(Archive) The Fellowship of the Sword 10 - Suspicions Assuaged

A Matter of Trust

It is night, and the campfire of the Fellowship of the sword sits like a twinkling star before the bright ribbon of the Isen. Some of those whose doom it is to journey in the north have already gone to their sleep. Some others sit yet under the stars.

Among them is Indilzar son of Indilkhor, and he looks hard outward to the distant fords. At his feet is the hound, Huan.

[Mathollor(#4469)]

Mathollor steps out from around the tents towards the firelight. He cloak gathered around him against the nights chill. His clothes are loosened and his hair touseled as id he has recently risen from his rest. As he speaks he closes on the fire to warm himself. \"Good evening My Lord\"

[Tamran(#30063)]

Out of the white tent steps Tamran, standing before the opening of the pavillion as his gaze falls upon the darkness around them. At lenght he glances at the nearby fire and the few men that sit around it. Closing the flap of the tent behind him, he takes the few steps towards the campfire and there he finds an empty space to sit upon. Back against a trunk, he turns his gaze upwards towards the star filled sky, yet silent he remains.

Being stirred from his day dream the Lord Indilzar Bragollach glances coldly at Mathollor. He seems to grumble a reply - not appearing to be particularly polite or pleasant for the moment.

Mathollor raises one eyebrow at his reception before seating himself by the fire. As he does so he smiles at the newly arrived man before turning to look out over the plains. He slowly unbuckles his swordbelt and lays it across his lap beforeresuming his stargazing.

At length, Indilzar sighs and then says to Mathollor, \"Have a seat Mathollor and let us begin. Tell me what you have learned so far in our journey?\"

Mathollor tilts his head to one side and pause before speaking \"I have learned that the world is larger than I thought, I have also learned that the civilisation of Gondor is like a light shining in the darkness. At the last and what saddens me the most the Rohirrim, who I had long thought to be our honoured allies asked us to surrender our weapons and one of their guards suggested that you Murdered a citizen. None of these things suggest a trusted allies treatmennt.\"

Mathollor shrugs lightly before turning to watch Indilzar intently, his eyes hooded and his face half shadowed by the fire light.

[Tamran(#30063)]

\"Under the watch of the stars do we set upon our quest, as our fore fathers once did, travelling to the Land of Gift...yet more perillious it seems this journey shall prove...\" Tamran says, breaking his silence, after the squire finish speaking. His gaze still looks upon the stars, \"Yet it seems that we shall prove our greatest enemy...\"

Mathollor turns quickly towards the Man, A frown furrows his brow ans he begins to speak \" How so. \"

\"It has come into my heart,\" says Indilzar, \"that these lies and fabrications are but part the design of the enemy. For to what end would such lies serve than to create dissention among their foes. Yet grieve not that we would lie down our weapons at the halls of Edoras. Much more is asked at the gates of the White Tower as the good soldier Tamran can suggest.\"

Indilzar Bragollach says then slowly, \"Many leagues and through strange lands shall we travel ere our errand is done. Yet I wonder as to what way shall we go? East first, or to the west?\"

[Tamran(#30063)]

\"Have our own self image grown such, that we see fault in others when they treat us no differently then we do?\" Tamran asks, now turning to face the squire, \"Have we been fighting the shadow for so long, that we deserve to be above the laws of the lands we visit?\" He glances to the knight, almost frowning, about to speak to him yet silent he remains...

\"Too much thought,\" says Indilzar, \"is given on these matters. As custom dictates, in foreign lands we shall obey their laws. Yet the squire speaks of other matters which are now unimportant to our errand.\"

[Tamran(#30063)]

\"Are they?\" Tamran says to the knight, \"It seems that many \'rumours\' have fallen upon the House of Bragollach...\".

Mathollor looks between the two men before shrugging lightly though he favours Tamran with light smile before he turns to Indilzar. \"I would not seek my counsel my Lord as it was through my false judgement....\" as he stops he turns to the man with a glare\"Thankfully nothing has attached itself to you for good or for ill as you have done nothing of note\" As he finishes speaking his face twistys into a snarl attempting to pass as a smile.

