House Elendil's reply
Valandil collected his thoughts. Of course House Elendil would honour Huthorin's request!, This is part of a Great houses responsibility, after all. To answer request's for aide from, not only allied peoples, but the common, everyday people who needed their assistance. Elendil's idea was that there should be none in great need of the basics necessary to life, food and shelter. If nothing else, a man could enlist in the military forces, so collect the dues of a soldier. There weren't enough people in Middle Earth, Valandil reflected. vast area's were uncivilized wilds. Only a few roads had been built, nothing more than paths, often enough. Now Valandil turned his thoughts to the recent happenings. Was there a connection between the messengers actions and the dwarves report of war? And who was involved? What reason for war, any war? That's a simple one. thought Valandil. Some one wanted what some else had! Who? He could only see one way to answer that, ride! Now to make answer to this dwarves request in a manner befitting a great house. The initial answer was simple. Valandil had been taught that, in matters of state craft such an answer should be made in the high speech of Numenor. The room full of people waited for Valandil's answer, he pushed back his chair and rose to his feet.
"Valandil, Prince and Heir to House Elendil" Valandil said with a courteous bow to the dwarf by way of introduction. Valandil continued. "What new power arises? The Witch-King has long been smote to mortal ruin in the North, and the East has host the fall of Barad-Dur a few short years ago! Aye. House Elendil stands ready to assist how it may. Though the seat of power is far from here, in Minas Anor and Ithilien, I will do what I may! My house here, has few soldiers. No more than a company. But we will assist you as we might. I personally will ride to High Pass, to see what might be done. Messengers will be sent to your King, if you wish, and also to Minas Anor." replied Valandil, meeting the dwarf's eyes.
"That is well," replied the dwarf, "your answer honors your Fathers and vows of old." Valandil nodded and returned to his seat. Now, Master Elrond rose, Since he already had met the dwarf, no introduction was necessary. "My house, also stands with yours, Prince Valandil," he stated, facing Valandil. Elrond then turned to Huthorin and said. "And by your people, Huthorin. Orcs and Rock Trolls so near to the civilized lands affects our three races. Gondor is far off and would be most of two turns of the moon to send a message and receive reply," this, with Prince Valandil's agreement, my house will undertake." Valandil nodded agreement. "So it falls to us to make do of this situation. Now, let us make what plans we might."
Plans within plans
It was just before first light when Valandil left his apartments. Last night the Captains had been sent to check men and equipment. They were to make their reports this morning. A group of horsemen would leave as soon as possible, to try to scout the situation. Only so many horses were available, the men of this land were more used to their feet, than horseback, and could make eight leagues a day fully loaded, in no hurry, twelve leagues a day for a short over all march. This march would be a long one, so perhaps ten would be acceptable. One thing in their favour were the wains could be pulled by horses, instead of by hand, Elrond had some large work animals in his stables.
Valandil's men totaled a weak company. Elrond had four full companies that could be called up in a couple days time. Last night Elrond had wanted to take all these elves with them. Valandil wanted men and elves to share the risk equally, so had requested that Elrond match his men with an equal number of elves. That hadn't really been settled, Valandil expected to hear more from him about it. Valandil knew what Elrond thought of the strengths and weaknesses of men in general, and Isildur's personal will power. He, Valandil knew it wasn't much. Not after a long and bloody war to win the One Ring of Power, then stand at the brink of Orodruin and refuse to throw it in, claiming it for himself. And which had at the least contributed to his overconfidence, allowing his downfall. Regardless of what anyone thought, Valandil still thought highly of his father. He suffered none to speak ill of him in his presence.
Speaking of Elrond, he was sitting, or waiting (probably for Valandil) on a bench near the hall of council. Valandil nodded and smiled tightly.
"Good Morn, Elder Elrond" Valandil greeted Elrond as he approached. Valandil knew he was going to have to watch how he handled this encounter, he knew that their relationship was going to change, had already begun to, in fact. Valandil was going to have to assert himself from now on. Use of titles were a large part of this, he needed to make his position clear to one and all who's house this was, Elrond's of course and who the Prince of Arnor was and the difference between the two. Valandil had absolutely no intention of usurping Elrond's place, especially in his own house, but wouldn't be either puppet or step, at the same time.
