Stories of Arda - Lord of the Rings Fan-Fiction Archive

Imrahil leaned back and closed his eyes, allowing his body to float in the warm water. Although his days were not so taxing as they had been six years ago, he still enjoyed the comforts of his private bath, especially with the grey winter lingering outside. The water was infused with invigorating oils and salts, new luxuries provided by those Rhûnish caravans which had resumed trade with the west.

His only complaint was that his lady love was not present to join him. After several months spent visiting their daughter in Rohan, Nerdanel was due back in a matter of hours, a thought which made him giddy with anticipation even after all their years together. If all went as planned she would be arriving with an intriguing royal escort from the far reaches of the north.

This new era of peace had fundamentally changed the world as they had known it. Many things which had lain hidden for centuries were now drawn to King Elessar’s Gondor, many wondrous races and peoples who had been almost forgotten or entirely unknown in the south. It was an incredible thing to witness. It was legend brought to life. This had never been so evident as it would be next month at the New Year’s festival Elessar had envisioned.

“Nothing we cannot weather,” Elphir assured him. “On that score, I have a message from Captain Azruben. Apparently his crew managed to spear a grand shark, and he wants to know if we wish to buy a portion for this evening.”

“We shall have it whole; it would not be a proper feast without a shark.” The head would be especially impressive as a table dressing.

Imrahil’s pleasant expression became a baleful frown. “That man would cheat even the Valar themselves,” he said. “He knows we cannot but accept, considering the mighty guests we are entertaining tonight. Give the rogue his price, but let it be known we will be seeking our shark elsewhere in future.”

“Are all the other preparations underway?” Imrahil asked. His bath water was becoming tepid, and it was time to get on with the important business of the day.

“Already done, sir. The hall is being decked as we speak, and the kitchens will have their best clam stew standing ready when they arrive.”

Imrahil nodded, satisfied. “There is nothing better after a cold ride from Edhelond,” he said. “See that there are hot baths prepared as well.”

Elphir smiled. “Stop fussing, Father,” he said. “We have not forgotten our manners.”

Imrahil sighed and returned the smile. “Bear with me,” he said. “We must all show our best faces today.”

Elphir left to continue overseeing preparations and Imrahil retired to his chambers to dress. He chose a tunic and cloak of heraldic blue and white with delicate silver embroidery. Ciryon, his manservant, stood quietly by with a simple silver diadem bearing a single perfect pearl.

“Thank you,” Imrahil said absently as Ciryon set the diadem on his brow. The reflection which gazed back at him was aging, but still hale and proud. The War of the Ring was now six years past, and in the midst of their miraculous victory life had never seemed so good.

There was little left for him to do but wait. Pacing through the vaulted terraces of their cliffside palace, Imrahil gazed out at the sea below, anticipating the coming holiday. This year the annual victory feast at Cormallen would rival even Elessar’s coronation for splendor. Money was flowing freely all throughout Gondor as the hoards of Mordor were emptied, and no expense had been spared. Representatives of all the victorious peoples of Middle-earth had been invited, and the response had been enthusiastic. Traveling parties had already been arriving in Gondor for weeks from all corners of the reunited kingdom and beyond.

Just as thin flurries of snow began swirling in the wind, the silver trumpets sounded at the gates of the city. From his balcony, Imrahil could make out the small party of travelers riding behind an escort of Swan Knights. Besides his beloved Nerdanel on her dappled mare, one of their guests was well-known to him, and he could not help but smile at the familiar figure of Legolas the Elf on his beloved Rohirric stallion. The other was a welcome stranger, and the sight of him filled the Prince of Dol Amroth with a measure of childlike excitement.

Imrahil descended through the heart of the palace to the front doors, stepping out into the cold to take his place at the top of the grand stairway with his sons and the attendants of his household. The frosty wind whipped the banners along the causeway into a frenzy, but the ranks of Swan Knights on either side stood as immovable as stone.

Amrothos appeared at his side, his third son, panting after a brief sprint through corridor. “Do you think he will be anything like the old stories say he is?” he asked with a wry smile.

“I think it may be best not to mention the old stories at all,” Imrahil replied, remembering how those tales had paled in comparison to the Lords of Rivendell and Lothlórien when they had appeared in Gondor six years ago. Now even they had gone forever from the world of Men, leaving only one, the last Elven king in Middle-earth.

“Nerdanel, Princess of Belfalas and Lady of Dol Amroth,” the herald announced as the party dismounted. “Legolas of the Nine Walkers of the Fellowship of the Ring, and Thranduil, Elvenking in the North of Eryn Lasgalen.”

Though he was announced last, Thranduil led the party as they climbed the stairs, followed closely by his companions and an honor guard of six Elves. He wore a sturdy but richly embroidered green tunic, a great wine-red cloak and a fearsome-looking wolf pelt on his shoulders. He was at once strange and familiar, as jarringly blond as Legolas. The air of danger about him was certainly less subtle than it had been around the other great Elven Lords, but any apprehension Imrahil may have felt was immediately dispelled by a smile so warm it banished even the cold for a moment.

“Hail and welcome to Dol Amroth, my lord!” Imrahil greeted him with a decorous nod of his head. “I only wish the weather might have been more hospitable.”

“Nothing could dampen my spirits today, Prince Imrahil,” Thranduil insisted, returning the formal nod before grasping his hand in a much more personable fashion. “Dol Amroth is well worth seeing even in the worst of weather. These, I assume, are your sons.”

“Indeed,” Imrahil said, finding his enthusiasm infectious. “Elphir, my eldest, Erchirion, and Amrothos.”

The Elvenking nodded, a casual approval that felt more sincere than mere pleasantry. “Three fine young men of whom their mother has told me a great deal. I hope we shall soon become better acquainted.”

“Nothing would please us more, my lord,” Imrahil assured him. “Legolas, welcome to you, as always! I trust the road from Edoras was not too taxing.”

“Not at all,” Legolas smiled as Nerdanel left his side to rejoin her husband. “You see, we have returned your lady wife, safe and sound.”

“Our thanks to you all,” Nerdanel smiled, taking Imrahil’s arm. “And now, if I am not mistaken, my lord husband has undoubtedly prepared some refreshment for you and will not detain you a moment longer in this wind.”

“Yes, please come inside, my lords,” Imrahil said. At a wave of his hand the heavy doors were swung wide. Grooms appeared to take charge of the horses. “Consider our home your own.”

He could not help but feel a swell of pride as the small entourage entered the grand reception hall with its gilded ceilings and long staircases. Everything was polished to perfection. Ancient royalty was walking his elaborately tiled and irreproachably clean floors. Elphir had done well.

“If you will forgive us our enthusiasm, my lords,” Imrahil apologized, “we have arranged a welcome banquet for you here tonight. I trust a few hours will be enough for you to refresh yourselves.”

“Quite,” Thranduil assured him, plainly accustomed to speaking for the group.

As his guests were let to their rooms, Imrahil turned once again to his wife. She looked a bit travel worn, but certainly none the worse for it. “I expect you are in want of some refreshment yourself,” he said.

“I expect no less, my lord,” she said in a playfully haughty voice. “What glorious luxuries have you prepared for me?”

“Only the best for you, my love.” Imrahil cradled her strong but slender form in his arm. “Come with me.”

They retired together to their private chambers. Imrahil dismissed Ciryon and Nerdanel’s maids, intending to enjoy these fleeting moments of intimacy before the evening truly began.

“How fares our daughter and her young family?” he asked when they were alone.

“Your daughter has gone completely native,” Nerdanel informed him as she began releasing the elegantly tooled clasps of her soiled traveling gown. “You know what a struggle it was at first, but Lothíriel was not overstating the truth when she wrote that she now adores all things Rohirric. Your granddaughter is naught but two years old, and already she has been taught to sit a horse.”

“Elfirien has the entire court besotted,” his wife confirmed. “It is well that she is blessed with a good nature, or else the indulgence would ruin her. She very much looks forward to seeing you and her uncles in Gondor very soon.”

“Perfectly charming,” Nerdanel smiled as he helped her out of her gown. “Regardless of the fashionable rumors Lord Baldor is bantering about, I may say that King Thranduil is some of the best company I have enjoyed in years, and I will not be sorry to know him better. He is not reserved or distant at all.”

“That was my initial impression,” Imrahil agreed, pulling the drawstring on her chemise and letting it fall to the floor.

“Legolas tells me his father is much changed since the war. Which is to say he is very much as he ever was, but free of the darkness which had become such a part of their lives.”

“You should have seen them bantering together on the road,” she said fondly, loosing her fantastic length of hair, “more like brothers than father and son. Has Elessar done anything about Baldor’s men yet?” she asked, her suddenly imperious tone betraying her disgust. “It will be mortifying if they have not been called to heel by the time Thranduil arrives in Minas Tirith.”

“I have no desire to talk about Baldor at the moment,” Imrahil insisted, running his hand along the curve of her hip. “My mind is more agreeably engaged.”

Four decades and four children later, he still never tired of looking at her. Fine lines had begun to form around her storm blue eyes as she aged, but it made her no less beautiful. She merely smiled. “As you wish, my lord.” She kissed him gently and then retreated to her bath, though not without an inviting glance back.

The time was drawing near. Imrahil left Nerdanel and her maids to prepare themselves for the reception. There was no great import riding on their performance that evening, but he still wanted everything to be as flawless and as grand as possible. It was not every day that he opened his home to a legendary Elven lord.

Considering his ancestry, cloaked in some amount of mystery though it was, the almost mythical Elven realms had always been of particular interest to him. As a boy he had learned by heart whatever ancient records were available on the subject in the archives of Gondor. The tale of Mithrellas, his Elvish foremother, had apparently already been familiar to Legolas when they met amid the destruction of the war. Before that day Imrahil had never seen an Elf in the flesh, and the majority of his countrymen had seemed content in the supposition that the age of the Elves was long past and that they might never be seen in Gondor again. Now that they had become almost commonplace, Imrahil was passionately interested in their ways, their customs, and their languages. He had already noted that Legolas’ dialect was subtly different from the scholarly Sindarin he had been taught as a boy, and realized that it must be an echo of his father’s Doriathrin, the purest and most formal Sindarin spoken in the First Age and at the dawn of Men. It staggered the mind. Now Thranduil himself had left his own wood for what was probably the first time in centuries and expected to be entertained. Imrahil was determined that he would not be disappointed.

He arrived in the great hall and was immediately pleased by what he saw. The white and grey stone walls were hung with the formal swan and seafaring banners. A small army of servants was preparing the long tables to display the variety of artfully crafted food the kitchens would soon present. The elegantly costumed minstrels were preparing their instruments. Rows of the finest beeswax candles were just being lit, bathing the room in a golden glow and a sweet, warm scent. A fire raged on the long hearth behind the Prince’s table, keeping the chill at bay. The finest silver plates were getting a final polish, the same that had been used by his grandfather’s grandfather. The shark was being carried in, the enormous head and fins used as display pieces around the platters of meat to be placed in between. No one stopped work to acknowledge him with more than a nod, instructed to be as efficient as possible.

At the far end of the room Imrahil saw Ciryon speaking with one of the Elves from their guests’ entourage. They had all looked fierce when they had arrived, but now that he had set aside his guardsman’s tunic for something a bit more formal, this one had the gentle look of one who did not habitually carry a sword. He looked up and offered a slight bow at Imrahil’s approach, but also an easy smile which spoke to his comfort around crowned heads.

“Good evening, my lord,” the dark Elf offered, straightening again. He had a striking pair of bluish green eyes. “If I may, allow me to congratulate you on keeping such a skilled and efficient household.”

“You may, and I thank you,” Imrahil said, inwardly quite pleased. “Does your lord want for anything?”

“My lord the King wants for nothing,” the Elf assured him pleasantly, “and he is exceedingly pleased by the excellent view of the sea afforded by his window. Your man, Ciryon, has been most helpful with all the rest. But I beg your pardon, my lord; we have not yet been made known to one another. It would not do for you to have strangers wandering about your home. I am Gwaelas, and I am to our lord the King what Ciryon is to you.”

“I am glad of the acquaintance, Gwaelas.” Imrahil could not remember ever being introduced to a servant as he would be a peer, but clearly being ever at the Elvenking’s elbow carried a great deal of weight in Lasgalen. “And how long have you been with your lord?”

Gwaelas hesitated a moment before answering. He did not look embarrassed, but rather as if he wondered whether his answer could be fathomed those present. “More than six thousand years of Men,” he finally admitted. “Two ages of this world.”

“Your loyalty is very commendable,” Imrahil smiled. “I imagine you have seen a great deal in that time.”

“Thank you, my lord, but it truly does not require much loyalty to be content in Lord Thranduil’s service. I was honored to be chosen.”

A page boy ran the length of the hall and stumbled to a stop near them. “My lord,” he said with a stiff bow, slightly winded, “your guests are at the gates.”

“Very well. See that they are admitted into the reception hall,” Imrahil instructed, “but they are not to be brought here until the preparations are complete.”

The page departed as quickly as he had come. Already a veritable parade of enormous platters was being carried out of the kitchen and arranged on the tables.

“I must not detain you further, my lord,” Gwaelas said. “We all have our duties to attend.”

“Indeed,” Imrahil agreed. “Tell King Thranduil we will soon await his convenience outside the hall.”

Imrahil smiled, more to himself than for anyone else’s benefit. He still felt a rush of excitement in the presence of these Elves who were so vibrantly alive, who emerged from the forgotten places of the world like figures from his childhood imagination with no conception of diminishing any time in the near future. It stirred something in his heart, as if he was discovering some lost part of himself. It was a heady feeling, and one he would not soon forget.

Representatives of all the best families in Dol Amroth had been invited to the Prince’s feast. Considering the rare occasion, almost all of them had accepted and were now queued in the antechamber. At long last, the doors swung wide to admit them.

Imrahil and his family stood at the grand doorway to receive and greet their guests as they filed inside. It was a slightly tedious task, but they had never taken traditional etiquette lightly. The Princess seemed to have taken extra care to appear to best advantage. Nerdanel wore her finest grey and white gown trimmed with embroidered scallop shells, her longest string of pearls doubled around her neck. Her hair was plaited long like a seaman’s rope and covered by a delicate netted veil held in place by a nacre comb. Their three sons cut fine figures as well, much to Imrahil’s satisfaction. Their elaborate royal tunics were styled after those of the Swan Knights, each with a white mantle draped over one shoulder and secured with a silver swan badge. Also with them that night, to the delight of everyone, was Imrahil’s elder sister, Lady Ivreniel of Pelargir. No one could fail to enjoy himself in her presence. Her red and gold gown and slightly foreign headdress spoke to the spectacular wealth of that city and its trade with the southernmost reaches of Gondor’s influence.

When at last all the guests had been escorted to their seats the ruling family entered the hall, and the minstrel music became a royal fanfare. The room was lit almost as daylight by scores of candles and lanterns and the fire on the hearth, the highest of the windows cracked to allow the hall to breathe the cold sea air. The long tables were set with a seafaring feast fit for any king. There were fish of every description, those with scales and those with shells, great tentacled beasts and, of course, their prize shark. There were cold dishes and hot ones, every description of bread imaginable, and what was meant to seem like an endless supply of wine. The smell of it all was glorious.

When they had taken their places behind the table on the dais at the far end of the hall, Imrahil waited a moment for the music to crest, and then raised a hand for silence. He was obliged immediately. At the door, his master of ceremonies nodded that all was ready.

“My friends,” Imrahil began, “six years ago, winter was giving way to a much bleaker spring than it is today. As the new year approaches, it is only fitting that we recall what we felt then, as our world stood on the brink of destruction. We revel in our triumph now, but if we do not remember our sorrows we forget the cause of our joy. In the midst of that rejoicing, we must also remember that Gondor did not face this doom alone. We are honored to have among us one who defended the cold forests even as we stood guard on the southern plains, challenging the growing darkness even when others would have called it folly. Join me in welcoming to our fairest city the Lord of Eryn Lasgalen, Ruler of Rhovanion and the Guardian of North, the last Elvenking in Middle-earth. Hail, Thranduil Oropherion Thalion!”

His tribute was echoed with admirable enthusiasm by all present, and the musicians struck up their regal march once more. The impressive party of Elves entered from the corridor, the king first, flanked by Legolas and then their six retainers. Thranduil wore a magnificent tunic of fine grey wool and tooled brown suede with a great flowing mantle of the same, evocative of a beech forest in winter. It was a garment which would have been equally appropriate beneath a suit of parade armor. Both he and Legolas were crowned with sharp circlets of twisted silver leaves. At their heels came two startlingly large wolves which could rival even the great water hounds of Imrahil’s menagerie.

At once they clearly commanded the attention of the room. Thranduil was enormous, even by the standards of Gondorian Men, a vibrant remnant of an Age long forgotten. Legolas carried himself differently in his father’s presence, proud to own his birthright as a prince of the ancient Eldar. Seeing the two of them together in full regalia, Imrahil had no doubt what had held the Woodland Realm against the dark lord for so many centuries. Some inherited their titles, but others were simply destined to wear crowns whatever their blood. He suspected Thranduil was the latter.

With open arms and a courtly bow, Imrahil welcomed them to his table. Thranduil accepted with a gracious nod and an unaffected smile as they climbed the dais steps and went around to the other side. Three of their retinue detached themselves from the group to stand alongside the palace guard at the wall; the other three lingered just behind their king and prince at table. One, Imrahil immediately recognized, was Gwaelas. Another looked enough like him to be a brother, and seemed to fulfill the same duties for Legolas. The third had a hard look about him; his narrow glances around the room and the inscrutable silver insignia on his collar betrayed him as a captain of the royal guard, to which the other three must have belonged. They were unarmed out of deference to their host, yet by the look of them they could probably make a serviceable weapon out of any object in the room.

When at last the music had quieted, Thranduil spoke. “My lords, I thank you,” he said, his strong voice sounding clearly through the hall. “After so long an isolation in the north, we appreciate your hospitality more than you can know. When I first saw the storm-blown sea over Edhellond yesterday morning, it was the first time I had beheld it since the days of Elros, and I may now say that I have been more refreshed in these two days beside the shore than in the last six years complete.” He lifted his glass, ready with the finest wine the cellars could boast. “To the victorious Men of the South,” he proposed, “to the Gondor of Imrahil, Faramir, and Elessar. Long may it stand!”

The minstrels began to play once again, barely heard over the roar of glad conversation, and everyone took their seats. The feast had begun.

Gwaelas leaned in to speak to his lord in their own tongue. Thranduil answered in kind. Imrahil’s conversational Sindarin was fluent enough to understand that the king had indicated his impartial enthusiasm for the available dishes; if Gwaelas brought it, he would eat it. He could not help smiling to himself.

“There has been many a lean year in Lasgalen when I have mourned the fish market in Mithlond,” Thranduil confessed. “Legolas has led a deprived life in this regard, I regret to say.”

“I assure you, Father, I have been making good the lost time,” Legolas insisted.

“I wondered at first about his desire to remove here, but after all I have already seen on our ramble together, I must admit that a change of scene is very stimulating after a lifetime in the forest.”

“Legolas joined me in East Lórien,” Thranduil began, “if such it may still be called. It has all but fallen back to me in the absence of Lord Celeborn. Ah, perfection.” He accepted the plate which Gwaelas placed in front of him, small cuttlefish on toasts and goose barnacles with cream. “Thence we carried on across the Anduin to what remains of Lothlórien itself. Farther south, we came through Fangorn Forest, which Legolas was most eager that I should see. The Onodrim were better company than I remembered.”

“Before this war, I had always assumed Ents to be figures of fairytale,” Imrahil admitted, “specters to frighten children away from the deep places of the forest.”

“I had not seen one since they disappeared from Rhovanion,” Thranduil said, “but Mithrandir spoke of them once, so I suspected they had not yet all gone. There were certainly none in my wood, though it would have been better for it.”

“From Fangorn to Helm’s Deep, and thence to Edoras and the court of Éomer, where I was pleased to meet the rest of your charming family.”

“Indeed not,” Thranduil assured him. “I must admit my heart is completely undone by Princess Elfirien. It has been far too long since I have seen a child so keen and attentive. Small, perhaps, for her age, yet utterly fearless. Tell me, Imrahil - if you will indulge my curiosity - has it been observed of the children in your family that they grow slowly and yet mature quickly?”

“Less so now than in the past,” Imrahil admitted, caught off guard by the question. “But, yes, it has been remarked upon.”

Thranduil nodded sagely as Gwaelas presented him with a plate of crab and shark. “That will be your Elvish blood,” he said. “It has carried well through the generations, and I suspect your granddaughter will be no exception. I would not have consented to be parted from her were it not for the promise of meeting her again.”

Imrahil laughed. “With so many glowing reports, Éomer had best watch the little siren closely lest hordes of errant knights follow them back to Edoras!”

The festivities went on for the better part of the evening with no end of entertainment. Every singer, juggler, and acrobat in Dol Amroth had clambered to win a place in the lists, ostensibly to oblige their prince, but possibly more out of a desire to catch a glimpse of the exotic Elvenking. Imrahil could not blame them; perhaps in as little as one lifetime of Men there would be no more of his kind in the world.

Thranduil seemed to enjoy it all immensely. Privately Imrahil wondered whether that was because he was extraordinarily gracious or genuinely easy to please. Nothing he had heard of the Elvenking of the North had prepared him to expect such cordiality. Alternatively, it could be that Thranduil’s candor may be attributable to drink. He had already easily consumed a hero’s portion of wine, almost giving credence to some of the unseemly rumors Lord Baldor was spreading. However, Gwaelas seemed to have his king well in hand, and knew instinctively when to make the wine disappear for a moment and to leave water in its place.

At one point, an especially brazen juggler performed for the Elves in particular, indicating by several theatrical gestures that five flying balls were no challenge for him. Thranduil tossed a bread roll into the fray and was delighted to see him work it flawlessly into his rhythm. A quartet of lovely flag dancers beguiled the assembly with their twirling scarves and tossed their sea grass tiaras to the head table when they had finished. There was a troupe of beribboned tambourine players, a wildly popular fire-eater, and an animal tamer with a trained bear. Thranduil’s wolves did not appreciate the presence of the beast, but their master called them to heel without incident.

Dessert was served when all had eaten their fill of the main fare. There were crisp pastries basted with honey, diminutive custard pies with preserved fruit and bone marrow, apples battered and fried in ale, spiced apples baked in pastry pouches, honeyed almonds, and a mountain of Rhûnish spicebread. Rhûnish spices were extremely fashionable throughout Gondor at that moment.

When the hour drew late, and all the entertainments had been completed, the party at the head table rose to take their leave. All the guests stood to acknowledge their going. They would return to their homes as well within the hour. However, the night was still young, and Imrahil led his family and guests to Nerdanel’s favorite sitting room where they could grow better acquainted.

“Lord Thranduil,” he said, when they had all gathered in that more intimate setting, “I do not believe you have been made known to my sister, Lady Ivriniel of Pelargir.”

“The pleasure is mine, my lady,” Thranduil said, gallantly taking her hand. “I have heard that Pelargir is a very grand city.”

“Indeed, it is, my lord,” Ivriniel agreed, a glint of irrepressible good humor in her eye, “but there is nothing in the title, I am afraid. My dear husband, Beleg, is but a knight turned merchant, and Lord Falathar of Pelargir is of quite another family. Excuse me; we still refer to Lord Falathar through force of habit. He ostensibly left the post to his son just before the war, but seemingly has yet to vacate the seat.”

Thranduil looked almost wistful for a moment, and then genuinely pleased. “I would very much like to meet your husband,” he said. “The name Beleg carries many fond memories for me.”

“I must insist you do,” Ivriniel agreed, offering the Elvenking a cup of hot spiced cider before taking one for herself. “I fear I would not do you justice in description.”

“Rumor has it that Lord Falathar relinquished his title simply to avoid answering the King’s call to arms,” Amrothos ventured.

“Rumors are not to be trusted,” Elphir chided his brother, glancing sidelong at Imrahil.

“Neither are they to be ignored,” Ivriniel insisted. “Amrothos does well to keep his ear to the ground, though he has a thing or two yet to learn about what to do with what he hears. The great names of Pelargir, my Lord Thranduil, are not the most inspiring figures of Gondorian men-at-arms, nor the most amiable. Wealth and power have made them a bit soft.”

“Sister,” Imrahil frowned. “King Thranduil has not come all the way from Rhovanion to hear you enumerate the shortcomings of Lord Falathar.”

“As you wish,” she said. “You will have your way in your own house, though I know you harbor no great love for him, not since he proposed that Elessar throw your daughter to some Rhûnish barbarian. It matters little, because in a matter of months it will be our Faramir who is enumerating Falathar’s shortcomings. Elessar has ordered an assessment to begin at the close of the festivities. It may be quite a scandal. It is high time the King called that family to heel.”

“Nor are they the only ones,” Nerdanel said, her fingers restlessly entwined in her pearls. “If Baldor continues his agitating, I fear he may ruin the festival entirely.”

“Baldor is Lord of Lamedon,” Imrahil explained for Thranduil’s benefit. “His father, Angbor, defended that region from the Southrons during the war. This has apparently made his son particularly sensitive to foreign incursions.”

Thranduil frowned. “Legolas has suggested that our reception outside of Ithilien might be cooler than expected,” he admitted.

“The King has done his utmost to keep the worst from me,” Legolas said, “but I am not blind.”

“It has grown more opprobrious, my lady,” Legolas clarified. “There has been no violence yet, but my people have begun to feel it is unsafe to leave Ithilien without a companion. Baldor no longer fears to openly vilify Queen Undómiel, much less the rest of us.”

“Rumor of my arrival has apparently sent them into a sort of frenzy,” Thranduil said, seeming to take the matter in stride. “Their public disseminations have treated me to some of my more archetypal epithets I had thought long out of use.”

Imrahil cringed inwardly. Some of those pamphlets had made their way to Dol Amroth, warning the people against the machinations of the Eldritch King in the North who had been known to hunt Men for sport. “Not all the citizens of Gondor were perhaps ready for a regime so remarkable as Elessar’s,” he admitted. “Baldor fancies himself a champion of the Gondorian people against Elvish intrusion. He has earned some celebrity clashing with the royal guard in Minas Tirith.”

“Then I shall be very disappointed if he has not planned some colorful welcome for me in the city,” Thranduil said with no small amount of wry humor.

“Any demonstration would be insufferable under these circumstances,” Nerdanel insisted hotly. “Elessar must put a stop to this nonsense immediately.”

“Elessar feels that all objections to the Elvish presence have been heard and answered long ago, and that there is no point in arguing further,” Imrahil explained. “He trusts in time the perpetrators will come to see the error of their ways. In the meantime, he has more pressing matters than Baldor to contend with.”

“So is it true that the Variags are advancing into the South?” Ivreniel asked. “There are so many rumors in a city such as ours; we cannot always be certain we have the truth of it.”

“There have been brief incursions,” Imrahil said. “Karzik may have been able to terrorize his way through Near Harad, but he will not ravage Gondor so easily.”

“There is an unsavory relationship between that barbarian and Lord Falathar, mark my words,” Ivriniel insisted. “He offered his own daughter when we would not give up our Lothíriel. I shudder to think what Faramir will unearth when he stirs that ant’s nest.”

The next ten days passed quickly and memorably in Dol Amroth. Imrahil spent the majority of that time playing host to their guests, leaving his official duties to his eldest son and regretting not a moment. Free of all official capacities himself, Thranduil was keen to see and experience as much as possible during his brief stay in their part of the world. Nothing seemed too mundane or insignificant for his notice, and Imrahil could not but marvel at his infectious enthusiasm. They toured the harbor and the fish markets, sailed along the shore and rode horseback over the sea cliffs.

Throughout it all, the Elvenking seemed most at home in the open air, no matter how bitterly cold it seemed to Imrahil. They were a rugged people, the woodland Elves, now more accustomed to hardship than to comfort. Thranduil did not speak at length about their experiences in Mirkwood, but he clearly had no objection to being questioned. Ever inquisitive, Imrahil learned a great deal about what had transpired in the North during the last age, a period which had been largely neglected in the Gondorian record. He would rectify that oversight, if he could.

Now it was time to leave Dol Amroth behind and make for Minas Tirith. The resplendent entourage was two hundred strong, including the Prince’s household, his guests, the highest ranking Swan Knights and their families. The bad weather had blown itself out, and the first frosty hints of spring had begun to show themselves on the landscape of Belfalas. Fortunately, the famous stone roads through the countryside of Gondor would allow the wagons and carriages to pass regardless of the thaw.

The majority of them chose to travel on horseback. Imrahil rode near the head of the company, Nerdanel at his side. Their two younger sons were riding in company with the Elves off to the left, practicing their Sindarin with an ease which made their father proud.

“If my eyes are not mistaken,” Imrahil said to his wife, “our royal son of Rohan has yet again rendered a kingly gift to our Elvish friends.”

“She is indeed beautiful,” Nerdanel smiled, glancing aside to the Elvenking’s mount, a silver mare of impressive stature with bold black points and dapples like wisps of cloud on a starry night. “Thranduil admired her at once, running wild on the plain, and Éomer bade him approach her if he could. It seems Fréawyn would bend to none less than a king, for she came away with him willingly, and Éomer did not see fit to deny her. Truth be told, I believe him to be excessively gratified by the thought of Elvish kings on Rohirric steeds.”

Meanwhile, a chorus of barking erupted as Legolas’ white and grey spotted fox, Aeglos, made sport of Thranduil’s wolves. Mischief achieved, it leapt to the relative safety of Arod’s back to ride for a bit, spry as a cat.

“I never cease to marvel at the Elvish way with wild beasts,” Imrahil called to Thranduil as the other rode within earshot.

Seeing that Imrahil meant the fox, Thranduil laughed out loud. “I thank you,” he said, “but if that beast were any more tame he would be a pelt on the floor. I gave Legolas that kit when he left us for Ithilien, and its sires have been our companions for a thousand generations. There are truly none better for hunting small game.”

“I have every expectation that we shall,” the Elvenking assured him with a gracious smile, turning his mare away to rejoin his party. “The imp must earn his keep.”

“The mythical king of the north certainly cuts a fine figure,” Ivriniel at last dared to venture, as bold as ever, primly adjusting her outrageous satin cap.

“Lady Ivriniel,” Imrahil chided her, “what would your husband say were he to see you lusting after strange men?”

“My lord husband understands me, little brother,” she assured him. “I may lust after whomsoever I please, and the more unattainable the better he likes it. Look at them! How can eight decades weigh more heavily upon me than three ages upon him?”

“I suspect those years weigh more than we know,” Imrahil said. “What you see are simply the high spirits of one who has achieved the single greatest triumph of his life. But, sister, I implore you to behave yourself, on this occasion above all others.”

He could feel her lofty sneer upon him without turning to see it. “I shall not disgrace you, brother,” she said. “But I am not in the habit of giving a false impression of myself.”

From the window of his study, Falathar could see the distant comings and goings of Pelargir’s busiest harbor. Like many things in that city, what could been seen comprised merely a fraction of the extremely lucrative commerce which transpired on their shores. That visible fraction was the only part of their business the King or the house of Stewards had ever been aware of, and Falathar had intended to maintain that tradition. The current regime in Minas Tirith, however, was not so easily distracted as Denethor had been. More drastic action was clearly required.

Falathar slowly rubbed his greying temples, attempting to smooth away a growing headache. Elessar’s royal audit was due to commence immediately after the festival ceased, looming over them like a specter. The King seemed to know very well that the trafficking of goods through the city may be a bit irregular and that the taxes were perhaps underpaid, but that could be pardoned once all was set right. Unfortunately, the whole truth would earn them much more than a simple reprimand.

Meanwhile, his new allies to the south were proving less pliable and more demanding than he had anticipated. Certainly the most resilient of the Southrons, the Variags had retreated back to Khand after the fall of Mordor, removing themselves from the eye of Gondor until they had regained their strength. Their neighbors in Near Harad had not been so quick to regroup, and the young Variag chieftain Karzik had been quick to exploit their weaknesses. In only a few years he and his horsemen had swept across Harad, and were now the undisputed masters of the entire territory. He had not yet made any serious attempt to claim Harondor, though he was stopped only by the prestige of King Elessar. There was not much in Harondor worth dying for, except perhaps the comfort afforded by a vast barren land lying between enemies.

There was a sharp knock on his door, and the guard announced the presence of his son. Erellont entered, as he was bidden.

“You do realize that I have every right to enter this room of my own will,” Erellont reminded his father peevishly as he stamped toward the desk in his extravagant riding attire and heavy black furs.

“True, but yet you fear to exercise that right,” Falathar observed, unruffled. “Clearly you still have much to learn about power, which is why I am still here.”

“I am making you a figure to be reckoned with, and maintaining you in the lifestyle to which you were born,” Falathar growled. “Someday you might see your way to helping me in the endeavor.”

“As Lord of Pelargir,” Falathar continued, setting aside his quill pen, “I trust you are aware of the assessment Elessar has ordered against this city and entrusted to Lord Faramir.”

“I am aware of it,” Erellont said. “Have you a plan to deal with him, or shall I make arrangements?”

“Faramir must not set foot in this city,” Falathar said bluntly. “There are no other arrangements to be made on that score. If he reports even a tenth of what has transpired here over the past two generations, it will be the headsman’s axe for both of us.”

Erellont was speechless for a moment, just beginning to realize the enormity of the situation. “Exactly how do you propose to keep him out?” he asked. He was not the most audacious of men, but he was no fool. A darkly incredulous look was growing on his face.

“These days are more desperate than they seem,” Falathar mused. "At times that fool Baldor actually makes a modicum of sense. I suspect he is correct about Elessar, with his Elvish queen and his Elvish friends who seem to have his ear more than we. There will be nothing left for us by the time he finishes granting them shares of Gondor. Every one of us must act to secure what is his own,” he concluded flatly, “and now is the time to act, before Faramir begets an heir upon his foreign wife. Your mother’s blood will put you on the Steward’s seat in his stead, and Elessar will no longer be any threat to us.”

“Alternatively, we could flee Pelargir in disgrace and fall upon the mercy of your sister and her barbarian husband in Khand,” Falathar quipped, “an option I am not yet willing to consider. The coming of the Elvish king is extremely fortuitous. Baldor is not able to contain the storm he is brewing, and Cormallen will soon be overrun by strangers from distant lands. Any number of unfortunate accidents could happen.”

“Of course you will say nothing of this to anyone,” Falathar concluded, taking up his quill again, “not even to that orphan whore with whom you seem to share so much of your life. I shall know more of what is to be done when we have reached Minas Tirith. Summon Radhruin on your way out.”