\"Yes,\" says Indilzar sadly. He picks up a stick and prods the fire so that sparks rise as bright as his eyes, \"Some of which are true, most of which are not. Yet of the greatest matter now is to end the torment of my Prince\'s son, who smiles in the grip of the undead.\"

\"Minas Ithil,\" muses the Bragollach, \"shall my line end and others take up the mantle of my house? I suppose it does not matter, for we are all dead men. The truth is on how we meet that death: Whether to be the slave to fear and rumour, or to be stoic and then smile at death with honour.\"

Indilzar then smiles grimly, \"I choose to smile.\"

[Tamran(#30063)]

\"I travel the path of this journey for my Lord ordered me too. I took an oath to obey the Steward and thus I do, even when death might await me... and even if I was asked and not ordered to join this quest, I would have accepted for it is an honor to do so. Yet I am not dead yet nor do I intend to...One thing shall I ask of you...\" Tamran\'s voice echoes into the night.

\"Can I trust you? Your word is all I ask, for as stained as the image of the Swan Knights have recently been...I still believe their word.\" The young guard looks towards Indilzar, awaiting his response.

Indilzar rises from his seat and the fire shrouds him in a bright halo. Wrathful he seems, a vision unworldly. Yet laughter comes from his lips and he spreads out his arms stating:

\"Are we not Men of Gondor? True to our word? Are we not but flesh? Skin and that which makes fine carrion for the dogs and birds. Image is but a thing. The heart matters most. Surely I can say to you, \'Can I trust you?\' A man\'s words are at that: words. Deeds are more of a surety to trust than any other thing in Arda.\"

Then he laughs again and says, \"If an oath you wish me to swear, I could. Yet trust... trust... I am dangerous you know. More dangerous than you guess.\" Then he holds out his hand, \"Nay, stay your wrath Tamran of the Guard of the Great City. For you too are dangerous, and yea, even Mathollor is dangerous in his fashion. Why you are beset with dangers!\"

Indilzar laughs once again, \"Can you trust me to fight by you at need? Can you trust me not to betray you, or not to kill you in your sleep? Oh what a heavy oath I would bear if that were so! Oh you ask for my word on trust? By my honour I suppose? Very well, you shall have it. You, can trust *me*, Indilzar Bragollach, the son of Indilkhor. If on the road together by death or life I can save you, I shall.\"

Mathollor stands slowly shaking his head and muttering a curse before he smiles a slight twisted smile \"No matter how the lord Indilzar answers guard, If you asked that question of me I would be requesting that you step forward and defend it\"

\"At your ease squire,\" says Indilzar, \"Tamran means no harm. For he is amongst dangerous men.\"

Then a smile from the lips of Indilzar, \"He does not know that those who serve the Prince are entrusted with his life, and indeed, the survival of Gondor, as he. For did we all not swear that same oath? To speak and to be silent? To do and let be? To come and to go in need or plenty, in peace or war in living or dying until my lord release me, death take me or the world ends?\"

[Tamran(#30063)]

\"Did the knight that murdered, a lady of your house take the same oaht? But I shall not talk of this tonight, nor upon this quest. Your word I take with honor, I will march besides you through the very gates of Minas Ithil, if this is were this road leads us...\" Tamran says, his voice clear and proud, \"and a smile I will bear upon my face.\".

Then he turns to the young squire, a grin crossing his face, \"Very well, good squire. It shall be as you have suggested...but not tonight, when the light casts the darkeness away, our swords shall cross.\"

\"Dawn comes,\" says Indilzar, \"yet ere you speak more of the foibles of the knights and assault my house even more - and rudely and unwarranted - I suggest we cool our tempers.\"

Mathollor nods his head slowly his hand caressing lightly over his scar and gentle smile upon his face as he answers. \" As you will and I shall be glad to hear no more of your slander cast at those to corteous to call you a liar\"

Indilzar rises and says sharply, \"Enough.\"

Tamran glances at the squire, before turning his gaze upwards to Indilzar.

