Posted: Tue Aug 31, 2004 8:01 am
Billowing hilltops lay before him, bathed in the golden-red light of the sunset. A lake in the small glade reflected the remaining rays of the sun, like a hundred diamonds surfacing from the water. The trees around the glade stood tall and proud, their leaves wavering in the soft breeze. The melodic sound of singing birds was once again heard in Eryn Lasgalen, what once was Mirkwood. Aglanor smiled. He had felt the change over the last few months. Slowly the darkness had faded and gave birth to life and light. Eryn Lasgalen was free from evil and it was noticeable. Of course, there were still enemies in Middle-Earth and some chose to seek shelter in the Great Wood. Aglanor's task was to make sure they didn't leave. Today a group of Orcs had emerged from Moria and came quite a distance into Eryn Lasgalen, but beyond that small glade would be their last resting place. He signaled his men, and slowly the group of rangers moved slowly around the glade nearing where the Orcs had made camp. The loud talking and the three campfires the Orcs had put up were like a beacon to the good eyes and ears of the elves. They would have no difficulty with this encounter. Aglanor raised his hand and nearly two dozen bowstrings were pulled backwards, arrow ready to be fired. When Aglanor dropped his hand, all that could be heard was the soft, whistling sound of arrows flying. After that there was only silence. As Aglanor had predicted, there was no need for a second round of arrows. The elves, knowing their task, took the bodies, stripped them and moved them to where a cart was waiting. The Orc corpses would be brought to the Eastern borders where a pyre would be built and lit. It served two purposes: It was a sign of another victory and a warning to the enemies of the Woodland Realm. Eryn Lasgalen prevailed. While the cart was riding away slowly through the darkening woods, a messenger rode up to Aglanor and dismounted. "Sir Aglanor, Thranduil requests your presence. A message has arrived from the West and your advice is needed."
"Hantalë tercáno. Head back and tell them I will join them shortly." Aglanor was worried. What kind of situation in this day of peace would require his advice? He overlooked the woods and almost every trace of the Orcs' presence had vanished. The elves were experienced after all these years. He knew that his presence here was no longer required. His officers would make sure that everything was done to the detail and after that return to the elven camp. Aglanor turned to the west and walked to the elven camp where his horse was impatiently waiting. Craban was a pitch-black horse with gleaming skin and dark, sleek manes. It was a horse that was bred for speed and agility and he was both. He nodded his head when he saw Aglanor walk towards him and showed his impatience to run once more across the woodlands from here to the North. Aglanor smiled and mounted Craban and without need to dig his heels in, the horse knew where to go and started running. It gathered speed quickly as it made it's way to the path that winded up to the Woodland Realm. The sun was already long gone when Aglanor came onto the realm of Thranduil. Though not as beautiful or ethereal as wonderful Lothlorien, it was still a sight to behold even for one who has lived there all his life. But Aglanor was in a hurry, so he spurred his horse and came unto the Gates to the Halls of Thranduil. He dismounted and walked through the arch. No guards stood outside, but Aglanor knew there were guards hidden among the trees. Even now after the war of the ring, Thranduil took no risks. Easterlings and skirmishing Orcs still came too near Woodland Realm to be completely comfortable. Beyond the gates of Woodland Realm was a long hallway that ended in Thranduil's Halls. Halls being quite an understatement for the vast cavern it is. He nodded his head to the different people he came across, but didn't stop to talk to any of them. His counsel was needed, and he was in hurry to found out for what. Walking into the main room he noticed the usual club was gathered. All the wise men and advisors were there to aid Thranduil in his decisions and plans. Aglanor bowed to his king, then spoke business immediately. "My lord, the Orcs that were crossing Mirkwood have been taken care of. There remains have been taken away. Your messenger arrived me late in the evening, and I hurried back here to find out what peril my counsel is needed for." He took a seat next to Orolinde and waited.
