Chapter 6

Echos of Music

The dawning sun shone down upon him. Obi-Wan sat with legs crossed upon the white stones of Minas Tirith. He was near the pinnacle of the jutting courtyard of the seventh level. There was the chirping of birds that flew from the mountains behind the great city and went their way down into the great Plain of Pelennor. As well, the honor guard stood silent and Obi-Wan could sense, more at peace. The White Tree bloomed, though petals fell as the seasons changed. Life having come to that once ragged bark.

The Jedi Master's eyes were closed. He meditated by himself, and found this portion of the city quite relaxing. Especially with the minimal foot traffic around. Few came this far out, unless to walk, meander, or take in the far seeing sights. From here, one could see the vast Mountains of Shadow, though Obi-Wan thought they ought change the name of the range. The clear blue skies still shone through and a slight fog of mist rolled off and down the mountains as the sunlight warmed the icy crystals formed in the night.

He took a draw of breath. Cool and clean. A whip of wind passed through his graying strands of hair. Obi-Wan's mind jumping from thought to thought even as he tried to fully center himself. So much still crossed his mind, and not merely what had happened those days on Coruscant now passed. Even before then. In the years leading up to those terrible events. The year both he and Anakin were here on Arda. The war both before and after. The lead-up to war. Discovery of the clone army. Another subject that nipped at the back of his skull.

Tyranus...that name. The Council had known of it because Jango Fett had told Obi-Wan of it. Everyone knew Dooku had taken the title of Darth Tyranus. Yet, no one said anything. It was deemed a subject in need of silencing in order to keep the war going. 'To be investigated,' but even that investigation fell by the wayside. Even Dooku never seemed to make reference of the fact his name had come up where the creation of the Grand Army was concerned. Eventually it was allowed to slip unspoken. Yet, it was all too clear now; especially with what Anakin revealed his little 'chat' with Dooku had borne. This had been a plan long in the making. Years. Maybe even decades? The Council, the Order had become so blind to the machinations of the Sith and the dark side, they had lost control.

Control...a funny word. A word Obi-Wan felt unease at believing was the objective. It had never quite been what Qui-Gon had taught. Controlling was not the way of the Jedi. Patience, understanding, contemplation, and of course, the Qui-Gon way of more direct intervention. Another smirk trailed along his bearded face. Memories of his Master, and how much Obi-Wan missed him even now, fluttered across his thoughts. In many ways Qui-Gon and how he operated as a man and as a Jedi were proving all the wiser in these days. Master Yoda had even made some small mentions of Qui-Gon's mannerisms and views concerning the Living Force of late. With the Grand Master's seeming changing views of the Order and how it should proceed following what was already being chronicled as the 'Great Jedi Purge,' it only made sense.

There was so much left for Obi-Wan to think on. To meditate over. He wanted to understand so much more, but he knew somewhere in his core he would probably never quite know all the pieces of the puzzle. A frustrating realization that irked him in moments of clarity. He doubted, in truth, even with the deepest of investigations by both the Republic and the Order; neither would likely ever truly know all the pieces of Palpatine's plan. How he managed to conduct himself. Who he manipulated in full, and who knew from the start to who he was and his plans. A staggering and somewhat horrifying thought. Especially for the Republic, so Obi-Wan believed. Even now the government was conducting a 'soft purge.' Firing many, arresting more. Investigating everyone and everything Palpatine had even minimal contact with or dipped his fingers into. The war too? The upcoming Accords! It was enough to make Obi-Wan softly sigh. Restraining the desire to grunt a shoulder quaking sneer of frustration. He calmed himself instead. He focused on what he could do here and now. Like Qui-Gon would have told him. And, for now, he could sit and meditate. Center himself.

Though, even as he thought about that, Obi-Wan sensed a presence draw near. A familiar one. Their footsteps were so light as to ne unheard, but he could feel them through the Force. As they stepped beside him and turned down to face him, the Master opened his soft bluish-gray eyes and tilted his face up to meet theirs. A smile on theirs as Obi-Wan bowed his head in greeting.

"My Lady Tauriel." He greeted the redheaded elf.

