In An Age Before – Part 315
'Round noon, Fréaláf dispatched a company to retrieve the horses and a pair of messengers to bear tidings to Dunharrow. Men labored to shovel and sweep snow from a section of the field outside the gates so fodder would be available for their mounts. They also inspected the condition of the stables. Fortunately, these were located 'nigh the gates, far enough from the Corsair barracks and Meduseld to have escaped the demolition so that they had remained intact.
Because it might still be some days ere the Climbing Stair was safe for carts to descend, Captain Heaþolaf sent forth hunting parties to provision the Riders whilst they waited in the city. That evening, Helluin, Fréaláf, and the captain took counsel in the hall of Meduseld.
"My lord, though Edoras is recaptured, some words heard aforetime yet give me pause," she said. At their questioning looks, she said, "When I questioned Adûnazar, he claimed Wulf sent five hundreds to occupy Aldburg."
To this, both Men groaned. There was no way to know what the present situation there was. They only knew that the fortress had been unmanned, for all its folk had fled to Edoras the past spring by order of the king.
Perhaps Wulf's Men had taken Aldburg and held it still. Perhaps those assigned to waylay the road had joined them seeking shelter from the winter. Or perhaps they had died of privation, leaving but a few half-starved survivors ready to surrender in exchange for rations.
Save by coming thither there was no way to tell, but the prospect of approaching a strong fortress potentially occupied by thrice their count or more of foemen was not welcome. They had just won a victory. To engage in an ill-fated battle so soon after would be disheartening. And snow lay still upon the road deep enough to discomfit horses, let alone a cart borne ram to breach the gates. Any scouting party would have to go afoot. Helluin sighed, understanding all these considerations.
"I shall go at dawn. For scouting, one alone may accomplish as much as a company," she said.
Though their first impulse was to protest, they held their peace. The Ælf was swifter afoot, stealthier at need, and felt not the cold so much as did their people. Finally, they acquiesced and nodded in agreement to her plan.
With the dawn of 29 Gwaeron, Helluin issued from the gates of Edoras. Only the watch in the towers marked her leave-taking. Shortly after passing the barrows, she was lost to mortal sight.
Now as has been said aforetime, three score miles lay 'twixt Edoras and Aldburg. Of these, the first two score followed the Great West Road whilst the final score was a beeline east southeast 'cross the lands of the Folde. Yet on the 29th, the road still lay 'neath a coat of snow a ranga deep, whilst in many places, drifts stood higher. The lands of the Folde would be no different. Yet these considerations were aggravated by the knowledge that companies of Dunlendings had been dispatched by Wulf to hold the road. For her scouting mission, the potential being sidetracked in assailing bands of foemen was not an option.
Having taken counsel with herself, (since Hildmearh had remained in Edoras), Helluin chose to make her path through the foothills of Írensaga, remaining 'neath the cover of the trees. Though the snow lay 'nigh as deep as on the open country 'round the road, the wind and the drifting had been ameliorated somewhat. Better still, as in the lands 'twixt Harrowdale and Súthburg there was a similar rural track that appeared on no map of the king's lands. Discovering this, the Noldo proceeded warily but happily, enjoying her morn's walk.
That afternoon she came upon a deserted hamlet in a dell that reached up into the mountains. As at the witch's dell wherein Fréaláf had passed his first night, the Noldo found some rations inside a home and treated herself to an early supper. Ere daylight faded, she resumed her way for, as Godlic had said, the dark and cold of a Rohan night would stay her not. Helluin was happy to walk in the dark for she knew her mortal foes would settle 'round easily marked campfires or rest with little attention to guarding their solitude after months of lonely duty.
She saw neither campfires nor any rumor of foes that night, and with the dawn of the 30th, reckoned that she had come a score and three miles. Now the track crossed the outthrust ridge of Írensaga and drew further south from the Great West Road. Helluin expected to meet none and certainly not the Dunlendings deployed to hold it. For the next seven miles, she found no dells and no hamlets.
When, after a score and ten miles, the track descended somewhat, a greater vale opened 'twixt arms of the mountains, and along the banks of a sizable stream were set o'er a dozen homes with outbuildings and fenced paddocks for livestock. 'Twas the largest settlement she had seen yet in the foothills east or west of Edoras.
As her eyes slipped o'er the silent buildings, she marked patches melted bare on the rooves 'round a few chimneys, snow crushed by footprints 'round a few doorways, and some trails repeatedly trodden 'twixt a few dwellings. Some at least of the Rohirrim had refused the king's summons and remained in their abodes through the year of war.
Now Helluin stood silent and still, opening her senses to the presence of lives, to the spirits of kelvar that went upon two legs. Unlike whilst in open land, she could not pinpoint them within their walls, but she did perceive the presence of a few cowering at the approach of an unbidden stranger, armed and obviously not one of their own.
