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Chapter 5: The Ways of War

Galadriel and Halbrand spent the remainder of the morning wandering the camp and meeting the refugees. Galadriel recognized a few of the bedraggled souls perched on the waterside, but most were strangers to her.

They tended to look upon her warily. She'd ridden to battle on their behalf, but they'd distrusted elves for generations. For her part, Galadriel hung back from the men and kept an eye on her surroundings.

Halbrand, meanwhile, gladly approached the men and shared food and stories with them. He asked questions about their lives before the destruction of their homelands and about their hopes for the future. Whenever they left a campfire behind, Galadriel could hear the men and women behind her effusing about their gracious new king.

After they left a particularly young group blushing and stammering out of earshot, Galadriel looked over at him bemused.

"Are you feeling quite yourself? On our journeys you have generally displayed a penchant for petulance, yet now you seem as if you could charm a goblin."

"Are you jealous of my attentions, my lady? I thought you preferred me standoffish. I'm more than willing to charm you as well."

Galadriel scoffed and took a step back as he moved closer to her. "I do not prefer you any way. I was merely noting that you tend to make enemies wherever you travel, not friends. If you were capable of this sort of affability, you could have saved us much trouble in Númenor."

Halbrand laughed as he turned and began leading her on through the camp. "I remember you being the one picking fights with the nobility. I was accosted by thugs and arrested for winning."

"Ah, is that what happened? I was under the impression you had stolen from those gentlemen."

Instead of replying, Halbrand approached the next campfire, while Galadriel stood back, smirking.
~ ~ ~

The sun had noticeably started its descent when Galadriel and Halbrand returned to their tent for a late luncheon. Bronwyn had left some fresh bread and a bit of hard cheese for them. It was meagre but made a welcome change from the waybread they'd been eating since they left Eregion.

Before long, Ontamo returned to provide an update on the interrogation. They hadn't learned much that was new, but they were able to confirm some of their suspicions. The bandits had moved south away from the easy passes and had fewer targets to divide their attentions. Based on the information, Arondir had packed a few belongings and set off east to search for their camp.

"Now we wait, I suppose. We can't take any action against these thieves until we know more."

Galadriel nodded, then turned to Ontamo. "Shall we begin training the men? These were peaceful folk, but, alas, this is not a time of peace."

Ontamo bowed. "Lead the way, my lady."

Galadriel led him out of the tent and into the camp. She knew vaguely where Bronwyn's tent was after the walk with Halbrand that morning. Before long, she found the healer and her son sitting at a small campfire, laboring over a steaming pot.

"You're preparing medicine?" Galadriel asked as she approached. "Kingsfoil, aloe, calendula. Are burns a common problem in the camp?"

Bronwyn stood and immediately dropped into a curtsey. "Yes, my lady. You have knowledge of herblore?"

Galadriel nodded while moving forward to inspect the thick paste in the pot. "To lead soldiers is to be healer, king, and counselor. Any ailment I could treat in the wilderness was one less way for my soldiers to perish."

"You mean helping mum with her medicines will help me as a soldier?" Theo asked, staring up at Galadriel with wide eyes.

"Field medics are always in high demand. You would not wish your mother to march with an army as healer, would you?" Theo shook his head quickly. "Then you are half field medic already. What you still lack is experience with a sword, but that is easily mended."

Theo jumped up. "You're going to teach me?"

Even as Galadriel nodded, Theo let out an undignified whoop and ran into the low tent behind him. He returned carefully cradling the sword Galadriel had given him. "Can we start now?"

Galadriel smiled at the young man. "Indeed. Let us move a little away from the camp to ensure no one wanders into our path."

Bronwyn waved at them as the three turned toward the edge of the camp. Once they'd cleared the last of the tents, Galadriel chose a spot with firm, uncluttered ground and turned toward her companions.

"Theo, your mother said you have practiced. Ontamo, if you would stand opposite him?"

The bright smile Theo had sported since they left the tent faltered. "Not you?"

"I can provide guidance much better from the sidelines. There will come a time for me to cross swords with you directly, but it is not today."

Theo nodded reluctantly and turned to face Ontamo. They stared at each other as Galadriel counted down. On her mark, Theo moved forward, swinging his sword in a wide loop. Ontamo batted it aside easily. Galadriel watched his eyes flicker to Theo's exposed left side, but he did not press the advantage.

