41: The Road to Fairbanks

They took turns reading chapters. Glorfindel fell asleep as Finrod was in the middle of chapter twelve. He turned off all but one light and spent the rest of his watch reading the book to himself. Around two, a nurse came in to check vitals. Glorfindel never woke. Barahir showed up around four to take over the watch just as Finrod was finishing reading the final chapter.

“Quiet night?” the ellon asked him in a whisper.

“Yes, thank the Valar!” Finrod exclaimed, as he stood up and placed the book on the tray for Glorfindel to find.

“Conan is downstairs with the car. Alfa will have breakfast waiting for you when you get home,” Barahir said. “Oatmeal is on the menu today.” He grinned knowingly at the Elf prince and Finrod grinned back. Everyone in Edhellond knew of his love for oatmeal.

“Thank you. When Glorfindel awakes, tell him that I will see to everything. He will know what I mean.”

“Sure, no problem. Enjoy your breakfast.” Barahir settled in the chair Finrod had vacated, opening the thick magazine he had brought with him. Finrod caught a glimpse of the glossy cover and the word ‘Architect’ as he was leaving, casting one last look at the still sleeping Glorfindel. He made his way down to the lobby and out the door and saw Cennanion sitting in the jeep, drumming his fingers on the steering wheel in time to the music coming from the radio.

As Finrod opened the passenger side door and climbed in, Cennanion smiled, turning down the music. “How’s Loren?”

“He was sleeping soundly,” Finrod answered as he pulled the seat belt around him.

“Good. So when will he be released?”

“Tomorrow. He agreed to one more day of rest before we go to Fairbanks.”

“So he’s still insisting on that, is he?” the ellon said as he pulled out of the parking lot and headed back to Edhellond through deserted streets, streetlights and traffic lights glowing eerily in the darkness.

“Yes. I need to make arrangements for others to drive him, though. He is in no shape to do that. Which vehicle would be the most comfortable for him?”

“His own,” Cennanion replied. “You can put some of the seats down to make a bed when sitting up is too tiring for him. This time of year, getting to Fairbanks is an adventure in itself and you’ll be lucky to get there under six hours. He’ll be dead tired long before you arrive.”

“Thank you. Could you see that we are sufficiently supplied with fuel for the trip?”

“Sure. Not a problem. I’ll take the van to the garage later this morning and have them check it over as well, make sure everything is copasetic. You do not want car trouble on that road. There’s just miles and miles of miles and miles between here and Fairbanks.”

Finrod nodded and fell silent as Cennanion continued to drive. In spite of his own misgivings about Glorfindel’s ability to withstand such an arduous trip in his condition, he was feeling excited by the thought of seeing a large mortal city. As large as Wiseman was, he had been assured that Fairbanks was even larger and he had seen evidence of this from watching television.

Once back home, he told those who happened to be awake his plans. Almost everyone clamored to be able to go with him and Glorfindel, including, much to his satisfaction, the Three Amigos and Nell. It was the most animation any of them had exhibited in the last week.

“Your classes begin next week,” he reminded them. “You should be concentrating on getting moved into your rooms and making friends with the Mortals who will be your classmates.”

They reluctantly agreed to this. Finrod gave them a sympathetic smile. “If you are diligent in your studies I will arrange for you to go to Fairbanks for a weekend later in the spring.”

That cheered them up some.

“So who do you wish to accompany you and Loren?” Daeron asked as he and some of the others joined Finrod in the dining room where they were enjoying breakfast together. Alphwen served them, placing a large bowl of oatmeal before Finrod and then bringing out a plate of scrambled eggs for the others.

“If you are able, I would like you to come,” Finrod replied as he began eating.

“Any particular reason why?”

“From what Glorfindel has told me, you and he have had previous experience in tracking down the Twins. I do not think Glorfindel will be able to do so by himself. He is too weak yet and the journey will probably kill him anyway.”

“Probably,” Daeron said with a nod, “but Loren is just stubborn enough to defy all odds just to spite us. Well, I’ll be glad to join you. Someone will have to take over Loren’s Quenya class while we’re gone. I was planning on teaching it until Loren was back on his feet.”

