Chapter 98

The first part of our journey took us down into the maze of narrow lanes lined with large houses where the wealthy and those of rank in Lastbridge lived, and it was clear that there was already trouble there. It was nearby that I had delivered Lenneth and her children to her sister just the night before and now everywhere people were leaving their homes and fleeing westward, distressed and fearful for their lives. To make matters worse bands of looters began to appear among them, coming up from the East Road, threatening and in some cases assaulting and robbing them. It was not long before we came across the first body, that of a man lying face down in the road, though whether he was dead or merely injured it was not possible to tell. Though it went against all our natural inclination we did not stop to offer him any aid, for there was no time to be lost and we could not risk Elien being recognised. There were cries and screams in the night air close by, and here and there fires began to spring up. We had almost reached the junction of the road that came down from the fortress with the east road when I heard the sound of horses coming up swiftly behind us. An old man and woman riding tall fine mounts were coming down the lane at a smart trot, calling for all to stand aside and let them pass, and scattering those before them. I pulled Idrethil aside just in time to avoid her being trampled and cursed them for their disregard as they passed. They turned onto the main way just ahead of us, but by the time we reached the corner we saw that they had ridden into a mob who were intent on the citadel and they were being pulled from their horses, screaming and pleading for their lives. What became of them I do not know, but like many of those around us we took advantage of the distraction they had provided by quickly crossing the road and disappearing into the tangle of narrow alleys beyond.

Our journey had begun in the wealthiest part of Lastbridge, but now it continued in the meanest portion of that place, a maze of filthy alleys and narrow lanes that lay in the angle between the fortress and the north road. I do not doubt that many of those who were attempting to flee came to grief there, for few of those that dwelt there had any reason to love their Dunedain masters. For our own part we struck north at first rather than directly west, but it was difficult to keep any firm idea of direction in those dark stinking alleys where the night sky was little more than a narrow strip between the tall buildings crammed together over our heads and the way was poorly lit by the occasional guttering torch. Just when I was beginning to fear we might be lost I managed to sight the dim ramparts of the fortress beyond the end of a lane and regain my bearings. There were many people abroad in that place, but most merely regarded us with suspicion and did not trouble us, however our luck did not hold and I eventually realised we were being followed. I drew the two women closer to me and hastened our pace, and as we rounded yet another corner finally caught sight of what must be the north road ahead of us at the far end of the lane. A single lantern cast a pool of light outside a small tavern close too, and beyond it a group of men armed with cudgels and knives appeared from a side alley and formed a line blocking our path. It was not long before our followers also made themselves similarly known to our rear, and thereby cut off any hope of retreat. Even with a good sword and the possible advantage of a surprise attack I knew weight of numbers would count against me this time, and there were my companions to consider. I felt my heart begin to pound in my chest, for it was one thing to face danger alone but quite another to do so when the woman I loved more than anything was stood at my side, the thought of any harm coming to her was more than I could bear. We did not break pace, but continued walking, and as we approached those ahead of us I saw that several of them were clearly of Hillman stock, including the brute who had placed himself squarely at the centre of the group and whom I took to be their leader.

Before he could speak or act, I threw back my hood and demanded, in the Hill Tongue, to know his business. "Stand aside, for we are servants of the Chieftain who waits outside the walls to claim what is rightfully his, and he will be most displeased if he learns that you have hindered us. Make way at once!". He stood there, jaw agape along with his fellows, suddenly at a loss at what to make of this most unexpected turn of events, but after a moment's hesitation and to my great relief did step to one side, and his fellows followed suit. I raised my hood again, thanked him curtly and we set off again at a brisk walk, making sure to turn northward as if towards the gate rather than directly to the road at the next meeting of the ways. Once we were well clear of our would be assailants we halted for a moment and my companions, full of relief, embraced me and asked me what I had done to extricate us from the desperate situation we had suddenly found ourselves in. I explained my bluff, and when I had finished Elien let out a sigh. "That was well done indeed, for I truly feared the worst. Let us rest here for a short while if we may, I think we are close to the river now, and if we can cross the road and reach the bank then the bridge lies not too far to the south". I did not wish to halt so close to our objective, but did not gainsay her, for both of my companions had endured a great deal that day to which they were not accustomed, and I left them for a moment in that dark foul smelling place and went to scout what lay ahead on the north road. I saw fires burning not far from where I stood, but there were few abroad for the moment. As I continued to stand there taking stock the night air was suddenly rent by the sound of many horns and the clamour of a great many voices rising like a distant peal of thunder in the direction of the gate. I rushed at once back to our hiding place and urged my companions to resume our journey without delay, for I rightly guessed that the Hillmen had either won the gate or that it had been opened to them from within, and that they would soon be pouring unopposed into the city.