Indilzar glances at Mathollor with a dread look, \"If Tamran wishes to listen to rumours, then so be it. That is his doom. I will not now argue the matter. Nor shall I try to avenge myself upon those who have marred my kith and kin no matter how unwarranted. Do yourself honour by relying upon your deeds.\"

Indilzar sighs and then looks to Tamran and his sea grey eyes, the eyes that have long beheld the courts of the Princes and the Stewards, \"Why do you bring such matters here? Do you wish to start a fight with me? Do we not have enemies enough without a worming tongue seeking to disunite our Fellowship? For if you persist in such, then I will see you on your way back to the Steward.\"

[Tamran(#30063)]

\"I do not make judgement upon you. Call it a test if you will, to trust you a must if we are to succeed. Those questions I asked to see your reaction, my Lord, and indeed I am please to see that your reputation does you no justice...a rumor as the many other I have mentioned here before...My trust you have, as well as the rest of the company that travels with us.\" Tamran says, this time his voice calm and gentle.

Then quickly glancing at Mathollor, \"And your squires seem to have the fire within them to stand up for themselves, not backing away from those who seem to oppose them. The issue is closed for me, no more ill word should I speak for my test is done. Now I shall ask of the both of you, to forgive my harsh words, for they did not come out of hate.\" he stands up, looking at the knight.

Indilzar takes a seat and says - nothing, \"Rather he says, sit down Tamran, and I shall tell you a tale if you would.\"

Mathollor tilts his head to one side his face and eyes wary \"So this was all but a test ?\"

[Tamran(#30063)]

\"Aye...\" Tamran says as he sit once more, \"But we shall still meet, when day comes.\" he smiles as he says the last part.

\"Once,\" says Indilzar, \"a long time ago, but not so long ago that is beyond our memory, there was a knight whose name was Sirion the Younger...\"

Clearing his voice for a moment Indilzar then raises his deep voice into song...

Ah! Gondor, Land of the White Tree who once did its buds,

Blossom blissfully, in pale flowers, luminous and brilliant.

Now it is darkened, in death blackened in after days of the Fall

of the Last King, Earnur by blackened blade of Witch-King.

Yet the long years passed and lands lost now foundered in

a tide of sharp spears and fearsome blades. From there the

folk of the fair Land of Stone stay back the flow, but only as

if crumbling castle of sand on the troublesome tide.

From far Anfalas unto Anorien is the land yet free and fair but only

barely bolstering their failing leaguer upon the realm of

shadow, hate-filled Mordor, merciless where the eye

yet sits upon the thone, yellow and thick with hate.

So now the once free, once fair realm under guarded gaze,

lies under sinister shadow shining light no more!

Here follows the tale of those last days, when the folk

fell into suffering and misery, and the shadow crossed the river.

Listen! Fair Amroth, Hill of Gondor Golden by the sea,

Where the meads of men spring fragrant frith,

in flowerladen gardens nigh glorious keeps and castles

strong stone wrought and flowing flags bright and blue.

Hereth lie the realm of Imrahil, Prince thrice reknowned,

whose noble thanes, knights uncomparable with sharpened

steel and stern helms held those walls gainst foe far and afield.

And it was here that was held such pageant in time of peace

by the ranks of raucous houses of Knights, whose noble

ways yet fought on within the darkly dim nights of the world.

So it was that Sirion, Thane-Marshall, thought through

to send forth fair word to all the realms found

free in those Lands to come and clash spear upon sword

in the glad halls of merry Amroth.

So swift and sure word was sent o\'er field

and fen by fast Adon the Squire. Many mead

halls did meet the words and welcome of Amroth:

\'Hark! And herald thy shields and swords

to such contest, for the victor will be unveiled and reveal

fair reknown amongst the mead halls of men

and win the willful title: Warrior-Born,

to carry amongst all western lands. So spoke

Adon east of Esgalduin in Edoras and so cameth the Riders of Rohan.

Lo! Mighty Eorl, father of the horsemasters,

who long ago on Emerald field by crystal Celebrant,

Swift flowing river of silver where that day the blood

flowed free and stained the raw river riven with the

life of foes. There was the frozen fear felt from

heart when horsemen mighty came and saved

the sons of Numenor from evil blade. Here

was sworn an oath betwixt the scion of Elendil and

the Lords of the Horse, for friendship, freedom, fraternity!

