Elendor

Pelargir Knight's Council

The Knights of Dol Amroth gather in the new Hosts barracks in Pelargir
Sort Date: no date set
Location: Barracks Basement, Pelargir
Description:

Pelargir: Watch-House - Barracks

 

Here is a great round chamber of bare stone, at the northern edge of which runs a spiral stair to the battlements above. Bunks line the edges of the room in the manner of spokes in a wheel, with a brace of footlockers flanking each in the center are a handful of battered-wood tables and chairs.

 

A heavy mantle of midnight wraps this room close, disturbed only here and there by the flickering lights of torches bolted to the walls or lamps that glow upon the tables. Figures enshrouded in shadow but limned in firelight whisper softly or snore gently in the murky gloom, the air somewhat stuffy and filled with susurrations of sleep.

 

Contents:

Conalmir

Menelglir

Arashen

Elusul

Obvious exits:

Stairs and Courtyard

 

The torches of Pelargir have long been extinguished. Midnight has settled across hilly Lebennin. Without moon, it is left to Earnil’s Star alone to ward the dark, brightening Gondor’s last lands before the river Anduin and its benighted foes beyond.

 

For here, in the belly of Pelargir’s new Hostman barracks, planted before and casting shadows across collections of grain, timber, and other tonnes, burn instead the few torches of Amroth. At this late hour, most befit for the uttering of whispered oaths, now gather some of its knights in stealth.

 

Arathis, the caller of their council, stands awaiting his companions aside a stored pile of logs.

 

[Elusul(#30120)] 

Elusul enters into the barracks and awaits the arrival of his fellows. He nods to his kinsman in greeting.

 

[Conalmir(#31396)] Conalmir is a few steps behind Elusul. He stops when his knight does, remaining silent.

 

[Menelglir(#17324)]

The black side of his cloak worn to the outside, blue and silver turned inward, Menelglir slips through the darkness of the night, entering with the rest.

 

[Arashen(#24692)] Just behind his kinsman, Arashen Telpekhor slips into the room. Once inside, he lowers his hood and looks around at those gathered.

 

[Orchalang(#16333)]

         Walking in is Citadel Guardsman Orchaland, shoulders back and chin up as he strides in, his Mithril Helm still upon his head, and thick cloak hanging about his shoulders. Looking about he moves through the room.

 

[Arathis]

Arathis nods upon the various entrants, allowing them to assemble fully before he speaks.

 

His words come then quietly: "Let those who observe the West now kneel."

 

Looking first solemnly between the gathered, the Isilrim lowers to genuflect towards the basement's western wall.

 

[Arashen(#24692)]

Arashen glances towards Menelglir, then silently falls to one knee, facing the west.

 

[Orchalang(#16333)]

         Hearing the words of the Captain of Gondor, the Guardsman bows his head and goes to a knee facing the west.

 

[Elusul(#30120)] 

Elusul hesitates and then follows his kinsman's lead.

 

 

“Brothers,” Arathis begins gravely as he rises, speaking with neither gesture nor heavy bass, “in this once port of Numenor fair, receiver of the High King’s Faithful but also of Umbar’s Usurper, now again gathers an evil that would deny the true kingship and the Valar that bestowed it.

 

“For I have learned that a priestess of the Nameless, herself a Lady of much noble blood, befouls Pelargir with her nest and that, with aid of some of this city’s Leaguemen, she means to marry the Pretender king and earn him Gondorian land, usurping first the island fortress of Tolcrist.”

 

The Lord Isilrim pauses, scanning between his fellows.

 

[Elusul(#30120)] 

Elusul rises and then listens to this bit of speech from Arathis. His face grows stern. "A lady of Tarikhor? That can only mean one of my wife's sisters?"

 

[Arashen(#24692)]

Arashen rises to his feet, frowning as he recieves this news. "Or my aunt," he adds, glancing towards the Knight-Admiral for a moment. His regard returns to Arathis. "How have come to know this, Lord Isilrim?"

 

[Orchalang(#16333)]

         Slowly getting to his feet the Guardsman listens to the words of Arathis, as he listens his face betrays his anger, his hands turn into fists at his sides. Taking a breath he says "Any who are in league with the enemies of Gondor are themselves enemies of Gondor!" his tone is flat. "Arrest them all!"

