Chapter 6

A forthnight passed since the news concerning Horëamo's grandson, his servant, and Mírimë's classmate Finiorë. The latter was still not found. The trial was postponed until he was discovered. If someone doubted the truth of the accusation laid against them or tried to assign some blame to lady Celebrían, their opinion quickly changed when first she was not seen in public and after she did appear, it was in the company of lady Amarië and four guards, which still wasn't enough to make her feel safe and she begged her relative to return to king Ingwë's house.

Mírimë and her group of friends meanwhile started to seek information on the topic they were assigned by Master Calimórë – Eregion, it's rulers and influence of Annatar. The references in books written by Vanyarin historians were brief, they mainly focused on Valinorean politics. The most useful book the students found was written by Master Calimórë himself. When they tried to arrange a loan of some of the books removed into the storage, they were unsuccessful. In the end it was again Avacauro, or should we say Avacauro's collection acquired during his travels around Valinor, that offered the information needed.

With some of the borrowed books safely tucked in her satchel and with her thoughts on what information they should use in their work and what information would be too in-depth, Mírimë walked through the streets of Valmar to one of her friend's house when a call startled her:

"Out of my way!"

She quickly jumped aside and mounted messenger wearing king Olwë's colors trotted around her. She heard some irritated murmurs from similarly startled people around her. However, more commotion was to follow. Several elves were running at top speed trough the street. It seemed that four or five guards, one Vanyarin civilian and another, probably Noldorin elf were chasing a scruffy looking nér. Mírimë caught a glimpse of the escaping elf's face – it was Finiorë! He was drawing near. When he was close enough, she stuck out her foot. He didn't manage to evade it, took a nasty fall and remained lying on the ground, clutching his right wrist with his left hand, which was badly skinned.

Mírimë didn't care though. She also didn't stay uninjured. Her ankle gave way beneath her and she sat on the curb, hissing in pain and swearing to herself that she will never again try to play a heroine.

The guards secured Finiorë and one of them was talking to the Vanya civilian who ran with them. The Noldo noticed Mírimë's injury, and seeing that the guards had no need of him, approached her.

"Can I help you, miss?"

She hesitated. Meanwhile, his Vanyarin friend finished his conversation with the guard and came near. Mírimë's eyes widened in surprise. It was Master Calimórë. He took a look at the situation and smiled.

"There is nothing to worry about, Mírimë. Erdanon is my long-time friend, but if you are uncomfortable with him helping you, I can do it instead." He then turned to the Noldo: "Will you mind continuing to my home and waiting for me there, Erdanon?"

"Not at all. But before I go, when will the guards want to talk to us again? After all, we caught the youngster on our way to Valmar and brought him here. Although, I must admit, albeit reluctantly, that we should have checked the knots at his wrists more carefully," smiled Erdanon ruefully.

"We are to come to their headquarters tomorrow an hour after noon." said Calimórë and turned back to his student. "Come, Mírimë, I will help you get home. Your injury looks like something your mother will be able to handle."

Erdanon set off in the direction of his friend's home and Calimórë and his student started towards the latter's home. At first, they were silent and Mírimë felt a little awkward, but Calimórë broke the silence with polite inquiries:

"How did your research on Eregion go?"

"My friends and I had some problems at first, but we managed to find some books with useful information."

"Problems? I am surprised. If I remember correctly, in the school library can be found many books on events of second age in Middle-Earth."

"I have only found those on Valinorean history, and the works of Middle-Earth historians were removed to the storage."

"Did you contact a librarian concerning those books?"

"Yes, I wrote a request for a loan of some of the books, but it was rejected. Some of my classmates tried it, too, but with the same result as me."

"And may I ask when were the books removed?"

"Just after Lord Horëamo's lecture."

"I see."

"Master Calimórë?"

"Yes?"

"Your friend said you have captured Finiorë on your way here. How did you manage it?"

"He apparently run out of provisions and tried to steal ours. However, Erdanon awoke during his act, they started to struggle, which in turn had waken me, I gave my friend a hand and the business was finished. Ah, I think this is your street, is it not?"

"Yes, it is. My father's house has a sign of pen and ink on the wall."

Calimórë nodded and they fell silent again. When they arrived at their destination, the front door opened before either of them could reach it and Avacauro and Aranon walked out. When Mírimë's father saw her leaning on her teacher, he took over supporting her and wanted to know what happened. His daughter was reluctant to talk, so Calimórë related the story.

"So, once again my daughter has a part in some commotion-causing event," sighed Aranon.

"Believe me, father, I have learnt a lesson today. I will never again try to interfere in anything. Ow!" hissed Mírimë, when she accidentaly put weight on her injured ankle.

"I will consider the promise kept when your ankle is healed, another uproar arises and you just stand and watch. Come, let us get you to your mother. Master Calimórë, thank you for your help."

"I was glad to be of assistance. Good day," answered the teacher and went his way.

Aranon turned to Avacauro: "Will you come for dinner tomorrow? With Finiorë caught and all the rumors that are sure to start after today there is going to be much to talk about."

"Yes, I will come. But we shouldn't be standing here chatting, Mírimë needs to have her ankle treated. Have a nice day."

"You too," returned Aranon and helped Mírimë get in the house.