Chapter Ten
…..
The world was fair, the mountains tall,
In Elder Days before the fall
Of mighty kings in Nargothrond
And Gondolin, who now beyond
The Western Seas have passed aways:
The world was fair in Elder Days
…..
Two years after the start of the Great Liberation
Gondolin, the seat of the slowly rising kingdom shines brightly in greeting at the morning sun. It doesn't take long for the sound of silver trumpets to ring in the air that welcomes the start of another day. It is a constant for those that dwell in the capital to hear those sounds, and a relief also. Many a myth already is made that the only reason that the silver trumpets of Gondolin fail to greet the rising of the sun would be the day that their years would end.
At the center of the city however is the Tower of the King or soon-to-be-crowned king. At the highest room of the tower is the personal bedroom and study of Maedhros . For the former Elven Lord and Headmaster of Hogwarts, it is a norm for him to be awake before the Silver Trumpets of Gondolin blow.
Looking out the open aisle of his study, he can see the entirety of the stretch of the Blue Mountains expanding in all its glory. Gray mountains with peaks of white that look like to be aflame with white fire at the rising of the sun.
The reason for his rather early mornings is because of the Great Liberation. Lindon under the care of the Elves of the Kingdom of Gil-Galad before prospered and becomes full of life. However like every elvish kingdom in this Third Age, the Kingdom of Gil-Galad is in slow decline with many Noldor and Sindar sailing West. As a result even though the main capital of Lindon is full of Elves, the rest of Lindon simply becomes full of flora and fauna under their care. Many of the natural predators that dominate the ecosystem before are fully driven off by the Elves of Lindon, labeling them as beasts.
Thus when the kingdom of Gil-Galad breaks off after the victory of the Last Alliance and his death, the Elves of Lindon also left and that leaves a very fat and rich land open to anyone and anything. Now the Elves of Gondolin are reclaiming everything that they can inch by inch pacifying the land to be liveable once more. They mostly deal with Goblin groups, Orc packs, Human bandits, warg packs, Uruk slavers, Murloch raiders, stubborn dwarf strongholds, wild trolls and the occasional human warlord. All in all it is a tedious job that require a lot of moving parts and logistics.
Not that the Elves of Gondolin have any sort of success. Two years of grueling skirmishes, raids and pitched battles finally created a highway from the capital to the sea. Of course the Four Expeditionary Groups have also succeeded on establishing their strongholds that would serve as the foundations later as vassal cities of Gondolin. Their main purpose currently however is to serve as respite and resupply bases, and forward outposts for the group to continue establish their presence in Forlindon.
Of course with the second step of the fulfilling of the dream of creating a kingdom finally starting to come true, the four commanders of the Expedition Group become instant celebrities for the people of Gondolin.
Auriel is the most famous for fighting alongside him at the First Expeditionary Group. It is her charge and leading that established the Tower of Minas Tirith at the streams of Sirion where the first great battle against the Goblins was held. The Minas Tirith of the Kingdom of Gondolin is not like that of the humans of Gondor down South, impressive but slowly rotting in decay due to exile. This Minas Tirith is based on the Elder Days. Pearly white and covered in crystals, it rises like a spear from the ground, a continuous watch, the Ever Guarding Tower of the Streams of Sirion rich in farms and orchards. It is named after its original forebearer thanks to Auriel putting down five packs of Werewolves that tried to claim the Streams of Sirion for their own after the defeat of the goblins. It is the nearest city to Gondolin Westward and can be found on the eaves of Gerin Haleth.
Tirion is the head of the Second Expedition Group and probably the largest and the most warlike of all Four. Composed mostly of Vanyarin, it is them who push through Westward past the forests and unto the open hills and plains of Forlindon. Credited for making the greatest highway from the capital, they establish the stronghold city of Doriath in honor of the Fenced City of the Elder Days at the river crossing of Gelion that flows from the North to open sea South. Compared to Minas Tirith, Doriath is huge with high walls and parapets to dissuade from attack. It is also the most populated of the kingdom of Gondolin outside the capital itself. Tirion himself makes his home at Doriath, not for pleasure but for necessity. Due to the wide plains and open spaces of Forlindon Central, it is the city of Doriath that specializes the largest and expertly trained cavalry reserve to maintain the King's peace.
