5: Change of Plans

‘Soon’ turned out to be much later than either Aragorn or Thengel intended. Two days after Thengel released Aragorn from the schoolroom, a messenger came from Aldburg, the ancient seat of the Kings of Rohan in the Folde.

"And how does my lady mother?" Thengel asked the messenger as he sat in court. Aragorn was there, standing beside Hildered among the thegns.

"Well, Thengel King," the young man answered as he handed him a message tube. "Éolind Cyninge sends you her greetings and well wishes."

"No doubt," Thengel said sardonically. Aragorn cast an enquiring look at Hildered, not understanding Thengel’s tone, but the young warrior merely shrugged and Aragorn had to be content with that. Thengel thanked the messenger and ordered that he be given food and drink and a place to rest. "I may have a message of my own to send back with you," he told the man.

With that, Thengel dismissed the court, retiring with his wife and children while Aragorn followed Hildered to the corrals where they would check on the horses.

"I take it that there’s some tension between your uncle and your grandmother," Aragorn asked diffidently as they made their way down the steep street to the gates.

Hildered gave the Dúnadan a startled look and then blushed. "Of course, forgive me. I’d forgotten you wouldn’t know." He stopped, giving a sigh. "Grandmother never forgave Uncle for ‘running away’ as she put it."

"Running... Oh, I see. You mean when your uncle went to Mundburg."

Hildered nodded. "She apparently felt that he betrayed Rohan with his leaving. She even opposed his return to take up the Kingship. Still does, for all I know."

Aragorn stared at nothing in particular, thinking. "How many others among your nobles think the same?"

Hildered gave the Dúnadan a shrewd look. "You’re thinking there will be those who seek to depose Uncle and put... who? Grandfather sired no other sons, and my brother and I are loyal to our uncle."

"I know that Kingship among the Rohirrim does not always descend from father to son but still remains within the royal family," Aragorn stated, remembering his history lessons in Imladris. "Were there no other contenders to your uncle’s throne at the time of his return?"

Hildered shook his head. "None of whom I am aware. The only person who could have qualified would be Fréawine son of Léodláf and he renounced any claim to the throne... or so he said."

"Who is he?"

Hildered shrugged somewhat dismissively. "He would be my second cousin, the grandson of my great-aunt Fréawyn who married Herubrand of Brandingsdale in the Eastfold. He’s about ten years younger than Uncle."

The two young men continued walking towards the corral. Aragorn remained deep in thought but soon forgot about the conversation as he helped the Rohirrim with their horses.

Later, after the evening meal, Thengel summoned Aragorn to his study. Aragorn found the king alone, sitting before his desk and staring at the message tube from Aldburg. Thengel looked up when Aragorn knocked and smiled, gesturing him to enter and take a seat. He poured some wine from a decanter sitting on his desk and handed it to the Dúnadan.

"I want to tell you a story," Thengel said without preamble and Aragorn nodded, indicating his readiness to listen. Thengel sat back and stared blankly at the message tube for a moment before looking up.

"My father was not well-liked," he began quietly and the pain of that admission was evident to Aragorn, though he kept his expression neutral. "Greedy beyond avarice he was, with a temper that knew no bounds. There were some who thought to remove him from the throne, to set up his sister-son, Léodláf, who was the son of my aunt Fréawyn and her husband Herubrand of Brandingsdale in the Eastfold."

"Hildered mentioned him," Aragorn said quietly. Thengel raised an eyebrow and the Dúnadan explained. "I noticed there was some... tension at the mention of Queen Éolind at court."

"Ah, yes, of course, and you would not have understood," Thengel’s expression cleared. "Well, I had just reached my majority when Léodláf attempted his coup." He looked at Aragorn and his eyes were cold as ice. "It failed," he said baldly, then sighed, taking a sip of the wine.

"Léodláf died, leaving behind an eleven-year-old son named Fréawine. At the time, my aunt Fréawyn still lived, though she survived her only child by only two years. Her husband, Herubrand, was already dead, thank the Valar, for he was ever an honorable man and would have been appalled at what had happened. However much he may have detested my father personally it would never have occurred to him to revolt against his rule."

