Chapter 90

When we arrived in Lastbridge the Chieftain of the Hillmen was again greeted by cheering crowds, for here too the generosity of his people had saved many from starvation only a few months before. It seemed strange to find myself once again leading a column of men through the streets to such approbation, but much had changed in that short time and it was not I who was the object of the people's attention. Upon our arrival at the Fortress Brodir was met with all due ceremony by Lord Barachon and we were taken into the Citadel. Here, somewhat to my surprise it was Princess Elien who received us in the throne room, seated below the empty dais with her Lords and Captains about her. She looked sad and very beautiful in her mourning attire and received us and our condolences with dignity and great courtesy, and I wondered perhaps if I had underestimated her strength and character. I was gratified that she chose to name me also in welcome and thought I saw something in her eyes as she did so. Of Idhrethil though there was no immediate sign, although her loathsome husband was there alongside Berthedir, and many others whose faces I knew either from my previous visits to the Citadel or the various campaigns I had fought in.

After the formalities had been completed Brodir and his men left with Berthedir and we were shown to an antechamber where food and drink had been provided. There, to my surprise and delight I found none other than my old friend Daeron waiting for me. It was a joyful reunion indeed, for it had been many years since I had last seen him, my dearest friend and mentor. The years had been kind to him, for he had not only lost some of his boyish looks but also put on a little weight. He looked upon me with approval, declaring that he had heard much news of my exploits and was looking forward to hearing of them first hand. His lands in the south had avoided the worst of the hardships that had befallen much of the rest of the Kingdom, though they too had lost many good men in the campaign to recapture Amon Sul. Many of those I had served with in the North had fallen there, but Cenric had not been among them, since Daeron had not wished to risk him in what he deemed to be a foolhardy enterprise. To my further delight it transpired that he too had travelled north for the funeral ceremony as one who had fought alongside the old king in the campaigns against Angmar, and I would soon have the opportunity to speak with him as well. Our happy discussion was however soon cut short as the lords and others of high rank present were called to a Council. Turchon and Daeron departed, their faces grave and thoughtful for this could only concern the matter of the succession. I was left to attend to the more prosaic matter of organising the accommodation for my men and companions, and when all was done I took advantage of my unexpected hour of liberty and made my way down to the library.

I found the door unlocked and it was a blessing to find myself once again in the familiar dusty gloom among those high shelves containing so many ancient marvels. To my surprise it seemed that the place had not been completely neglected, for it was clear that someone had been tending to the placer and there was a new air of quiet order there that had I had not noticed before. It gave me a pang of pleasure to know that others might still love that place as well as I, whoever they might be. I spent a quiet hour looking at some of my favourite tomes before returning by a circuitous route to the rooms we had been allocated. There I found Cenric, now elevated to the rank of captain and like me excluded from what ever discussions his master had been called away to and passing the time idly. So another joyful reunion took place, and I was very glad to see him, for not only had he been a staunch friend of my father's while he had lived, but he had also looked after me and trained me well when I was a boy. So few remained that I had known from that time, so it was especially sweet for me to hear his news and speak of and remember the times we had lived through together. He too was pleased that I had finally been avenged against Fodric, but listened with sorrow to my account of the siege of Northford, the burning of the town and our eventual abandonment of it. He thought no good would come of the Hillmen's occupation, though he was one himself and he spoke with contempt when Brodir was mentioned, as one who would betray his mother for the right price. He urged me to return south with them when all was done, and I told him I would like nothing more, but as ever duty prevented me from doing so. "And a woman?" he asked, perceptive as ever, grinning. " Perhaps!" I replied, but we not speak further of it.

The Lords Daeron and Turchon returned to our rooms at dusk in sombre mood. Barachon had indeed called a council to discuss the matter of the succession, and to my surprise he had proposed that due to the exceptional circumstances the precedent of the Numenorean tradition be followed and Elien, who had not been present during the discussion, be crowned queen. However there had been much opposition to this, principally from Brodir and his advisors, who had said that such a move ran counter to all their traditions and they could not submit to the rule of a woman, however noble her blood. So Barachon had instead proposed that Berthedir, through dint of his lineage and also his marriage to the daughter of the deceased king assume the crown in her place. Once again there was much dissention at this suggestion, and again the Hillmen were most vocal in their opposition, saying they could not submit to the rule of one who had perpetrated grave acts against their people. Turchon had also raised an objection at this point, stating that if lineage were to be used as a measure of eligibility then surely Lord Daeron of Watersmeet was equally if not more fitted for kingship than Lord Berthedir. Furthermore, he was one who had shown himself to be prudent and wise, words which were seen by many as a slight on his rival. Some of the more learned in these matters who were present agreed regarding the issue of lineage and there was further lively discussion on the matter, but in the end no agreement could be reached and Brodir announced loudly that he would play no further part in the proceedings before leading his contingent from the hall. Afterwards the debate had continued for a short time without resolution, for Barachon naturally continued to argue for Berthedir whilst a considerable number of others, mainly those with lands and holdings outside Lastbridge, had gathered together in their support for Daeron.

Daeron himself professed himself surprised and dismayed at this turn of events. "I did not come here today with any design on the throne of Rhudaur for myself, for my claim is of the weakest nature, and I do not desire it. But should events unfold in such a way that my taking this burden would save all our peoples from uncertainty and further bloodshed then I would do so. Perhaps I should seek out Brodir and speak to him to know his mind on the matter, for I do not think that any king of Rhudaur can rule without the support of the Hillmen. We too were at Greenhow, but it is well known that the Companies from the Northford garrison took no part in the sack of the town, and indeed made representations about what had taken place to Lord Berthedir. Esteldir, you travelled from Bearcliffe with the Chieftain and may know something of the man, how do you think he will be minded on the matter?" I looked upon my old friend, and knew his words to be sincere. I was not surprised that others had flocked to his cause even though it was one he had not sought for himself, for despite this I could see that he might be well fitted for the role. But I could not give him the assurances he sought from me. "Many years ago before we marched to High Burgh you told me that you feared that too heavy a hand in reply to the rebellion of the Hillmen risked driving them into the arms of our enemy. It seems that your fears have been realised, for when I was at Amon Sul Prince Argeleb told me that they had seen evidence in the seeing stone of commerce between the Hillmen and Angmar and many comings and goings across the Hoarwell at Northford. I fear that whatever Brodir might say or agree to if you spoke to him would not be honoured once he returned to High Burgh". At this a look of grave concern clouded his handsome face, and he repeatedly clasped and unclasped his hands, something I had often seen him do in the past when he was deeply troubled. "It is strange indded that you mention Arthedain, since I have learned that it is only a few days since that messengers from that very Kingdom arrived at the West Gate here under a flag of parley and handed over what they said was a message of utmost importance for the King. They did not seem to know he was close to death, and I do not know to whom the message was finally delivered or what its content was". I suspected that I did know however, and told him. "The Prince Of Arthedain has been true to his word then, but it will not be good news that was brought to our door. As part of the treaty we struck he agreed to send warning of any imminent danger that they might have seen in the stone. Our Kingdom is in great peril".