"Master Kenobi." She planted her right hand to her chest and let it drift out in common elvish greeting. "Am I interrupting?"

"Not at all, my Lady." Obi-Wan assured. "What brings you over my way?"

"I saw you sitting here, and I assume, meditating?"

"Indeed I am. Not quite so well as my rank would lead one to believe, however." Both of them shared a small laugh and smile. Without prompt Tauriel swept her legs under herself and sat opposite Obi-Wan.

"Mind if I join you?" For a second Obi-Wan recalled his realization made weeks ago. The innate Force power that lay within this elf, even if no others. Though, he doubted that. An elf, or elves with the ability and capacity to use the Force would be quite a sight. Again questions arose unattended to in his mind revolving around such beings as Master Fay. But, he let them be and simply shrugged.

"I welcome your company, my Lady." Tauriel bowed her head. Her knives at her back and an empty quiver for her arrows at her side. The long green attire she bore across her strong and athletic frame bristling in the rising sunlight. Her elvish features on prominent display. She, without taking notice of Obi-Wan's observation turned her head to the south. Her eyes narrowed, but she turned away. Obi-Wan cocking his brow.

"Something bothering you, my Lady?"

"The sea." A moment passed of confusion. Then, Obi-Wan's memory fluttered with what was told to him regarding the elves and the call of the sea. He hummed his understanding, nodding as he did.

"I assume you've heard its call?"

"Yes...though, not quite so deeply as I would have thought."

"Legolas once told me of how the elves are drawn beyond the sea. The call of distant Valinor, no?"

"Correct." She nodded.

"But, the Woodland Elves are not quite as familiar with the call. Your people never made that trek."

"You have a good memory, Master Kenobi. My Lord Legolas taught you well."

"Well…" Obi-Wan shrugged. "He and Gandalf. I like to think I have a knack for cultures, histories and what I'm sure Anakin would call 'factoids' nobody else cares about. Though, what he really means is that he doesn't care about."

"Ah, I see." She beamed a smile. Her face lightning up. Obi-Wan assuming some of that natural elvish light just outside of the eye's ability to truly see fluttered through his senses. Through the Force. She chuckled again and sighed. Her hands finding one another within her lap as her thumbs wrestled against one another.

"Is that all that bothers you?" Obi-Wan pressed gently. Feeling a general disquieted ebb flow off the elf through the Force. The natural ability of their people to be stoic in spirit as well in being still impressed the Jedi Master. Though, Tauriel wagged her head thoughtfully before she replied.

"I suppose I am wondering where I belong?"

"What do you mean?"

"The sea calls to me, yes. But, I have an urge to roam the woodlands of my home still. To meet with Legolas in the colony he has formed within the lands of Ithilien here in Gondor. But…" She trailed off. Sounding almost embarrassed. Obi-Wan studied her expression as it shifted and her eyes turned from him. Then, he realized, and made an 'ah' or understanding.

"Your adventure into the wider galaxy." Obi-Wan stated. "You got a taste of the wider universe and now you think...maybe you can explore some more?" She shifted a little, but eventually did smile, nodding as she did.

"Something like that, Master Kenobi." She tilted her head upwards. "The stars tell stories of their own. This I have long known. The first lights the elves wandered under were those of the stars. To have stood upon your metal ships; unhappily mind you," Both chuckled to that. "To see what lay with the stars? Worlds! People and beings I could not have imagined! True, I have but seen one world made of far too much metal, and loud with...what did you call them? Engines?"

"Coruscant is an acquired taste." Obi-Wan answered her indirectly. "I myself have grown up there, but within the Temple. A refuge among the billions."

"Billions…" She repeated. "The number alone makes my head hurt."

"My Lady…" Obi-Wan began with a probing tone. His hands coming up from his lap to rest on either knee. "When you think of which way your heart and mind want you to go, which calls more strongly? The sea, the woods, or the stars?" Tauriel rolled her shoulders. Turning her head back up, and allowing her smile to return broadly. A wonderful sight, true and earnest happiness upon a face Obi-Wan could more often see the etchings of some unspoken prior pain.