“If you knew half of what he has already done in your name, you would keep those objections to yourself,” Falathar said, squelching that glimmer of insubordination immediately. “There are few enough to whom a fugitive corsair may turn in these days; his loyalty is absolute. Indeed, outside of this household, he may be the only other we can trust in these . . . delicate times.”

Erellont scowled. “I only pray he does not end in the same grave you and grandfather have been digging for this family.”

“I will see you on a throne before I will consent to be buried anywhere,” Falathar growled. “For that, your ingratitude seems to know no bounds. But, unless you intend to go whimpering to Elessar at once, I believe you have many pressing duties to attend. Imrahil and his menagerie will be here within the fortnight, and I expect you to monopolize their time with royal entertainments.”

Erellont went as he was told, though clearly with grave reservations of his own. Falathar was not overly concerned; whatever his son’s qualms, Erellont was too much in love with his own life to throw it away making grand and gallant gestures.

The cold dark of evening was falling quickly, and the city had begun to glow with torchlight. Falathar stood and strode purposefully out of his study, leaving the tedious paperwork for the next morning. He descended through his gilded halls to the cellar, a cavernous space connected to the harbor by a series of canals which kept the lifeblood of the city flowing at all hours. There merchants of many lands loaded and unloaded their barges, each of them beholden in some way to the Lord of Pelargir.

“Dolmed,” Falathar addressed one of them, giving the rather portly man a violent start. “How good of you to offer the services of your ship again so soon.”

“You know it gives me no pleasure, my lord.” Dolmed had indeed always been made extremely ill at ease by playing the smuggler from time to time, but the rewards were great and his excessive debts left him little other recourse.

“You will not feel the sting so much with coin in your coffers,” Falathar assured him. “I see you have enough to make it worth your while.” He lifted the lid from one of the large wine bins to find a rather pretty young woman on a bed of straw. In another, two young girls and a boy. The entire cargo would be similarly laden with desperate street children of the city, orphans of the war who would be missed by no one. A short sea voyage to the insatiable markets of Harad would turn these liabilities into profit.

“See that you are gone before first light,” he instructed the reluctant captain, “but return at midnight for this one. I will have finished with her by then.”

As they at last approached the western wall of Pelargir, Imrahil left the larger contingent of his companions in the capable hands of his wife and sons. They would find lodging for the night in the relatively quiet outskirts of the city, inconvenient for merchants but perfect for passing travelers. He, his intimate household, and their Elvish companions were to be welcomed as guests by Falathar in the governor’s palace deep in the heart of town. It was an honor Imrahil did not entirely relish.

He had harbored mixed feelings about the place ever since first visiting as a young man. It was indeed a wondrous city, famous for its exotic markets and lively spirit, but it was also crowded, noisy, and always a bit filthy despite the heroic efforts of a small army of street sweepers. It always made him pine for the fresher air of Dol Amroth.

Two colorful heralds rode out to meet them at the second gate, likely to be their official chaperones. Falathar was famously attentive to the needs of his important guests.

“Hail and well met, my Lords of Dol Amroth and of the Woodland Realm! Lord Erellont bids you welcome to Pelargir, City of a Thousand Wonders!”

Imrahil glanced at Thranduil, who surveyed it all with a look of benign disinterest. He wondered briefly how many years of diplomatic drivel the Elvenking had endured during his interminable reign. “Convey our thanks to Lord Erellont,” he said, “and our pleasure at his hospitality.”

“We have been instructed to escort you to your quarters in the palace, or indeed to wherever else you may wish to go.”

“In that case, young man,” Ivriniel inserted herself, “cease your babbling and escort us to Lord Beleg’s counting house.”

Imrahil nodded his approval, and the heralds both bowed low over their horses. “At once, my lords! Please follow closely.”

The first turned to lead the way, the other hanging back to take up the rear. Imrahil noted some narrow glances from the Elvenking’s guard, but they made no complaint.

Pelargir was not a small city, so it was a ride of some duration through the bustling street traffic before they reached the harbor. The architecture had already begun to give a distinctly mismatched impression. Originally built to exacting Númenorean standards, the shops and houses appeared to have been subsequently decorated by a flock of magpies. Statues, blown glass, hammered metalwork and other ornamental clutter were mounted everywhere. Bright silken flags bearing family crests or other more generic heraldry seemed to adorn every other doorpost. Elaborate facades has been added to the grandest homes, many built of red, pink, or green stone, glimmering with inclusions.

They crossed the great white bridge leading across the water onto the vast and unnaturally triangular island in the middle of the harbor where the majority of the business was transacted. Here the hustle and bustle was even greater. Fortunately the weather was still very brisk, or else the smell of the canals, the livestock, and the general crush of people would have been decidedly robust.

Ivriniel’s husband’s establishment would have gone unnoticed anywhere in Minas Tirith or Osgiliath, but in Pelargir its simplicity stuck out like a straight tooth in a crooked mouth. The only ornamentation was a plaque of black granite above the door bearing the rune “B.”

“At last!” Ivriniel sighed, allowing the herald to take her reins as she dismounted. “Come, let us leave our horses there in the green.”

Their horses were tethered on a nearby sward under the watchful eyes of their escorts, and the whole party followed her inside.

“Husband!” Ivriniel called cheerfully. “I come with guests of some consequence! I do hope you have some decent drink about the place.”

“Only the very best, my dear lady,” Beleg assured her, entering the room with a theatrical enthusiasm. “Imrahil! Legolas! Welcome to our humble establishment. And at last, the fabled Elvenking,” he said, coming to attention with practiced ease and offering a crisp military bow. “I have eagerly anticipated our meeting, my lord.”

“As have I, Master Beleg,” Thranduil said, accepting his obeisance with a gracious nod. “I regret to see you were so grievously injured during the war.”

“Bah, I forbid you to pity me,” Beleg smiled, shrugging his stump of an arm. “They left me just enough to remain useful. I am quite fortunate that they spared the better of my two hands.”

“Enough of introductions,” Ivriniel insisted. “We have time enough to become acquainted, and we have had a long weary ride from Belfalas. Fetch the wine, my love.”

Beleg was quite correct about the quality of his vintage, Imrahil noted. He was justifiably proud of the enterprise he shared with his brother, Brandir, thriving as it was after the near ruination of his family before the war. He gladly gave them a brief tour of the place. Thranduil, once again, seemed indefatigably interested in the minutia of the business, and asked many questions, which delighted their host.

“We are primarily importers of ore and fine stone,” Beleg explained, “but we have begun to deal a bit in banking and in other matters of more mundane commerce. It seems best to diversify our interests, especially now that matters are so unsettled in Harad.”

“Do not tell me you have begun hosting a schoolhouse as well!” Imrahil jested.

“Not in the strictest sense, brother,” Beleg smiled, “although they are indeed at their studies, and we must not disturb them. The war unfortunately left many orphans in its wake, and it seemed to me an intolerable waste that they should spend their lives begging in the streets or forced into mindless labor. We arrange apprenticeships for those who are willing, and they then remove to the North to assist in repopulating Fornost.”

“That is an excellent scheme,” Imrahil commended him with genuine enthusiasm. “You must bring it to the King. The problem is by no means unique to Pelargir.”

“I shall,” Beleg promised, “for we shall all see Minas Tirith soon enough. But at this moment, my lords, I fear I have more immediate concerns, for I have not eaten since dawn of this day.”

“Nor have we,” Ivriniel assured him, “and I have been dreaming of the meat vendors all the way across Lebennin. Let us walk the markets! We would be sadly remiss if we failed to treat our guests, and it will do us all good after so long in the saddle.”

“We certainly have no objection,” Thranduil agreed. “Lead us to this famous trove of curiosities.”

It was but a short walk from there to the market district, and there were indeed some fabulous smells wafting toward them. Beleg treated them all to a variety of delicious morsels on sticks which they were able to eat on their feet. Spiced lamb was the most familiar taste on offer, while others catered to more adventurous palates. They sampled bits of barandir, that great humped desert horse, smoked antelope, fried turtle, and even tail of river dragon, his impressive jaws on display for curious patrons.

One could not visit the markets of Pelargir simply to eat. Shops and stalls of every description stood in rows on either side of the street, and the atmosphere was like that of a carnival. Ivriniel was drawn immediately to a perfumer, and began boldly asking the Elvenking's opinion of several scents, almost all of which both he and Legolas seemed to find overpowering. Not surprisingly, they were drawn instead to the vast collection of exotic horns and hides on display nearby, including mumak ivory and the pelt of an unsettlingly large striped cat allegedly from the snows beyond Khand. There was a fine paper shop, several stalls of leather goods, brightly colored carpets, stores of unfamiliar nuts and dried fruit, aromatic spices, scented oils and mineral salts, and even an apothecary offering traditional remedies from foreign lands and strange talismans for any and all purposes. Thranduil laughed outright and bought a small figure of rowan wood from the woman because she told him it was proven to repel woodland sprites.

It was perhaps inevitable that they should at last be drawn to the silversmith. A look of unaffected delight came over the Elvenking’s face which must have gladdened the shopkeeper’s heart. From the midst of all the beautiful things, he seized upon a sturdy pendant depicting Tauron, the Vala called Oromë of old, with the express intention of giving it to little Elfirien. A bit awed by his patronage, the smith’s wife bid him wait a moment, and returned offering him a large and exquisitely crafted wolf’s head brooch set with diamond that he might feel ever welcome in Gondor. Genuinely pleased, Thranduil put it on immediately, making her a gift of his old one. Imrahil observed, though the Elves did not, a glowering frown from her husband, but under the circumstances she seemed not to care one whit, clutching her new treasure and smiling as though she may never cease.

A pearl merchant observed his neighbor’s success, and began calling to the royal party to choose any oyster they would so that he might produce a surprise pearl for them. Unfortunately for him, Imrahil was extremely confident in the superiority of the pearls of Dol Amroth and warned his companions away, for which he was rewarded with a withering glare from the frustrated entrepreneur.

Last of all, they came upon a prolific watercolorist and his vast collection of hastily-executed but whimsically skillful paintings of the notable sights of Gondor, each set on a small sturdy piece of paper and clearly intended to be collected or sent home by visitors to the city. Amused, Thranduil asked the astonished artist for any depictions he may have of the Elves of Ithilien. Indeed, he had several, and Thranduil purchased no fewer than twenty. Legolas protested that his portraits looked nothing like him, but that could not dampen his father’s enthusiasm.

“Thank you for the tour, brother Beleg,” Imrahil said at last, fondly clapping him on the shoulder. “We really must see ourselves settled before long, as we are expected for dinner. Shall we meet again at first light?”

“Indeed we shall,” Beleg agreed. “You will not be shed of us so easily.”

“Until tomorrow, sister.” Imrahil took his leave of Ivriniel with a fraternal kiss. Whatever his own feelings about Pelargir, she had never regretted her marriage and had always enjoyed that special happiness every brother should wish for his sister.

“Until tomorrow,” she agreed. “Do not allow Falathar to offend our guests.”

“I trust Thranduil has encountered creatures more hateful than Falathar in his time,” he assured her. “He needs no protection from me.”

Falathar slowly paced a well-worn path through the armory, calming the chaotic machinations of his mind before facing his social obligations for the evening. Something about the musty smell of oil and leather always focused his thoughts. He had been informed of his guests’ arrival that afternoon, but had been too occupied to meet them personally. Many matters vied for his attention.

He had no personal desire to leave for Minas Tirith and endure the measured mistrust of Elessar in person. In truth he wished to stay as far removed as possible, but there was no avoiding it. He must make of it what he could, an opportunity to show himself and his son to best advantage. All the while he must observe closely the hysterics of Baldor of Lamedon, as they might prove crucial. All things in their own time. Tonight he must take the measure of this newest pawn in his game, unlooked for but by no means unwelcome. At the moment he would gladly be eclipsed by the coming and going of greater lords, as he could ill afford closer scrutiny.

The soft tread of heavy boots entered the armory behind him, and Falathar turned to see that the chief among his pawns had finally appeared as requested. He was a large gristly man, unkempt black hair knotted behind his back, his dark tunic worn and stained with age. His weathered face was covered with scars, his arms with Southron tattoos.

The corsair said nothing. He had ever been a man of few words. His deeds spoke for themselves.

“Change is coming to Gondor once again, my friend,” Falathar continued, “and I shall have much need of your skill if we are to end with the better portion. I know you would not hesitate to strike a blow against the rule of Elessar for its own sake, but I am also prepared to compensate you handsomely.”

Radhruin’s face was almost impossible to read, frozen in a perpetual scowl. “I have heard of your impending quarrel with Faramir,” he said. “Now I suspect I should not wager on his success.”

“You must precede us to Cormallen and await my instruction,” Falathar commanded. “Stay out of sight, and declare yourself to no one. Even the Elves must fail to mark your presence. It may be best to avoid Ithilien altogether until the last. I know you have your ways.” He gave the other a pouch full of silver coins. “This is but a taste of the riches that shall be yours,” he promised. “You may in fact see a significant improvement in your lot when we are at last in a position to effect it.”

Radhruin gave him a poisonous look. “I may serve at your call when I must, but I am not your creature, Falathar. I might improve my own lot if I would but leave this wretched land. I still have purposes of my own.”

“Very well, master corsair,” Falathar allowed, his voice turned to ice. “But while you remain in my service, I expect those purposes of yours to await their own turn. Be at Cormallen before the King’s men. You will be told then what is to be done.”

Radhruin turned away slowly, holding Falathar’s gaze with a sort of presumptuous distain which the other found decidedly discomfiting. Then he left as he had come, quietly and in shadow.

Falathar stepped out into the corridor as well, turning in the opposite direction. The grand supper he had planned would soon be served, and he sought to drive the lingering impression of Radhruin from his thoughts, prepared to spend the evening in much more savory company.

It was a quiet and intimate affair, though the great empty spaces of the ornate hall gave it a cavernous and dispassionate atmosphere, bathed in flickering yellow torchlight. His guests were seated well away from one another along a square formation of long tables around an open center where at present a Southron woman was treating them to a slow and rather sensual snake dance to the subtle music of two minstrels.

Erellont stood out of deference for his father, as did the favorites of their household. Imrahil did not, nor did Legolas, nor did that titanic figure of green and crimson he assumed was Thranduil. Each of them boasted rank enough to afford the privilege. Six Elvish attendants stood behind their lords like statues, just outside the ring of brightest light.

“Welcome to our home, my lords,” Falathar said, “as I am certain my son, the governor, has already bid you. Please forgive my tardiness. Let the meal be not delayed a moment longer on my account.”

“Indeed not,” Erellont agreed tersely, giving the signal for the first course to be served.

“Lord Thranduil,” Falathar began pleasantly, choosing to address him directly and not waste any more time about it, “I understand that this is not your first visit to our country.”

“It is not,” the Elvenking confirmed, his voice like velvet. “But it seems a lifetime ago when I last saw the Anduin, in the last days of Elendil.”

“Surely this will be a much more joyous occasion,” Erellont offered, seeming to sense his father had touched an unfortunate subject.

Six servants had entered bearing three great trays, crabs dressed with butter and cinnamon in their own shells, eel and oyster pies with raisins and currants, and boiled mussels in saffron cream. They began serving in silence.

“Of course,” Imrahil agreed. “Let us not dwell on bitter days so long past.”

“I imagine your people in Ithilien are eager to show their king what their labors have accomplished,” Erellont continued.

“They speak of little else,” Legolas smiled, clearly quite proud. “Our King has always shared our sorrows, and our joys are never complete unless he can share them as well.”

Falathar considered his dinner guests individually as they continued to make dull but polite conversation. Imrahil he knew well already; the man was Elessar’s bulldog, loyal to a fault and entirely incorruptible. In short, he was no use to him at all, and would likely prove a formidable nuisance. He and his nephew Faramir were cut of the same cloth in that respect.

He knew Legolas more by reputation than by personal experience. He, too, was a paragon of loyalty who apparently observed much but said little, and did not often assert himself. He would be unlikely to challenge any judgment of Elessar’s.

Thranduil, however, seemed exactly what Falathar had hoped he would be. He was an imperious figure, proud, vain, and supremely confident in the blind devotion of his subjects. He would certainly excite Baldor’s prejudices.

“My son has told me your city was besieged by corsairs during the war,” the Elvenking was saying.

“Indeed,” Erellont confirmed, “and not for the first time. Pelargir has had a long history of violence with the Corsairs of Umbar. But now that Elessar has routed them, we may yet dare to hope for peace on our seas.”

The second course was now served, grilled pike in ginger wine, lampreys and spiny urchins in spiced blood sauce, hash of calves tongues, and great loaves of bread stuffed with sausages, affectionately known as dragontails.

“They were once,” Imrahil explained. “They were partisans of a usurper to the throne and driven from Pelargir by King Eldacar during the kin-strife of the Second Age. They established themselves in Umbar and have harried our coasts ever since. Thankfully the war was finally the ruin of them.”

“The war was the ruin of many things which shall not be mourned in this new Age,” Legolas said.

“Very true,” Falathar agreed, “and although peace is a very slippery thing, I share my son’s hope that Pelargir may continue to be among the foremost jewels in the crown of Gondor, continuing in the spirit in which the Faithful of Númenor built her.”

At least, that was how he hoped Elessar would continue to see it. He was prepared to sacrifice a very great deal to make that possible.

After a merry but uneventful journey from the southern harbors, the whole party at last approached Minas Tirith on the afternoon of the third day. They passed through the newly rebuilt Rammas Echor by the South Gate, closest to the gleaming city walls. Giddy with glad anticipation, Imrahil threw decorum to the wind and spurred his horse into a gallop. His guard, his two younger sons and the Elves were happy to keep pace with him, leaving their companions to follow in their own time.

They slowed to declare themselves as they drew near to the Great Gate, or rather the place where the Great Gate should have been. It was still no more than a temporary barricade hastily erected in the gap left by the armies of Mordor in the otherwise impenetrable black stone of the outer wall.

“How unfortunate that so fair a city should still be so scarred in the hour of its glory,” Thranduil said, apparently with genuine regret.

“Fear not, my lord,” Legolas assured him. “We have heard that Gimli and his friends have completed a mighty commission for King Elessar. Very soon all will be set right.”

The guards dragged the barricade open to admit the Prince of Dol Amroth and the other guests of the King.

The long switch-back path they were obliged to follow in order to travel up through the city allowed Imrahil to regale the Elvenking with tales of his part in the defense of that place during the war. Thranduil attended the tale closely, apparently morbidly fascinated by descriptions of the evil siege engines and other implements of destruction which had caused the lingering damage along the walls and ramparts.

“All the foul creatures of this world seem to take perverse pleasure in ruining grand and beautiful things,” the Elvenking lamented. “But I have it from a very near source that Elessar will soon be seeking the services of my Elves and of Thorin’s Dwarves to restore the glory of this place.”

“I do not doubt it,” Imrahil agreed. “There is a very great deal to be rebuilt in these new times of peace, so much that the work can seem overwhelming. Fortunately, there were some beautiful things even the Dark Lord could not bear to destroy, and the hoarded wealth of Mordor will suffice to pay for the ruin wrought by its servants.”

They mounted the incline onto the third level, and Imrahil’s heart immediately sank. A thick mass of people was gathered ahead in the street around a passionate orator who had planted himself on a broken plinth once reserved for a statue of King Hyarmendacil. He apparently had little fear of the King’s justice, and his vociferous tirade held such a crowd rapt that the royal party was obliged to stand their horses. Their approach was noted by only a few.

“It is an outrage against the blood of our fathers that the lands which they defended would now be freely ceded to a race so wholly unconcerned with the affairs of Gondor,” he was saying. “If Ithilien is not firmly taken back in hand, it may be that we shall never wrest it from these deathless people. Perhaps they have tired of their own realms, or perhaps the war has driven them to invade our borders, but we must stem the tide at once or in years to come it may be that Gondor shall no longer be the inheritance of Men. Now even the Elvish king has come to appraise his new province, a figure of such black rumor that even others of his own race shun him, a tyrant and a drunkard who has reigned by hostile magic in the darkness of Mirkwood for centuries, hunting the Men of the north for sport and committing acts of unspeakable bestiality with his harem of hounds!”

Thranduil laughed before Imrahil could object, startling the crowd. It was a strong and pleasant sound, but not without a perilous air. “Baldor of Lamedon, I presume,” he said. “You must tell me more about myself.”

“The lord of the woodland rabble,” Baldor said, boldly turning on the royal party. “Come to loose your superfluous princes and sate their avarice with our lands? I have a great deal more to say, if indeed you have the stomach for it.”

Imrahil had heard enough. “Be silent, for once and for all, Lord of Lamedon,” he said, “before you irreparably shame your King in his own city!”

“I have stomach enough for many things more poisonous than you, little Man of Gondor,” Thranduil assured him. “I find this absurd furor you have incited on my account not altogether unamusing.”

The grim banter elicited a titter from the crowd, not all of whom it seemed were entirely convinced by Baldor’s inflammatory allegations.

“Laugh while you can,” Baldor rounded on them. “But mind you keep your daughters close while this master of wolves flaunts his power among us, despoiler of orphans and usurper of the victories of others.”

“Seize him,” Imarhil commanded, his patience at an end, and the two Swan Knights attending him pushed through the crowd to drag Baldor from his perch. “The King will hear of the way you comport yourself before his guests, and you will abide by his judgement.”

“The King knows the Lords of Lamedon are fearless, for it was he who named them so,” Baldor declared as the Swan Knights bound his hands. “I do not fear to speak the truth!”

Imrahil urged his horse forward, forcing the spectators to make way for them. A handful cheered as they passed, Baldor still protesting his righteousness as he was marched after them. Whether they applauded Baldor's principles or his removal from the street, none could say.

“I must apologize for his insolence,” Imrahil said as they approached the fourth gate. “Elessar allows his lords a fair amount of latitude, but he will be grieved to hear how his hospitality was tarnished today.”

“If we have any quarrel in Gondor, it is with our friend to the rear, not with Elessar or with you,” Thranduil assured him. “But if he should content himself with merely trumpeting the fevered imaginings of desperate men, then I shall be content to ignore him.”

“The trouble arises with those who have taken his words to heart,” Legolas said darkly. He was less flippant about the matter than his father, for he had been living under the shadow of Baldor’s growing influence for years.

“Many more than we would like to admit,” Imrahil confessed. “It is an ongoing concern, and I believe Elessar harbors the very dear hope that you will give a better account of yourself during your stay here than that son of Angbor has done.”

“The truth will out!” Baldor called from behind, attending their conversation as well he might. “Gondor for the Gondorrim!”

Thranduil scowled, clearly annoyed, but he would not give his enemy the satisfaction of acknowledgement. “Ignoring him may prove more difficult than I imagined,” he admitted.

Back and forth across streets of white stone, they climbed the dizzying heights of the city towards the Citadel until at last they passed through the seventh gate and emerged onto the immaculate courtyard of the White Tree. It had thrived in the past years and was prepared now to put forth the first buds of spring.

Leaving their horses and hounds in the keeping of the palace guard, Imrahil led his sons and their Elvish companions through the heavy doors and into the King’s court.

The hall of severe black and white stone was occupied by many people from all walks of life waiting in the wings for a moment of the King’s time, as it ever was when he was present. As they entered, Elessar stopped a rather tedious recitation of petitions from Osgiliath and descended from his throne, his arms thrown wide.

“Imrahil!” he said with a brilliant smile, accepting the Prince’s official reverence before grasping his hand and clapping him on the shoulder. “I would have you here with us more often, my friend, but I know you prefer the charms of your own city.”

“I cannot deny it, my lord,” Imrahil agreed. “It was a pleasure to share it with our guests from the north.”

Elessar and the Elvenking caught one another by the wrist and shared a quick but surprisingly informal martial embrace which initially caught Imrahil off his guard. He supposed it should not have, for it was in keeping with the remarkable warmth and ease of manner which seemed to characterize all the woodland Elves when among their friends.

“Words cannot describe how gratified I am to receive you in Gondor, my lord,” Elessar said.

“I was powerless to resist your invitation,” Thranduil confessed. “For all my years, I have traveled entirely too little of this world. I would also see what my son and his companions have wrought in Ithilien.”

“They have every reason to be proud,” Elessar assured him. “Have you not, Legolas?”

“I beg you all to forgive me, but I cannot tear myself away from my duties at present,” the King explained. “Your quarters have been prepared in the Steward’s House, and I would be pleased if you would dine with us tonight.”

“Indeed we shall,” Imrahil agreed, “but I regret that there is one matter I must submit to your judgement immediately, my lord.”

The King’s face fell as the Swan Knights marched Baldor before him, the Lord of Lamedon glowering impotently as he was displayed to the entire court.

“I can well imagine what offenses have landed you here, son of Angbor,” Elessar said. “Have you already so offended my guests that my march-warden has been obliged to place you in bonds?”

“I speak only truths which the Gondorian people have need to hear,” Baldor said.

“He speaks only ludicrous fantasies,” Thranduil countered. “I am not without patience, Aragorn, but I have not ridden three hundred leagues to endure this sort of petty abuse.”

Elessar raised his hand and nodded, well aware of his subordinate’s objectionable exploits. “Baldor of Lamedon,” he said, becoming a bit more severe, “I believe I made my position on this matter quite clear some time ago. I am reluctant to constrain you, my lord, but your insolence is becoming insufferable, and perhaps a command must now suffice when my assurances will not. I have heard the vicious tittle-tattle you have been bandying about, and I tell you now that if you cannot refrain from slandering my guests, I shall be forced to confine you to Lamedon until midsummer.”

“You cannot silence us all, my lord,” Baldor said defiantly. “The truth will out despite you!”

“No, I believe in time the truth will out despite you, son of Angbor,” Elessar said. “Gondor is more fortunate than many other realms to enjoy the presence of the Elves while they yet live among us, and it grieves me that you cannot see it. But I shall not allow grief on your account to spoil the New Year. You may hold your tongue from this day forth, or you may leave this city. Now, let this be the end of the matter.”

At a gesture from the King, the Swan Knights unbound Baldor’s hands and set him at liberty. Baldor rubbed at the light abrasions on his wrists with a sour look.

“This is by no means the end of this matter, my lord!” he said, defiant to the last. “I shall never stand idle while the heritage of our people is whored to the Elves.”

“You will come to regret those words,” Elessar promised icily, “but I would prefer that you arrived at that conclusion in your own time rather than be brought to it by force. I have given you the terms of your release; go your way before I reconsider.”

Cautioned but unrepentant, Baldor turned to take his leave but found the Elvenking directly in his path. The narrow look Thranduil leveled upon him made it abundantly clear that the Lord of Lasgalen did not require Elessar to fight his battles. Then he favored him with a grim smile.

“Take this in memory of our meeting, Lord Baldor,” he said, placing in the other’s hand the rowan wood charm he had acquired in Pelargir. “Perhaps you will find it more efficacious than I.”

They enjoyed an intimate supper that evening in the King’s House. King Elessar and Queen Arwen Undómiel presided over the gathering of friends both old and new, the occasion gladdened by much mirth and a great deal of wine.

The Queen’s brothers, Elladan and Elrohir, were in attendance, fresh from an excursion to Fornost. They had very encouraging reports of the progress which had been made rebuilding that city, claiming that it now bore little resemblance to the desolate ruin which had been called Deadmen’s Dike for so many years.

Imrahil related the particulars of their journey across Belfalas and their encounter with Lords Falathar and Erellont in Pelargir. Beside him, Nerdanel shared the latest news from Rohan with the King and Queen, and admittedly took advantage of the opportunity to boast of their royal granddaughter’s accomplishments.

For himself, King Elessar was near bursting with excitement and anticipation over the elaborate New Year’s festival which would finally be put in motion in a few days time. They were expecting many more guests very soon, including the royal party from Rohan, Gimli and the Dwarves of Algarond, and Faramir from across the river in Emyn Arnen. The high ceremony and unmitigated revelry would soon begin with the rededication of the city and the restoration of the Great Gate. Then it would be north to Cormallen for a fortnight of feasting the like of which none of them had ever seen.

Their conversation continued easily into the deep of the night. Queen Arwen and Lady Nerdanel finally excused themselves, leaving the men to their own company. None of them was inclined to be the first to quit the group and break the convivial spell, and the ample supply of wine served only to further blunt their troubles along with their sobriety. Imrahil retained wit enough to thoroughly enjoy the singular experience of seeing the kings and princes of Gondor and Elven Greenwood laughing together like schoolboys, for the moment completely free of all official cares and concerns.

“The longer I consider the circumstances of the case,” Thranduil said then, “the more I begin to believe that your Lord Baldor may indeed have the right of it. Our insidious Elvish blood seems to have already reached some very deep places in Gondor.”

“That was perhaps inevitable,” Elladan observed, “as we are all akin somehow.”

“Hold there,” Imrahil bade them, deeply interested. “Explain this great kindred conspiracy. I was not aware that the families of Imladris and Lasgalen were bonded in blood.”

“Quit your moaning, Aragorn,” Thranduil demanded amiably. “Imrahil has asked, and I shall answer. As it happens, both Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel of Lothlórien are my second cousins once removed, as her grandfather and my father’s grandfather were brothers. Thus Legolas is twice a third cousin to your Queen Arwen and her brothers through their mother, Celeborn’s daughter Celebrían.”

“He is simplifying the truth,” Elrohir dared to comment. “Legolas is again our third cousin on our father’s side, though twice removed.”

“Yes, and more,” Thranduil agreed, “for here it becomes a bit tortuous. Have we lost you, Imrahil?”

“Very well,” Thranduil said, pausing briefly to collect his thoughts. “Their father, Elrond of Imladris, is my kinsman through his mother Elwing’s father, Dior of Doriath, son of my first cousin twice removed, Lúthien Tinúviel of celebrated memory. Elwing’s mother, however, was Nimloth, daughter of Celeborn’s brother Galathil, and therefore my second cousin.”

“Making our father at once your third cousin once removed and second cousin twice removed,” Elladan explained, distilling the genealogical tangle to its salient point.

“The same might obviously be said of his brother, Elros of Númenor,” Legolas observed, “making us some sort of distant kinsmen to you, Aragorn.”

“And to his heirs,” Thranduil agreed, “especially now that your Queen is four times our cousin.”

“Wait.” Imrahil held up his hand for silence, a bit lost amid the dizzying array of names and relationships. “Was not Galadriel of Lothlórien come from the Immortal West? How is she akin to lords of Middle-earth?”

“Her mother’s father was Olwë of Alqualondë,” Thranduil answered him, “the long-sundered brother of King Elu Thingol of Doriath. Their third brother was my father’s grandfather.”

“Indeed it does,” Thranduil agreed heartily, raising his glass. “To our common Elvish forebear whose name none of us can recall, the father of Elwë, Olwë and Elmo of the Third Kindred in the First Age of this world. Long may his bloodline dominate Middle-earth!”

Legolas shook his head. “This is all quite apart from the fact that Imrahil boasts the blood of Mithrellas of Lórien,” he reminded them, “and through his house so does Faramir and the line of Stewards, and now even the heirs of Éomer of Rohan.”

Elessar threw up his hands. “I yield the point,” he said at last. “Clearly Baldor is correct. The ruin of Gondor is at hand.”

His facetious surrender set them all laughing again, for the memory of the Lord of Lamedon’s preposterous doomsaying seemed uproarious upon reflection. Even if a significant minority of the population had espoused his extreme opinions, who would dare assail them?

It would require something of greater consequence than Baldor of Lamedon to dampen this New Year.

When Imrahil finally awoke the next morning in a sea of ruffled bedding, he knew it was already very late. His head ached, his mouth was dry, and every sound seemed magnified out of all proportion. A piercing sliver of sunlight shone cruelly through the gap in the draperies.

“Good morning, husband,” Nerdanel greeted him with an insidiously cheery voice, returning from the adjoining room already dressed and with her hair plaited. She was plainly aware of his affliction and yet inclined to show him no mercy. “You were very amorous last night.”

“Was I?” Imrahil considered sitting up, but then thought better of it. “Forgive me, love, I do not remember.”

“No doubt.” She brought him a cup of icy water, fresh from the reservoirs of mountain snow melt. “Drink this, and you will soon be yourself again.”

Imrahil did as he was instructed. It made him a bit queasy but he knew it was for the best. He finished it and held out his cup for more, which he then sipped more cautiously.

“Oh, indeed it was,” he managed to smile. “My memory was not completely undone by drink, I assure you. Did you know that Thranduil is a blood relation of our Queen? I must confess many of the finer points were lost upon me, but later I shall have Legolas set the facts to paper.”

Ciryon appeared at the door with a fresh suit of clothes for his lord. Nerdanel accepted them on her husband’s behalf and requested that some breakfast be brought.

“Prince or no, you cannot lie abed all morning,” she said when the others had gone, pulling back the coverlet. “Your daughter is due to arrive this day, and I refuse to explain to her that her illustrious father is lazing about in a drunken stupor.”

It was a laborious task, but once he had pulled himself out of bed and washed in the cold mountain water he did in fact feel much refreshed. Half dressed, he was at last brave enough to pull back the drape and open the window to the bracing rush of fresh morning air. A stubborn chill lingered, but spring was upon them, touching the Pelannor with a delicate flush of green.

He could see several figures on the field below, and at last recognized Legolas and Thranduil on horseback, running the dogs. The revels of the previous night had apparently not slowed them much, if at all. Imrahil shook his head, envying their astonishing resilience.

“Are those our dogs out there as well?” he asked, seeing two familiar black shapes among the others.

“They are,” Nerdanel confirmed, giving him his jerkin for the day, grey, white and pale blue. “Legolas came for them this morning and asked if they were in need of the exercise. I did not imagine you would object.”

When at last he was completely presentable, Imrahil donned a light cloak and kissed his lady farewell. “I am away to Rath Dínen,” he said. “I have been remiss.”

“Indeed you have been,” Nerdanel agreed. “But I am certain she will not begrudge you one merry evening with friends.”

Imrahil left the Steward’s House and made for the courtyard, descending through the seventh gate and turning his steps toward the the grand complex of silent mausoleums built into the mountainous backbone of the city. It was usually his custom to visit the tombs immediately upon his arrival, but he had been delayed this time by glad company. Even so, as his wife had said, he did not expect it would be held against him.

The porter at Fen Hollen roused himself and unlocked the gate without a word. He had been guarding the Steward’s Door for many years and recognized the Prince of Dol Amroth by sight. Imrahil had been allowed his irregular visits to Rath Dínen since permission had first been granted by Denethor nearly forty years ago. To his knowledge he was still the only one permitted to enter the tombs at will, save the Steward and the King himself.