“Could one of us from Valinor teach it?” Valandur asked.

Daeron shrugged. “I don’t see why not. Are you volunteering?” At Valandur’s nod, he continued. “You will be teaching adults from the community. This is a beginning language class and at this stage they are learning simple phrases and becoming familiar with tengwar. I will have all the materials for you along with a lesson plan. You merely have to follow it.”

Valandur smiled. “I do know how to conduct a language class, Daeron. I was teaching first-year students at the Academy in Vanyamar when you were still trying to figure out how to write your runes.”

Daeron raised an eyebrow at that. “Well, excuse me for breathing, as the Mortals like to say.”

Valandur laughed, holding up his hands in a sign of surrender. “Peace, my friend. I did not mean to impugn you in any way. It’s been ages since I’ve stood before a class. It should be fun.”

Before Daeron could respond to this, Finrod interceded. “I also want Laurendil to join us to keep an eye on Glorfindel. Vorondur, of course, will insist on coming as well. Cennanion is seeing to Glorfindel’s van to make sure it is in good shape for the trip and that it has sufficient fuel.”

“That’s five of us, with Ron and me as drivers,” Daeron said, “but why Laurendil and not Vardamir?”

“If there is trouble, I prefer Laurendil by my side,” was the only explanation Finrod was willing to offer. A brief, uneasy silence followed and several people exchanged concerned looks which Finrod ignored.

 “Anyone else?” Daeron asked after a moment.

Finrod hesitated, not sure how the others would take his idea. “I know Alex is planning to go to Fairbanks as well. Perhaps he would like to join us.”

Daeron shrugged. “Only way to find out is to ask. If he agrees, I’m sure Derek will insist on coming with him.”

“I suspect as much and I have no objections.”

“Yes, but why? They could simply drive down themselves and they would not be tied to us. There is no guarantee that we will find the Twins immediately or be able to convince them to return home with us when we do. We may be there for a while and I know Alex and Derek have to be back here by Monday. Alex begins teaching next week and Derek has his own responsibilities. They cannot linger even if we must.”

“Call it a feeling,” Finrod said, not wishing to say more.

Daeron shrugged again. “Well, as I said, we can but ask.”

“You will have to contact them sometime this morning, for they may already be making plans to leave,” Valandur pointed out.

“I can call them later,” Daeron said. “It’s too early yet. They’re probably both asleep still.”

“What else do we need for the trip?” Finrod asked.

“I’ll put together a cooler for you with food and drink,” Alphwen said. “Once you pass the turn-off to Evansville and Bettles, there’s no place to stop and eat until you get to Livengood and by then you’re about an hour or so outside Fairbanks.”

“We should also bring blankets and a pillow for Glorfindel in case he wishes to lie down,” Daeron said.

Finrod nodded to both Alphwen and Daeron. “Thank you. Now, while we are gone, I will ask Amroth to be in charge, unless anyone has objections.”

“Why would we?” Valandur asked, looking puzzled. “With you and Glorfindel gone, he is the highest-ranking among us. I would prefer that he be here rather than across town, but that is a minor matter.”

“He and Della could move back temporarily if that would ease your minds,” Daeron suggested.

“As you would say, we can but ask,” Finrod said. “I had better go and change. I need to be at the bookstore in an hour and I have to convince Nicholas to let me take the rest of the week off. I hate to leave him without help.”

“I’m sure he’ll agree when he understands the reason why and he’ll manage just fine without you for a few days,” Daeron assured him.

“We can only hope. Thank you for breakfast, Alphwen,” Finrod said as he stood. “Daeron, you had better contact Kyle or Geoffrey and alert them to the fact that Glorfindel will be leaving tomorrow. I’m sure they will want to lodge a protest. If they resist, direct them to me.”

“Oh, don’t worry, Finrod. I will gladly direct all and sundry to you to deal with,” Daeron said with a wry look. “I’m going to be far too busy packing to bother with such trivialities.”

Finrod forwent making a retort and simply raised an eyebrow as he left the room while everyone else chuckled.