"The stars, I think...I know." She self-corrected. "The stars speak to me, and I wish to see more! More worlds, more lands and peoples. But...it is not my place to demand that I be taken there. With all that has happened – myself involved in my own small way-"

"An important way, my Lady." Obi-Wan assured. Patting her leg gently, and retracting it quickly as to not linger and be discomforting. She seemed to take no issue and shrugged humbly.

"My point, Master Jedi, is it is not for me to demand I go where I am not freely offered. The sea calls, but I wonder; I dare to imagine even, that perhaps the Valar have gifted me time yet to see more."

"What if I were to offer you a...test?" Obi-Wan spoke quickly. Not allowing himself the chance to retract the offer. Even if he knew this wasn't strictly acceptable to the Order as the rules still stood. But, he allowed a very Anakin-esque impulse get the better of him.

Tauriel tilted her head. The long straight reddened hair, bristling like fire in the sunlight, fell across her right shoulder.

"A test?"

"A test." Obi-Wan nodded, and she studied him for a moment. But, straightened and seemed all the more intrigued.

"What test?"

"It would be easier if you just...follow my lead, my Lady. If you grow uncomfortable at any moment, or choose to not follow through there's no shame. Nor any obligation. But, I would like to see if you could meet my...expectations."

"Carefully chosen words, Master Jedi." She intuited. But, with a thin smile she nodded. "Proceed."

"Very well...please, close your eyes." Without question and clear trust, she did so. Adjusting her shoulders while her hands remained interlocked among one another.

"Good." Obi-Wan intoned. "Quiet your mind. Focus on the vision I craft." The Jedi Master closed his own eyes, and much as she had, Obi-Wan adjusted himself and sat upright. Delving into the Force, he projected the image, but did not force it upon her, nor her mind. Merely let his own thoughts travel without repression in all directions like a bubble about himself. His defensive walls thinning.

"There is a gentle stream of water, cool, and crisp. Flecks rise against rocks placed through a bend creating a mist that is dashed by sunlight through the forest canopy." He heard her exhale a breath. Doubtless she imagined such a stream from her homeland, of 'Mirkwood,' as Obi-Wan remembered. "The stream is the flow of the universe. The stars. The land about appears disconnected, but it is not. The grass thrives around it. The winds flow and turn the waters as they spray the air. The many lifeforms about drink the waters. That water is then carried across the forest within all those things, both above water, on ground, and within. The rains come, gray skies rumble gently and the water droplets cascade as a pelting orchestral symphony. New sounds...water falling from the sky dashing against the stream, droplets patting leaves and trees or across boulder stones. It replenishes the stream. It fills dry inclines of the earth and makes it muddy. Where within life shall find cool respite on a hot day to come." Obi-Wan continued. Stretching out the vision and gently tapping his mind upon hers. He could sense Tauriel tilt her head. Perhaps a flash of his own thoughts? Obi-Wan pressed forward.

"The stream is the flow of the universe. It proceeds forward. That is how we perceive it. Yet, some may see it another way. The rain waters refill it. That is the cycle of life. The union of replenishment, renewal, rebirth and reclamation – with that of flow. The unending. The continuous light. The beating heart of the Force. The forest is not a forest." Obi-Wan's voice dipped low. So low as to be nearly unheard. Until he ceased talking, and only spoke from his thoughts.

"The forest is everything. The Force nourishes it. It wanes, it dies, and it begins again. The stream continues to flow. Water rises, it fades, and floods. The cycle continues. Luminous are all things that have life. From blade of grass to us upon this stone. Crude matter, flesh and blood, this is just temporary. We are temporary. But, what we do can brighten that light, or burden it with darkness – dry the river. Until, regardless of our desires it refills and flows once more."

"How are you doing that?" Obi-Wan heard her ask, and he opened his eyes. Her eyes were opened too and she was staring at him with quizzical brow dipped low. Nearly a frown, but more confusion. Perhaps even, shock?

"You spoke, but not with your mouth."

"I did." Obi-Wan smiled. "Those were my surface thoughts. Opened up to you through the Force. You heard every word I said?"

"I...I think so?"