Though one couldn't tell by looking, Elrond noticed the different greeting right off. Perhaps he was going to try to sit hard on Valandil. Valandil sat on the bench next to Elrond. Better to get it out and over! thought Valandil. They needed to be allies in the coming weeks.
"Well met and Good Morn, Young Prince". It seems Elrond thought a return shot was called for! 'Young Prince' indeed! Elrond was usually quite careful addressing Valandil, especially so since he had come to age! "I'm glad we have this chance to meet privately, there are high matters of which to speak!" The tension was palpable. "I would like to call attention to your 'message' from King Meneldil." Blind sided! I wasn't thinking of that. Thought Valandil. Quickly, before Elrond could continue, but not so that he seemed rude, Valandil spoke.
"I have spent much time on this matter. It seems to me that King Meneldil has a large realm, and knowing him some what, I don't believe that his message would be murder. I would've expected mayhap an invitation of a kind. Not an attempt to eliminate. I know not what to think of the event. I find it puzzling at the least. Effort must be made to answer this riddle. I must, at some point go to Minas Anor, but the current crisis must be dealt with firstly!"
"I believe you may have the right of it." Replied Elrond. "This message needs be answered at some future point. Perhaps, that would be your most pressing issue? I myself, would undertake to lead this host to the Northern Misty's. Then thou could travel to Minas Anor, for the enmity of Kings is no small thing! Failing that, travel to the pass with the host, then cross over and travel down the great Anduin, to Minas Anor. A report of the happenings there, could be made, in person, to the King, and the setting to rights of his message! I would council taking senior retainers of your house, as well."
Valandil made reply. "I feel most strongly that my travel to Minas Anor would be laying aside my responsibility as Prince of Arnor! When one, no matter of race or creed, comes to me for aide I may not step aside or put back an answer! Or deed. My personal feelings and relationships must be set aside, until the crisis is abetted. Then may I follow my own volition." The sky to the East was lightening.
Elrond's reply was a few moments in coming, as he looked over the new day. "It seems you have learned well your duties. I mean no insult, but I must speak plainly! You are young and inexperienced in matters pertaining to war and strategy. I feel a more experienced leader is needed, to pursue this matter to it's successful conclusion!"
"I know you have thoughts and feelings of this nature. Mayhap, I even perhaps know somewhat of your reasoning. My father betrayed your trust in claiming the ring! I am not my father! I would destroy it, if I had the chance! All who touch or come upon it are tested, but they do not hate! Nay! It has taken my Father, and brothers with him! My hate for this evil knows no bounds or limits!" spoke Valandil becoming louder, passion jerking him to his feet, as his anger at the cause of his great loss came over him. Taking a deep, settling breath, his anger eased, face smoothing once more. He sat down once more.
"Let not your hate of this thing, or he who made it, rule your actions. Do not blame your father for what he could not control. Do not blame myself for not stopping him, I tried! In times of stress and action, cool heads must reign. Keep your hate, but let it not over rule the sense 'The One' the one has granted you in this life." Said Elrond.
They sat, lost in thought for a few minutes. The sun wove fingers of deep colour through the tree's outside of the valley as the upper edge started to come up to the horizon, the sky showed no clouds. Golden light started to fill the valley.
Elrond turned to Valandil on the bench, and put his hand on his shoulder, smiling a bit. "You have been as a son to me. I was glad to take on your wardship, for as you know, your father and I were great friends and comrades. It has been exciting and rewarding to watch you learn and grow. The people of both our houses have great respect for you. You are a young man, strong, hale and proud. But, thought Valandil.