****

When Finrod got to the bookstore he found Nicholas to be surprisingly sanguine about letting him have a few days off to go to Fairbanks.

“I thought you would object since I have only just started working here,” Finrod said as the two stood around sipping on tea and waiting for the store to warm up.

Nick shrugged. “You took over for me at a moment’s notice when I had to go home and did quite well, so consider this your reward. Besides, I have the feeling that if I did object you would still go and then I would have to fire you and go through the bother of finding a replacement. Giving you my permission is a safer bet.”

“I hope not to be gone long,” Finrod said.

“Do what you need to and bring those two rapscallions and Sarah home. I know Ron and Holly are probably out of their minds with worry and I bet Loren’s not much better. He thinks of those two troublemakers as the sons he never had.”

“Oh? How do you know this?” Finrod eyed the Mortal with deep curiosity.

Nick looked a bit embarrassed. “Oh, you know. He comes in looking for a new mystery and we get talking about things. He’s mentioned Dan and Roy a few times, usually to complain about their latest escapade. But as exasperated as he might be, I could tell he was very proud of them and he had the same look in his eyes that I’ve seen in some of my friends who are parents when they’re talking about their kids.”

Finrod thought about that, remembering the way Glorfindel’s eyes always lit up whenever he spoke of the Twins, how proud and even doting he sounded when they did something that met with his approval and the love he had for them even when he was chastising them for some misdeed. He realized he had seen his own atar act that way toward him and his siblings and he knew he did the same with his own children, Finda, especially.

“I think you may be right about that,” he finally said. “Well, in the meantime I had better get to work. Do you wish for me to reorganize the non-fiction sections? I noticed that they appear to be in some disarray.”

“Yeah, I’ve been meaning to do that. We don’t get much call for non-fiction so I’ve sort of let that section get a bit messy. Why don’t you start with these shelves here and I’ll start at the other end?”

They set to work, occasionally stopping to attend to the odd customer. Twice Finrod was called to the phone to speak with Daeron and once Alex called. Finrod took a few moments to convince him and Derek to join them on their trip to Fairbanks.

“We plan to leave for the hospital to pick up Glorfindel around eight,” Finrod said to Alex. “Come to Edhellond around seven and have breakfast with us.”

So that was all arranged. Around the time Finrod was finishing his shift, Dave Michaelson stepped into the store, looking less than pleased. “I understand Loren’s being released from the hospital tomorrow and then leaving for Fairbanks. We’re still investigating the mugging. I still need his own statement.”

“You can either get it from him today or you must wait until we return, David,” Finrod said, sounding imperious. He had every respect for the Man and understood his position but he was not in the mood to placate him. Glorfindel’s needs took precedence.

“Where do you think I’ve been for the last hour?” Dave said in exasperation. “He says he remembers nothing.”

“Glorfindel would not lie,” Finrod said.

“Loren would lie to God if he thought he could get away with it,” Dave shot back. “That guy has a knack of not saying anything by saying something totally inane but you think he’s actually saying something until you stop long enough to really listen to what he’s not saying.”

Finrod raised an eyebrow and Nick, who was listening unashamedly to the conversation, snorted in amusement. “I’m sure there’s a logic to that statement, but it escapes me.”

Finrod turned to Nick with a smile. “It escapes me too.”

“Look, all I’m saying is that I don’t trust Loren to tell me the truth if he thinks I don’t deserve to hear it. I notice you Elves are pretty good at that and it really makes me want to scream at times.”

Finrod gave the Man a sympathetic smile. “David, I know how frustrated you are, but I can assure you that Glorfindel truly does not remember the attack. I know when he is being untruthful, that is one of my gifts as a ruler. Glorfindel knows this and knows better than to dissemble before me.”

“I still don’t like the idea of him hightailing off to Fairbanks.”

“Neither do I, but I know he needs to do this thing. He is very concerned about the Twins and Serindë, naturally, and Vorondur is coming with us. I also will have one of our healers on hand just in case.”

“How long will you be gone?”