Eternally to come and go, in the land of Rohan where

for ever in after days they would be allied and allay

the wicked wounds both from the Evil Eye.

And so yet in after years the blood of Eorl remained

umingled, strong, silent, swift on horse, master of

spear and doughty in battle. They would come to fair

Amroth to do what they would in what contest that

was contrived to their courage to covert

skill that some may see only on fields of fair Eastfold.

In the days of dark when kings were forgot,

feats were still worked by men of valour though

lesser lineage. Angiest One-Eye, often deprived

his foes, of their mirky merriment, yet he

as a boy had been born a waif. Fate made

mends for that.

Cherished and honoured as if a son of the Rohir,

his legacy lost lying in the sleeping hollows

of the South nigh Pelargir, where as a child

he was lost in the doom of days. Yet far

in the nether North he was trained greater

than their mightiest Spear-Thanes, thought

only second to the proud Helm Hammerhand.

It was his fate to return to fair Gondor, where

the whispering ways of destiny did call him on

his perilous path. And he forsook a now forgotten

name:

Wotan One-Eye was he, but now Angiest he became and

holds in Pelargir, the city sea-ward, much honour

and glory. He would come gladly for glory in arms.

Such splendour in arms recalls days of old,

when Elendil\'s sons under sun yet walked the ways:

starlit, moonlit, sunlit is the Hill of Amroth

the fair. And raucas revelry was made there

and so much a contest of might as neer

before seen or yet will though the world

be broken and the great gems sundered

rare be found. Here lies in the Lists but a part

of that tournament, for many men came

stout heart and hope if not stronger arms:

Hirluin the Fair, Ravenwyr the Proud (of whom

fate did torment in later days), Celebhir the

Silent, proud scout of the North, Mablung the

Masterful, whose keen eyes no other bowman

could rival.

Eomer the Proud, Marshall of Rohan,

captain in arms reknowned. Xabre the Weak-Hearted,

of whom much is sad to say. Rhian, Spear-Thane,

wild rider of the North as with his Lance brother,

Xatra, enamored was his heart in proud Aracynn,

fair lady, gentle lady, in wisdom and tears did fate

command. Angbor the Fearless, Lord of Lamedon

and master of men in his own right. Ulysses the

Strong whose bright eyes did make his foes

tremble terror-ridden in the mould. Amarthion the proud Lord

of Girithlin, broken house of highest heart. Sirion

the One-Handed, by whose fate the Southrons took.

Direglad of the Red Eagle, and Elbarad the Doughty Hawk Eye

were but a few of the famous hundred who came

by the sea searching for glory, honor and victory.

Proud warriors wild. Many mortal men,

yet only one to be Warrior-Born?

Lo! In ancient days before night fell on Numenor

and fathomless fell shadow across the wide world.

When bitter brooding in boreal bogs such unimaginable

creatures:clawful of tusk and tooth fought and bred. Such was

thought to have left the world,

a mortal age for mortal men hastening their

doom neath sun and sea. Yet in one last brood,

a terror was begotten, greater than

bygone nightshade. Uth was its name, a man at high by

shoulder breadth, foul reaking odorous breath did defile and

torment the forests nigh fair Amroth. And into the night

it crept, while thane and warrior did sleep,

waiting to torment, and waiting for the weak,

by impaling ivory slick with saliva,

no grace was shown upon

it by the sun. And now it waded forth

into the day, for their was

prey afoot. A lady with child, it chose

to its wicked feast,

and with a ravening charge as if by even

more frightening much less

as if dank fay inhabited its coarse

body of horrific fless came down upon

maiden. And ill it would have gone and the tears

would have shed as wide as the Anduin and as flowing

as the sea runneth the blood that those

fangs gnawing may meet.

But Lo! Angiest One-Eye stood

forth, spear yet in hand, and evaded the

creature and it was sorely impaled,

to death twould be for lesser creature

by mighty Gugnir, his Lance. Yet

not would it die just yet looking for

devilry admist the flowing fountains of

Amroth. And so it was hunted by those

noble hundred, and the final stroke was

hewed by Angiest in death the creature

recoiled and doom was meshed. With

such victory Angiest was by right

Warrior-Born and so proclaimed and bade

all who would of and country or brothership

to come to Pelargir, yet fair by the sea, unstained

with blood or tears, for a faire in celebration

of life, love and brotherhood betwixt all.