Instead, Theo returned the sword to center, guarding his middle, and attempted another attack, this time lifting the sword above his head for a powerful downward chopping motion. This time, Ontamo did not ignore the opening. He moved quickly to the left, out of the path of Theo's stroke, and drew his sword up so it pressed against Theo's sternum.

"Theo, you must not leave yourself so exposed while attacking. Defense is imperative. You should also try to move around more. Your feet have not moved once since you started this fight. Now, try again."

Theo, looking abashed, turned back toward Ontamo who'd resumed his original relaxed stance. This time he was more cautious, opting for smaller more controlled movements. He still could not hit Ontamo, but he did not provide nearly so many opportunities to his opponent either.

"Better!" Galadriel called once Ontamo had finally found an opening to tag Theo. "You were calmer and more restrained. Do not consider such care to be weak or cowardly. The best soldier is not the one who slays the most foes or wields the most fearsome sword, but the one who always returns home to defend those he loves. Again!"

They continued for a long while as the sun slipped further toward the western horizon. Eventually, as Theo was flagging, she took his place against Ontamo and let the younger man watch. The fight was a blur of swords and clashing steel. Theo stood transfixed, while a few of the other refugees congregated behind him.

When Galadriel nimbly disarmed her opponent, Theo and the other spectators applauded.

"Will I learn to do that?" Theo asked breathlessly.

Galadriel laughed. "Perhaps. Ontamo, you have grown more skilled since last we crossed swords. If you continue at this rate, you may yet defeat me in single combat."

Ontamo laughed breathlessly. He was bent over with his hands on his thighs as he struggled to regain his breath. "Perhaps when I am old and grey, my lady. For now, all I can hope is to eventually make you work for a win."

Galadriel thanked him for his effort and dismissed Theo back to his work around camp. "But be prepared for another lesson tomorrow after the noon meal. There is much for you to learn."

With the plans set for the next day, Galadriel returned to the tent she shared with Halbrand. He had a rough map of the area open on the table and was drawing plans for the city.

"Welcome back. How are the men doing?"

"Today I worked only with Theo and Ontamo. However, I foresee more asking to join us in the coming days. There was a small crowd to watch me spar with Ontamo."

"You wish them to come of their own accord?" Halbrand asked in surprise. "You know we'll need a proper force."

"All will need to learn to handle a weapon, but most will be common farmers and craftsmen. Not everyone must be a professional soldier. As I train the most motivated and gifted, I will also be able to put them to work training their compatriots."

Halbrand nodded and turned back to his map. "How large do you think the city will need to be? I don't want to have to tear up fields to build it, but I would rather not send the men too far afield if I can avoid it."

Galadriel joined him at the map, and they began to plan. They'd mapped out the rough borders of the future town, and, when Bronwyn joined them for dinner, she assisted them to divide the farmland amongst the farmers.
~ ~ ~

The next week passed much the same as the first day, though there were no more raids on the camp. Galadriel spent her mornings strategizing with the king or accompanying him as he raised spirits and settled disputes amongst the refugees. In the afternoons, she would meet with Ontamo and Theo to continue their training.

As she'd predicted, every day saw the small group grow larger. Although most were young men just older than Theo, older men and even a few young women joined the training as well after a few days.

Ontamo was uncomfortable at first with the idea of teaching the ways of war to women, but Galadriel insisted that all who came would be allowed to learn.

Theo was improving rapidly now that he had devoted time to practice and a knowledgeable teacher. Ontamo too made great progress, both as a swordsman and as a teacher. Galadriel would walk among the new soldiers and help where she could, but she happily yielded the primary spot to the Númenórean. It was good for him to integrate more with the refugees.

On the sixth day, Ontamo brought another soldier with him from the eastern bank to assist in teaching. Tindómëon was shorter with pale hair and eyes and a cheerful disposition. He easily endeared himself to the younger refugees and worked well with them.

On the seventh day, Galadriel was working with one of the young women who sought to learn. "Your footwork is good, but you need to stay grounded. If you lose your balance, a skilled enemy will be able to knock you off your feet."

Alwena lowered her sword to brush a strand of inky hair from her sun-darkened brow. She settled back into fighting stance quickly. "I understand, my lady."

