18: Licweg

By the time Aragorn and the others reached the Snowbourn, he was feeling more himself. The trip back to Edoras had been uncomfortable for all of them as Aragorn attempted to regain his equilibrium. Wídfara was the most affected and Aragorn had just enough presence of mind to realize the younger man was suffering on his account. He made a conscious effort to pull himself out of his preoccupation and relieve the Rohir’s mind. The effort to do so seemed to help him as well, for after a few days, he was less moody.

Now they were approaching Edoras in the late afternoon five days after leaving Helm’s Deep. The city looked much as Aragorn remembered but the three Rohirrim grimaced as Grimbold pointed to Meduseld shining golden in the sun.

"The King’s standard is missing," he said shortly.

"What does that mean?" Aragorn asked.

"Usually it means he is not in residence," Grimbold replied. "Yet there is always the Cægheorde’s standard, but that does not fly either."

"You said that Thengel was planning a campaign into the Eastfold when you left Edoras," Aragorn reminded him.

"Let us hope that is the meaning of this," Grimbold stated with a nod, "but it worries me that Gléomer’s standard does not fly where it should."

When they reached the gates of the city they were amazed to see them closed against all custom. Wídfara and Hardbeorht both went white with shock and Grimbold’s mien darkened to something undefinable but definitely dangerous. He loosened the ties on his sword and Aragorn automatically did the same as did the two younger Riders. Grimbold motioned for the other three men to remain where they were while he urged his horse closer to the gates.

"Hwær cwóm geatweardas?" he shouted. "Hwæt sind gatu inbelocen intó fréondum?"

The answer was not long in coming. Without warning a bolt came flying from an arrow slit high on the city walls to land only just before Grimbold’s horse. The horse reared in surprise and Grimbold was hard-put to bring his steed under control and move out of bow-range. Aragorn and the other two Riders swiftly followed suit. Grimbold’s expression was stony as he brought his horse to a halt a half a mile from the city.

"Treachery!" he spat. "Now the riddle of the standards is answered."

"Yes, but who has taken the city?" Aragorn asked. "And what has happened to Lady Morwen and the children? Are they prisoners or have they escaped to some refuge?"

Grimbold sat on his horse staring back at the closed city, pondering Aragorn’s words. The other two Riders were white-lipped with barely suppressed fury, for treachery against one’s lord was considered the greatest evil among the Rohirrim. It was a negation of the concept of oathgiving which was the hallmark of their society. The giving of an oath was held sacred above all other obligations. That someone would deliberately renege on his oath to Thengel was the worst crime any could commit in their eyes.

"I must find a way into the city to learn what has happened," Grimbold finally said.

"Easier said than done," Aragorn stated, looking dubious. All three Rohirrim nodded reluctantly, for Edoras sat upon a hill and was heavily fortified. "Is there a culvert or some other bolt hole known to the king’s household wherein the royal family might escape during times of trouble?"

"If there is," Hardbeorht replied, "it would not be common knowledge, and none of us would be in a position to know of such a thing."

"There is a passageway, though, that leads into the city," Wídfara said. "It is little used and, as far as I know, not guarded. One end of the passage begins in the midst of the barrows, for it has sometimes been used by those who have business with the Dead."

Grimbold nodded. "Yes, I remember now, the old licweg. You are wise, young Wïdfara, to have recalled such a thing, for I do not think its purpose is even remembered these days."

"Can we reach it without being seen by those holding the city?" Aragorn asked, intrigued.

Wídfara nodded. "Yes, lord, under cover of darkness it will be easy enough to avoid being seen by any who man the walls."

Grimbold gave the city another glance. "Let us away. Let us be seen to depart back to the Westfold. There is a place near the Snowbourn where we may hole up for the day. Then we will assay the licweg and hope that in doing so we will not be walking to our own graves."

They urged their horses to a gallop and were soon out of sight of Edoras and whoever held it.

****

Grimbold led them to a dell hidden by trees not far from the Snowbourn. Edoras was less than a mile to the east, Meduseld’s golden roof turning red with the setting sun. Aragorn and Wídfara hunted while Grimbold and Hardbeorht set up camp. Soon they had a small smokeless fire going and a rabbit stew in the pot. Grimbold was describing the licweg to Aragorn as they ate.

"It is a passage that runs between Meduseld and the barrows. Originally, it was used by the royal family to visit their ancestors’ graves without having to go through the city to reach the barrows."

"So, no one would necessarily know that anyone was visiting the barrows," Aragorn said and the others nodded.

"None but the royal family knows where the entrances are at either end, though," Wídfara said, looking apologetic. "It’ll be difficult to find it among the barrows, but it was the only route into the city I could think of."

Grimbold clapped the younger man on the shoulder. "It was a good thought, but you are in luck, because I know where the entrance is."

Wídfara and Hardbeorht stared at the older man in wonder. "How is this possible, Uncle?" Hardbeorht asked.

But it was Aragorn who supplied the answer. "That’s how you were able to sneak out of the city without anyone knowing," he said with a smile. "Thengel must have shown you the route."