A! Pelargir, pleasant neath pearly sand

lamplit quays along, the length of long Anduin,

raucus river, calling, roaring blood of Ulmo.

Now dark neath the daunting foes:

Saurons servants, who slowly

roam wide in the world. Woe are they who fall

neath that sharp shadow. Yet sure hearted are

strength of men mighty, the folk of

noble Gondor: sons of the Sea-Kings of

Old, Kin of Elros, Earendils Elder son,

now halved in blood, yet not of heart.

Lo! In these lost after days, the Leaguer

was held by Angbor, whose foes fled his face

the Fear-less Lord of fair Lamedon.

Reluctant he was to receive such royal repose for

his wont was the wide forest of the weeping trees

neath mountain shadow: mirthful and shimmering

wind from White whispering hills call to him.

But baleful duty is otherwise and now he serves

this city nigh the slow stream of Ancient Anduin.

Yet though by foggy moonlit light,

New tidings tore from the south,

of the bitter brave spear of proud Angiest,

and the deed dealt therein on horse and spear.

Angiest, home was Pelargir! A twice born-

noble, thrice reknown! Now new word

was whispered, prepration mustering

of feast to fester even the fairest of all,

ere the Great River sang, or Orome rode.

Angbor allowed anon the speech and

fair bards to come, and merchants and their makes,

far prizes, fair from realms beyond the ken of men.

Yet even as merriment was made evil plots were woven in woods afar.

Indilzar sighs and pauses, \"Still I remember that day, when the proud walls of Pelargir were under siege and the valour of the Prince was yet young. A squire I was in those days and I was a servant of the Lord Menelhil, tall among Men...\"

Lo! The Golden Lady of the Wood,

Spins nets from none that escape!

And in such time of merriment

a strange shadow, a man not but

form of treachery, fair seeming

and as ancient as the shadow of Sauron

came to Pelargir. An elf by name

stood afore murdered man in the myriads

that day. And Angbor hastened justice

swift and sure. Brought before the throne,

Minas Sirion tall. And there asked passage

for its folk down Anduin, to escape the

shadow it would seem. But perhaps not.

So spoke Hurin hateful of such deceit:

Why oh ye Gondo? Should we not be

mindful of Elvish trap and cunning?

Dead men lay upon the streets as this

one seeks our leave? Nay I say!

This creature has most assuredly

the doer of such deeds and swift justice

may be met only in true sure speedy

of what Elven power deserves: Death!

Now here Indilzar pauses again as if thoughtful, \"Many strange things are told of the Lady of the Wood. Lothlorien. Ah Lothlorien! I wonder still...\"

Many a man harked Hurins daunting words

and were turned. Murmurs of agreement

ran swift but Angbor was of different mood and

spoke: And in such we become naught better then

they. This I say to you Elvish master. Get thee gone!

Stay here no longer for you are haughty and

treat us as if boys when by our hand we have

staved the flood of the shadow! Come here

no more nor your folk. A cold welcome at

spears point shalt thouest find!

And the Elf looked deep into Angbors eyes and spoke

with power: So you sayest, and so must I, that the

Elves will not look kindly on these words and no

aid shall you succour in our haunts. You are not

friends but unfriends. And penalties shall be

wrought thou of an upstart race!

And thus with a wind he vanished. A heavy gloom

encircled head and a sudden fear. What curse

was wrought here will in after days nigh at hand

will be soon to tell. The Siege of Pelargir.

\"Alas for Hurin\'s words,\" says Indilzar sadly, \"for it was out of ignorance more than aught else.\"

Behold! Anduin, keeper of fate and witness

to all! Yet silent as the rocks of the earth,

in its groaning course dark shadows overlooked

west, wide beyond river, to the white walls of Pelargir.

That lay in the sun, lit by the fires of fierce Anor,

stood proud, willful, wiley, starlit, moonlit, sunlit,

as if walls of pearl and halls of opal, stored with

lines of Corslet, axe and sword, in hoard since

the days of the Dark Years when the kings came.

