Chapter 15

Last Time

"Hoohmm," said Treebeard after Harry had told of the fruitless search for the renegade Maia. "He is hunted you say. He would be foolish to linger in lands where he might be seen. I doubt that the servants of the enemy hold him as an ally any longer. So those shadowed lands are closed as well."

Maglor looked thoughtful as Treebeard spoke. "That is a good point. He has worked against his master in Mordor as much as he has the free peoples."

"He isn't dead, the Valar would tell us if he was," added Luna. "Where else could he be?"

Gandalf was frowning as he listened to the conversation. Then his eyes widened as a thought struck him, "We may have been looking too close to home."

Elrond looked puzzled and then uttered a curse, then turned to the others, "The East!"

oOoOo

"The East," Maglor said as he looked at the ancient map Gandalf had collected from Isengard. "I saw this map among the many you gifted us with that came from Rivendell. Its notations are in Adûnaic, which caught my attention."

"It is a copy made by a sea-captain of Númenor. In the last years of that realm, before it fell into folly," explained Elrond. He ran a finger of the eastern section of the map. "These lands were known as the dark lands. They were never truly populated by men, elves or dwarves, say for a few small colonies that were abandoned after the fall of Númenor. The lands were reported to be fertile enough, but the distance was too much for most settlers. That and the fact that the Eastern Lands were mostly allied against the Númenóreans."

"If he is there, where would even begin to look?" Gandalf asked. "I knew of these lands but dismissed them as, to my knowledge, none still dwelt there. If my reckoning is correct, this map shows but a tithe of the lands in the East and its accuracy would need to be confirmed. It has been a long time since I have thought of these lands, but I seem to remember that there were lands to the east and south of Middle Earth…a vast archipelago."

Harry and Luna exchanged a glance, but let the others speak. They knew little of the Eastern Lands beyond mainland Khand and Haradwaith. Those distant lands may have been influenced by Morgath and Sauron, but they rarely interacted with the people of the west.

For Luna and Harry, the problem that they faced was one of distance and ignorance. They had the power but were unable to discern where to focus it. Gandalf clearly understood the problem. "There might be one of Círdan's people who might know of those waters…but I doubt it."

"The lands shown are extensive. It could take years to search them all," Maglor said with a frustrated look at the map. "Perhaps Azanath might know more. Despite their many grievous faults, the men of Umbar have much lore on the east. Perhaps such could be acquired, or copies found in the libraries of Minas Tirith."

oOoOo

Azanath frowned as he listened to the request, then thoughtful.

"Before I was selected to serve, I was the heir of the house of Fuinur. As such, I was considered a good marriage prospect. Given my…choices that soon passed. But I did have a friend among the families that are considered mariners. They had many ancient books and maps in their family library. The problem, of course, is that I have little doubt that I am either considered lost or a traitor. I was childhood friends with Valan, the heir of the house of Anaruri and at one point his sister Ilbeth was put forward as a possible betrothal."

"Alas that any such lore would be hard to acquire…" Maglor began but stopped when Azanath raised a hand.

"The house of Anaruri claims distant kinship to the house of Elros through the elder daughter of Tar-Anárion of Númenor. They are proud but far from the worst lords," explained Azanath. "And they were far from the most loyal of Sauron's followers."

"They were against Sauron?" Elrond asked with some scepticism.

Azanath smiled humourlessly, "Some of the old, powerful families are loyal because they faced utter ruin if they were deemed disloyal. I don't doubt that they are quietly pleased that Mordor is weakened. But they are not friends of the west. No, Lord Elrond, it is more accurate to say that they seek to control their own destiny."

"Then the questions are, do they exist and would it be possible to get a copy. Could it be done, Azanath?" Harry asked as he looked up from where Luna was making notes.

"If any had such records or sea charts it would be the Anaruri." He looked pensive as he sat considering the situation. Those gathered in the room let Azanath run through the situation. "It might, with some planning, be possible to see if I could approach Valan. Although I would need to be prepared to escape quickly. Should he decide to turn on me for some reason. I know many of the lands, particularly the coast well enough to apparate there and make my way to their estate or given the season their house in the Havens."

"A bold plan," Elrond said gravely. "But dangerous as well. The dark lord might be contained but when Pallando sailed it was men of the east that crewed the ships."

Maglor gestured toward the map of the eastern lands, "We have little knowledge of what has transpired in those lands. Perhaps they continue as before but if Azanath is correct some of the powerful families there might be looking to break away. If only for their own purposes. We cannot assume that they knowingly or willingly served Pallando."

"And we do not know that they do not," argued Elrond. "Even if a few have turned from Sauron, many will not have. Azanath would be taking a terrible risk."

"I think it is a risk we need to take," said Harry. "Azanath has the local knowledge and Luna and I have the magical ability to hide a small party well enough."

