Soon, there was a feast brought into the Outer Chamber of the Guild House and each new Mithril Knight was encouraged to eat and drink to their content. They were told that the armoury would be open to them soon so they could choose weapons and mail for the morrow's journey.

"I have weapons and mail," said one of the Initiates.

"So you do," said a Dwarf, also wearing a Mithril Cloak, "but your armor would look a bit odd in the First Age, and the key to our success will be to blend in and not bring attention to ourselves."

That brought silence to the room; a silence that was not broken until Elbren entered a moment later.

"I know that you all have questions, and I will answer them. Come, sit at the table, eat, and celebrate your successful Initiation into the Guild. I will tell you of your cloaks, our purpose, and our journey on the morrow to Nargothrond," Elbren smiled at the surprised frowns and whispers, "Indeed, I said Nargothrond. Now, please, come, sit, eat and let me attempt to tell you of what has transpired..."

Tempest was in a dark and brooding mood. The vision had disturbed her in a strange way, but she could not quite put her finger on why. She looked around at the many faces of her new companions. She felt somehow out of place, as if she did not deserve to eat with such people. She drank deeply of the cup before her and nibbled on some of the fruit. She wasn't hungry, but something told her that she should eat while she could.

The only things that sparked any interest in her was the mention of weapons and armor. That was more like it. Here was something that she understood. She tried to remain aloof and stuck herself in a corner of the room away from anyone's notice. She was in no mood for talking, but at the same time she could not help but eavesdrop on the different conversations going on about the room. She wondered if anyone else had experienced a similiar visions as hers, but decided against asking. It would only cause attention to herself, and that was something she didn't want.

I knew not what to think - it was all so strange. There was food and drink, so I refreshed myself. Nargothrond?

I was unable to place the name. It seemed as though I had heard it before, but I was not certain. The weapons, though. I could lay hold of that - something palpable for me to grasp. The tales of the elves were too often beyond me, though I dearly loved such tales. Perhaps now I should begin to gain an understanding of the past ages; and perhaps of my own history as well?

Once they had all eaten and some had even left the table, Elbren cleared his throat and motioned for them to gather close.

"Sit back down, if you like," he began, "I have some things to share with you. You have witnessed the first Giliath Londe, and within the scrolls of this Guild House, you can read the full tale as seen from our eyes...and then apply it to your own visions. What is most important to know, or one of the most important things to know, is that the Ages are circular, not linear, and with the right combination of..." he paused here, "sensory awakening, one can transgress the flesh's limitations, and allow one's spirit to journey."

There was some whispering at that, to which Elbren held up his hand, "If you disbelieve that, then you cannot possibly believe what you just experienced was real." He looked around the table at each Knight, "and I can't believe that even one of you denies the truth of what you feel now and what you felt just hours ago."

He stood and pulled his cloak tightly around him, "You now wear the Mithril Cloak of a Mithril Knight. Woven into it are the spells, chants, and runes of power. When you look at your fellow Guild members, you will see the cloak as it is; when you are in the mundane world, it will appear as a simple, wool cloak. Once you have mastered some of the Guild skills of...making things visible, you will know how to reveal the cloak when, or if, it is needed.

Which brings me to Nargothrond. We have a task placed before us by Orome Himself. We are to," Elbren grinned, "transgress the limitations of our flesh and journey to Nargothrond, even as Glaurung the Golden approaches to lay waste to it. We have an item to recover that will go into our armoury here. The item may not be so difficult to locate...but the temptation to perhaps alter history may seem too ripe for the taking."

Here he looked at Curufe and OrodrethIII, "We must never attempt to alter what has already come to pass, particularly when it comes to lives being saved or taken."

"We will need armor that is appropriate for the First Age though most of you may take your own personal weapons. Glaurung is approaching, probably two days away, but we will have to check the calendar when we arrive. We must first locate the Guild House and then begin our search."

Elbren paused and looked at OrodrethIII, "This was your home, Brother, and you, I think, can tell us more of the Spear of which we seek."

Elbren sat then, after motioning to Orodreth to speak...