"Then...you were able to hear me through the Force." Obi-Wan plainly told her. For a long and quiet moment her brow remained furrowed. Her eyes darting back and forth in thought. Before she closed them and seemed to attempt to 'hear' more. Though, Obi-Wan could only feel her mind wildly probing.

"I can...do what you can do? You and the other Jedi?" Her eyes opened again.

"It is possible, yes." Obi-Wan nodded. "I first felt what I thought to be affinity for the Force while we had our little sparring match in the Temple. I didn't make mention of it for various reasons. One of which is that the Jedi Order does not train anyone once they've passed a certain age."

"Oh...I see." Tauriel quietly contemplated.

"Well...among other reasons, my Lady. The Council was to be told more pointedly about my discovery. But...everything else happened so quickly. It is not so simple, you must understand." He leaned forward. "The Jedi have...right or wrong denied training older persons for various reasons. The belief being that training a person young can more easily acclimate one towards a life like that of a Jedi. The Order does not have a monopoly on the Force, though. There are other orders and sects."

"The...Sith?" She repeated and bore a nearly insulted expression. Though, Obi-Wan refuted with a warm smile. Running is right hand up through his beard.

"My Lady if you were to become a Sith I very much fear for the universe! I have seen your natural talent. Plus, your presence, like all elves within the Force, is quite prominent."

"Dare you say, I could become 'Queen of the Stars?'" For just a moment, Obi-Wan was concerned. But, the glint in her eyes, the upward tilt of her chin in haughty over-expression, and then the grin upon her face made him mirror it. A chortle coming up from his throat.

"A fitting and terrifying thought!" Both laughed and let the mood carry. Finally quieting and shoulders slumping as she mulled his words over.

"Yet," She began. "You've showed me I can use the Force."

"I have."

"Is that not-"

"It is." Obi-Wan cut her off. His smile remaining. "I do not know where my Order is headed, Tauriel." He sighed. Leaning forward and bringing his hands together in his lap. Eyes disconnecting from hers, and furrowing in thoughtful contemplation.

"The war changed us. Not for the...better. Anakin has helped the Order see things more clearly. Not without the Purge, and the death of thousands as well. Our destruction nearly assured but for the actions of a few. I daresay I feel as though I have played a small near insignificant part."

"If the part I played was not insignificant, Master Jedi, certainly yours was anything but!" Tauriel's expression hardened. "I know what you did, and the part you played. I understand...not quite everything about your galaxy, and Republic, but I know you did what only the best man in your position could have done. For your friends, your Republic and your Order."

"That's very kind of you, my Lady."

"Tauriel." She offered firmly. "Please."

"Obi-Wan, then."

"If I must." She feigned a sigh, and both laughed once again. A small silence falling until Obi-Wan continued.

"What I suppose I mean to say, is that the Jedi are about to change. This much is obvious. Whether for better or worse, I don't know. Though I certainly believe for the better. Optimism or just a feeling. With the Force, one learns to trust their feelings. Or...the Jedi should remember to."

"Sounds like a good doctrine to me." She agreed. "But, what does that have to do with me?"

"To be honest? I am unsure. But, you deserve to know what strength you and your people may have within them. Perhaps not all, but certainly some. I cannot offer to teach you as my Padawan, or my student. But, what I can offer is to show you some of the rudimentary aspects of the Force, if you desire it? And, who knows?" Obi-Wan smiled thinly. "There may be reason yet to show you more of the galaxy. Jedi ruins, ancient places of power with the Force. Great grassy fields under vast blue skies, and forests teeming with life."

"Tempting, Obi-Wan." Tauriel bowed her head. The long strands of her hair covering her brow, and forcing her to sweep them back behind her head. "I accept your offer, graciously."

Obi-Wan nodded. Mostly to himself. Was he breaking the 'rules' as they were? Was he going against the Code, by offering someone who wasn't a Jedi the chance to feel and experience the Force? Especially without any committal or official place within the Jedi Order itself? Yes...yes he was. Yet, Obi-Wan, felt within him that – though the Order had its reasons and he agreed with them more often than not, it was perhaps ill thought out to deny those who could feel and wanted to feel the Force, the chance to do so. Under careful watch, supervision and guidance of course. In that way...he felt...well, he didn't know. Maybe a little closer to Qui-Gon? A little clearer headed and minded on the Living Force. He didn't know, and wasn't sure. But, he certainly liked to think he was.