In deference to their fears, the Noldo advanced not into the hamlet but stayed upon the passing track. She raised and spread her arms to show that she bore no weapon in hand and called out to them in the Common Speech.
"Rejoice, Eorlingas, for Edoras is liberated and Wulf is slain. Lord Fréaláf son of Eadmundr of Súthburg led his éoreds to victory o'er the Dunlending invaders two days past. Rejoice!"
Then, not waiting to be hailed or even acknowledged, she continued on her way east down the track. They shall think me either a herald from Meduseld or a raving lunatic, she thought as she paced off through the snow. At least their anxiety shall be the less with my departure.
By late afternoon, the Noldo had come two score and ten miles and looked out from the tree-clad slopes into the lowland of the Folde. 'Neath the snow, she knew the gently rolling ground supported a rich turf, a paradise for grazing creatures. Howe'er in this season after a year of war, no herders or herds dotted the land. All lay still, as if holding its breath in anticipation of spring.
The Great West Road now ran a score miles north of the foothills, its track indistinguishable from all the other snow-covered ground as it receded further with each mile traveled east. Ahead lay Aldburg, ten miles east and 'nigh a league north of the tree line. Helluin expected that soon she would begin to see outlying farms, homesteads, and perhaps small hamlets, for the Folde was a prosperous area even though 'twas long since its fortress had been capital of the realm.
As the evening of 30 Gwaeron drew down, Helluin saw the expected farmhouses and a cluster of homes grouped 'nigh a line of low trees that marked a watercourse. She inspected them carefully as the light died, but no lamps lit the windows and no smoke rose from the chimneys. The Rohirrim had gone, either to Edoras or to Norðr-vestandóttir Bý 'nigh a year past and they had not been replaced by Dunlendings seeking shelter. With a nod of relief, the Noldo continued on her way east.
By midnight, Helluin could see the distant walls of Aldburg, dark against the moonlit snow. But more importantly, she saw the lights shining from the windows of the keep, the torches moving as guards walked the walls, and the camp of an army outside the curtain wall investing the fortress. Through her viewing tube, she marked pennants bearing the White Tree of Gondor waving o'er the encampment.
Then the war in the south has resolved sufficiently for Steward Beren to send a force to Rohan's aid at last! she thought. Hazadazarî and his three hundreds would have been slaughtered on open ground had they followed their plan and marched on Anórien. I must speak with the commander. She disassembled her viewing tube and then hastened towards the fortress.
At the perimeter, she was challenged by a party of sentries who had watched her approach.
"Stay thine advance, stranger," a soldier called out. "Who art thou and whyfor dost thou come to this camp?"
"I am Helluin Maeg-móremenel and I come bearing tidings of Edoras and Súthburg. I would offer counsel to the commander."
There followed a short, softly whispered conversation 'twixt the party, but it seemed they recognized her name and gear.
"Word came a year past to Steward Beren that thou campaigned on behalf of our allies in Rohan," said the same soldier who had first hailed her. "Come then, Úlairdacil. I reckon our Lord Captain Beleg commanding the reinforced garrison of Amon Anwar shall welcome thee. I am Handir of Lossarnach and I shall lead thee hence."
Helluin dipped her head to honor his words, saying, "My thanks to thee, Handir, soldier of Gondor." As she followed him towards the tents of the encampment, she thought, So, the words of the messenger Belegund whom I briefly met in Aldburg came swiftly to the steward. I am glad that he returned safely to the White City.
They spoke little as they walked. It seemed as if Handir was intimidated by the Noldo and Helluin encouraged him not for the sake of empty chat. She was preoccupied in thought, for she had much to tell Captain Beleg and much about which she was curious, and she had some suspicions as well after what Adûnazar had told.
Soon they came to a tent with a pennant of Gondor waving from its central pole and a pair of guards flanking the entrance flap. There Handir spoke to them introducing their guest and then excused himself to return to his patrol. Whilst one guard eyed her speculatively, the other entered the tent and spoke muffled words to his captain. When he returned, he bid Helluin enter.
"Our captain shall receive thee, Úlairdacil," and he held the tent flap aside for her to pass.
The Noldo gave him a nod of thanks and strode into the tent. There she was met by a captain of Gondor and a sergeant of the Rangers seated on folding chairs at a small camp table. Both rose and bowed to her and she bowed to them in return. The captain beckoned her to a third chair facing them. The sergeant poured her a goblet of red wine.
"Welcome, Helluin Úlairdacil. I am Captain Beleg of Minas Tirith, commander of the garrison at Amon Anwar, currently charged with prosecuting our Lord Steward's aid to our allies in Rohan. I hear thou bear tidings?"
