Chapter 2. Anticipated decisions
The evening was slowly enveloping the valley, sharpening the colours and freshening the air. Soft singing could be heard from the depth of the gardens as well as melodic laughter and to human ears it sounded like something full of magic and almost supernatural beauty.
Gorthan sat into the soft comfortable chair, facing the sudden need to battle with his weariness. Perhaps it wasn't such a good idea to insist on the immediate audience… But it was already too late to back down.
"So, what brought you here, master Gorthan? – lord Elrond asked, studying his face intently. To his right lord Erestor gazed at him thoughtfully too. – Are there any troubles in your lands perhaps?"
"No, my lord. The life in Bredron and the lands around it had been rather peaceful for years now. Our new lord is not as aggressive as his father toward any… threats, - he paused, collecting his thoughts. Damn those singing elves and their magnificent voices! – Yet, our crops were damaged and those that remain are ill. We now seek for a way to ensure our people won't starve in the winter".
"It's sad to hear, - Elrond replied. – We heard not about the illnesses in your region. What plants suffered?"
"Almost every. The vegetables, fruits and berries stand untouched, but the crops are effected severely".
"And how exactly?" – it was the professional curiosity that motivated the lord of Imladris now.
"First come small yellow spots. Then the colour engulf all the stern and a few days later the plant is completely black and dead".
"And no insects?"
"No, none were spotted, - Gorthan didn't expect such an interest, but this could surely be used to his advantage. – Our lord asks for your presence, lord Elrond. He wishes to discuss the problem further and hopes for a wise advice. It's the first time we met with such a problem, but the knowledge of your people is widely known among the men. There would be a festival in two weeks. Even though we don't have much with what to celebrate this year, it still is a much anticipated event. Bredron would be honored should you visit".
It was hard to tell what the two elven lords were thinking at the moment. Their expressions were neutral and still politely friendly, but Gorthan was experienced enough in the matters of politics to know that their true emotions were hidden and well guarded.
"I will think your proposition over, master Gorthan, - lord Elrond had finally said. – And I will seek an advise from my councilors. Our decision would be made tomorrow. You can retire to your room now – I'm sure you feel tired. The servant will show you the way".
Gorthan noticed the polite point to the door in the elf's words and decided that their hardly was anything else he could do. Standing up, he bowed and exited the room, leaving the two elves to their silent discussion.
XXX
"I do not think that it's a good idea, Elrond, - Erestor stated, allowing a frown to become visible when the man's steps died down. – There's something wrong with the whole situation, but I can't get a finger on what exactly is".
"I feel the same, my friend. But I do not think that the human lied. Bredron do indeed have troubles. I'm more concerned about another thing. They do not ask for help, but rather invite us to the festival. Why would their lord send someone who isn't authorized to get an agreement?"
"I know not. But you are right: this is suspicious, - Erestor nodded. – And the rumors about brigands, too. Too many coincidents if you ask me".
"But none is obvious enough, - sighed Elrond. - And I do wish to see those crops. I do not recognize the illness. If it's something new we must explore it. We have many allies among mortals and should the illness spread, many would die when the winter comes".
"So, you are intent on going?"
"I am indeed. Moreover, I think It will be good idea to take the twins as well. They should really learn the skills of diplomacy and besides, I don't know how long it will be now before they start their mischief again. You know how they get when they are bored. Are you sure you'll be able to handle them?"
Erestor, who just wanted to protest, pointing that it was foully to take the two younglings into what both agreed was suspicious and potentially unsafe place, but his arguments got stuck in his throat. He just imagined what it would be to have both twins entrusted to him, while they were bored and decided that his early death would not be good alternative to the situation.
"On the other hand, Valar bless your way, my lord Elrond!" – he exclaimed, half-serious. But then the mirth died down. – But you should take an escort with you. I would advise waiting for Glorfindel's return, but…"
"But when he brings my wife and daughter here, not even the most deadly illness would lure me out of Imladris,- Elrond finished with a broad dreamy smile. – I know it and that's why I want to go now and be able to return soonest".
"Careful, my friend, - Erestor laughed. – Remember that before the twins were… conceived, lady Celebrian was away for a few years too. I doubt that Imladris would survive any more of your descendants, Peredhil".
Elrond laughed full-heartedly at his friend as Erestor stood up, leaving the room. The other elf had his point, after all.
XXX
By the time the council meeting was finished Elrond felt that he had come close to the end of his patience. He had always been known for his calmness and levelheadedness, but this one time he was more than tempted to throw it away and adopt a fierce short temper, for which, for example, the Mirkwood king was known.