“I cannot say. I hope not very long but it all depends on how soon we are able to find the Twins and convince them and Serindë to return with us.”

Dave sighed. “Okay. I’m going to pull the guard off. I don’t think it’s necessary now. Just, well, just let me know when you get back, okay? Maybe by then we’ll have found something. I’d like to find the bastards who did this and put them away for a very long time.”

“You echo my own sentiments,” Finrod said. “Thank you for stopping by, David,” and he sounded stiff and formal even to himself.

“Such a polite non-dismissal from the great Finrod Felagund,” Dave said sourly as he opened the door and stepped outside. “Catch you later, Nick.”

“See ya, Dave,” Nick said cheerfully, giving the man a wave as the door closed.

Finrod turned to Nick, looking rueful. “Too pompous?”

Nick wiggled the fingers of one hand. “Just a bit. You need to work on being humble and contrite when Authority walks through the door.”

Finrod snorted. “I will take that under advisement,” he said and Nick laughed.

****

Eventually, all the arrangements were made. Finrod went to the hospital, bringing with him a change of clothes, assuring Glorfindel that everything was set.

“I will have someone pack a bag for you,” he told him and Glorfindel thanked him.

Finrod also made sure that the administrative matters of releasing Glorfindel from the hospital would be expedited and there would be no delays. Alex and Derek showed up as planned around seven the next morning and joined Finrod, Daeron, Vorondur and Laurendil — “Call me Randall as I need to get used to responding to my Mortal name”— for breakfast.

“And don’t worry about getting back,” Vorondur told them. “If we have to stay longer than Sunday, we’ll put you on the plane to Bettles and we can have Conan or Barry come get you.”

Then it was time to pick up Glorfindel and they all piled into the van, stowing their gear. Alex and Derek brought out the cooler and Daeron carried some blankets and a pillow. About that time, Amroth showed up with Della and Holly to wish them godspeed. The other Elves living at Edhellond were on hand as well and there was much waving as the party set off with Vorondur at the wheel. Finrod was pleased to find that Glorfindel was already waiting in the lobby with an orderly when they arrived at the hospital and in a matter of minutes he was safely ensconced in the van and they were off.

“Valar! It’s good to be out!” Glorfindel exclaimed with much feeling as he carefully buckled the safety belt.

Everyone nodded in agreement. “Well, sit back and relax,” Vorondur said as he drove toward the road leading to the highway. “We have a long ride ahead of us. If you need to lie down, tell us. We brought blankets and we can set up a bed for you. Randall, check his meds and find out when he’s due.”

Laurendil reached over from where he was sitting and took the plastic medicine bag from Glorfindel. “I assume you were given your meds this morning,” he said as he checked the vials.

“Yes, though really, I don’t think I need them,” Glorfindel stated.

“You let us be the judge of that, my friend,” Vorondur said. “What’s he taking?”

Laurendil rattled off the various medications and their dosage. They meant nothing to Finrod but Vorondur nodded and he was reminded again that here was another who was already a doctor. They probably didn’t need to bring Laurendil at all, but he somehow felt safer with his liegeman beside him.

“He’s set for all of these except the antibiotics,” Laurendil was saying. “What time did you take your meds?” he asked Glorfindel.

“Around seven.”

“Then you won’t need another dose until eleven.”

Vorondur nodded. “I’ll leave it to you to keep track of his meds and make sure he’s taking them, Randall, and Loren?”

“Yes?”

“Any arguments about it, and I will turn this van around no matter where we are. You got that?”

Even Finrod was shocked by Vorondur’s tone, never mind Glorfindel, but he noticed the grins on Alex’s and Derek’s faces and realized that Vorondur knew Glorfindel very well, perhaps better than he did. Glorfindel glowered for a moment. “Yeah, I got it. Do you take me for a fool?”

“No, just for a stubborn, impossible ellon who has a nasty habit of ignoring all orders from those he considers his inferiors just because he’s the great and powerful balrog-slayer. And you should be grateful.”

“Why?”

“Because in an earlier age you would’ve been forced to down vile herbal potions instead of pills.”