"Indeed so, my lord captain," Helluin said after taking the proffered chair. "On 28 Gwaeron, Lord Fréaláf son of Eadmundr, heir of the Second Marshal and Lord of Súthburg, was victorious in dislodging Wulf and the Dunlendings from Edoras. Meduseld is recovered and the enemy slain." She followed her words with a sip of wine as the two officers digested her words.
"That is good tidings, Helluin," the captain said as smiles shaped the lips of both Men. "Know thou 'aught of Helm King? 'Twas said he intended to lead his host to the fortress of Súthburg."
"Aye, he did just so, arriving through battle on 17 Gwirith last. Through the summer and autumn, he prosecuted the war in support of his brother-in-law the Second Marshal. Yet with the coming of winter, the Eorlingas took refuge in Súthburg and their enemies blocked the coomb. As the weeks and months of cold continued, their plight grew increasingly dire 'til Men starved.
In desperation, Prince Háma led a hunting party forth but they perished on the cold heights of Thrihyrne. Then the privation of the Eorlingas was renewed. The peoples' suffering increased. Bleak did all seem then and some despaired.
Finally, Helm King took upon himself the mantle of Berserker. Alone and unarmed he sallied forth and struck such fear in the hearts of his foes that on 25 Nínui they fled the coomb in rout. Then parties went forth to provision the refuge with meat and firewood. Now winter wanes and I hope the people therein shall be relieved, yet a host of Dunlendings still waits unfought in the Westfold."
"For that, we may share some encouraging words," Beleg said. Helluin raised a brow in question, but marked the smile on the Ranger Sodron's face. "After 'nigh a year of fighting, we have driven the Corsairs from Gondor's coasts with much death and loss of their ships. There were many battles fought for our enemies had landed so many ships that most of the coastal defenses were swept away in their first onslaught.
But as the weeks dragged on through the spring and summer, the steward reordered our defenses and the land was simply too vast for the Southrons to occupy. There was also much resistance based inland. Linhir especially held out heroically and that city was ne'er taken though 'twas invested for half a year. During all that time, the Rangers struck them from e'ery side so that even aboard their ships at anchor in the harbor they were not safe.
In the autumn, soldiers of Gondor recovered Pelargir, driving the enemy hence with great loss by land and water. There our marines seized many Corsair ships and sailed them downriver in pursuit of the armada of Umbar. Finally, they caught them 'twixt Ethir Anduin and Tolfalas and there was a great naval battle. Our Men set their captured ships afire and rammed the Corsair vessels, then boarded and fought them hand to hand.
After a day and night of fighting, the surviving Corsairs capitulated and sued for peace. The captain of the marines packed them into a half dozen cargo vessels and sent them home. The raiders and Men-O-War we kept to deprive the enemy and replace our own ships lost during the war.
We spent the remainder of the year retaking the southern coast from east to west, and therein is the hope for Rohan increased. During the winter, our soldiers crossed the Lefnui and came at last to the westernmost of the Ered Nimrais. They took the Aglon i-Ndrúedain¹ and a week later reached the river Angren. Imagine their surprise to find a dozen Corsair ships at anchor, manned only by skeleton crews! They took the ships and sailed them downriver, returning to Gondor with their prizes and prisoners." ¹(Aglon i-Ndrúedain, Pass of the Drúedain, (colloquially known as the "Púkel Pass") Sindarin – not canon)
Helluin could but shake her head in amazement.
"The Corsairs at Súthburg fled the coomb and I believe they hoped to return to their ships," she said. "At Edoras we allowed three hundred Corsairs to leave after they agreed not to oppose Fréaláf's Riders when they came to retake the city. They too intended to return to their ships."
Alas for Hazadazarî and Adûnazar. Foes they were, yet also Men of honor. Now they are surely doomed, she thought.
"If they are marching west, they shall likely meet our host coming from the Angren," Beleg said.
"If they survive their march," Sodron added, and Helluin nodded in agreement.
"Helm King shall be glad of their arrival, for still there were many hundreds of Dunlendings investing Súthburg," Helluin said. "Aforetime, we had but hoped that they would be weakened by the winter and demoralized when the king moved to meet them in battle."
"The winter has been brutal," Beleg said, and Sodron nodded grimly in agreement. "We found Dunlendings starving or dead along the road as we marched hither."
"They were dispatched by Wulf to hold the road, but I reckon 'twas also to spare him provisioning them through the winter," Helluin said, "and in the end, 'twas 'naught more than a sentence of death." Again, Beleg and Sodron nodded in agreement.
"Their most distal company spent weeks freezing and starving at the border 'til they took upon themselves the atrocity of cannibalism," Beleg said. "On 9 Narvinyë, we slew the last of them."