As she was escorted back to the dining hall by Elbren, she said little as she tried to regain her bearings and stand up straight! He sat her at a table ladden with fruits and wine bidding her to eat. She nodded at the other Guild members that were in the room as she ate quietly, regaining her strength.

She listened to all that was said and especially to what Lord Elbren told them of this new journey that they would embark upon. She wondered at all that he said and she looked at some of the cloaks to see what she could of the rune writings and other things that were on the cloaks. She knew that Lord Elbren spoke the truth about their vision quests; hers was so real that she felt that she had really been there. How could any of them doubt what they had just experienced?!

She was looking forward to this new journey and the things that it would teach her. And the journey to Nargothrond while getting to know her fellow Guild members. She finished her meal since once she started she found herself to be quite famished. She drank some more of her wine and she stood, ready to see if she had her legs under herself again. She knew that she should find this armoury and pick out something before everything was gone. She walked a short distance but found her legs still to be a bit untrue. So she decided to sit back down, on the floor and relax a bit by the fire. She sat there sipping her wine and just listening to the others discuss what it was they hoped to find; whether it was in the armoury or Nargothrond, she was not sure. She became lost in her own thoughts of her visionquest.

She looked up a moment later to find Lord Elbren looking down at her and saying something she could not understand. Everything became distant to her and her mind was so over filled with the things that she had learned, that she was suddenly exhausted. She concentrated hard on what the Lord was telling her but her mind had gone numb ... she wondered if something had been put in her drink or if she was just not able to accept anything else this night. She stood and found that her legs had returned to her. She needed sleep.

Helazzar the Knight sat in a corner and took everything in and from under the cover of his hood he kept one eye on the Black Knight.

...Orodreth stood at Elbren's beckoning and surveyed the warriors arrayed at the table before him. Each had a uniquness all there own yet now they all shared a common bond, the bond of the Mithril Knights. Withh a glance over at Elbren,who nodded, he began."I am Orodreth, grandson of Angrod of the house of Finarfin. The story you are about to hear is known to few outside of my family. In the first days of the creation of the world,even before the awakening of the elves by the fair waters of lost Cuivienen, the Valar struggled with Morgoth for dominion of Arda. Many battles were fought, and many set backs did the Valar suffer at the hands of the Dark Lord. The Vala Aule, being a craftsman unsurpassed, bethought himself to forge weapons of great power in which to aid his brethren in thier struggle against Morgoth. Each Vala was given a weapon as befit thier nature. To the Vala Orome,The Huntsman, Aule bequeathed a great spear. The spear was named Gilos and it was a mighty weapon, greatly feared by Morgoth. After the chaining of Morgoth and the coming of the Eldar to Aman, Orome turned the spear to more pleasurable pursuits. Now Celegorm, son of Feanor was enamoured of Orome, and a great friendship between the Vala and Celegorm blossomed. Together they hunted the great woods of Aman. It came to pass that Orome out of his love for Celegorm, gifted the great hound Huan to him.What is lesser known is that Orome also bequeathed the Great spear Gilos as well.

Celegorm bore this spear with him upon the flight of the Noldor back to Middle-Earth during the quest to retrieve the Silmarils. After the Dagor Bragollach, Celgorm came with his Brother Curufin to dwell in the halls of my family in Nargothrond. They came as paupers, lands lost to the enemy, in dire need. Finrod took them in and Celegorm,as a token of appreciation, gifted Finrod with the Spear of Orome. Upon Finrod's quest with Beren and Luthien, the spear was left in the keeping of my great uncle Orodreth, whom had it locked in the great armory of Nargothrond. Here it remained until the coming of Gluarung. No more is known about the spear after the fall."

Orodreth finished his tale and took his seat.

Elbren nodded and thanked Orodreth.

"It is for the spear that we go to Nargothrond," he said. "Please prepare yourselves for the journey and meet in the Mural Room in three hours."

With that, he stood and left the room with the intention of checking on Meneltarma and Aglarond.

Idril decided that she would go to her room for a little rest and she grabbed an apple to munch on the way. She was steadier on her feet now and her head was feeling better since she ate. But she thought a short rest would help her and she wanted to be strong for the next part of the journey or vision quest. She would rest first, then go to the armoury upon waking to see what she could choose. She would take whatever was available to her.