We ran now, as fast as we dared in the dark and semi dark, crossing the road and descending gradually towards the river, aided by the wider and better paved lanes that served that area, for between the road and the river many craftsmen and artisans lived and kept workshops, and it was noticeably more prosperous. We saw others there, most of them fleeing southward as we were. When we finally reached the the riverbank I called a halt for a moment to allow us to catch our breath, but before we could set off again we heard the sound of many feet approaching at a run. "Go" I told my companions "and if they are our foes I will hinder them as long as I may". I drew my sword, planted my feet on the cobbles and waited, but Elien and Idhrethil remained at my side, resolute and unwilling to leave. Another fire burning up river cast a flickering light along the riverside and out onto the slick swift moving surface of the river, and in the ruddy light a large group of men came into view, running in ragged formation, some supporting wounded comrades who limped at their sides.

I gave a sigh of relief and sheathed my blade again, for I could see that these were not Hillmen, but our own soldiers. As they reached us I saluted and called out and they came briefly to a halt, weapons at the ready. "Hail, men of Rhudaur, what is your report?" A young soldier wearing the insignia of a lieutenant stepped forward and returned my salute. He was fresh faced and handsome, younger than I by some years, and so were most of his men from the look of them. He looked at me curiously, since I wore no surcoat, but still replied courteously. "We did what we could but were too few and outnumbered, the mob took the gates and opened them and have let the enemy into the city. I have lost many men, but I hope to unite what remains of my force with any others we can find and make a stand at the square and crossing of the ways. If not then the city is lost and we must all fall back to the fortress. What tidings can you bring us in return? For we have heard nothing from the citadel for some time". It was not I who answered him, but Elien. "Ill tidings only, Thanguron son of Gwainor, the fortress and citadel have fallen to a rebellion, and the King is slain. You and your men have rendered faithful service, but now you must look to your own salvation and take the road westward to Arthedain, as we do". The young lieutenant gasped and went down on one knee, and some of those with him quickly followed suit. "My lady" he said incredulously "how come you here?" She replied, smiling. "Yea, it is I, and it is a long tale. But come, on your feet and let us away without further delay".

It was something of a relief after our perilous flight to find ourselves amongst a group of our own soldiers, and the remainder of the journey to the bridge passed without further incident. As we made our way quickly along the riverside I asked Elien how it was that she knew these soldiers. "Many were mainly youths who were in service in the citadel" she replied breathlessly "and were placed under arms in order to carry out guard duties in the city and replace more experienced men sent to battle. Thanguron, the lieutenant, is a minstrel by trade, and a very fine one at that, as his father was before him. You must hear him sing one day if you get the opportunity".

At last the great arches of the ancient bridge loomed into view out of the shadows, and even at a distance it was clear that there was now much activity upon it. To our relief it was held by more loyal soldiers, guards from the West Gate who had formed a defensive line there to keep a passage secure for who wished to flee across it. They greeted us as we approached and asked for news, and I told the sergeant, a grizzled veteran who commanded there, that the North Gate had fallen and that the city and citadel were now lost. "So we have heard, but no matter" he replied "we will remain here as long as we may, for there are still many coming this way, and we will hold the crossing open for them while we can". I thanked him and we passed across the bridge with Thanguron and his men and made our way directly to the Inn of the Black Bear, where we hoped to collect the horses and the supplies that had been prepared for us. As we approached however it was clear that something was wrong, for no lights showed in any of the windows of the inn and the front door stood wide open to the street. A quick inspection within and in the rear yard confirmed my worst fears, for it was clear the place had been emptied of anything of use or value, and both our horses and our supplies were long gone.