To this, Helluin could only shake her head in disgust. An irony it seemed that in the Westfold, 'twas the Corsairs who had resorted to eating the flesh of the Dunlendings whilst at Edoras the Corsairs had hunted beasts. The desperation of winter had brought out the worst in both peoples.
"On happier note, the citizens of Edoras sought refuge in Dunharrow and have remained healthy through the winter," Helluin reported. "The people of Aldburg and the Eastfold made the journey to sanctuary at Norðr-vestandóttir Bý a year past. I reckon they too are well."
"That is good to hear, Helluin," Sodron said, "for we have found none of the Rohirrim in these lands thus far."
"There are but a scattered few who fled not, mostly in small hamlets in the foothills," she said.
They traded a few more details of what they had seen and done, but soon enough, their tidings were told. Then Helluin broached the topic of her curiosity.
"How stands thy siege, lord captain? What canst thou tell of those within the fortress?"
The captain sighed but gathered his thoughts and answered honestly.
"In truth I have little impression of them as yet. We arrived but a day ago and have not even engaged in battle, merely camping before their gates and sequestering them within. They have offered no challenges and answered no hails. We deem them foes simply because they have not approached or welcomed us as friends."
Save that they were deaf, dumb, and blind, they could not have been ignorant of the army encamped before their gates. To Helluin, their inaction spoke more of uncertainty or confusion, and perhaps hereditary loyalties divided.
"My Lord Captain, I have a suspicion concerning those who occupy Aldburg. On 19 Gwaeron I questioned a Corsair hunter outside Edoras. '…to some citadel called Aldburg. Five hundreds he sent thither; Men from the west tainted with Rohirric blood that he trusted not,' thus spake Adûnazar, a marine of Umbar. Wulf dispatched Men to hold the fortress and these were Men of mixed blood who had come from the west. I took this to mean the west of Rohan," Helluin said.
Captain Beleg and Sergeant Sodron looked at her in question, understanding not the import of those details. What they did understand was that the count of Men within Aldburg equaled their own. The situation could leave them at a disadvantage.
"Since the days of the kings, Angrenost has remained a holding of Gondor, even after Cirion ceded Calenardhon to Eorl. Ere the Great Plague, soldiers of Gondor were garrisoned to hold the Iron Fortress, in part to guard its palantír, and these were ne'er recalled. They received no orders and officially, their watch ne'er ceased. Then the years passed and generations came and went. In time, the captaincy became a hereditary office and in truth, more of an honorific attached to a family name than a military function.
In 2710, a company of Rohirrim from Aldburg 'neath the command of Captain Hæglfaru son of Windig came to Norðr-vestandóttir Bý bearing tidings of Dunlendings taking the Fords of Isen and the farming lands of the hereditary guardians of Angrenost. Lacking the manpower, Steward Egalmoth declined to prosecute the incursion, as did Rohan's King Déor, for 'twas beyond the bounds of Rohan.
In council, the good captain revealed that 'twas but a couple hundred Dunlendings that had invaded, and these promptly settled down to occupy the farms the once guardians of Angrenost had created. He told that some suspected there were already longstanding blood ties 'twixt the two groups and this is little to be wondered at, for the soldiers of the garrison were all male and they had sought wives amongst the local populations, both Dunlending and later, Rohirrim."
At her words, the two Dúnedain stared in shock. Of course, they both knew of Angrenost and that 'twas yet a holding of Gondor. Like most of the Gondorim, they had ne'er given thought to those who had guarded it long aforetime. Many other concerns deemed graver had occupied the realm since the time of the Great Plague and now it seemed that the welfare of these soldiers had been driven from the collective consciousness. O'er time, the loyal garrison had been forsaken and forgotten. They could but shake their heads, for though unlikely, what Helluin said felt true.
"Doubt grew in my mind 'til in the spring of 2013 I took a company of fourteen Elves and rode to the Fords of Isen to discover the truth. At our arrival, we found a peaceful and prosperous farming community with no sign of war or hostilities. The people were rustic and blended the look of the Eorlingas and the Dunlendings, but enjoyed lengthened lifespans from their Dúnedain ancestors. For a fortnight, we spied upon them and by various clues, deemed them devotees of witchcraft and sorcery, and possibly in league with the Shadow. Then came an attack of Yrch from Methedras.
When we saw the Men fighting the Yrch rather than welcoming them, we intervened on their behalf. After the enemies were slain, I took counsel with them to satisfy my curiosity, though at first they deemed me a witch and sorcerer, possibly in league with the Shadow." That irony was not lost on the Men of Gondor and they chuckled at Helluin's tale. Still, they were curious now and bid her continue, so to learn what the nature of that folk truly was.
