69: The King’s Reward

Spring was advancing in all its glory and mid-summer was fast approaching before things began to settle into some semblance of normalcy for the people of Rohan. A week or so after Guthláf and the Umbari were executed, Thengel dealt with the men from Upborn whom Gandalf had said were the most guilty of the executions of the guards. In the end, Isenwulf agreed to oversee their punishment.

"They can help rebuild Underharrow," he said, "and then they will spend the rest of their days as servants to the families of the men who were killed."

Thengel approved of the plan and that was the end of the matter. Then he saw to the disposition of the lands in the Eastfold that had been confiscated to the crown after the rebellion, awarding them to some of his more faithful thegns. He wanted to give Alorharadsdale to Aragorn as a reward for his services, and approached him privately with the idea, but the Dúnadan politely refused.

"I will not always be here, lord," he reminded Thengel. "Someday I must return to my own people. It is better that the estate be given to one of your own. I’m sure there must be someone who will be suitable."

Thus, when Thengel held court to reward those who had been faithful to him during the crisis, he eventually called Wídfara before him after he had already settled the disposition of Isenbrandingsdale and other estates belonging to the traitors. "Other lands you have, I know," he told the young man, "and you stand to inherit from your father, but if you are agreeable to my idea, I would ask that you consign your right of inheritance over to your younger brother, Wídsith, I believe is his name."

Wídfara nodded but said nothing, trying to keep his expression neutral, wondering what Thengel had in mind for him, though his confusion was obvious to all present.

Thengel hid a smile. "I tried to give Alorharadsdale to Lord Thorongil, but he pointed out that he has other commitments to his own people and that it would be best if the estate remained in the hands of one of the Rohirrim. I agreed. Therefore, if you are willing, I would give you Alorharadsdale, its land and its title."

Wídfara stole a glance at Thorongil, Gilhael and Denethor standing nearby and grinning, then he returned his attention to Thengel sitting on his throne, waiting for an answer. He swallowed once, twice, before he felt he could speak without embarrassing himself. "Do you mean you want me to be the new...."

"The new lord of Alorharadsdale, yes," Thengel said, now smiling, "but only if you wish. As I said, it would mean foregoing all rights to your father’s lands and titles but I don’t think that will be too onerous for you. Alorharadsdale is, according to Léodward’s geréfa, a prosperous estate. Whatever Léodward’s failings, he was a good lord to his people and treated them and the land well."

"What of Léodward, my lord?" Wídfara asked. "What will be his fate?"

Thengel sighed. "He had no heirs except a cousin who joined him in rebellion, so the question of inheritance is moot. No other family survives, for his wife died young in childbirth along with the babe and he never remarried. Thus, it is left to the crown to see to his well-being for the remainder of his days. I had thought to keep him here in Edoras, though the idea does not sit well with me."

"Let him return to Alorharadsdale, then," Wídfara suggested. "I will see to his well-being. Perhaps in more familiar surroundings his mind will improve."

Thengel gave the young man a shrewd look. "You would accept the charge? Why? Why would you burden yourself with him?"

Wídfara shrugged. "I do not see it as a burden. There will be those who will tend to him and see to his daily needs. I will merely supply him with a place to live. Alorharadsdale is his home, after all, even if he no longer remembers it. It’s only right that he be allowed to spend his final years there."

Thengel was silent for a moment before he spoke again. "Then, you may take him into your household... Lord Wídfara of Alorharadsdale." He smiled as Wídfara blushed and the rest of the court laughed. "I would have your oath now," the king said then, rising. Wídfara knelt, though Aragorn had to help him, for his wound, though healed, still left him feeling stiff. He placed his hands in Thengel’s and spoke the oath of allegiance as Lord of Alorharadsdale. When he was done, Aragorn helped him to rise as the rest of the Hall cheered.

"I would ask one boon of thee, Thengel King," Wídfara said once the cheering faded.

"Ask and, if it is in my power, I will grant it," Thengel replied.

"I promised young Sigefred son of Sigebeorht that if we both survived I would take him into my own household and train him as a warrior."

Thengel nodded. "I understand he is an orphan. I have no doubt that he will prosper under your tutelage. And this is the boon you would ask? Why, though? Certainly you are in the right to do so and need not my permission."

"The boon is that when the time is meet, he be granted thegnship," Wídfara stated. "I will gift him with the lands you gave me for my service. He will not inherit Alorharadsdale, but he will have his own lands for himself and his own heirs."