But, perhaps, this situation calls for more experience and wisdom in a leader." said Elrond. Valandil offered a small smile and turned to watch the sunrise. He was quiet with his thoughts, is this the last quiet before the storm? He turned back to Elrond, for the first time , he addressed him as "Uncle, always I have heeded your council, now I have reached a crossroad, I must take up the mantle of my destiny, I must follow in the steps of my Fathers! I must use the skills I have learned. Huthorin came here and to my face asked directly for my help. I will lead my men, be it folly or no. I would like, Nay! Need your backing and council, as well as an Elven army to march with us. But only the same number as I have men." He turned then, and the full golden glory of the sunrise washed over them.
Finally Elrond stood, "Prince Valandil, I must away to prepare for the council, perhaps some thought will bring new sight for both of us." Elrond turned away, then stopped and turned back.
"You begin to remind me of your Grandfather, Elendil, perhaps my greatest friend. He would be proud of you this day, I believe." Elrond smiled a sad smile, Valandil was gazing into the sunrise and didn't see the love in his eyes. Then the memory of Isildur at the heart of Orodruin claiming the ring washed through him like a filthy tide of black water. His love and peace of spirit fell away like ashes. He turned and walked away. He didn't want to recognize the tears that had started rolling down his former ward's cheeks.
I'm crying thought Valandil. He watched his tears splatter on the cobbles at his feet. To be compared to his Grandfather was probably the greatest thing Elrond could ever say to him. By the One! his own emotions were like trying to ride a dragon in flight! So many things sad in this life, great victory and great loss. No stress and no pressure would indeed be a welcome event! The release of tears brought relief so great that tons of rubble seemed to slide away from his shoulders. After awhile, he wiped his eyes. Someone approached from the direction Elrond had gone. The soft sound of slippered feet came to him, he knew his Mother's steps anywhere. She took the situation in at a glance, the tear tracks and red eyes apparent to her. Granting him space to grow, like mothers everywhere she sat on the opposite end of the bench and spoke not for a long time. They watched the new day together in silence.
Elrond's worries
Elrond walked deep in thought as he made his way to the council room. Now the glory of the new day was lost to him. He'd lived a long time, and would live much longer unless he met with an accident or fell in some battle. The House of Elendil had raised all fine warriors, honest, straight forward men of their word. Except. Isildur, claiming the One Ring. The one black spot on his, Isildur's, and the house's history. Elrond could still feel the despair and sadness in his heart, still see it like yesterday. Back lit by Mount Doom's lurid, ruddy, river of fire, the madness on his face, reflected in his eyes as the One Ring whelmed him over. It still took his breath away, blew through his soul and left him weak and light headed. He dreamed about it, most every night. And Elendil's fall, how that had hurt!, like losing more than a brother, like losing a kindred spirit.
He glanced down at his blue ring of power, 'Vilya', air, in man speech. Made by Celebrimbor and the Mirdain of Eregion in the middle of the second age. Held safe from Sauron by the great Elven King, Gil-Galad and for great service given to himself, Elrond.
Valandil is growing, if he survived this war, he'd probably be ready to assume his Kingship. Elrond hadthought that Elendil's line strong enough to resist any temptation, that had been proven wrong, of course. Now, as much as he cared about Valandil, he had serious doubts about him. But, after this morning, they were alleviated somewhat.
Not his strength of arms, or ability to lead or even his sharp mind, his power of will. It seemed all leaders had to face the beck of the One Ring, if his chance came what would he do with it? Elrond knew in his heart that he could allow no one to claim the ring, in front of him, again. He would smite them down! And destroy the evil thing himself! for he had had a chance to claim it, and had beaten it's call. But it was strong. Almost as strong as life itself!
A Mother's love
Lady Cathirwyn had watched in horror as her youngest son slew the King's messenger only a few feet in front of her. She'd seen the deadly grace and speed that marked the weapons work of the men of the line of Elendil. Obviously, he had it as well. She'd seen the shock on his face as the full import of his deed came through to him. First blooding on a royal messenger! King Meneldil wasn't going to take kindly to it. To think of ruination for her last son happening so young was more than she could bear, she'd had to escape the situation, and settle.
But after last night's surprising visitor and his story, she was wrung with worry for her house and all it's retainers as well. Valandil had made her proud, last night when he gave House Elendil's answer to the dwarf's request for aide. Now, he sat, after an emotional cleansing, seemingly at peace.