It was a lonely walk down that forsaken street. As he entered the House of the Stewards, Imrahil lit a lamp to augment the cold light of the sun pouring through the skylight in the dome of the roof. The withered trunk of the Dead Tree now lay silently upon a bier of stone in the center of that space beneath the dome, the floor around it still scarred and scorched black from the funeral pyre of Denethor. He was now buried with the honor due his rank in an alcove nearby, the last of the Ruling Stewards, but Imrahil did not feel compelled to linger there. His feelings for his grim brother-in-law had always been conflicted, and he had not yet quite forgiven him for the ruin he had attempted to visit upon his family in his last madness.

Instead Imrahil stopped where he always did, beside the vault and effigy of Finduilas, his sister. He had never been able to completely understand the strange and devoted love which had bound her to Denethor. He would have preferred to have her buried in Dol Amroth, the home she had pined for, but he knew Finduilas would not have wished to abandon the place she had chosen in Minas Tirith, though it had sickened her to death. Whatever his faults, she would have wished to lie beside her husband.

“Ah, Fin,” he sighed, sweeping the dust from her tomb with his hand. “As often as I have wished you back again, I have never felt it so keenly as today. Minas Tirith will soon be everything you ever wanted it to be. I have looked after your son as best I could, as I promised. He is quite happy with his new wife, though he has yet to produce grandchildren for you. I now have two, a son by Elphir and a daughter by Lothíriel. She is very young yet, but she already has as free a spirit as you had.”

He paused, his words swallowed by the utter emptiness of the place. It was perhaps pointless, the attempt to bring news and comfort to the dead, but for a moment it made Finduilas alive again, if only in his thought. It was admittedly more for his comfort than for hers, for she was no longer alone.

Near at hand, a ceremonial tomb had been made for Boromir. It contained no trace of his body, but only the broken Horn of Gondor which he had carried at his death. The stonework depicted three scenes from his final quest with Gandalf’s Fellowship of the Ring, his sounding that horn at their departure from Rivendell, again in the darkness of Moria, and the last during the battle at Parth Galen. The heroic end of Boromir of Gondor had already become something akin to legend in the wake of the war. Though they had long despaired of recovering his remains, Imrahil felt certain that whatever the fate of the spirits of Men, Finduilas had found her son.

He did not stay long. He never did; the awful solemnity of the place made him restless and in need of more lively company. As he took his leave yet again, Imrahil at last found it in his heart to acknowledge Denethor, however briefly.

“My lord brother,” he said, “may you find in death the peace which eluded you in life.”

As he returned from the tombs, Imrahil found Ivriniel waiting for him outside Fen Hollen, as striking as ever in a lavishly embroidered gown of indigo blue and grey, a fine veil of silver over her hair.

“Paying your respects yet again, I see,” she said. “You have always been so much more faithful than I.”

“Finduilas would not fault you for having no love for the place,” Imrahil said, allowing her to take his arm. “Indeed, if your places had been exchanged, I expect she would have visited you even less.”

Far below, the trumpets sounded at the Gate, announcing the arrival of the party from Emyn Arnen.

They returned to the Citadel courtyard where they had only to wait as the small mounted company wound their way up the busy city streets. They were hailed as they passed, for in spite of all the other social upheavals in Gondor at present, the people’s love for the Prince of Ithilien was unaffected and unambiguous. The majority of their companions remained to encamp on the Pelannor beneath white and silver banners.

When at last they had left their horses at the stables and climbed up through the seventh gate, Imrahil was ready to welcome his sister’s son with open arms, embracing him in an honest and extremely indecorous fashion.

“Faramir!” he said when they had released one another. “We still see far too little of you!”

“Yes, it seems fate would have it so,” Faramir agreed with irrepressible good humor, “setting such weighty duties for us at opposite ends of the land. You might come to Emyn Arnen more often if we could but pry you away from your beloved sea shore.”

“I must admit the thought of visiting both you and our new friends the Woodland Elves at once is an intoxicating prospect.”

Faramir had always shared Imrahil’s abiding interest in all things Elvish, much more so than his brother Boromir. They had spent many delightful evenings together during the boys’ infrequent visits to Dol Amroth, pouring over the old legends and learning what could be known of the lineages of the great Elvish kings of ages past. Now it seemed those legends had sprung to life again all around them.

“Forgive me for neglecting you, Lady Éowyn,” Imrahil said, extending a familial embrace to her as well, though with a great deal more restraint.

“I do, and readily, my lord,” she said, accepting his endearments. “I know well how beloved my husband is.”

Their company also included Elphir’s wife, Lady Marien, and their son, Alphros, who had lately been visiting their cousin in Ithilien. The boy was a bit short for his eight years, but that was typical of their family, as Thranduil had surmised. He would come to match his peers in due time. At the moment, however, he looked nothing like a young prince of Gondor, clad instead like a proper little woodland warrior in grey, green and brown. There was even a circlet of twisted wire on his brow, and an impressively crafted wooden sword on his belt.

“Grandda!” he said, hurrying toward Imrahil, too excited to manage more than a sloppy version of the deferential etiquette his grandfather’s rank required. “Where is the Elvenking? Have you brought him with you?”

Imrahil laughed. “I very much doubt that anyone could ‘bring’ the Elvenking anywhere unless he came of his own will. He has accompanied us, yes, but he and Legolas are quite busy just now running their dogs, or at least they were when last I saw them. You will meet him in good time, I promise you.”

“The Elves of Ithilien have all but adopted him,” Lady Marien explained. “They were so enchanted by his enthusiasm that they took special care to have him equipped as one of their own. I am certain we shall hear of nothing but the Elves and their king for many months hence.”

The entire party took themselves to the Steward’s House where the midday meal had been set out for them. Alphros dominated his father’s time with all he had to tell of his stay in Ithilien. Imrahil and Faramir had much to discuss, but they saved the gravest matters for another time. At present there was a great deal to hear about the progress being made against the lingering enchantments in the deep places of Ithilien, particularly around the moldering heap that had been Minas Morgul. It was slow going, but the Mirkwood Elves — especially Legolas — had an intimate understanding of enchanted forests and how to properly cleanse them.

The day was drawing on to mid-afternoon when the Pelannor erupted in the glad blasting of battle horns. Rohan had arrived. Lady Éowyn greeted her royal brother on horseback and led him and his company through the north gate of the Rammas Echor where they would set their pavilions beside those of Faramir’s people. Imrahil and Nerdanel had been lingering on the green as well, ready to welcome their daughter and her family.

All ceremony quickly dissolved into the practical business of erecting the camp. Queen Lothíriel turned her horse away from her husband for a moment to join her parents, leading her daughter’s pony by the halter rein. Imrahil was ready to embrace her as she dismounted.

“Good day, Father,” she said warmly, returning his affections. “Rohan has many charms, but I cannot deny that it is refreshing to see you and Gondor again.”

“Your mother tells me you have adapted well,” Imrahil commended her. Indeed, she looked her part. Her raven hair was plaited in the Rohirric fashion, her gown adorned with bold patterns of knotwork. “But enough about us; please reintroduce me to my granddaughter.”

Little Elfirien was looking at them severely from atop her pony, already adopting at will the bearing of a princess.

“This is your Grandfather Imrahil from Dol Amroth by the sea,” Lothíriel told her in a very clear and deliberate tone. “He came to see you once before, but you were too young to remember.”

Elfirien scrutinized her grandfather with a narrow stare. “Mama da?” she asked in that fractured dialect only parents understand.

Still unsure of this new relation who was little better than a stranger, Elfirien instead held out her arms to her grandmother whom she had seen much more recently.

“I am certain she will come around to you in time,” Nerdanel consoled her husband, lifting the child off the pony and onto her hip.

Before Imrahil had a chance to respond, Elfirien was seized by frenzied excitement and demanding to be put down, pointing and babbling so quickly that even her mother could not follow.

Imrahil looked up and saw Thranduil and Legolas approaching them. At first glance, the Elvenking was clad no differently than any other of his companions, but a closer look revealed his jerkin to be highlighted with finer cloth, extensive embroidery, and other subtle embellishments. In any case, his presence was so intense that he could never have been mistaken for anyone else, whatever he may be wearing.

Elfirien ran toward him as if he had been a favorite uncle. Thranduil did not object, and gladly swept her up into his arms. “Well met again, little butterfly!” he said. “I promised we would be here when you arrived in Gondor, and here we are.”

“She seems to prefer your company to mine,” Imrahil complained with a smile.

“Forgive me the indulgence, Imrahil,” Thranduil said. “Children have been too few in Lasgalen for too long. Look what I have for you, little one.” He set her down and produced the silver pendant and chain he had brought from Pelargir. “This is the Balan whom we call Tauron. Your grandfather calls him Oromë, and your father calls him Béma.”

“Béma!” Elfirien’s enthusiasm made it clear that this Vala featured in many favorite nursery tales. She immediately held up her hair to allow Thranduil to put the chain about her neck.

“You will surely spoil that child before the week is out, my lord,” Nerdanel said, shaking her head.

“Perhaps,” Thranduil agreed. “I have paid my dues with this one,” he said, nodding at Legolas, “and now I may enjoy their smiles and return them to their parents when they become unpleasant.”

Lothíriel’s dark stallion snorted and stamped irritably, as if he expected a greeting as well. Thranduil quipped at him sharply in Sindarin, but then smiled. “I know this beast, my lady.”

“I took the liberty of riding him south that I might return him to you, my lord,” Lothíriel said. “He was quite piqued when you left him for Fréawyn.”

“That I can believe. Maethor has always been a jealous creature. I trust he behaved himself in a manner befitting the Queen of the Rohirrim.”

Rohan had not come unprepared. Several large wains were being secured and unhitched, conspicuously loaded with barrels of ale. They were of varied shapes and sizes bearing all manner of marks and seals, each promising a festive surprise.

“Son of Rohan,” Imrahil smiled, clapping Éomer on the shoulder and eyeing the barrels hungrily, “now the celebration can truly begin.”

Éomer laughed. “We are happy to play our part, my lord,” he said, “but I am afraid we cannot take full credit for the bounty.”

There were indeed some strange names branded onto some of the more peculiar barrels, establishments such as “The Golden Perch,” “The Green Dragon,” and “The Prancing Pony.” Those must have come from much farther north, and Imrahil was not surprised to recognize a small party of Dúnedain among the riders, as well as two small but unmistakable figures dressed in the livery of kings.

“Master Peregrin!” Elessar greeted them warmly. “Master Meriadoc! I am so pleased you were able to make the journey.”

“We never considered otherwise,” Pippin assured him. “Although we would not have been able to bring quite so many gifts without the help of your Rangers.”

“Sam sends his regrets, though,” Merry said. “His wife will have another baby very soon, and he couldn’t see leaving her for a party, no matter how grand.”

Imrahil was pleased to see the Periain as well. It was only fitting that as much of the original Fellowship of the Ring as possible be present for the occasion, and their infectious energy would doubtless do much to keep the spirit of the celebration alive despite a few troublemakers.

“Of course!” Pippin smiled. “Although, with so many kings and princes and lords and ladies in one place, it may be difficult to remember everyone.”

“We had best refrain from prattling long titles and grand pleasantries at one another, or this New Year will digress into something resembling an Ent moot,” Merry agreed.

“Like her,” Pippin continued, catching sight of Ivriniel. “Who is the mutton dressed as lamb? I can’t recall her name.”

Merry swatted Pippin in the ribs. “You don’t have to say everything you think, you know.”

The spontaneous celebration which had sprung up around the Rohirric camp lasted long into the dark of evening, a scene of bright campfires, simple food, lively song, and good fellowship. Imrahil enjoyed having his family reunited again, however briefly, although his granddaughter had not yet had her fill of Thranduil’s company. The other children of Rohan seemed drawn to him as well, their parents warily following the example of their king and queen who obviously trusted these Elves with their princess. The crooked tales of Dernhere of the haunted wood seemed to be finally setting themselves right. The children were intent upon teaching Thranduil their language and songs, and demanding to know their “Elf names.” Legolas’ fox was slinking and bounding through the thicket of small hands desperate to stroke him, at once encouraging and evading their attentions.

Just as some were considering retiring to bed, the north gate of the Rammas Echor was opened once again and a lusty chorus of Dwarf song announced the arrival of Lord Gimli of Aglarond with his people. Several handsome draft horses pulled a great wain with a mysterious load cloaked in canvas. Gondor welcomed them with hearty cheers, because everyone in Minas Tirith already knew that they came bearing the grand new gates of the city. With them came King Thorin of Erebor and King Bard of Dale with their attendants.

Much as they would have enjoyed making merry, the Dwarves set to their task immediately. The ponderous barrier was hauled aside to allow them access to the work site. By morning all would be ready for the grand ceremony.

Imrahil and Nerdanel retired to their quarters then, as did many others, leaving the field to those more tireless than they. After all, this was only the beginning, and they would be hard pressed to keep pace with the King’s plans without taking some sleep.

Perversely, the long climb back to the Steward’s House at the pinnacle of the city reinvigorated Imrahil’s mind, and he slept fitfully. After a few hours he slipped out of bed, pulled on his tunic and cloak, and went in search of the open air.

Dawn was still far off. The wind in the mountains was crisp and clean, rushing down into the valley. The sky was clear and glowing with stars, casting everything in a silvery blue light. But as he approached the edge of the courtyard to look out over the expanse of the city, Imrahil was surprised to find that he was not alone.

“It must be all the excitement,” Imrahil said, leaning on the wall beside his nephew. The intriguing sounds of Dwarvish tools echoed far below, though all curious glances were foiled by a vast shroud of tent cloth illuminated by the small dancing lights of their work lanterns. “I feel I am living in my old nurse’s stories.”

“I am certain I did not do them justice,” Imrahil confessed. “Perhaps the experience is already familiar to you who enjoy the enviable company of your new neighbors.”

“Perhaps ‘familiar’ is not quite the appropriate word,” Faramir said, “but I have certainly grown to appreciate the Elves’ presence here. I hope I do not live to see them leave us.”

“It was fortunate the essential structures were largely intact, especially since every stonemason in the country has been sorely overworked since the war. It is nothing beside Minas Tirith, but our little palace is grand enough for us. You must come see it before you return to Belfalas. And while you are there, you must see Legolas’ house as well. It is true that these silvan Elves dislike stonework, but they can bend and shape wood to any purpose imaginable. Their carpentry is so precise that hardly a nail was required, and the whole structure looks as if it might have simply grown from the hillside.”

“As I say, Legolas has that process well in hand,” Faramir assured him. “I do as I am told and all ends well. Ithilien is a magical place now, and I will be very happy to raise my children there.”

“I do envy you that,” Imrahil smiled. “I hope we shall all have peace enough for you to enjoy these coming years. That, of course, brings me to less pleasant matters. I have not yet had occasion to discuss it with the King, but perhaps you can tell me what truth there is in these rumors about Khand.”

Faramir sighed heavily. “Karzik has actually sent an emissary to Elessar. He is better mannered than any of us expected of a Variag, but it is clear that they have designs on Harondor. Elessar is not likely to cede it to them, and I suspect the emissary's true purpose is to gauge Gondor’s readiness to wage war. They have managed to seize everything in Harad, but surely even Karzik must hesitate before risking everything for a barren waste like Harandor.”

“We can only hope,” Imrahil agreed. “I certainly have no desire to shed blood for it, but I would not have Gondor diminished nor the King shamed.”

They were both distracted then by the faint sound of song on the air. Imrahil glanced down at the stables below, certain he recognized the voice. “There,” he said, pointing out the figure on the street. “It is Thranduil.”

Faramir laughed quietly. “Six years ago you knew nothing about him, and now you are utterly fascinated.”

“Six years ago he was nothing but an obscure name in the chronicles of Isildur, and now he is here, walking our streets,” Imrahil insisted, unashamed of his enthusiasm. “Lord Elrond and the others stayed too briefly for me to properly appreciate them. I sincerely hope Thranduil is in no hurry to return to the north.”

The Elvenking seemed not to notice them. He had clearly been to visit his horses, and perhaps that was all the rest he required. He lingered at the wall now, as they did, taking in the moonlit view. One could almost see the whole region from that height -- especially if one was blessed with Elven sight -- the city, the Pelannor, Osgiliath, Ithilien, and the black mountains of the conquered and gutted land of Mordor. Those peaks were quiet now, but no less imposing. Imrahil wondered what Thranduil might be thinking as he looked out over that landscape. Was he remembering the last time he had seen those mountains, three thousand years before?

Faramir prodded him in the ribs, interrupting his aimless thoughts. In a moment Imrahil saw what had alarmed him. A gang of young stable hands had gathered ominously in the shadows, and now they rushed the Elvenking with cudgels before either Faramir or Imrahil could shout a warning.

Thranduil was uncharacteristically unarmed, but that seemed to make no difference. He spun around, slamming the first of his assailants into the ground without breaking the force of the charge, and then proceeded to soundly beat the others with the handle of the hayfork they had intended to use against him. The whole affair was over in seconds.

Imrahil and Faramir ran headlong through the gate, proceeded by two of the guards on duty there. Thranduil stood unharmed and unconcerned amid a minor scene of bloody devastation as they approached, and he readily surrendered the hayfork to the soldiers. It would have been laughable had not the indignity been so horrifying.

“They will live,” the Elvenking said, “although I confess I may have ruined some noses and broken a few teeth.”

“That will surely be the least of their troubles!” Imrahil insisted as the guards gathered the five dazed young men from the pavement. “In the morning they will know the King’s judgement.”

Thranduil frowned. “I would not have Elessar judge them too harshly,” he said. “They are young and foolish, and by the smell of them I suspect this ridiculous plot was hatched in a tavern. I was in no danger.”

“Perhaps not, my lord,” Imrahil said, “but I do not expect Elessar to tolerate such heinous attacks upon his guests, however ill-conceived.”

Falathar was uncomfortable in the city. He did not like to be so far removed from the seat of his influence, nor quite so near the King’s. There was a fluttering unease in the back of his mind, as if he had already jumped and it remained to be seen whether he would land on his feet. He must not dwell upon it. He had everything to lose.

As much as he would have liked to be in bed, he had business to conduct. There was no better time than the present when most of the rest of the population had exhausted themselves and prying eyes were few. His quarry waited for him in the shadows behind the inn on Rath Celerdain, an imposing figure of a man, thick and broad with a great mane of dark hair tied behind his shoulders. He had the air of a savage who, although he had recently acquired the civility expected of refined societies, had lost none of his brutality. He was the only Variag in Gondor, Gustîg, the emissary from Khand. If Falathar had been a proper Gondorian lord, they would have been little better than strangers. Instead, they were already far more familiar than Falathar would have anyone know.

Gustîg smiled grimly as Falathar approached. “How easily the traitor is concealed in this crowd,” he said in his conspicuous Southron accent. “I trust you have not forgotten your pledges to my master. One could almost forgive you for thinking better of this mad plot of yours when one considers the wrath of Elessar if you are discovered.”

“I do not fear Elessar,” Falathar insisted, which was a blatant lie. He did not respect Elessar, or Thorongil, or Aragorn, or whatever he called himself from day to day, but he did fear him. “He is only a man. One could almost have forgiven you and your lord if you had despaired when the Dark Tower fell. It is no small thing to choose the wrong gods.”

Gustîg shrugged, the starlight glinting on the chain and large crystal pendant on his chest. “We need no gods now.”

It was difficult to argue the point, considering their lightning conquest of the south. It was little wonder that Karzik and his compatriots considered themselves invincible. They had survived when Sauron had not, and now flourished amid the debris of Mordor’s fall. Elessar had been content to simply observe as the diverse tribes of Haradrim fought among themselves. Now the fighting was over and the Variags had taken everything. Their victorious armies were looking to the north, and Gondor faced a rival power.

“Elessar will never let you take Harondor, you know,” Falathar said. “He is too proud to allow it.”

“He may yet,” Gustîg mused, apparently unconcerned, “if his own house is in disorder. You will see to that, of course.”

“My purposes are my own,” Falathar insisted. “You will remind Karzik that I am no tool of his.”

“As you value your daughter’s well-being, you will not utter his name with such contempt again,” Gustîg growled.

Falathar bit his tongue and fumed. He was being squeezed on both sides. He knew his son-in-law well enough to know that the Lord of Khand would not hesitate to throw him to Elessar out of spite if he began refusing their illicit privileges and illegal commerce through Pelargir. This venture must succeed or the dance would truly be over.

Gustîg seemed to recognize his difficulties. “Put your son on the steward’s seat,” he said, almost reassuringly. “End this trouble for all of us, and things can be as they were before.”

Falathar’s mouth twisted into an obscene distortion of a smile. How easily that barbarian said it. Although he had already decided upon this course of action himself, he could not help resenting how little the Variags considered the blood which must be spilt to accomplish that end. “It will be done,” he said grimly. The pieces were already in motion. “I trust Karzik remembers his obligations to me.”

Gustîg glowered at him, probably considering any obligations to be beneath his master’s dignity. “He does.”

Doubtless Fíriel had seen to that. Falathar’s daughter had always been proud, and devoted to her family above all else. Whatever others may say, she had not been given to Karzik against her will, and she knew how to manage her unruly husband, at least insofar as he could be managed by anyone. She tolerated his harem and his other intemperances with a queen’s grace, and was rewarded with his loyalty and even a certain amount of respect. She would see to it that her father was given sanctuary in the south should everything else go wrong.

Early in the morning, Elessar heard the special case against the stable hands who had egregiously attacked the Elvenking during the night. As Imrahil had predicted, the King was mortified and proportionately furious. Thranduil, however, was still in an extraordinarily magnanimous mood and advocated for mercy. They were young and misguided, he reasoned, and the Elves of Gondor would win no friends with harsh punishments. The accused had sobered considerably during the intervening hours, and wisely held their tongues. Elessar relented, but only slightly, sentencing them to simple imprisonment for the duration of Thranduil’s visit. Later it was widely rumored that the Elvenking had condescended to visit the young men in their cells and speak at length with each in turn. After an entire age on the throne, Imrahil mused, Thranduil had clearly mastered the art of kingcraft.

Queen Undómiel had not her elder’s serenity. Her countenance was dark as she stood beside the King while all gathered for the otherwise festive occasion of the Rededication, her patience clearly at an end. Elessar had recovered his composure for the sake of the ceremony, resplendent in his black and silver robes of state, but it was painfully clear that the royal couple would have words on that score when the formalities were concluded.

The ceremony was quickly coming to order under the capable guidance of a legion of organizers, and was nearly as grand as the coronation had been. Every wall and window in the city was hung with proud banners and heraldry, ribbons and pennons. The gathering was itself a triumph, Men and Elves and Dwarves and Hobbits, five kings and three ruling princes, such as had not been seen in one place since the war. With the field full of the King’s guests, the population of the city leaned out of windows, stood upon the walls, and crowded into the lower streets to see what they could. Unfortunately for Imrahil, he was now paying the price for his sleepless night, and he found it difficult to attend all the details of the proceedings.

The King made an impassioned speech about the origins of the city, the first kings and the heritage of Númenor. He recalled how the city had been renamed Minas Tirith a thousand years ago as it stood the long watch over Mordor during the last age. Now its watch was ended, and he solemnly declared that henceforth the King's city would be known again as Minas Anor, the name given at its founding.

Gimli the Dwarf proudly pulled a flaxen rope which brought the great canvas veil fluttering to the ground at last. The Gates shone blindingly bright in the sun, made entirely of mithril, a startling and magnificent contrast to the impervious black stone of the Othram. After an initial intake of breath, the crowds on both sides of the wall roared with enthusiastic applause. Trumpets sounded and an impressive ensemble of minstrels struck up a spirited tune.

The Dwarves had done the job exceedingly well. Within the framework of the gate were cast exquisite panels depicting scenes from the history of Gondor, the topmost being Elendil and his sons, the last the Fellowship of the Ring and the crowning of Elessar. The great locks were then undone and the gates swung smoothly open to admit the population to the King’s reception.

It was a lavish but very informal affair on the common areas of the Pelannor. Nobles and commons alike mingled together and sat on the grass, enjoying the beautiful spring weather. Those who were permitted to attend were specifically those who would not be able to travel to Cormallen, the crippled, the very old, the very young, and those who could not be spared from their duties in the city. The King did not wish to see anyone cheated of the grand occasion because of their circumstances.

Servants wandered through the crowds bearing large trays of food and drink as the minstrels continued their playing with astonishing energy. It was much finer fare than that to which the ordinary citizens were accustomed, with an almost obscene abundance of meat, cheese, and wheat bread. Some of it was genuinely Elvish, including the intriguing sweet buns which occasionally contained a gold coin.

Imrahil was standing with the King when the Queen approached them. She had been smiling for her people for an hour and now clearly wanted a moment with her husband. Imrahil moved to discreetly step away, but Elessar stopped him.

“I would have you remove Baldor to Lamedon at once, my lord,” Arwen said brusquely so that she might be heard over the pipes and drums. “I am certain he incited those young men to attack King Thranduil, and I would not risk him bringing any more dishonor upon your house.”

“If Baldor dishonors anyone’s house,” Elessar countered, “it is his own, not mine. In any case, the young men in question deny his involvement, and the Lord of Lamedon still abides by the terms of his continued presence among us. It would be unjust of me to do any less.”

The Queen scowled, but could not dispute the fact. “I expect worse will come if we do not remove him.”

“Or perhaps we may hope that the King’s law commands enough respect to discourage any more rash exploits,” the King insisted. “We cannot make judgments against what may be. Do not think it does not irk me, but King Thranduil himself was gracious enough to take no offense. The matter is resolved. Let us not draw undue attention to the incident.”

Arwen was clearly not satisfied, but she would not defy him in public. “If that is your will, my lord,” she said. “But I beg you would set guards to watch him.”

Aragorn smiled mischievously. “The fact that you have not already observed them tells me they are doing their work very well indeed.”

She seemed reassured by that. “Of course, you have already been very thorough. I do not know why I expected otherwise. I will abide by your decision, but I have borne that man’s insolence long enough.”

“I know, my love,” the King said, taking her hand sympathetically. “Do not let him steal your joy. I will deal with him in due time.”

Imrahil was distracted then by the approach of Ivriniel and Beleg, both of whom seemed to be in refreshingly good spirits.

“Brother Imrahil!” Beleg called to him, waving a mug of ale with his good arm, his abbreviated one wrapped warmly around his wife. “Come, tell us the truth of the matter.”

“Come now,” Ivriniel said, her eyes sparkling. “We have heard the incredible account of what happened last night, how ten of Baldor’s ruffians dared draw blade against King Thranduil, and that he dispatched them all with hardly an effort!”

“No one was dispatched,” Imrahil insisted, “and they were only five stable boys with clubs and a hayfork. Elessar has them in prison.”

“Oh.” Ivriniel looked sincerely disappointed. “That does make the tale less romantic. No one writes a ballad about a hayfork. Still, I imagine even ten armed men would be no challenge for him.” She glanced across the field at the Elvenking with conspicuous admiration.

“No doubt,” Imrahil agreed flatly, a little embarrassed by his elder sister’s ludicrous flirtation, though her husband did not seem to mind. “Let us pray we never have need to confirm his prowess.”

Imrahil shrugged. “Thranduil himself asked Elessar for clemency because it seemed that ale had done a great deal of their thinking for them.”

“Ill-equipped and drunk!” Beleg laughed. “My dear, I am afraid no part of this affair is worthy of a ballad.”

Nerdanel appeared at Imrahil’s side and slipped her arm around his. “These are wonderful,” she said, handing him a pastry. “I have sent a servant to discover the recipe if he can. With any luck, it will not require some mysterious Elvish magic.”

“Indeed,” Imrahil agreed with a smile. “It may prove very expensive for me to have them regularly sent from Ithilien for you.”

She laughed. They both knew she would never ask for anything so impractical, but that he would not deny her if she did.

“Tell me what else you have discovered during your foray into the public,” Imrahil said playfully. It was easier to let her keep him abreast of all the best gossip. “Unless, of course, you were completely distracted by sweets.”

“The Elves and the Dwarves seem to enjoy a more agreeable relationship than legend would have us believe,” she said. “They are by no means the best of friends, but they do not seem abhorrent to one another, with perhaps a few exceptions. Perhaps we may attribute that to the good influence of Legolas and Gimli.”

“Perhaps,” Imrahil agreed. “To judge by what I have heard, that must be a recent development.”

“King Thranduil may have made light of that incident last night,” Nerdanel continued, “but his guard are of quite a different temper. They will not leave his side for a moment, and they bristle like badgers when anyone approaches him. His manservant insists upon tasting all his food despite the unlikelihood of any poisoning attempt here.”

“Yes, Gwaelas,” Imrahil said, remembering the Elf’s name. “If someone tries to poison anyone at this event, we are all at risk.”

“Lord Erellont is paying an extraordinary amount of attention to our Lady Éowyn,” she said, abruptly changing the subject. “He seems almost infatuated with her.”

“Many are,” Imrahil said. After all, it was hardly to be wondered at. “Poor Erellont. Come, let us have a proper look at these gates.”

There was a perpetual crowd gathered around the city’s newest adornment, constantly shifting as those who had already inspected the details made way for newcomers. The gates were actually more impressive upon closer inspection than Imrahil had expected. Each figure in the crowd had been sculpted to an exacting standard despite the limited space available for the design. “There!” he said, pointing at a recessed but regal figure in the coronation scene. “I think that is supposed to be my likeness. It is less impressive perhaps than that of Legolas, who I notice features prominently in very heroic pose, but that I think I may attribute to bias on the part of the craftsman.”

He elicited a wry laugh from both Legolas and Gimli, who stood nearby. “I deny all knowledge of it,” Legolas insisted, though his smile was fleeting.

It was so rare to see him in bad temper that Imrahil was immediately concerned, though he could guess the cause. “It was truly unfortunate, what befell your father last night,” he said, moving closer. “I hope you found the sentence satisfactory.”

“How can I not, when my lord father is prepared to absolve them?” Legolas replied in a deceptively even tone. It was clear that he was not satisfied, that he, like the Queen, had endured all the abuse he was prepared to tolerate. “Fools,” he hissed unexpectedly. “They are indeed fortunate he is still in such high spirits. There was a time not long ago when they would have paid dearly for their audacity. I sincerely hope they do not try his patience to the breaking point.”

“Might do them good,” Gimli said gruffly. “Someone must teach them respect for kings, including their own.”

“It must be very bitter for Arwen,” Legolas continued. “She has not complained to anyone, but I am truly sorry to see her happiness marred by this senseless unrest.”

“Let us hope it may yet come to nothing,” Imrahil said. “As the Elves are known more widely in Gondor, Baldor’s rhetoric will cease to be credible. It believe that was partly Elessar’s purpose in arranging this celebration.”

Legolas thanked him with a tolerant smile, but he would not be so easily put off his guard.

“I wish I might have a word with him,” Gimli said, fingering his ceremonial axe. “I have quite a bit to say about the virtues of the Elves, and many arguments which I have had occasion to use against my own father and the old guard of Erebor. But I suppose people like that will not be convinced by anything but their own experience.”

Lord Baldor was conspicuous by his absence. Perhaps it was wise of him to avoid the King’s events altogether if he felt incapable of keeping quiet, especially in the compromising light of recent events. No one missed him.

Wandering aimlessly across the green with his wife on his arm, Imrahil surveyed the crowd. King Thranduil seemed to be enjoying an animated conversation with his northern neighbor, King Bard of Dale, and the Hobbits, Meriadoc and Peregrin. Ivriniel and Beleg were speaking to Faramir and Éowyn, and the Dwarves were largely keeping their own company. Children scampered across the grass wearing chains made of the first spring flowers. Jugglers and acrobats plied their trade hoping to attract some lucrative attention, although Elessar had certainly already paid them for their services. The King and Queen were graciously receiving every citizen who approached them even though it seemed the endeavor would occupy them long into the evening.

“Come with me, my lord,” Nerdanel said, taking his hand and gently pulling him toward a lively game of rings which the Rohirrim had begun on the grass. “Let us see if your arm is as good as it ever was.”

The event lasted all day and into the evening, a tedious social chore. Despite the excellent food, Falathar was quite happy to retire at the earliest acceptable opportunity. Erellont accompanied him, in a strangely wistful and melancholy mood.

“I saw you fawning over the Princess of Ithilien,” Falathar scolded him as they walked. “In fact, I believe almost everyone saw you.”

“This is no time for frivolous flirtations. Surely you remember we are actually endeavoring to murder her husband.”

“Now above all we must keep clear heads, and you will be the ruin of us all if you start clouding your mind with lust. You must not be associated with them at all before we take action.” Falathar smiled grimly. “Baldor has positioned himself perfectly, the fool. Did you hear that some of his compatriots actually dared to assault the Elvenking in the street last night? The Queen is merely waiting for the slightest excuse to condemn him. The right bloodshed at the right moment will be his ruin.”

Erellont again looked scandalized. “You intend to waste the lives of these Elves to mask your purpose?”

“Our purpose,” Falathar corrected him, “and, yes. It could not be a more perfect time. There are masses of them here, and they have already been publicly threatened. Whatever should befall them, Baldor will be suspected immediately. Should Prince Faramir happen to come to harm, it will be merely a tragic accident.”

Erellont scoffed incredulously. “Father, Elves have not been my study, but even I have seen enough to know that these are not benign scribes and musicians. The Lasgalennath may seem peaceful now, but they are dangerous. By all accounts, their king is ruthless. Do not wake that beast.”

“You misjudge me, son,” Falathar said grimly. “If I am to have my way, their celebrated king will never wake again.”

The enormous royal party left Minas Anor the following day. The elaborately festooned column stretched for miles across northern Ithilien with the King, the Queen, and the royal guard at its head. Everywhere the trees were in new leaf and flower, showing their best colors for the new year.

Riding with his household immediately behind Faramir and just ahead of Legolas and Thranduil, Imrahil could not help but notice how the ranks of the Elves swelled as they passed through the wood. They flocked to their king with an enthusiastic devotion which spoke eloquently of his leadership. Elessar’s reign was still young, but Imrahil was certain that he would also command that kind of allegiance in time. It was inevitable for a man of his quality.

It was early evening when they at last reached the celebrated Field of Cormallen, ringed with trees bearing the yellow culumalda flowers which had given the place its name. Large pavilions had already been erected along the edges of the site, each with the heraldic banner of the intended resident staked outside. Many impressive outbuildings had been constructed in the surrounding forest, storehouses, stables, and stone ovens, an investment in what would surely be many public celebrations in years to come.

Another informal dinner was organized as the great lords settled into their quarters and the rest of the column arrived in the field. Men and Elves who had gone ahead of everyone else had prepared fresh bread and game spiced with the sage, thyme, marjoram, and spring onions which grew wild throughout that country.