"His father served me faithfully to the end," Thengel said with a nod. "Then, thy boon I give to thee. Sigefred son of Sigebeorht will go with thee to Alorharadsdale where thou shalt train him in the thengly arts and when he is of sufficient age, I will raise him to the thegnship. My oath on it." He held out his hand and Wídfara grasped it, thus sealing the promise.

Then the young Rider smiled at them all and his eyes twinkled. "Just let this be our secret," he said. "When the time is meet, I wish to surprise him." They all laughed at that, for, as it happened, Sigefred was not present at court that day, having had the misfortune of tripping over some loose stones while helping to shift some debris and breaking his leg just the day before. He was now lying comfortably in the barracks where he had been living as Captain Folcwine’s ward until Wídfara could claim him as promised. He had been most upset to miss court, for he had been told he would be presented to the King to be thanked for his services. When Thengel heard of the accident he came himself to the barracks and spent nearly a half an hour with the boy. Before leaving, he gifted Sigefred with a jeweled armband and two gold coins. Sigefred was speechless — "A rarity with him, so let us enjoy the silence," Folcwine had quipped with a laugh in which all present had joined, except Sigefred, of course.

"I did promise Léodward’s geréfa, Hámafast, that he could continue in his office for one year until the new lord of Alorharadsdale found a suitable replacement," Thengel said after the laughter died down.

"I have spoken with Hámafast," Wídfara said. "His son and I ended up in the same tent while we were healing from our wounds. He is a good man, honest and honorable. If he gives me a good accounting I will not dismiss him, though if he wishes to leave my employment he may do so. Hámamund is a bright boy and I know he worried that now that he is virtually a cripple he would be useless to his father or to whoever became lord of Alorharadsdale. I think I will have him help me tutor Sigefred, since he is lettered and knows all about running an estate from his father. If they become friends perhaps I can convince Sigefred to take Hámamund with him when he claims his own lands and let Hámamund be his geréfa. One does not need full use of one’s legs to oversee an estate."

"An honorable solution," Thengel said. "One that I will support wholeheartedly when the time comes."

After that, Cyneric was called forth. The young guardsman approached with Ashlind, carrying little Wulfstan, and Aldred in tow. They gave the king awkward bows, for they were unused to courtly ways. "For your bravery, Cyneric son of Cyneward, in defying the traitors, I have decided to reward you with the title of Burggeréfa of Underharrow if you are willing to move there once the town is rebuilt."

Cyneric stood there in shock, his mouth opening and closing in a futile attempt to say something. Aldred, young enough not to be impressed, nudged his friend with an elbow and whispered none too softly, "Just nod, Cyneric."

That brought gales of laughter as Cyneric closed his mouth and did as he was told, turning bright red in embarrassment. Thengel smiled warmly at the young man. "Then that is settled. In the meantime, you may resume your duties...."

"Excuse me, Thengel King," Cyneric managed to say at last, "but with your indulgence, if I am to be Underharrow’s new burggeréfa, I would prefer to help oversee its rebuilding."

"And I’ll help," Aldred said, not wanting to be left out of things. "So will Ashlind," he added, including his sister though he had not thought to ask her opinion. He studiously refused to look at her.

Thengel eyed them shrewdly and then turned to the young widow. "Do you agree to this, child?" he asked kindly.

Ashlind nodded. "Aye, lord," she said demurely. "Cyneric has already taken me and my son into his household and I would not be averse to moving to Underharrow with him and my brother. Cyneric has already promised to raise little Wulfstan as his own son."

The King gave Cyneric an enquiring look and the young man nodded. "I promised Rædwulf that neither his wife nor his son will ever know want."

"Then, I accept your offer to help with Underharrow’s rebuilding. No oath will I have from you at this time. When the town is rebuilt we will have a proper ceremony installing you in your new office."

The three bowed and moved aside and it escaped no one’s notice when Cyneric took the toddler and held him in the crook of his left arm, wrapping his right arm around Ashlind’s shoulders in a protective manner. Aragorn turned to Gilhael and Denethor with a smile and whispered in Sindarin, "I think that when the period of mourning for Rædwulf is over, there will be a wedding."

The two men smiled. "I think you are correct, Cousin," Gilhael said. "Glad I am that out of this tragedy some good has come." To that, Aragorn and Denethor could only agree.