Had Elrond been at him about Commanding the armies? She thought it highly likely. She could tell Elrond didn't trust too easily, any more. Not after Isildur claimed the Ring. Elrond had much love in his heart for Valandil, she also knew that Elrond was like a trusted elder of House Elendil to Valandil. In time, she thought, would come trust and more respect between the two. Right now both couldn't see the forest for the trees! They'll be shooting more bolts at each other yet. She had had some things to say to Valandil, but changed her mind, she would show everyone that she had the utmost confidence in him, more so show him, but the time wasn't yet, but it was approaching rapidly. It had better be, the host would probably ride in a day or so at the most.
She rose to her feet and offered her hand to him, along with a radiant smile. Looking up, he grasped it, and returned her smile. "This will be a busy day my son, let us slake our thirsts and fill our bellies. Come away from your drear thoughts and feel the life of the morning!" He rose and took her arm, they moved off down the path.
The leaders were again present in the council chambers. House of Elendil in it's usual spot on the right. Huthorin sat midway on the left side. Elrond rose to begin, and spoke firstly to all assembled. "Good Morn. I trust that all have had what rest they may, for the elves will be prepared to march at the next sunrise." He now slanted a look to Valandil as he spoke. " Has anyone had further thought on who might lead our combined Host, small as it is? I do strongly believe that experience might well make the difference before our road comes to it's end."
A thundercloud came and sat on Valandil's brow, and he made as if to rise, before he could, the Lady Cathirwyn rose to speak. Pride in her son at war with the thought of her youngest leaving the security of Imladris; She made introduction of herself to the dwarf.
"Lady Cathirwyn, House of Elendil ." Huthorin nodded his respect, acknowledging her right to speak and her title. " Honored guest, My son, respected elders and leaders, I will not say again all the words spoken over the last years, of duty and responsibility, of heirs of House Elendil. Valandil, you have grown into a young Prince to make proud your father and his father before him. For me to let go is hard, but what must be, must be. The Eagle does indeed fledge and must away from the nest in it's own time! How other to rule the sky, to swoop on broad wings and learn to vie with enemies and so cast them and their works down. So for you as well, to grow to flower and bloom to the boldness of your fathers! Well have you learned your high lessons. Well have you learned the studied art of making war and commanding men. Your brothers too, came to this pass and your father before them. Your Grandsire had a House to build for all us. Now the time of your challenges lie before you. How then can I, or any of us, stand in your way longer when my heart speaks of your call to duty?"
Elrond didn't look happy but spoke no word. Valandil's look gave thanks to his mother. Now Huthorin stood and looked from Elrond to Valandil.
"Friends," he said with just the right emphasis and a pause to let it sink in, "It seems that Prince Valandil's time to stand forward, has come upon him. I, for one, have heard not but good from the retainers of Houses Elendil and the people of Rivendell concerning the Prince. I look forward to his company and leadership on the road ahead." Huthorin bowed to Valandil. Valandil returned a nod and grim smile. Elrond rose again, asking for the Captains final reports. The route of march was discussed and agreed upon. Agreement made also that they would leave on the morrow. None cared to gainsay Valandil's leadership, so it was that, finally, Prince Valandil would ride to war.
The High Pass
The sun approached it's zenith, warming considerably the late spring day. Around the company of travelers, Burgeoning new grass climbed from the last browns of winter and wild flowers of red, yellow and lavender reached for the cloudless blue over head. Brambles showed their red berries and trees threw shade in patches.
Huthorin had grown more quiet and withdrawn as the days had passed, continuously scanning the landscape, more so as they drew closer to High Pass. Though some men had never learned caution, to their downfall or had cast caution to the winds of change, others had learned from those mistakes.