Imrahil was very gratified when Ciryon brought their portions, hollow bowls of bread filled with fragrant morsels of meat. The sun was quickly setting, and people were beginning to gather around the swarm of soldiers completing the preparations for the enormous bonfire at the center of the field. “Come, wife,” he said jovially, handing Nerdanel her food when she had finished straightening her jewelry and veil. “We would not want to miss the firing.”

The impressive monument of logs and kindling had obviously been built to an exacting standard, standing over twenty feet high and crowned with a tall fir tree which had been culled from the forest especially for this purpose. Dry and riddled with disease, it promised to burn dramatically.

When at last the sun had truly set and the stars had emerged, the royal trumpets blew a sudden call for silence. It was the last night of the year, and it seemed only right that they savor the occasion for a few moments. Then King Elessar, holding aloft a single torch in the gloom, lifted his voice over the crowd and solemnly repeated the words that the Eagles had brought to the city six years before.

Sing now, ye people of the Tower of Anor,
for the realm of Sauron is ended for ever,
And the Dark Tower is thrown down.

Sing and rejoice, ye people of the Tower of Guard,
for your watch hath not been in vain,
and the Black Gate is broken,
And your King hath passed through,
and he is victorious.

Sing and be glad, all ye children of the West,
for your King shall come again,
and he shall dwell among you
all the days of your life.

And the tree that was withered shall be renewed,
and he shall plant it in the high places,
and the City shall be blessed.

Drumming that had begun softly now grew much stronger. Merry and Pippin lit two torches from the King’s flame, ran to the great pile and set the kindling alight. Fire spiraled upward along bundles of strategically-placed pine boughs, reached the brittle branches of the great fir tree, and a roaring column of flame shot skyward, almost blinding in its sudden brilliance.

There was some appreciative applause from the crowd, startled cries as something exploded overhead, and finally nervous laughter and lusty cheers as they all recognized the glimmering blue sparks for what they were. Several more fireworks erupted in the sky, red, green, and gold, a special preparation from the Dwarves of Erebor.

Music began in all corners of the field, and several more fires were lit as the formalities dissolved into general gaiety. Wine and ale were flowing freely, and there seemed not to be anyone among them who was not thoroughly enjoying himself as the disparate races and cultures celebrated together their common victory.

“This is what I wanted this occasion to be,” Elessar said with a broad smile, watching the spontaneous dancing all around them, a large mug of ale in his hand.

Imrahil smiled as well. “With any luck,” he said, “this experience may serve to improve the political climate going forward.”

“Precisely,” the King agreed. “We have only to become familiar to one another.”

Snatches of Elven song came to them over the commotion, very different from the elevated style Imrahil had heard from the Queen’s companions from Rivendell. The songs of Greenwood were militant and buoyant with an infectious rhythm and lyrics that were often grim and irreverent. They were exactly the right people to tame Ithilien again, practical and full of irrepressible energy.

For a moment their voices rang clearer, proudly united in some new verses they had rendered into the common tongue for the benefit of their new friends.

The frost is slain by bloom of spring,
And in the north the birds take wing.
In Eryn Galen now they sing
the praises of the Elvenking!

He bore the frozen winter’s chill,
And reigns beneath the beeches still.
On Amon Lanc the niphredil
Now bloom to honor Thranduil!

At last the hopeless war is won,
And Gorthaur’s lair is overrun.
Lasgalen’s reign has just begun.
All hail King Oropherion!

“As well they should be,” Elessar agreed. “Greenwood alone of all the Elven realms has been improved by the outcome of the war. I shall be well pleased if history will remember my reign as fondly as they do his.”

Merry and Pippin were dancing atop a table, obviously quite drunk, and attempting to teach a mixed crowd of spectators the words to what could only be described as an aggressively lighthearted song. Their audience, by no means completely sober, learned the chorus quickly enough, which gratified the Hobbits immensely. Several raucous renditions ensued.

As the night advanced, the event seemed as perfect a success as could have been hoped for. Loosened by drink and good company, everyone appeared to have shed for the moment whatever unreasonable reservations he might have harbored against his fellow merrymakers; Elves sang Dwarvish songs, a few brave Dwarves sang Elvish songs, and everyone sang the Hobbits’ songs. It was easy to forget whatever cares might have seemed much more pressing a few hours ago, and which doubtless would resurface the following morning. Perhaps those cares would not seem so significant in the first light of a new year.

Falathar wandered away from the noisy firelit field, away from the howling Rohirrim, away from the pompous Elvish ballads, away from the dogs snarling over carcasses of roast boar and stag not yet completely denuded of meat. He took care to appear inebriated enough to go unnoticed by the few who crossed his path, carrying a mug of ale and respectable portions of bread and venison spitted on his dagger. He knew he had gone deep enough into the wood when he felt the prick of steel on his back.

“Sheath your blade, you scoundrel,” Falathar commanded. “You forget your place.”

“No more than you have forgotten yours.” Radhruin put his knife away. He was a creature of shadow now, like a wild animal disguised amid the trees. He was covered with mud up to the belt, apparently to frustrate any sent which may alert the dogs. “You said you would have instructions for me.”

“I know it,” the corsair said flatly. “I was here when the pavilions were raised, as you wished.”

“Excellent.” Falathar realized that it must have been weary and stagnant work, observing the site while necessarily going unobserved. Radhruin did have a lean and hungry look about him, which was why Falathar had brought some spoils. He handed over the mug and the laden dagger. “The details I will leave to your ingenuity, for you know your own business best. You must arrange some grave accident or sabotage very soon which must absolutely be the death of Faramir, but which must appear to be directed against the Elvenking. It would be best if you could kill him as well. Suspicion will immediately fall in quite a different quarter. I am not much concerned who else may come to harm, but Faramir must die. I will choke you with gold if you can accomplish this.”

There was a long silence as Radhruin considered the commission, tearing the meat off the blade with his teeth, and looking at Falathar with something akin to disdain. Then he seemed to forget him entirely, falling into deep thought. “Yes,” he said at last, as much to himself as to his employer. “I know how it may be done.”

“Do it soon,” Falathar insisted. “The longer you linger in Ithilien, the greater our risk.”

But Radhruin did not seem to share his urgency. He took his time now with what was left of his food, drained the ale and threw the mug at Falathar’s feet. “It seems the risk is all mine,” he said, a sharp light in his eyes. “Give me a pledge.”

“I have told you before, I am not your pawn to be used and sacrificed at will,” Radhruin insisted. “What good is the word of a traitor and murderer to me? Give me your signet ring.”

Falathar balked. It was insufferable that this mercenary would dare to make such a demand of him, but once again it was impossible to refuse. Worse, Radhruin was no fool and obviously knew the strength of his position. Falathar did not like to leave his fate at the mercy of any man; everything he had done had been in an effort to free himself, yet he only seemed to become more entangled. Clenching his jaw with impotent rage, he pulled off his silver signet ring and gave it to the corsair.

Radhruin jammed it onto his dirty finger with a maddening smile. “Now you will think again before you denounce me,” he said.

A twig snapped, and they both spun around to find they were no longer alone. Falathar was seized by panic as he recognized Lady Ivriniel’s husband, and the look of scandalized disbelief on his face made it clear he had heard too much. Beleg’s features hardened as he realized his peril, and then he turned and bolted back toward the field.

“Stop him!” Falathar barked, but Radhruin had already thrown the dagger. Beleg fell wounded, his cries for assistance drowned by a new volley of Dwarvish fireworks and the cheers of the spectators.

Radhruin pounced on him and grappled violently with the old war veteran, who gave a good account of himself despite his missing hand and the knife in his leg. He was calling for Elessar, for Imrahil, for Legolas and Faramir, for anyone who could hear. Radhruin finally silenced him by kneeling on his back and wrapping an arm around his throat. Before he lost consciousness, Beleg glared at Falathar and spat contemptuously into the dirt. Radhruin broke his neck.

Falathar’s initial relief was soon soured by dread. This could yet ruin everything. The man’s absence would hardly go unnoticed.

“I can dispose of him,” Radhruin growled, sensing his dismay, already tying off the leg wound lest it leave a blood trail. “Bring me a horse!”

The first day of the new year dawned with a chill, but with great promise of a clear sky and a warm sun. Despite his good mood, Imrahil found he was extremely reluctant to leave the downy cushion and cocoon of bedding he and Nerdanel shared, but she dutifully prodded him upright.

“Go,” she said, clearly intending to remain abed herself. “You would not want to miss the hunt.”

Imrahil sighed and rubbed the sleep out of his eyes. “Elessar keeps the hours of a much younger man,” he complained, but she was right. He would feel very old indeed if he failed to join the royal hunt.

He dressed softly for the occasion in the woodsman’s tunic Ciryon had laid out the night before. He splashed some water from the basin on his face and felt surprisingly invigorated. He bid his wife farewell, stepped outside their pavilion and breathed deeply the fresh and fragrant air of Ithilien.

Ciryon was waiting with his horse saddled and ready. Of greater immediate interest to Imrahil was the unexpectedly fresh breakfast he offered. It was a small and delicate-looking loaf of fine white bread on a silver plate, too simple to be only what it seemed, accompanied by a stirrup cup of wine.

“It seems the Elves have no need of sleep, my lord,” Ciryon explained, recognizing his curiosity. “They have taken the liberty of providing refreshment for the hunting party this morning.”

“Better and better,” Imrahil said, taking the convenient meal in hand. It was still warm. “I envy Faramir more each day.” The first bite revealed a savory filling of roast boar and apples worthy of any king’s table, and immediately he regretted not having a larger portion. But, of course, it would be ill-advised to eat heavily before a ride. All the Elvish dishes had developed an apparently effortless refinement that no doubt came of many years of practice and what was probably a natural desire for more interesting fare. They lived far too long to tolerate tedious food.

Imrahil threw back his wine and swung astride his horse just as he heard the drumming of hoofbeats in the grass behind him. He turned and saw Thranduil and Legolas riding toward him out of the sunrise.

“Come, Imrahil,” the Elvenking smiled, mounted on his fiery Elvish stallion, armed as his son with a heavy woodland bow and a bristling quiver of arrows. “A pristine day awaits. Let us make the most of it!”

Imrahil spurred his horse after them, and together they rode to the southern edge of the valley where King Elessar was waiting, past the center of the field where preparations were hastily being made for the entertainments of the day. A scaffold of prepared lumber was already mostly erected, the bones of what would soon be an enclosed arena and a large royal box on a dais. It would have to be large to accommodate all the crowned heads in attendance.

“Good morning, and a blessed New Year!” Elessar greeted them as they joined the gathering hunting party.

“Merethor veren!” Thranduil agreed, “although it seems a few of us are not yet feeling blessed this day.”

He meant, of course, the Hobbits. The periain were mounted, Peregrin with Faramir and Meriadoc with Éowyn. They were clearly anxious to accompany the hunt, but it was obvious they had not yet recovered from last night’s revelry. Thranduil inquired of his people who were present on foot, and one produced a flask and gave them to drink. Whatever the contents, it began restoring their vitality in moments.

“Hullo!” Merry exclaimed, returning the flask reluctantly. “I expect we will be needing more of that before the fortnight is past.”

There was a good deal of laughter and agreement among the company. Imrahil took note, intending to acquire some of that remarkable concoction along with Nerdanel’s new favorite pastries before the journey back to Belfalas.

The hunt commenced in the full light of the morning sun, later than a proper hunt ought, but it was in fact more a royal pastime than a serious chase. Legolas’ Elves and Faramir’s Ithilien Rangers went ahead to flush what game they could find. Aeglos the fox bounded after them through the undergrowth, managing to bag several stotes which would later be used to feed him and the dogs.

Tempted though he was to monopolize Thranduil’s company, Imrahil fell back and forced himself to take an interest in Elessar’s other guests. His natural curiosity made the task easier, and he allowed himself to be overtaken by King Bard of Dale. They had been introduced earlier, but had not yet had occasion to converse at length. “Good day to you, my lord!” he said brightly. “I would ride with you a while, if you will grant me the privilege of your company.”

“I will, and gladly,” Bard replied. He was still young, more or less the same age as Imrahil’s eldest son, brought to the throne by his father’s untimely death.

“My Arndís is not fond of travel,” Bard explained, “and Gondor is still a very distant name in the north. She stayed with the children to govern in my absence.”

“The kingdom of Dale and the other northern realms are in many ways equally mysterious to us in the south,” Imrahil said. “We are fortunate indeed now to have the familiarity you have always enjoyed with the Elves of Greenwood.”

“King Thranduil can be a mercurial neighbor,” Bard confessed with a smile, “but it would be difficult to find a more reliable ally, in feast or famine.” Then he frowned. “Although it has been hushed up as much as may be possible, I have observed that King Elessar is having some difficulty reintroducing the Fair Folk in Gondor.”

“There has been more resistance than we anticipated,” Imrahil admitted. “The King hopes to resolve it soon.”

“Sooner rather than later,” Bard agreed. “Thranduil’s people are good and loyal friends, but they can be . . . volatile. It would be unwise to offend them.”

King Thorin and Gimli rushed by on their ponies, perhaps eager not to appear to be at any disadvantage beside their fellows mounted on taller beasts. Ahead, Thranduil and Legolas drew rein and allowed them to pass, the Elvenking obviously in no great hurry to share their company. The habits of a lifetime were slow to change.

The forests of Ithilien were indeed much changed since the war. The scars of the Orc occupation were greatly diminished, and new growth was rebounding through fire-scorched areas, young saplings reaching for sunlight beside those venerable trees which had survived the dark times. Legolas and his Elves had indeed been productive. Doubtless Faramir was correct, and it would be well worth Imrahil’s while to visit Emyn Arnen before returning to the coast.

“Does the feast tonight depend on our luck this morning?” Pippin asked. He sounded worried. “At this rate, we may have to be very creative with cheese and vegetables.”

A wry chuckle ran through the company. “No, no,” Faramir assured him with a smile. “The feast has been well provided for. Anything we contribute will simply make a more extravagant supper.”

As if in answer to the Hobbit’s prayers, the hounds began baying in the forest ahead, and a horn sounded a terse call. It was boar. The entire company spurred their horses to greater speed through the undergrowth. The noise of the catch dogs attempting to subdue their quarry guided them around in a northerly arc as they caught up to the chase. The huge beast was crashing through the forest in heedless flight, apparently a mature male well worth the attention of the royal hunt.

Elessar loosed the first arrow, striking the boar behind the shoulder. His second shaft flew wide as his horse stumbled, but Éomer managed to hit it in the flank. Neither wound seemed to slow the boar’s progress. Faramir and Éowyn fell back slightly with the Hobbits, leaving the work for the unencumbered riders. Imrahil was determined not to attempt a shot of his own, content to let the larger crowns do battle for the honor of the kill. He saw Thranduil making his move, overtaking the others on the outside at what seemed a reckless speed. His mount was incredibly nimble, obviously well accustomed to woodland hunts. He let fly a shaft which struck its mark just behind the foreleg, the force of which would have felled a stag or a smaller boar, but the enormous animal found strength enough for a last desperate plunge through the scrub.

Elessar raised his hand and shouted some direction to the others as they approached a clearing. In a moment Imrahil saw what the rest of the party had seen, and he joined them as they fanned out on either side, herding their quarry forward. Thorin and Gimli, anticipating the direction of the boar’s flight, had already doubled back on their ponies and now stood together braced behind Thorin’s large battle axe upon which a short lance had been mounted.

Enraged and harried by the dogs, the boar launched itself at the Dwarves, knocking them backward but impaling itself through the heart in the process. Gimli was quick to crawl to his feet and deal the final blow, severing the boar’s thick spine with his own axe, assuring a quick end to its struggle.

“You are fortunate not to have been crushed, my friends!” Elessar congratulated them. “That beast outweighs both of you together.”

“They are not called the Gonhirrim for nothing,” Legolas laughed. “They will not be crushed so easily.”

“Indeed, not,” Thorin agreed. He was proudly spattered with boar’s blood, and struck a royal pose with his grisly axe. “Thank you, my lords, for sending the animal to us.”

Returning to the festival grounds in triumph, the royal party dispersed each to his own quarters. There was just enough time to change into something more presentable before the main events of the day. There would be a brief flag parade before the games began, so it was their sovereign duty to appear to best advantage.

Ciryon was waiting when Imrahil returned, and helped him quickly into a stately white and grey tunic, a blue cloak affixed with his silver swan badge, and the silver and pearl circlet of Dol Amroth. All that remained was to see himself mounted. Ciryon would await him in the royal box.

Imrahil’s mind was elsewhere as he left his pavilion and strode across the grass toward the stables hidden within the trees, drifting in a cloud of general contentment as a sweet spring breeze ruffled his cloak and swept loose blossoms from the trees. His reverie was suddenly broken by a loud commotion from inside the stables. That was Thranduil’s voice above all others, and he was thunderously angry. Imrahil’s Sindarin was not contemporary enough for him to catch more than a general sense of the rapid tirade, but it was plain that some mischief had been done. He quickened his pace, intending to address the incident as best he could on Elessar’s behalf, his previous serenity banished by a dull feeling of dread.

He burst through the door only moments later and found the splendid Elvenking and all his guard clustered around his great Rohirric mare, who appeared to be in some distress. “What has happened?” Imrahil demanded immediately. “Is anyone injured?”

“Someone has willfully lamed the King’s horse!” Gwaelas informed him as Thranduil regained his composure.

Two rather sheepish stable boys seemed to have been rendered mute by the prior outburst. Legolas bounded in through the opposite door, also drawn by the shouting.

Imrahil advanced to see the damage for himself. Thranduil lifted Fréawyn’s left front hoof to reveal the enormous nail which had been driven deep into the flesh. Blood was seeping from the wound.

“Who has done this?” Imrahil asked, rounding on the stable boys. “Did you see him?”

“That is no farrier’s nail!” Thranduil snarled, causing them both to flinch against the far wall.

Imrahil flinched with them in spite of himself, then motioned softly for silence. They would not discover anything useful from these two if Thranduil frightened the life out of them. An Elvish stablemaster arrived then with pincers, a hoof knife, salve, and a pail of salt water to attend the wound as best anyone could. Imrahil beckoned the boys a short distance away while the Elves were occupied. “How would you describe this mysterious farrier?” he asked them.

That description fit the majority of Men present at Cormallen, Imrahil thought, but he hid his impatience.

“He was very quiet,” said the younger one, “never a word to anyone. And he was a bit swarthy.”

That was not much better, but at least it was something. Imrahil thanked them and bid them return to their duties. They were quite happy to disappear into other stalls.

The nail was out now, a wicked iron thing that had been forged for heavy carpentry. The damaged hoof had been cleaned and was now being salved and bandaged.

“What did you get from them?” Thranduil asked. He was still smoldering, but seemed less explosive.

“Only that we should be alert for a tall swarthy man of taciturn disposition,” Imrahil said. The Elvenking mirrored his dissatisfaction. “I will inform Elessar and the King’s Guard. The soldiers will watch for him.”

“As will our people,” Legolas agreed grimly. “Any man willing to ruin so fine an animal out of spite may be capable of worse.”

“In that, at least, we seem to have been fortunate,” the stablemaster concluded. “I do not believe any lasting damage has been done to the hoof. With due care and attention, she should be mended in a matter of weeks.”

“No,” Thranduil decided. “Erthoron is enough. Find another stablemaster to assume his duties.”

“If I may say, my lords,” Erthoron continued, “the hairs I see caught on the nails of her hind shoe suggest our Fréawyn struck a blow of her own.” He assumed the classic ferrier’s position that would have been required to inflict the wound and tapped his forehead at the hairline. “I think your swarthy ruffian is now marked by a significant abrasion.”

“So much the better,” Thranduil said stiffly, though apparently somewhat gratified.

“Yes, inform Elessar when you may,” Legolas agreed, “but his Guard must be alerted immediately. I will see to that.”

There was little time to say more; their presence was required on the field in a few moments. Imrahil chose a fresh horse, but Thranduil was obliged to pull Maethor out of his trough for an additional duty before being retired for the day.

They quickly joined the resplendent column of royalty queuing outside, and each was paired with a footman bearing his flag on a lance. They paraded in stately fashion across the field and into the arena to the fanfare of trumpets and the energetic reception of the roaring crowd, King Elessar and Queen Undómiel, Imrahil and Nerdanel, Faramir and Éowyn, Thranduil, Legolas, Éomer and Lothíriel, Thorin, Gimli, Meriadoc and Peregrin, and Bard. That so many bench seats had been constructed in so short a time seemed miraculous, but was yet another manifestation of the exacting standards with which Elessar had planned every aspect of the celebration. After circumnavigating the arena three times so that they might be visible to all in attendance, they dismounted and climbed the short stairway to the covered dais where thrones had been set for them. The footmen mounted their colors into the ground at their feet, and then the games began.

The first event was the beginning of a much anticipated pilwë tournament which would proceed at intervals throughout the day. The ancient Gondorian game had enjoyed a resurgence of interest since Elessar’s crowning, which seemed perfectly appropriate as it had its origins literally in the roots of the Reunited Kingdom. This match was of particular interest to Imrahil, as it pitted his Swan Knights and his son Amrothos against Faramir’s Ithilien Rangers.

“Remind me, my lord, of the particulars of this game,” Éomer said, leaning toward Imrahil who was seated to his left. “My good queen has endeavored to explain it before.”

“It is a remembrance of Isildur’s theft of the last fruit of Nimloth, the white tree of Númenor,” Imrahil explained as the players took their places on the grass. “Two teams of seven men each attempt to take the yáva, the small white ball, through a gate at the opposite end of the field. The yáva may not be thrown or kicked, but only passed hand to hand. Cowardly blows are illegal, as is deliberate serious bodily harm, but only one score is required to win, so games are often brief and brutal.”

The King of Rohan nodded his approval. “This lot promises to give a fine spectacle. Are those your men, Imrahil? I recognize your son among them.”

“Indeed they are,” Imrahil smiled. Both teams were comprised of some of the broadest and burliest men either principality could boast. It was a friendly rivalry, but taken very seriously. Amrothos could not expect his blood to merit any special deference.

“I’ll wager Faramir’s men take the day,” Meriadoc ventured. “The Rangers are a cunning and crafty sort.”

“Would you care to risk some coin on that prospect, Master Holbytla?” Éomer asked mischievously. “It would perhaps displease my sister, but I am prepared to stake a gold piece on my lord father’s knights.”

Imrahil had only a moment to wonder about the propriety of doing anything so vulgar as gambling in the presence of the King and Queen before Thranduil boldly leaned forward from his place on Elessar’s opposite side. “Imrahil!” he called over the noise of the crowd. “Are you confident in your men? Legolas, of course, is loyal to Faramir, but I am inclined to wager against him.”

“Perfectly confident!” Imrahil assured him. It was true, although under the circumstances he could hardly have admitted otherwise.

The keeper threw the yáva into play from the sidelines, and the crowd roared as both teams charged at each other. Amrothos and the Swan Knights slammed into the Rangers like the heavy cavalry they were accustomed to being, while the Rangers seemed quicker on their feet, diving and twisting away from their opponents when they could. The Ranger who had initially caught the ball was immediately crushed beneath a pile of eager men, but one of his teammates fled the scene with a telltale flash of white clutched protectively against his chest. Two alert Knights gave chase and bowled him over, but he rolled and regained his feet to wild acclaim. Amrothos collided with him and dragged him to the ground, allowing another of the Knights to seize the yáva and sprint in the other direction.

Imrahil did not allow himself to show an indecorous amount of enthusiasm, although in other circumstances he would have loudly applauded his son’s aggression and teamwork. Beside him Nerdanel could barely keep her seat.

The match continued in that fashion for some time, with neither team able to gain a clear advantage. Injuries were sustained, but no man consented to quit the field. Informal tallies were made, speculating the fitness of each team going forward. Seeing at least two Knights favoring sore bones, Merry doubled his wager with Éomer who was too gallant to lose faith in his wife’s brother. The Rangers had also taken casualties, and Imrahil gripped the arms of his throne, still daring to hope for the best.

The end came suddenly, as if often did in that game. The Rangers’ greater agility won the day as one of their own broke free of the brawl and ran through the gateposts to victory. Imrahil sighed, accepting defeat with as much dignity as he could muster. The disappointment would have been bitter enough without having to watch Merry collect his winnings from the King of Rohan or endure the narrow glance Thranduil aimed in his direction.

“Do not be so crestfallen, Imrahil,” Elessar said as he applauded the victors. “Your men played well.”

“Thank you, my lord,” Imrahil replied graciously. “You are as generous as ever. But before the proceedings continue, I must inform you of an incident which occurred in the stables this morning. I believe it to be yet another deliberate affront committed against the Elvenking.”

“Why was I not told of this sooner?” the King demanded. The Queen stiffened in her seat.

“The Guard has been made aware,” Imrahil assured him. “A man was seen entering the stables in the guise of a farrier, and we believe it was he who lamed Thranduil’s horse.”

“Fréawyn, the grey mare?” Lothíriel interjected. “Someone has lamed her?”

“Who would dare?” Éomer seethed. “She is very near blood of the Mearas! Finer horses do not exist in Middle-earth. This man is not of Rohan, I assure you!”

“We did not suspect so, my lord,” Imrahil agreed. “What little description we have of him makes it extremely unlikely. The wound is serious, but it is the opinion of the stablemaster that no lasting damage has been done.”

“It was Thranduil who discovered it,” Imrahil admitted, “and he was thus compelled to choose another mount for the ceremonies.”

“I had wondered at that. The beast had only just had the sweat wiped from him.” Elessar shot a surreptitious glance at the Elvenking, who immediately met his gaze without turning. Thranduil was clearly aware of their conversation, though not inclined to take part. “What do we know of this man? Do we suspect him to be in league with the Lord of Lamedon?”

“Anything is possible, my lord,” Imrahil said. “The stable hands could not name him, and said only that he was a furtive man of dark complexion. Additionally, it is likely that he endured a kick to the brow before he fled.”

“Good of the horse to mark him for us,” Elessar agreed, though his voice was utterly humorless. He motioned to the guard standing at his elbow. “See that Lord Baldor is summoned to me at once,” he said. “I will tolerate these insolent crimes no longer. It may be that we must renegotiate the terms of our agreement.”

From the privileged seat reserved for the Lord of Pelargir, Erellont watched the continuing entertainments with only idle attention. A showing of exotic animals from the south had begun in the arena, three keepers parading their beasts for the crowd. There was a young mûmak, a small striped horse, and an outrageously large bird apparently more accustomed to sprinting than flying, bald as a buzzard on its head and neck, but with stunning black and white plumage on its body and superfluous wings. The crowd applauded the display, but Erellont’s mind was elsewhere.

His father had been obviously ill at ease since the previous night, but seemed unwilling either to admit it or to confide the reason. That was worrying. Erellont felt he was walking half-blind through his father’s machinations; he knew more than he wanted to know, and less than he ought. He found it difficult to look at Faramir, knowing the Prince of Ithilien would soon be dead unless Falathar’s plans miscarried. He cursed the circumstances which had brought them to this pass, but he was not prepared to stand before the King and accept the ruinous sentence his father and grandfather had earned for their house.

Falathar sat very near him, conspicuously present and engaged in the entertainment, obviously determined to appear unconcerned and innocuous. His duplicity soured everything he touched, and it turned Erellont’s stomach more each day.

The keeper of the bird presented the Queen with an elegant fan fashioned from its long feathers, earning for himself one of the many white blossoms entwined in her hair as a token of her gratitude.

The law recognized him as the Lord of Pelargir, yet Erellont still felt inextricably entangled in his father’s conspiracies, subordinated to his demands and expectations. He was well aware that Falathar’s true intentions in relinquishing his office had very little to do with any infirmity, but rather an abhorrence of the hardship of war. Erellont had accepted the responsibilities of his rank and served with some distinction in the War of the Ring, but that would all be forgotten in the stench of his family’s corruption. By the time he had become aware of the depth of his father’s vices, similar offenses had already been perpetrated in his name. He had not had a stellar career, to be sure, but he was not to blame for the sorry state of their affairs. Now he had been dragged into the muck before he had had a chance to object. Now it was too late.

The animals had gone now, and a giant from Dale presented himself. He proceeded to bend swords with nothing but his hands, albeit with a padded glove to save his fingers from the blades.

Sitting alone in an impotent froth of his own disgust and resentment, Erellont decided he could no longer endure his father’s presence at that moment. He rose abruptly and turned to leave.

“What are you doing?” Falathar hissed at him. “Are you trying to seed rumors?”

“I will go where I please,” Erellont asserted, his voice assuming an absolute tone he had never dared use against his father before. “Let those tongues wag that will, and pray they do not guess the truth.” He turned again and descended from their place amid the crowd without looking back.

He stalked across the grass toward his pavilion, glad to leave the noise and incessant mirth behind. He did not have the patience for it today. He wanted more sympathetic company.

Mereneth was waiting for him there, keeping decorously out of sight as a nobleman’s mistress should. Erellont allowed the tent flaps to fall closed and collapsed in a heap on the cushion beside her. She lay aside her sewing and ran her fingers through his hair, obviously concerned. “Why are you not enjoying the King’s festivities, my lord?” she asked. “Your absence will be remarked upon.”

“I do not care who remarks upon it,” Erellont countered. “I could not abide my father’s presence any longer, not even had they seven queens of Rhûn set to parade in naught but their jewels.” Naturally he could not confide to her the true reason for his frustration with his father, but he had reasons enough that she did not suspect anything more serious.

“You should not allow him to intimidate you, my lord,” Mereneth said, softly and yet very boldly. “He willingly gave his seat over to you long ago. He should allow you to occupy it in truth as well as in appearance.”

“I would that it were as simple as that.” Erellont almost smiled. Not very long ago it had seemed that simple. “I do not want to talk about my father. I want to be with you.”

Mereneth smiled coyly and took up her embroidery again. “I expect that is the reason your father desires to remove me from your household, my lord.”

It was true that Falathar did not approve of Mereneth. It was not because he was prudish, but because he was a brute. Erellont had found her on the streets of Pelargir, just another war orphan without money or means, reduced to begging and scavenging. Something about her had caught his eye at once, and rather than give her a coin he had set her on his horse and brought her back with him. Naturally his father assumed she was nothing but a passing amusement, and was confounded when instead their bond became one of genuine affection, something beyond his comprehension. He had several times attempted to remove her, but on this one point Erellont had consistently defied him. Mereneth relieved his loneliness, and for now he preferred her company above all others.

A distant roar of applause came to them on the breeze, and Erellont concluded that the sword-bender must have taken his leave. Doubtless some other freak was now preparing to exhibit himself.

“Your father treats you as a child because you allow it, my lord,” Mereneth insisted. “You must learn to defend yourself at least as ably as you do me.”

Erellont sighed. He knew she was right, but the situation was already so out of hand that it hardly seemed worth the effort to begin rowing against the current now.

A Rohirric strongman proudly entered the arena when the sword-bending giant had quit it, a train of men behind him dragging carts containing stones and irons of various sizes. He threw off his shirt, displaying his extraordinary musculature to the rowdy crowd of spectators.

The midday meal was served. Imrahil could see rations of bread and cheese being distributed throughout the common ranks, but the King and his companions were treated to morsels of venison seasoned with an almost obscene amount of black pepper and other expensive spices. Trade had been brisk as other nations rushed to exchange their goods for the spoils of Mordor’s fall.

Imrahil nearly choked on his wine when Ivriniel suddenly grabbed his shoulder and appeared at his elbow. He would have been cross with her had not her face been so grave. “Imrahil,” she said, “Beleg is gone.”

Ivriniel shook her head. “None can say.” She looked older, ashen and drawn with worry. “I have inquired everywhere. I lost him at the fire last night and he has not been seen since.”

Imrahil was immediately concerned. He wanted to believe it was nothing, but he recognized his sister’s panic, and he knew it was completely out of character for Beleg to disappear even for an hour without her knowledge. He did not like it, particularly now that there were nameless lawbreakers at large in the wood. He left his seat and approached the King as discreetly as he could.

“My lord,” he said, leaning close to Elessar to be heard over the noise of the strongman’s performance, “my sister’s husband, Beleg of Pelargir, has not been accounted for since last night, and may have met with some misfortune. He is a man of reliable character, and I believe the matter merits investigation.”

“So do I,” Elessar agreed, “especially after what you told me of the events of this morning.” He beckoned to his Guard once again, his brow furrowed with concern. Then he shook his head, disgusted by these malicious disruptions of his festival. “Take Lady Ivriniel and see that a description of her husband is given to the auxiliary guard who will then search the surrounds for him,” he instructed.

Imrahil resumed his seat as Ivriniel left with the captain. Nerdanel shared his concern. “It is surely nothing,” he assured her, equally for his own benefit. “Perhaps he is yet sleeping off last night’s drink in the wood, and will wonder at all the fuss when he wakes.” It was not a very convincing theory.

Left with no more boulders to lift, the strongman pointed at Elessar and issued a theatrical challenge. Obviously prepared for this, a large Gondorian soldier appeared on the field to grapple with him. It was great sport, and it whipped the crowd into a frenzy once again, but the man of Rohan came away undefeated. Now he challenged the King of Dale to produce his own champion, and another prepared opponent came out to meet him. He fared no better despite a spirited struggle. Flushed with victory, the strongman pointed at the great Elvenking.

The flash of consternation on Elessar’s face told Imrahil that this was not part of the script. The man’s audacity earned a surprised but respectful nod from Thranduil, wild cheers from the Rohirrim, and vengefully amused heckling from the Dalers. Thranduil elected one from his personal guard, Lancaeron, to act as his champion.

The strongman seemed to come again to his senses as the flinty Elven soldier approached him, but it was far too late to recant. Even bereft of weapons, those entrusted with the Elvenking’s person were formidable individuals. The two seemed very mismatched as each took the measure of the other, the hulking Man and the slender Elf, but the outcome was far from certain.

“How do you wager now, Meriadoc?” Éomer asked, perhaps hoping to win his money back.

Merry hesitated. “I don’t like that hungry look on Thranduil,” he said. “It’s like a hawk watching a lame rabbit.”

“I cannot prove faithless to my own champion,” Éomer decided. “Have you so little confidence in your brother in arms?”

“I will take your wager, my lord,” Imrahil said. “A gold piece in favor of the Elf.”