Sognir Wine-Lover on the other hand leads the Third Expeditionary Group farther North than anyone has ever dared. He is a Noldo and have brought the most of his kindred to his Expeditionary Group. They pass through Forgelion and Landolos to reach the many small ranges, hills and dells up North where snow and ice is frequent compared to the warmer weathers down South. It is here that they befriended a surviving clan of Kambrada or commonly known as Drasa's Folk, one that belongs to the Seven Dwarf Houses that are driven off due to their clans enslaved by Sauron. Just like in the Elder Days, the natural skill of the Noldor earned them the Dwarves' appreciation and friendship. Thus after a hefty price and trade agreement with many promises of friendship, the Kambrada happily hews out a cave system for Sognir and his group which they settle. Noldor are masters of art and it does not take long for them to refine the stone halls into something that Elves would find lovely. Stone trees replace forests, giant sculptures of art, massive tapestries and ever blazing eternal fires of different colors adorn the halls. Golden and silver flowers of every kind stand eternal, testaments of their craft. Sognir simply calls the underground stronghold, Nargothrond , the Guarded City and the base of the Ranger Corps. No one can find a finer archer than one can find Nargothrond. They maintain the watch up North for Drakes and Dragons ever live in the cold mountains and many call them home. Ironically Nargothrond has the fewest of the Elven population.
Aerthel Sea –Sister on the other hand is the leader of the Fourth. Surprisingly she got her name after being entranced by the sea and almost went mad via jumping over the waters if not for the king saving her. Until now no one knows the reason why she jumped in the first place. Her group has the largest Teleri numbers and they pushed farthest westward till they make settlement on the shores of Rast Elmoth. There they started to establish Vinyamar, a port city for Gondolin and a remembrance for the old home of Turgon, the original king of the first Gondolin before he moved out. Vinyamar is a proud city of the Elves and like everything Teleri, it has a simplistic beauty on it. Beautiful swan ships glide up and down of its five harbors sailing to the outskirt islands of Tol Himling and Tol Fulin up North bringing spices and meaty goods from the local humans that dwell there. Vinyamar also serves as a Naval Presence for Gondolin and a deterrent for any threat coming via sea. The Teleri might not be the most warlike of the three Elven kindreds but like the wrath of Ulmo, their wrath is terrible to behold when push comes to shove.
The Fifth Expeditionary Group on the other hand is surprisingly led by no one else but Beleg Strongbow and the newest of all Five. Forming only after a year and a half ever since the Great Liberation started, the Fifth Expeditionary Group turns east instead of West. Its purpose is not after all to create a settlement for the thriving kingdom of Gondolin but a fortress to defend it. Beleg Strongbow now fully promoted to Royal Bodyguard of the King and his confidant worries that with the ever expansion of Gondolin, it would soon come to the attention of the kingdom of Arnor to the East. The nation of man might be positive in outlook and neutral when it comes to the Elves due to the history of alliance between, but never would the kingdom be presented a rival like this, a powerful kingdom as its neighbor with little to no allegiance to it. The fortress city of Himring is thus the result. Unlike the rest of the settlements outside Gondolin, Himring just has one purpose, defense. With rising houses that are more akin to towers connected with hallways, it sets overlapping fields of fire for Elven archers and chokepoints where a smaller force can hold out against a larger one. Massive walls also protect it alongside nasty traps with giant ballistaes and siege weapons (plus a nasty assortment of magical traps that even the Elves do not know). It is a stark opposite of the secrecy practiced by both Nargothrond and Gondolin.
