Penrod doles out the various tasks he has for the group, and Gwin has an unpleasant encounter. Read on to find out more!
Chapter 99Penrod greeted us with a grin, and his eyes were bright when he said, "On behalf of myself and the others, I must again thank you for helping us at the barricade. Despite what some may think, we could not have been successful without your aid. You have given our people some hope."
Halbarad shifted a little, uncomfortable with the praise, despite it being well-founded. "We did what anyone would have done, and now we wish to help once more, in a different way. How can we be of service?"
Penrod seemed amused at Halbarad's discomfort, but did not comment on it. "I spoke with some of the Brehures, and we have determined which tasks need extra hands. First, we need help gathering food, since we are running rather short. Hunting and fishing, as well as gathering some of the hardy berries and mushrooms would provide us with some things to store, once the weather gets colder or we face more troubles from the enemy." I saw a flicker of worry on his face, but it was gone in a moment, the smile back in place.
Lothrandir stepped forward. "I am a skilled fisherman and craftsman of poles and nets. I would be happy to help share my knowledge, in addition to fishing myself."
"I am a good hunter, as are many of us, and I can assist you in this," Saeradan said quietly, and a few others volunteered their bows and daggers. Prestadir offered to go with some of the townspeople to harvest various plants, unafraid of venturing into unknown territory. Penrod was pleased, and directed them to speak with a man named Cungen.
Penrod eyed our clothing and gear, before glancing up the road towards where the tanner was. "We could use some help with our armor; the man who was the expert in crafting it died of some sickness, and his apprentice is very young. If any of you have skill in this-"
"I can help," Golodir said gruffly, and Corunir said the same. "In the land where we live, we need to make do with the materials we can gather in secret. Corunir here learned from some of the best in a village similar to yours, and is familiar with using the resources you have to make good gear." Corunir ducked his head a little, but I could tell how pleased he was at Golodir's praise.
When the twins stepped forward to help train the soldiers, I thought Penrod would fall over in shock. While they still hadn't admitted to being Elves, they were identical, and I was unsure how prevalent twins were for their people. Both of them seemed amused by the man's reaction, and he directed them up to the top level, where a training area was set up. "I sense you are experienced warriors," Penrod stuttered.
Elladan and Elrohir both looked at each other and grinned. "You could say that," they said in unison, and I rolled my eyes at their antics.
Being one of the few people left, Penrod addressed me and said, "I need someone to help make a poison to put on the ends of our arrows and spears."
I felt a shiver of discomfort, "What kind of poison?"
"It is called jubulgeth, have you ever heard of it?" The memory of the icy cold suffering made me shudder, and Penrod looked concerned. "I sense you know more about it than I first thought."
Pushing the flashback of my near-death experience aside with great difficulty, I murmured, "I am sorry Penrod, but I cannot help you in this." Instead of asking for more details, he nodded in acceptance and gave me a gentle smile, before assigning it to Culang. Candaith, who was still standing beside me, squeezed my hand, which I noticed I had clenched tightly in a fist. With some effort, I relaxed my grip, and felt a wave of comfort sent my way.
Candaith and I were asked to help Halbarad in assessing the defenses of the city, and help organize what needed to be repaired and/or upgraded. I had some experience in this, as I had helped outfit and fortify some of the more secure villages in Mirkwood, as well as do repairs of Edhelion after it was almost destroyed by the dwarves. Candaith, while having little practical knowledge of such things, did not wish to leave my side, and I was grateful for it. Esteldin was the main stronghold in the North for the Dunedain, and Halbarad did a stellar job in keeping it not only well-defended, but also hidden. I remembered with some amusement how difficult it had been for me to find the first time I was directed there.
However, before the three of us began our task, Penrod escorted us to the dungeons. "Lheu Brenin wishes for you to speak with the Emissary, as you have met him before. Perhaps you can gather more information from him than we could, being more familiar with him?"
"I would rather run him through than have a conversation with him." I growled internally, and Candaith startled at the fervor of my words.
"Unfortunately, as much as I may agree with you, we must be cautious. If we can get him to make a mistake and let something slip that he did not mean to, it would be a great boon to us and the others who fight against Saruman." Candaith squeezed my hand again. It was comforting.
Before we went inside, Halbarad addressed me. "Gwin, if you do not wish to face him, I would understand." He spoke softly, and compassion was in his eyes.
"He nearly got her killed," Candaith murmured angrily. "However, we will be by your side this time. You are not alone."
The knowledge that they were both worried for me and would be with me during such a potentially distressing encounter made me feel emotional, and I stubbornly blinked away the tears of gratitude that threatened to fall. "Hannon le," I whispered. "Let us do this together."