As she entered her rooms, she took off her cloak and took a good look at it. It was full length and very stunning, at least she thought so. The beautiful runes along the edge just added to it and added a bit of mystique to the garment.

She washed her face and then laid down on her bed to rest for a short while, to make sure that she had her full strength before the next part of their quest.

Elemmire, exausted from the vision, walked to her room to catch a short nap before departing for Nargothrond. This next journey could prove more difficult than the first, and she did not want to face it as tired as she was.

Orodreth111 donned the armour that the ancient dwarf had brought to his room. It was of an Ancient design,first age, and clearly of Noldorin craftsmanship. It was forged with a darkened caste, the breastplate burnished to a smokey yet brilliant hue. After the feast he had walked the grounds of the mansion, filled with anxiety and anticipation about returning to Nargothrond. The spear wieghed heavily upon his mind. Why hadn't Orodreth been bearing it when the great Dragon came. Surely it may have had the power to shift the battle in Nargothronds favor. Why was it neccessary to bring it back now. So many unanswered questions. He thought Elbren had been rather cryptic regarding the quest. Now, back in his chambers,he tightened the last strap on his greaves and strode out in the hallway back to the mural room. He had a feeling that there would be many more questions before there would be any more answers revealed.......

Elbren stood in the mural room, his cloak gathered closely around him, with his eyes closed. The room was dark and silent, the wisps of burning incense trailing up to the ceiling. He was ready, he thought, to make the journey. The bell began to chime throughout the Guild House. His eyes opened as he took a deep breath. The mighty double doors slowly swung open...

Curufe paced back and forth across the forest clearing. The last meeting of the Knights had been held a fortnight ago, in which Maedhros Saw that a group of Knights from an age distant in the future would be coming to retrieve certain artifacts before certain terrible events happened. It didn't make Curufe feel any better that even Maedhros didn't know what was going to happen. Perhaps that witch Melian did, down in Doriath. In any case, he was assigned to meet the elves here, and give them whatever aid might be necessary.

Idril had risen quickly and suddenly as her rest was deep and uninvolved. She thought that she had heard someone enter her room or was it leave? She woke with a start, searching for her sword but realizing quickly where she was and what she was here doing.

After a few minutes, she found some rather odd looking armour laying on the bench near her window and she remembered that she had come her straight from eating, totally exhausted after her quest. She had forgotten about going to the armoury for anything and she had no idea how long she had slept. For all she knew it could have been a couple of hours or a fortnight!

She got up and donned the armour left for her, unsure of how she looked and if she was appropriately garbed, and then she donned the new cloak that she had received. The cloak was nice and long on her and she loved the feel of the material under her fingers ... soft yet very strong and suptle. She wondered at its creator. She heard a bell toll and she knew that it was time. She left her room and made her way again to the Mural Room, finding Elbren there all ready for their journey to Nargothrond.

Orodreth entered the Mural chamber and looked around. Elbren was seated next to the smoking brazier and seemed deep in thought. He walked up to the north wall and noticed that the scene contained therein had change drastically from his last visit to the chamber. He now descried the the great bridge and Dwarven wrought gates of Nargothrond. The relief was in such detail as to be life like. Figures seemed to be moving within the mural. Orodreth was once again overwhelmed with the power that emanated from the mural. Glancing behind him he found an Elven maiden of surpassing beauty also staring contently at the wall. She was caparisoned in the same fashion as himself,first age armour, her guild cloak draped gracefully around her slender neck and shoulders. He did not recall seeing her during the initiation, but that meant nothing, he had been very disoriented throughout that grueling test."M'lady,I am Orodreth, I see by your cloak that you are of the order. Do you accompany us to Nargothrond?"...

Elbren stood and greeted Idril and Orodreth. "Good morrow," he smiled. "We shall be leaving soon, please prepare yourselves."

The Elf then walked to the Dwarf named Aum and bid him go to the others, "Tell them to hasten to the Mural Room. We shall be leaving within the hour."