Gondolin after all revolves around the defensive dogma of First, Don't be Detected, Second, if detected, Don't be Acquired, Third, if acquired, Don't Be Invaded, Fourth, if invaded, Don't be defeated. Himring on the other hand revolves around only one, Here I am, I dare you to attack me. It is (rumored) to be the only passageway to the Guarded capital of Gondolin. In the other case, it would be where the hammer stroke will fall hardest in any threat to the Kingdom of Gondolin.
Anyhows Forlindon is already getting slowly secured for the kingdom of Gondolin. Already it is more secure than it ever was before during reign of Gil-Galad. Whilst Elven presence is heavily centered on the five growing settlements of the Five Expeditions of the Great Liberation, many smaller towns, homesteads and villages are being formed all over central and Northern Forlindon. It has been almost a century ever since the creation of Gondolin but many of the Elves that live on it (specifically the older generation still fully remember the original reason as to why they created Gondolin in the first place) still refuse to go back to their wandering ways. Thus most settlements can always be found near the roads and highways set up by the Expeditionary groups. For many wandering around, Forlindon is still risky till it is fully pacified and none of the Elves would risk wandering into the woods only to be get picked up by a random troll or ambushed by a warg pack.
Even though some setbacks due to the still ongoing liberation via pacification, for the Elves of Gondolin, things are looking up. They are after all slowly coming close to achieving their dream of making a home. Maedhros of course knows that they have to increase their numbers soon if they plan to continue calling this place home. He's not worried about it though. Compared to the rest of the Elves of Middle-Earth, the Elves of Gondolin do not diminish neither in stature nor number. In fact they are doing the exact opposite. With a strong purpose, and a clear precise objective and goal, the Elves of Gondolin are prospering and even slowly increasing in number. Maedhros of course never to miss a golden chance capitalized on this making soaring speeches about this land being preserved for the future of their children and making aspirations of soaring deeds that they would achieve in the future (That of course is an all-out lie. Maedhros has zero plans on joining whatsoever kind of war with the goal only of infamy and glory).
He turns his attention though at the south of Forlindon, specifically at the wide gap South of the Blue Mountains. Dor-e-Mithlap is like a great vulnerability to the young kingdom. It is basically an open plain with little to no natural defenses. Any invader can easily waltz in via that highway with little to no issue. Sure they have to get past the Noldor remnants of the Grey Havens further West first but Maedhros is loath to trust anyone else for the safety of his kingdom. While Elves after all are generically more kind and open to their fellow race, the history of the Elder Days have proven time and time again that they can also have the same faults as that of humans once desperation, desire and greed take place. So while Maedhros is sure that the Elves of the Grey Havens won't go against them anytime soon. He would not trust the safety of his kingdom fully in their oh so capable hands.
Tirion at Doriath apparently reaching the same conclusion as he does, has also allotted a large amount of Elven cavalry to be stationed at Rhomros to keep a large presence there. The Elven Ranger Corps keeps a constant eye on the gap but due to the ever present threat of dragons at Nargothrond and in lieu, Gondolin, their focus remains up north.
Thus his focus on the Gap down South, one way or another it is something that needs to be resolved and resolved soon. The temporary measures set by Tirion are a temporary stop gap measure that would not be healthy in the long run for the kingdom.
"On the other hand, this could be a potential excuse for me to get out of Gondolin for a while," Maedhros thinks to himself with a grin. Other than the first battle at Sirion with the First Expeditionary Group, Maedhros has been cooped up here at Gondolin handling the logistics for the expanding of the kingdom. While a large part of him truly understands the logic and the importance of his position as the once and future king of Gondolin, the adventurer and the warrior part of him are bored to the bone.
Looking to the peaceful mountains down below from the Tower of the King, Maedhros makes his decision finally. He might be king but he is also a warrior. Plus this way he can alleviate his boredom issues of being stuck at Gondolin while at the same time address one of its problems.