Penrod had stepped away to give us some privacy, but when Halbarad gave him a nod, he brought us inside. It was dark, and there were many passages branching off from the main one. It made me wonder how extensive these dungeons were. Did they go into the surrounding mountains? Were there secret passageways the townspeople could use to escape if needed?
Before I knew it, we were standing in front of the cell of the Emissary. He looked much diminished when he turned to face us, but when his dark eyes met mine, I could see the malice in them as he recognized me. "Ah, if it isn't the Elichthi from Lhanuch. What a…pleasure it is to see you again."
I shivered at the strange, mesmerizing tone of his voice, which had almost beguiled the Brehures during his conversation with them at the meeting. It seemed like an Age ago. "I cannot say the same, Gwilhum." I replied, gritting my teeth. I could tell Penrod was surprised at the revelation I was an Elf as he shifted slightly, but he did not make mention of it here, and his face gave nothing away. Likely he wanted to give Gwilhum the impression that the Brenin and villagers had known I was an Elleth from the beginning. "It seems your accommodations have changed, although they are likely just as dark and unwelcoming. I doubt Saruman's tower is a happy place to live."
Gwilhum's eyes filled with anger, but his tone did not reveal it as he murmured, "They are only temporary, I assure you. Once the Brenin realizes the wisdom of my words, he will release me."
Penrod seemed unable to hold his silence any longer, "There is no wisdom in your words, servant of Saruman." The roughness of his tone warred against his usually joyful appearance, and it made me sad to hear it.
"You might change your mind, as the enemy presence near the entrance to your city will keep you here until you starve or join forces with the winning side," the Emissary replied, with a smug expression…which slid right off his face when Halbarad told him of the victory against the dark forces at the barricade. He seemed at a loss for words, and I felt a flash of grim satisfaction.
"The enemy has been thwarted, and you left to rot by the people here," Halbarad said calmly, eyeing Gwilhum in disgust. "However, if you provide us with information, perhaps the Brenin will give you some leniency."
Gwilhum seemed to struggle to get his composure back, and I raised an eyebrow as an unconvincing nonchalant expression formed on his face. "Information? I have already shared the benefits of siding with the White Wizard, and the consequences of becoming his enemy. However, now that you have detained me, he may not be so forgiving."
"Or perhaps he will not be so forgiving of you," Candaith replied, raising an eyebrow. "Will you choose to die here in Tur Morva, or have a chance to avoid death outside, however small?"
The Emissary was giving Candaith a measured look, clearly in thought. I had put Halbarad between Candaith and I, trying to make our connection less obvious, but his eyes moved back and forth and I could sense he figured it out. "You wish to protect the one you love, ranger?" he said with disdain. "There is nothing you can do against the will of Saruman. He will crush her, and as she begs for death, you will watch as it happens." Candaith stiffened, and I feared what he would do.
"Meleth, he is just baiting you," I tried to reason. "Do not give him the satisfaction."
I could feel his spirit simmering in anger and hatred, but you would not know it on the outside as he took my advice and relaxed. His face was smooth and voice measured as he replied, "It will not be her who suffers Saruman's torments, for she is strong, and brave, and a better person than you will ever be. Now, will you give us information, or should we leave you here without hope of release?"
Gwilhum seemed displeased at Candaith's reaction (or lack thereof), and his eyes glittered dangerously as he considered our proposal. "What I have said is the truth; Saruman will bring war upon his enemies, and if you stand against him, prepare to fall. If you choose to join with him now, perhaps you will be rewarded." He turned to Penrod, who stood firm at my side. "Choose wisely."
The Dunlending narrowed his eyes at Gwilhum, and shook his head in disgust, before resolutely turning around and walking away. As the Emissary's eyes met mine, I felt what was like a cold gust of wind, and his lips twisted up in a grin of satisfaction. What did it mean? I glanced around myself, looking for any sign of the black tendrils or shadows, and held in a breath of relief when I found none. As I went to turn around, Gwilhum spouted one last thing, "Do not mistake these people for friends. It will be you in my place next!"
Knowing I needed to get out of here now, as the walls felt like they were closing in, Candaith put his hand on my lower back and led me out into the weak sunlight. I took some deep breaths, feeling the discomfort start to fade away. I am safe. It was only words. He has no power over me. I kept this mantra going as we walked up the road to the Brenin's hall. "We should report what happened, so he knows what we learned, however little it was," Halbarad explained." He gave my shoulder a squeeze. "I am sorry you had to face him again, Gwin. I am sure it was unpleasant."
I shrugged, "It needed to be done, and I am still standing. At least there was no Uruk this time to deal with." Candaith looked pained, so I faced forward and stood tall as we ducked inside.
A little shorter this time than what the previous few chapters have been, but I hope you still enjoyed it! Leave a review if you have a moment!