Aragorn nodded his understanding. "It is a rare man of great courage to stand by one to whom oaths have been given when such a man proves unworthy of that trust."

Thengel nodded. "Herubrand deserved better... we all did."

"What happened to the boy?"

Thengel gave Aragorn a penetrating glance. "Father ordered him blinded, thereby making him ineligible to rule the Rohirrim."

Aragorn went perfectly still and the shock he felt must have been evident in his face, for Thengel nodded grimly. "Like I said, my father had a nasty temper that knew no bounds."

"But a child..."

Thengel raised a hand. "Fear not. The thought that anyone would do such a thing to one innocent of any wrongdoing sickened many, including myself. Father was not only greedy but stupid as well. I devised a scheme whereby I begged the ‘honor’ of performing the deed and Father agreed, though he insisted on watching."

He shook his head at the memory. "I hated my father then." He took another sip of wine before resuming his tale. "I spoke to the boy the night before the blinding was to take place and told him my plan. Poor child, he was so frightened and his one real fear was, being blind he would never be able to ride again."

Aragorn found himself standing without any conscious thought of doing so, walking to the embrasure to stare out into the warm night, the images Thengel’s story brought to his mind too sickening to endure. He was surprised to find himself shaking. Thengel rose quietly and put a comforting hand on the younger man’s shoulder.

"Fréawine was trying to be very brave and I was most impressed by him. He agreed to follow my lead in all things, trusting me, his older cousin, to protect him. Do you know, he even gave me his oath that night? I should have refused it. I was not the king and he was not of age, but I would not deny him whatever comfort he found in taking that oath. He has always been loyal to me."

Aragorn turned around. "How did you do it?"

Thengel actually smiled. "Ah, well, I had decided that the boy would be blinded by means of a hot iron rod rather than having his eyes plucked out as is customary, especially among the Dunlendings, which is from where I think Father got the idea." He turned back to his chair and Aragorn followed. "I made sure that only those loyal to me were present. Father was there, but he kept his distance at my request." He gave Aragorn a thin smile. "All part of my plan, you see, and Father was just... squeamish enough to agree. Anyway, Fréawine put on a very convincing act. His screams were quite realistic."

They both sat and Thengel poured them more wine before continuing. "Afterwards I spirited him and his mother away to Brandingsdale where they were allowed to live in peace, Father having decreed himself satisfied that all threats to his rule had been eliminated." His eyes grew dark and his tone was as cold as the snows of the White Mountains. "He conveniently forgot about me."

Aragorn felt a shiver run down his spine as he looked upon the King of Rohan and realized that Thengel was very dangerous in his own way.

Thengel gave the younger man a thin smile. "I left for Minas Tirith soon afterwards, vowing never to return. It was the only way I could see to remove myself from... the temptation of overthrowing my own father."

"Fengel never suspected he had been a victim of a ruse?" Aragorn asked.

Thengel shook his head. "Like I said, my father was stupid as well as greedy. He was happy enough to believe me and satisfied to have confiscated all of Léodláf’s holdings. Brandingsdale he left alone and when my aunt died he ‘graciously’ permitted Fréawine and his mother Elfrid to continue living on the steading, convinced that the boy was no threat to him."

Aragorn furrowed his brow, trying to understand. "But surely the boy could not have continued playing blind. Did no one betray him to Fengel?"

Thengel’s smile was more genuine this time. "I made sure that all who resided at Brandingsdale were loyal to me... and to Herubrand."

"Ah, of course," Aragorn smiled, now understanding. "In memory of an honorable man they would do all to protect his grandson."

"Exactly. Over the years I kept in contact with the boy. I would have preferred bringing him to Minas Tirith with me but his mother would not hold to the idea. He did travel to Gondor later on but his love was for Brandingsdale and he eventually returned. When my father died and I came back he was the first person who hailed me as king and we renewed our oaths to one another before all, much to everyone’s amazement." Thengel chuckled at the memory and Aragorn smiled.

"Yet, your mother, so I am told, opposed your taking the crown," Aragorn said.

Thengel sighed. "Which brings me to the reason why I asked you here tonight. I needs must go to Aldburg and I want you to accompany me."