"Obi-Wan?" Tauriel questioned. Her hand reaching out and planting cool, but lively fingers atop his interwoven fingers. He cast her a look. Coming to the awareness he had been ruminating with distant manner and distant presence. Both in body and mind. She tilted her head quizzically, and Obi-Wan was sure to cast a warm smile through his bearded features. Causing her to mirror the expression.

"Forgive me, Tauriel. I was lost in my thoughts."

"Nothing to forgive." She pulled away. He took a long draw of breath. There was time yet before he and Anakin would meet with Aragorn and then take the hobbits back to their home in the, long yet unseen northwest of Middle-Earth.

"Care to meditate with me?" Obi-Wan offered. "Start slow. Calm and clear the mind. Travel where the darkness of unwanted thoughts take us and confront them. As well as bask in the warmth of peace, quiet...the contemplative calm."

"I'd like that very much." She bowed her head again. Both returning to silence. Eyes shutting. Minds traveling to distant lands and thoughts, and joining gently in probing actions. Testing the waters.

The Force bloomed, and it was good.

Taruk Koll had managed to slip his way out of Minas Tirith under the guise of conducting a diplomatic mission on behalf of the Republic. A notice would be made back on Coruscant, compliments of the Lady Arsuna Sipillona and what strings or power she had within the Diplomatic Services. The LAAT gunship had picked him up, and Koll had been flown southward. Supposedly on a mission to establish basic ties with the peoples there and the Republic. Giving name of the government if nothing else. Of course, that was just the cover.

In truth, Koll had the LAAT push south and then fly alongside what he knew to be the southern range of the Mountains of Shadow. The two long lines of mountains that formed a great 'L' also went known as the Ephel Dúath. From what language? Taruk didn't know. What mattered today, what made his heart pound in his ears all the prior night until the morning – was what his task was.

The LAAT had come to a stop at the furthest eastern reaches of the mountain range. Upon the opposing side of the mountains lay the great western gap and entryway into the land of Mordor. The great territory of boogeymen as Taruk had been told as much time and time again while within Minas Tirith.

Regardless, the land that Taruk stepped out onto was a vast desert plain. Not quite dunes like the seas of Tatooine or other worthless deserts of the galaxy, but more like a savanna. Shrubs of tangling vines bristled in the beating hot sun that loomed above. Cacti of some kind or fashion were seen sparsely, thorn laden and precarious. Which made Taruk pull his flowing robes tighter around his legs. He didn't want to get caught on one of the smaller variances.

The land was solid and luckily without sandpits. His feet did not sink into sand, but with each whirl of wind from across the plain dusty flecks would be churned and thrown up. While, if he cast his eyes towards the quite unknown and vast south, he saw in the far distance rising hills and shimmering streaks of heat. There it would seem the land slowly gave way to a desert. Though he wasn't quite ready to march headlong into the Harad lands beyond. Today was a day for the east, and Rhûn.

Taruk had bid the clones who transported him goodbye. They were to return to orbit. It made life easier that way. The Jedi and the clones being essentially sundered from one another that is. The clones were given no clue as to what all the ships in the Pelennor field were, and the Jedi would not want to know why an LAAT had come to Minas Tirith. The fewer questions asked, the better.

All the same, the ship retreated into space and back under the command of Captain Maesters. Taruk had his comlink on hand, and could always make an emergency call if he needed it. Though, even as the clones watched him, confusedly no doubt, trek forward across an empty and lifeless landscape, Taruk knew he would meet men here. Prince Amathir had made sure to send word many days before. Though the travel would have been long and taken weeks, the use of carrier birds and the spies; now made agents of duplicity, that Amathir had in the south and east shrunk such time down immensely. The Prince, of course could not come. Whispers and his own thoughts of being followed or watched abounded in their discreet interactions. So, Taruk would have to do this alone.

