123: Rumors Arrested

They approached the area where Valacar’s tent was located without picking up an escort. Finrod had to order several warriors not to follow them as they made their way through the encampment, but asked them to stay alert in case of need. This mollified the ellyn somewhat but it was obvious that everyone was curious to know what was happening. Finrod and Glorfindel would not normally walk through the encampment armed.

"There," Finrod said quietly, pointing towards a small pavilion set within a compound that had been reserved for some of the Vanyarin fighters. "His tent is the third one on the left."

The others nodded. As they reached the entrance they were unsurprised to find guards there asking their business.

"Prince Findaráto, Prince Ingwion and Lord Glorfindel to see Lord Valacar," Laurendil said, acting momentarily as their herald.

Most of the guards raised their eyebrows in surprise, but their leader was not so obviously impressed. "And these others?" he asked, gesturing towards Alassiel, Sador and Manwen.

"Lady Alassiel is my squire," Finrod said imperiously.

"And Lord Sador is mine," Ingwion said smoothly.

Sador forced himself not to react, especially when Alassiel unobtrusively stepped on his right foot.

"And these two?" the captain of the guard gestured to Laurendil and Manwen, both of whom evinced an innocent air.

"They’re my personal healers," Glorfindel said without missing a beat, "on Lord Irmo’s orders. I never go anywhere without them."

The captain decided to ignore that and asked his next question, pointing to Finrod and Glorfindel’s swords. "And you plan to see Lord Valacar so armed... my lords?"

"Ah," Finrod said brightly, "Lord Valacar was admiring our weapons earlier and wished to have a closer look. Now, captain, if you are through interrogating two princes of Eldamar and the Lord of the House of the Golden Flower, we wish to enter. No need to announce us, we know the way." This last was said as he and Ingwion attempted to pass the guards, who stood about somewhat uncertainly, not sure what to do.

The captain, however, was made of sterner stuff and neatly stood before Finrod, his aspect respectful but unmoving. "I cannot allow you to enter this compound so armed, my lord," he said. "I have strict orders to that effect."

"What is your name, Captain?" Ingwion asked.

For the first time, the captain looked hesitant, but answered readily enough. "Tulcandil, my lord."

Ingwion nodded. "I will remember to tell my atar how well you perform your duties, Captain," the Vanyarin prince said, "but I assure you, that preventing us from entering will not help your case when you are brought up on charges of obstructing the High King’s Justice."

Tulcandil and the other guards all paled at that and seeing the absolute truth of his statement in Ingwion’s eyes, the captain saluted and stepped aside.

"As I said," Finrod said with a smile, "no need to announce... Glorfindel! Cut him off!"

Everyone looked to where Finrod suddenly pointed. They saw a dark figure slipping out of the tent Finrod had identified earlier as Valacar’s. The person was attempting to run to the right behind the other tents in hope of eluding capture.

Glorfindel ran around the first tent, his sword drawn. There was the sound of a scuffle and then a yell, that was quickly cut off. Tulcandil started towards the sound but Ingwion stopped him with a shake of his head. In the meantime, Finrod hadn’t even bothered to wait to see if Glorfindel had succeeded in capturing whoever was trying to escape, but had sprinted towards Valacar’s tent, the others following more slowly with Tulcandil in tow. The other guards were instructed by Ingwion to maintain their posts and not to let anyone enter or leave without his or Prince Findaráto’s permission. When they reached the tent they saw Valacar sitting innocently in a cushioned chair, reading.

Valacar looked up in surprise and rose with a bow. "Greetings, my Lord Ingwion, Lord Findaráto. To what do I owe the honor?"

Finrod gave the elf a slight smile. "We were in the neighborhood and decided to drop by. Hope you don’t mind. I had the impression you were entertaining..."

At that moment, Glorfindel entered, dragging Súlimondil in and pushing him into another cushioned chair. The ellon looked a little worse for wear with a cut lip and a black eye. Glorfindel shrugged at Finrod’s questioning look. "You said ‘cut him off’ not ‘cut him down’."

Finrod snorted and turned back to Valacar. "As I was saying, my lord, I had the impression you were entertaining visitors this evening."

