Chapter XXIII
"Who has taken Flower?" Amras went energetically into Maglor's room.
"What? Maitimo, probably," replied the singer absentmindedly, focused on the verses of his song. He didn't even raise his head from above the paper.
"Let me rephrase that. Who has gone somewhere with Maitimo?"
This time he caught Maglor's attention, who put his quill away so abruptly that the ink stained the paper.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean I cannot find Nelyo anywhere and Rimpalote is not in the stable," explained Amras impatiently. "Tyelko is in the forge, they were to hobnail some horses with Curvo," he added before Maglor asked about the brother who left the settlement with Maedhros most often.
"Moryo?" Maglor asked with faint hope as he rose from behind his desk.
"In his room." Amras left no room for hopes. "I thought Maitimo has told you at least where he was going. And with whom." He couldn't exactly hide his bitterness. Maedhros was still using Rimpalote, though Celegorm had suggested him another horse, but he always informed Amras.
Despite Maedhros's absence at home being obvious, Maglor glanced into his room when they passed it. Amras followed him, impatient, but he was beginning to share the singer's unsettlement.
"He has not saddled the horse himself," he muttered irritated. "And Tyelko stays away from Flower if he can."
"Are you looking for Rimpalote?" Celebrimbor peeked from the kitchen, visibly surprised to see his youngest uncle. "Maitimo asked me to saddle him, I assumed he was going somewhere with you."
"When, Tyelpe?" asked Maglor sharply. Amras elbowed him disapprovingly.
"Some time ago. An hour, perhaps more," admitted the boy. "Maitimo said nothing, he just wanted me to prepare Rimpalote. I thought he was going to join one of you."
"Never mind." Maglor dismissed him. "Check the lake, Pityo. Tyelpe, go tell your father."
"Have you tried to call him?" asked Amras quietly when their nephew left. "He's silent for me."
"Nelyo will not answer you this way." Maglor shook his head grimly. "I think he's unable to trust so, even us. But no, I have not asked him about that," he added and pointed at the door. "Go, I'll check nearby."
xxx
Half an hour later it was plain for the sons of Feanor that their eldest brother was not by the lake, nor was he in any of the nearest houses he sometimes visited. Vorindon, discreetly asked, declined knowing about Maedhros planning to leave the settlement. There was a chance their lost brother had gone to visit someone else, but to prove that, they would have to alarm the entire settlement and admit to their Noldor they had lost their commander. Maglor did not wish to make such fuss just yet, but he was more and more willing to check house after house and send Celegorm and Amras outside the protective wall. So when one of the gate guards came and told him that lord Nelyafinwe was approaching the camp, the brothers looked at each other in astonishment. Celegorm reached his brothers with thought and then they remained with Curufin by the forge, waiting. Caranthir joined them soon enough; he wasn't even trying to hide his irritation.
Maedhros rode calmly on the yard, covered with cloak that was damp with the Autumn mist. He looked tired yet satisfied, at least until he dismounted and noticed his brothers waiting for him with ostensible disapproval. He left the sword by the saddle, but before he had a chance to speak, Celegorm exploded.
"Have you gone mad, Nelyo?!"
"I sincerely hope I have not," replied Maedhros seriously; any other time his tone would have silenced Celegorm, but he was far too agitated now.
"Alone outside the camp?" Caranthir joined in. "No weapons, no guards, no word for us? We didn't even know where you were!"
"And that precisely was my intention," hissed Maedhros angrily. "You cannot control my every step forever, and I don't think your scouts, Tyelko, are so blind and careless that I was in any danger a few hundred steps away from our camp," he pointed viciously.
Celegorm silenced, indignant. Amras ran into the yard as the last of the brothers, but his arrival went almost unnoticed, as the others were already busy with the conversation turning into an argument.
"Of course it is safe around." The youngest of the brothers reminded them about his presence, snorting with offense.
"How dare you doubt it?" Celegorm regained his voice. "We are vigilant. Do you intend to accuse me of incompetence?"
Rimpalote snorted, nervously stamping about. Maedhros paid no attention to him, focused on Celegorm.
"No, it is you who suggest it, reproaching me for..."
Caranthir didn't let him finish. He grabbed his eldest brother by the waist and dragged him back, away from the nervous horse, as Maedhros no longer held the reins. They made one step back, second, Maedhros did not oppose.