 

[Menelglir(#17324)]

"Wait, Guardsman," says Menelglir, having gotten to his feet. He directs his comments to Orchalang, who is nearby, though Arashen's words and questions do not escape him. "There is more, Orchalang. I think I see the full picture now."

 

[Arathis]

The Herald directs a calming outstretched palm across the gathered.

 

“Not the Lady Laeraelin, but a widow of Tarikhor and Bragollach is named the Dark Priestess -- I suspect first the Lady Lindare, of the queer folk of Erech by the Paths of the Dead. It is her daughter that is said to marry the Pretender,” declares Arathis, considering his kinsman, “which aye, if I am right, would mean one of Indiloth’s sisters. Let us make use of the fact for it belongs to this council to learn more of our foe, and discover where it is weak.

 

“She who has come to me as a source is of Imrahil’s court let this and my word suffice.

 

“Ye shall now understand why I deny this city of its men, when those among its leaders are said to be in league with our Enemy. Even upon these stores collected in the Steward’s name, there is apparent plot to thieve to buttress the Pretender’s supplies upon Tolcrist.”

 

[Conalmir(#31396)] The squire in the background remains silent, saying nothing, though his face is hard and dark. He has learned, it seems, the lesson to keep his mouth shut.

 

[Menelglir(#17324)]

"There is evidence of such things?" Menelglir asks. "That is, of thieving? How so?"

 

[Elusul(#30120)] 

Elusul considers this information well, perhaps remembering all the times past when he has spoken with Lindare. "Evil tidings these are, kinsman. My sisters-in-law... Were Tarlanc here, he would be most displeased if what you say is true." The knight-admiral shakes his head at this understatement.

 

[Arashen(#24692)]

"That a woman of Gondor could be so dark is difficult to accept," says Arashen. "That such could be sister to my aunt or the Knight-Admiral's wife..." The Telpekhor shakes his head. "Is the entire family under suspect, then?"

 

"And surely the entire Council of Pelargir cannot be suspect. My mother, the Lady Laeraelin sits upon it and I assure you, she is no traitor."

 

“There is evidence of such plots, Hir Menelglir, that the kind Fates have betrayed to us before their completion. For the great greed of our Enemy renders even his servants incautious. These secrets they have disclosed to my source, mistaking her in the cowled darkness for this Priestess of their schemings.”

 

The palm rises again towards the Guardsman: “Nay, let us not suffer by the same haste. Our foes have played their hand early, mayhap even in vanity at our arrival’s banquet. But we know them now only little let them under our keen eyes tell us more. When we have discovered organs behinds their limbs, then we shall strike.

 

“But,” the Isilrim’s voice loudens, adopting suddenly a more martial cadence, “heed well: I shall not allow for mere stratagem’s sake alone the capture of any land belonged to our faithful kingdom. That Tolcrist is threated means already that we must issue sword there.

 

“Admiral, may you and the Hir Menelglir sail swiftly to the fortress of your wife’s kin as embassy from Belfalas’s Prince but there take to look upon all things, and search for all trace of our Enemy. About the isle too I would set ship, so as to inspect all travel away and to that questioned isle.

 

“Hir Arashen, your mother has long been friend to Amroth: seek her wisdom in this city’s affairs, and see if she may, with her subtlety, learn more of who among her council might serve our foes, and for what end.

 

“Guardsman, heed what I have said that there is already plot within this city against the Steward’s rights. Know well the value of your Key, and be not afraid to perish for it.”

 

[Orchalang(#16333)]

         Nodding his head the Guardsman says nothing, his face is that of stone a serious look etched upon it.

 

[Arathis]

Arathis speaks lastly to the squire behind: "Lad, speak your thoughts if you aspire us your equals."

 

[Elusul(#30120)] 

Elusul speaks, "I have given thought to sailing to Tolcrist before and setting up my base there to better patrol the bay and the approaches to Anduin. All the more reason to proceed."

 

[Conalmir(#31396)] "Sir," Conalmir says, his voice tight. "That any of my family could..." He all but grinds his teeth, unable to finish fists clenching and unclenching. But after a moment, calming himself enough to speak coherently, he asks, "With all due respect, sir, may I ask how certain your knowledge is?