Valandil's Captain, Gandemere, had set sentry post's every night, a practice that Valandil heartily agreed with. Hard had come that lesson at the cost of Valandil's family. On the right hand or East lay quickly climbing timbered ridges up to the snow capped peaks of the Misty Mountains. To the left hand lay the low rolling hills of Eastern Arnor, dotted with groves of trees, brambles and thickets. At the head of the Host rode Elrond, on the far left, Dournil, Valandil, Huthorin, and Gandemere on the far right. Behind came the army in four columns, Elves on the left and Men on the right, when possible. Captains and Lieutenants rode while the men at arms walked. Supply wains came behind. Elven scouts ranged ahead and to the sides, out of sight. Though drying from spring rains, the ground was wet enough for small splattering's of mud, which over a days ride, built upon the legs of horses and men and their gear, making necessary nightly cleanings and repairs. Dournil viewed this as a small addition to their company's evening's camps.
"Dryer would be somewhat better, but alas! the beasts step easier for it." Dournil observed. "Aye. At the least heavy rains lay behind us even as we left." replied Valandil, riding beside him. But small work for the hand provides some measure of relaxation to the mind and eye." Turning with a smile, on Valandil's right, Guard Captain Gandemere added "But less work is always well come to a soldier. For there is toil enough in the life of an ohtar. Also, fellowship of others of like mind."
"and the open road." Dournil.
"Stars in the even sky." Valandil.
"Let us not forgo mention of the great moon!" Gandemere.
"Nay! nor the wonders of the sun itself!" Valandil.
Companionable silence reined for a space; then, Dournil began the exchange again, low voiced, lost in memories, facing the horizon, "The distant baying of a beast of an eve."
"Deeds accomplished, great and small."
"Rest, after a hard day's labour."
"Good fare."
"Love."
"Peace...... But 'tis a bore 'ere long for one whose life ha' been riding and fighting, 'tis easier on thews and heart, mark you. Friends stay about longer seemingly." qualified Gandemere, his thoughts on past campaigns. "Memberance of those who have gone to Iluvatar's bosom before us allows life beyond their allotted time."
Valandil turned to his Captain, loss burned in his eye's like a signal beacon for a space , then; "Sometimes choices go awry, but men must ever strive for life, forsooth, the battle lies within as well as without! The hours of the day whiled away in such talk. Huthorin held on to his silence grimly.
Evening Camp
They camped that night on a rise, a few leagues from the mouth of High Pass, in an area of hills and vales, wooded low and rocky and wind swept high. Valandil stood out from the camp, in the dark, facing the pass, taking the measure of the night. A three quarters moon stood low on the horizon behind the peaks, backlighting the mountain peaks, making them seem to glow.
More to his right, directly into the peaks and valleys came the howling of a wolf, very distant. Steam from his cup of mulled, hot wine rose in a tantalizing column around his face, as he sipped it again, more of the pack answered the first wolf. Far to the North, strange flashes lit the peaks of the Misty Mountains. There was no knowing what might make these flashes, a storm? A dragon? Something completely unknown?
Valandil stewed over the messengers. What was the message and orders from King Meneldil? To eliminate him? Valandil shook his head again at the thought. He felt in his heart that some evil had befallen those two men. He promised their memories that he would learn as much of their fate as possible. He felt responsible for them somehow. Did they have wives and children? Parents and Grandparents? While Valandil thought most leaders didn't have time to worry over such things, direct blood relatives were extremely important to him, he didn't have any but his Mother. Family gatherings were quite small.
He found himself wishing for a way to communicate quickly with Meneldil. A palantir would be just the tool! There was one in Minas Ithil that belonged to his father. Perhaps after taking up the crown of Arnor, and building himself a hall, here, that one could be brought. Time. He knew much of Palantirs. They could only be safely used by the blood lines of Numenor! No others had the strength of will to command them! Madness would be the result of ones weakness. But now weariness of the long ride North began to steal over him.
Perhaps the morrow would bring some answers. Surely not all, though. But some. Valandil turned back to camp, nodding to the sentry as he passed, he thought over the camp arrangements and could find no fault. The tents stood in orderly array. Fires were kept burning for the sentries since wood was plentiful. They would probably be camped here for awhile, he reflected. The troops would be busy tomorrow, building defenses. Tomorrow he, Elrond, Gandemere, and Dournil, led by Huthorin would ride to investigate the pass area. Seeking answers.