Thranduil spoke. "My trusted advisors. On the morrow of yesterday, a messenger came with a letter. It was a seal I had not seen in awhile and which never brought heavy news. Alandriel Elessendil has sent a letter asking for help on a quest. She does not offer much detail regarding the quest. All it says is to seek her out in Mithlond."
Orolinde stood up to speak. "My guess is that her quest is linked to the recent increase of activity in the South and East. After Sauron's fall the Orcs were taken back, for they thought their master invincible. They were shown otherwise in a mere moment. They scattered out of fear and confusion, but at this moment they're gathering again, forming strong groups and roaming through the south and the east. The same goes for Easterlings and Haradrim. I think that Alandriel has taken it upon herself to fight back these groups of enemies. I definitely support the cause and suggest we send a warrior to aid her."
Orolinde's story made sense in a way, but something bugged Aglanor. "Why gather in Mithlond to fight at the East or South front? Surely Alandriel would have chosen the location of Minas Tirith as a place to gather allies, especially now the true king has taken up residence there. Minas Tirith has grown since the fall of Sauron and is once again the mighty keep it once was. Although, there may well be a link with the re-emerging of old enemies, I think Alandriel's quest takes place elsewhere. The most logical place would be to the North. However, I have not heard of any activity there since the old days."
Thranduil nodded. "I agree that North is most likely. But the question is not where her quest will take place, but whether we will join in. I trust Alandriel would not ask for help, were it not necessary. Is anyone of this Council against sending aid?" It was silent. "Thus we are agreed on that. Now on to the question who we will send forth. Aglanor, you know our men best as their direct leader in the field. Any suggestions?"
"Maelgwn is a good choice. Last time I saw him was decades ago, but he was both ambitious and skilled. I think he has only grown since. Do we know his current whereabouts?"
"No, we haven't heard of Maelgwn since he was last here a few decades ago, I believe." Thranduil said, before Aglanor could continue. "We can only guess his current residence, but there is no way we can guarantee to reach him in time."
Orolinde coughed subtly. "Actually, we were considering to send you, Aglanor." The room became silent. A few advisors had the decency to blush at least.
"My advice is no longer necessary, it seems. Choices are being made without me, even when I’m involved." He looked at Thranduil. "Has my advice been slacking lately? Have I disappointed you, to be so easily dismissed out of important discussions?"
"You’re not being fair, Aglanor. You were running late, and we cannot talk about this forever. We were merely discussing different options and one option that was to our liking was to send you there to aid Alandriel."
"Ah, you've found a better general then? Someone to take my place? Correct me if I'm wrong, my lord, but are we not still fighting Yrch in these very woods? I can leave my men to do their tasks for a few days, but we do not know how long this quest will take. You ask me to leave my men at a time when they may need a leader? And why ask my advice when your mind is already made up?"
"Your first lieutenant can easily take command for the time that you're gone. Trust in your men and the training you have given them. They know their tasks and are trained to do it with the utmost efficiency. Besides, even if Maelgwn were here, we'd still prefer someone of higher rank to go there and join Alandriel. We do not merely want to send a soldier, but someone to aid her with difficulties that may arise on the way. Your expertise and knowledge may be required, especially since we don't know who else will join her. Any soldier may have potential in either wisdom, strength of arms or both. But an important aspect of a mission such as this is experience, of which you have no lack."
Aglanor sighed. He wasn't much one for travel and the call of the sea was strong to him. He had always managed to resist it, because he was needed here. Now that they so easily wanted to send him away from his daily routine, he felt confused. And the last time he was in Mithlond it was to wave his daughter farewell, when she and her husband chose to sail to the Undying Lands. The lure of jumping in the ship and sailing with them was strong at that point. Yet he resisted, knowing his tasks in Mirkwood were not done yet. However, this time might be a whole different story. He weighed the options in his head, knowing that he could refuse. However, he understood the reasons for sending him. And even though he was not glad that they had already made that decision before he had even entered Thranduil’s Halls, he really did not have any other choice than accept. With a sigh of exasperation Aglanor nodded. "So be it. If you need me in the West I will travel there. I will take my leave when the sun rises."