He understood the council members perfectly well, of course. Their lord and both heirs were going into what could be a potentially dangerous situation. Yet, the danger of the unknown illness spreading through the crops of the area was worth a risk. They couldn't possibly dismiss it. As for his sons… It would be a good practice for them. Humans were rather rare guests of the valley lately and the majority of them were the rangers of the north. Yet, there would be days when elves would need to join their forces with humans once again and his sons should really start to understand their ways. And the celebration was far better then a trading offer or some other highly official negotiation. Besides, he hadn't spend all that much time with them and the week-long journey to the town of Bredron may be just what the three of them need. He would be sure to keep an eye on humans and would send the twins back at the slightest sign of real danger. But he would not keep them in the golden cage of protection and forced tranquility just out of parental worry. A bad feeling was something he usually took into account, but without any real evidences to prove it was useless, after all. For there was danger on almost every step of the being's life. But the threat was not the reason to fear living, was it?
The others had obviously sensed it and understood that their lord's mind was firmly set on this particular course of action. Without lord Erestor's support and with lord Glorfindel's absence there were none present who would risk to oppose him and so Elrond confirmed the trip to Bredron.
"What about escort, my lord?" – finally asked one of the councilors, sensing his utter defeat.
"I will take a dozen with me. The men from lord Glorfindel's personal guard. That would be sufficient enough and wouldn't make the humans suspicious. They, after all, did nothing more or less threatening to us and I doubt it would look good should we come to their city with a small army".
"Of course, my lord".
Glorfindel's warriors were ranked as the best among their comrades. They were exceptionally skilled and absolutely loyal. One such elf was worth a dozen on his own and a dozen of them… Let's say that carefully planning, one could cause the destruction of Bredron with their help.
"Then, I hope, this matter is settled, - Elrond rose from his sit. – We head out tomorrow and we plan to return in three weeks at the most".
The others bowed, standing up as well. They may not agree with their lord's decision, but they were respectful enough not to openly question him. All that was left for them now was to pray to the Valar to keep their lord and his sons safe. Or the city of Bredron for that matter…
XXX
"My lord", - Gorthan bowed, standing up. He was nervous, consciously letting part of this emotion to be shown on his face. If he was lucky, the elf lord would take it as a proof of the seriousness of his news.
"Master Gorthan, - Elrond nodded in reply. – I had come up with a decision. – He paused, searching the human's face for any suspicious signs. – Me and my sons will accompany you to your city. I will hear your lord out and take a look at the crops. I can promise nothing but I do hope that we would be able to find the solution to your problem before it comes completely out of hand".
Gorthan nodded eagerly, glad that all had gone according to plan. Well, almost…
"You sons?" – he asked carefully, not quite sure weather the idea was good or bad.
"Yes, my sons, master Gorthan, - Elrond smiled at the confused human. – I think it would be a good practice for them. They have little encounters with humans, after all".
"If you think it necessary, my lord, - the man agreed, still doubtful. – It would be a great honor for Bredron and it's people".
"Imladris likes to see our neighbors as friends and allies, not as enemies, - Elrond retorted seriously. – We are willing to help if we can and who knows, maybe one day your city would be able to return the gesture".
Gorthan once again felt an uncharacteristic pang of his conscience. He was used to see other people as pieces of a highly complex game, but they were usually doing just the same: seeking profit wherever it was higher and easier. But the elves appeared to be completely different. An elven lord, a being so old and wise, agreed to waste his time on personally exploring the problems of some comparably small human town without any profitable reason whatsoever.
"I'm sure you and lord Giald would be able to come to an agreement that would satisfy both Imladris and Bredron", - he said finally, bowing.
"I will go inform my sons. Will it suit you and your men to head out tomorrow morning?"
"Absolutely, my lord, - Gorthan bowed. – I will inform them".
He bowed again and hurried to leave. Stopping briefly to inform his escort about their departure, he returned to his room. He had a lot of things to think about. Not that he expected any problems on their way to Bredron and after that the elves would not be his problem, but… Gorthan had always liked to do everything all the way through. He despised unfinished businesses. Therefore he needed to understand the motives that drew his lord's actions and the actions of the elves. Was he leading the elves in the trap? He was almost completely sure about it. But what this trap was about? He didn't know. The situation with crops was real and even Giald would not risk to do something like that just to lure lord Elrond. Even more interesting was the question why were elves so eager, or at least willing, to help? It wasn't that they would starve should the illness really come close to Imladris. And Bredron wasn't important enough to go at such length to get him as an ally.
It was nearly the first time in his life (or at least in a very long time) that Gorthan could not understand what was going on. And he didn't like the feeling whatsoever. But still, he had more than a week to find out.
…TBC