"Through many questions I learnt that they did indeed descend from the guardians of Angrenost for their village head was traditionally called Captain and one of the survivors bore a sword forged in Minas Tirith in 1436, two centuries ere the plague," she said. "They could scarce believe it, for they knew Gondor and its people by reputation only having ne'er met a living Dúnadan. Indeed by then, they believed Angrenost accursed, an outpost of Sauron."
"Amazing," whispered Sodron.
"How could such a turn come to pass?" asked Beleg rhetorically. "And now thou suspect those within Aldburg descend from those thou met aforetime?"
"I deem it possible, for in 2713 those new come o'er Isen had fled their homes to avoid conscription by Freca, father of Wulf. I wager that in the end, Freca or Wulf succeeded in conscripting them."
"Think thou that the truth of those within can be discovered?" Beleg asked.
"I deem 'tis possible, and with thy leave, I should like to try," Helluin answered, "but what betides should they prove to be from Angrenost?"
To that question, the captain had no answer and he shrugged his uncertainty.
"T'would depend on their intentions, I reckon," he said slowly. "Do they support Wulf? Would they fight for his cause? Are they willing soldiers or unwilling conscripts? Are they friends or foes of Gondor and Rohan?"
"I suppose all that shall be told," Helluin said. "I deem we can do 'naught save try to uncover the truth of their hearts."
"So be it then, for who would fight a battle unneeded?" Beleg said. "I pray thee, parley with them in the morn, Helluin."
To this, the dark Noldo nodded in agreement, glad that her tidings had given them pause and that they were level-headed and not inclined to fight at the least provocation.
"I leave ye to your rest, captain, sergeant," she said, rising from her chair and offering them a bow. "'Til the morn then."
Tuilérë dawned mostly clear and the breeze was gentle. Helluin stood with Captain Beleg on the road before the gates of Aldburg whilst the companies of Gondor were drawn up in ordered ranks and files beyond bowshot from the walls. Their presence had drawn the attention of the sentries walking the walls and a small gathering of Men looked down upon them, saying 'naught.
Finally, when the silence had become oppressive and the anticipation a torment, Helluin raised her voice, but 'twas not in challenge. Instead, she sang a rhyme she had learnt of their sires long aforetime.
"Sing a song of wiccecræft,
A kettle full o' lye.
Four an' twenty blackbirds,
Baked inside a pie.
When the pie is opened,
Dead birds began to sing.
What an āwierged dish,
To set before the king."
Upon the wall, Men started and stared, pointing at her and whispering amongst themselves whilst beside her, Captain Beleg looked at her as if she had lost her wits. Unperturbed, she continued.
"Maida had a little lamb,
Its fleece was white as snow.
An' e'erywhere that Maida went,
The lamb was wont to go.
It trailed her up a greening hill,
Then down into a dell.
An' last into a quicksand pool,
Where it followed her to hell."
And now all upon the wall paid her heed and some spoke to each other, and some laughed. Helluin smiled and offered another rhyme.
"Baa, baa blackguard,
Hast thou any wool?
Aye sir, aye sir,
Three bags full.
One for the turnkey,
An' one for his dame.
An' one for the crookback,
That's poxy, deaf, an' lame."
Ere she was done, some upon the wall were reciting the second verse along with her. Encouraged thus, the Noldo went on to the last rhyme she had heard from the children of the settlement in 2713.
"Tingle, tingle puckered scar,
How we wonder what thou are!
Branded on thy forehead high,
Like a staring lidless eye.
All the black night's sky thou keep,
An' oft through my curtains peep,
Thy master ne'er shuts his eye,
He watches 'til the day we die.
Then she fell silent, but from the wall, a Man stood forth and in a rough baritone, voiced the final verse, recalled easily from childhood.
'Tis thy shuffling in the dark,
Servant's cries that bid us hark,
Tho' we know not who thou are,
Ye that bear the puckered scar."
"How come thou t'know the nursery rhymes o' our hamlet? 'Tis fifty leagues afar," he said in their first direct conversation.
"I visited the hamlet south of Angrenost in 2713 and learnt them by o'erhearing the children reciting them whilst at play. I am chagrined that at first, I deemed them spells and incantations, and believed thy folk in league with Orcs and the Shadow. In turn, Ives, Cady, Siddel, Aida, Seabert, and the rest deemed me a witch and sorcerer. We had just slain a company of Orcs together, but trust was slow to come, yet in the end, we reached an accord…then I went to Methedras and slaughtered e'ery Orc."
"I heard tell o' thee an' thy visit from me fæder an' mōdor¹," he said, chuckling. "They were children then an' perhaps thou even o'erheard 'em. The attacks o' the Orcs ceased after. Thou hast my thanks for that." ¹(fæder and mōdor, father and mother Old English)
On the wall, the other Men had hearkened and commented in a chorus of agreement.