Neither had yet engaged the other, and the crowd began to express impatience. Lancaeron’s manner seemed to soften for a moment, and he said something to his challenger which no one else could hear. Apparently reassured, the Man smiled and resumed his aggressive posture. He lunged at the Elf, who did not evade the attack as expected, but instead met his opponent with all the force of a rutting stag. Surprised, the crowd loudly applauded this tack, which evened the odds somewhat and abbreviated what might have been a long and tedious dance. This would be a trial of strength rather than agility.

“All the old tales agree that the Elves are capable of great feats of endurance,” Imrahil countered.

Lancaeron was clearly the more limber of the two, and not only because he was fresh. Fram fought with dogged determination, wearied by his performance but alert enough to bring his crushing strength to bear whenever possible. It seemed the Elf was at least a match for him in that regard, and neither clearly gained the upper hand. Elessar still seemed slightly ill at ease. Thranduil watched the contest with serene confidence. Imrahil and Éomer shot furtive glances at one another. Fram struggled to counter each of Lancaeron’s attempts to unbalance him, and it seemed his defense was weakening. They were locked in a titanic struggle of wills for a time, neither apparently able to overpower the other. Then Lancaeron very diplomatically disengaged and extended his hand, declaring a draw.

It was an honorable if not entirely satisfactory conclusion, but Elessar and Thranduil seemed to approve, and in that Imrahil recognized the wisdom of Thranduil’s choice. Judging by the scowl on his face, that beast Dorthaer would not have been so magnanimous had he been selected.

In any event, the contest was soon forgotten in the raucous excitement which heralded the second round of pilwë. The victorious Rangers of Ithilien returned to the field against the rather feral-looking Rangers of the North.

The entertainments continued late into the afternoon. The Rangers of the North managed to claim the ultimate victory after besting their fellows from Ithilien and defending their title against a team of the King’s Guard. The evening closed with a crowded banquet given by the King for all in attendance. The entire field smelled of roast boar, venison, and game birds.

Falathar tried to drown his anxieties in the excellent food. Erellont had not reappeared, but no one seemed to notice his absence or care. It hardly mattered now; everything else was progressing perfectly. After his brief rebellion, Radhruin had been hard at work.

There were many official comings and goings of guards and other officials from the King’s table during the meal, and there were noticeably fewer smiles than there had been previously. Falathar was aware that a search was quietly underway throughout the wood for Lady Ivriniel’s husband, but he doubted the body would be found anywhere in the immediate vicinity. His corsair knew his business too well for that. By now, the tale of the violation of the Elvenking’s horse had circulated throughout the assembly, provoking a variety of reactions. Opponents of the Elvish presence were emboldened by the act, while the Elves themselves had obviously run short of their obligatory patience and were beginning to take offense. The stage was set.

By the time darkness fell and the torches were lit the wine and ale had begun to influence the behavior of the crowd, and a brawl broke out at one of the lower tables. It was largely ignored until a half-eaten apple was hurled directly at Thranduil. The Elvenking ducked out of the way, too quick to be taken unawares, and he magnanimously motioned Elessar down before the King could take official umbrage at the incident, but his expression darkened. The fighting was quelled by the friends of those involved who were still in possession of their better judgement, but it revealed the simmering tensions everyone could feel.

Not half an hour later, the music was interrupted by a loud crash as several serving platters were swept clear of another table. Four furious Elves stood facing an inebriated gang of six Men seated opposite the table from them. “You will not defame Aran Oropherion in our hearing!” the first among them demanded, fearlessly inflamed with wine. “You are not worthy to pronounce his name! Recant, or we shall have our satisfaction in other ways.”

The Man, who had obviously said something opprobrious about Thranduil, was unrepentant. “You do not command me, you Elvish bastard!” he sneered. “You and your king can rot!”

The Elf, as good as his word, brutally stabbed the Man’s hand into the table with an iron meat fork.

There were screams and a flood of cursing, and more vicious fighting commenced. This time Thranduil was on his feet barking orders, and Elessar deployed his Guard. Both Elvish and Gondorian soldiers separated the combatants and arrested the instigators. The banquet was as good as ended, and the crowd rapidly dwindled as people slipped away into the night rather than be associated with the violence.

Rather than leave the matter until morning, Elessar elected to judge the case immediately. The Men involved were expelled from the festivities and from Ithilien, the wounded among them taken to have their hurts dressed. He left the Elves to the judgement of their own masters, but he attended closely.

Thranduil scrutinized the four who had instigated the brawl, in particular the one who had wielded the fork. “It is no small thing to assault the citizens of a realm in which you are merely a guest,” he said icily.

Now that their blood had cooled, the Elves seemed chastened. “We were sorely provoked, Aran nîn,” one explained. “He insulted you without cause, and in the grossest manner.”

“I have been insulted many times in my life, and never has it had any detrimental effect on my health,” Thranduil insisted dryly. “Your loyalty is commendable, but unfortunately it is not excuse enough to maim Elessar’s men.”

“I do repent of that,” the guilty one admitted. “In my anger I forgot the frailty of mortal kind. It was not my intention to damage him irreparably.”

“I trust not,” Thranduil agreed. “I will not rule in this matter. You have sworn yourselves to Legolas, and he will determine a suitable judgement.”

Legolas assigned them extra duties and declared their wages forfeit to the injured Man and his family until such time as he had recovered the use of his hand. Elessar was satisfied and the incident was put to rest, at least officially. Imrahil feared there would yet be unpleasant repercussions before they had heard the last of it.

“I still blame Baldor and his selfish rabble-rousing,” Nerdanel hissed as they retired to their pavilion. “Now the coward has disappeared rather than endure the chaos he has incited.”

“Lord Baldor may be many things,” Imrahil said gravely, “but I do not judge him a coward. He may be brash and irresponsible, but fearlessly so.”

“All the same, he should be made to answer for all this disruption. Where has he gone?”

A child shrieked nearby, shattering the uncomfortable quiet of the valley. Imrahil came running, as did Éomer, Erchirion, Faramir, and at least twenty Elves and guardsmen. Princess Elfírien was sobbing in her mother’s arms. She was unhurt, but Aeglos the fox was dead in a pool of vomit.

The next morning, it was plain that something had finally and indisputably changed. The sun shone as brightly as ever, but there was an oppressive mood of indignation on the air. The Elves were now uniformly grim and taciturn, all of them rebelling as one against their social obligation to endure the abuse of shortsighted Men like Baldor of Lamedon.

Imrahil emerged from his pavilion cautiously. He had no reason to personally fear the wrath of Thranduil’s people, but the discontent was palpable. It was dangerous. There was an uneasy quiet over the field of Cormallen, nothing like the tranquility of the previous morning. No one seemed to know what to do or say. Everyone was talking, but no one dared to raise their voices or disturb the uncanny hush.

The ceremonies which had been planned for later that morning were deferred until the King had taken counsel on the matter. Imrahil could see him now, a brooding figure of black and white and silver, stalking across the field in a foul temper. He went to join him.

Elessar seemed pleased to see him, or at least as pleased as he could be under the circumstances. “I have spoken to Thranduil,” he said. “His patience is at an end, although he will take no action yet out of deference to me. He has asked that Lord Baldor be taken into my custody by the end of this day and that an inquiry be made into his activities, or he will withdraw to Emyn Arnen. He suspects, as do I, that the majority of the Elves will follow him without having to be compelled.”

“It would be insufferable!” Elessar growled. “I cannot blame him for securing his own safety and that of his people, but I would not have the safe-conduct of the King of Gondor made worthless!”

“Many are wondering now if it might not be best to forego the remainder of the festival.”

“That would be worse,” Elessar insisted. “If I cannot enforce my will in such a trifling matter as this, then my reign is impotent. I have already agreed to Thranduil’s terms, but the Lord of Lamedon is proving elusive.”

“I have not laid eyes upon him since the day we arrived in Minas Tir—, excuse me, Minas Anor,” Imrahil said, turning where he stood to survey the encampment behind them. “Did he come to Ithilien at all?”

“I have had mixed reports of him, even rumors that he is here in disguise.” Elessar glowered back at the pavilions as well, his keen eyes even now searching through the figures moving about in the morning light. “If he is here I will have him, even if I must comb the forest until sundown. Perhaps the Queen was correct in her suspicion that I have been too lenient.”

Faramir came out of the camp to meet them on the hillock where they stood. The stern set of his features did not bode well.

“I regret that it is not better news, my lords,” Faramir frowned, coming to stand with them. “There has yet been no report of Lord Baldor, nor of Beleg, despite the night search. The mood among our guests could not be much worse; the Elves are ready to come to blows, and there are not a few of our people who are willing to oblige them. As much as I am loath to admit it, I believe it would be folly to continue here.”

“No.” The King was unmoved, though it seemed his agitation was building. “Thranduil can hold his own in check, and any Man of Gondor found to be goading them is to be immediately seized.”

Faramir looked exasperated. “Legolas is too incensed even to speak,” he said, “and I hazard to say that he is the most even-tempered among them. That is how far gone our situation is, my King. To stay would be to lay tinder near the fire.”

Elessar pressed his lips into a firm line. “I know your counsel is sound, Faramir,” he said, “but I will not disband this gathering yet, at least not until we have made an effort to meet Thranduil’s conditions. Continue the search and detain anyone behaving in hostile manner.”

A page boy came running toward them over the grass. Winded by the urgency of his errand, he bowed and gave a folded paper to Faramir. “The Elvenking would see you at once at his pavilion, my lord,” he said.

All three of them scowled. “What can he want with you?” Elessar asked aloud. “I just spoke with him.”

Faramir shrugged and turned back. “It would be best to find out,” he said, “especially in this climate.”

Elessar and Imrahil watched him go, each brooding over his own thoughts for a moment. A contingent of Rohirrim emerged from the wood, exercising their horses around the perimeter.

“I am concerned about Beleg of Pelargir,” Elessar said slowly, turning the conversation. “I cannot help but feel that his disappearance is of greater consequence and worth more consideration than this tiresome devilry.”

“I agree, my lord,” Imrahil said. “There seems to be greater danger afoot than we suspected, and that alone may be reason enough to act on Faramir’s counsel and remove to Minas Anor.”

“Only when all other recourse is exhausted,” the King insisted adamantly. “We have a small army gathered here in good men and loyal allies. Surely we can apprehend a few cowards skulking in the wood.”

A tremendous force threw them both to the ground with a wave of blistering heat and a sound like a thunderclap. Momentarily stunned, Imrahil forced himself upright. The thundering continued in a storm of crackling explosions, engulfing Thranduil’s pavilion in a roaring inferno of red fire and screaming green embers. Angry plumes of black and white smoke billowed into the sky, intermingling to form a dirty grey soot which began pelting down on the screaming crowds stampeding from the scene.

Elessar regained his feet, startling Imrahil out of his horrified stupor. They rushed toward the devastation as quickly as they could manage along with a small host of frantic Elves and the bravest Men present, cinders falling all around them.

The explosions had ceased as they drew near, but the ruins of the pavilion were well alight. Disembodied limbs lay strewn amidst the burning debris. As if by some miracle of survival, Thranduil had been blown clear of the flames and was just pulling himself up as they approached. He was scorched and lacerated with blood seeping from his ears, but he was very much alive.

“My lord!” Imrahil called to him over the roar of the flames and the ringing in his own ears. He ran to his side and offered his hand, helping him to his feet. “Are you badly hurt, my lord? Anírach i dulu nín? Aphado nin! We must move away from here!”

Thranduil seemed thoroughly shocked for a moment, unable to comprehend what had just happened. Imrahil had some doubt that he could hear him at all. But, deafened or not, the Elvenking’s vacant eyes soon became hard and wild, and he threw aside Imrahil’s hand. “No, no, no!” he shouted, at once panicked and enraged. “Not here, not now! What has he done?” He choked, coughed, and spat blood onto the ground.

“My lord, go!” Imrahil commanded, although he did not expect the king to obey him. “You are injured and need attention!”

What remained of Thranduil’s guard appeared looking no better than he did, but they took him in hand as best they could, mindful of their first duty. Éomer had set his Rohirrim to the forward-thinking task of cutting down the pavilions adjacent to the blaze lest they be lost as well. Other wounded were gathered and shepherded away from the area. Legolas emerged with some difficulty, burnt and battered and calling urgently for assistance, dragging Faramir from the flames by the collar.

Imrahil ripped off his cloak. He and Elessar lay Faramir across it and bore him away by the corners. Physicians, their apprentices, and anyone with even a passing interest in medicine were gathering at a field hospital which had spontaneously formed safely beyond the fire’s reach. They brought Faramir there, and a physician went to work on him at once.

“Aragorn!” Gimli’s anxious voice rose above the confusion as he and a few other Dwarves pushed their way through the crowd. “Does he live? Ah, then there is not a moment to waste! Frár has seen and treated these sorts of injuries many times and will know what to do.”

Nerdanel came running, closely followed by Amrothos and Erchirion, and threw her arms around Imrahil. She choked back a sob at the sight of the victims. “Oh, Faramir!” she cried. “I pray they have not killed him!”

Rather than move them again, Queen Arwen ordered a tent erected over the victims where they lay to shield them from the sun and falling ash. The dead were gathered elsewhere.

Much of the rest of the day passed in a haze of urgent activity and false calm. Everyone was shocked by the brutal crime, but there was too much to be done to dwell on it yet. Since they lacked any effective means to extinguish the fire, it was left to burn itself out. The dead were shrouded in bedding or whatever else was close at hand, and prepared for a hasty burial. The King’s Guard and their auxiliaries were dispatched to keep order in the festival grounds and to alert the others on duty in Minas Anor. The search for Baldor of Lamedon was no longer a quiet affair, and a royal warrant was issued for his capture. Witnesses were sought, but no one seemed to have seen anyone placing the stolen fireworks in the Elvenking’s pavilion or noticed anything out of the ordinary.

By late afternoon, there was nothing left to do but to let the healers and the soldiers do their work. King Elessar resumed his principal duties and relieved Imrahil to find some solace with his family. Too restless to stand down yet, Imrahil returned to visit the wounded once again. The air in the tent was thick with the smell of blood and crushed athelas.

Faramir was conscious, but struggling to breathe and obviously suffering terribly. Éowyn and Nerdanel attended him closely. They both looked up as Imrahil approached.

Despite his condition, Faramir managed a cheerless smile. “Fate, it seems, is determined to see me burned alive,” he whispered. The effort set him coughing and spitting up blood.

“Hush,” Éowyn commanded, wiping up the mess and wetting her husband’s lips with a cloth. “He is supposed to cough,” she explained to Imrahil. “Frár says it will eventually clear the damage to his lungs.

Imrahil nodded. “Listen to your lady wife,” he agreed. The mere fact that Faramir still had spirit enough to make light of the situation was reason to hope, but he was fortunate to be alive at all, and certainly not out of danger. His leg was splinted from the hip to the ankle, and his hands were heavily bandaged. It would be a struggle to keep morbidity from setting in. “We have sent for boats from Osgiliath,” Imrahil told them, “and we will be withdrawing to Minas Anor in the morning. Rest as well as you can until then.”

“Who has done this, Imrahil?” Éowyn demanded then, her voice venomous. “Who would dare? Was it the Lord of Lamedon?”

“I can assure you the Lord of Lamedon will not escape whatever punishment is due him,” Imrahil said icily. “Your husband needs your concern now more than he.”

“He will not escape the King, my lady,” Imrahil insisted sharply. “And if his intent was indeed to destroy the Elvenking, I suspect he will heartily regret missing his mark.” He sighed, and softened his tone. “I swear to you both, justice will be done, little comfort though it may be now.”

Imrahil and Nerdanel shared a tense glance. She held her peace, but she clearly shared Éowyn’s feelings on the matter.

Continuing his rounds, Imrahil left the healer’s tent, walked across the open expanse of the field and approached with some trepidation the Elvenking’s new quarters. The spare pavilion had been pitched a haughty distance from the rest, and was guarded by at least sixty Elven soldiers. Recalling that Thranduil had originally ridden from the north with only six, Imrahil recognized just how completely his confidence in Elessar’s protection had been destroyed, and justifiably so.

The guards eyed Imrahil warily and seemed reluctant to allow him to pass. “What business brings you here?” the senior commander demanded gruffly. He was not Dorthaer, which could only mean Thranduil’s chief guardsman was either dead or incapacitated.

“I am Imrahil, Prince of Dol Amroth and Marchwarden of King Elessar,” Imrahil said solemnly. “I have come to inquire after our friend, the King of Eryn Lasgalen.”

“The King is not disposed to receive anyone, whatever his rank,” the commander informed him bitterly.

Under the circumstances, Imrahil forgave his temerity. He knew how ardently the Lasgalennath revered Thranduil, and any attempt on his life would have been insufferable without it being so callous and ignoble as this.

“Captain Tavoron.” Another Elf emerged from the pavilion, one who seemed vaguely familiar to Imrahil. After a moment, he recognized him to be Erelas, one of the party that had visited Dol Amroth and was usually attached to Legolas. “Prince Imrahil is deemed an Elf-friend and is not to be refused.”

Tavoron glowered at him, but did not object. Erelas, like his brother, Gwaelas, had that singular air of one who was accustomed to speaking for kings and princes. The guards briefly stood aside to allow Imrahil to pass, then immediately closed ranks behind him. Erelas admitted him into the pavilion.

Legolas was seated within the first partition. The impression would have been that he was holding court in his father’s absence, or that he had set himself as a final guard between their wounded and the world outside, but the grim dignity of his position was lessened somewhat by the fact that he was finally having his arm set and bound. Imrahil was mildly surprised to find Gimli there, but upon reflection realized he probably should not have been.

“He would not let anyone attend him until now,” Gimli complained gruffly, observing the proceedings from a cushion in the corner. “Far too noble for his own good.”

“I am in no danger of dying, my friend,” Legolas insisted, his voice was roughened by the wet cough that seemed to afflict all those who had been nearest the blast. “Many others could not say the same.”

Legolas’ features hardened as the physician deftly wrenched his upper arm back into alignment and set about applying a splint. “Ten dead,” he said at last. “Four who will be fortunate to last the night.”

“Indeed not.” The wry tilt of his brow seemed to imply quite the opposite. “His injuries are not insignificant, but he has survived much worse. He is too angry to be debilitated for long.”

Something in the pit of Imrahil’s stomach turned cold. “May I speak to him?” he asked.

Legolas shook his head. “He is sleeping now to better heal himself, but I tell you he will wake in a matter of hours, and he will be terribly refreshed. You may let it be known that Baldor Angborion would do well to cast himself upon Elessar’s mercy before Thranduil comes for him.”

“We cannot be certain yet of Lord Baldor’s guilt,” Imrahil ventured to remind him.

“Perhaps not,” Legolas said sternly, clenching his jaw as his wrist was stabilized. “But someone has violated a royal safe-conduct, spilt immortal blood in a time of peace, and by the most craven means attempted to murder our king. In Eryn Lasgalen his life would be forfeit, and we will have him one way or another, be he titled or not.”

Several apologies, objections, and cautions rose in Imrahil’s mind, but before he could decide which was most appropriate he noticed Legolas scowling and turning his head from side to side. “My lord, are you still unwell?” he asked.

“My hearing remains somewhat impaired,” Legolas explained, uncharacteristically cross and impatient.

“Happens after a blast,” Gimli said. “Knowing him, it will set itself right sooner than I expect, but considering how much he usually hears, it must feel like walking blind.”

“What news of Faramir?” Legolas asked suddenly, changing the subject. “I did attempt to shield him from the fire, but he seemed already more seriously injured than I.”

“Faramir still lives,” Imrahil told him, “and that I believe we owe to your quick action and the expertise of Master Gimli’s friends. He is well attended by his wife and mine, but his condition is indeed serious and may yet worsen.”

“It all seems so crude and thoughtless,” Legolas complained as his arm was secured against his chest. “I cannot understand what would make any man so desperate to assault my father that he would risk endangering so many. Surely it was not worth the Steward’s life!”

“Faramir was present quite by accident,” Imrahil assured him. “He and I were with King Elessar only moments beforehand, and it was only to answer your father’s summons that he left us.”

Legolas’ eyes narrowed sharply. “You say my father summoned Faramir? When? I was with him when he spoke to Elessar and until a moment before the blast. He summoned no one.”

The noise of another confrontation began outside. Captain Tavoron was a very jealous gatekeeper. Erelas quietly excused himself to investigate and returned in a matter of moments. “You are summoned before King Elessar, Prince Imrahil,” he said. “The messenger believes it to be an urgent request.”

Imrahil abruptly took his leave and accompanied the messenger to the King’s quarters. The blast site was still smoldering as they passed it, an ugly scar in the midst of the bright festival grounds. It did anger him, now that he had time enough to indulge his own emotions. Legolas was quite correct; the brutal indifference of the crime merited death by Gondor’s law as well as Eryn Lasgalen’s. He did not expect Elessar to refuse Thranduil satisfaction when the guilty man was apprehended.

The King’s Guard did not bother to announce him as he arrived at Elessar’s pavilion, allowing him to pass unhindered into the soft light filtering through the white and silver-spangled roof. The King was waiting for him with a collection of Rangers, both northern and southern. “Imrahil,” he said, beckoning him to join them, “I fear it is more ill news.”

“A site of significant bloodshed has been identified by hounds not far from the bonfire,” a Ranger explained. “There is also evidence to suggest a fight took place.”

“Can it not simply be the blood of carrion?” Imrahil asked. “Perhaps the work of a beast?”

The Ranger looked grim. “The beast who spilled this blood did its utmost to stem the flow before dragging its victim several paces away and putting it onto the back of a steel-shod horse,” he said.

The implications were obvious, and the evidence seemed beyond question when so many experienced Rangers concurred. Imrahil felt sick again. “Has Lady Ivriniel been informed?” he asked.

“It may not be Beleg’s blood,” Elessar insisted. “I would not grieve her until I can confirm the worst. I have not the means of doing so at present, but no others have been reported to be missing, at least not before this morning.”

“We tracked the horse as far as the east river,” the Ranger continued, “but there it entered the water and the trail was lost.”

“Increase your presence along all likely avenues of travel,” Elessar commanded them. “I and a great deal of the army will be otherwise occupied by a manhunt of our own. Report to me as you see fit.”

The Rangers bowed and went to do as they were commanded, leaving Elessar and Imrahil strangely alone. The majority of the King’s attendants had been dispatched upon other errands as they struggled to contain the disaster.

The King’s Guard hovered as close as propriety would allow, lest any grave misfortune befall any more crowned heads today.

“It seems Faramir’s warnings were nigh prophetic, as usual,” Elessar said bitterly. “It was folly not to suspend the festival after the incidents of yesterday.”

“Nothing happened yesterday that could not be attributed to drunken swaggering and loose lips,” Imrahil assured him. “This is different. There is malice and calculation behind this act, and I doubt it was the work of a drunken lout.”

Imrahil hesitated. “He is the obvious suspect,” he said. “Might he not be too obvious?”

“Guilty or not, I will have him seized,” Elessar said. “Even if he be innocent of this, he may yet have some insight to offer.” His expression softened. “I have yet to hear you mention your sister’s son.”

“I would rather not speak of it, my lord,” Imrahil said. He suspected that if he did, he may be unable to contain himself. “As a marchwarden of Gondor, I cannot allow myself to be compromised by personal affection. Until Faramir has recovered, I must prove equal to his duties as well as my own.”

“Indeed,” Elessar agreed, “and I suspect I shall have great need of you. Rest now, if you can; there is little to be done except to maintain order until we remove the wounded tomorrow. I deem it best to leave Éomer and the Rohirrim to garrison this place until we know better what has happened. Bard and Thorin have offered their parties to reinforce them. The perpetrator has seriously offended the Dwarves by using their fireworks in his crime, and they say they have destroyed what remained.” The King paused and sighed heavily, seeming to recognize that he was talking merely to fill the silence. “Go and sleep, Imrahil,” he said at last, waving him away. “We may soon be glad of the opportunity.”

As he walked back through the growing dusk, Imrahil was dimly aware of being very tired despite his restless mind. This day had certainly not made him any younger. He did not want sleep; he wanted to act. The anger and resentment he had subordinated to his primary duties was burning inside him. His only consolation was the knowledge that soldiers, Rangers, and Elves alike were already scouring the surrounding country and did not need his assistance to do their duty. It was his duty to be present when Elessar required him, and that meant he should sleep while he may.

He stopped to see Faramir once more before retiring to his pavilion. His nephew was resting as well as he might while Éowyn carefully observed his breathing and Nerdanel steeped more athelas. The steam made the atmosphere inside the tent rather heavy, but was no doubt soothing to bruised lungs. Faramir’s man, Beregond, was there keeping vigil, acting as a personal guard. Outside, an informal choir of Elves had seated themselves in the shadows beyond the torchlight, singing for the benefit of their friend, the Prince of Ithilien, and those other Men of Gondor who had been wounded alongside their king and kinsmen. Their strong but gentle voices seemed to have laid a preternatural calm over the place, although those who understood their lament recognized that it held abundant promise of vengeance.

Imrahil said nothing, not wishing to disturb the tenuous peace. He merely put his arm around his lady and kissed her forehead. Nerdanel slumped against him for a moment, drawing what strength she could from his presence. He could not stay, and she understood why. They all knew their duty.

As Imrahil returned into the darkness, suddenly wearier than he had felt for years, he saw a child approaching. Assuming it to be Alphros come to see his uncle, Imrahil knelt to intercept and dissuade his grandson from interrupting Faramir’s rest. At the same moment, the torchlight revealed someone very different. Imrahil realized he must be very weary indeed. “Good evening, Master Peregrin,” he said.

Pippin was momentarily startled, his thoughts obviously elsewhere. “Oh, Prince Imrahil! Please forgive me, I was . . .”

Imrahil raised a hand to forestall any explanation. “We each have our own griefs today,” he said.

“I have come to relieve Beregond’s watch,” Pippin explained. “He must be exhausted by now. Merry and I may be small, but we have our duties as well, and we want to be of some service.”

“Surely the capabilities of Hobbits can no longer be doubted,” Imrahil observed with a wan smile. “By all means, attend your duties, Peregrin. Guard him well; it would be hard on me if anything worse were to befall him.”

Ciryon was dead asleep when Imrahil finally reached his pavilion. Rather than wake him, Imrahil preferred to attend his needs himself. He removed his circlet, cape, and sword, and sat to remove his boots. One of their great black dogs approached and lay her head on his knee, gently wagging her tail, attentive to his silent distress.

The raw emotion Imrahil had been suppressing all day rose suddenly to drown him. He bit his tongue rather than make a sound, but the tears would not be contained. He remembered Faramir in his youth, those brief years he and Boromir had lived at Dol Amroth, their father too absorbed in his own grief to grieve with them. Imrahil loved that boy, Finduilas’ last child, and he was not prepared to lose him.

He calmed himself with a great effort, resuming a flinty expression. He would let his anger make him whole again, even as Thranduil did. He took up his jeweled sword, drew the blade and thrust it into the earth.

“If the Valar are yet attentive to what remains of the Men of Númenor,” he said, “let them hear now. I swear upon my honor that this treachery will not go unpunished, nor this injury unrequited, not while I yet live.”

Imrahil sat bolt upright, waking suddenly from a dream he could not remember. Ciryon had been shaking him gently, and now retreated a pace. It seemed only a moment ago that he had closed his eyes, and yet the brilliant colors of dawn were glowing against the tent cloth. “What is it?” he demanded. “Has King Elessar summoned me?”

Thranduil was awake. That news alone was enough to shock the sleep from Imrahil’s mind. He leapt out of bed and quickly dressed in the clothes Ciryon provided, a thousand thoughts competing for his attention. “What have we heard of Faramir?” he asked first of all.

“Prince Faramir has survived the night,” Ciryon reported, helping him with the finer details. “He is not much improved, but he does not seem to have weakened.”

“That is perhaps the best we could hope for under the circumstances,” Imrahil said, securing his belt and stamping into his boots. “Have any arrests been made?”

“Somewhere there is someone who knows it all,” Imrahil said darkly. “Secrets so dreadful as this cannot be hidden for long.”

The moment he was fit to be seen, Imrahil stepped outside and steadied himself with a deep breath. One of Thranduil’s grim guardsmen waited at a decorous distance. The Elf offered the Prince of Dol Amroth a slight bow before turning on his heel and leading the way toward the river. Imrahil followed at once.

A small fleet of swift Elvish boats had appeared overnight and lay moored on the banks of the Anduin, each bearing a rower and shrouded corpse. The Elvenking stood in the midst of the somber preparations, motionless and silent. The guardsman stopped several paces distant, and indicated with the slightest nod that Imrahil should proceed. He would have felt he was intruding had he not been summoned.

“I understand you came to inquire after me yesterday,” Thranduil said in a deliberate and apparently dispassionate tone. “I regret that I was not fit to receive you.”

“It is of no matter, my lord,” Imrahil said reflexively, though he took care to enunciate clearly, remembering that the Elvenking’s hearing may yet be compromised. He was immediately struck by how whole Thranduil looked otherwise. The bloody lacerations of yesterday had already faded to pale pink scars, as if he had closed them by the sheer force of his will. Also, as Legolas had predicted, Imrahil could feel an unpleasant aura radiating from him, a potent boil of wrath and sorrow and rancor, all veiled by a fragile calm. It was so distinct, Imrahil almost perceived it as heat. It was extremely discomfiting. “Please allow me to express how profoundly we regret the loss of your people.”

Thranduil’s expression darkened, and as he turned toward him Imrahil could see that some of that uncontainable passion had expressed itself in tears. “Lancaeron,” he said bitterly, gesturing toward the body in the boat at his feet, “had been with me since before the foundation of Gondor. He survived the siege of Mordor, all the wiles of the Necromancer and the War of the Ring, only to be murdered in Ithilien. Ponder that for a moment, and then I believe you may be one of the few Men in this country who may be capable of understanding my loss.”

His last words were bitten off sharply, and Imrahil could see his rage rising, but Thranduil deliberately suppressed it again with a shuddering breath. “I am not accustomed to being powerless in these matters,” he said, obviously keenly frustrated, “but a king’s sovereignty in his own realm must not be made a mockery, especially not by other kings. I am trusting a great deal to Elessar, and to you.”

“You will have your satisfaction, my lord,” Imrahil promised. “I will do all that lies within my power to see justice done, not only because I desire satisfaction of my own.”

Thranduil nodded gravely. “Legolas told me that Faramir was injured with us. I am sincerely relieved that he has not been killed. I am certain the healers of Gondor know their business, but consider any of mine to be at your disposal should there be a need.”

“Thank you, but I am assured that he is receiving the best of care without depriving your own wounded.”

Thranduil nodded again, and was silent for a while. “As regards the Prince of Ithilien,” he finally said, “I have also been told that he came to harm because he believed I had summoned him. Might there have been some misunderstanding?”

“None whatsoever,” Imrahil told him. “I was present when the message was delivered. The boy said the Elvenking desired Faramir’s presence immediately.”

“This disturbs me,” Thranduil said, “intriguing though it is. Find that boy, if you can. Whoever employed such a clumsy ruse obviously did not intend that I should live to contradict him.”

The boats from Osgiliath arrived later that morning, a mismatched collection of many shapes and sizes, some bearing the royal crest and others that had been temporarily pressed into service. They were enough to bear away the most seriously injured and all those who would travel with them. The majority would be taken to Minas Anor with the King, but the wounded Elves were to travel on to Emyn Arnen with Legolas where it was expected that they would be safer. Thranduil had determined to return to Minas Anor at Elessar’s behest in order to keep abreast of the search for the Lord of Lamedon and the subsequent resolution of the matter. It was very gracious of him to accept the invitation, and did much to heal the breach of trust between them which the disaster of the previous day had created. Imrahil knew Thranduil would have no peace if he did not observe the proceedings in the capital, but his going did seem to entail some personal risk, and the doubling of his guard was not questioned. Imrahil was gratified to see that Dorthaer was not in fact dead, and that he had clawed his way back to health in time to resume his duties; Gwaelas, however, had been so severely wounded that he had yet to awaken, a fact which did much to explain Thranduil’s restless anxiety.

In the back of it all, Beleg’s disappearance remained unresolved. Ivriniel was sick with worry, and would not be persuaded to return to the city with them. Failing to convince her, Imrahil charged Amrothos to remain at Cormallen and attend her. The knowledge of what the Rangers had found in the forest burned in his mind like a toxic secret, but he would not destroy her hope without absolute certainty. He had not even told Nerdanel.

As they mounted their horses to follow the boats along the river, Imrahil wondered just how many such secrets might reveal themselves in the upcoming days. He felt certain of nothing except that they would be ugly and unsettling.

Falathar urged his horse through the wood, doing his utmost to conceal his seething impatience. “You men, fan out to the north,” he instructed the four soldiers under his command. “Cast a wide net. If one of us stirs the villain, we will soon catch him.”

The soldiers did as he commanded, spreading through the trees and undergrowth. Falathar gradually increased the distance between himself and the nearest of them. If his true errand was successful, he certainly had no desire to be observed.

He had no way of summoning Radhruin now, and absolutely no knowledge of his whereabouts. It was enormously frustrating for him, but doubtlessly ideal for the corsair. All he could do was make himself visible and hope the man would reveal himself.

After several hours of combing the forest, Falathar began to despair, but suddenly a well-aimed pebble struck him across the breastplate. He drew up his horse and spied Radhruin in the mottled shadows beneath a spruce, caked in mud and leaves.

“What have you been playing at?” Falathar hissed. “Everything has gone wrong. You have ruined us all!”

“I have risked enough already for his folly of yours,” Radhruin retorted. “Clearly, Faramir is fated to live in spite of both of us. The guard around him is impenetrable. Take what remains of your silver,” he said, tossing the leather purse onto Falathar’s saddle. “My only concern now is to escape this country and leave you to consider doing the same.”

“Wait!” Falathar insisted as the corsair turned to disappear into the trees. “Something may yet be done to right all this.”

Radhruin paused, obviously anxious to be gone. “Nothing can be done to right this madness,” he said, “not if you had an army at your command. Your gamble has failed, Falathar. There is nothing left for you in Gondor but a grave.”

King Elessar’s return to Minas Anor could not have been more different from his recent departure. There were no flowers, no music, and no laughter. The citizens who had remained turned out to greet him, but none dared to speak. The King’s mood was obviously foul, and there was no need to wonder why. The celebratory banners still hung incongruously from the walls, and there seemed to be some disagreement about whether it would be worse to leave them or take them down.

Thranduil was in no humor to give consequence to anyone, and his surly expression betrayed it. The narrow glances the Elvenking received from the people told Imrahil that his unnaturally swift recovery had only unnerved them further. He seemed to neither notice nor care.