He wonders though what Expedition Group to bring with him on this one. The entire city would go up in uproar if he brings only himself and Hedwig. If there is one disadvantage of being a ruler, this is one.
He knows of course that he can't bring either Tirion or Sognir. The positions and responsibilities of their settlements makes it imperative that they stay to personally direct and lead things. The Fourth Expeditionary Group is ready to depart but Aerthel has personally submitted that they would be heading Southwest to Ammon Ereb down South West to establish the presence of a harbor there. This only leaves him with the First Expeditionary Group under Auriel. While he has no problems with their service and track record, a part of Maedhros feels uncomfortable when dealing with the First. A large part of that Expeditionary Group after all is made up of the Vanyarin Kindred and fanatic in their loyalty and service. There's also the simple fact that Auriel is an ethereal beauty who he notices is starting to gain an interest in him. Something that Maedhros feels uncomfortable with. With his maturity at age one hundred kicking in, hormones are also coming back with a vengeance making him feel awkward around the gorgeous commander.
Either way Maedhros knows that if he plans to get out of Gondolin anytime soon, he needs to suck it up. He just has to make sure that Hedwig is around to keep him in line. He is not sure after all if he can fully resist the beautiful elleth's advances once she starts giving them.
…
Two Weeks Later at Dor-Mithlap Down South of Forlindon
The sound of horses whinnying can be heard as a very terrified white stag bolts out of the woods. Not a few seconds after two riders burst behind it, their horses easily adjusting to the open ground, accelerating to keep up with their target. The heavy breathes of the stag can be heard as it tries to accelerate in an effort to make distance and run away scott free. It's efforts however is for naught. The lead rider draws its bow effortlessly and releasing an arrow just as fast.
The arrow strikes true on the right foreleg, the sharp metal driving straight to the heart. The stag does not even know it is finally dead before it collapses on the ground unmoving. As for the two riders, they canter beside their dead prey dismounting easily.
"You know it's no fun if you keep taking all of the scores your majesty," scowls the female Elf in armor heading to the fallen stag and taking the arrow off of its body.
"What can I say, I love winning. Besides Lady Auriel, losing builds character," replies Maedhros smugly.
Suffice it to say that the First Expeditionary Group has agreed wholeheartedly to his request. Basing on their enthusiasm, Maedhros might have bet that Christmas has come early. He knows however that the only reason they're not protesting against being overworked is because they get to work alongside him again. It is apparently the bragging rights of the First that the King "favors" them above everyone else. Plus many of them take his word as law due to his status.
The journey here is smoother than during the initial start of the Great Liberation. Many of the natural dangers of the Taur Iaur Enid up North of the Gap have been cleansed by the efforts of the Elves of Minas Tirith at Sirion. Of course the Elven Riders stationed at Rhomros have been sent word that the First Expeditionary Group is coming and the king himself is coming. Suffice it to say, the excitement of going into this trip have declined with the lack of foes for Maedhros. Between the efforts of the Riders of Doriath and the Elves of Minas Tirith, they would be lucky to even find one Warg pack in the area.
As it is the speed of the group has only been limited to the delays of the Noldorin Support who as per protocol have started to lay out the stones and marble needed for a road heading down South. As for the group themselves, their target is the large mountain of Dor-Mithlap where they hope to establish a fortress to gain control of the region.
Dor-Mithlap is exactly as Maedhros has envisioned it. Wide open spaces with little forests with the occasional stream, marsh or pond. The land is extremely rich and fertile with teeming wildlife. For anyone wanting a vacation, the Gap of Dor-Mithlap is perfect, especially for environmentalists.
On the other hand, it is the natural disaster that Maedhros envisions it. Little to no natural fortifications for miles on end with only the Thalos River gleaming on the outskirts. You can camp an army here and no one would even know they are here till you literally stumble on them. In other words, it is a large big issue in a security standpoint. That is why the First Expedition Group elected to properly hold the entire Gap, it is possible to put a threat on the threat.