"I am Helluin from the farm of Norðr-vestandóttir Bý," the Noldo said, "and I am glad to have spared thy folk the predations of the Orcs."
The Man atop the wall dipped his head in thanks and said, "I'm Eadric son o' Ogden, a hunter an' sometime farmer o' wheat." At that, the others on the wall laughed and he grinned. "Me 'an the rest o' my folk were conscripted by Wulf Frecasson two autumns afore. Autumn last I was appointed lieutenant an' ordered t'take an' hold this fortress." He shrugged and shook his head at that as his Men ribbed him, seemingly not for the first time. "For the second year in a row I'm missin' the spring plantin'."
"Perhaps thou shalt be home for the fall planting, Eadric," Helluin said. "I am lately come from Edoras where Lord Fréaláf and his Riders retook the city after slaying Wulf …"
Ere she could continue, a loud and boisterous cacophony of cheers burst from the Men in Aldburg and continued a while ere they quieted again. The faces of those on the wall were lit with smiles and they clapped each other on the back, elated it seemed, to be free of their o'erlord.
"We're free t'leave then? T'return home?" Eadric asked.
"May we take counsel together, Lieutenant Eadric? Beleg, Captain of Gondor and I would value the opportunity to learn what has come to pass here this winter."
With a nod 'aye', Eadric called to those below in the courtyard that they should open the gates. Then he canted his head to them and disappeared down some stairs. The gates creaked open and Helluin and Beleg strode forward. Within the fortress, they saw many Men standing and waiting with hopeful expressions. None bore weapons unsheathed, nor did any of the archers hold arrows on their strings. It seemed they wished to parley honestly and in earnest.
When they met in the courtyard, Eadric bowed to them and they returned his gesture, following the forms of military protocol. Neither party wished to appear disrespectful or hostile.
"Well met, Eadric son of Ogden," the captain of Gondor said. "I am Beleg son of Hador of Minas Tirith, captain of the garrison of Amon Anwar and commander of this expeditionary force. Helluin thou hast heard aforetime and t'would seem thou know her from lore."
Eadric nodded and said, "Well met, Cap'n Beleg o' Gondor. Helluin Orc Bane, I'd have thee know I'm also Eadric son o' Ogden son o' Seabert. Thou named him, my ealdfæder, who thou met upon a time."
"I did indeed, Eadric. He showed me a token by which the heritage of thy folk became known. Dost thou bear his sword, pray tell?"
"Aye," the Man said, reaching down to touch the hilt. "It remained in me family when much else was lost an' we came t'value it the more after what was learnt o' thee."
"May the captain and I bear witness to the inscription upon its blade?" Helluin asked.
"Aye, ye may," he said, slowly drawing his sword and presenting it hilt first to her.
Helluin dipped her head to Eadric in thanks, but gave Beleg a nod, deferring to him who had not seen it aforetime. The captain took the sword and looked it o'er, finding the Quenya inscription on the ricasso just beyond the crossguard. This he read with a look of concentration and his eyes widened in recognition of the words. 'Forged in Minas Anor to serve the Line of Eldacar, 1463. May the hand that wields it know strength and honour.' A small smile shaped the Noldo's lips in recognition of the symbolic meaning of what had just occurred.
Beleg was amazed. Thirteen centuries had come and gone since the Dunlending's blade had been forged, and that but sixteen years after Eldacar had recovered the throne from Castamir the Usurper. 'Twas five hundred thirty-nine years ere his city had been renamed Minas Tirith after the fall of Minas Ithil to the Nine. Few blades older had the captain e'er seen, even in the White City. He looked to Helluin and she nodded, not needing to read again that inscription. It lived still in her memory. The captain returned the sword to Eadric and he sheathed it. Again, Helluin marked the symbolism of the act.
"I reckon it a scant stretch to deem that some fraction of Dúnedain blood flows in Eadric's veins, and in the veins of at least some of his Men," Helluin said, and asked, "Eadric, know thou how many such swords are borne by thy folk?"
"O'er the years 'tis known that many've been lost, yet we still count 'round two score an' ten held by the families dwellin' 'nigh Angrenost," he said. "O' how many there might once 'ave been, we've no clue."
To this, Helluin nodded. 'Aught ere the 'great Die-Off' was regarded by that folk as myth. Instead, she cast her mind back in time, reviewing her memories of a fortress subverted in favor of a returning king. "Of the three hundreds deployed hither, I deem none loyal to the right king with unquestioned certainty. And though so much as a fifth of them may support him in their hearts, still they art constrained by their sense of duty and the fear of reprisals against themselves and their families. I would be loath to place them in a position of trust with thy tidings, or count upon their aid in an uprising," Captain Húnsál had said of his troops in 1446.