Grimbold gave the Dúnadan an appraising look. "You are correct, Outlander. In my anger at the treachery we have found I had completely forgotten about it until young Wídfara reminded me. Mind you, I only saw the barrow entrance once, but I memorized its location. It will be more difficult to find it again in the dark, but I should be able to."

"Is it not barred, though, from the inside?" Wídfara asked. "How are we to get in if it is?"

"It will be locked, but not barred," Grimbold answered. "Thengel King gave me a key, for he thought perhaps I might need to return to the city the same way I left."

The others looked thoughtful at that. Soon, it became dark enough for them to return to the city unseen. Grimbold ordered Hardbeorht to remain at the camp with the horses. "For you are still recovering from your wounds and someone needs to stay with the horses."

The younger man looked rebellious, but Aragorn shook his head. "Grimbold is correct, Hardbeorht, and as your personal healer, I tell you that I would not let you join us. Remain here as Grimbold says and keep all in readiness for swift flight. Something tells me that we may well need to flee before the night ends."

Hardbeorht looked somewhat mollified by Aragorn’s words, and the matter was decided. The other three men made their way silently towards the barrows with Grimbold in the lead. He brought them over the dike and made his way along the western edge of the cemetery where nine barrows lay. They kept as quiet as they could; Aragorn walked nearly soundlessly compared to the other two men.

"Here," Grimbold whispered, coming to a halt before what appeared to be a barrow, but was much smaller than the others. "The door is on the other side away from the wall."

Aragorn and Wídfara followed Grimbold around the barrow to a small door. "Anyone coming upon this would think it a caretaker’s hut," Grimbold whispered in explanation as he fished out a heavy looking key from under his tunic and eased it into the keyhole. In the dark silence of the night, Aragorn feared that the opening of the door would be heard by any manning the walls, but Thengel must have seen to its oiling for when Grimbold pushed it open, it did so soundlessly.

They went inside and Grimbold closed the door, but did not lock it. With the door closed they were in utter darkness but Aragorn had seen a couple of torches lying on the ground beside the entrance and was already working on his striker to start a flame. Soon, they had a torch going. Looking about they saw a narrow passage that was just barely high enough for them to walk upright. It was wide enough, though, for two to walk abreast.

"This passage runs under the city and comes out inside the Hall, in the King’s own bedroom, to be exact," Grimbold said as they made their way down the passage. "There’s a bit of a climb and we must take care to make little noise for there are vents to allow air in here and sound travels."

"What about light?" Aragorn asked. "Will not those outside see the light of the torch and investigate?"

Grimbold shook his head. "Thengel King described to me the manner of the vents. They are placed in such a way that they allow air in, but none can see them from outside so no light escapes to betray us. Come, let us discover what we may of what has befallen this city."

With that, they continued in silence, Aragorn taking the rear position. They came upon a set of stairs carved into the rock of the hill on which the city sat. They were narrowly cut and sometimes it was necessary to climb sideways, but eventually they reached the top to find the passage here was smoother, the walls looking more finished. Grimbold waited until they were all together before speaking in a low whisper.

"We are now inside Meduseld itself," he said, pointing upward. "We must take care to make as little noise as possible. Wídfara, remain you here by the stairs. Look, here are more torches. You will not have to wait in darkness. Earntungol and I will continue on and try to find the royal family or news of them. Not all within the city will have joined the traitors."

Wídfara looked ready to protest, but Aragorn forestalled him. "You must be ready to lead the way back, my young friend, for Grimbold and I may not be in a position to do so."

Wídfara gave the Dúnadan a measured look and then nodded, though the older men could see his reluctance. Giving Wídfara an encouraging smile, Aragorn followed after Grimbold as he continued down the passage. It made a number of twists and turns and then they were climbing again, and Aragorn realized they must be climbing between the walls of the Hall. Eventually they came to a door and again Grimbold took out his key and unlocked it. There was a small grille in the door. All was dark on the other side and there was no sound of breathing that they could hear. They eased open the door, their swords out and ready and slipped into the room. Aragorn realized they must be behind the arras that would hang at the head of the king’s bed, effectively hiding them from the rest of the room.

Grimbold touched Aragorn on the shoulder and gave it a squeeze and a gentle push to the left and Aragorn understood that he was to go one way around the arras as Grimbold took the other way. Moving around the arras, Aragorn saw that not all was in darkness. A single candle sat on a side table. By its guttering flame he could see three figures sleeping in the bed — a woman and two children. Grimbold stood on the other side. He saw Aragorn and nodded. Slowly the two men reached down and each held a hand over the mouths of one of the children. Aragorn also held a hand over the woman’s mouth while Grimbold gently shook her. Morwen woke with a start, as did her daughters, and there was fear in all their eyes.

"No dinen, hiril nîn," Aragorn whispered. "It is I, Thorongil. Make no noise, little maids," he admonished the girls in Sindarin and was pleased to see them both nod in understanding. With a nod to Grimbold the two men released their holds on them.