 

[Arashen(#24692)]

"Lord Arathis has the right of it, I think," says Arashen. "It is better to watch and wait for event to unfold than play our hand from the start." The Telpekhor Knight nods to the Knight-Herald. "I will speak to Lady Azrabar. She will be up for the task."

 

[Arathis]

"Yet," Arathis responds equanimously to his kinsman, "it was said also that the Pretender wishes to draw you south away from Gondor's ports, where -- here I know not the mystery -- somewhere along our coast, a creature is worshipped by the dark priestess.

 

"With Bor's wyrm, perhaps I am to think a new and fouler darkness has come upon us, and from the bowels of this earth arrive the worst of our Enemy's creatures.

 

"I pray that our visit to Tolcrist may prove my certainty foolish, young squire," he concludes, hearing then the words of Arashen. "If all is understood, tarry not before your tasks. Bring the squires to me, if they know aught of this matter."           

 

[Elusul(#30120)] 

Elusul nods. "Aside from my plans for scouting the coastal trade, I have not any desire to lead a force Southern waters." He pauses and then adds, "Perhaps we have another source of information as well."

 

[<#31396>] 'Yes, sir,' Conalmir replies to Arathis. He listens to Sir Elusul, and says in a low voice, "Sir, I ... ... ... ... ... ...."

 

[Arashen(#24692)]

Arashen bows, placing his fist over his heart. "I will speak to her in the morn," he says, then with little else, he pulls up his hood and slips silently into the night.

 

[Arathis]

Arathis levels a questioning gaze at the Admiral, returning even so a salute to the departures.

 

"What other?"

 

[Elusul(#30120)] 

Elusul glances at Conalmir and nods before answering Arathis, "Farielle has been brought to Pelargir and I spoke with her upon her arrival. After some discerning regarding pledges made, I believe I have convinced her they are null and void, leaving her free to speak."

 

[Arathis]

“Then mayhap we shall know her agent soon,” says Arathis plainly, “Very good, Elusul.”

 

[Elusul(#30120)] 
Elusul nods. "I will continue questioning her."

 

[Conalmir(#31396)] It is, perhaps, as well that it is dark. Conalmir's expression cannot be easily seen - and as well, he is once again behind Sir Elusul.

 

[Arathis]

Arathis pauses once more before the West ere wordlessly departing.

 

[<#30120>]
The council breaks up. Elusul turns and looks to Conalmir. "... ... ... you wish ... ..., ...?"

 

[Conalmir(#31396)] Conalmir is glaring after Sir Arathis, but he returns his attention to Elusul, and says, posture very stiff still, "You asked me to look into the matter of sailing south under pretense of a fisherman of those people. Sir Arashen knows a man who speaks a little Haradaic, and Squire Lominzil also speaks some, and has volunteered to accompany me if you wish it. But sir, he brought to my attention the ship we fought. Do we not thus know already that there are Haradrim preying upon their own peoples?"

 

[Elusul(#30120)] 
Elusul nods slowly. "Interfactional strife is to be expected. I want to see if it is widespread or merely a few bad apples preying on unsuspecting merchantmen. But you bring up a good point, something worth watching for when our scouts go south."

 

[Conalmir(#31396)] The squire nods. "Yes, sir." He hesitates. "Do you still wish me to do that? I will go, sir, but if we encounter that ship - " He shrugs fatalistically.

 

[Elusul(#30120)] 
Elusul looks resolved. "You will be a poor fishing boat carrying only the catch of the sea, not jewels and silks from distant ports. Hardly worth being stopped and searched by Corsairs."

 

[Conalmir(#31396)] Conalmir nods again. "Yes, sir," he says. "I thought that if you approve, Squire Lominzil, myself, and the sailor Sir Arashen recommended to me would make a crew. That is enough to sail a small boat, but not too many to arouse suspicions. I know that you wish the information as soon as may be, but I do not think we can attempt it before spring else we will swamp before we ever reach their shores. Is that acceptable, sir?"