Galadriel nodded and attacked again, purposefully trying to knock the girl off balance. Alwena carefully kept her footing but was unable to respond with attacks of her own.

"Lady Galadriel!" With a gesture, Galadriel stopped the fight and turned to see Bronwyn hurrying toward her. "Arondir has returned. Halbrand bade you to come so we could discuss his report."

Galadriel nodded quickly and gestured for Alwena to return to the larger group. Ontamo and Tindómëon would be able to handle the end of today's training.

She and Bronwyn hurried through the camp and soon arrived at Halbrand's tent which had quickly become the central meeting place in the camp for all matters of state.

Bronwyn immediately made her way to where Arondir sat on a low cushion and began to examine him.

Arondir nodded once to Galadriel and turned back to Halbrand, who was sitting in his heavy wooden chair. "My lord, I will begin my report. I found the camp after four days of searching. It is two days' swift walk from here for me. Laden as they are with looted provisions, it likely takes the bandits a full three days to return after a raid. There are several dozen men and women living there currently, but it seems more a village than a camp of thieves. I believe they also found and took in refugees from the orcs' destruction of the eastern lands."

Galadriel looked at Halbrand and spoke softly. "We may be able to ally with them in the future then. Living as friends and neighbors would be better than war, especially under the eaves of Adar's new Uruk homeland."

Halbrand nodded and gestured for Arondir to continue.

He looked at Galadriel before continuing. "My lady, I don't know that they would willingly ally with us. Two days ago, just before I completed my watch, they brought in a couple of refugees they had found. A man and a small child. They were being held as captives."

Bronwyn gasped. "That poor child. We must do something!"

Galadriel met Halbrand's eye and searched for any hint of his thoughts. He gave her a wan smile before turning back to the others. "Arondir, have we learned all we can from the prisoners?"

The elf nodded once. Halbrand smiled. "Then diplomacy may win out after all. Let's propose a trade—our prisoners for theirs. Arondir, in the morning take one or two of the eldest of the men Galadriel is training. Go on horseback if you can, while we and the prisoners follow on foot."

"Take Tindómëon and one of the southlanders. That way, all three groups are represented. You will be the official envoy from King Halbrand of the Southlands," Galadriel said quickly. She looked at Bronywn who still appeared shaken. "Also, see if they'll allow you to return with the child first as a gesture of good faith. We will set up camp on the eaves of the forest opposite the White Mountains and await you there."

Arondir nodded and stood. "I will meet the others you want to accompany me."
~ ~ ~

The next morning, Halbrand and Galadriel saw the envoys off, led by Arondir. "On horseback, I expect we will arrive midday tomorrow. We will meet you at the appointed camp, likely the day after."

Halbrand nodded and smiled at the three. "Thank you all for your service. By your effort, I hope we will soon have both captives returned safely."

The Southlander bowed low while Arondir and Tindómëon respectfully lowered their heads. Then they turned and, mounting their horses, took off north and east toward the forests under the mountains.

Galadriel and Halbrand spent their morning showing the first of the farmers to their assigned plots. Then they gathered a small group of the best swordsmen among the refugees and crossed the river. In total, the band was only about a dozen, excluding the prisoners. By the time the sun reached its zenith, they had left the camp, following the river north toward the line of the White Mountains.

By giving the envoy a head start, Galadriel intended that their larger group would not have to wait long at the planned camp. This would minimize the risk of the prisoners escaping. It would also allow them to return as quickly as possible. She had offered to remain with the camp or even lead the expedition in Halbrand's stead, but he had insisted she accompany him north.

The days of travel passed slowly. Galadriel kept close to the prisoners while Halbrand led the group toward the agreed upon meeting place. On the morning of the third day, they set up camp as discussed. The eaves of the forest were beginning to turn golden with the coming of winter and a chill breeze had picked up in the night.

The group had just begun their midday meal when Galadriel, who had been keeping watch, caught sight of movement deeper in the forest. Soon the envoy would be visible to the eyes of men as well.

"Halbrand," Galadriel caught his attention and nodded toward the forest. He shot her a quick smile before standing to welcome the returning envoy.