Yet no wisdom or whisper of knowledge came

to Angbors ear, of treachery afoot, or dark plotting

from a doomed Demon afar. And so they

came, crossing the river in riven blood,

black stained and evil, defiling proud realm and

clean country with their foul arts and fey enchantments,

evil and guileful. Gladness passed, mirth died

on bards lips replaced by baleful fear and death

as the Orcs, came to those walls in guise of war.

Sadness! Sorrow! Sanguinity!

The air wretches and rumbles the earth neath,

the feet of groaning gasping dust,

hewn by the War engines of Mirthless Mordor.

Ah alas the long leaves and lawns of Lebennin,

now trampled neath iron shod foot,

trapping within those white walls,

the Folk of spear, sword and horse.

Yet not all are in despair.

Lo! Defiant yet are the sons of the West,

Terrible and tall are they in anger unchained,

as they stood held back the hungry hoardes,

from their prize: Pelargir.

Now Indilzar stops his song and says, \"It is a long lay, and there is much sadness to tell. Such things perhaps are not best said when we are upon a perilous journey. Yet I wished to have taught a lesson. A lesson of trust.\" Now looking toward the squire and then to Tamran he says, \"For Pelargir would have fallen that day if not the Men of Lebennin had not trusted the folk of Belfalas and their Prince.\"

\"Wise words, my Lords and I shall not let the actions of one man tarnish the honor of all. I also know how it feels, for such foul thing has also befallen upon the guards not so long ago. Forgiveness I asked again, but I do not expect it this time. At fault I was and I shall accept it.\" Tamran says. \"I hope to hear more of your tales on our journey, for I have also heard that a great Loremaster you are.\"

\"Nay,\" says Indilzar slowly, \"I am no master of Lore. I have just learned much in my travels and one of them was this song. Thorondur and Arnafel know more than I. They have been to strange places where others have not gone.\"

\"Though if we survive this quest, no doubt we shall all be able to boast the same.\" breaks in the voice of a newcomer. It is Morrandir. \"Good day to you, sirs.\" he says, bowing to the pair.

\"If we survive is the operative term,\" says Indilzar, \"that seems unlikely enough.\"

\"Tamran simply nods, quietly sitting upon the ground. At lenght he turns to look at the newly arrive squire and simply nods. \"I wonder, if I shall ever see the white walls of Minas Tirith? Yet if fate decides that I shall not, this shall not prove to be my regret, as much as I love the City of Stone....\" he says yet the rest of the words do not come out, lost in his thoughts they are.

\"Well,\" says Indilzar, \"do you not think we have brooded enough. There will also be much joy on this quest. Sudden feasts, and new lands. And fair lands as well, and wide.\"

\"Well it shall be a glorious death all the same...\" says Morrandir. \"You shall survive, Sir.\" he says to Indilzar. \"Someone must put the upcoming great deeds into song.\"

\"Indeed!\" Tamran says, \"and even more importantly young elven-lass!\" he looks at the squire and bursts into a mirthfull laughter, almost forgetting his worries.

Indilzar laughs and then looks at Morrandir with a keen eye, \"I swear to you Morrandir, when you said that, I thought that Thorondur was going to lop off your head right there!\"

\"Almost got me into trouble...I had trouble not laugh before the Steward.\" Tamran says still laughing.

\"Oh, do not remind me...\" says Morrandir with a grin. \"I swear I had no idea my little remark would echo such as it did. I must say the Steward took it better than the Lord Girithlin.

\"The Lord Girithlin,\" says Indilzar clearing his throat, \"acts strangely when the Fair Folk are mentioned. I am uncertain why.\"

\"Suddenly the young Sergeant gets up, \"Thank you good squire for the good laugh you have brought me...I need this. But if you will excuse me, I will take my leave and get some rest.\" Then glancing at Indilzar, Tamran adds, \"My Lord, wise words have you told me. I thank you.\" and with a bow, he turns to walk towards the tent.

\"Farewell, Sergeant. Though I fear it shall be the last time I shall bring you such mirth. I shall not make such a mistake again.\" says Morrandir, still smiling.

Indilzar nods to Tamran and watches the sergeant depart.