While the wounded were settled into the Houses of Healing, the King and the rest of the royal party returned immediately to the Citadel to address the business at hand. The great hall was strangely empty, and Elessar was met by the Captain of the Citadel Guard.

“My King,” he said, bowing deeply, “Lord Baldor has been apprehended fleeing into Lamedon. We have him under guard in the Steward’s House.”

“Well done,” Elessar commended him. “Now perhaps we may have the truth of this. Bring him before us at once.”

The captain left to fetch the prisoner. The King scowled for a moment, and then turned to climb the stairs to his throne. “Imrahil,” he said, indicating the Steward’s chair. “Thranduil. We all shall hear his testimony.”

The Lord of Lamedon was not bound when he was brought to face his judges, but the tight formation of soldiers around him left no doubt that he was not present of his own volition. Imrahil felt the gall rise in his throat at the sight of him. The disruption this man had begun had escalated out of all proportion, and for that at least he must bear the blame.

“Lord Baldor,” Elessar addressed him severely, “you were arrested returning to Lamedon in defiance of my summons. Why did you feel compelled to flee the King’s justice?”

“I was not aware that I required the King’s permission to return to my own country,” Baldor protested, still truculent despite his obvious anxiety. “And, as I suspected, the King’s justice in this affair seems decidedly unjust. I am innocent of the charges made against me.”

“Do you deny that you willfully spread discord throughout this realm?” Imrahil demanded, perhaps a bit out of turn.

“For that I need no defense, because I have broken no law.” There was more confidence in Baldor’s voice than there was on his face. His eyes were restless and seemed continuously drawn to Thranduil, though the glowering Elvenking made no move to speak. “My duty and first loyalty is to Gondor, the land of my fathers.”

“Do not offend me with protestations of your loyalty,” Elessar snapped. “Your reckless posturing has brought us to this. Thirteen are dead! My Steward has been gravely wounded! This, Baldor Angborion, is treason, and you have been implicated. Can you defend yourself?”

Baldor immediately paled. “My King!” he stammered. “You know me! I have only ever lived to serve Gondor! I have done nothing in secret, and would never willfully endanger my countrymen. I had no foreknowledge of this plot, nor was I present on the field that day. You know my reputation. You cannot believe me to be a murderer!”

“I do not know you,” Thranduil said icily, “nor am I obliged to believe anything of you. I only know what I have seen of your conduct, that you are a fearmonger and a teller of vicious tales. Even so, Baldor of Lamedon, you may find that not all unflattering legends about me are untrue. If you have visited this atrocity upon me and my people, your blood will be required of you.”

The raw force of the Elvenking’s anger could almost have darkened the room. Transfixed for a moment, Baldor tore his eyes away and looked to Elessar, perhaps expecting him to reprimand the foreign king for his audacity, but still Elessar was silent.

“That man is innocent,” Thranduil said at last, when the prisoner had been removed, “though I am loath to admit it.”

“I agree.” Elessar had come down from his throne, looking tired and dispirited now that his indignation was momentarily spent. “He comes from a proud family, and if this had been his doing he would have owned it.”

“We must continue to search everywhere we can,” Elessar said, “although our forces are sadly thinned by the effort. Someone must have seen something. Set a guard on every bridge and road from Cair Andros to the Poros crossing. I will have a reward offered to anyone who will betray the culprit to us, and send word of it to our friends, Éomer, Thorin, and Bard.”

Thranduil retired with his guard to the quarters prepared for him in the King’s House in search of some solitude. Imrahil stayed on with Elessar as Steward to address the remaining business of the day. There was little enough of that, as the customary horde of petitioners seemed wise enough to leave the King largely unmolested during this difficult time. When their duties were concluded, Elessar retired as well, and Imrahil went in search of his family.

He found his sons in the training room attached to the armory of the Steward’s House. Elphir, shirtless and covered in perspiration, was giving vent to his frustration by bludgeoning a straw dummy, while Erchirion oiled his sword. They each paused to solemnly acknowledge their father’s entry.

Imrahil waved away the formalities. “I have been so consumed by our concern for Faramir and Beleg that I have not been able to look in on you two,” he apologized.

“We can hardly hold that against you, Father,” Elphir insisted. “Marien has been badly shaken by it all, but she has been obliged to spend herself comforting our son. Alphros has not wanted to be alone since it happened, and he has compelled me to promise many times that we would find the guilty man and help cousin Faramir to regain his strength.” He sighed. “I hope I have not promised in vain.”

“As do I,” Imrahil agreed darkly. “Elessar will be setting a bounty on the murderer, whoever he may be.”

“As well he should.” Erchirion scowled. “Any one of us could have been in Thranduil’s company that morning. It could have been Elfírien or Alphros!”

“The thought had occurred to me,” Imrahil said, his jaw tightening. “It could have been me, or indeed Elessar himself. Such recklessness will not go unpunished.”

“Then why are we here, Father?” Erchirion demanded. He had always been the most outspoken of his sons. “We feel superfluous. Why are we not scouring the country for these murderers?”

“You are here because you are my sons,” Imrahil said sharply, “and because the Princes of Dol Amroth wait upon the command of the King of Gondor. It is not your place to wander the plains and byways because you have been prepared for greater responsibilities. If you are frustrated, imagine how the Elves must feel!” He stopped himself, realizing he was unjustly releasing his tension upon his family. “Bear your lot with me now,” he said, “because I suspect that Elessar will have abundant need of our skill in the days to come. When the King calls, I expect you to be ready.”

“Very well.” Abandoning all formality for the moment, Imrahil put his arms around them both. Life was so fragile. They could not afford to take anything for granted, not even the miraculous peace of this Age for which they had all risked so much.

The next days passed uneasily in Minas Anor. Nothing was heard from any of the captains commanding the manhunt, because they had been told not to waste time and resources reporting anything other than success. Several Men who openly sympathized with Lord Baldor’s cause were denounced and arrested, but none could be proven to have anything to do with the crime.

Imrahil visited Faramir regularly in the Houses of Healing. The attentive care he received had not been in vain, and his arduous recovery had begun well. After several days of painful coughing, his lungs had begun to clear, and he was finding it easier to breathe normally. He was restless as well, but there was not much he could do before his fractures and burns healed. Diligent cleaning had kept the morbidity out of his wounds, though the process was unpleasant and caused him a great deal of pain.

“I never thought I would live to say it,” Faramir confessed, “but I think I will soon be sick of the scent of athelas.”

“I can understand why,” Imrahil said. “You have been overindulging of late. I suspect they have gleaned almost every sprig of it within two leagues of the city.”

“I am not here by choice, I will remind you,” Faramir laughed. He coughed and spat into a cup, as had become routine. “I cannot recall ever being quite so thoroughly fussed over in all my life. Look what the Elves have done for me this morning.” He carefully pushed up the sleeves of his robe to reveal that his burns had been dressed in fresh fish skins rather than bandages. “They are much less painful now, I am pleased to say, and I will never again suffer a burn to be dressed in anything else.”

“Very innovative,” Imrahil agreed, admiring the Elves handiwork. “We must have our own healers instructed in this method. I am glad to hear of anything that can spare you pain. I hope you will be fit to resume your duties soon. I have been a bit overwhelmed, minding your concerns as well as my own.”

Faramir smiled. “I doubt it. There is no need to comfort me with tales of my indispensability, Uncle. I am certain you have managed it all quite well.”

“Regardless,” Imrahil insisted, “we shall all rejoice to see you on your feet again.”

A page boy was approaching them, apparently hesitant to interrupt. Faramir waved him closer. “Come on, boy. Someone of your profession cannot afford to be so timid.”

“My lords,” he said, bowing stiffly, “the King summons Prince Imrahil to the King’s House at once. There has been news from Ithilien.”

“How intriguing,” Faramir smiled. “Go and find out what it is for me, Uncle.”

“Any more of this indulgence will soon make you insufferable,” Imrahil warned him mischievously. “Peregrin, see that he does not strain himself with all this intense relaxation before I return.”

“I shall do my best,” the Hobbit promised, a bit short of breath. He had just reappeared dragging a small cart laden with all sorts of provisions from the local taverns. “There is not a shopkeeper in this city who would see Prince Faramir want for anything.”

Imrahil left them to enjoy their spoils. He hurried back up into the Citadel to hear the King’s news. He dared to hope for some word of success. There had been no significant development for so many days that they were all feeling restless. But, as he entered the King’s House and found Elessar together with Thranduil, their grim expressions told him at once that it was not to be.

“Imrahil,” Elessar said somberly, “Elvish scouts in Ithilien have discovered the remains of a corpse near the Morgul Vale. It was badly ravaged, but they feel certain the body is that of Beleg, your sister’s husband. They collected what they could, and have removed it to Emyn Arnen.”

Imrahil felt his heart sink. He had suspected the worst, but now it was unavoidable. “Ivriniel must be told,” he said mechanically.

“Indeed,” Elessar agreed, “but not by you, I am afraid. However intolerable Beleg’s murder, the condition of his remains has revealed a more immediate concern. The Elves are certain the body was desecrated by Orcs.”

Imrahil understood at once, and shook himself out of his melancholy. An incursion of Orcs into Gondor could not go unanswered. “Do you wish me to lead a force into Ithilien to seek them out?” he asked.

“I will go as well,” Thranduil decided, then stopped himself with obvious and growing impatience, and added, “if the King will allow it.”

Elessar seemed placed in an awkward position. “I would not risk your blood in Gondor’s troubles,” he said.

“My blood is mine to spend where I will,” Thranduil insisted. “I am wasted here. Gondor’s concerns in Ithilien now impact my people as well, and I have never refused to share any peril of theirs.”

“I will gladly welcome your assistance, my lord, if you offer it freely,” Elessar agreed, “but I would never presume to command it.”

“For the duration of this crisis,” Thranduil said, his eyes alight with bloodlust, “consider it yours to command.”

A small contingent of soldiers rode from Minas Anor the following morning in the quiet before the dawn. Led by Imrahil and Thranduil, the party was hardly more than a collection of their personal guards and attendants; Elessar had little of his army to spare, and there were Men and Elves enough in Emyn Arnen for the task at hand.

Imrahil did his best to clear his mind. He had sent Nerdanel and Erchirion to Ivriniel in his stead. Elphir, as the heir to their principality, would remain in Minas Anor with his family unless Elessar required him elsewhere.

Caras Ernil was only a few hours’ ride across the river from the capital, and they were approaching it as the first light crested the mountains. The stately hills rose out of the rolling landscape, casting the valley in prolonged shadow. They were met on the road by a border guard of both Men and Elves who were anxious to receive and direct them. Imrahil recognized the cautious relief of Faramir’s Men, but saw something different and almost incongruous in the Elves. Their eyes brightened with a childlike excitement that their king had come empowered to act in this land on their behalf, absolutely confident that he would prove equal the task.

Imrahil led the party on as the road climbed into the forested slopes. Behind them, one of the guards blew his horn to announce the arrival of the acting Steward. The Elves raised a horn call of their own, one which must have been sounded for centuries amid the trees of Eryn Lasgalen, but had never before been heard in Ithilien. It stirred many voices which would otherwise have remained silent, and Elves appeared in their dozens along the route, drawn inexorably to Thranduil.

The regal stone roads leading into the city had been recently repaired and leveled, and the crumbling buildings had been rebuilt. Though still uncompromisingly Gondorian, Caras Ernil had been designed for beauty and was less severe than Minas Anor, its appearance softened by the surrounding forest. A pool planted with water lilies adorned the central square before the palace, and an impressive plinth stood in its center, the inscriptions upon it indicating that it stood ready for a statue of Elessar. There was a wholesome tranquility about the place that would have seemed incredible if one considered that it had only been six years since the place had been reclaimed from the influence of Mordor. The common name had arisen of convenience while Faramir had labored over an appropriately poetic name for the place, but his ultimate decision had been too long delayed to be effective.

The party dismounted, following Imrahil’s example. Grooms appeared to attend the horses, and Faramir’s seneschal descended the stairs to greet them. “My lords,” he said, bowing deeply, “we are grateful the King saw fit to send you to us so quickly. Will you be wanting refreshment after your ride?”

“Take us to the body,” Imrahil bade him, more abruptly than was usually his wont. “I would see it before all else.”

They were led into the Steward’s House, through the grand halls and into a discreet room in the back. The remains lay shrouded on a long table. Imrahil steeled himself as the pall was removed, and observed the skeleton with a critical eye. The left arm was clearly truncated above the wrist, an old wound. While that particular misfortune may have been common enough in Gondor, together with a familiar missing tooth it left little room for doubt.

“This is indeed my sister’s husband,” Imrahil said flatly, unable to feel any emotion in that moment. Doubtless it would come later.

“I am truly sorry,” Thranduil said with surprisingly obvious sincerity. Despite having seen more death than Imrahil could fathom, it seemed always to strike the Elvenking deeply. “I liked him very well, despite our brief acquaintance.”

“I regret you did not know him better,” Imrahil agreed as the pall was replaced, feeling the sorrow welling belatedly in his chest. “I have known few worthier men than he.”

Thranduil’s eyes hardened in strangely benevolent way as he recognized Imrahil’s distress. “We cannot restore Beleg’s life,” he said, “but we can avenge his death. Will you come with me now, or shall I return for you?”

“I shall come,” Imrahil said without thinking. At that moment, he wanted to be anywhere else. It was not until they had returned to the courtyard and remounted that he realized he was not certain where they were going or for what purpose. Thranduil had quietly assumed command, and was now allowing the Elvish messengers who had accompanied them from Minas Anor to lead them deeper into the hills.

On any ordinary day, Imrahil imagined the small city the Elves of Ithilien had built for themselves would be a quiet and subtle place, blended with the forest as Faramir had described it. Today, however, was no ordinary day, and scores of Thranduil’s people had turned out to greet him.

Legolas stood on the stairs outside the great hall, flanked by his household. His arm was still supported and bound, but it looked more useful than it had when they had parted last. “Welcome to Emyn Lasgalen, my lords,” he said with a wry smile. “I had hoped to receive you under more auspicious circumstances, but my house is yours all the same.” He greeted his father warmly in their own tongue and said that he knew what he had come for. Then he turned and led them in.

The inside of the hall was adorned with a riot of subtle detail, painted carvings, tapestries, murals and trophies. Against the far wall, in pride of place, a well worn suit of Thranduil’s battle armor stood on a display, a relic cherished by the Lasgalennath as they sojourned in distant lands. They had obviously expected him to come for it sooner or later, and had set beside it other useful items for his convenience, most notably a neat pile of fresh clothes. Quickly and without compunction, Thranduil shed the scorched festival tunic he had been forced to wear since the explosion and availed himself of a new one.

Imrahil heard Legolas apologize that there had not been time to make the new clothes very fine, an objection which Thranduil immediately dismissed as being of no consequence whatever. Rather than feel neglected, Imrahil was flattered that they thought highly enough of his knowledge of their language to speak naturally in his presence.

Inevitably, Thranduil’s expression sobered as he asked after their wounded. Legolas agreed to take him to them. Imrahil let them go with a wave of his hand, content to wait.

“Prince Imrahil,” Erelas said, appearing at his side, “please sit and rest. Some refreshment has been provided for you and your men.”

Imrahil thanked him and saw that a generous table had indeed been set at the far side of the hall in the dappled morning sunlight. The guardsmen had already helped themselves, and Imrahil was happy to join them. He had begun to regret refusing food at Faramir’s house.

When Thranduil returned it was with new purpose, his face set as if in stone, reminded of his own grievances. His presence and his mood flooded the room immediately and all the Elves stiffened, ready to leap at his command. Even Imrahil felt it, the coiled energy of a frustrated beast of prey. He and the guardsmen stood as the Elvenking briefly approached the table, just long enough to cut a generous bite of smoked boar and wash it down with a glass of wine.

“Did you find them worse than you expected?” Imrahil asked cautiously. It would have been callous not to inquire, but he almost dreaded the answer.

“They will heal,” Thranduil assured him, “but it will be a long road yet for some. Someone will be held accountable for their blood, just as soon as we have dealt with this distraction here.” He turned away and summoned his guard with a sharp flick of his wrist. Dorthaer and the others immediately began arming him.

Elven soldiers had begun to gather outside without having been formally called; first twenty, then fifty, then a hundred. Word had spread quickly, and from what Imrahil had heard of life in Mirkwood its army was well accustomed to mustering at a moment’s notice.

A wild and lusty cry rose from the growing crowd as Thranduil emerged in full battle dress and swung astride his horse. Imrahil followed with the rest of their party as Dorthaer methodically separated those who would accompany them immediately from those who would stand in reserve and those who would serve as scouts that night.

Suitably armed and reinforced, they returned to Caras Ernil to meet with Faramir’s captains.

Imrahil slept fitfully that night, unable to quiet his wandering thoughts. He missed his family, and was plagued by concern for Ivriniel. He was too agitated to mourn Beleg, and too occupied with their plans for the following day to have any peace. The whole situation seemed dangerously close to spinning completely out of hand. Perhaps the contagious energy of the Elves made him restless. None of them were sleeping. They were due to ride well before first light.

At last Imrahil despaired, climbed out of bed and hastily dressed himself. He stirred Ciryon awake, who helped to arm him. He wandered the quiet halls, aimless at first, but inevitably he sought out waking company. He did not actually want to be alone. A soft, familiar rasping sound drew him into the courtyard.

Thranduil sat beside the lily pool, carefully whetting his sword by starlight. He was not alone; the whole courtyard was full of Elves silently coming and going, attending their gear and preparing their weapons.

“Too anxious to sleep, Imrahil?” Thranduil asked. The Elvenking did not seem importuned by his presence, but genuinely concerned. That in itself lightened Imrahil’s heart amid all his swirling cares, that in so short a time he had merited a place among Thranduil’s friends. “That has often been my fate,” he continued, “and I would say to never mind it, but I understand that mortal kind are more adversely affected than we by lack of sleep.”

“That is so,” Imrahil confirmed, seating himself nearby, “and no doubt I shall regret my restlessness in the morning, but that is no help for it now.” He sighed. “This ridiculous interruption by Orcs is extremely ill-timed.”

“They always are, but do not be troubled on that score,” Thranduil said, resuming his attentions to his blade. “Orcs are no novelty to me. If we have not secured Ithilien’s borders within three days, I miss my mark.”

Imrahil said nothing, and after a few moments he sensed that Thranduil guessed that was not his only concern.

Imrahil laughed silently. If he did not, he would weep. “Beleg was never actually of noble blood,” he said. “I remember when he first came to Dol Amroth as a boy, begging to be taken as a squire by one of my father’s Swan Knights. He excelled at everything he put his hand to. Ivriniel set her sights on him before long, and she was determined to have him one day.”

Thranduil said nothing, but a ghost of a smile touched his lips as he rinsed his sword in the water.

“I have rarely seen two people so perfectly suited to one another,” Imrahil continued. “Beleg was so afraid of offending our father than Ivriniel had at first to ask for her own hand on his behalf. I could well believe that it had been she who had proposed marriage to him.”

Thranduil’s bittersweet expression had depths Imrahil dared not explore. “I have observed that a love as true as that will have its way in spite of all else,” he said gently. “I regret that they have been parted before their time. That is a grief I know something of myself.”

To his chagrin, Imrahil realized that he did not know what had become of Thranduil’s queen, Legolas’ mother. That she had died had almost been an unconscious assumption on his part, a certainty of intuition that had not required further explanation. He would not ask now, although he suspected Thranduil may be in a mood to confide in him. It felt like vulgar curiosity at that moment.

“I would not be so quick to judge the quality of Beleg’s blood,” Thranduil continued, changing the subject. “There is more to nobility than simple accidents of birth, as I am certain you can appreciate. My father and I had no claim of kingship upon the Elves of Eryn Galen except what they granted us when we were adrift in the world, and we have spent our lives honoring their trust. I would like to think our blood has proven noble enough for them.”

“No one who sees them can doubt their love for you,” Imrahil assured him, not that his assurance was necessary. “I did not mean to fault Beleg. He was a prince in all but name. Ivriniel must have heard by now, and I wish I could be with her. I know this will have hurt her more deeply than any loss we have endured before, and to be kept from her by Orcs is almost unbearable.”

“Your lady wife will comfort her when you cannot,” Thranduil said. “Forgive me if I assume too much, but I would venture to observe that you and she are at least as felicitously matched as was your sister. Treasure that bond, trust it, savor it while it lasts. Without it, few men can claim to have truly lived.” He sighed, his eyes fixed on some distant and unseen ideal. Then he returned to himself, hardened, militant. “Meanwhile, we have King Elessar’s interests to consider. Any woman worth her salt, as I assume both your wife and sister to be, will understand that.”

“Indeed,” Imrahil agreed reflexively, although in retrospect he knew it to be true. Ivriniel would not resent his duties here; she respected, even idolized, a man’s duty to his king. She would forgive him, but he resolved to make good his absence all the same. She deserved that much.

“Our time has come,” Thranduil observed, looking beyond Imrahil. An Elvish scout was approaching. He stopped and offered his habitual obeisance to his king, then hurried to acknowledge the Prince of Dol Amroth after an unsubtle nod from Thranduil in Imrahil’s direction.

“We now believe that Orcs have been descending out of Cirith Ungol into the forest surrounding the Morgul Vale,” the scout reported. “The signs indicate that they do not return daily, but there is reason to believe they will be there tonight. The scouts await your command, my lords.”

“The scouts will hold their positions,” Imrahil decided, “and report the location of the Orcs if they are sighted. If possible, do not engage them until we have brought up the body of our force.”

After the preparations of the previous evening, it took less than an hour to assemble the soldiers and the captains, a small but capable force one hundred strong. A vanguard of scouts and Rangers led the way, followed by Imrahil, Thranduil, and the foot soldiers. The Morgul Vale was at least thirteen leagues distant, and it would be a long journey yet. With any luck, they could be in position before the sun set.

It was a wearily monotonous march through the deep places of the Ithilien woodland. Meals were taken on the move, and only two halts were called in the course of the day, those only in order that the men would arrive in a fit state to fight.

Just as the westering sun cast an orange glow over the sky, they arrived within sight of Minas Morgul. It was still a dreadful place with a cold and foul aura that was difficult to endure. Most of the Gondorians had already faced such a horror by advancing upon Mordor itself during the war, and Imrahil supposed most of the Elves had experienced something of Dol Guldur, but still there was noticeable trepidation throughout the ranks.

“Take courage,” Thranduil said, spurring his horse forward. “Even the bravest hearts can feel it. There are no cowards here.”

Imrahil could not help but admire his firm paternal leadership, and the men did stiffen as the Elvenking passed. He was quite correct; no man could be truly brave who did not know fear. Fear was not shameful, fear was natural, and in those few words he had convinced them that even mighty Thranduil knew fear, and yet he advanced. They would do no less.

The main force was halted in position upwind of the valley. The scouts who had been watching the area for days came to make their report as dusk fell. “The Orcs appear to be descending through Cirith Ungol under cover of darkness to hunt,” the first among them said. “Based on their past behavior, we expect them to show themselves tonight. There are no more than two dozen of them, and should not prove any great challenge for this force, my lords.”

Thranduil nodded gravely. “We will be prepared to engage, whether they be massed or dispersed,” he said. “Let us make short work of this.”

Imrahil remained with him so that they could better coordinate their command. A captain of the Rangers named Drambor would lead the vanguard.

Night fell slowly, or at least it seemed so in the enforced silence. No one spoke, no one moved, and the noise of the nocturnal insects soon masked what noise could not be helped. The valley was eventually lost in darkness, a growing mass of cloud shrouding the moon. The Elves remained especially attentive, knowing the Men were relying upon their sight.

It became a very wearisome wait after a few hours in the dark, and the looming presence of Minas Morgul made it decidedly unpleasant. Imrahil rested his eyes for a moment, knowing many sharper than his own continued the watch. Thranduil stood as if made of stone, hardly seeming to breathe. He was an old hunter and knew his craft. The horses were anxious and restive, but each was minded by an Elf tasked with keeping the animals in order.

Another hour passed. A stiffening wind stirred the clouds, occasionally admitting a brief glow of silver moonlight. A whispered intake of breath beside him made Imrahil look out into the valley again. Still no one moved, but the air seemed thick with anticipation now that their quarry had been spotted.

The figures seemed small at this distance, but were unmistakable as they entered the relative emptiness of the valley. The Orcs seemed cautious but not unduly concerned, leaving the mountains in small groups; first three, then six, then ten. The scouts had been quite correct. The final tally, if Imrahil’s eyes still served, was seventeen. When the Orcs had strayed far enough from their cover, Drambor would halt their progress while he and Thranduil swept them from the rear, closing the net. It would be quick and clean, so long as no one lost his nerve and sprang the trap too soon.

Imrahil frowned. The Orcs had stopped and seemed to hesitate. The stillness of the night suddenly seemed as fragile as glass as he silently willed them to disregard their instincts and continue south. Apparently, they were of a different mind. The foremost party turned tail and signaled a retreat.

Thranduil cursed and leapt astride his horse as Drambor’s archers loosed their shafts and his infantry gave chase. Imrahil also swung into the saddle and followed as the Elvenking led their few horsemen in a desperate chase to close the gap to the north before the Orcs regained the mountains.

There was little enough time to think as they galloped into the valley, but Imrahil was instinctively aware of how exposed they had become. The unexpected distance had left their infantry far behind, stripping them of more than half their strength. It was unnerving enough to charge toward Minas Morgul in the dead of night without also knowing one was rapidly advancing beyond the reach of all help.

It would be a near-run race. The Orcs were surprisingly swift on their feet, but Thranduil was closing the distance, riding with the terrible single-minded focus of a predator.

Imrahil heard a guttural roar as a dark shape flew across their path and tore Thranduil from his horse. His own mount panicked and spun off the road, but Imrahil managed to keep his seat. His heart thundering against his ribs, he had enough presence of mind to return immediately and assume command. He ordered ahead those riders who had already overtaken them, and several more who followed, but halted the last two. Providentially, they were both Elves.

“King Thranduil has been attacked,” Imrahil hurried to explain, indicating the direction.

“Follow us, my lord, if you will!” they bid him, turning aside at once. Imrahil followed. The crashing of a tremendous struggle in the covert guided them forward.

Then all the noise abruptly ceased. Fearing the worst, Imrahil dismounted and secured his horse as the Elves did the same and crept forward on foot. Several paces into the underwood, they hesitated and shared a strange look. Imrahil was about to question them when he also heard what had confounded them. He heard voices, not strained as he might have expected, but engaged in stiff conversation. The Elves moved to advance further, but Thranduil’s voice sternly bid them stand down. They stood amidst the tall grass, abandoning all pretense of stealth, Imrahil with them.

The fleeting moonlight illuminated an extraordinary scene. The Elvenking and an enormous Uruk were still entangled on the ground, locked in a hostile embrace which bespoke the raw violence of the fight, yet neither seemed willing to dispatch the other. They remained at that awkward impasse for some time, their words too indistinct for Imrahil to make out.

Finally, very slowly, they released one another and regained their feet. Imrahil realized he had been holding his breath, and exhaled. Thranduil and the Uruk regarded each other in silence for another long moment and exchanged a few more quiet words. Then, incredibly, the Uruk grudgingly submitted himself to be bound.

At Thranduil’s signal, the two Elves rushed forward to secure their unexpected prisoner. Their king gave them some terse orders and then returned out of the brush. Imrahil could now see that he was bleeding from several significant injuries, but none seemed to affect him so much as the new shadow behind his eyes. Though not unnerved, he seemed strangely disturbed.

Thranduil hesitated. “Even I am not yet certain,” he said, wiping a trickle of blood from his brow. “I have much to consider, and much to discuss with you, but first we must retrieve Captain Drambor and gather our men.”

“Agreed,” Imrahil said, but Thranduil had already turned and whistled for his horse.

The rest of the horsemen were returning from the charge. “The Orcs evaded us, my lord,” the foremost among them reported to Imrahil. “They retreated into the mountains, but did us no violence. We sustained no losses.”

“Neither did we,” Imrahil sighed, “although it may easily have been otherwise. Thank you, Captain. Return across the Morgulduin and await further orders.”

As their forces regrouped south of the stream, Imrahil turned his horse and went in search of Thranduil, strangely irritated. The entire excursion seemed to have been for naught, and he was keen to have some answers. When at last he found him among the rest of the party on the southern bank of the stream, the Elvenking was having his wounds cleaned and dressed.

“You seem to be the only casualty, my lord,” Imrahil observed with a sharp smile. “How did you manage to charm the beast into sparing your life?”

“Quite the contrary, my friend,” Thranduil said. “It was he who charmed me. I have assured him of an immunity from harm which may not be wholly within my power to grant, so I must insist that you also afford him your protection.”

Imrahil bit his tongue, suppressing his first reaction, and carefully reframed his reply. “I imagine you have a compelling reason for taking such liberties,” he said.

Thranduil met his gaze unflinchingly, clearly understanding his incredulity. “I do.” He waved away the healer’s attentions and stood. “Come, walk with me.”

Thranduil led him several paces away from the camp and into the forest. The wind was stiffening, the thick spring leaves rustling loudly in anticipation of a storm. There would be rain before they regained Caras Ernil.

“I may have been overhasty when I said that Orcs could no longer surprise me,” Thranduil said at last. “I have never before encountered one like him, and I am convinced we must proceed with utmost caution. Nothing is as it seems anymore.”

Imrahil scoffed. “The beast attacked you with malicious intent. I see no novelty in that.”

“But he did not attack me,” Thranduil insisted. “He unhorsed me and merely stopped me killing him, defending the retreat. That is what first arrested my attention. I believed I was defending myself, yet I found I was the aggressor. There is an air about him for which I am completely unable to account.”

“What are you saying?” Imrahil demanded. “Are we to accord these Orcs greater consequence simply because they have acquired new civility in their speech?”

“I am saying that I am intrigued,” Thranduil persisted. “I believe this matter may prove to be quite serious, and therefore worthy of Elessar’s attention. I could attempt to explain myself in detail, but I fear this is neither the time nor the place. A courier may yet arrive at Minas Anor soon enough for the King to meet our return to Caras Ernil.”

This incredible turn of events continued becoming ever stranger. Imrahil’s head was spinning as he considered calling Elessar away from Minas Anor at a time like this to come gawk at an Orc, but Thranduil was in earnest, and someone of his experience was not to be taken lightly.

“Prince Imrahil!” It was Captain Drambor, pushing his way through the lashing foliage. “My lords, the men are agreed that they desire to be gone from here more than they desire to rest. With your permission, we are prepared to march south at your command.”

Imrahil sighed. There was no time to be overly cautious. “Very well, Captain. Form the line and begin the march.” He turned to Thranduil. “Dispatch whatever messenger you wish. I trust this will all become clearer tomorrow.”

They arrived back at Caras Ernil just after the wet, grey dawn. The rain was persistent and gave no indication of lessening. Imrahil was by no means the only one who was glad of dry clothes and a warm meal.

King Elessar rode into the city only an hour later amidst the torrential downpour. Imrahil met him at the door and was not surprised to find him in an unpleasant mood. “I came with all haste out of regard for our friend, the King of Eryn Lasgalen,” he said, peeling off his wet cloak and passing it to the footman, “but the purpose of his summons was not entirely clear.”

Imrahil nodded. “We have only just arrived ourselves, and I have not yet had an opportunity to seek further explanation. The prisoner is secured in the cells where, I understand, Thranduil intends to meet us. Shall I go ahead or wait for you, my lord?”

Elessar waved him away, his irritation blunted by his growing curiosity. “Go ahead,” he said, continuing on through the corridor toward the rooms that always stood ready for him. “I will follow.”

Imrahil made his way downstairs to the small prison attached to Faramir’s house. He slowed as he reached the bottom, strangely reluctant to enter. In the shadows cast by the lamplight Thranduil stood close against the iron bars, eye to eye with the Uruk, deep in another conversation of their own. An unsettling fascination seemed to draw them together, a grudging respect between enemies that was becoming something more personal. Imrahil had to admit that at first glance this Orc did seem unexpectedly patrician, very different from the others he had encountered. He was prouder, cleaner, better spoken. The bestial abandon was gone, and in that Imrahil recognized what had piqued Thranduil’s interest. Indeed, at that moment, the Uruk and the Elvenking seemed two sides of the same coin, revealing an ancient kinship that made Imrahil’s skin crawl. He blinked, trying to banish the illusion.

Thranduil glanced in his direction. He quietly took his leave of the prisoner and came to join Imrahil in the antechamber. At almost the same moment, Elessar descended the stairway.

“Ah,” Thranduil said. “I did hope you could see him for yourself, Aragorn. I doubted any description of mine could do him justice.”

“His name is Draughâsh,” Thranduil told them. “He and the others who have allied with him have been living by stealth in Cirith Ungol since they found themselves unwelcome on both sides of the mountains. The hardship has apparently made philosophers of them.”

“I would not have believed it had I not seen it,” Thranduil allowed, “but these are interesting and perhaps even unprecedented times. It may be that we must reconsider many things before we proceed.”

Elessar pushed past them both and approached the cell. Imrahil could see that his mind was furiously turning with many possibilities. The Uruk stared back at him, surly and impatient, but with an injured dignity that was too obvious to be ignored. It was disarming, but unpleasantly so.

“What am I to do with you,” Elessar wondered aloud, “captured trespassing in my country? My law does not suffer Orcs to enter Ithilien.”

“Your law would have us starve in the mountains,” Draughâsh retorted. “We seek no quarrel with Gondor, but we will not be denied the means to survive.”

“How is it possible that I will not quarrel with those who violate my borders and feast upon my subjects?” Elessar demanded.

Draughâsh snarled. “Old habits will not be conquered in a day,” he said. “The man was dead, and we had more need of his meat than he. I tell you again, we want no fight with Gondor, but I could tell you much of some that do.”

“And why should I listen?” Elessar countered. “I have no reason to trust you.”

“The loss is yours,” Draughâsh said with a snide smile. “Send back the Elf. He has reason enough.”

“You will speak to me or to no one,” Elessar demanded. “What was your purpose in entering Gondor?”

A low growl rumbled in Draughâsh’s throat as he wearied of the questioning. “Because he had done nothing deserving of death!” he spat at last. “I have already been made to destroy much that is good, and I will not be compelled to do evil again.”

It was not an answer expected of an Orc. Elessar glanced fleetingly at Thranduil, who nodded. He stared piercingly at the Uruk a few moments more, and then abruptly turned and left the dungeon. Imrahil and Thranduil followed.

Upstairs, the King began pacing in front of the fire on the hearth, the warmth providing some respite after the damp below. “Thranduil, make me understand,” he said at last.