Taruk mumbled words unheard even to himself. Slight utterances of sound from his mouth as he repeated the phrase Lady Sipillona had given him. As well as his own prepared words for his upcoming meeting. He stood in the loneliness of the savanna. Feeling the burning scald of the daylight make the strands of his hair hot. The sound of some type of insects abounded. Not overwhelming, but present. Long droning sounds inter-cut with what sounded like a small bird. Hunting for a feast of insects undoubtedly. All while Taruk tilted his body around and stared up at the far rising mountains beside him. So vast and so high...tall and dark. Imposing like jagged teeth reaching toward the local sun.

He felt his throat swallow. Both drying quickly from the heat, and some unknown unease trembling within the core of his very guts. He plucked the canteen at his right and unscrewed the cap. Chugging three heaving gulps of water. Sighing after as he heard something to his left, toward the east. He turned suddenly, quickly. Water dripping down his chin, which he rubbed away. Capping and letting the canteen fall he waited. His cheeks burning in anxious anticipation and his left hand descending into the folds of his robes. Where within lay hidden a single blaster pistol. He clutched it tight and felt his body buzz.

Until, at last, come around the turn of the mountains towards the great gap, and seeming to appear from the heated streams that rose about the air like a mirage, five horses with riders appeared. All of whom trotted without any great speed towards him. Taruk relaxed himself presently, but kept his hands hidden within the folds of his robes.

The riders, three of whom bore no coverings or masks approached with squinted eyes. Boring down upon Taruk as they brought their horses to a sudden stop feet away. The nostrils of the beasts heaved and sighed while their riders remained unspoken. Their appearances were not exactly what Taruk had expected, but he had not been sure what he had been expecting at all. Skin of a fair, if slightly olive or brownish tinge. Their eyes were more like the people of Kuat. Almond and squinted, though more presently by the daylight sun. The deeply set browns of the eyes pierced through Taruk, but he forced a kindly smile across his features. All of them sported thin blackened strands along the tops of their mouths, they seemed young, but already grizzled. One of whom sported slight stubble along his chin setting him apart from the other two.

Nonetheless, Taruk took note of the thin garb across their bodies. Armor of what appeared hardened leather over simple cloth shirts of the same yellowish-cream variety. Swords sheathed across the sides of their mounts, while, more prominently, there was seen a tightly strung bow that shook back and forth along the backs of the riders. Smaller than Taruk would've thought, but then, he wasn't an expert on this...quaint style of war. Finally, as the last two men approached, Taruk took note of the many satchels filled with arrows along the sides of the horses. Not enough to be cumbersome, but undoubtedly more than four dozen.

"Hail, Davok Nell!" One of the other two approaching men cried out. Taruk recalled the name he had been using since he had met with Lady Amdirniel in Umbar. His correspondences were using that name alone. The people he had made contact with through Amathir and Amdirniel were also supplied that name. Though, in this case, Taruk also recognized the voice. The same man who had met and led both he and Prince Amathir through Umbar and to Amdirniel's residence through the underground passages.

He still bore cloth robed across his face, and his skin peeking from under the scarf was just a bit fairer, or closely akin to what Taruk had come to expect from the men of Gondor. He also bore an ease of the 'Westron' tongue. His cloth was still like that of Umbar. Simple dark tunic, and scarfs across his body, a long sword and bow unlike those of his fellows. He had a more welcoming and familiar demeanor that ease Taruk slightly.

"Ah, forgive me, I had not caught your name when we last met?"

"Kaludir, my Lord." The man simply supplied...and Taruk received the distinct impression that was likely not his real name. But, then who was he to ask, or judge? Taruk smiled and bowed his head in greeting.

"A welcome sight and sound to see you, Kaludir. Our mutual friend had not made reference to your presence at this meeting."

"My Lord Prince is wise to keep my presence to a minimum within any form of correspondence. The eyes of the White Tower seek to look far once more since the fall of the Black Tower. And, consider me well versed in these parts and lands, my lord Nell."