Valacar scowled down at Súlimondil, who was shaking his head and grimacing in pain. He turned to Finrod and Ingwion, his expression neutral. "I was entertaining my cousin earlier this evening, but as you saw when you so rudely entered without announcing yourselves, I was engaged in nothing more harmful than reading." He held up the slim volume of bound leather.

"Odd," Ingwion said, "I was sure my atar specifically stated that Lord Súlimondil was to see him directly after the dinner hour, but here he is, hiding in your tent... and it’s nearly time for the changing of the watch."

"Not exactly hiding, my lord," Valacar said defensively. "Let us just say that my cousin quite forgot the time and only now realized he was late for his meeting with the High King."

"Which would explain why he was attempting to jump the compound fence in a single bound," Glorfindel said with a wry smile. "No doubt he wished to reach the city post haste."

"No doubt," Valacar said smoothly.

Glorfindel nodded and then pointed to his left. "Odd that in his haste he failed to notice that Vanyamar is that way."

Valacar shrugged and Súlimondil moaned. Manwen had taken a handkerchief and wetted it, handing it to the unfortunate ellon to press against his split lip, eliciting a hiss of pain from him. They all looked at him and Ingwion’s expression darkened.

"There’s a warrant out for your arrest, Súlimondil," the prince said coldly. "It’s a good thing someone noticed you were here and not in the city, although, I’m sure we would have found you eventually." He turned to Tulcandil. "Lord Súlimondil and Lord Valacar are to be taken to the High King, Captain. See to it."

"Now see here, Ingwion!" Valacar protested. "You have no right to arrest me. I have done nothing wrong."

"Harboring a fugitive..." Ingwion started to say but Valacar cut him off.

"Since I had no knowledge that Súlimondil even was a fugitive, I can’t be accused of complicity in harboring him."

"Well, why don’t we just say you’re a material witness," Finrod said then. "I’m sure it’ll all be straightened out once we’ve seen the High King." He turned to Tulcandil who was standing there irresolute. "You have your orders, Captain," Finrod said, his tone that of the King of Nargothrond.

Tulcandil responded automatically to the tone and saluted Finrod and Ingwion before turning to Valacar. "My lord, if you would be so kind as to come with me to the High King."

"You, too, Súlimondil," Glorfindel said, hauling the hapless ellon up and nearly pushing him out the tent entrance.

Valacar scowled but said nothing, merely putting his book down and reaching for his cloak. Laurendil stayed him and took the cloak himself, quickly examining it before presenting it to Valacar who merely raised an eyebrow in disbelief at the ellon’s actions. Laurendil gave a mirthless grin.

"Old habits..." he said with a shrug.

Valacar shook his head and took the proffered cloak before joining Súlimondil outside. The others followed right behind. Tulcandil, in the meantime, had called to the other guards and with a quick explanation had gathered an escort. Before long, as they marched through the encampment, they found themselves with an even larger escort. This time, Finrod did not dissuade them. So it was that those elves in the city who were still abroad were witness to a most extraordinary sight: two of their own lords being escorted by a contingent of guards, both Vanyarin and Tol Eressëan with two princes of Eldamar and one Balrog-slayer following behind.

****

Ingwë was still in his study, now joined by Arafinwë and Olwë, when one of his guards entered.

"Sire, Prince Ingwion desires you to meet him in the minor throne room at your convenience," the ellon said.

Ingwë raised an eyebrow at that. "And did my son indicate the reason why I should join him there?"

The ellon shook his head. "No, Sire. He only said that if you came you would not be disappointed."

Ingwë gave his fellow kings a questioning look and Arafinwë shrugged. "Only way to find out..."

The High King snorted and rose from his chair. "Thank you, Meneldur, you may go."

The guard saluted and stepped aside to allow the three kings to depart. They strode through the halls of the palace without speaking and soon they reached the minor throne room, often used for more private audiences. Ingwë stepped into the room and stopped in amazement.

