Categories > Books > Lord of the Rings > Eternal
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Chapter Seventeen: Vanimeldar
Taking a couple hours break began to help Glorfindel's dealings and work habits. He noticed he began to look forward to his visits from Elrilya for their midday meals no matter where they were from in his study, out in the gardens, or the dunes near the beaches. He began to muddle through quicker than his first few weeks and it all became much easier than it ever seemed before.
This day Elrilya was to join him in his study since he only had a few items left for the day to finish. She arrived nearly on the dot of her typical schedule and walked into his study. Elrilya rarely knocked anymore but Glorfindel did not mind. She also somehow managed to prepare the best morsels for them to eat making each meal together different from day to day.
"Good afternoon, Elrilya," he said cheerfully as she walked in.
"And to you, too, Glorfindel," she replied similarly as she walked to the sofa on one end of his study and began to set the table in front of it. "How goes the day's work?"
"Nearly finished," he said as he joined her at the sofa. "I have a few more communiqués to finish looking over and will send my responses to the messengers."
"Good then you can rest for the last of your day," she said though she ended on a strange tone as if she were about to add on but did not.
"Is there something else? Anything on your mind?" Glorfindel asked.
He was picking up on her quirks more often than before due to their time together. He began to eat a few of the foods she brought with her.
"Yes," Elrilya said with a sigh. "Though it is more of a request from Idril."
"What is it?" he queried after a bite.
"She wishes to visit her grandsire, King Fingolfin," she explained. "It has been some time since they were together and Aredhel has agreed to go with her if you would permit them."
"I see no reason to not say yes," he responded then took a draught of his mead. "As long as some of the guard accompanies them I have no issue."
"I am certain they will agree but they also wish that I join them," Elrilya said.
"Do you not want to go to Hithlum?" Glorfindel asked.
"I would like to," she began then sighed. "Though I feel that I should stay here for your sake. I know our midday meetings have helped you."
Glorfindel smiled warmly and took her clasped hands into his, patting them assuring her.
"Do not worry about me, I can manage," he said. "I enjoy our time together as you do but it is not an obligation or duty. You are free to do as you wish."
"I realize that," she replied. "I would hate to leave you here without any of us here."
"I'm confident I can steal some of Ecthelion's free time to keep me occupied," he joked though the two were good friends but of a different kind than his with his kin.
She laughed a little and nodded, "If you say it is all right then I shall go."
"It will be enjoyable and it has been a while since you and Idril have traveled," Glorfindel said.
"Turgon did not want us to overly traverse the lands for fear of orc incursions," Elrilya said. "Though most of the northern border has rarely been traveled by the goblins because of the passes being hard to trek through. I feel we should have no troubles."
"He is protective but for good reason," he said. "Turgon does not wish to see danger befall any of you."
"It is how it should be," Elrilya commented. "And I appreciate your consent for us."
"I will send a messenger to the High King with my notes today so he knows of your plans," Glorfindel said.
*
The palace had become quiet without the presence of Turgon, Aredhel, Idril, and Elrilya. Glorfindel did find himself feeling quite alone the first few days but had busied himself with his work to keep his mind off of the silence. Ecthelion was good company but it was not the same. His kin and friend had managed to make a home for themselves in his heart and now without them he could not help but feel lonely. They intended only to stay a couple weeks and to travel between Hithlum and Nevrast took a few days on horseback though most of the time was taken due to the winding passes through the Ered Lómin. They would be returning any day that week and Glorfindel was looking forward to seeing them again.
It was later in the middle of the week as Glorfindel and Ecthelion were doing training drills with the soldiers and guards when they heard the horn. The call was faint but it was discernable echoing across the vast valley. Looking out to the far reaches of the marshes, a faint, single figure was coming toward them. It got closer quickly as it rode on its horse with great speed, the bellow of the horn sounding several times more.
The order and blows that were made matched the calls for assistance that they trained their guards and soldiers to use when in need. It was strange to hear the call and no one moved at first when they realized what they heard. Rarely had it been used usually when they trained for such a situation. When it sounded again a cold shiver ran down Glorfindel's spine. Several of the guards mounted and set off with Glorfindel and Ecthelion to meet the rider halfway.
The dread that they felt creeping upon them grew stronger as they recognized the soldier riding toward them. He had been assigned to the small force that had traveled to Hithlum on the visit to Fingolfin. He was injured; blood soaking through a hasty bandage tied around one arm and the leg on the same side.
"It is urgent that you send a strong force to the Ered Lómin, my lord," he said to Glorfindel. "A few of us were separated from King Turgon's kin when goblins attacked us in the mountains yesterday evening. Those who were with me are searching as I speak but I came as a messenger for more aid. I rode as quickly as my steed would bear me though we have little time as the mountains are covered in orcs."