Finrod was not the only Elf to shudder at that, remembering some of those same vile potions he had been forced to drink to stave off infection from sword wounds.

After that, Glorfindel seemed to settle down and Finrod could tell he was feeling tired already. “Do you wish to lie down?” he asked solicitously. “We can stop long enough to pull the seats down for you.”

“No. I’m all right,” Glorfindel said. “Is there any water?”

“Here,” Derek said, opening the cooler that was sitting on the floor between him and Alex. He reached in for some bottled water and handed it to the Elf. “Anyone else?” Everyone else shook their heads.

“If anyone needs to relieve themselves, just call out and I’ll pull over when it’s convenient to do so,” Vorondur said.

And then they settled into silence. Finrod looked out the window to watch the scenery go by, while Glorfindel sipped on his water. Laurendil pulled out a book to read, clipping a booklight to it so as not to disturb anyone else. Alex and Derek were sharing the daily newspaper between them with Alex working on the New York Times crossword puzzle while Derek struggled with the Suduko puzzle. Daeron turned on the CD player and Sibelius’ second symphony filled the air. Then he opened his own book and started reading.

They remained this way for some time, passing the turn-off to Bettles after about an hour or so. Vorondur was not going all that fast, perhaps forty or forty-five tops. The road was fairly cleared of snow but it was still dark and only the van headlights lit the way. The sky was overcast and no stars shown. By the time they came to the sign marking the Arctic Circle, the two Mortals had fallen asleep and Glorfindel was weaving dreams. Finrod still stared out onto the scenery, now faintly lit with sunlight diffused behind the clouds. Vorondur pulled over to the parking lot.

“Let’s stop and stretch and change drivers,” Vorondur said and everyone agreed, the Mortals waking up somewhat befuddled. “Are we there yet?” Derek whined and Alex punched him in the arm as he laughed and even Glorfindel chuckled as he allowed Laurendil and Finrod to help him out of the van. There were groans of relief and sighs of pleasure as they stretched and breathed the cold air.

Finrod wandered over to the sign. It was taller than he by a good foot and a half and stood between six wooden pillars, three on each side. A large globe took up about half of the sign and the words Arctic Circle took up the other half. Below this were the words Dalton Highway Alaska Latitude 66° 33’. The globe was rather odd to Finrod’s eyes. It showed what was obviously landmasses and water with a dotted line circling the center.

“That’s the North Pole.”

Finrod turned to see Daeron next to him pointing at the sign. “The dotted line represents the Arctic Circle where we are now. During the summer you get lots of tourist making the trip here. You can even get a certificate proving that you’ve crossed the Arctic Circle.”

“Why?” Finrod asked, rather puzzled by the notion.

Daeron shrugged. “Mortals have a rather romantic view of the world, I find. We’re having some coffee. Do you want any?”

Finrod nodded and followed Daeron back to the van where the others were standing about drinking their coffee. Finrod accepted a cup from Vorondur with thanks and for the next several minutes they were silent. Once the coffee was drunk and the thermos put away, they climbed back into the van with Daeron taking the wheel.

“Well, about another two hundred miles to go,” Daeron said as he pulled back onto the road. “With luck we should be in Fairbanks by two, three at the latest.”

But that prediction proved false.

About an hour south of the Arctic Circle Daeron was forced to stop rather suddenly. Everyone gasped at the sight before them: herds of caribou were crossing the road, moving northeast.

“There must be hundreds of them,” Alex exclaimed.

“More like thousands,” Vorondur said. “They’re migrating early this year.”

“Do you remember hunting similar creatures as we trekked across the Helcaraxë, Aranya?” Laurendil asked.

“And those tusked monsters,” Finrod replied with a nod.

Laurendil shivered convincingly. “Please do not remind me. I still have nightmares about them.”

It took nearly two hours for the herds to clear the road, for they were not moving quickly and many were stopping to graze, pushing the snow around to find food.

“Does this sort of thing happen often?” Finrod asked. They had decided to get out and watch the migration, sharing out some of the sandwiches Alphwen had made for them. Daeron had turned off the engine so as not to waste gas. The Elves stood around watching, ignoring the cold, though both Alex and Derek were bundled up and each had a blanket wrapped around them as well, for Glorfindel said he didn’t need them.