"Of course, my lord. May I ask why?" Aragorn straightened somewhat as if he were one of his own lieutenants receiving his orders.

"I want eyes other than mine to see what I no longer see, and ears other than mine to hear what I no longer hear. My mother is elderly, but she is not dead, and alive she can still be dangerous. Her age prevents me from doing anything more than banishing her to Aldburg. Will you come?"

Aragorn stood and gave the king a respectful bow. "My lord, I am yours to command in all things save where my honor is threatened. You need not ask."

"Yet I do, Thorongil son of Beren, for I know how you long to join your cousin in the Westfold and now I will take you even further from him for an indeterminate time."

"Then I will come," Aragorn said and gave Thengel a bright smile. "My cousin can wait."

Thengel laughed. "We leave tomorrow."

****

Aldburg lay southeast of Edoras nestled in a fold of the White Mountains. It was no great distance and Thengel did not ride fast, taking the time to point out certain features of the Folde to Aragorn as they rode together. The grasslands were turning brown with the heat of the summer and soon they would be dying out altogether. While the climate was generally milder than in the north, the mountains brought heavy snows at times and the wind could be brutal, especially at night. Soon the Mearas would be leading the herds north and east across the Entwash into the Wold where the grasses remained fresh and plentiful even in the winter.

As they rode along the royal road, badly in need of repair, Aragorn watched the foothills march before him with the mountains looming above. There was a dark and ominous look to them and Thengel assured him that few ventured into the mountains themselves.

"We have foresters and huntsmen and those who must guard the watchtowers," Thengel said as they rode along, "but most of our people prefer the open steppes. We need to feel the wind in our faces as we ride. Ever have the Rohirrim been a people who value freedom. The open fields give us that; the mountains do not."

Aldburg was a full day’s ride from Edoras. At one point they left the road leading to Minas Tirith and headed straight towards the mountains. There was a rough track that led to Aldburg, but generally the éored that rode with the king and Aragorn eschewed it for the open land on either side. The way started to steepen as they headed into the foothills and Thengel called a halt, meaning to stop early for the night.

"I do not wish to arrive in Aldburg at night," he explained to Aragorn. "Best to approach it in full daylight, and not necessarily because of the treacherousness of the road."

Aragorn raised an eyebrow at that but made no comment, removing his bedroll from Mithfaron’s back and seeing to his horse’s needs before helping to set up tents. The sky was ablaze with stars by the time the cooks had finished making the evening meal and all sat around the various fires and ate, speaking softly, occasionally cracking a joke or singing a song, but otherwise remaining sober. Watches were set and Aragorn found himself assigned the last watch of the night, so he did not linger at the fire but sought his tent, wishing to have as much sleep as possible.

Long practice woke him about a half an hour before his watch was due to begin. He wrapped himself in his cloak against the bitterness of the night, for a cold wind blew out of the east. He made his way to the latrines to relieve himself and then sought the single campfire that still burned where he found someone sitting. It was Thengel, sipping from a metal mug.

"My lord," Aragorn said in a whisper, giving the king a bow, "forgive me. I did not mean to disturb you."

Thengel looked up and smiled. "You are not disturbing me, son. You go on watch soon?"

"Yes, lord."

Thengel nodded then looked away to his right and called out softly. "Grammund. Lord Thorongil is excused from the watch this night. I wish to speak with him."

Aragorn saw a man step out of the shadows. He recognized the king’s personal guard and leader of the éored, who bowed to the king. "As you say, Thengel King." The guard gave the Dúnadan a penetrating look and a brief smile. Grammund was by nature taciturn but was nonetheless friendly towards the Ranger and Aragorn smiled back. Then the guard stepped back into the shadows to take up his own watch. Thengel motioned for Aragorn to sit and gestured to the fire.

"There is another mug. Help yourself to some tea. It is rather bitter by now, but it is hot and will warm your bones."

Aragorn complied and the two sat in companionable silence for a while, sipping their tea, each lost in their own thoughts. Aragorn was reminded of the patrols he had been on and suddenly wondered how his own men were faring. His brothers had promised to join the patrols and even Glorfindel had said that the elven warriors who scouted the lands around Imladris would join with the Dúnedain who watched over their people living in the Angle. It was heartening to know that his elven family cared enough for his people to help them out during his absence.