Next moment his elbow hit Caranthir hard in the stomach, so that the elf instinctively loosened his grip. Maedhros whirled from his grasp and before the younger of the brothers had a chance to react, he was shoved on the wall. Maedhros's maimed arm pinned him to it and the next thing he knew was a dagger right before his eyes.
"Nelyo!"
Maedhros froze, as did Caranthir, and Maglor was already approaching them. It was impossible to ignore his voice, the eldest son of Feanor took a step back and lowered his hand with the knife, panting; his bony fingers went white, clenched on the grip. Caranthir stared.
"Nelyo, the knife." Maglor reached his hand expectantly, watching Maedhros warily, but did not repeat his brothers mistake and did not try to retrieve the weapon forcefully.
"Never. Ever. Do. That. Again." hissed Maedhros to Caranthir. He ignored the singer and put the knife back behind his belt.
Unexpectedly, Caranthir laughed, pleased. Keeping in mind that his actions should be plain, he reached his hands and embraced his brother shortly. Maedhros stiffened, tense and distrustful, but allowed to be hugged.
"Wonderful, Maitimo! Excellent!"
The eldest son of Feanor eyed him suspiciously, as if he was trying to determine if his words were sincere, or if he was just trying to cover his fright. He stepped back from Caranthir's outreached arms and only then did Rimpalote's snorting make him realise the intentions of his brother; Amras was holding his horse tight.
"What were you doing, Nelyo?" inquired Curufin calmly, returning to the initial topic. "Do not be surprised we react this way." He approached the horse, now calm, and his brows went high as he noticed the hilt with the sword by the saddle. "Would you care to explain?"
"What is there to explain?" asked Maedhros sharply. "We do not have a crown to offer Nolofinwe, but with kingship our uncle is also taking the lead of our forces, meaning I am going to pledge our aid. And I wish not to embarrass myself in front of everyone," he added coolly.
Curufin looked for a moment as if he was going to explode, but he composed himself and only narrowed his eyes with visible offense.
"So, you are going to offer this sword to Nolofinwe?" he asked smoothly. "Now, that is truly going to be a promise of aid and submission. With one hand," he snorted unpleasantly as if he purposely wanted to hurt his brother with his words. "The other will do as it pleases."
"Mind your words!" exclaimed Amras, indignant, watching his elder brothers.
"What you're suggesting is treason, Curufinwe." Maedhros reminded him icily. "Be careful."
"No, it is just a suggestion how it is going to look like if you offer Nolofinwe one-handed sword," shrugged Curufin. "But seriously? Nolofinwe will never be my direct commander. I will accept orders from you, brother. Never from him."
"With a bit of luck you will not have to deal with Nolofinwe personally, Curufinwe," replied Maedhros. "But perhaps you are right, we do not wish for any misunderstandings." A studious smile, a perfect copy of Curufin's, curled his lips. "Prepare a sword for Nolofinwe, then. Two-handed. One that will stay witness to our abilities and craftsmanship," he stressed out.
Curufin swallowed this turn without batting an eyelid. He nodded and asked.
"Do you have any particular requirements?"
"I'll leave it to you, brother. I know nothing can match your craftsmanship," replied Maedhros. It was plain for everybody that he had cut any possible ways for the smith to show his displeasure. Curufin could do nothing but present his best abilities, with no mockery.
xxx
"It seems we will be ready in five-six days," said Maedhros with content, playing with the buckle from the belt Celegorm was finishing.
In the last days they made it a habit to meet every evening by the table to discuss all the decisions the eldest brothers had made with their cousins. Also, the rainy weather forced them to move indoors with most of the tasks, aside from Curufin, who was finishing the sword in his forge. Today also Alcarino was present, as Maedhros had asked him to stay after his exercises.
"So soon?" asked Celegorm sceptically, stopping his work. "It is quite far away."
"It's high time, Tyelko."
"Are you sure? The weather is awful and such journey my end up in riding for hours in rain," remarked the hunter.
"Does that bother you?" Maedhros smiled mockingly to his brother.
"I don't mind, but you have not been indifferent to the rain recently," Celegorm pointed out bluntly, "Am I right?"