[Elusul(#30120)] 
Elusul shrugs. "Plans are still being firmed up." The knight-admiral then narrows his eyes in thought. "Subterfuge may be necessary. Menelglir has brought four seamen from the docks provided by Lord Vinyatar. If the Council of Pelargir has been infiltrated and he is suspect, then our plans are all for naught and will have to be changed in secret."


[Conalmir(#31396)] "Yes, sir. The man Sir Arashen spoke of was one on his own ship. I spoke with him before we ever left Dol Amroth," is Conalmir's reply.


[Calarion(#31193)]
 There is a creaking of a door which echoes through the otherwise quiet hall as the Squire Calarion enters. Briefly, he notices the Knight and Squire speaking and drifts on the edges of the room, seeking not to infiltrate their conversation.

 

[Elusul(#30120)] 
Elusul nods slowly. "I will speak to Menelglir and learn from him just how much of our plan he revealed to Lord Vinyatar. At best, we can simply forego using the men he has provided, claiming we have found enough already. At worst, we will find some way of going forward with different methods. Are you sure though of Lominzil? Do you feel he is suspect at all himself? I do not question his loyalty to Gondor, but rather his demeanor since the unpleasantness in Dol Amroth and his reaction to his sister's arrest."

[Conalmir(#31396)] "There is no question of his loyalty to Gondor," Conalmir says firmly. "That a man loves his sister is hardly reason to doubt his allegiance, surely? His temper has sometimes been uncertain, but I would trust him with my life."

 

[Elusul(#30120)] 
Elusul nods. "You hit on it directly. I do not question his loyalty. But his temperment is of the utmost importance. I need a man who will not break no matter what, a man who will not wilt under the intense scrutiny of a Corsair with a scimitar walking the deck of your fishing boat. A man in whom live the Seven Virtues, in a word, a knight. For if you both should come back alive, that is what you will be."

 

[Conalmir(#31396)] "Yes, sir. But he spent months in Umbar, silent, posing as a deaf and dumb beggar. I believe he is able to face intense scrutiny without breaking, when the need is upon him. I - " Conalmir stops speaking abruptly, looking suddenly extremely foolish. "I - sir? I had not thought - I have not been a blue for long, sir."

 

[Elusul(#30120)] 
Elusul hehs. "The road is long and the way hard that leads to the light and knighthood. The path is one of many steps, many deeds of proving yourself worthy. Consider this to be your first."

 

[Conalmir(#31396)] "Yes, sir!" Conalmir sheds his black mood like a duck shedding water.

 

[Calarion(#31193)]
 Calarion, still off to the side of the conversation, has caught some snippets of th words said. Carefully, he approaches, "Should you need another member for whatever quest bears upon you, Squire, I would be honored to travel and serve with you upon it."

 

[Elusul(#30120)] 
Elusul turns and looks to Calarion. "Well, young Calarion, you have been listening. This quest we speak of is one I have explained to your master in your presence, I believe."

 

[Conalmir(#31396)] "Sir," Conalmir protests politely, "If we go as but simple fishermen, we cannot take an army." He looks directly at Calarion, asking, "Do you speak Haradaic, squire?"

 

[Calarion(#31193)] "Then if it be this, by your leave, Sir, by that of Squire LoConalmir, and that of Sir Menelglir, I should ask for the honor of going upon this mission. I would like to serve in anyway I can." Calarion says, looking ot both of them. "Pray that I may be able to give this service I so desire to."

 

[Elusul(#30120)] 
Elusul replies, "Conalmir asks a pertinent question. Skill in the Haradaic tongue is needed. And an army would prove to be suspicious. If you are to learn seacraft as you desire, a small fishing boat on your own is hardly the pace to start. My ship rather has need of a lieutenant."

 

 [Calarion(#31193)]
 "Very well, then, Sir." Calarion says, bowing, "While my heart lies with my brother-Squires, I shall still find honor aboard your vessel. I shall ask the leave of my Knight, which I hope he shall give." The Squire turns, "However, now the hour is late and in the morning my duties to Menelglir call. I wish you both a good night." He turns to Conalmir and adds, "And good luck."

 

[Conalmir(#31396)] "Thank you," Conalmir answers. "Good night."
 

 

FADE

Players: Arashen, Arathis, Calarion, Conalmir, Elusul, Menelglir, Orchalang
Located in: Gondorian