"So how would we do this?" Luna asked.

Azanath pointed to the map on the wall, "There…it is a place I know well."

oOoOo

Several miles from the Havens of Umbar

"This feels rather like the coast of Spain," Luna said as she looked around with unfeigned interest. "My father took me there once."

Harry shrugged, "Don't ask me, not much of a traveller really. But it looks deserted which suits me."

There were what looked like orchards or perhaps vineyards several miles inland but otherwise nothing was in sight save the rocky coastline and far out to sea a sail.

"There is a road, a bit further back, you can't really see it from here, that leads to the havens and the city of the Corsairs. This land is claimed by the Captain of the Havens although in truth it is controlled by the local families who farm the land. Despite the heat it is quite fertile, and it supplies the Havens with a lot of their food." Azanath gestured to where smoke and the wall of a city could be seen. "The Havens are the stronghold of those of Númenórean blood. It is there that the noble houses hold court during the warmer months."

"Is it the only town in these lands?" Luna asked. Harry thought it was a fair question given that maps of these lands were rather sparsely notated.

"No, there are other large towns around the bay, where the soil is most fertile, but we cannot see them from here," Azanath looked around and gestured inland. "We should be on our way soon. Unless things have changed in my absence the city gates will be shut when the sun sets. Gaining access after that will be difficult and costly."

The walk to the city took a few hours and was rather surprising for Luna and Harry. Given the fierce and warlike reputation of the people of Umbar and Harad, they had expected a more militaristic land. The farmland they were passing through was green and looked well cared for. It was only when they were walking toward the gates of the city that they saw that this rural idyl was not entirely as it seemed.

The Havens of Umbar and the city around it were surrounded by a forty-foot-high wall of stone. On that wall, armed men and machines of war could be seen. Even in this time of 'peace' the people of Umbar were vigilant. As they approached the gate there was a moment of caution as a large force of mounted men exited and rode north, kicking up dust on the road that hung in the air long after they had passed beyond a line of low hills.

"A patrol," explained Azanath. "The men of Harad may be allies of the Númenóreans that settled here but many of those that live in these lands have no love for my people. The city regularly patrols the nearby lands."

"I think we had best disguise ourselves before we get too close," suggested Harry. They had already transfigured their staves and Azanath had advised them on their clothing. He had suggested wealthy merchants which suited their needs. All that was left was to glamour their faces to avoid anyone recognising Azanath. Harry and Luna now appeared to be a young couple with tanned skin and dark hair. Azanath looked older, with grey in his short beard. Both Harry and Azanath appeared to have swords on their belts.

"We must be careful with magic in the city," warned Azanath. "While few sorcerers dwell here, I fear magic might draw attention to us."

The gates themselves were large and sturdy with iron bands reinforcing them. In the shadows of the gate stood a half-dozen armed and armoured men. They appeared to be closely watching those entering closely but made no move to stop them until they had nearly crossed into the city.

"You there, with the grey in your beard," one of the older guards called out, pointing at Azanath.

Azanath turned to face the guard, "Me?"

"Yes, you. I don't recognise you and I know most of the merchants that travel here," said the guard as he approached and stopped a spears length away. "What is your business here?"

"I am Urzdan of Harnen," explained Azanath with a scowl. "I trade in weapons and armour, and these are my nephew and his wife. My purpose is to propose a new contract with the Lord of House Burhin." Azanath looked unhappy to be explaining his business and the guard was suddenly less suspicious. He did not however leave until Azanath handed over several coins.

The guard nodded and Azanath nodded back. "I will look you up when we return…"

"Ikander," supplied the guard.

"…Ikander. I like a guard that understands that trade is important," Azanath bowed slightly and gestured for Harry and Luna to follow him.

Once they were out of earshot, Harry spoke quietly, "That was easy enough."

Azanath nodded, "The day watch is far easier to appease than the night watch. They would have sent word to Lord Burhin to check our story."

Azanath led them toward a part of the city where the houses were far larger and grander. Eventually he led them to a tavern opposite several walled estates. The owner took their orders and didn't appear to pay them undue attention. They took their wine and sat outside under the shade of an awning that was also well away from any of the few patrons.

"The house with the dolphin fountain, that is the Anaruri residence," explained Azanath. "Guards outside the gate would usually mean that the head of the family is in residence, or at least a family member. Which means that we may have a wait ahead of us."

"Perhaps not," said Luna as she gestured with one finger toward a small group, escorted by a pair of guards, approaching the Anaruri building. There was a banner, held by a young boy, of a ship with a stylised dolphin leaping over it.

"That is the Anaruri banner, but I cannot see who is in the palanquin," muttered Azanath. "A location spell might help but I am loathe to use magic here."

"Then we wait," Luna said calmly.

oOoOo

The tavern grew busier and louder as the three slipped away.