Morwen sat up cautiously. "Thorongil, how did you get here?" she whispered in the same language.

"Through the licweg, lady," he answered, switching to Rohirric for Grimbold’s sake. "Come, we must get you away. Where is Théoden?"

Morwen grimaced, glancing briefly at her daughters lying white-faced beside her. "They took him from me," she said bleakly. "I fear they may have... harmed him."

The two men were quick to realize what she actually meant, knowing she spoke in generalities for the sake of her daughters.

"If they have," Grimbold stated baldly, "then they have lost whatever bargaining power they hoped to have over Thengel King."

"Grimbold is correct, lady," Aragorn said with a nod. "Your son lives, of that I have no doubt. I suspect they separated him from you as a hostage to ensure your continuing good behavior. Come, we must leave."

Morwen shook her head. "I will not leave without my son."

All this time Théodfrid and Théodhild had remained still, but at their mother’s urging, they now climbed out of the bed. It was only when the covers were thrown back that Aragorn saw the swell of Morwen’s belly and realized she was with child, something he had not known about when he left for Helm's Deep. That complicated things, for she was gravid enough to slow them down.

"Do you have any idea where they may be keeping him, my lady?" Grimbold asked as he helped her out of the bed while Aragorn bundled the two girls in their cloaks and led them behind the arras, admonishing them in softly spoken Sindarin to remain still and make no sound. He rejoined the others in time to hear Morwen reply in the negative.

"We need to get out of this room and find the boy," Aragorn said. "Is there a guard outside?" he asked Morwen, who nodded. "Then let us see if we cannot convince him to join our little party."

Aragorn smiled grimly as he moved to one side of the door, while Grimbold, with an equally grim smile, moved to the other side. Aragorn removed a knife and held it at the ready, then nodded to Morwen who suddenly screamed and then cried out, "Oh no! The babe! Help!" She screamed again for good measure as Aragorn heard the rattle of keys on the other side of the door. It swung open and the hapless guard ran in, never seeing Aragorn knocking him out with the hilt of his knife. Grimbold closed the door and grabbed the keys. They tied the guard up and gagged him, using strips from the bedsheets, then put him in the bed and covered him.

"Which key locks the room?" Aragorn asked Morwen and after a brief look she pointed to the correct key. Aragorn nodded. "Grimbold, take the Lady Morwen and the girls. I will look for the boy."

"Why you?" Grimbold asked somewhat belligerently, not liking the way this Outlander was taking command.

"Because the Elves trained me to walk silently and unseen, my friend," Aragorn replied, not taking offense at the other man’s tone. "Also, the boy speaks Sindarin, as do I, and knows me from the schoolroom."

Morwen nodded. "Lord Thorongil is correct, Grimbold. Théoden knows him whereas he does not know you and you may waste time trying to convince him of your loyalty."

"How will you find the boy, then?" Grimbold asked, relenting.

"I will just have to ask someone, won’t I?" Aragorn replied with a feral smile, then his expression sobered. "Do not wait for me. I will meet you where we are camped. If I am not with you by tomorrow night, I will not be coming at all. Get you away to whatever refuge you deem appropriate."

Grimbold nodded, fully understanding Aragorn’s words. Morwen put a hand on his arm and leaned over to kiss him on the cheek. "No bedithar iBelain ah le," she whispered, then stepped back and allowed Grimbold to escort her behind the arras. Aragorn then went to the door and, listening carefully, detected no sound from the other side. He eased the door open and slipped out, trying to get his bearings. The corridor was empty. Aragorn moved silently down the hallway in search of someone who might have the information he sought.

Somewhere in Edoras a young prince awaited rescue. Aragorn son of Arathorn, Chieftain of the Dúnedain, was determined to find him... and the Valar help any who stood in his way.

****

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

Licweg: Corpse-road; pronounced 'LICH-way'.

Cægheorde: Steward, literally, "Keeper of keys". Hlafweard might also be used, its literal meaning being "Keeper or Guardian of the bread". The hlafweard was simply the person who held a feudal estate under a king, thus a steward. One of the functions of the king’s household steward in Anglo-Saxon society was to ensure that any who suffered poverty was provided food from the king’s own pantry. Eventually hlafweard became contracted to hlaford which was further contracted to lord.

Lady comes from hlafdige "Maker of the bread". Tolkien follows this etymological practice in Sindarin with the words bassoneth and bessain, both meaning "bread-giver" and the Quenya cognate massánië, which was used as a title of the highest woman among any Elvish people, since she was the keeper and giver of the coimas (lembas). These Elvish titles are sometimes simply translated "Lady".

Hwær cwóm geatweardas? Hwæt sind gatu inbelocen intó fréondum?: "Where have the gatewardens gone? Why are the gates shut against friends?"

No dinen, hiril nîn: (Sindarin) "Be silent, my lady."

No bedithar iBelain ah le: (Sindarin) "The Valar go with you"; literally, "Be it [that] the Powers will go with you".