The dwarf rapped upon the door to my room, and I awoke with a start. My sleep had been deep and refreshing, and out of habit I put out my hand for my gear. I recalled then that it was stowed securely away. The dwarf entered and I immediately inquired about my gear.

"Where is my weapons and armor? I feel out of place without them."

I forced myself not to speak sharply - though I knew this dwarf was trustworthy, else he should not be here, I found it difficult to look kindly on any dwarf. Intentional or no, it was they that had driven the orcs into my land that slew so many of my forefathers. The dwarf showed no sign of recognizing my restrained hostility, and said, "Your armor is not suitable for the journey we undertake. You may retain your sword, however, you shall need to select armor suitable for the Elder Days."

I nodded, and he directed me to the appropriate room where I selected clothes, a shirt of mail, and a plain helm. As I then girded myself with my sword the dwarf asked, "Do you desire a shield?"

I shook my head. "Nay. I shall bear no shield but the shield of the Riddermark, and if I cannot bear that shield, I shall not carry one at all."

I cast the cloak over all, and followed his directions to the Mural Room, while he proceeded to the chambers of the others.

The Dwarf entered Helazzars room..."I inform you now that your features will give you away as being halfelf and so you are now instructed to take from the armorie a helm that will cover your features... your other weapons and armor will pass, that is all" And with that he left to go to the next room.

Helazzar entered the Armorie just as the Rohirim left. His search led him to a full faced helm that gave excellent alround vision, Helazzar dond it and made his way to the room of visions... he entered... others where there, he took his place.

Elbren nodded as Helazzar and Freahelm entered the Mural Room.

"Well," he said, "it is time for us to depart. The others will have an hour to follow if they feel the call to join us on this quest. I see that you have all found the armory and have used the resources well, excellent!"

Elbren then walked to the South wall of the Mural and stood before an area that showed a great river flowing.

"This is Nargothrond," he said as the others gathered around closely, "The stronghold and realm of Finrod Felagund, founded by him on the model of the halls of Menegroth in Doriath. See how it was carved into the rock beneath Taur-en-Faroth, and could only be approached by a narrow path along the high banks of the River Narog? No bridge was built across the river until late in its history. The bridge will be there when we arrive."

Elbren then pointed to a tower near the river, "The citadel long lay hidden from Morgoth, and was ruled wisely for long years by Finrod. After he was lost in the Quest of the Silmaril, his brother Orodreth expelled the sons of Feanor, Celegorm and Curufin, and was lord in Nargothrond. The lands to the north of the citadel were considered part of its realm, and the people of Nargothrond kept unceasing watch on the grasslands to the north; the Talath Dirnen.

Glaurung is only two days away as Tœrin, who will also be there, has persuaded the Elves to change their long policy of secrecy, and they have openly attacked the servants of Morgoth. Hence, Morgoth has discovered the city's location, and sent out an army under Glaurung to sack and destroy it."

Elbren then turned to his fellow Guild members, "It will be tempting to change history, but this we must not do. We must find the Spear and depart ere Glaurung's arrival and the city is sacked."

Aum walked forward then with a tray of silver goblets. Elbren took one, gesturing for the others to do the same.

"Drink this and allow it time to settle, for it will burn going down. Then, follow me..."

Elbren quickly drank the dark liquid, for it was bitter and harsh. He then sat the goblet shakily back upon the tray and closed his eyes as colors began to shift around him and within his mind. When he opened them, he turned and like a mist, he stepped and faded into the Mural near the river...

"Yes, Sir Orodreth, I am called Idril. Glad to make your acquaintance. I am to accompany you and Lord Elbren and any others to Nargothrond. I look forward to this journey with the Fellowship of the Mithril Knights! This should be a very interesting journey for one and all."

She noticed that another, one she had heard called Freahelm, entering a few minutes after she greeted Orodreth. He was clad in likewise manor and carried only a sword, as he bore no sheild. Another joined them shortly called Helazzar and she introduced herself.