Glorfindel clenched his jaw as he thought about what was left for him to decide. He was left to protect Vinyamar while Turgon was away but his kin were in danger and possibly injured as well. He had to make a decision immediately.
"You have done what you could, go and rest now," Glorfindel said and motioned for one of the soldiers. "Take him to the healers immediately and see to his horse." After they left, Glorfindel turned to Ecthelion. "I need you to prepare fifty of the warriors and have them ready by nightfall."
"As you command," Ecthelion replied. "I will set about the preparations we need."
"Ecthelion, I trust I can leave the city in your hands," Glorfindel said. "I must go with them. I know these lands better than no other."
"I understand," Ecthelion nodded. "I will see to it that the gates are closed and all inside the walls until we receive word from you. We cannot risk a surprise attack from the same forces that have waylaid the procession."
Glorfindel squeezed his friend's shoulder and they both rode back quickly to Vinyamar to gather their forces.
*
Through the night the Noldori and Sindarin warriors rode fast to the dark shadows of the Ered Lómin far in front of them. Dawn was breaking once the reached the low foothills and began their ascent into the passes. The path the travelers were taking had been discussed with Glorfindel beforehand, which made their search hopefully easier with a localized area of where they were passing.
Fog and mist drifted through the forests and mountains as they scoured the land. Anar was blocked out and only an eerie gray light provided illumination. Eventually they came upon what looked to be orc tracks, the foul stench still hung in the air as they passed along the trail. Not much long later the sights of bodies strewn across the ground were noticed. Four of the dozen guards who had been sent out were among the dead as well as over twenty dead goblins.
Saddened at the sight of their fallen comrades, Glorfindel's troop took them aside with their swords and belongings. A few of Glorfindel's soldiers stood by as guards to protect their friends from any further desecration. Glorfindel then split the warriors into groups of eight, making six groups, and spread out in search for the others. The site of the attack was marred with many footsteps thus hampering the ability to tell where others may have gone. Stretching out from the center of the attack would be their best chance.
Glorfindel led his group up a craggy outcropping that led deeper into the mountains and thicker brush. Several broken branches marked the path of something large and several orc footprints were visible in the damp dirt. They traveled for at least an hour when they noticed their weapons glowing. The Sindar blacksmiths had brought a metal to the Noldor that glowed when orcs and goblins were in the vicinity. All swords and knives were made with this uniquely blessed metal as a warning. Now, as they searched for their friends it was apparent they were not alone.
"Yrch!" one of the soldiers hissed on his breath.
Glorfindel held out a hand signaling for them to be as silent as possible as they listened for any sign of where the orcs were. Snorting and low growling was discernable from around the hill and the glow of the weapons grew brighter as the noises grew louder. The orcs were moving toward them quickly and would be coming into view any minute. Glorfindel motioned for them to take cover behind what they could until the orcs came into view. As the last warrior slipped into place behind a boulder the orcs came over the rocks. There were only ten of them, no match for the Vinyamar soldiers.
The orcs moved through, making a path in the middle of the Eldar. Nodding and giving a signal, Glorfindel slipped up behind them as the others came out of hiding. Arrows flew and swords sang as they impaled and slashed the flesh of the vile creatures. Down they fell in succession, never knowing what came upon them. Only a few managed to pull out their weapons but barely managed to even use them. Soon enough they were looking about at the dead bodies of their foes; however, one still appeared to be hanging on to life.
Glorfindel approached the bloodied and broken body of the wretched beast. The goblin struggled for air, a deep gurgling could be heard from within. Glorfindel stood above him and pointed his sword at the throat of the fiend.
"What did you do to the people traveling here the other night?" he demanded, his eyes unblinking and harsh.
The swine chortled a devilish snort and coughed as he struggled to breathe.
"Killed them," he laughed in his face.
Glorfindel did not believe him; there was no incentive for the foul creature to tell them anything they wanted to hear. He was about to speak again to the orc when a faint flashing sparkle caught his eye. He looked down toward the makeshift belt the goblin wore where an item dangled from it. Glorfindel turned on him in a rage, choking his neck.
"Where are they?!" he yelled at him but the brute only laughed in his face once more.
With a swift stroke of his sword, Glorfindel decapitated the goblin and its head rolled from its shoulders and fell to the ground amidst the bloody scene. The soldiers looked at Glorfindel, startled reactions apparent on their faces at not knowing what had changed their captain's mood. They watched careful as Glorfindel reached down and removed a piece of jewelry hanging from the belt of the goblin: a silver wrought chain and pendant with a blue sapphire jewel placed in the center of it.
