called "Elanor" and are a particular favorite of mine. I hope you enjoy them.
I do get tired, Little One, but I am very much improved, and I wish the same for you. You are smart to take your naps like your Healers want to, because you must be careful. I know you will try your best as you clearly have a family who love you.
As I write this, I am looking at your drawing of your friend Esta. We have dogs like her here in the Golden Wood that work with our sheep, and they are among the smartest animals I have seen.
Unfortunately, I cannot have such pets in my house. You see, I livehigh in the tallest trees on Middle Earthand it would be dangerous to keep a pet lest it fall. But from now on, when I see a Tirhûtaw (the Sindarin name for Sheep Dog) I will think of your beloved Esta and her tender care of my little friend.
I offer my congratulations to your father's dog and his friend on the imminent arrival of the litter of puppies. Your Da is probably correct that it is best that you allow others to have them - puppies need a great deal of constant care, and from what I understand, you are away at school most of the week, and at various activities.
Keep up with your school work and try to be good for your fathers, and I hope to hear from you soon.
Affectionately,
Galadriel
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To Rhian from Daeron:
Suilad Hind Calen and little Darryn:
I was happy to receive your letter last month and please forgive me for not writing sooner. The winter months have been especially long without letters from home, and I am finally back in my rooms at Caras Galadhon, after spending almost two months working in the Wold of Rohan and other nearby towns. I am sure you have heard of the Plague that has beset this area, and I have only returned here two weeks ago.
It isgood to see Darryn's little face when I wake up in the morning. His picture is by my bedside table and my day starts with a smile, as I wonder what he has been up to, and all the new little things he is learning to do.
Of course, I am not upset that he calls me "Ada." I could not love Darryn more if he were my own flesh and blood. I have thought of our little boy often, as I have treated all those sick people, selfishly thanking the Valar that it is not Darryn in that bed, or you, or any of my friends. I do not think I could bear losing any one of you, and I have wept from fatigue and fear of that. Other days, the image of this little boy gave me hope and the will to carry on in such difficult times.
I am deeply honored to be called Ada by someone I care about so much.
I was moved beyond measure that you understand what I am trying to accomplish here, and I know you regret your harsh words before I left, butplease Rhian, think no more of it. I have long since forgiven you and have forgotten about it.
All that matters is that we reconciled before I left, and now you are growing in yourself and learning how to be whole. I am doing the same, in my own way, I think.
I am leaving tomorrow for a campaign, and do not know when or if I will receive your letters in the field, but please, continue to write and tell me all about home and the goings on. I cannot tell you where or what I will be doing, or even how long, but I will ask that you pray that we are successful and safe, as I pray the same for you and all those I care about.
Be happy, Hind Calen. You are loved by many, and missed by certain Silvan Elf, who must now close this letter and report for duty.
Please kiss Darryn for me, and tell him to kiss you back.
Affectionately yours,
Daeron
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ELVEN TRANSLATIONS:
Hind Calen – "Green Eyes" Daeron's pet name for Rhian.
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