Denethor was called before Thengel next and the two men gazed at one another with great fondness and friendship. "Words cannot express the depth of my gratitude for your assistance, Lord Denethor," Thengel said warmly. "I would gift you for your service but I know you will take nothing save my thanks and the thanks of all Rohan."

"You and my father are good friends, Thengel King," the Steward’s son said with a brief bow. "You served Gondor faithfully and with honor for many years. Your children are half-Gondorian. Father was more than willing to repay the debt of your service to him in this manner. He will be very pleased to hear from me that all is well with you and your family."

"Then, let us renew the Oath of Friendship that lies between Rohan and Gondor," Thengel said and he stood and in a loud voice he spoke the ancient words of Eorl the Young:

"Hear now all peoples who bow not to the Shadow in the East, by the gift of the Lord of the Mundburg we will come to dwell in the land that he names Calenardhon, and therefore I vow in my own name and on behalf of the Éothéod of the North that between us and the Great People of the West there shall be friendship for ever: their enemies shall be our enemies, their need shall be our need, and whatsoever evil, or threat, or assault may come upon them we will aid them to the utmost end of our strength. This vow shall descend to my heirs, all such as may come after me in our new land, and let them keep it in faith unbroken, lest the Shadow fall upon them and they become accursed."

When he finished speaking these words, Denethor then spoke: "Vanda sina termaruva Elenna-nóreo alcar enyalien ar Elendil Vorondo voronwë. Nai tiruvantes i hárar mahalmassen mi Númen ar i Eru i or ilyë mahalmar eä tennoio."

Then Thengel embraced Denethor and bestowed upon him a kiss as between friends which Denethor returned. Denethor then stepped back and bowed. Thengel looked upon him with great fondness. "May our two peoples never falter in the giving of aid and friendship one to another."

"Valar valuvar," Denethor said and then repeated the words in Westron for the benefit of the Rohirrim, "The will of the Valar be done."

Finally, Aragorn and Gilhael were called before Thengel’s throne. The two men gave him their obeisance and Thengel smiled on them benignly. "Neither of you will accept any gift from me for your service, yet I would be remiss if I did not reward you in some way. I know you are inseparable and I would not deprive either of you of the other, so, in consultation with my witan and with their approval, I have decided to give you your own éored and you will share the captaincy between you."

Both men looked stunned and neither could speak. Denethor, standing near by, gave them a wicked grin and in a voice that could be heard through the hall said, "Just nod, you two," causing everyone else to laugh.

That seemed to break the spell they were under and the two Dúnedain blushed. Gilhael was the first to recover. "I think I will leave the captaincy to my cousin," he said to Thengel with a bow. "I will gladly act as his lieutenant."

Aragorn gave him an astounded look. "But you are older and far more experienced than I...."

Gilhael shook his head. "You are more than competent to lead the éored, Cousin," he said. "I prefer not to be saddled with the burden of command."

"You are so kind," Aragorn muttered darkly, speaking Adûnaic.

Gilhael smiled. "I am your humble servant, my lord," he replied in the same language, and was secretly pleased that he was able to address his Chieftain with a proper title for a change. He was hard pressed not to laugh out loud at Aragorn’s scowl.

"I take it you are arguing over the captaincy?" Thengel asked in a mild tone.

Gandalf, who was standing with the crowd in the front row, gave a laugh. "Not likely, my lord," he said, casting a merry look at the two Rangers.

"No argument, Thengel King," Gilhael said quickly, wishing to forestall whatever the Wizard was going to say next. "My cousin was merely thanking me for my trust in his abilities to lead others. As I said, I will be happy to act as his second-in-command. It is a position I am used to taking and am comfortable with."

"And you, Lord Thorongil?" Thengel said. "Are you willing to take up the captaincy of the éored?"

Aragorn was tempted to decline but he realized he had no real reason to do so. As much as he hated to admit it, Gilhael was correct. He was, after all, used to leading the Dúnedain, even though he had only been doing so for about six years. This would be no different and in truth he could feel a rising excitement within him at the thought of leading his own éored. He looked up at Thengel. "Where would we be stationed?" he asked, implicitly accepting the position.

"Hilderic would like to see a greater presence of our warriors in the Westmark," Thengel said. "You will take your men there. I think some arrangements can be made to provide you with suitable accommodations."