"Hail and well met Sir Helazzar. I am called Idril. I look forward to this new quest and will be of any service to you and the others if I can be. Lord Elbren, I have a magical secret of sorts that only a few know of. It is called 'The veil of Idril' by some and it is my hair. It was a gift from Lady Galadriel at my birth, that is why no shear has touched my hair, hence its floor length. If I leave my hair loose, it gives me, and anyone in front of me, invisibility, hiding me and others from many eyes. I thought it appropriate to let this 'secret' be known to my fellow knights. Would you let me know if it is needed? I also am a healer and would like all to know that as well."

She finishes her statement with a bowing of her head allowing her hair to encompass her as she demonstrates how her 'veil' (surrounding her) makes her invisible even to those staring right at her and only a step away! (Each of them only sees the mural as if she was never there.) Then just as quickly, she shakes her hair back and reaches up, gathering her hair and deftly braiding it, tying it with a leather thong. Lord Elbren nodded at her with a smile on his face.

The dwarf then served the goblets to Freahelm, Helazzar, Idril and Orodreth and each drank the liquid; bitter and biting stuff. It burned all the way down as she drank. As she did so she wondered how they would all 'journey' together and aid each other. As she slowly started to drift, she realized suddenly how this would work together. Ah ... to journey back to Nargothrond as a Mithril Knight with the others on such a trial! Life was a journey worth the living! She followed Elbren and walked back into the First Age.

Curufe sensed the presence behind him, and turned. "I was told to await some visitors. You are one of them, I presume? You will have the password then."

Elbren gave Curufe the password of the Mithril Knights, unchanged over the thousands of years separating his own time from the time he was now in. Curufe nodded, and introduced himself. "I am Curufe, one of the battle captains of the Knights, and brother-in-law to Feanor. Maedhros forsaw your coming, and sent me to aid you as I may. But one request -- do not tell me anything of what is coming. That I am forbidden to know, and do not want to know."

Orodreth felt a shift in his perceptions followed by the ethereal sensation he had experienced in the initiation. Closing his eyes he waited until he felt grounded again in the physical realm. Abruptly he felt hard ground under his feet. Opening his eyes he gathered his sences. He stood in a brushy hollow virtually enclosed by rock outcroppings upon three sides. Elbren was facing him and was engaged in conversation with another Elven warrior who's back was turned to him. They both became aware of his presence and turned to greet him. As the unknown warrior turned, Orodreth supressed a gasp, for he was staring into the eyes of a legend, and a childhood hero. Growing up in the shadows of Nargothrond, Orodreth had been in awe of the battle captains that had held counsel with his namesake. One in particular had befriended him and helped to mentor him. That one had been Curufe, and now,Orodreth111 stood, fully grown,staring into the eyes of his childhood mentor and hero. He wondered if he would recognize him.Elbren spoke,"Orodreth, this is Curufe, a battle captain of our order, he is here to assist us in our quest. He...." Curufe held his hand up in interruption,"Elbren,"he said,"This one need no introduction,Orodreth is a tutor of mine, yea, even unto this day.Passing strange is that upon yesterday he and I were immersed in sword instruction, even with the sword girded upon his hip, and yet here he stands before me, a warrior full grown, wearing the cape and rank of a Battle Captain of the Mithril Knights. Elbren, the paradox is dangerous. He must not happen upon himself during your time here!!"

Elbren nodded his agreement,"Orodreth, you must heed the word of your tutor,it would be catostophic were you to come face to face with yourself in this time!!" "I will be very cautious." Orodreth replied.

...There was a noise behind them and they turned to see another questor materializing from the air........

Elemmire woke with a start. She rose, donned the armor which had been left for her, buckled her swordbelt, and threw the cloak over all as she walked hurriedly into the hallway. Turning the corners as though she had walked them all the days of her life, she found the mural hall. She paused just inside the doorway. Where Dagor nuin Giliath had been the night before, now Narog swirled and foamed in its deep gorge. The pale crests nearly touched the bottom of a stone bridge that led to two vast doors. Elemmire could almost remember the sound of those rushing waters. She had occasionaly been to Nargothrond at its height, before the bridge was built, visiting friends in a time of peace or bearing messages from Dorthonion.