Glossary
Vanimeldar: lost friends
Yrch: orcs
Chapter Seventeen: Vanimeldar
Taking a couple hours break began to help Glorfindel's dealings and work habits. He noticed he began to look forward to his visits from Elrilya for their midday meals no matter where they were from in his study, out in the gardens, or the dunes near the beaches. He began to muddle through quicker than his first few weeks and it all became much easier than it ever seemed before.
This day Elrilya was to join him in his study since he only had a few items left for the day to finish. She arrived nearly on the dot of her typical schedule and walked into his study. Elrilya rarely knocked anymore but Glorfindel did not mind. She also somehow managed to prepare the best morsels for them to eat making each meal together different from day to day.
"Good afternoon, Elrilya," he said cheerfully as she walked in.
"And to you, too, Glorfindel," she replied similarly as she walked to the sofa on one end of his study and began to set the table in front of it. "How goes the day's work?"
"Nearly finished," he said as he joined her at the sofa. "I have a few more communiqués to finish looking over and will send my responses to the messengers."
"Good then you can rest for the last of your day," she said though she ended on a strange tone as if she were about to add on but did not.
"Is there something else? Anything on your mind?" Glorfindel asked.
He was picking up on her quirks more often than before due to their time together. He began to eat a few of the foods she brought with her.
"Yes," Elrilya said with a sigh. "Though it is more of a request from Idril."
"What is it?" he queried after a bite.
"She wishes to visit her grandsire, King Fingolfin," she explained. "It has been some time since they were together and Aredhel has agreed to go with her if you would permit them."
"I see no reason to not say yes," he responded then took a draught of his mead. "As long as some of the guard accompanies them I have no issue."
"I am certain they will agree but they also wish that I join them," Elrilya said.
"Do you not want to go to Hithlum?" Glorfindel asked.
"I would like to," she began then sighed. "Though I feel that I should stay here for your sake. I know our midday meetings have helped you."
Glorfindel smiled warmly and took her clasped hands into his, patting them assuring her.
"Do not worry about me, I can manage," he said. "I enjoy our time together as you do but it is not an obligation or duty. You are free to do as you wish."
"I realize that," she replied. "I would hate to leave you here without any of us here."
"I'm confident I can steal some of Ecthelion's free time to keep me occupied," he joked though the two were good friends but of a different kind than his with his kin.
She laughed a little and nodded, "If you say it is all right then I shall go."
"It will be enjoyable and it has been a while since you and Idril have traveled," Glorfindel said.
"Turgon did not want us to overly traverse the lands for fear of orc incursions," Elrilya said. "Though most of the northern border has rarely been traveled by the goblins because of the passes being hard to trek through. I feel we should have no troubles."
"He is protective but for good reason," he said. "Turgon does not wish to see danger befall any of you."
"It is how it should be," Elrilya commented. "And I appreciate your consent for us."
"I will send a messenger to the High King with my notes today so he knows of your plans," Glorfindel said.
*
The palace had become quiet without the presence of Turgon, Aredhel, Idril, and Elrilya. Glorfindel did find himself feeling quite alone the first few days but had busied himself with his work to keep his mind off of the silence. Ecthelion was good company but it was not the same. His kin and friend had managed to make a home for themselves in his heart and now without them he could not help but feel lonely. They intended only to stay a couple weeks and to travel between Hithlum and Nevrast took a few days on horseback though most of the time was taken due to the winding passes through the Ered Lómin. They would be returning any day that week and Glorfindel was looking forward to seeing them again.
It was later in the middle of the week as Glorfindel and Ecthelion were doing training drills with the soldiers and guards when they heard the horn. The call was faint but it was discernable echoing across the vast valley. Looking out to the far reaches of the marshes, a faint, single figure was coming toward them. It got closer quickly as it rode on its horse with great speed, the bellow of the horn sounding several times more.
The order and blows that were made matched the calls for assistance that they trained their guards and soldiers to use when in need. It was strange to hear the call and no one moved at first when they realized what they heard. Rarely had it been used usually when they trained for such a situation. When it sounded again a cold shiver ran down Glorfindel's spine. Several of the guards mounted and set off with Glorfindel and Ecthelion to meet the rider halfway.
The dread that they felt creeping upon them grew stronger as they recognized the soldier riding toward them. He had been assigned to the small force that had traveled to Hithlum on the visit to Fingolfin. He was injured; blood soaking through a hasty bandage tied around one arm and the leg on the same side.
"It is urgent that you send a strong force to the Ered Lómin, my lord," he said to Glorfindel. "A few of us were separated from King Turgon's kin when goblins attacked us in the mountains yesterday evening. Those who were with me are searching as I speak but I came as a messenger for more aid. I rode as quickly as my steed would bear me though we have little time as the mountains are covered in orcs."