"I know the location of Valan's room. I will disillusion myself and apparate in. If it is Valan I will come back and get you. This will be dangerous as I have no idea if Valan remembers me with fondness or as a traitor. If he is not present, we might have to use magic to locate him."

They carefully made their way to where they were out of sight. There Harry cast a non-magical repelling charm. Azanath then disappeared with a sharp displacement of air but little noise.

A few anxious minutes later he reappeared, "The house is occupied but something is wrong. There are few servants and only a handful of guards. There should be ten times more than what I saw."

"Could it be a trap?" Harry asked quietly.

Azanath frowned, "I shouldn't think that would be possible. How could they know we are coming? I can't have been recognised wearing a false form."

Luna shrugged, "That is true, but we will have to be careful. We know little and the trap, if such it is, might not even be for us."

"Is it safe for you to side-along us both?" Harry asked Azanath who nodded.

They disillusioned themselves as they left the darkened room, a bedroom, that they had arrived in.

The House of the Anaruri was indeed nearly deserted. They had passed many rooms as Azanath led them to the study of the Lord of the house. All were unoccupied and looked to have been so for some time.

The first person they encountered was a young boy, the same one that had been carrying the banner. He was carrying a covered bowl in the direction they were travelling. He was olive skinned and dark haired and perhaps twelve or so. They found themselves following him as he seemingly led the way further into the house.

Finally, after passing several dark and unoccupied rooms, he reached a closed door. He hesitated before knocking twice.

"Come," ordered a female voice.

The boy opened the door and entered the room, allowing the three magicals to see a well-appointed office. A woman in her late twenties or early thirties was standing looking out at the darkened courtyard.

"Some food, my lady," he announced as he placed the bowl on the desk.

The woman didn't turn around, "Thank you, Argath. Leave it and return to your brother and uncle. They should be ready to leave soon."

"I…I will stay, my Lady," he sounded frightened, and it seemed that the woman picked up on his fear.

"You are brave Argath, son of Berlim. But I will have my orders obeyed. Leave with my blessing and return to your family. I must stay but that is not a fate I will share with you. The Captain's sorcerer will come for me soon and I doubt that they will be satisfied with my blood alone. Please Argath, go, go now." She ordered as she turned, and they could see that she was heavily pregnant. She was pale and her long black hair was curly and framed her oval-shaped face and dark grey eyes.

The boy fled with tears in his eyes, narrowly missing Azanath who was staring at the woman with wide, shocked eyes as she turned back to look out the window.

Luna must have divined something Harry had not because she suddenly moved toward Azanath shaking her head in the negative.

A bit too late as Azanath let both his disillusionment and glamour spells drop.

"Illbeth."

The woman turned, shocked and stumbled backward at the sight of Azanath.

"A…Azanath…not it cannot be," her voice was a near whisper as she slowly backed away. Then she halted and straightened her back. Her expression became cold and haughty. "I should be flattered that the Captain of the Havens sent a sorcerer such as yourself to kill me."

Azanath stepped forward slowly with his hands raised, "Illbeth, I am not here to kill you. I came to speak to your brother."

"Valan?" Illbeth laughed bitterly. "Then you had best be about your business sorcerer, I hope his spirit curses you from the shadowlands!"

"What happened to Valan, why would the Captain of the Havens be seeking your life?" Azanath asked as he studied her.

Illbeth studied him suspiciously, "What cruel game is this?"

"Truly I came to ask Valan for help. What has happened Illbeth?" He took a step forward and Illbeth took a step back, keeping space between them.

"What happened? Very well, I will play your game sorcerer," she spat out the title with sharp contempt. "Valan was murdered by the Sorcerers and their lickspittles, chief among them the new captain of the Havens. Just as my husband and daughter were killed. Only I survive of our house…I and the babe."

"Illbeth…I…I did not know," he explained. "But why are you here if you are at risk?"

Illbeth laughed and there was a touch of hysteria in her voice. "I almost believe you sorcerer. I was…chosen to be a sacrifice. After Valan and Throntor were killed defending the Havens from the Sorcerer, I am the next best…example for those that oppose their usurpation of the council. Have you not heard that the worship of the Dark Lord involves human sacrifice? How else are we to bring back the madness that was Sauron? I have until dawn and if I…I flee where would I go? Those that fought against the sorcerers are dead or have fled."

Azanath looked stunned and Harry and Luna exchanged a look, human sacrifice?

Luna nodded and Harry slowly returned it as they dropped their own spells.

Harry bowed to the shocked Illbeth, "It sounds like you have a problem, my Lady. Let us offer you a solution."

oOoOo

Illbeth took some convincing.

But she finally agreed to Harry's idea. It wasn't like she had many choices, to be truthful she had none.