"In the time of the Kin-strife, the garrison of Angrenost hosted three hundreds," she said, "and I imagine 'twas not increased after Eldacar's reinstatement, for many had fallen in the war. Most of those deployed thither had been loyal to Castamir, and though pardoned by Eldacar after, perhaps he had chosen to retain them on the frontier whilst any threat to his rule might linger."
To this, both Men nodded, having no knowledge to gainsay her. It seemed that o'er thirteen centuries later, still one in five of Angrenost's guardians of old had living descendants. Having established that factor, Helluin and the captain turned to more recent events.
"Lieutenant, with Wulf slain and Edoras restored to the House of Eorl, I reckon thy command of Aldburg moot," Beleg said and Eadric nodded in agreement.
"It hath been a welcome an' hospitable refuge through the winter, but we've all homes we long t'return to in the West Emnet," he said. Beleg nodded in relief, for it seemed no combat would be necessary to dislodge the Dunlendings from the fortress. "Upon our arrival, we found none hither, but both rations an' firewood in store," Eadric continued. "We even found ale. Through the remainder o' the warm season, we hunted an' harvested to lay in more. Despite the length o' this winter, we've not yet expended all…save the ale." He grinned at that.
"I reckon ye the only company in Wulf's host to pass this winter in comfort and plenty," Helluin said. "In Edoras we found Men starving and forced to demolish buildings for to burn their wood for heat. Outside of Súthburg 'tis worse, for those besieging that fortress have little shelter and a lack of rations. T'would seem that Wulf did ye a great favor in sending ye hither."
'Round them, those within hearing distance rolled their eyes and muttered curses and comments of disbelief that 'aught Wulf had done was for their benefit.
"He sent us hither t'die like those he set upon the road," Eadric said, bitter, and his Men nodded in agreement. "By our mixed blood we earnt his distrust, an' by his treatment o' us he earnt ours. Little did he know what lay in Aldburg; else I wager he would've taken it for himself."
"Of those upon the road, we met and slew the foremost company and we have seen some bodies on our way hither. Came any of these to thee seeking shelter?" Beleg asked.
"Aye, an' we trusted 'em no more than they trusted us," he said. "The gates stayed shut."
"So none save thine own kith and kin abode in Aldburg?" Helluin asked. To this, Eadric nodded 'aye'.
"Ken that dwellin' just o'er the fords, ours were the first lands taken when Wulf came," he said. "Then he named himself o'erlord o' Rohan an' ordered us t'follow his host. Said he didn't trust us behind his back. Half our folk fled servin' him an' his fæder Freca in Dunland years afore." He shook his head and spat in the dirt after speaking Freca's name. "Wulf was ne'er a friend t' us. Then he tried t'kill us. I'd piss on his grave…if he got one."
"He doth not," Helluin said. "He fled Edoras wounded and the wolves ate him."
A cheer rose from Eadric and the Men standing 'nigh. Helluin cast a glance to Beleg who met her eyes and gave a subtle nod 'aye'. When the Dunlendings quieted, Helluin addressed them formally.
"Lieutenant Eadric, as thou hast formally surrendered the fortress of Aldburg and declared Wulf thine enemy, and Captain Beleg has subsequently returned thine arms, thou and thy Men are free to return home, distant descendants and allies of the Guard Detail of Angrenost," Helluin announced.
Eadric and those standing 'nigh stared at her in shock.
"When did I do all that?" he asked, nonplussed.
"When thou handed Captain Beleg thy sword and he received it as a commissioned officer and representative of the Steward of Gondor, it followed the forms of a formal surrender," Helluin clarified. "When the captain returned thy sword to thee, he formally granted thy liberty, noting that past hostilities were forced 'neath duress and are now moot. In doing thus, he absolved thee from consideration for penalties of war."
"Well, huh," Eadric said, shaking his head in amazement. Finally, he turned to those in the fortress and cried out, "We're free t'go home at last!"
'Twas long ere the cheering and celebrating ceased, but during that time, the Noldo told him, "Have thy Men collect such rations as they have and also bring firewood. As thou say, 'tis fifty leagues to the Fords of Isen and the land is still clad in snow."
To this Eadric nodded, sobered, but said, "We are used to winters an' livin' off the land. We shall be ok without walls of stone. I only wonder, what o' Helm King an' those in Súthburg? Shall they know us from other foes?"
"Perhaps not if they come upon ye in battle. Therefore, I counsel thee, go north 'nigh Fangorn forest, not by the road, and stay far from Súthburg 'til the war is done," Helluin said. "I hope that thereafter, all shall be as 'twas, save that Wulf is gone."