"We will have food prepared for the journey. Stop by Imladris if you need more. Elves are always welcome there. However, keep in mind that haste is needed. We do not know how long Alandriel will wait or how long her letter took to get here. She may already have sailed out. However, presuming she also sent letters to Rohan and Gondor, I think she'll give people enough time to travel. If you come across Maelgwn in Imladris let him know about the quest. He may be interested to join you, since he knows Alandriel. And it's never a bad idea to have a little additional aid.Mae Lelyanen, Aglanor."
"Hantalë, my Lord." With that Aglanor left the Halls to return to his own quarters. Upon arrival he realized how long he'd been gone from this place. Dust had settled on his furniture and sunlight hadn't reached his room in months. He cleaned up the room quickly to make it livable again for a while. He would only be here for a night before traveling again. He settled on his bed, weary from the days in the field and the traveling. He fell into a trace-like state of rest, thinking of what may lay before him.
What seemed like only minutes later, he was woken by a servant who stood ready with a decent breakfast. Aglanor sent him back to Thranduil and quickly ate breakfast and had a bath. Only half an hour after waking, he was clothed and walking to the Great Gates, where Craban was ready. He checked whether he had everything ready, and nodded firmly. Enough rations to last him for weeks, the letter of Alandriel, and his prized possessions. His fur cloak and his sword. He smiled to himself. Whatever situation may be forced upon him, he would handle it. He beckoned Aralwen, his first lieutenant. "You know the situation, you know your tasks. Keep the different squads spread over the forest, unless you run into heavy resistance. Try to keep it at defending and not launch any assault. Lure them into the woods, where we are at our best. I trust in your expertise and skill. Good luck."
"I will not fail you, my Lord. Have a safe journey!" He saluted Aglanor befitting his rank as did the soldiers. Aglanor saluted back and spurred his horse. The sun was just peeking over the trees when he rode away from Thranduil's Halls, westbound.
It was a mere six days later, when Aglanor reached Imladris, having ridden most of each day at decent speed. It had been years, even decades, since Aglanor had last set foot in Imladris and it still looked the same serene, almost ethereal place. He walked through the arching trees reaching the main doors to Elrond’s domain. Elves were sitting in the trees, singing and waving at him. He waved back and rode on. He had always loved to visit Imladris, but hadn't been here since the Second Era. So much had happened since then. He came onto the stables and dismounted, giving Craban over to the care of the stable master. He walked through the doors and the mood switched. From serene and ethereal outside, to friendly, warm and comfortable on the inside. As many before have admitted, it was near impossible to be sad in Imladris. He smiled and went to the main room, and saw Glorfindel and Erestor, two of the wisest elves Aglanor had met. He smiled kindly and raised his hand in greeting. "Mae Govannen, Erestor and Glorfindel. It's been too long, since I've had to pleasure to speak to you two. How fare you?"
"Aglanor!" Glorfindel proclaimed in surprise and not without reason. "An era since we last saw you in these regions. You should've dropped by more often. Imladris fairs very well now that the One Ring is destroyed. How are things in Mirkwood?"
"Things are well. There are still enemies roaming the woods, but with the power of the Dark Lord gone it has diminished. There's only small groups of Yrch that come into Eryn Lasgalen, as we’ve renamed it. I would love to spend more days here in wonderful Imladris, were it not that I'm on an important quest. We received a letter from Alandriel where she asked aid to her cause. It is not yet known what cause that would be."
Erestor frowned. "We’ve heard about Alandriel seeking people to join her, but we do not know what it is about either. So I can only suggest you go to Mithlond and find out. You may be interested to know that Jaeniver Elendi has traveled to Mithlond as well. I believe you two have met eachother on ocassion?"