It is the original Maedhros actually who gives birth to the idea. During the Elder Days when the Eldar still fought against Morgoth, the original Dark Lord, Maedhros is one of the primary leaders leading the Elves against him. While the people of Fingon, Maehdros' best friend at that time contested the Dark Lord on Western Beleriand, Maedhros holds the Eastern plain lands which is called the March of Maedhros. It is an open land like Dor-Mithlap right now with wide open spaces and expanses where armies can march with ease. Maedhros holds the March for many centuries from his fortress at Himring. With horse archers and lancers, he always decimates his enemies in a thousand cuts making sallies and raids, bleeding any army dry.
This is why the settlement establishes by the First Expedition Group perches at the lone peak of Dor-Mithlap. With it settling on the side of a plateau, it has only one way in and one way out primarily. The plateau however is high enough that no one who knows its presence can see. It would serve as a primary defending presence for the kingdom here. He'll leave the name calling for later.
However while the fortress and settlement is on its way to be created with the Support Group of the First getting a start on it, Maedhros finds himself once more without something to do other than to sit around. That is why he is here doing the hunting for supplies. The land is rich after all and many of the First Expedition Group decided against eating rations with game so plenty.
"Take this back to the others and I'll be following in a while," says Maedhros tossing the dead stag to Auriel who frowns at his words.
"Your majesty with all due respect-,"
"You will follow my commands Commander for I am your king. Besides," Maedhros points out at the sky above where a Giant Eagle is roaming. "You forget that I am never alone,"
For a moment it seems that Auriel would not acquiesce as her mouth opens and closes before sighing in defeat. "Stay safe your majesty. I don't want to be the one to report back home to your father that you lost your life by falling into a ditch,"
Maedhros just snorts before gesturing for her to go on. She bows in obedience before riding her horse though it's obvious that she really disapproves his decision.
"I will wait for half a day your majesty. If you don't come, then I will come looking for you,"
"And I appreciate the gesture Commander, I promise I will not give you reason to try and find me,"
With a nod, Auriel urges her own horse back in the direction where the settlement is being made before disappearing soon in the distance. As for Maedhros, he smiles as he urges his horse on another direction. Dor-Mithlap has a wonder of mysteries and he plans to explore as much as possible in this rare free time of his.
…..
Five Hours Later
It is the singing that catches first Maedhros' attention. Of course it is obvious that this is no Elven wandering clan due to the rough tones that they are using. It is too fair for Orcs or Goblins on the other hand also, which leaves him to only one conclusion, men.
Per his orders of course, the Elves of Gondolin have driven off all men that they could find in Forlindon. Of course with the said majority of men being run around the mill bandits, it is not exactly hard for the battle-hardened Elves to root them out. While part of Maedhros regrets driving the humans off Lindon, the memory of the first official meeting with humans always comes to mind.
Yet for some reason that even he can't put a finger on, Maedhros finds himself being drawn to this group of humans. Urging his white steed to canter towards the direction of the source, he can feel the questioning gaze of Hedwig above the skies. With a reassuring glance to the Great Eagle, Maedhros follows the sound of the singing.
There he finds them dressed in a mixture of leathers and armor by a small brook. They have dark and brown hair with grey eyes. Their skin tone ranges from swarthy to fair-skinned. Most of them, especially their men-folk are broad with stocky builds and many are as tall as that of the Elves themselves.
Hundreds of them are scattered all around though the source of the singing comes from the oldest one of them who is sitting closest to the campfire. For a while Maedhros just observes them from afar watching them intrigued. For some reason, the same hate that he feels for humanity from before seem to be absent as he continues watching them.
Night gathers and darkens and the fires burn low. Soon one by one the fires lit by the men dwindle to embers as each of them slumbers and rest. As for Maedhros, he remains there as still as a statue till the last of them sleep. As the last soul drifts off to the realm of dreams, the once and future king of Gondolin goes down from his horse before going into their midst. His presence is like a ghost and none of the man shifts in recognition to his coming.