"Dunwulfstun," Gilhael said suddenly. When the king gave him an enquiring look, he continued. "It’s a small village in the Westmark, hard by the mountains. I’ve not been there myself, but Thorongil described it to me. It would provide us with adequate protection and the rest of the Westmark is easily accessible from there."

Aragorn nodded. "That is true. I had forgotten about that and Cedric, the village’s héafodmann, was a former Rider. He would be more than happy to help us establish a presence in the Westmark."

"Then I will leave it to you to make your arrangements."

"And my... our éored?" Aragorn asked.

"I think you will have no end of volunteers, son," Thengel said with a wry laugh. "Some of the éoreds were decimated enough from this conflict that they are in danger of being disbanded. Choose among those, and choose wisely, for the Westmark is still an unsettled place and you will need the very best to help keep the peace there."

Aragorn nodded, his expression pensive as he thought certain things through. "We know that the Dunlendings will continue to harass the Westmark and the Westfold, and there is possibly a band of orcs hiding in the mountains that will need to be found and eliminated."

"You have your work cut out for you, then, both of you," Thengel said. "You have until mid-summer to form your éored and then you must set out."

Aragorn and Gilhael bowed and thanked the king for his generosity. With that the court was concluded and all went to the feast that had been prepared for the occasion.

****

Two days later, Gandalf left with Denethor for Gondor. "I need to see Ecthelion on a matter and then head up north to visit with my fellow Wizard, Radagast," the Wizard told Aragorn and Gilhael as he was getting ready to leave. "I plan to be in Imladris before the winter. Any messages I should pass along to your families?"

"Just assure them that we are both well," Aragorn said. "We will write letters to send north soon anyway so most likely they will arrive before you do. Still, if by any chance you see Thandir while you’re in Imladris, tell him ‘Thank you... for everything’. He’ll understand."

Gandalf nodded. "I will do so. Be well, both of you, and be wary. Something tells me that all that has happened in Rohan of late is but the opening gambit of a larger game, one that I cannot see very clearly."

"We have felt the same," Gilhael said. "Someone was hoping to isolate Gondor by bringing Rohan in league with the Enemy. That they failed does not mean the danger is over or they won’t try again at some later time when Rohan is less vigilant."

"No, it does not," Gandalf said with a sigh. "Well, we will have to deal with it if and when the situation arises. In the meantime, serve Thengel faithfully and to the best of your abilities."

"That goes without saying," Aragorn said and they spoke no more about it.

Their farewell to Denethor was brief but heartfelt. "If ever you tire of serving Thengel," Denethor said to them, "come to Minas Tirith. My father could use you in his service and I would welcome you both as comrades-in-arms."

Aragorn and Gilhael gave him a warrior’s embrace. "Perhaps someday we will do so," Aragorn said, "though that day is far off."

"I will look for your coming, however long I must wait," Denethor said as he mounted his horse. "I look forward to the day when we may draw swords together against Gondor’s enemies. Until then, farewell. May the Valar watch over you."

With that, Denethor gave the order for his troop to move out and soon the cavalcade disappeared into the east.

"Do you plan to go to Gondor?" Gilhael asked Aragorn quietly as they stood at the gates watching the Gondorians fade into the distance.

"You know that eventually I planned to do so," Aragorn said. "With Thengel putting in a good word and with Denethor’s support, we should have no problem finding a position with Ecthelion’s Rangers. But, as I said, that day is far off. For now, we are bound to Rohan."

"With our own éored," Gilhael said with a smile. "Won’t your brothers be jealous when they find out."

Aragorn smiled back. "Only if someone tells them." Then the two of them started laughing as they went back into Edoras.

****

About a week before mid-summer a rider came to Edoras from the north, arriving at the gates an hour or two after the noon meal. He asked to see Thengel, Thorongil and Gilhael, claiming that he had important news for them. The guards were reluctant to admit him at first, but agreed to send the token he gave them to Lord Thorongil.

"He will recognize it and will want to see me," the rider said confidently, handing the doorwarden a green stone.

Five minutes later, both Aragorn and Gilhael were at the door, identical looks of surprise on their faces. "That you are here is beyond belief," Aragorn exclaimed as he ushered the rider in, returning his token. "I’ve sent for Thengel. He will be here shortly."

The rider smiled but said nothing, sweeping his gaze around the central hall of Meduseld, admiring the tapestries and the woodwork. "An interesting place," he murmured, "and very Mortal."