“Not that often, but it does happen,” Glorfindel said. “Bears are another thing to watch for though usually only in the summer months.”

Eventually, the stragglers crossed over and were gone over a fold of the earth and the road was clear. They climbed back into the van with Daeron still driving. Both Alex and Derek were shivering and Daeron turned the heat up high until they began unzipping their coats and pulling off hats and gloves. Only then did he resume traveling.

“Let’s hope that’s our only delay,” he said and the others grunted in agreement.

“From your lips to God’s ears,” Finrod heard Alex mutter and Finrod had a sinking feeling that the Mortal’s words would prove true.

They reached the Yukon River to find that the bridge was blocked by a truck. It was sideways to the bridge and they could see that one of its tires had blown. Two Men were struggling to change it.

“Great,” Glorfindel muttered in disgust. “Just great.”

“We had better go help,” Vorondur said even as he was opening the door. “Loren, stay here with Alex and Derek.”

“We’re not babies, Ron,” Alex groused. “Stop treating us as if we were.”

“No, you’re not,” Vorondur said, “but I need someone to keep Loren amused or he’ll be out there trying to help and that’s the last thing we need. We shouldn’t be long.”

He climbed out of the van and Daeron, Finrod and Laurendil joined him. Glorfindel and the two Mortals watched them approach the truckers, who appeared more than happy to have the help. It took a while though, for the weather, which had been calm all day turned suddenly as it was bound to do, and now they were attempting to change the tire in what amounted to a whiteout.

“Sure glad I’m not out there freezing my butt off,” Derek said, “but I gotta pee.”

Alex and Glorfindel exchanged amused looks. “Do you think you can hold it until we get to Fairbanks?” Glorfindel asked. “We’re only about a hundred and thirty miles from the city, but with this snow and all, we won’t be going fast. I’ll be surprised if we get up to forty and we’ll more likely be driving around thirty, so it’s going to take another three hours or so.”

Derek groaned in agony. “Let me out,” he said and Alex moved over to open the door for him. He scrambled out, mildly swearing at the snow and the wind. Alex quickly shut the door, suppressing a shiver.

“How are you holding up?” he asked Glorfindel.

“Well enough, though I can’t wait to get to our hotel. Speaking of which, where are you and Derek staying?”

“The Best Western Plus Chena River Lodge,” Alex answered. “It’s just off Airport Way, less than two miles from the airport and the University, though it’s a good eight miles into the city. It’s relatively cheap and clean and has all the amenities. What about you guys? I never thought to ask where you intend to stay. Did you make reservations?”

“We’ll be staying in the city,” Glorfindel said, “at the Downtown Log Cabin Hideaway B and B, where Della stayed when Farrell was threatening Amroth.”

“Oh yeah, it’s very lovely,” Alex said with a nod. “The owners seemed very friendly.”

“They’re good people and go above and beyond to see to their guests’ comfort.”

“Where do you think Dan and Roy are hiding out?”

“I have no idea, though I should be able to sense them once we’re in the city.” He sighed and leaned back in the seat, closing his eyes.

“You sure you don’t want to lie down?” Alex asked worriedly. “You look pretty wrung out.”

“I am fine, truly. Is there anything left to eat?”

Alex opened the cooler. “Some ham and cheese sandwiches, bags of pretzels and Oreo cookies. What’s your pleasure, sir?”

“A sandwich will do.”

Alex handed him a sandwich just as the door opened and Derek hopped in. “Man oh man, why did I ever agree to move to Alaska?”

“Because you’re a glutton for punishment,” Alex said. “Here, have a sandwich and some pretzels and the coffee is still hot. That should warm you back up.”

The three ate in companionable silence and after another fifteen minutes they saw their friends returning, all of them covered with snow and looking like well-dressed yetis, as Derek commented, causing both Glorfindel and Alex to nearly choke on their food and drink in laughter.