Going down to the central fire where the oldest of them rest, he picks up a weathered looking harp that the old man set aside from before. Maedhros' forte might not be music like that of his father but he is an elf. Elves are natural when it comes to music and poetry.
With a movement of his fingers, the simple tool thrums with the most beautiful sound it experiences in its entire life. Maedhros then sings a song, of staying, learning, rearing and life. The once silent air is filled immediately by the grace and the beauty of Elven music.
One by one everyone who is asleep starts to wake at the sound of the Elven King's melody. None of them however dared to speak so enthralled are they by his song and his words. So powerful is his presence and so majestic, with none able to guess how he gets here that they dare not make any sound in fear that he would disappear into thin air. For many of them, in their hearts they believe he is a god, his inner light shining like a faint lamp under the gloom of the night.
In the end as his song ends, it is like a curtain has been pulled from their eyes, shining to them on the first time the original sight of the Elven King, tall, proud, powerful and majestic. With a silent agreement, the Elder of their people receives back to him the simple instrument that the Elven King borrowed beforehand.
"Apologies my lord for my humbleness and for my lack of hospitality, but are you perhaps one of the Elves that are told among the old tales?" he asks.
"I am, Indeed," Maedhros replies. "And I apologize for my unannounced intrusion in your camp and for my taking use of your instrument. It seems that I have caused a commotion," he turns his attention to the entire camp now fully awake staring at him curiously.
"You have to forgive my people, my lord. Elves have been nothing but legends and stories for us. To see one of your people in the flesh is like legends coming true for us. If I may though my lord, may I know your name so that I can address properly the elf who played such beautiful music that moved all our hearts,"
At that Maedhros smirks as the Headmaster and the Elf-Lord inside agrees that humility is right now not needed.
"I have gone by many names and many titles. I have been through death, destruction, fire and war. Yet you may call me Maedhros, king of the kingdom of Gondolin whose lands you are now walking in," to add a little pomp in his introduction, he silently casts a Sonorus spell so that his voice could be heard from one end of the encampment to the other end. As if to emphasize his point, the sound off whinnying horses are heard as out of the gloom rides in a very pissed looking Auriel with almost the entirety of the cavalry unit of Doriath and the First Expedition Group. She growls as she sees the humans, her sword coming out quickly of her scabbard.
At his introduction, the man immediately falls flat in his face with all the rest of the other humans.
"Forgive us lord for trespassing. We do not know that this is your lands, we thought that no kingdom has claim on these lands, that is why we came here," the Elder nervously says.
"I understand your confusion, but before I accept your forgiveness, might I know the name of the man I am talking to?" asks Maedhros to the man.
"I am called Balan my lord, and this is my people," he introduces to the rest of the gathered men, women and children.
…
Somewhere Down South
She awakens in a gasp feeling the coarse touch of sand clinging to her entire body. For a few seconds her mind panics as the realization sets in that she is breathing again. At her legs she can feel the cold waters of the shore kiss her skin and she turns around to see the long expanse of a wide empty beach that she is not familiar with.
Scrambling up, the cold air makes her aware of her nudity and she scrambles with her arms to cover herself up. She has no idea why she is here or why she is this young again, all she knows that the last thing that she remembers, she is choking on her own air as the agonizing pain of her neck blazes throughout her entire being due to the fall she made on the stairs.
Her eyes turn to the dark but green forests far away from the beach. By instinct she turns towards there running towards the protective eaves of the woods where she disappears on the gloom.
She never notices the figure cloaked in shadow standing at the shores of the beach not far from where she came from.
"Good luck, Maia of Light and Beauty,"
….
Author's Note: Sorry for the long update. Been busy with the funeral of a family member so I'm heavily delayed. So this chapter is dedicated to more world building. I hope the interest still remains now that we are getting slowly into the plotline of the story.
Ten Points who can relate scenes from the Silmarillion.