Eadric nodded and said, "I shall take thy counsel, Orc Bane. I thank thee. We leave in the morn."
The next morn, that being the first day of Víressë by the Steward's Reckoning, Helluin stood beside Captain Beleg as the Dunlendings from the Fords of Isen marched from the gates of Aldburg. They were clad in many bulky layers of woolens and were laden with backpacks filled with supplies. Lieutenant Eadric had led them hence, pausing to exchange bows with the captain as if they were comrades rotating a command.
After they had disappeared north into the gently rolling, snow-covered fields of the Folde, Captain Beleg marched his Men into the fortress. They carefully searched the buildings and walls to assure themselves that none remained behind whilst taking stock of any damage. As no battles had been fought in Aldburg, there was no structural damage, nor evidence of fire.
In the lord's chambers within the keep, they found the bed slept in, the linens dirty and the covers awry, but upon the Third Marshal's desk still stood his silver inkwell. The silver weights on the curtain sashes still hung from their tasseled cords.
In the feasting hall, pewter tankards with silver and gold damascene depicting horses and hunters or warriors charging stood on the sideboard or were left upon the trestle tables with the dregs of ale or cider in their bottoms. Silver candelabra stood with stubs of candles in their sconces. Plates, bowls, and utensils too had been used and left. It seemed that, though they had not washed up, they had not plundered the fortress either.
"Truth be told, I am surprised, Helluin," Captain Beleg said when they sat for their noon meal.
"Whyfor, my lord captain?"
"Despite that they were occupying foes and poor Men of ragged cloth, they plundered not the fortress though they had months and e'ery opportunity to do so," he said. "I would have thought the temptation irresistible. T'would seem they have uncommon high honor."
"Bah," said Helluin, waving away his concerns. "They are farmer, hunters, and herders, practical Men with one hundred fifty miles to march afoot through winter weather in a perilous land ere reaching their homes. What need have they for plunder to encumber them? I wager they carry 'naught save it will aid their survival. I would also wager thou shalt find not a sound scarf, glove, boot, or cloak to spare in the city."
"So, practical Men…I deem then that they feel no deep allegiance to Gondor."
"I reckon thy notion correct, captain. Ye are the first soldiers of Gondor they are likely to have met in forty or fifty generations…thirteen hundred years. Minas Tirith is as legend to them from a forgotten time ere the plague."
Beleg sat shaking his head at the unexpected discovery he had made and wondered how his steward would receive his report.
"Think thou that they feel any more allegiance to Rohan than they do to Gondor?"
"I doubt it, for all that the Rohirric blood in their veins is more recent," Helluin said. "They know the king distrusts them but has not tried to dislodge them as yet, deeming them the steward's problem. If they win home and are next seen in time of peace tilling their fields and minding their own business, I wager he may continue to ignore them."
"Well, at least they despise the Dunlendings. With Rohan, that could mean the enemy of my enemy is my ally."
"They despised Freca and Wulf. They have kith and kin 'cross the Isen in Dunland. They do not hate the Dunlendings outright, but will oppose any that wish to impress them or try to take their lands. They have tilled and herded there a long time; 'nigh a thousand years ere the coming of Eorl." She shook her head. "They are best left to their own and if fortune favors, none shall stir them up."
"Then I shall wish for that, Helluin. I thank thee for thine aid in resolving this 'occupation'."
"My pleasure, lord captain," Helluin replied.
"'Tis not lost upon me that thou…I should not say tricked, but 'managed' would be fitting… the forms of Eadric's surrender and my absolution of him," he said. "As did Eldacar aforetime, I have pardoned those whose loyalty I doubt still and left them to their post, not that I deserve such a grand comparison."
Captain Húnsál, I am most grateful to thee for surrendering thy charge without bloodshed, for I pray that in days to come, thy Men shalt chose to continue in their service to Gondor. I pray that I may win the hearts and allegiance of the garrison, King Eldacar had once told the captain of Angrenost's garrison through the palantír, Helluin recalled from memory. Whether his hopes for the garrison had been fulfilled, she knew not. Some at least had been deployed thither after the war, as the date on Eadric's sword attested. But the king had won o'er nine of ten soldiers of Calenardhon on his way to the Pelennor and that had counted for something.
"As did King Eldacar in his time, thou hast renewed the posting of questionable Men on the fringe of the realm, captain. Sometimes one cannot know all things, especially what may betide in years to come, yet I reckon 'tis the part of each of us to do what we can with what we have. Thy campaign at Aldburg is favorably resolved. Now, with Edoras resolved as well, I shall return west to support Helm King in Súthburg. I wager that soon, battle shall be joined there."
To Be Continued