Coming back to the moment, Elemmire saw a silver tray with goblets on it. Some were filled, and others were empty, there contents drunk be those whom she could now see in the mural. She stepped forward, grabbed a goblet, and drank before she had time for more than a glance at its contents. The drink burned down her throat and left an acrid taste in her mouth. Her eyes smarted almost immediately, so it took a few seconds to realize that the shifting scene was more than what watery eyes could produce. A second more, and her feet rested firmly on the banks of Narog.

Elbren nodded at Orodreth as yet another Mithril Knight stepped out of the shimmering shadows to stand among them.

"Good," Elbren said, "Elemmire is with us." He turned back to Curufe. He knew, though this Curufe did not, that in the future, in the 2nd and 3rd Age, he and Curufe would be close battle companions. But not yet, and he could not prophesy even such a small thing as this to his fellow Knight. So, instead, he gestured to the others to gather close. Elbren looked at the group of Knights and gestured to the gates of the city.

"Let us go, time is short. If we become separated, take this," he handed each of them a small vial of dark liquid. "It will take you back home. Do NOT lose it, and when you do use it, do so privately."

Each of them took their vial and then followed Elbren as he stepped out of the copse of trees and onto the road that led to the River Gates...

I am yet not certain how it happened, but between one step and the next the ground beneath my feet became no longer the stone of the Guild House, but the firm earth. I had time but for a single glance around me, before I greeted the Elves that were before me. Elbren introduced me to an Elf I had not yet met; Curufe.

I bowed as I greeted him, and his eyebrow raised. "You are kin to the people of Hador, are you not?"

I was not certain who he referred to, but somehow knew my answer. "Yes, my Lord. I am of the stock of that House, though removed by many generations between us."

Curufe nodded. "The men of that house have proven themselves worthy of our friendship. You are welcome."

I bowed again, and fell silent. I hardly knew what to say, and thus said nothing. For who was I, a mere mortal who has experienced but a few fleeting years upon an earth they had known long ere my father's fathers knew existence? I would lend my sword, but knew not what else I could offer. I simply accepted the vial given me, and followed Elbren.

Helazzar followed them towards the grate gate. It would some time before half elves walked ME and to be the first of his race(that of man and elf) to see this land that wound one day be destroyed filled him with wounder and awe mixed with a hint of sadness. As the company of knights neared the gate, guards came to met them. Helazzar made sure that his helm was firmly fitted.

Elbren and Curufe stood at the front of the group as the guards challenged their approach. Curufe gave them the proper passwords to gain entry to the hidden city, yet the guards hesitated.

"Is there a problem?" Curufe asked, a touch of annoyance to his voice.

"Perhaps," answered one of the guards, "we are advised to inspect all strangers."

"Times have changed in Nargothrond," Elbren said quietly, removing his helmet.

"Indeed," replied the same guard, "since the arrival of--"

The guard was abruptly cut off when another guard, apparently a high ranking officer, interrupted, "Let them pass on my authority."

The officer gestured for the Mithril Knights to follow him and they entered the hidden city.

Elbren noticed how cool and damp the city felt when they passed into the earth. He replaced the helm upon his head and followed Curufe as they made their way through winding, busy streets, passing some folk who noted their passing with curious looks. There was a sense of waiting that lay upon Nargothrond, almost a sense of foreboding.

Curufe led them to the Northern end of the city, where a series of stone buildings formed a quadrangle. Walking to a stone in the wall, Curufe pressed upon it with both hands, then removed a necklace from around his neck. From the necklace hung a single stone, pale and yet brilliant, and Curufe took the stone, placed it into a groove within the wall, and silently, the wall slid backwards. Curufe stepped into a hallway lit by torches while the others followed. Once inside, Curufe pulled down upon one of the torches and the wall slid closed.

The Guild House was of amazing stonework, jewels, and carvings. Finrod had spared nothing when making the home for the Guild. Curufe led them further into the House, past several rooms, and finally into a meeting room that held a massive wooden table. On the walls were shelves of scroll upon scroll. Truly, a library of great knowledge.

