Chapter 47
When Estel turned 16, he was cleaning his sword one day and suddenly dropped it with a clang to the floor. He would need to check with Glorfindel to be sure that he was right, but he thought he finally figured out what the inscription on his sword said. It was becoming too small for him because he was growing so fast, but he was afraid to ask for another, he was too used to this one and wasn't sure if Glorfindel or Elrond thought him ready for a new sword. This one had been through a lot and he wasn't quite ready to give it up just yet, after all, it was a daily reminder of his trip to Lórien and all of his training. He would never forget how happy everyone was the day that he passed the skill tests.

Estel picked up the sword and continued cleaning it, but inspected it more closely. 'Yes,' he thought. 'I believe that I know what it says, but 'Last son of Kings?' I wonder what that means.'

When he was through, he went to find Glorfindel. He knew Lord Elrond was busy and Glorfindel was usually easier to find and he was right. Glorfindel was doing some research in the library when Estel found him.

"Glorfindel, do you know what my sword says?"

"Why? Have you finally figured it out?"

"I believe that I have, but I wanted to be sure and to see if you could explain what it means."

"Well, I can tell you if you are right in your assumption, but it is not up to me to explain its meaning. Let me see it."

Estel handed him the sword. "It also looks like it's time for us to make you a new blade, this one is much too short now." Estel only nodded in agreement and waited for Glorfindel to continue. "Yes, here is what it says:

Bell edonnen

Ion mhedui Erain

Tegi hon onnen

Estel e-Ndunedain

Strong he was born

Last son of Kings

To lead he was born

Hope of the Dunedain.

I am afraid I can be of no further help to you, but I will put in an order for the smithies to begin work on a new sword for you."

"Thank you Glorfindel. But, you can't even give me a hint?"

"No, neth min. I cannot. That is your Ada's job and honestly I don't want to be around when he does tell you. It causes him much worry, but that is not for me to discuss."

Estel was relieved that he had been right, but he knew that he would have to wait quite a while for a chance to speak with Lord Elrond. Many different elves and men came to Rivendell every day seeking refuge or to talk with Lord Elrond. Estel pushed the questions out of his head. His Ada would tell him when the time was right, he knew it.

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Several months later, Elrond requested Estel's presence in his study. Estel was surprised to see Glorfindel and his brothers there as well.

As he opened the door, Elrond said, "Come in Estel. We were just waiting for you. I believe you had a conversation with Glorfindel a few months ago about a new sword."

"Yes, I did."

"Well, I'm sorry this won't be a big ceremony like last time, but it will do. Come closer. We have fashioned you a sword that is more like Dunedain's as opposed to an Elven one. It may take some time to get used to its length and weight, but it will fit you nicely. I have a feeling you will go looking for your mother's kin one day and this way you won't have to request a new sword."

Estel took the sword off the table to inspect it. It was a very simple blade with the only ornamentation being a small five-pointed star that was engraved into the blade. The handle was wrapped in black leather.

"This is the symbol for the Dunedain, yes? I remember seeing it on a blade that my mother gave me before we left for Lórien." Estel asked.

As Estel held the blade, getting a feel for it, the light from the fireplace caught the blade and it seemed to glow red.

"I think I will name it 'fire-brand'. Thank you Ada and Glorfindel."