"What are you thinking about, young man?" Thengel suddenly asked, speaking low so as not to disturb the rest of those sleeping nearby. "Your eyes stare at the fire but see it not, or perhaps see another fire in another time and place."

Aragorn nodded. "I was thinking of my brothers, lord, and wondering how they fared."

"This is your first time away from your family." It was not a question.

Aragorn blushed somewhat. "Is it that obvious?"

Thengel smiled knowingly. "Obvious? No, but long years away from my own home and people have made me more aware of the feelings of those who are strangers in strange lands. I felt so lost in Minas Tirith, and as welcoming and as kind as Turgon was, I could not find any happiness there. It was not until he sent me to Ithilien that I began to feel at home among the Standlendings." He paused and took a sip from his mug. "Ithilien saved my life... and my sanity."

"May I ask, lord," Aragorn ventured, "why did you wish to speak to me?"

Thengel gave a brief glance around, then he leaned closer to the Dúnadan, his voice even lower than before. "Listen to me very carefully, young man. When we come to Aldburg I want you to tread with caution. As you are obviously not one of the Rohirrim you will be closely watched. Pretend that you understand nothing of our language. I will speak to you only in Sindarin. You may address others in Westron at need. Grammund knows my mind on this and will alert the men not to speak to you other than in Westron."

Aragorn gave the king a startled glance and his surprise was obvious. Thengel nodded and continued. "If others believe you do not understand their language they will be free to speak before you without hesitation. In this wise, you might learn much that will be of benefit to me."

"You wish me to spy for you, my lord?" Aragorn asked, looking troubled, for the idea did not sit well with him.

Thengel shook his head. "Nay, lad, nothing so crass. But if, as you are innocently strolling through the streets, gawking at the sights as any stranger would," here Aragorn snorted in amusement and Thengel smiled, "others might speak around you, believing themselves safe. It’s possible you might hear a thing or two that would interest me."

"I see." Aragorn looked down at his mug for a moment. "If it be your command, lord, that I act the innocent fool, then I will do so, little though I like the idea."

"I appreciate your candor, son, and your obedience. I regret that I must even put you in such a precarious position."

Aragorn nodded and then flashed a wicked grin at the king. "I almost prefer being thrown into a den of orcs without a sword."

Thengel laughed softly. "Me too."

****

All words and phrases are Rohirric (Anglo-Saxon) unless otherwise noted.

Cyninge: Queen.

A Note on Thengel’s Family Tree: Except in rare instances, only males are mentioned by name in the description of the Kings of Rohan in Appendix A. Daughters are inferred by such phrases as: "Thengel was the third child and only son of Fengel". Thus, the existence of daughters is canonical, only the names that I have given them and any progeny they may have had are not. The same goes for their dates of births and deaths.

For the purposes of this story, Thengel has only one surviving sister, Goldwyn, who is the mother of the twins Hildered and Hilderic and one daughter, Hildegard, who is married to Elfhelm of the Eastfold. They have two children, Elfgar and Elfhild. Thengel’s mother, Éolind, still lives. There is also a cousin, Fréawine of Brandingsdale, who is ten years younger than Thengel.

Under Rohirric (Anglo-Saxon) law, kingship does not necessarily descend automatically from father to son. The Witan can declare any male of the royal household as king, though there is the added twist that the Mearas must also approve of the selection. Theoretically, then, the following males could have been considered eligible for the kingship if Thengel’s suit had been denied: Fréawine, Hildered and Hilderic. Théoden and Elfgar could also have been considered but as they are not yet of age, it is unlikely that any would have advanced their claim.

The descriptions of Fengel’s greed and Thengel removing himself to Minas Tirith as soon as he reached his majority are canonical. The attempted coup and its aftermath as the reason for his leaving Rohan is not.

Note on Fréawine’s ‘blinding’: Blinding by use of hot irons would not leave scars as the irons would be held in front of the eyes while the eyelids were held back or taped back in some manner so the victim would not be able to close his eyes. Irons would be replaced as they cooled until the optic nerve had been completely burned out.