“All set?” Glorfindel asked as they all climbed back in, shaking the snow from them. Alex began pouring more coffee with Derek handing it out. Everyone gave them grateful looks.

“Yes,” Daeron answered after taking an appreciative sip of the hot drink. “As soon as they can move the truck we’ll be on our way. Blast this snow! At this rate it’ll be almost time for dinner before we get to Fairbanks.”

“Time for your meds, Loren,” Laurendil said, checking his watch. Glorfindel nodded and reached for the plastic bag.

“Okay, here we go,” Daeron said, placing his cup in the holder and shifting out of park. The truck lumbered past them and they headed across the bridge.

As Glorfindel had predicted, the snow slowed them up and they were a good three hours later than they had anticipated in arriving in the city so that it was going on six by the time they were coming into the northern suburbs. Vorondur, who was now driving again after they had stopped at a gas station in Livengood so everyone could use the bathroom, took them down Route 2 toward Airport Way and Alex was giving him directions to the hotel where he and Derek intended to stay.

Finrod sat feeling stunned at the sight of the mass of buildings, the wide highways and all the people. He could hear Laurendil muttering, “And this is a small city? They would never believe it back in Aman.” He had to agree. What made it worse was the nonchalance of Vorondur maneuvering through the heavy traffic in what Daeron explained was rush hour, though it didn’t seem as if anyone was rushing anywhere. Glancing at Glorfindel, he was dismayed to see him dozing and ignoring all the sights and realized that to him, indeed to all the Wiseman Elves, this was a case of ‘been there, done that’, as the Mortals of his acquaintance liked to say. He suddenly felt like a rustic from the Southern Fiefdoms coming to Tirion for the first time.

Just as Vorondur was pulling into the hotel parking lot, Glorfindel suddenly sat up, his eyes wide. “They’re here.”

“Where?” Finrod said, reluctantly pulling his gaze from the window. “Here at the hotel?”

“No, but they’re not far. I can sense them, or at least Dan. I think I can sense Dan. What about you, Ron? Can you feel Sarah?”

“She’s somewhere here in the city, I can tell you that much but beyond that…” Vorondur shrugged apologetically. “I’m afraid I never bothered to hone my bond to the point where I could pinpoint her location. It was enough for me to know she was alive and well.”

“Look, let Derek and me go in and get registered and all and then we’ll come with you,” Alex pleaded to Finrod. “We don’t want to miss the action.” Derek nodded, looking eager.

Finrod gave them a nod. “We will wait.” Glorfindel sighed and Vorondur turned off the engine.

“Great. We won’t be long, promise.” Alex said as he and Derek scrambled out of the van and grabbed their bags. Fifteen minutes later they were back outside. “Sorry, we had to wait in line at the registration desk,” Alex said as he and Derek got back in the van.

“That is not a problem,” Finrod assured them. “It gave Glorfindel time to ascertain which direction we must travel.”

Vorondur turned on the engine and shifted into drive and they were off. “We need to go west on Airport,” Glorfindel said. “I don’t think it’s far. There! Turn there,” he directed and Vorondur complied.

“Alpine Lodge,” Vorondur said out loud, reading the sign that was before them. “Is this where they are?”

“Yes, I’m sure of it.”

Vorondur pulled into the parking lot and found a place to park. “It’s a good thing Alex and Derek are with us,” he said. “We would’ve wasted time looking for them in the city before thinking to search for them out in the suburbs.”

“I felt it important for them to accompany us, though I could not tell you why, for I did not know for sure,” Finrod said as everyone got out.

“Well, I’m glad you agreed, Alex, Derek,” Vorondur said. “Now, let’s go find which room they’re in. I have a few words to say to Dan and Roy.”

“Take a number, Ron,” Glorfindel said. “I have first go.”

The others chuckled as they entered the lobby. Finrod watched in amusement as every Mortal there turned to goggle at them. Glorfindel reached the registration desk and with a bright smile that totally captured the attention of the receptionists behind the desk enquired as to which rooms the Twins and Serindë were in.

In moments they were heading for the elevator, leaving behind a handful of very flustered Mortals as they went in search of the runaways.