Curufe motioned for them all to be seated as another Knight entered the room, this one a Man of fair hair and complexion and an air of such power and doom upon him that Elbren knew that this MUST be none other than Turin Turambar, the son of Hurin Thalion, though here he was known as Mormegil.

Turin did not seem pleased about something and spoke in hurried whispers to Curufe, who continually shook his head. Finally, Curufe raised his hand to silence Turin, who pursed his lips in anger, but silenced whatever protest he was making.

"It seems that there is discontent with placing the Spear within your hands, my Brothers and Sisters," Curufe announced.

"Orodreth speaks for Turgon, who is now Guild Master," Elbren replied quietly, watching Turin closely, "and Turgon and Orodreth both know that the Spear must come with us."

"To where? It is a powerful relic that should remain here for our campaign against Melkor," Turin spat angrily.

Elbren's own anger rose at that, but he curtailed it with the foreknowledge that he had of Turin's doom. His eyes and voice softened, "It is indeed a powerful relic, and for reasons that I am forbidden to make known to thee, this Spear must go with us."

Turin started to protest again, but Elbren stood up then and walked to the head of the table, until he was standing before the Man. Elbren was taller by several inches and he used this advantage to make his authority known, "You know some of the mysteries of the Guild, Mormegil, and others you have given your Oath to accept though the reasons behind them may not be made known to you. You must stand aside and silence your protests on this matter of the Spear. Our time here is short. Allow us to complete our task."

Turin's mouth opened again to protest, but this time Curufe stood, "Come, we will go to the armory and retrieve the Spear now."

Curufe then led them through several corridors, turning in a winding pattern, until they reached the Guild armory. Going inside, Elbren's breath caught in his throat. What treasures were here! Armor, weapons, relics...and in just two days it would all be destroyed by Glaurung! And all that they were to retrieve was the Spear?

"Here," Curufe gestured to an iron case leaning against the wall.

Elbren motioned for Freahelm to join him and help him left the case and lay it horizontally upon the stone ledge of the wall. They did so, feeling how heavy the case was, not letting it go until it rested comfortably upon the wide ledge.

Curufe then stepped forward and unlatched the case, lifting the top as Turin held a torch aloft directly over it.

The case was empty.

"What sort of mischief is this?" Curufe asked, whirling upon Turin, who took a step backwards.

"I...I know not! It was here not an hour ago! I swear it!" Turin cried.

Elbren grimaced, looking at his fellow Knights, who surely looked as baffled as he felt. Time was short. Glaurung was approaching even now. There was no time for this!

"Who has access to this armory?" Elbren asked Curufe.

"The officers of the Guild," Curufe replied, still eyeing Turin.

"And they are?" Elbren asked impatiently.

"Myself and Orodreth at this time, though Turgon and Beren both have keys," Curufe replied.

"And I know that some things have been taken to Doriath already," Elbren thought aloud, then he turned to Turin, "but you say that the Spear was here an hour ago? How would you know, Mormegil, if you have no keys to this room?"

"I was with Lord Curufe," Turin replied icily.

"He speaks the truth, it was here, and Orodreth would not have taken it, not without telling me," Curufe confirmed.

"Then it was whisked away by magic, was it?" Elbren said, clearly annoyed. There was no time for this! "Who else feels as you do, Mormegil, that the Spear should not leave Nargothrond?"

"There are several who feel this way," Turin replied.

"Who feels it strongly enough to remove the Spear and break their Guild Oaths?" Elbren asked.

"The Sons of Feanor," Turin replied coolly.

"You mean Celegorm and Curufin," Elbren sighed. He turned to the other Knights, "they were exiled by Finrod sometime ago and stripped of their ranks within the Guild. They are still adamant that they are members, though, insisting that their father's role in the Guild ensures them those rights." Elbren turned to Curufe, "Did they, at one time, have keys to the armory?"

Curufe nodded, "But since then the locks have been changed."

"No matter, locks can be picked and found to be lacking," he looked down again at the empty Spear case, "well, if this was taken within the last hour, then they must still be within the city."