“You must consider how deeply the realities of the world have been altered since the war,” Thranduil explained. “There are very few creatures who are evil without the choice to be otherwise. Even Morgoth was pure in his beginning. We have all been told how he made Orcs from Elves, and that after his defeat Sauron took them for his own. Now Sauron is gone, and his driving hatred with him, leaving these wretches free at last to think.”

Thranduil scoffed impatiently. “None may presume to expect that,” he said, “any more than I can pretend that all Elves have been gracious or that all Men have been worthy, but I am beginning to believe that all Orcs may now have awakened to that possibility, and the ramifications will be quite serious. As often as I have bloodied my sword, I have not yet become a murderer, and I do not intend to begin now through willful ignorance.”

It was a startling possibility to consider, that an entire race considered to be mindless monsters had possibly remembered how to be something more. Imrahil thought of Draughâsh and his companions, shunned by Men and their own kind alike, trying to rediscover their lost dignity in secret. It must be a difficult and lonely existence, and for a moment he reflected that it would have been easier in their position to abandon the attempt and lead instead the vicious and selfish lives so often chosen by desperate people. Why were they determined to make such sacrifices? Immediately he knew they might as well ask why slaves desire to be free. Some ideals are worth whatever sacrifice may be required.

Elessar stared silently into the fire, thinking. “The question certainly merits further investigation,” he finally agreed. “You did well to send for me. But, regardless of the larger implications, our present situation remains our first concern. The prisoner intimated that he may have knowledge of enemies of Gondor. What would you, both of you, counsel me to do? Should I trust him?”

Imrahil was not yet ready to venture an opinion. Even Thranduil hesitated a moment before committing to an answer.

“I believe it would be folly to dismiss him outright,” the Elvenking said at last. “I have nothing more than my own instinct to convince you, but I would hear him.”

“It may be difficult to justify acting upon any accusations made by a captive Uruk,” Imrahil observed.

“Let us fight that battle when we come to it,” Elessar said. “If he is in earnest, perhaps Draughâsh knows something of the man who brought Beleg’s body this far from Cormallen.” He steeled himself for a moment, staring into the flames, and then rose to return to the cells.

Draughâsh did not look surprised by their return. He seemed to have been expecting them, but apparently had respect enough for Elessar’s pride to refrain from gloating.

“The Elvenking believes you to be sincere,” Elessar said crisply, “and his trust is not to be lightly dismissed. I am resolved to give you a hearing. Who are these enemies of Gondor?”

Draughâsh deliberately savored the moment before condescending to reply. “You may have reason to credit my veracity,” he said, “but what reason have I to credit yours? What pledge am I to be given?”

The King’s eyes narrowed. The tables had been turned. It was true that Orcs had never expected or received mercy from anyone in the past. Perhaps Draughâsh could be forgiven for expecting to be treated with the same savagery meted out to his race in previous ages.

“I will spare your life,” Elessar promised, “should your information prove to be accurate. You will be free to return to your people, although I cannot promise that you or they will ever be welcome in Gondor.”

“You are nothing if not a Man of your word, Elessar,” Draughâsh growled. “We know that well enough. Very well. Your enemy is a corsair who slinks among you unseen, Radhruin by name. It was he who brought the dead man to us. It is said that he often acts as the creature of the Lord of Pelargir, who has long been in league with Umbar.”

Elessar did not move. His face might have been set in granite, though his color drained. Imrahil, too, began to consider past events in the light of this accusation, and he felt lightheaded as well. A tall, dark, swarthy man had been described by the stable boys, a description that may well fit a corsair. He could not imagine any reason for such a man to act at such great risk in such a petty way against the Elvenking if not in the employ of some larger purpose.

“You must have compelling reasons to accuse a Lord of Gondor of such blatant treason,” Elessar said icily.

“The Lords of Pelargir have been in league with Umbar for three generations,” Draughâsh said, realizing the gravity of the revelation. “Did you know nothing of it?”

Elessar left the dungeon in a swirl of black and white. Imrahil rushed to follow him, his extremities numb with shock. He knew Lord Falathar had never been popular, but he had not imagined him to be a traitor. All the mysterious crimes of the past weeks were falling shatteringly into place, but he did not yet know how to make sense of them.

Upstairs, Elessar turned on them, a wild gleam in his eyes. “It is because of my assessment,” he declared. “They have determined to murder Prince Faramir and to blame Lord Baldor! Erellont would have been the obvious heir to Denethor’s line through his mother. I have been blind! Thranduil, I am mortified that your life might have been forfeit to this plot.”

“They are not the first who have failed to kill me,” Thranduil said, remarkably calm now that an explanation had been discovered. “Now they shall be made to regret it, as have many before them. What will you do?”

“We cannot yet reveal who has betrayed them,” Elessar replied, thinking even as he spoke. “Considering how awry their plans have gone, both Falathar and Erellont are fools if they have not already fled. We must find this corsair and confirm his allegiance to Pelargir immediately.”

“Imrahil,” Elessar continued, “you must summon the Swan Knights. We march upon Pelargir tomorrow.”

Messengers were dispatched from Caras Ernil immediately, some to Minas Anor, some to Cormallen, some to Emyn Lasgalen, and some to Dol Amroth. The Swan Knights were to be called, and Imrahil’s ships in the Bay of Belfalas were to set sail and blockade Pelargir. The first reserves of the Gondorian army were to be called out of the towns and countryside to muster along the south road in order to join the King as he marched south. Thranduil’s Elves, able to go sleepless especially now that spring was in full bloom, were to return to the forests of Ithilien in a relentless search for Radhruin the corsair. The kings remaining at Cormallen ― Éomer, Thorin, and Bard ― were to be thoroughly informed of the situation so as to best decide their own course of action.

Imrahil felt pulled in many directions at once, but he was commanded to remain with the King and so accompanied Elessar back to Minas Anor that day. A blast of trumpets and a few words to the right people had all the available soldiery in the city assembled outside the Rammas Echor to the south by noon. Faramir, alert and well enough, although still unfit for soldiering, would remain in the city as the Steward during the campaign. Elphir, as the heir to Dol Amroth, would remain with him. Erchirion would accompany his father and the King to assist in commanding the Swan Knights when they met the army at Pelargir, and Amrothos would remain in Cormallen keeping his mother and Lady Ivriniel. As predicted, both Lords Falathar and Erellont had disappeared, slipping the net which had been drawn too late. Royal warrants were issued against them and their possessions were declared forfeit to the King until their guilt or innocence could be determined.

Faramir, inspired by his lively sense of duty and characteristic sense of humor, insisted upon seating himself in the Steward’s Chair during the appropriate hours despite his lingering pain, adding a cushioned footstool to accommodate his injured leg. “Am I not an inspiring sight?” he asked Imrahil as the evening waned to a close.

“In many ways, you are,” Imrahil admitted. “Gondor would have been a poorer place without you, and your recovery is the only good news to be had at present.”

“Unlikely,” Imrahil speculated. “If the population knows what is good for them, they will rush to open the gates, denounce the worst of the lot, and throw themselves upon his mercy. The show of force will be more ceremonial than practical.”

“I will not pretend that I would not rather be riding with him,” Faramir sighed, “but we each have our duty. How was Legolas when you left Ithilien? I have not yet had an opportunity to thank him.”

“He was well enough, although his arm is still mending. It must be an especially frustrating injury for an archer.”

Faramir laughed ruefully. “He and I can commiserate when this is over, both of us forced to stand down and allow the elder generation to take the field. Will Thranduil be joining the march?”

“That remains to be seen. He and almost all the Elves in Ithilien are combing the forest for the corsair. Elessar cannot wait for success, although having the man in hand would greatly assist him in laying charges against Falathar and Erellont.”

“It grieves me that such a scandal has been allowed to fester,” Faramir frowned, “and right under our noses. Like any boil, I suppose, it is best to lance it and have it out than to ignore it.”

“It is unfortunate that all the crowned heads of Middle-earth should be present to witness it,” Imrahil agreed. “I am certain none of them think any less of Elessar despite this debacle, but I cannot help feeling that we have failed him on this score.”

Faramir frowned and nodded. It was all very embarrassing. “If anyone can set it right,” he said, “Elessar can. It may not be as unfortunate as it seems, considering how many allies he has gathered at Cormallen. Your ceremonial show of force may look especially impressive despite such short notice.”

The King bivouacked outside the Pelannor with his army that night both in a show of solidarity and in an effort to be gone in as efficient a manner as possible the following morning. Imrahil did not often sleep under the stars anymore, but it was strangely refreshing to be back on campaign, and the weather held in their favor.

An hour after dark, a commotion arose outside the camp as King Éomer arrived with a hundred horsemen, half of those who had accompanied him to the festival, as well as the entire party of Dúnedain and the Queen's brothers. “We will not stand idle in your hour of need,” he told Elessar. “Half of our number remains at Cormallen to hold it as you requested, but I will ride with you.”

“I thank you, brother Éomer,” Elessar said, clasping his hand. “You are most welcome.”

The men were standing in ranks before dawn, ready to march at the King’s command. Queen Arwen and Princess Éowyn had come with ceremonial stirrup cups of farewell for Elessar and Éomer. Imrahil noticed that Peregrin Took had accompanied the ladies at last, no doubt with Faramir’s encouragement, much to the delight of Meriadoc Brandybuck who had ridden with the Rohirrim. Both of them, no doubt remembering their difficulties during the war, had managed to become quite competent horsemen in the intervening years, determined never again to be left behind on account of their size or that of their mounts.

As the glow of first light appeared in the east, the trumpets sounded and King Elessar spurred his horse, moving his army along the south road toward Pelargir.

Both the men and the road were in admirable condition, so they made excellent time, marching nearly four leagues on the first day, almost as far as the Erui River crossing. Elessar’s faith in his people was not misplaced, and they were joined along the way by reinforcements and provisions from the villages. If they continued at that pace, they could arrive at Pelargir in as little as four days, possibly even on the morning of the fourth day if they pressed their advantage.

As the army bedded for the night, Imrahil wandered through the camp, his mind awhirl with apprehension, anticipation, impatience, and a certain morbid curiosity. What would they find in Falathar’s secret lawless world? He was offended simply by the necessity of their march and desperately eager to resolve this scandal, but all the while he could not help wondering how far this weakness in the fabric of Gondor extended. Was Pelargir alone in its treachery? How extensive was the damage? What was happening in Ithilien? All his senses tingled with the strange excitement of the situation.

The Swan Knights would receive their summons as early as the following day, considering the speed and efficiency of the official messengers along the route between Minas Anor and Dol Amroth. It would be at least another eight days before they could possibly arrive at Pelargir, six days after the King’s anticipated arrival. It was fortunate that the Rohirrim were able to ride in their stead until then.

There was lively noise in the camp that night as the men enjoyed their rations and well-earned rest beside the fires. Bloodshed was not expected, and the average soldier need not be concerned by the larger difficulties. For most it was simply an excuse to march again with King Elessar. Imrahil almost envied their ignorance, but he was also too accustomed to his duties to be comfortable standing down. As Faramir had said, each had his duty.

He closed his eyes and breathed deeply as a fresh night breeze broke across his face, but his reverie was interrupted when he realized that there were sounds borne on that breeze that could be heard even over the noise of the camp. It was the sound of many horses coming at a thunderous gallop from the north.

He was not the only one to have noticed it. As he arrived at the sentry’s post beside the road, Imrahil saw that several others had drifted in that direction. The melancholy in his heart lifted as he recognized the riders at a distance and guessed what their arrival must mean.

King Thranduil slowed and halted his column of mounted soldiers before the sentries, their horses panting and frothed. Behind him, in the care of his guards, a sullen prisoner sat mounted as well, bound hand and foot and wearing several fresh bandages. His features were difficult to make out in the firelight.

“Imrahil,” Thranduil said immediately, eschewing all formalities, “take us to Elessar. We have him.”

The bile in Falathar’s throat threatened to choke him as the skyline of Pelargir grew larger ahead of them, gleaming in the sunset. Traveling day and night on the river had brought them there in the swiftest and most inconspicuous manner possible, but he could not wait to abandon the horrible little boat they had stolen. It stank of fish and sweat and offered no comfort whatsoever. The memory of life in the governor’s palace was a torture.

He had elected to flee preemptively rather than gamble on Elessar’s continued ignorance of his involvement. His gambles had not profited him recently, and it was undoubtedly better to live elsewhere than to die by the King’s sword. Erellont was already too compromised to safely refuse to accompany him, but once again he had insisted on bringing his tart with him. Fortunately, she knew at least as much about sailing as either of them, and they had been able to alternate positions above and below deck, presenting a different combination of crew at each public port to better avoid suspicion. By now they were all hungry, filthy, and in extremely poor spirits.

Falathar was momentarily heartened by the observation that there was no blockade around the city. Elessar had not yet interdicted the place, and they may yet make good their escape. Unfortunately, they could not dare enter the palace again.

“What now?” Erellont hissed from beneath his cowl as they continued to drift on the current towards the city. “Do you intend to sail all the way to Umbar like this?”

“Now we disappear,” Falathar said. “I may have no friends, but I am not without assets.” One ship among the many had caught his eye, sitting at anchor in the harbor.

They docked and abandoned the fishing boat on the riverbank in the growing darkness. After a brisk walk along the shore, Falathar approached the familiar ship and boarded it, anxious to get out of sight. When the captain met him below deck, Falathar greeted him at knifepoint.

“I have need of your services one last time, Dolmed,” he said as the other struggled to regain his composure.

“My lord,” Imrahil announced, approaching the royal pavilion, “King Thranduil has brought you a prize. He was captured attempting to enter Mordor.”

The prisoner was thrust roughly to the ground at Elessar’s feet. Despite his obvious discomfort, the corsair had a confident air about him, as if he deemed his fetters no more than a temporary inconvenience.

The King seemed grimly pleased. “Radhruin of Umbar, I presume?” he said. “Or should I say, of Pelargir? Does he have anything to say for himself?”

“Yes, he does,” Radhruin answered saucily, “if the King can bear the indignity of speaking to him.”

“He has been surprisingly forthcoming,” Thranduil observed. “Loyalty is not chief among his virtues.”

Elessar beckoned them all inside the royal pavilion to escape the gathering crowd of curious onlookers. Once inside, he turned to face the corsair again. “I will not attempt to buy your allegiance,” he said, “nor am I disposed to offer you any reward for your cooperation.”

Radhruin spat. “I would not accept your gold if you offered it, Thorongil,” he said. “I may yet steal it, but that will be quite another matter. As to reward, I would be insulted by false promises to spare my life. I expect no such indulgence.”

“You are either very brave or very confident in your ability to escape us,” Elessar observed.

“I will escape,” Radhruin promised. “I always do. I would advise that you begin asking questions while you may.”

A slight lift of the King’s brows was the only betrayal of his amazement. Their prisoner’s audacity seemed to know no bounds. “Very well,” he said, “I will ask you plainly. Were you present at Cormallen during the festival?”

“Did you disguise yourself as a farrier in order to deliberately lame the Elvenking’s mare?”

“I did. The cursed beast gave me a swift kick in return.” He lifted his hair with his bound hands to display the crusted wound.

“Did you place the fireworks which might have caused the death of both Prince Faramir and King Thranduil?”

“I did,” Radhruin admitted readily, darting a bitter look at Thranduil, “and indeed, that was the desired result. But I am a mercenary, not a magician. Even the best laid plans may miscarry.”

“It was from first to last Falathar’s own scheme. I was simply his hand.” As proof, Radhruin worked a signet ring off his finger and tossed it at Elessar, who caught it reflexively. “You had best find him before he employs another.”

A dark and brooding anger had begun to show itself on the King’s face as he considered the ring and closed it in his fist. “Take him away,” he said at last, and two guardsmen quickly removed the corsair. “Leave me! Stay, Imrahil. And you, Thranduil, if you will.”

The pavilion was soon empty but for the three of them. Imrahil knew the tale of the prisoner’s accusations was spreading through the camp. Draughâsh the Orc was not yet commonly known, and the King’s sudden aggression against Pelargir now seemed justified.

Without a word, Elessar passed the ring to Imrahil. There was no doubt that it bore the seal of Pelargir. For a moment he was tempted to believe that it must be a cleverly crafted forgery, but that seemed unlikely.

“My objective remains unchanged,” Elessar said coldly. “Pelargir will be seized for the crown, and all administrators who do not immediately surrender themselves will be considered fugitives. I will excise this rot. Thranduil, I thank you. You have done me and all of Gondor a great service, but you and your people may return to Ithilien. I cannot ask more of you in this matter.”

A subtle expression of indignation and disappointment disturbed the serenity of the Elvenking’s features. “You can,” he countered pointedly. “I will, of course, accept your decision, but I am inclined to accompany you, and it would grieve me to be dismissed out of some misplaced concern for my welfare.”

Elessar frowned. “I will not have it said of Gondor that we spurn our allies, especially now when they are so precious to us. You may ride with us if you wish, my lord, but I will not place any bond upon you to go farther than you will. After all you have seen, I cannot risk your life in as ignoble an affair as this.”

“You do not risk my life,” Thranduil insisted again, quite firmly. “I do. I am not a relic, I am a warrior. Fate has given me little opportunity to be anything else. My purpose has been to spend my life in defense of the good of this world, yet I could do nothing but watch as Elendil was crushed before Barad-dûr. Even if I am finally to meet my death in service to his heir and the restored Kingdom of Gondor, that hardly seems ignoble to me.”

Elessar could not hide that he was deeply touched. He gratefully offered his hand to the Elvenking, who accepted it readily. “All the same,” he said with a wan smile, “glorious death or no, I would have liked us all to have spent a few more years in well-deserved peace.”

“Peace never lasts, Aragorn,” Thranduil lamented, though he returned the smile. “While we breathe, we fight.”

As the golden light of dawn crested the mountains and danced across the sea on the fourth day, the armies of King Elessar stopped and stood before the eastern gate of Pelargir. Éomer and the Rohirrim were massed on one flank, Thranduil and the Elves on the other. The latter had been reinforced by a tireless contingent of infantry who must have marched night and day from Ithilien to join them.

The city seemed strangely quiet to Imrahil. There were so many open waterways that it had been decided not to attempt to secure them all with their small force. Better to let the guilty flee if they would and so accuse themselves.

The royal heralds blasted the King’s call on their trumpets. Even if the entire city were hostile, it was strange that Elessar had not yet been so much as acknowledged from the walls. “Elessar Telcontar has come and would enter his city!”

A moment of heavy silence was followed by a disorganized scuffling from the ramparts. Then the large gates groaned open. An unexpectedly formal honor guard bearing ornamental banners of both Gondor and Pelargir emerged, followed by a young mounted soldier with a conspicuous flag of truce. He offered an excessively low bow over his horse, obviously quite anxious to demonstrate the loyalty of those present. “King Elessar,” he said, “I am Heledir, acting captain of the City Guard. I welcome you to Pelargir.”

Elessar seemed intrigued rather than perturbed. “It is true that I hardly expected Lord Erellont to welcome me in person,” he said dryly, “but I find it difficult to believe I have truly caught this city and all its officials unawares. What has become of your captain, Heledir?”

“His absence is what forces me to take this duty upon myself, my lords,” Heledir apologized, “and I beg pardon if I have behaved presumptuously. Although this city is as dear to me as my own blood, I must admit that its honor has been sorely tarnished. My captain has fled rather than face the King’s justice, as have many others. I and those who would remain in your service have stemmed the tide by securing all notable personages who remain in the prison to await your judgement.”

“You have imposed martial law upon the entire city?” Imrahil gaped, equally aghast and impressed.

“I would not have dared attempt it were I not confident that I would soon be able to surrender it to the King himself,” Heledir assured him.

“Peace, Heledir,” Elessar said. “Such decisive loyalty, however rash, must not be condemned. Escort us to the governor’s palace so that we may see just what has been brewing here in Pelargir.”

Heledir saluted briskly and turned his horse. “Make way for His Majesty, Elessar Telcontar, King of the Two Kingdoms, Chieftain of the Dunedain, Companion of the Fellowship of the Ring!”

When they arrived at the governor’s palace it also seemed to be in considerable disarray. Elessar marched directly into the great hall, ordered the arms of the ruling family torn from the wall, and seated himself in the lord’s throne. “Bring to me all the nobility you currently have your custody,” he instructed Heledir, “and every servant who remains in these halls, from the chamberlain to the last drudge.”

The motley assembly began to gather in the hall, and so did the plunder as the servants attempted to outdo one another in presenting tribute to the King from their absent lord’s reserve. By the time Captain Heledir returned, a sumptuous albeit disorganized banquet had been provided for the occupying force.

The disheveled noblemen who had spent the night in the prison were herded into the hall in a confused cacophony of insulted pride as each tried to protest his outrage and innocence. Elessar disdainfully tolerated the commotion for a moment while he savored a goblet of exotic wine. Then he motioned sharply with his hand and the King’s Guard began slamming the butts of their pikes into the floor, scoring the polished stone and reducing the supplicants to silence.

“Recent events,” Elessar began icily, rising to slowly pace before the assembly, “have made it clear to me that there are a great many things I should question here in this city. At this moment, however, I have but one question for all of you. Where are Falathar and Erellont?”

The demand fell like a hammer. The anxious silence grew heavier; even the shuffling of feet had ceased. The haughty prisoners were suddenly rendered mute.

“I ask again,” Elessar said with growing impatience, “I trust for the last time, where are the Lords of Pelargir?”

People were still arriving at the doors, and it was one of them who pushed his way to the front and threw himself on his knees. “I beg your mercy, my lord!” he sobbed breathlessly. “I know where they have gone.”

The look and smell of him betrayed him as a sailor, and Imrahil immediately knew there was no longer any hope of apprehending their quarry in the city.

“Forgive your servant, my lord! I am Malugail, in the employ of Dolmed, captain of a ship many times pressed into evil service by Lord Falathar. I fled three days ago when Lord Falathar came by night and seized Dolmed’s ship with Lord Erellont and his mistress. Their intention was to sail immediately for Umbar.”

Now a soft rumble of talk did ripple through the crowd. Elessar looked disappointed but not entirely surprised. “Very well,” he said. “No further flight from this city will be permitted, and any who attempt it will be considered guilty of treason. Until I decide otherwise, Captain Heledir will act as marshal of this city. All of you,” he said, addressing the noble prisoners, “need not return to the cells, but you must remain in the governor’s palace until your innocence may be proven. Anyone with knowledge of Falathar’s crimes would do well to bring it to me.”

An investigation into the activities of the lords of Pelargir began immediately. Elessar ensconced himself in Falathar’s study with Imrahil as the palace was thoroughly searched, secret records discovered, and a steady stream of official denunciations made. Ships were pressed into service to blockade the harbor, commanded by whatever loyal soldiers could be found. The rest of Elessar’s army had entered the city to help Marshal Heledir’s men to maintain public order.

The truth which began to emerge of Falathar’s secret kingdom was decidedly grim. As Draughâsh had suggested, the misconduct seemed to have begun with Falathar’s father, Lord Helegaer. Deliberate withholding of due taxes, illicit contact and trade with Umbar, even allowing passage of Gondor’s enemies into Ithilien and thence into Mordor. To this list of crimes Falathar had added the reprehensible trafficking of hapless Gondorian citizens to the slave markets in Harad, and what appeared to be a highly irregular relationship with the ascendant and hostile realm of Khand. The crimes he had orchestrated at Cormallen in a futile effort to conceal all this from the King had only sealed his fate. It was unclear how involved Erellont had truly been in his father’s vices, but many offenses had been committed in his name and so he too would be required to face the penalty.

The warrants against the former lords of Pelargir were amended to include a list of the charges brought against them.

As Imrahil had predicted, the mounted company of Swan Knights four hundred strong arrived in Pelargir six days after Elessar. They, too, were distributed throughout the city and as a guard outside the walls. The ships from Dol Amroth also arrived and easily choked the harbor in all directions, carrying onboard an additional six hundred soldiers.

“I cannot stay to complete this assessment,” King Elessar confessed the following morning. The mountain of incriminating evidence only continued to grow day by day, and it would require much more careful study. “I have guests awaiting me at Cormallen, and now that Falathar has fled we may yet salvage the festival with good grace. I am afraid I must charge you with the task in Faramir’s absence.”

“I will endure the disappointment as best I can, my lord,” Imrahil said with a wry and cheerless smile. He was not in a festive mood, and would not much mind being excused from the pageantry to continue weaving the rope that would hang the traitors.

“I will recall Thranduil and Éomer with me, but you may retain the army with your knights and your ships.”

“As you wish, my lord.” He could send for his sons and for Nerdanel and Ivriniel. Beleg could at last have an honorable burial in his own city. It would do them good to be together, to grieve as a family.

“My lord!” A guardsman entered from the far corridor, his face white. “My lord! An emissary has arrived and demands an audience with you.”

“It is I, King Elessar.” A Variag entered without waiting for an introduction. He was well-dressed but dirty, as though he had only just come off his horse after a strenuous ride. Despite this, he carried himself with a haughty confidence that was at once respectable and offensive.

Elessar’s eyes narrowed. “You,” he said. “Gustîg of Khand. Why did you follow us here? I have already given you an answer for your master.”

“I did not follow you,” Gustîg explained. “I returned to my master many days ago, and now I have returned to you with another purpose. Karzik, Lord of Khand and of all Harad, now announces to you his conquest of Harondor. It would please him if you would acknowledge it peaceably, but if you will not he is prepared to meet you in battle. He awaits you at the Crossings of Poros. What answer shall I return to him?”

The hall was absolutely silent for several long moments, and Gustîg seemed to relish the disconcertion he had unleashed. Elessar sat motionless, but Imrahil saw and shared his disbelief and indignation. The latter would only grow worse with that Variag standing there triumphing over them. “Leave us while we consider our answer,” he said icily, and Gustîg obligingly bowed and returned into the corridor. The heavy doors closed behind him.

Still Elessar did not speak, or perhaps could not. There was a maelstrom of thoughts behind his eyes. “Am I to understand,” he said at last in a poisonously even tone, “that we have lost an entire province before ever receiving word of the invasion?”

Imrahil had no answer. It was all happening so suddenly that it was impossible to be sure of anything, but he doubted the Variags would be so foolish as to declare their purpose prematurely. Harondor was indeed sparsely populated, but it was by no means deserted. He wondered what had become of the inhabitants in the wake of Karzik’s conquest. The silence did not bode well.

Elessar was not waiting for an answer. He turned over a piece of paper on the desk and began scribbling with a quill. “How many men do we have with us?” he demanded.

“We have twelve hundred from Minas Anor and Lossarnach,” Imrahil answered, recalling the count to mind, “six hundred from Dol Amroth. Perhaps more may be gleaned from this city. Éomer and the Dúnedain made one hundred horsemen, and my knights another four hundred. Thranduil commands one hundred Elves on horse, another five hundred on foot.”

Elessar frowned. “Less than three thousand,” he said. “We have not yet had a chance to recover our numbers since the war, and I doubt Karzik’s messenger will be so obliging as to declare to us the strength of his army. I know my own mind, but what is your opinion of the matter?”

“We must call out the rest of Gondor’s forces at once,” Imrahil said without hesitation. It will only become more difficult to reclaim Harondor if we allow the Variags to entrench themselves.”

The other two kings presented themselves within the hour. “What news, my lord?” Éomer asked. “Is the city sufficiently secure to allow us to return north?”

“I was just prepared to leave the details of the task to Imrahil,” Elessar began, “but at that very moment an emissary from Khand informed me that Karzik has seized all of Harondor and asks that I cede the province to him.”

Both Éomer and Thranduil drew themselves up, piqued on Elessar’s behalf. “What outrageous scheme is this?” the Elvenking asked. “I trust you have considered the only reply this request deserves.”

“I have,” Elessar assured him, “but for any action of mine to succeed I fear I shall require your assistance.”

“You have it,” Éomer said at once. “Send word to Minas Anor and light the beacons. Another hundred horsemen will ride from Cormallen at once, and the others will join us as soon as they may.”

“Your enemies are mine,” Thranduil said simply. “I do not care for the thought of Variags upon Ithilien’s borders.”

“Very well,” Elessar said. “The rest of Gondor’s army will be summoned from the other provinces. There may be enough of us here to make a stand this side of Poros while we wait to be reinforced.”

“Presumably he knows that neither Falathar nor Erellont have any influence in Pelargir any more,” Elessar explained. “Piracy in the Bay of Belfalas can be quite lucrative, perhaps enough to compensate for their allies falling from favor. Also, if what I have surmised about Karzik is accurate, he simply could not help himself. After subduing all Harad, he could not resist taking a jewel from the crown of Gondor as well, no matter how rough and undervalued it may have been.” He turned to Imrahil. “Dispatch couriers as soon as possible, to Minas Anor empowering Faramir to light the beacons, to Cormallen to summon the Rohirrim, to each province summoning the army, to Caras Ernil and Emyn Lasgalen to explain the circumstances. We will all gather at the Crossings of Poros.”

“Consider it done,” Imrahil said, gathering a sheaf of fresh paper and taking it to the scribe’s desk.

“In the meantime,” Elessar continued, “let us give Karzik our answer.” He gestured to the guard at the door, who left to recall the Variag.

Gustîg returned after only a few moments, which could only mean he had been lurking nearby until he should be given an answer. No doubt he intended to get back on his horse and return south before nightfall. They could prove to be formidable enemies.

“You may take this answer to your master,” Elessar said from the governor’s throne. “Gondor does not recognize his claim to Harondor, and it is our wish that he quit our dominions and return to Harad at once. If he will not, we shall be compelled to remove him by force.”

King Elessar gathered his army on the southern bank of the Anduin in good order and marched from Pelargir after three days. They were well provisioned out of the city, and some of Dol Amroth’s ships were deployed to the north and south of the river to be certain they continued to be supplied. They were not in a great hurry, biding their time to give the rest of the army a chance to reach them in a timely fashion. The official couriers were so efficient that the hundred Rohirrim from Cormallen with another thirty mounted Elves reached Pelargir in time to march with them. They reported that the beacons had indeed been lit, and that Lord Gimli and a party of Dwarves had begun marching south.

Marshall Heledir was left to govern Pelargir in the King’s absence. With the ruling house dispossessed, there was no clear heir to Erellont’s seat. The King had been too harried to make any decision on that score.

It was a march of roughly twenty-seven leagues along the southern road to the Crossings of Poros beside Haudh in Gwanûr. Traveling at a steady pace, they arrived within sight of the river late on the morning of the third day. The Variag encampment was plain to see on the opposite bank, an assortment of pavilions flying war flags and looking as if it was intended to give the impression of a permanent settlement. King Elessar did not deign to hail them at once, but spent the rest of the day establishing his own camp, taking care that it appeared at least as grand as his opponent’s.

Karzik seemed to appreciate the show of bravado and allowed them time to complete their arrangements. It was not until that evening that he sent a delegation to invite Elessar across the river. Elessar resented being invited to enter his own territory and went with a large armed escort in company with Imrahil, Éomer and Thranduil.

The Lord of Khand was still surprisingly young. Imrahil guessed that it was unlikely he had seen as many as thirty summers. He awaited them outside his pavilion wearing a fine tunic of scarlet silk and a large gold medallion in the shape of the sun, reclined on a stuffed throne adorned with animal hides, surrounded by spearmen. Silent children attended him, a boy holding a jeweled cup on a tray and a girl holding a smoking brasier of incense, both of whom looked suspiciously Gondorian. “Well met at last, Elessar Telcontar!” he said with a wide smile, though he made no move to stand. “Your fame does not do you justice.”

“I might say the same of you, my lord,” Elessar said, although his frosty tone implied a distinctly negative impression.

Karzik took no offense, but rather seemed to enjoy the witty turn of the conversation. “Very well,” he said, “I shall not waste our time with further pleasantries. My messenger informs me that you are disinclined to recognize my conquest of this land. Even now I would advise you to reconsider. Harondor cannot be of much consequence to you, and despite your impressive allies,” he said, eyeing Éomer and Thranduil, “Gondor’s army has not yet recovered its strength and would be wasted here. May we not still avoid unnecessary bloodshed and come to some equitable arrangement?”

He was certainly more charming than Imrahil had anticipated, but his manner was spoiled by a lurking boyish insolence, something cunning and ruthless beneath the surface.

“Perhaps my years have made me suspicious,” Elessar replied, “but I could imagine that your solicitude for the welfare of Gondor’s army may be only a pretense to mask the indisposition of your own forces.”

Karzik shrugged, either not noticing or dismissing the subtle criticism of his youth. “You may believe that,” he said, “at your peril. My forces are strong. The conquest of Harad cost us little since the best of their soldiers were slaughtered before your gates. The warriors of Khand fared better than they during the war, despite your Swan Knights trampling my father to death. No matter; one man’s misfortune is another’s opportunity. We chose to abandon Mordor to its fate rather than be killed to no purpose, and here we are now.”

“Yes, here you are,” Elessar agreed sharply, “in a land of mine which you claim without right, encroaching upon the most intimate borders of my dominions, conspiring with traitors among my own governors who would sacrifice the integrity of those borders for profit. Nothing could induce me to leave you here unchallenged.”

A cold smile had begun spreading across Karzik’s face. “Yes, I believe some in my following are known to you. They did not in fact succeed in reaching Umbar.” He snapped his fingers at the dark interior of the pavilion and Falathar and Erellont emerged stiffly, reluctantly, paraded like trophies with spearmen at their backs.

A quiet hiss and rumble passed briefly through the Gondorian party at the sight of them. Elessar would not acknowledge their presence, denying Karzik the satisfaction of a reaction.

“If, then, we cannot part as allies,” Karzik said, standing, “at least let us part as honored foes.” He took the ornate cup from the boy. “Let us drink to our good health until tomorrow.”

Elessar looked wary, which Karzik seemed to expect. With a significant look at the king of Gondor he drank first as if to prove the cup was not poisoned, then passed it to him. Elessar hesitated for a moment, then drank as well.

Imrahil partook in turn, and immediately understood the ritual to be more a boyish prank than anything else, a cheap measure of their manhood. He struggled not to grimace, to keep his features as stony as the King’s. It tasted like sour milk, fermented and bubbling like ale. Éomer and Thranduil likewise endured the test, though Éomer could not help arching his brow severely.

Karzik drained the cup when it was returned to him, nodding in appreciation of their mettle. “Until tomorrow,” he said again, then turned his back and disappeared into the shadowed interior of his pavilion.

Curling his lip in disgust, Elessar turned and swung astride his horse, the others with him. “We may yet hope that his insolence will lead him to folly on the battlefield,” he said to Imrahil as they returned across the river.