Glorfindel clenched his jaw as he thought about what was left for him to decide. He was left to protect Vinyamar while Turgon was away but his kin were in danger and possibly injured as well. He had to make a decision immediately.
"You have done what you could, go and rest now," Glorfindel said and motioned for one of the soldiers. "Take him to the healers immediately and see to his horse." After they left, Glorfindel turned to Ecthelion. "I need you to prepare fifty of the warriors and have them ready by nightfall."
"As you command," Ecthelion replied. "I will set about the preparations we need."
"Ecthelion, I trust I can leave the city in your hands," Glorfindel said. "I must go with them. I know these lands better than no other."
"I understand," Ecthelion nodded. "I will see to it that the gates are closed and all inside the walls until we receive word from you. We cannot risk a surprise attack from the same forces that have waylaid the procession."
Glorfindel squeezed his friend's shoulder and they both rode back quickly to Vinyamar to gather their forces.
*
Through the night the Noldori and Sindarin warriors rode fast to the dark shadows of the Ered Lómin far in front of them. Dawn was breaking once the reached the low foothills and began their ascent into the passes. The path the travelers were taking had been discussed with Glorfindel beforehand, which made their search hopefully easier with a localized area of where they were passing.
Fog and mist drifted through the forests and mountains as they scoured the land. Anar was blocked out and only an eerie gray light provided illumination. Eventually they came upon what looked to be orc tracks, the foul stench still hung in the air as they passed along the trail. Not much long later the sights of bodies strewn across the ground were noticed. Four of the dozen guards who had been sent out were among the dead as well as over twenty dead goblins.
Saddened at the sight of their fallen comrades, Glorfindel's troop took them aside with their swords and belongings. A few of Glorfindel's soldiers stood by as guards to protect their friends from any further desecration. Glorfindel then split the warriors into groups of eight, making six groups, and spread out in search for the others. The site of the attack was marred with many footsteps thus hampering the ability to tell where others may have gone. Stretching out from the center of the attack would be their best chance.
Glorfindel led his group up a craggy outcropping that led deeper into the mountains and thicker brush. Several broken branches marked the path of something large and several orc footprints were visible in the damp dirt. They traveled for at least an hour when they noticed their weapons glowing. The Sindar blacksmiths had brought a metal to the Noldor that glowed when orcs and goblins were in the vicinity. All swords and knives were made with this uniquely blessed metal as a warning. Now, as they searched for their friends it was apparent they were not alone.
"Yrch!" one of the soldiers hissed on his breath.
Glorfindel held out a hand signaling for them to be as silent as possible as they listened for any sign of where the orcs were. Snorting and low growling was discernable from around the hill and the glow of the weapons grew brighter as the noises grew louder. The orcs were moving toward them quickly and would be coming into view any minute. Glorfindel motioned for them to take cover behind what they could until the orcs came into view. As the last warrior slipped into place behind a boulder the orcs came over the rocks. There were only ten of them, no match for the Vinyamar soldiers.
The orcs moved through, making a path in the middle of the Eldar. Nodding and giving a signal, Glorfindel slipped up behind them as the others came out of hiding. Arrows flew and swords sang as they impaled and slashed the flesh of the vile creatures. Down they fell in succession, never knowing what came upon them. Only a few managed to pull out their weapons but barely managed to even use them. Soon enough they were looking about at the dead bodies of their foes; however, one still appeared to be hanging on to life.
Glorfindel approached the bloodied and broken body of the wretched beast. The goblin struggled for air, a deep gurgling could be heard from within. Glorfindel stood above him and pointed his sword at the throat of the fiend.
"What did you do to the people traveling here the other night?" he demanded, his eyes unblinking and harsh.
The swine chortled a devilish snort and coughed as he struggled to breathe.
"Killed them," he laughed in his face.
Glorfindel did not believe him; there was no incentive for the foul creature to tell them anything they wanted to hear. He was about to speak again to the orc when a faint flashing sparkle caught his eye. He looked down toward the makeshift belt the goblin wore where an item dangled from it. Glorfindel turned on him in a rage, choking his neck.
"Where are they?!" he yelled at him but the brute only laughed in his face once more.
With a swift stroke of his sword, Glorfindel decapitated the goblin and its head rolled from its shoulders and fell to the ground amidst the bloody scene. The soldiers looked at Glorfindel, startled reactions apparent on their faces at not knowing what had changed their captain's mood. They watched careful as Glorfindel reached down and removed a piece of jewelry hanging from the belt of the goblin: a silver wrought chain and pendant with a blue sapphire jewel placed in the center of it.
Glossary
Vanimeldar: lost friends
Yrch: orcs
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