"I can see that." Taruk nodded. Slowly observing the man with Kaludir. Silent like the other three, wearing a scarf over his face, but elongated. Running down over his chin and disappearing into his armor with a long flowing cape of it that whirled about the winds. Dark red in color, while an emblem was woven into his leather brown; almost seeming like bark, armor. That of what seemed a crude stick-figure. Lines like arms jutted in either direction across his chest. A line lead up to a circular head, while what seemed to be plucked feathers of...a hawk, perhaps – they were interwoven into the armor under the arms. Two on either 'arm' that flowed with the wind, but did not dislodge. The body, the central line fell down, and met an arch. That seemed to be the legs of the stick-being. What importance? Taruk couldn't say, but would not ask for now. If ever if the moment did not present itself.

"May I present our guide." Kaludir began. "Halugu. Emissary of his Eminence, and Grand Protector of the Golden Throne, Ganghûthil." Kaludir finished, and the Emissary bowed his head gently.

"An honor to meet a representative of a most esteemed man. From what I have been told." Taruk bowed his head back.

"My Lord Ganghûthil has only agreed to this meeting because word reached him of Lady Amdirniel's good word." The rasping voice of Halugu began. Accented, but well enough with Westron for Taruk to understand. "The Lady of Umbar is well known among the circles of power in the east. As is her child. Word reaches even the Eternal Palace of Mahalmion's exploits. Your presence is allowed thus, by their good graces and well earned victories."

"Then I am all the more pleased to have met them and promised alliance with them." Taruk gently reminded. Unperturbed by the disinterested temperament of the man.

"Hmm." Halugu grumbled. He turned about and then continued. Eyes returning to Taruk. "Our trip shall last several days. Are you prepared for such a ride?"

"I'm prepared and accounted for, my good sir. My people, will be most displeased should I be gone longer then a week. Seven days your time."

"I see." Halugu nodded. "You brought no horse?" To that Taruk suddenly realized...they had not brought one fro him.

"Ah...no, I have not."

"In these parts a horse is essential. You live and die by one, Lord Nell. Given option between water and a horse, any man worth his measure will pick the horse."

"Forgive me. I am a fool in that regard." Taruk bore a mirthless smile.

"I shall lend him seat upon my horse." Kaludir offered and jumped down. "Come my Lord, we will have to ride together." He presented his hand and Taruk finally released the blaster pistol within his robes. Finding the idea of sharing one of these beasts...more than discomforting. Their stink already filled the air around him. An LAAT could have gotten him to...wherever this 'Eternal Palace' was! Alas, all Taruk could do was bow his head thankfully and take the helping hand of Amathir's man onto his horse. The beast grumbling as both he and the Kaludir, far too close at Taruk's back, jumped back onto the, luckily strong, steed's back.

Halugu made a throaty sound that came as a shout! The three other men all began to move back in the direction that had come. Further, and further into the vast unknown east. Even on maps, hardly known or drawn upon them by the people of Gondor. In many ways, Taruk was going to places people on this world had never gone. At least not those west of the Anduin river. It took a man from an entirely different planet. Quaint, he thought.

"We ride for four hours, my Lord." Kaludir spoke lowly. "Then we break at continuing intervals."

"Understood. My thanks."

Halugu trotted his own steed near. The beast, a white but unkind looking beast with dark blonde locks. The man eyed the two strangers up and down, though one stranger than ever the other. Before he passed a scoffing laugh.

"Welcome to what those in the West call Khand! My Lord Davok Nell." He snapped the reins of his horse and it began to dash ahead. Taruk passed his companion a look. To which Kaludir shook his head. Silently bidding Taruk think nothing of it. Before he too pushed his horse forward. And through the savanna's dust the six men pushed east.

L's Note: Glad to see you're all caught up and appreciated the previous chapter's title, Huan. :)

No getting jealous, Archon! All reviewers are welcomed and appreciated! Lord Kun thanks you two and ALL others. Forgive me for being lazy as I upload this and not listing you all out again, but YOU all know who you are!

Oh, and newboy, funny you should mention a galaxy map. I have one prepared! :D I will be sharing it when the time demands it. Going forward more will be changed/added to it as necessary as galactic politics change.

As usual, if anyone notices any egregious grammatical errors, let me know and I will try and fix them ASAP. Please review if you can, it helps give Lord Kun his inspiration knowing there are people devoted to his silly little story. His words not mine. ;P

Till the next!

-L

Edit Note: Edited/Updated 09/12/2023