Sons of Feanor

by Son of Serinde

"I was young, and the world had not yet lost its luster. I saw my father and all my brothers take the oath, and so did I, one after another. It felt so simple. And for that I have been hundreds of years far from home, and I will never see my mother again. Do not swear such oaths rashly as I did." Book 1: The Kinslaying at Sirion. Book 2: A Brief Respite. Book 3: The War of Wrath.

32. Book 2 - A Stillness in the Earth

"He stood now most often at the prow of Vingilot, and the Silmaril was bound upon his brow; and ever its light grew greater as they drew into the West."

Maedhros

"The officers are to keep the regular patrols going. There were reports of orc activity in the east, where the river Legolin meets the Gelion. That patrol is to be twice a week, with extra elves assigned per unit. The officers will know what to do." Maedhros ticked the tasks off with his fingers. "We've noticed some dry rot on the beams in the southwest corner watchtower. The carpenters want to replace them with fresh wood, but the stonemasons will need to confirm the tower will still hold its integrity throughout that process. Help the two teams coordinate with each other, and maintain some notes for me to review when I get back. They can change their plans if they like; just make sure they all agree with each other. And I shall need an inventory of how much food we have in the kitchens in preparation for winter."

Braenor's head nodded so quickly that he looked like an apple bobbing in a stream. He looked up at Maedhros seated astride his horse. Behind them both, three scouts loaded up a cart with sacks of flour and dried white beans.

Maedhros fastened his fur cloak over his shoulders. "Try not to get too rowdy while I'm away. I believe last time Rochanar said you had gotten ahold of a barrel of mulled wine?"

Braenor raised his eyebrows. "He should have done a better job at hiding it. It was the festive season." He glanced at the portcullis, which glimmered in the sunlight from last night's frost. "Anything else, my lord?"

The gate began to ascend with a clatter. Maedhros watched the dirt road outside appear in view. Only a few years ago there would have been billows of dust rising in the distance and growing ever-larger, from Caranthir or Amras or any of them, riding up to visit.

Then his brothers had ridden out under Maedhros' banner to the Nirnaeth Arnoediad. And then to Doriath, and lastly, awfully, to the Havens of Sirion.

He took a breath. "Look out for any letters from Maglor. Or anything you hear. Let me know as soon as I get back."

His secretary nodded.