Grandfather didn't seem to be in any hurry to
continue his journey, White Council or no. He admired
the children's Midsummer presents, especially the
model city of Minas Tirith. Heard all about the dream
that had prompted the gift and identified the black
sailed ships as belonging to the Corsairs of Umbar.

"And what would *we* be doing on Corsair ships?"
Hallam demanded disbelievingly.

"That I cannot say." Cirdan replied serenely,
smiled at his grandchildren. "But I do not doubt you
will have good reason for whatever you do."

Two days later the children discovered what their
Grandfather and Uncle had been waiting for when an
escort of twenty mounted Rangers, led by the son of
the Warden of the Angle *1, rode into the Valley to
protect the two Elven-lords on their journey.

"You are most welcome, Thorondil." Uncle told their
Captain on the terrace outside his library. "But
surely such a numerous company is excessive."

"I hope so," the Man answered, "but I fear not. It
seems the Orcs have opened up a new gate on the High
Pass. They seized Thorin Oakenshield and his company."

Estel, standing by with the other children, gasped
and Thorondil turned to smile reassuringly at him.
"Never fear, Dunadan, they escaped without harm thanks
to Gandalf and Gwaihir Windlord." Thorondil's family
had ancient ties with the Great Eagles and often got
both news and aid from them. *2

"And where is King Thorin's company now?" Elrond
asked in some concern.

"The Eagles dropped them on the banks of the
Anduin, Gandalf planned to get help from Beorn then
leave their company under the eaves of Mirkwood and
turn south to Lorien."
**********************************************

It was Elrohir who suggested including Hallam in
the travelling party that evening at diner. "He's done
well in his practice at arms and is old enough to see
something of war."

All five children stopped eating to stare at him,
Hallam hopeful the others indignant.

"I fear we will not get over the mountains without
battle and ambush." said Thorondil, smiled at his
young relative. "Still, I expect Halbarad's son can
take care of himself."

"We should be large enough a company to meet
whatever the Orcs have to send against us." Elladan
pointed out, looking at his father.

Elrond looked at Grandmother. The five children
watched with bated breath as Ellemir considered. "It
is not the custom of the Isildurioni to avoid danger."
she said at last. "I believe Halbarad, were he here,
would approve."

Hallam went red with suppressed excitement.

"What about the rest of us!" Estel burst out.

"We are not talking about a pleasure trip." Ellemir
said crisply. "Of you all only Hallam is grown enough
to bear a Man's arms."

"It would be folly to risk our Chieftain
unecessarily, Dunadan." Thorondil said kindly. "Or the
ladies." he added with a smile for the girls.

Meleth looked disgusted but Berya blushed pink and
stared at her plate.

"When you are grown you may adventure yourself as
you choose, Aragorn, but for now you will abide by our
judgment." Elrond said firmly.

"Yes, sir." Estel said, meek tone belied by his
rebellious face.
**********************************************

The three younger children were still a little
resentful as they watched Hallam ride out of the
Valley the next morning, along with Uncle,
Grandfather, the twins and the Rangers.

"What did I tell you," Estel grumbled to the
others, "Hallam and Berya are going to have *all* the
fun from now on."

"I'm not going either." Berya pointed out.

"You don't even want to, you'd miss your music
lessons." Meleth said disgustedly.

"Sure she does," Amin corrected, "if she can be
with Thorondil!"

Berya turned red as her gown. "What do you mean?"

"I saw him kiss your hand." said Amin.

"Oh, yecch!" from Estel.

"Ber-ya's in lo-ove!" Meleth sang.

"I am not! He was just being polite - to a *lady*
which is more than you'll ever be Region!" and with
that Berya flounced angrily away. *3
***********************************************

1. The Angle is the triangle of land between the
Mitheithel and the Bruinen rivers. One of the Warden's
chief duties is to keep the northern passes over the
Misty Mountains open.

2. Thorondil's name means 'Eagle Lover' which is also
the name of his House, the Sorondili, in Quenya. They
are descended from Manwendil, second son of Elros
Tar-Minyatur, and were Lords of Ondosto the
mountainous northern province of the island kingdom
where they befriended the Great Eagles who nested in
the high peaks. When Sauron was brought to Numenor by
Ar-Pharazon the Great Eagles abandoned the island and
the Sorondili followed them back to Middle-Earth,
settling in a dale at the foot of the Misty Mountains.

3. As a matter of fact she is, or starting to be,
Thorondil is her future husband.