“Perhaps,” Imrahil replied. Karzik was indeed immature and insolent, but he was also devious, and that worried him. “My lord, you have been very quiet,” he said to the Elvenking as he rode beside him. “Have you no opinion?”

Thranduil held up a hand, bidding him wait a moment, then spat his mouthful into the river. “Ai, that is vile,” he complained, spitting a few more times for good measure. “My opinion is that we must proceed with caution. Let us not underestimate the young warlord. If there is one lesson I learned very well in these lands, it is the folly of a premature assault.”

As night fell, Elessar took counsel with his allies. Maps were consulted, the strategy for the following day was decided, and each was left to organize his own men before dawn. A strong guard was posted during the night, but the majority of the army was allowed to sleep while they may.

As usual, the Elves were more productive than most. Their tenacious strength and ability to go without sleep was truly an asset to any army. They comprised a disproportionate number of the night guard while others of them were stealthily diving in the shallow river, searching the bed for whatever wicked surprises Thranduil suspected Karzik had planted for them there. Those with no other specific duties were singing as preparations were made, a low and steady melody with a slightly mournful sound. After listening closely for a moment, Imrahil realized it was a lament for those who would die in the morning. Despite this, he found that it was not at all disheartening, but that it calmed the Men and grimly confirmed them in their courage. He left Erchirion to sleep and went to walk through the camp.

Thranduil was seated on a large rock in the moonlight, facing the gentle wind, simply listening. Emboldened by their friendship, Imrahil dared to approach him and broach a potentially indelicate subject. There in the shadow of the Ephel Dúath it could not be far out of mind. “I wonder,” he said, standing at the Elvenking’s elbow, “if after tomorrow it will be entirely proper to call it the ‘Last Alliance.’”

Thranduil scoffed, but not unkindly. “I doubt the deeds of our little band, however gallant, will merit any change to the histories. There are too few of us left.” He glanced at the device on Imrahil’s tabard with a melancholy smile. “This is but a swan song, a tribute to the great alliances past.”

It took Imrahil a moment to work up the courage to speak again, not wishing to be impertinent but also driven to satisfy a burning curiosity knowing he may never again have the opportunity. After all, as the song on the air reminded him, it was possible that one or both of them may die in the morning. “Do you remember it well?” he finally asked.

Thranduil sighed slowly. He clearly did not enjoy dwelling upon the memory, but he did not resent the question and seemed to have been expecting it. “I remember more than I wish to,” he said simply.

“I regret to say that our histories recall very few details of the Elves of Greenwood and their part in the battle,” Imrahil continued gently, “but I believe I have read enough to appreciate your allusion this evening to the hard lessons of war.”

“One accident or misjudgment—I still know not which—was the death of my father and the ruin of our army,” Thranduil said flatly, “and we endured the hopeless grief and the shame of defeat for seven interminable years. I could not forget it, ever reminded by Sauron as he tormented us from Dol Guldur, as he also took my home, my wife, and my peace.”

“I wonder then that you allowed your son to walk into such peril with Mithrandir’s Fellowship,” Imrahil remarked.

“I would have forbidden it had I been consulted,” Thranduil admitted. “But, as he often did, Mithrandir saw farther than I, and indeed I am deeply gratified that it was a prince of Oropher’s blood who stood again before Morannon and witnessed the final fall of Barad-dûr. It has been both a trial and a consolation to see these mountains again.”

“I imagine it must set a great many griefs to rest, if indeed anything could,” Imrahil said. “Forgive me, my lord, but I wonder if you would indulge me further. As a boy I loved the tales of Elendil. The balladeers would have us believe Elessar is made in his image. What say you?”

Thranduil smiled then as a tolerant father might. “Elessar is very like him,” he confirmed. “I did not spend a great deal of time in Elendil’s company, but I saw him often enough in council with Gil-Galad.”

They were approached then by three Elves dripping wet from head to toe. They bowed and reported to their king in their own tongue that they had found a great many injurious objects in the river intended to cripple the first assault. They had removed and bagged as many as they could find. As evidence, they gave Thranduil an iron caltrop which would surely have crippled whatever man or horse might have trodden upon it. Thranduil gave it to Imrahil.

“As I suspected,” he said, “Karzik has not been idle. It is unfortunate that we are obliged to meet him on his terms. It will be difficult to surprise him.”

The Elvish sentries sounded a soft alarm which arrested the Elvenking’s attention. He stood upon the rock and looked searchingly into the gloom on the southern bank of the river. After a moment he seemed to relax. “It seems the battle is already joined,” he said. “We, anticipating our enemy’s preparations, have removed them. He, observing my divers in spite of their stealth, now quits the field in search of a more defensible position.”

Imrahil strained his eyes and could just make out movement in the darkness as the Variags broke camp. “Elessar must be told at once!” he said.

“Told, yes,” Thranduil agreed, “but any attack would be unwise. As you say, experience has made me cautious. Our army is unready, and it would be a grave disservice to them to strike out across a river against a foe of unknown strength in the dark.”

“Agreed,” Imrahil said, “though it is irksome to do nothing. I imagine the King will wish to march by first light.”

The King did wish to be gone as early as possible. By the time the first rays of dawn crested the mountains the army had been fed, organized, and had crossed the river without incident. Elessar led the main host, resplendent in his mithril plate armor, the gleaming Swan Knights riding on his immediate flanks commanded by Imrahil and Erchirion, the Rohirrim to the west, the Elves to the east. The Variags had disappeared, but the evidence of their passage was plain to see in the trodden earth and trampled scrub grass. They followed the trail cautiously, suspecting a trap.

After they had marched several miles to the southeast, the enemy vanguard at last came boiling out of the rolling foothills in parties of swift mounted archers attempting to compromise the Elvish flank. Thranduil’s entire formation immediately twisted itself into a bristling defensive position and answered with volleys of arrows, protecting the rearguard. At the same time, another wave of horse archers charged against the Rohirrim who were obliged to defend their flank as well. The Gondorians planted themselves at Elessar’s command and raised their shields. A third attack was then made against the center. Elessar himself removed to the rear as the foot soldiers lowered their spears and began to press forward against the nettling hail of arrows.

The skirmishing archers continued to ride at the army in waves and suffered several casualties before they gave way before the inexorable approach of the armored mass of soldiers and retreated into the hills. As if by design, the attackers on the flanks began to fall back at the same time. Rather than press his advantage and advance, Elessar ordered the horns to call a retreat of their own. He also summoned the commanders.

“I suspect this retreat is a pretense,” he warned when Imrahil, Éomer, and Thranduil had ridden to join him. “They would pull us apart and take us piecemeal in the hills. At present our greatest strength is our unity. On no account allow them to separate us.”

The others agreed and returned to their places, but the battlefield had become eerily quiet. After an hour it seemed they had reached an impasse; Karzik’s only concern was to outlast Elessar in that land, and it was Elessar who was obliged to remove him, yet Elessar was understandably reluctant to march into a trap. The soldiers secured their dead, ate their rations, and waited while the crowned heads considered the situation.

At last Thranduil rode back to the center and approached Elessar. The scores and scars on his armor made him appear less brilliant than the King of Gondor, but also more dangerous. “The knave certainly seems to appreciate the advantages of his position,” he said. “By your leave, I would send my own horse archers against his camp, force him to engage Gondor on ground of Gondor’s choosing.”

“That may shake them out of hiding,” Elessar agreed. “If you are willing to risk your archers, my lord, you may send them into the hills.”

Thranduil nodded and turned his horse to gallop back to his place. At his command the mounted Elves formed themselves into several raiding parties, roughly one hundred individuals in all. They spread out along the line of foothills, entering at different points.

Imrahil grew restless waiting for any sign or sound of their progress. He was ready to fight, and to simply wait in full armor was unbelievably tedious. The Rohirrim were growing impatient as well, yet their discipline was admirable. Across the expanse, he could see Erchirion’s horse stamping irritably. Imrahil leaned forward with a gauntleted hand to stroke his own gray charger, Tulkas. The beast was docile enough to stand like a statue, but so reliable in battle that he had been Imrahil’s favorite for many years.

After another hour they began to notice something on the horizon, a plume of smoke rising in the distance. The army began readying itself again, certain that whatever mischief was afoot would soon find them as well.

At last the Variags returned, and in greater numbers. The horse archers now accompanied a large force of heavier lance-bearing horsemen who immediately charged at the Gondorian center. At a signal from Elessar, both Imrahil and Erchirion rode out to meet them. Amid the rumbling din of galloping horses and howling men Imrahil lowered his lance and braced himself. The wall of Swan Knights crashed into the Variags at full tilt. A spear glanced off Imrahil’s helm just as his own slammed into an enemy rider. After a brief moment of disorientation, he drew up his horse and saw that the Variag charge had been completely broken and that the survivors were fleeing once more into the hills. His first instinct was to pursue them, but then he heard the horns call a retreat. No doubt Elessar still suspected a ruse and wanted them to immediately rejoin the main host.

Before the Swan Knights could organize themselves another great wave of Variag horsemen descended, encircling them with a horde of spearmen in their wake. Deprived of their speed, the heavy knights were forced to give battle at a disadvantage. Imrahil threw down his lance and drew his sword, knowing he would have to smash his way out. Tulkas began to panic, bucking and kicking as they were surrounded by foes kept at bay only by his hooves and Imrahil’s blade. Other knights were dragged from their saddles and killed by mobs of foot soldiers. As the noose was tightened, Imrahil began to fear that escape may be not possible, but a volley of preternaturally accurate arrows announced the timely return of Thranduil’s horse archers. The Elves, joined on the field by a contingent of Rohirrim, surrounded and harried the Variags so savagely that Karzik’s men were forced to give up their prize and retreat yet again. The surviving Swan Knights were content to flee the field for the moment and leave the job to those who could do it best.

Elessar welcomed them back, looking grave. “I feared we had lost you all,” he said, as Imrahil regained the safety of the ranks.

“As did I for a moment,” Imrahil agreed. A quick glance reassured him that Erchirion had survived the attack as well. “They do seem determined to separate us.”

“They have been conserving their strength,” Elessar observed with a frown. “We have not yet had an opportunity to scout their position properly. I have no way of knowing what sort of army he has concealed in those hills. Perhaps the Lasgalennath can tell us.”

As though he had anticipated Elessar’s need, a messenger from Thranduil rode in from the flank to give his report. “My lord,” he said, “our enemy has yet a great host in reserve, but we estimate their numbers do not exceed three thousand men and several beasts of war. We succeeded in setting fire to their camp and causing a great deal of confusion. As we fell back we observed them forming into ranks.”

Elessar thanked and dismissed him. “So, we are perhaps evenly matched for the moment,” he said. “Would they be foolish enough to sacrifice the safety of the hills to bring a full attack against us?”

A deep and ominous drumming answered him as rank upon rank of Haradrim appeared on the field. They stopped in formation just out of range of the archers as their numbers grew. A shout went up from the center and all of them began a threatening war chant. More and more of them appeared, now with a line of young mûmakil. The shouting and the stomping and the drumming began to send up a large cloud of dust.

It was an effectively intimidating display. It seemed to Imrahil that the noise and suspense were unnerving the Gondorian soldiers who were already restless and frustrated with being held back, but they silently stood their ground. The Elves, however, resentful of the provocation, began to give an equally aggressive answer. Their angry chant swelled to the accompaniment of their fists beating against their breastplates, several hundred of the strongest and clearest voices that plain had ever heard. Imrahil smiled grimly as the Rohirrim enthusiastically took up the rhythm, though none of them knew the words.

The Variag horse archers and mounted spearmen charged first to protect the foot soldiers behind them. Again the Swan Knights rode out to break them, but this time Elessar’s formations followed to support and defend them.

A vicious battle followed. Once again, the Variag riders fell back under the initial onslaught, drawing the Swan Knights and Elessar’s army closer to the hills. Mindful of the danger, both Thranduil and Éomer advanced with them. The mûmakil charged against the Elves, scattering their ranks in every direction and almost breaking their defense, but their lines bent and reformed fluidly like a flock of starlings. The Swan Knights fell back and reformed their line to charge again as Elessar’s bristling shield wall advanced behind them. They broke the line of Variag riders again, but were obliged to retreat rather than be gored by spearmen. Just as the Gondorians were bringing their own spears to bear three panicked mûmakil stampeded through all the ranks on the field indiscriminately, throwing everyone into confusion. The Swan Knights were then obliged to hunt down the terrified creatures while the Rohirrim held and defended the line to the west. Though all the mounted Elves were very much occupied taking down the remaining mûmakil and preventing any more of them from running riot, Thranduil threw his archers and pikemen against Elessar’s eastern flank to defend it against a sudden rush of heavy Variag horsemen attempting to break them from behind. The pitched battle between the Gondorian and Southron spearmen had begun ferociously, but before long it became apparent that Karzik’s army was gradually giving ground, drawing the Gondorians ever nearer the hills. Recognizing the ultimate stratagem yet again, Elessar ordered an all out charge against the Southron lines on all fronts, pushing them back and inflicting as much damage as possible before halting sharply at the hills and allowing the enemy to retreat.

The afternoon was wearing on to evening when the noise of the battle finally faded, giving way to the miserable cries of the wounded. The field was littered with the bodies of horses, mûmakil, Men and Elves.

“We will retreat half a league to the northwest,” Elessar told Imrahil when they found each other. “I will not wait here to be ambushed during the night.”

The army retreated slowly as the sun set, gathering their wounded and the dead along the way. They made camp a cautious distance from the hills, but near enough to keep a watch on them. A heavy guard was posted, fires were lit, rations were served, and the wounded were attended. The Elves, still tireless, began digging a barrow for their dead, singing the same martial lament they had begun the night before.

Their losses all together were not insignificant. It had been a very bloody day. Imrahil found Erchirion when the army had settled for the night. “How many?” he asked.

“Over two hundred of ours dead, seventy of whom were Knights,” his son confirmed. He sighed. “It seems like folly to be wasting so many lives over so desolate a land as this.”

“It would,” Imrahil agreed, “except that none of this is about the land. It is about the integrity of Gondor, whether Elessar will be respected or despised, whether Karzik will be allowed to run roughshod wherever he pleases. I suspect many more circumstances than we appreciate now will depend upon the outcome here.”

Erellont watched, taciturn, as Karzik’s army returned to the camp at dusk. An acute dissatisfaction gnawed at his heart. He despised his father and the wretched choices which had brought them here. He despised himself for simply being swept along in his father’s ruinous wake, a captive guest of the same armies he had fought during the war, made to wait like a child as they marched against those he had considered his friends and kinsmen. His sister may be able to tolerate life with Karzik, but Erellont was beginning to realize how intolerable the prospect seemed to him. He felt Mereneth watching him, too loyal to leave him and yet grieved that he did not assert himself. A desperate plan was growing in his mind. He had no honor left to lose.

After a rough supper, he went in search of his father. He found him in the modest pavilion Karzik had allowed for them, lying in his hammock and drinking heavily, perhaps attempting to drown his disappointment. It was a loathsome scene, the nadir of a selfish and debauched life. A jaded young woman entered in a state of undress which required no explanation, but Erellont brusquely dismissed her.

“Father,” he said sternly, “I cannot endure this life you have chosen. Every aspect is repugnant to me. I intend to return to Elessar.”

“Still a fool,” Falathar quipped without bothering to rise. “You always have been. Elessar will flay you with a hot knife and fly your skin from the White Tower.”

“It is a risk I am prepared to take,” Erellont answered in kind. “Better that than a death of a thousand humiliations. I was not born to be a barbarian’s house pet.”

“You were born to be a lord of the house of Helegaer!” Falathar shouted, jumping to his feet at last. “Master of the wealthiest city in all the realms of Men, a king in all but name. But you have always proven a disappointment to me, weak, irresolute, indolent, witless! Now you prove faithless as well.”

“Indolent?” Erellont protested. “I rode to war in your place! I was made to shoulder your burdens the moment you found them distasteful. Irresolute I may have been, but no longer. I have endured enough of your abuse.”

“Go, then!” Falathar dismissed him with a contemptuous wave, turning his back. “Crawl back to your king empty-handed and see if your fortunes improve.”

“I will not be empty-handed,” Erellont growled, seizing an empty bottle. “I intend to bring him a traitor!” He struck his father a shattering blow to the back of his head, knocking him to the ground.

Erellont immediately set about binding his father with cords, but Falathar regained his senses in the next moment and began furiously grappling with him. “Faithless!” he seethed, half mad with rage and panic. “Faithless! Faithless wretch!” Erellont struck him again with his fist, again and again, pounding that hateful face into the dirt. At first he barely noticed the cold and sharp pain beneath his ribs, but by the fourth blow he recognized it and the fight stilled. He saw the blade, felt the warm blood staining his tunic, and he was stricken dumb for a moment unable to quite believe his own father had killed him. Falathar also seemed taken aback by what had just happened, but then his face hardened and he struck a final malicious blow to secure his victory.

Erellont heard Mereneth screaming as he crumpled to the ground. Falathar crawled away and regained his feet. “Faithless,” he hissed again. “Die like the impotent fool you are. Consider it a mercy compared to what Elessar would have done with you.”

Mereneth appeared at his side, tears streaming down her face. “I am sorry,” he managed to say, but she hushed him.

“No,” she said. “No. Do not apologize for him any longer. He is dead to us. Come with me. We will return to Elessar yet.”

Elessar summoned their small council to his pavilion again to discuss the events of the day and their plans for the next. Standing over a large map of the region, they considered their position.

“I would not like to endure another day like today,” Elessar said. “Our losses were too heavy and very little was accomplished. If Karzik remains hidden in the hills, it will be difficult to avoid a great deal of bloodshed.”

“I suspect my scouts could discover a great deal during the night if we would send them out,” Thranduil suggested.

“We may yet,” Elessar agreed, “but even they cannot discover the whole of Karzik’s plans. He may have summoned reinforcements even as we have. I must know what lies ahead of me.”

“It will be another six days before we may expect my riders to reach us,” Éomer said.

“I anticipate more soldiers from the western provinces before then,” Elessar assured him. “We will be steadily increasing in strength each day we remain, but I wonder if our enemy will be as well.”

“We must harry him as best we can without committing ourselves totally until our numbers have grown,” Imrahil observed.

“I wonder how much time we can afford,” Elessar continued. “I must have more information. Thranduil, are you willing to commit your scouts? I would have them observe not only Karzik’s present encampment but also the regions to the south. It may be a mission of several days.”

Imrahil began to speak, but a commotion had arisen outside among the guards, and he distinctly heard a woman sobbing. A moment later one of the guards declared himself and entered.

“Erellont of Pelargir has come!” he said. “But he is gravely wounded and may soon die.”

“Bring him in!” Elessar commanded sharply. He swept the maps and charts from the table. “Summon the healers!”

The guards carried Erellont’s limp body inside the pavilion and lay him on the table accompanied by the distraught woman. The ride from Karzik’s camp seemed not to have been a gentle one, and there appeared to be very little life left in him. Elessar immediately set about cutting away the bloody tunic and examining the wounds. They were grim.

“Who are you, my lady?” Elessar asked the woman. “And how did this happen?”

“I am Mereneth, my lord,” she told him, wiping the tears from her face and valiantly attempting to compose herself. “I am his . . . companion. He wanted to return and throw himself on your mercy, my lord. He wanted to bring his father to you, but Falathar would sooner kill his own son than face you.” She dissolved into sobs again as though her heart would break.

“He may yet prove an invaluable source of information if we can get any answers out of him,” Elessar said to Imrahil. It did look as if they did not have much time. “Erellont,” Elessar addressed him sternly, leaning over him, “if you wish to redeem yourself and be of service to Gondor, you would do well to tell me whatever you can of Karzik’s forces. Is he to be reinforced?”

Erellont slowly nodded as if with the last of his strength. “Gathering in the south,” he breathed.

There was no answer. Erellont seemed insensible to them, his face deathly pale. Elessar attempted to find evidence of a heartbeat. He sighed and frowned. “He is dying,” he said, “beyond the skill of any healer. Even now Falathar manages to betray us!”

Thranduil was silent. Imrahil could see a dark storm of thought behind his eyes as he observed Mereneth’s despair. She lay on her lover’s chest and clutched at his hand as his life ebbed away, weeping inconsolably, her gown stained with his blood. It was a distressing scene, but none had the heart to remove her. The Elvenking seemed unexpectedly disturbed by it, and Imrahil suddenly recalled seeing that same haunted expression when he had spoken of Ivriniel being parted from Beleg, of being parted from his own queen. Though he had little patience for traitors, Thranduil was keenly sympathetic to a lover’s grief.

Finally he seemed to reach some decision. He approached the table and gently lifted Mereneth by the shoulders. She was surprised, but seemed to trust him instinctively. Then, with what could be described as a grudging frown, Thranduil sternly planted his hand on the dying man’s chest for several intense moments. Imrahil felt himself transfixed as he watched, not knowing whether by some other power or by his own fascination. Ruddy color rushed back into Erellont’s face, and he began screaming with new strength.

Thranduil stepped back and began wiping the blood off his hand, leaving the wounded man to Mereneth’s care. He appeared noticeably worn and drawn, though no less stern. “Now, perhaps, he may live if you will close his wounds,” he said simply, and then he withdrew into the night.

“A very generous kind that is seldom seen,” Elessar said, his conflicted expression betraying his belief that Erellont had received better than he deserved. “There are very few left in Middle-earth who can manage it. Thranduil has no doubt gone to rest and recover his strength, but I will see that he has not spent himself in vain. I have many questions in want of answers.”

True to his word, Elessar approached Erellont’s bedside the moment the healers’ work was done. The disgraced lord of Pelargir was still trembling with pain, but the king was not moved to pity. “Erellont,” he began severely, “you were telling me of Karzik’s reinforcements. Please continue.”

It was only a few hours later in the last darkness before dawn when Imrahil was roused from his bed. Thranduil was awake again, and Elessar wished them all to take counsel together immediately.

“Erellont has given me a great deal of important information,” Elessar began, spreading a map before them. “Karzik is indeed massing reinforcements at the headwaters of the Harnen river, beneath the mountains of Mordor. Erellont’s sister is there, Lady Fíriel, Karzik’s wife. They are expected to march upon us in less than a fortnight.”

“Might we cut them off before they march?” Éomer asked. “Separate them before they can be joined?”

“Perhaps,” Elessar allowed, “but I am reluctant to attempt it lest the same happen to us. If we separate our forces now we will be too few for a decisive strike, and if we all march against them we risk being separated from our provisions in Pelargir.”

“Karzik will be a fool if he has not posted scouts along the southern road and at all points between.”

“I know where he has no scouts,” Thranduil said grimly, his eyes fixed on the map. “Is there a mountain pass at Harnen?”

Elessar turned and looked at him incredulously. “Not any worthy the name,” he said, seeming to guess what the Elvenking had in mind. “It is no more than a goat path.”

“That will suffice,” Thranduil assured him, a sharp gleam in his eye. He scanned the map silently for several moments, his excitement growing. “And at Poros?”

Thranduil frowned, but seemed to quickly calculate an alternative strategy. “Yes,” he said at last. “I propose that the Lasgalennath return to Ithilien and enter Mordor through the Morgul Pass. Thence we may turn south undetected and ambush the Variag camp below the mountains at Harnen.”

“But that is a journey of almost two hundred leagues!” Éomer protested. “It is impossible to move an army of any size that distance within a fortnight, let alone cross the mountains twice.”

“Ambitious, yes,” Thranduil agreed, “but by no means impossible. Even on foot we can cover a great distance at speed, and when the need is dire we need not stop for rest. One day and night to reach Emyn Arnen, another day to pass the mountains, perhaps three days to cross the plains, another to cross at Harnen, another to ride to your aid. I estimate that it may be done within seven or eight days, depending upon the conditions we encounter.”

“It is utter madness,” Elessar said, shaking his head with a strange smile, “but I suppose none of us survived the last age without being a bit mad. If you are confident in the endurance of your soldiers, Thranduil, I will trust your instincts. But are you certain you are equal the task now? I feel you have not quite recovered.”

Thranduil waved away his concern. “A momentary inconvenience,” he said. “They will not resent me if I choose to ride rather than run to Emyn Arnen. I have time yet to collect myself.”

“Then go with all speed, my friend,” Elessar said, offering his hand. “May the Belain guard your road.”

Thranduil accepted the king’s hand with a perilous smile. “It seems they always do,” he assured him.

Chapter 18 ~ Innovation and Ambush

The Elves were gone before dawn, racing back into the north toward the crossings of Poros and the Ithilien road. As usual they seemed supremely confident but not foolhardy. Without a doubt, they had undertaken an arduous task that would test even their endurance. They were not a people of half-measures when they committed themselves.

All else was eerily quiet until first light when Imrahil heard the creak and clatter of cartwheels and the stamping of many stout feet. The Dwarves had come.

“It has been many weary leagues from Cormallen, my lord,” Gimli said, bowing before Elessar, “but we have come at last!”

“And not a moment too soon!” Elessar greeted him warmly. “We have need of you on our eastern flank now that the Elves have left us.”

“Yes, where have they gone?” Gimli asked, looking around. “I would not have thought Thranduil one to weary of a good fight.”

“They are doing me a very great service,” Elessar assured him. “Now, tell what you have brought us, my friend.”

“Ah, yes.” Gimli turned to indicate the carts. “When we said we had destroyed the remaining fireworks, it might have been more accurate to say we had disassembled them. No sense in waste. We thought the materials might now prove useful in the field.”

“Indeed they might,” Mariadoc Brandybuck agreed with a mischievous air. Both Halflings had appeared without a sound, as they often did. He climbed the cartwheel and peered beneath the canvas. “I have half an idea what we can do with this. Give us a few hours and we might have something to offer.”

“Do as you wish,” Elessar smiled, “but do it over there.” He indicated the vacant position to the east.

“They are not very many,” Imrahil said as the Dwarves moved away to take their place on the field.

“Only fifty,” Elessar agreed. “But I will take fifty Dwarves rather than none. More will come.”

The uncomfortable quiet continued throughout the day. The Rohirrim and the Knights exercised their horses, the foot soldiers were drilled in groups, all to fill the time and present a dynamic image of strength to whatever hidden scouts might be watching from the hills. Elessar dispatched scouts of his own, primarily his Dúnedain brethren. The reports they returned were that Karzik was doing exactly as they were, remaining in his camp and making no move to attack.

“Perhaps he is waiting upon his reinforcements even as we are,” Elessar speculated darkly, taking counsel on horseback with Imrahil and Éomer. “I fear the obligation to attack is entirely ours.”

“It is difficult to imagine how we may do so and still retain any advantage,” Éomer observed. “I would give a great deal to somehow give them a rude surprise.”

A sharp blast split the air, startling their horses and indeed the entire army. Imrahil wrangled his skittish mount to stand once again, feeling as if his heart had leapt into his throat. The disaster at Cormallen was still a raw memory. A puff of white smoke could be seen rising from the Dwarves’ camp.

Elessar rode at once to investigate, and the others with him. When they arrived on the scene they observed the two Halflings laughing and congratulating themselves, apparently unharmed. Several Dwarves were containing a small brush fire which had resulted from the experiment.

“Oh, ahem. Excuse us, my lords,” Meriadoc said, endeavoring to recover his composure. “I believe we have an innovation to offer.”

“These!” Peregrin thrust two small round objects at them, each dangling with cords. The horses flinched again and rolled their eyes. “Sorry. We propose to use these to harry the enemy tonight. They won’t know what hit them.”

“Neither will we, unless you explain yourselves,” Elessar noted, lifting an eyebrow.

“The Hobbits,” Gimli interjected, “with their keen eyes for all things edible, brought the shells of these remarkable fruits to our attention.” He presented one to them, wooden and hollow, split down the middle. “Filled with incendiaries, set with a fuse and sealed with pitch, it makes a fine present to lob at those squatters in the hills.”

“Would you like a demonstration, my lords?” Meriadoc asked.

“No, thank you,” Elessar assured them, waving it away. “As Master Gimli says, there is no sense in waste. Who do you propose to undertake this mission?”

“Ourselves, of course,” Meriadoc said with a hint of impatience. “None better than a Hobbit to creep into a camp unseen.”

“And we are quite adept at throwing stones as well,” Peregrin added.

“And we never travel without these.” Meriadoc opened a stout leather pouch on his belt and produced the Elvish cloak he had worn during the war. “We want to be of service. We didn’t come all this way just to see the sights.”

“I can hardly refuse when you seem so well prepared,” Elessar laughed. “You may proceed with your plan, Master Brandybuck, Master Took. My Dúnedain will accompany you to see you make good your escape. Is there any other assistance you will require?”

“More shells!” Peregrin said.

For the rest of the afternoon, all soldiers who could be spared from their duties gleaned every ripe fruit they could find in the country around the camp. They grew on the ground in the midst of a cluster of spiny leaves. Others cleaned, split, and emptied the shells while the Dwarves assembled the devices.

The quiet evening was drawing on to night in Ithilien. Badhoron, Faramir’s seneschal in Caras Ernil, paced slowly along the flagstones of the terrace outside the Prince’s House as he often did, taking in a moment of peace after the duties of the day. The sounds of birdsong were gradually giving way to the scratching of the insects, and he could see a few bats on the wing in the growing gloom.

Suddenly, before he could completely comprehend what he was seeing, the courtyard below was entirely filled with Elves, hundreds of them. Two, whom he recognized as Prince Legolas and his father the Elvenking, immediately came bounding up the stairs.

“What brings you to Caras Ernil, my lords?” he asked as they swept past him. “Has it gone ill with the war?”

“Peace, Badhoron,” Legolas assured him. “We are about Elessar’s business. There is no need to concern yourself.”

“But, my lords! Wait!” Badhoron hurried after them. “If you would but tell me what you require, I could assist you.”

“There is no need,” the Elvenking said. “I know where to find him.”

Badhoron’s blood ran cold as they descended quickly into the prison. It was highly irregular to have foreign lords running roughshod through Faramir’s house, let alone releasing prisoners without the Steward’s authority, or that of the king, or even of the Prince of Dol Amroth.

The guard at the door was equally as dumbfounded when suddenly confronted by the impatient Elvenking. “Your keys, man!” Thranduil demanded, and the guard obliged him.

There was a loud clatter and creak of metal as the Elvenking unlocked the great iron door and swung it wide. “Draughâsh!” he called, approaching the only occupied cell. “Rouse yourself. I trust you know the way through Mordor.”

As night fell, Meriadoc and Peregrin were equipped for their mission. They really did blend into the dusk in their Elvish cloaks. Ten of the Dúnedain Rangers would accompany them on horseback to carry the supply of missiles, quickly deploy them in different locations, and defend their escape if necessary.

“I will give you no orders, for you know your own business best,” Elessar told them before they were off. “Be quick and be cautious.”

“Don’t worry yourself, my lords,” Meriadoc assured them with a sly smile.

“We know what to do,” Peregrin concurred.

With a practiced leap they were each able to scrabble up to sit astride a horse in front of Ranger. All twelve of the party took their leave of the king and turned to ride into the darkness.

“I hope they come to no harm,” Imrahil said at last, venturing to air his misgivings.

Elessar sighed. “They are not children,” he said. “Truthfully, I believe they stand a better chance at success in this endeavor than any other of our soldiers.”

“Come, my lords!” Gimli beckoned them. “I trust we will find no rest until the young rascals return, but the time need not be spent tediously. We may have little to work with, but I trust we have enough to host an evening’s entertainment worthy of royalty.”

The Dwarves had emptied one of the great carts and fashioned seats upon it out of sacks of grain. Elessar, Imrahil, and Éomer climbed inside and settled in to watch the dark horizon set against the clear starry sky. Not content with that, the Dwarves also provided generous portions of meat, cheese, and ale to cheer them while they waited.

“Yes, I expect they will give us a fine show tonight,” Gimli snickered, climbing up with them. “I wish Thranduil was here to witness it. Where did you say he had gone?”

“Erellont of Pelargir surrendered to us last night,” Elessar explained. “He informed us that our enemy is preparing reinforcements in the south. Thranduil and his Elves have gone to ambush them beneath the mountains before they can march against us.”

“But we heard tell of them returning north,” Gimli said, bemused.

“The best chance of a successful ambush will entail passing through Mordor.”

Gimli quietly ignited his pipe, probably calculating the distance in his mind. Then he slowly exhaled. “No doubt they know their own abilities well enough,” he said at last. “But I do not envy them that journey.”

There was a soft glow deep in the hills that marked Karzik’s camp in the darkness, but all continued to be quiet.

“Erellont surrendered, you say?” Gimli spoke again. “We marched as fast as our feet would carry us and still we missed all the most interesting developments.”

“His mistress dragged him in half alive,” Éomer scoffed. “It seems his father intended to stab him to death.”

Gimli choked a bit on his pipe smoke. “That family is rotten beyond repair,” he said. “Will he live?”

“He may yet,” Elessar conceded coldly, “no small thanks to the Elvenking.”

Imrahil could appreciate the double meaning in the king’s answer. Erellont may indeed survive his wounds, but he may also be spared the headsman’s ax. It would be a pity to see Thranduil’s efforts wasted. “Whatever his fate, I do not imagine he will be restored to the lordship of Pelargir,” he said.

“Indeed not,” Elessar agreed. “I have given some thought to who may succeed him.”

Suddenly a white flash illuminated the horizon, closely followed by the sound of a blast.

“Yes!” Gimli cheered.

Another white, then blue, then green in rapid succession. Then all was quiet again for several tense moments.

“Have they been captured?” Éomer wondered aloud.

“Never,” Gimli insisted, though his voice seemed a bit tense. “Surely they are merely shifting their position.” Another bright series of blasts soon vindicated his supposition. “Ha! There you have it!”

The blasts continued at intervals for nearly half an hour. There was not much to be seen or heard at a distance, but there was certainly more firelight in the camp and a thick cloud of smoke rising slowly with the wind to the west.

Soon thereafter the line of Dúnedain came galloping back into the camp. Meriadoc and Peregrin slid to the ground laughing together, relishing the success of their exploits. The first among the Rangers came to give his report to the king. “We sustained no losses, my lord. The Periain acquitted themselves well.”

“And what have the intrepid Periain to say for themselves?” Elessar asked.

“Oh, it was magnificent, my lords!” Peregrin assured them. “Complete and utter chaos. Tents catching fire, oliphaunts running scared, everyone in a panic!”

“I suspect we ignited half the camp,” Meriadoc said. “The horses broke free and stampeded into the night.”

“Ha!” Gimli shouted triumphantly. “We could hardly have hoped for a better result! Let us capitalize on it!”

“I am inclined to agree,” Elessar said. “Stand the men. We will march before dawn.”

Swan Song by Conquistadora