"I assume that is not meant to be an insult?"

The rider turned and swept back his hood as Thengel entered from a side door. The King stopped in amazement at the sight of an Elf standing there and would have offered him a bow but a single gesture from the Firstborn ellon stayed him.

"Do not bow to me, Thengel King," said the Elf, his hair like spun gold and possessing a light of its own, "and no, it was not an insult. I am Glorfindel from Imladris. I have messages for you as well as for... these two." He gave the Dúnedain a cheeky grin. Aragorn raised an eyebrow and Gilhael rolled his eyes.

"A message from whom?" Thengel asked, taking a seat by the fire and motioning for the others to join him, his expression one of confusion.

"From someone you have never met," the Elf said. "The Lord of Imladris has heard of your recent troubles and wishes to convey his congratulations to you for successfully routing the traitors and securing your throne. He hopes that your reign will be long and prosperous."

Thengel frowned. "Why would Lord Elrond care if I or anyone else reigned in Rohan? What is Rohan to Imladris?"

"A fair question," Glorfindel answered. "Let us just say that a strong Rohan in the hands of its rightful king benefits those of us in the North, even the Elves. We are as often beset by the Dunlendings as is the Westfold, but our forces, even combined with those of the Dúnedain, are not as numerous as your own. We do what we can to deter any raids out of Dunland, but...." The Elf gave an eloquent shrug.

Thengel nodded. "Then I thank Lord Elrond for his gracious words and wishes. Please tell him so when you return to Imladris."

Glorfindel gave him a respectful bow then turned to Aragorn and Gilhael, pulling out two bundles of parchment tied with blue ribbons from the satchel he had draped over a shoulder. "Here are letters from your families," he said, handing one bundle to Aragorn and the other to Gilhael. "When it was learned that I would be coming this way, they begged me to carry these to you. If you have any letters you wish to send back I will take them with me when I depart."

"How long can you stay?" Aragorn asked.

Glorfindel gave them a sly look. "Well, if I were my gwador Finrod, I would say for as long as you fed me." He gave them a merry laugh at the startled looks on all their faces. "But, alas, I can only stay the night. I have other places I must be."

"Then be welcome to Edoras and Meduseld, even if only for the night," Thengel said solemnly. "I would be pleased if you could join me and my family for dinner tonight. Thorongil and Gilhael will be there as well."

"Your invitation is gracious, Thengel King, and I accept."

"Good," Thengel said as he stood; the others followed suit. "No, no need to rise. Stay and take your ease. I’m sure you have much news to share between you. Until this evening." He gave them a brief bow and strode away.

When they were alone, Glorfindel gave Aragorn a fond smile. "Well, Estel, aren’t you going to open your letters?"

Aragorn started at the sound of his childhood name and, with a wordless nod, he untied the ribbon and began to sift through the pile of letters even as Gilhael was doing the same with his. The two Men and the golden-haired Elf spent the rest of the afternoon sharing the contents of the letters and other news.

"You have done well this first year in Rohan," Glorfindel said once the two Men told him all that had happened to them. "Some had their doubts, but I never did. I trained you well, Estel, and I am pleased that you and Gilhael are flourishing here in Rohan. It was a good decision on your part."

"Mithrandir deserves some of the credit for giving me the idea," Aragorn said.

Glorfindel nodded, well aware of this. "When I return to Imladris I will tell them that I have no worries for you," the Elf said. "I think you are going to succeed in all your endeavors, whatever they may be."

"Valar valuvar," Aragorn said fervently.

"Násië," Glorfindel replied solemnly.

****

Words are Rohirric (Anglo-Saxon) unless otherwise noted.

Burggeréfa: Pronounced BURH-yuh-REE-vah. Chief magistrate of a town, provost, mayor.

Héafodmann: Headman.

Gwador: (Sindarin) Sworn brother.

Valar valuvar: (Quenya) The will of the Valar be done. 

Násië: (Quenya) Amen, may it be so.

Note: The Oaths of Eorl and Cirion are taken directly from ‘Cirion and Eorl and the Friendship of Gondor and Rohan’, Unfinished Tales. The Quenya is translated by Tolkien as follows: ‘This oath shall stand in memory of the glory of the Land of the Star, and of the faith of Elendil the Faithful, in the keeping of those who sit upon the thrones of the West and of the One who is above all thrones for ever’.