Before him were at least fifty people, most of them armed and grim looking. He felt no fear for himself, but did wonder what was going on. The armed warriors, to an ellon, fell into two rows and drawing out their swords, gave the High King their salute, then stood at ease, their swords before them point down, their hands resting lightly but securely upon the hilts. Looking down the aisle thus created Ingwë saw his son, along with Findaráto and Glorfindel, standing before the throne dais, obviously waiting for him. He noticed that Sador and Alassiel were also there, along with an elleth he did not know. He gave Arafinwë and Olwë a glance. Both of the other kings gave him a wry smile in return. Arafinwë whispered into his ear, letting him know that the strange elleth was Lord Laurendil’s wife, Lady Manwen. Ingwë nodded, then started forward.

When they reached the dais, Ingwion, Finrod, Glorfindel and the others all bowed and stepped aside to allow Ingwë to ascend to the throne, which he did. Arafinwë and Olwë followed him, with Arafinwë taking a position to Ingwë’s right and Olwë to his left.

"All right, Ingwion," Ingwë said with faint amusement. "What is this all about?"

Ingwion bowed again to his atar and straightening, gestured to his right. There was a slight scuffle and then Ingwë saw Laurendil and a Vanyarin guard with captain insignia on his baldric pushing an ellon forward. It took Ingwë a moment to recognize Lord Súlimondil behind the cut lip and black eye. He gave his son an enquiring look and Ingwion smiled.

"He was hiding in the encampment," Ingwion said. "In Lord Valacar’s tent." He motioned again, this time to his left and two guards came forward with the aforementioned lord between them, looking none too pleased.

"I see," Ingwë said, maintaining a neutral tone. "And who do we have to thank for this?"

Finrod smiled. "My thrall, actually."

Ingwë could not help showing his surprise at the unexpected answer.

Finrod nodded. "Vorondil overheard Lord Valacar invite Lord Súlimondil to his tent. When he learned you were looking for Lord Súlimondil, he told Ingwion and me."

"Your... thrall should be commended," Ingwë said and Finrod gave him a brief bow in acknowledgment. Ingwë turned to Súlimondil who stood there in sullen silence, refusing to look up. Then, he turned his attention to Valacar, standing there in defiant outrage. "So which of you spread the rumor that Lord Glorfindel murdered you, Súlimondil?" he asked them coldly.

"And that Lord Sador kidnapped a child with the aid of one of the Valar?" added Finrod sounding just as cold.

Neither ellon answered. Before Ingwë could speak again, there was a stir in the air and all were witness to Lord Námo, now dressed in funereal black, standing beside the throne with a look of mild interest on his face.

"Yes, I’m curious about that, too," the Vala said and Súlimondil and Valacar were not the only elves to visibly pale at Námo’s tone.

Ingwë frowned slightly as he addressed the Lord of Mandos. "Do the Valar mean to take over this investigation, my lord?"

"Oh no," Námo said. "The Elder King gave me strict instructions that I was not to... indulge myself."

Several elves shuddered at the fell light that shone from the Vala’s eyes as he gazed upon the two hapless ellyn before the throne. Súlimondil moaned and Valacar went white but remained silent.

"I’m merely here out of curiosity," Námo added and smiled. Even the three Reborn ellyn appeared a little ill at that and they had to look away briefly before pulling themselves together. Námo turned to Ingwion, his expression changing to one of satisfaction. "Well done, Ingwion."

The simple praise made the prince glow with pleasure as he gave the Vala a bow. "Thank you, Master."

Ingwë, meanwhile, exchanged glances with Arafinwë and Olwë. The latter bent down and whispered something in the High King’s ear. Ingwë nodded, then spoke. "I’m waiting for an answer," he said coldly, his eyes bright with a dangerous light. "Who started these scurrilous rumors against Lords Glorfindel and Sador... and Lord Námo?"

Valacar finally spoke, his tone tinged with aggrieved anger. "This is the first I’ve heard of any rumors, scurrilous or otherwise, Ingwë. That you would accuse me or my cousin...."

"I haven’t accused you of anything, Valacar," Ingwë interrupted, "but let’s put that aside for the moment." He turned his gaze on Súlimondil. "Why did you disobey me, Súlimondil? What did you hope to gain by refusing my summons?"

But Súlimondil refused to answer, never looking up, his expression sullen as he grimaced with pain. Ingwë sighed and turned to his great-nephew.