"I am not going to wait till Spring."
Celegorm's expression suggested that was exactly what he was hoping for.
"I would rather you were fit again first," he insisted. "We have not ridden far yet, so who knows how you are going to react to longer ride? You don't wish to fall to Nolofinwe's feet out of exhaustion, do you?"
"We intend to stop for the night and go officially the next morning," Maedhros reminded him. "Going straight after the ride would be pointless indeed."
"Alcarino, what do you think of that?" Celegorm turned to the healer, knowing his brother would not oppose him.
"I have no objections," the asked elf just shrugged. "I am coming with you, so I'll be within reach, should I be needed. As for the ride itself, i don't think it should harm you, Nelyafinwe. You have my approval as long as you promise to tell me if there is something wrong," he gave his condition.
"Any other doubts, Tyelko?" Maedhros turned to his brother, nodding to the healer.
"What about your arm?" The hunter was not going to give up easily. "What are you going to do with sling?" Right now Maedhros had his maimed arm lying freely on his lap, but he still kept it supported and immobilized most of the time, aside from exercises.
This time the eldest of the brothers hesitated. He put the buckle away and crossed his arms tightly on his chest, without realising the gesture.
"I think you can keep it, Nelyo," remarked Alcarino kindly. "The whole ceremony is going to be tiring, so there is no need for you to strain your arm if you think it is too soon." With that, he sent Celegorm a glance that effectively silenced him.
"I guess you're right." Maedhros relaxed visibly, though he was more worried about subconsciously using his maimed arm than about straining it. "Kano, you'll send messengers first thing in the morning," he ordered Maglor, closing the issue.
xxx
The last few days were full of preparations to the trip. The sons of Feanor became impatient and easier than usually to anger, so there were arguments over even the smallest details. It had taken Maedhros two days to decide with Celegorm who was going to assist them. Maglor worried that they had overlooked something and to repair that, he was trying to control everything and failed at doing so. which only left him more frustrated. Caranthir made a huge row about the robes, because he deemed the ones Maedhros had chosen not elegant enough and not fitting. As a result, he forced his brother to change the attire. Maedhros let him, because at least one of his hot-headed brothers calmed and busied himself with adjusting the silk robe.
With Curufin, Maedhros almost lost it. As instructed, the smith presented the sword made for the king. There was no flaw in the blade, he did his best, but the ornaments left no place for doubts who was the author. At Maedhros's hissed remark that he could have done them a bit less ostensible, Curufin just smiled mockingly and shrugged.
"It is the House of Feanaro pledging. It's best for Nolofinwe to remember to whom he owes the crown," he reminded scornfully and went out, leaving the sword on the table before Maedhros.
In all this mess deciding with Amras which horses they were going to take as a gift for the king was almost pleasant. Or it would have been, had Amras not allowed himself to show his reluctance to give away any of his favourites. But there was no need to explain him the reasons why this gift was so important as a part of compensate of the losses they had suffered on Helcaraxe and for that Maedhros was grateful.
So when the day of the journey came and the elves formed a neat escort by the gate, the eldest son of Feanor allowed himself to sigh in relief. Leaving the camp definitely narrowed the reasons of potential rows and complaints.
Soon it came out it was just his wishful thinking.
"I still claim we should have come in greater number," stated Celegorm, though they had already left the gate and the settlement vanished behind the trees.
"It is an abdication ceremony, not a power display form our part," Maedhros reminded him coolly; he might have been sitting comfortably in the saddle, but he could not hide his tenseness from his brothers and the fact that this ride cost him more than he was willing to admit.
"It's not about power, it's about safety," insisted Celegorm, mostly because this way he could show his frustration. "Yours especially."
"It's not like we're unarmed." Maedhros looked at his brothers' weapons.
In this one matter he had failed, as they had all objected against going unarmed. When even Amras had stared in disbelief at his eldest brother, Maedhros surrendered and only reduced his escort to the necessary minimum. It was enough, though, for some of his brothers to find yet another safe thing to complain about.
"It may be dangerous around here," Caranthir had to mention his recent accident.
"Findekano reassured me the way is checked and his scouts are patrolling around.
"I would prefer if it were my scouts. Ours." Celegorm corrected himself as Amras snorted in offense at Maedhros's side. "But alright, let's say they would do too."