It took less than five minutes for Illbeth and Azanath to send the few retainers away and to gather all the books and maps in the study. A few moments after that they disappeared as the portkey took effect and Harry and Luna exchanged glances.

"Do you think it will be Pallando?" Luna asked as she sat on the comfortable chair by the window.

Harry shrugged, "Truthfully, no. But I am rather interested in having a chat with this sorcerer. With any luck, he might know something."

"I don't like the idea of human sacrifice. I can't see why this sorcerer would think it would help."

"Fear," said Harry grimly. "It's a powerful tool."

Luna nodded sadly and then looked around. "It's a nice enough house. I'm not sure what I was expecting. Maybe something more dark lordy."

"Dark lordy?" Harry asked with a grin.

"You know, skull drinking cups, lidless eye memorabilia…dark lordy stuff."

Harry laughed, "Ah, right. It is a nice house…reminds me a bit of the Black's place."

"We should probably change. Just in case they make a dramatic entrance," warned Luna as she concentrated and cast a glamour on herself. Within moments she had assumed Illbeth's appearance. She then turned and raised an eyebrow at her husband.

Harry gestured and he was armoured in his armour with his sword at his waist. His staff held in his left hand. "I'll disillusion myself and stand in the corner. Don't underestimate this Sorcerer, Luna."

Luna rolled her eyes. "Yes dear."

oOoOo

Luna had picked it all right.

The Sorcerer accompanied by a half dozen armed men 'forced' their way into the undefended home just after midnight with much yelling and flashes of light. Harry and Luna could hear him and a second man calling out for the house to be searched.

After a few minutes Luna grinned, "I'm tempted to call out that I'm up here." She said in a low voice.

It took the Sorcerer five more minutes before he burst through the door.

The Sorcerer was an olive-skinned man with a long unkept beard. With him was a man in ornate armour who held a longsword with a jewelled hilt.

The man in armour sneered at 'Illbeth' but it was the Sorcerer that spoke.

"As I suspected you have been abandoned by your remaining allies. Not that they would have saved you from your fate," he laughed cruelly as his hand went dramatically to the bloody knife stuck unsheathed through his belt. "With your sacrifice, the way is clear for the Havens to return to the worship of the Dark Lord."

To his surprise, Illbeth rolled her eyes. "Oh no, what shall I do?"

Before the Sorcerer could recover from his surprise, his companion slumped to the floor and the door slammed shut.

"What is…" his voice trailed off as 'Illbeth's' appearance changed.

"Hello, I'm Luna and you are?"

The Sorcerer raised one hand and before he could do anything else something cold and sharp touched the hollow of his throat.

"And I am Harry," said Harry as he appeared. "We would like to ask you a few questions."

The Sorcerer paled and his eyes went wide. "Y…you!"

Harry grinned, "Yep me, well us."

oOoOo

It turned out that the Sorcerer knew very well who Harry and Luna were, having been one of the few to escape the battle in the north. He also confirmed that Kale/Pallando had set sail several weeks earlier, leaving him in charge with orders to bring the Havens back under 'the Dark Lords' control.

When pressed, he admitted that it was 'Kale' who had insisted that the sacrifice of unbelievers would help strengthen his rule and that of his 'puppet' Captain. He had then descended into name calling and claims that the Dark Lord would save his servant and how they would conquer the world.

"Bugger," complained Harry as he stunned the wretched madman.

"This is messed up," replied Luna. "But we know that Pallando isn't here. Unless this…person is lying."

"He's probably not," replied Harry. "If Pallando stirred all this mess up there must be a better reason than just causing trouble. Why do this?"

"To cover his escape?" Luna asked as she began searching the Sorcerer.

"Maybe," mused Harry. "We are missing something, I know it."

"Revive the other one, I have a few questions," ordered Luna.

The Captain of the Havens was, to put it lightly, belligerent. His threats were graphic, vile and Harry had to hit him with his staff to get him to shut up. Much to Luna's disapproval.

"He can't tell us anything if you kill him," warned Luna in a shockingly cold voice.

"Luna?"

Luna's expression was grim, "Hold him, I want to try something."

Her staff appeared in her hand as she began to chant. The tone was menacing, and her staff was surrounded by a sickly yellow light.

His eyes widened and he began to tremble and thrash against the magic holding him.

He became quite talkative at that point. Magic apparently terrified him.

Twenty minutes later, the Captain of the Havens staggered out of the house. He could not remember what had frightened him nor what had befallen Vakath the Sorcerer, but he knew that he had to get away…quickly.

He couldn't see the two figures watching from the window of the study.

Luna was frowning direfully at her husband.

"Really Harry?"

"He deserved worse," replied an unapologetic Harry.

"And that makes it alright, does it?"

"He's alive," replied Harry.

Luna looked at the confused looking hamster that was trying to understand what had happened to it. She sighed and let it go, "Probably, come on let's go home."

oOoOo