That did surprise Aglanor. He hadn’t seen Jaeniver in years. They had only met for business purposes and not always on the same side in the discussion, but Aglanor had had some pleasant talks with her and respected her, even when he didn’t agree with her. "That is news to me. It will be nice to see her again. Can you tell me whether the East Road is safe enough for travel?"
"It is, but we advise you to travel fast. The East Road is still being patrolled, but there are both Orcs and bandits taking advantage of the open area. They stay clear of Imladris, but the surrounding country side is unprotected were it not for our rangers."
"I'll be careful when traveling to Mithlond then. In the meantime, could I rest here awhile? I mostly want to give Craban a breather. The poor animal has been going at near gallop two days in a row with only a few hours a day rest. He has held up better than I would've thought and deserves a few hours of rest."
"Of course. You're always welcome here, mellon. Rest and join us in songs and poetry if you like. Or just go outside if you want peace and quiet." Erestor smiled, and Glorfindel and he walked away. Aglanor decided to go outside and play a bit on his mandolin. With all the hours in the field, he'd had little time to practice his musical skill. He played old melodies, mostly melancholic and sad. He had never been one for merry poetry or singing. He liked it, but never found inspiration in the good things of life. After a few hours in a tree, Aglanor suddenly woke up from his trance. He'd been playing longer than he had meant to. He dropped down the tree and went to Craban. He patted the horse and ran his had through Craban's manes. The horse whinnied and bowed his head. Aglanor checked his gear and with a smile discovered that some Lembas was added to his inventory. Enough for two weeks. As if I didn't have enough as it was. Still, there would undoubtedly be someone without, so maybe this had been a smarter move than was obvious at this point. Aglanor mounted his horse and set out again. Craban seemed renewed; Rest had down the animal well. He galloped away, easily maneuvering himself over the small path, winding through the beautiful forest and onto the East Road.
Riding for five more days, brought him in sight of Mithlond. Once he would have called it beautiful Mithlond, but it seemed that the city had decreased in both beauty and mood. Even in a beautiful night as this, the city looked dull. The torches spread throughout the city were mere blurry spots, due to fog, and the building seemed to have gone into decay. He rode on at easy pace and his expectations proved right. This wasn't the city that it used to be. Suddenly he arrived at his destination. 'The House of the Seven Stars.' Aglanor frowned. He would have thought Alandriel to have better taste than to pick this pirates den. Still, it was clear on the letter. Aglanor dismounted and walked around to the stables, which were luckily still open. He tied Craban up in a nice spot and saw that the door to the inn, was also open. Muffled sounds were heard from within. Wary more than paranoid, Aglanor pulled out Aigurth silently and slowly moved through the doorway. Before him moved a dark silhouette, which turned around as Aglanor stepped in. Haradrim??? Before he had time to speak or think, the Haradrim hissed and jumped at him, knife going for the throat. Yet two eras of training don't leave you with slow reflexes. Aglanor brought up his slim blade, blocking the knife's path and moved it sideways, crashing the Haradrim's hand and weapon into the wall. With a curve, his blade made a swift downfall and left a slash from the Haradrim's right shoulder to his left side. As the Haradrim fell to the ground Aglanor took his time to adjust his eyes to the light and take an overview of the situation. Orolinde may be right after all. The Haradrim we left on the battlefields of Gondor have regrouped and have come back stronger. With what purpose, though? He looked around. The inn was not very big, but there were enough hallways to get confused. He had to find a way up. No doubt most of the others who answered to Alandriel's cry would be sleeping or are already fighting the Haradrim. His thoughts were interrupted by a soft footstep. Quickly he turned around, to see a dagger flying through the air aimed for his head. He rolled sideways, dodging the hair by a hair's length, and stood up as fast as he could. As the Haradrim aimed for another throw, Aglanor ran into him, blade piercing the dark man's heart. Two corpses in less than two minutes. In a place I had thought safe, no less. Knowing his help might be needed, he found the stairs and sprinted up to see what was happening on the second level of the inn.