Halbrand watched the group until they cleared the forest edge and dismounted. As they greeted him formally, he smiled at them. "I'm glad you have returned safely. What news from your mission?"

Arondir stepped forward. "My lord, the bandits are willing to treat with us. As requested, they have allowed us to return with the child, but they insist on the return of their comrades before we may see the man again. His health appeared poor when we saw him yesterday."

"King Halbrand," Tindómëon broke in abruptly. "The man is a man of Númenor. Please, let us make haste. My queen had lists of those who were unable to take the ship home and my people mourn their loss daily. Please assist us in removing a name from that list and welcoming the living man back into our midst."

Halbrand nodded at once. "Of course, we of the Southlands will do our part to aid you. I am here to negotiate for the return of the prisoners, whether Southlander or Númenórean. There is no divide between your people and mine."

"Thank you, my lord." Tindómëon bowed, and Galadriel could see his hand trembling on the pommel of his sword.

Halbrand turned back to the larger group. "Let us continue on. Arondir, did you negotiate a location to meet?"

"My lord, there is a small clearing about halfway between our camps. It is where we camped last night. We will meet there this evening. If we start now, we should arrive before the bandits."

Halbrand nodded once and began to call orders to the men. While most would accompany the king to the meeting place, the Southlander of the envoy and two of the other soldiers were returning immediately with the child. She was a young girl of seven or eight years and appeared in good health, though underfed. While the four began their trek south along the river, the small camp was quickly packed, and the remainder of the group moved forward into the shadow of the trees.

Galadriel watched the men around her. They seemed cheered by the return of the child, and unaffected by the news that the remaining prisoner was a Númenórean soldier, not one of their own.

As predicted, they reached the clearing to find it empty. Galadriel and Arondir quickly swept the forest around the clearing to check for an ambush before he took watch under the eaves of the wood, and she settled in to wait with the others. As the golden sun crept beneath the western eaves of the trees surrounding them, Galadriel heard the rustling of men moving through the forest ahead of her. She alerted Halbrand, and the two stood silently, waiting for the bandits to become visible.

Shortly, Arondir melted into view from the eastern edge of the clearing and announced, "The men of the woods, my lord."

Behind him, a dozen gruff looking men stepped tentatively into the clearing. In their midst stood a slumped figure, his hands bound behind him and lanky hair covering his face.

One of the men stepped forward. "You are this Southlander king we have heard of?"

Halbrand nodded. "Thank you for meeting with us. We have your men here." He gestured to where the two men sat guarded. "They are unharmed as promised. We release them to your care."

He nodded once and the soldiers removed the bonds on the men. The quickly scurried back to their countrymen.

The lead bandit spoke a few quiet words to them before turning back to Halbrand. "You have kept your end. Very well. Here's the foreign soldier."

He pushed the slouched man forward. The Númenórean stumbled forward a few paces and swayed. Tindómëon rushed forward, caught him before he could fall, and carefully supported him back to the group where he could lay down.

Halbrand watched the movement then turned back to the bandits. "I have a proposal for you as well. We fear that there are still refugees making their way across the mountains from the dark lands beyond. If you would escort to our city any that wish to return to their kin, we would be willing to provide some small supplies to you in payment."

The men in front of them began whispering to each other, while the leader's gaze was fixed on Halbrand.

"Of course," Halbrand continued, eyes cold. "We know every man, woman, and child currently living in our care. If any of them were to go missing, we would have no choice but to respond in force."

"My lady," Tindómëon called softly from behind her. Galadriel turned and knelt by the captive. "He is gravely ill. These burns have not healed as they ought."

Indeed, the man was suffering from a high fever and much of his right arm was covered in old burns that had not been properly tended. When she pulled her own waterskin from her bag and carefully moved his hair to the side to help him drink, her eyes widened in recognition. The face was so similar to his father's that, even after months of sickness and starvation, she immediately recognized Isildur son of Elendil.


I'm excited for this chapter as I feel that it's the first to start resolving threads from the Rings of Power. I will not resolve every open story thread from the show as I am only following Galadriel and will ignore the storylines around the other characters unless they intersect with this main narrative. However, there are many threads from the show that will weave into this narrative, and I hope you feel I've done them justice as we reach each one.

I've been blown away by the positive reception of this work. Thank you all for joining me on this untraveled road through Middle Earth.