"Findaráto," he said and Finrod took a step forward. "I had already decided that in order to put these vile rumors to rest that Lord Súlimondil and the child whom Lord Sador is accused of kidnapping would appear beside me at tomorrow’s match. I normally would never subject an elfling so young to such an ordeal, but under the circumstances..."

"I understand, Uncle," Finrod said sympathetically. "Perhaps if Sador were to accompany Veryandur it will be less traumatic for him."

"How did Veryandur react to you, Sador?" Námo asked suddenly.

Sador turned to Námo and shrugged. "He was a little wary at first but he’s accepted my apology and we’ve agreed to watch the other matches with our eyes closed." He smiled then. "It seems the fighting is a little scary for him and he doesn’t like it."

Námo nodded, a slight smile on his face. "And you, best beloved? How do you fare?"

Again Sador shrugged. "I’ll survive," was all he said, his tone neutral.

For a long moment, Námo merely gazed at the ellon who returned his own gaze with equanimity. Then the Vala nodded. "Yes, I rather think you will, child," he murmured and turned to Ingwë. "I doubt you will get any real answers to your questions, Ingwë, and I’ve been forbidden by the Elder King to offer my own unique form of interrogation." He paused and raked his amaranthine eyes over the two lords, who refused to meet his gaze. "Your plan is sound, but take care. There is more at work here than meets the eye. These two may indeed have nothing to do with spreading the rumors. Others may well be playing their own game."

Ingwë closed his eyes, his expression tired. "I thought we had gotten through all this during the Darkening." Both Arafinwë and Olwë grimaced at that. Finrod was surprised to see a look of shame or perhaps guilt steal across his atar’s face before the Noldóran collected himself and his expression became neutral once again. He had never thought to ask his atar what had happened after Arafinwë had returned to Tirion. He resolved to ask him at the earliest opportunity. It was time, Finrod decided, to learn the truth of what the Rebellion of the Noldor had actually cost them all.

Námo gave the High King a sympathetic smile. "Melkor did his work too well, my son. We will never be totally free of his taint until the Remaking of Arda."

Ingwë nodded. "Valacar, Súlimondil, you will be my guests for the duration of the tournament. Ingwion, Findaráto, thank you. Lord Sador, Lord Glorfindel, it grieves me that you were the victims of these rumors. I pray you do not take them to heart."

Sador merely bowed, but Glorfindel scowled. "It would’ve served them right if I’d done exactly what they accuse me of doing, my lord."

Ingwë hid a smile. "No doubt, but then I would have had to arrest you and Arafinwë would never have spoken to me again if I had."

Glorfindel gave both Ingwë and Arafinwë a surprised look and then turned to Finrod in puzzlement for an explanation. Finrod grinned at his brother’s expression. "He means that you would have been unable to compete and Atar would have lost his bet."

Glorfindel raised an eyebrow at that and turned his gaze upon Arafinwë who was smiling. "For or against?" he asked the Noldóran.

Arafinwë raised an eyebrow of his own, his expression becoming more imperious. "That, my son, remains to be seen."

Glorfindel’s expression turned to one of amusement. "In that case, I’m glad Lord Námo stopped me in time, Atar. I wouldn’t want to disappoint either you or the High King."

Ingwë smiled as well and stood. "I think we can adjourn." He gestured to the guards to take Valacar and Súlimondil into custody and then, with Arafinwë and Olwë trailing, he exited the throne room. Finrod thanked the warriors for their service and dismissed them back to the encampment before following Glorfindel, Sador and the others out.

No one seemed to notice Námo still standing there, an amused expression on his face, or that Ingwion had not joined the general exodus. When the room emptied, the Prince of the Vanyar and the Lord of Mandos gazed at one another.

"Do you understand now, child?" Námo asked after a moment without preamble.

Ingwion bowed. "I think I’m beginning to, Master."

Námo nodded. "Fight well."

"I will do my best, Master."

"It is all I will ever ask of you, child, that you do your best."

Ingwion nodded and bowed again before exiting the throne room. Námo remained behind deep in thought until Vairë called to him and he went.