The eldest son of Feanor did not intend to continue this discussion. It was him who insisted that Celegorm stop his scouts. There was no point in risking that two parties would meet and cause unnecessary tension when they all wished for good atmosphere. It seemed, though, that Celegorm, but also Amras had taken it personally, as if it wasn't about diplomacy, but about their scouts' skills. But as Celegorm did not hesitate to verbalise his discontent, Amras just swallowed it silently.
xxx
They made a camp in sensible distance from Fingolfin's settlement; close enough to see the lights, but far enough so their guards would not meet accidentally. The evening was cool, but dry. Fires were made and dinner prepared. Many Noldor glanced at the buildings that could be seen behind the trees. The atmosphere was a bit nervous, but mostly impatience and anticipation could be sensed. Most of the elves were sitting around the fires and discussing.
Maglor wandered between them, but at some point he had finished talking and looked around. He passed the elves carrying additional wood to thefire and crouched by his brothers.
"Where is Maitimo?" he inquired quietly when he realised his eldest brother was not partaking in the discussion. "Pityo?" he asked the youngest as he usually kept close to Maedhros.
"I don't know... He has gone earlier with Alcarino."
Maglor silenced the worry creeping every time he lost his brother from his sight. The journey proved to be quite trying for Maedhros, so perhaps he had gone for some help to the healer... But no, Alcarino was sitting by the near fire and he was engaged in conversation with a few Noldor; the eldest son of Feanor was certainly not among them. Maglor glanced at the horses, but Amras's mount was among them.
"Curvo, Moryo, wait here," he ordered. "here's no need to make a fuss," he decided, remembering his brother's reaction. "Come on, Tyelko, he can't have gone far."
"Whatever you wish, but you do realise you are making a fuss?" Caranthir pointed out. "Maitimo won't get lost. And he has not gone to our dearest cousins, as Amras's beast is standing there and browsing."
"He's not a beast!" exclaimed Amras and sent his brother a reproaching look.
"Anyway..." Maglor just rolled his eyes and dropped the discussion.
The two brothers went through their camp and headed towards the water, suspecting it was the most likely place Maedhros had gone to. They parted at the shore to check nearby. There was no possibility Maedhros had gone far, he had little strength after the ride.
The singer was not mistaken. He didn't make a hundred steps when he noticed his brother sitting on the ground.
"I was wondering when one of you would come and seek me," said Maedhros as Maglor joined him. "Sooner than I thought."
"What are you doing here?" The singer sighed and sat beside his brother, trying not to show his relief.
"I wished to think in peace, because it is impossible to do so with you around. And if I hear one more thing about tomorrow, I will go and deal with it alone, even now," replied Maedhros tiredly. "Nothing has changed since yesterday and I don't think our uncle is going to change your planning with Finn just to spite you."
"So why don't you at least stick to the plan and get some rest before tomorrow?" Maglor smiled.
Embarrassment showed on Maedhros's face. He rubbed his eyes and sighed quietly.
"I can't get up," he admitted.
"But you are willing to go back with me to the fire? Before the rest lose their patience?" asked Maglor, stopping himself from asking how Maedhros is going to kneel the next day.
"In a moment." His elder brother stared at the lake.
"It draws you. The water," remarked Maglor after a while. "Doesn't it? Since the first time Amras has taken you to the lake."
"I feel safe," replied Maedhros, deep in thoughts, and when the singer though he wasn't going to add anything, he continued. "They never used water," he said monotonously without looking at his brother. "Never drowned, or used boiling water, never..." he stopped, then shook his head and wrapped the cloak tightly around himself. "Water is Ulmo's domain and even there, in the depths of Angband, The Enemy respects him. Water is good. Pure."
"Unless it's the sea boiling with Osse's rage," muttered Maglor, not really knowing what to say. "Come, Maitimo," he suggested again, seeing his brother shivering in evening cold.
Maedhros rose with his brother's help and grasped his arm for a moment, as if he was dizzy, but then he removed his hand and firmly went to the camp, without looking back at Maglor. He stopped by the fire, but just nodded at Amras and together they disappeared in the tent.
Soo, the grand finale is coming... Took me half a year to write it, but don't worry, I will not keep you waiting this long.