Elbren looked at the Guild Knights, "We must find them before they leave Nargothrond. No doubt, they are traveling in disguise but they cannot have gotten out yet, and they will be challenged, yes? at the gates?" This question was to Curufe, who nodded again.

"Then we must split up and find them," Elbren said again. "Time is of the essence, I cannot emphasize this strongly enough. We will meet here in the Guild House tonight to see what we've been able to find. Curufe, give us what we need to gain entrance into the House and let us be on our way."

Curufe nodded and held out five round gold rings in his hand. The rings were plain, but for those who could see such things, there was a minor enchantment about them. "Take these five rings with you. I had them made should such a situation arise. The guard will say, 'There were three,' and you should respond 'One for air, one for fire, and one for water.' ... I cannot believe my former lord would stoop so low as to become a common thief. Truly, this is the work of the oath that corrupts all it touches. Perhaps Celegorm believes that with the spear, he can challenge Morgoth himself. If so, he is deluded. But this is beyond your concern. We should split up and search the city; I doubt either of my nephews are yet so corrupt that they would spill the blood of elves, so we should be safe alone. But do not try to stop them alone. If you sight either Celegorm or Curufin, or of course, the spear, twist the ring once clockwise. It will alert the rest of us, and we will hurry to your location."

Curufe then turned and led the party out of the vault, and they split up to explore Nargothrond, looking for a man with a long spear.

Orodreth111 motioned Elbren aside, " M'lord, Nargothrond is vast and her ways intricate, there are halls crafted in this city that have not seen a living face in scores of years. There are secret exits known to very few,yea not even the Captains among us. I know them all,and so does Curufin. Many times during my childhood forays into the depths of this place did I come across him exploring on his own. Might I suggest myself to take a few of our party and try to cut the sons of Feanor off?". Elbren seemed hesitant,"Orodreth",he said,"The temptation to alter history and the danger of meeting yourself trouble me. I will allow this,but I wish to stress this point to you, change nothing!!!". "I understand",Orodreth replied," now I would take the Black Knight and Hellazar with me. May I suggest that Curufe lead you and the others to a safe point on the otherside of the Narog. ten leagues northwest of the city Celegorm kept a stable for hunting purposes. It is possible that he may have left a clue as to his intentions there."

Elbren nodded his agreement and gave the order to split up.Orodreth took off in a quick trot out of the Armory,Helazzar and the Black Knight, falling in wordlessly behind him.........

A smile played it's self across Helazzars face, but was hidden by his helm. How interesting that he and the Black Knight be paired up. But helazzar kept pace with the other two as Odereth gave directions and instructions on how to proceed in differnt encounters.

Elbren turned to Freahelm, Curufe, Elemmire, and Idril.

"Well, we're off then," he motioned for Curufe to lead the way.

Down the passageways and through several rooms, they soon found themselves outside the Guild House, from a different direction this time. Elbren's hand rested on the pommel of his sword, he was still wearing his helm, and stepping back into the city, he even pulled the hood of his cloak up.

"They could be anywhere," Elbren muttered, his thoughts still keen on the fact that Glaurung was less than two days away.

"They can't walk out of here with the Spear, can they?" Idril asked.

"Not likely," Elbren replied, "though, as Orodreth said, there are hidden passages leading out of the city. No doubt, they know of them."

"But they would also know that Orodreth would have that knowledge," Curufe said thoughtfully.

"You have an idea?" Elbren asked as they walked towards the heart of the city.

They were an impressive group, all clad in brilliant mail and cloaked like royalty, moving with the light but firm step of seasoned warriors. They drew many an eye in Nargothrond, but visitors from outside the realm were not strange and did not concern them overly, especially since they were accompanied by Curufe himself.

A few more busy streets and then Curufe stopped at the door of a merchant's shop. Looking up, Elbren saw that it was an herb shop called the Mystic Wood. Curufe stepped inside and the group of Mithril Knights found themselves in a dark but fragrant shop, overflowing with baskets of dried herbs and draped in hanging herbs and flowers. Elbren stood back a bit as Curufe spoke with an Elf behind the counter who listened intently, occasionally nodding in agreement or understanding.

Then, the Elf stepped out from behind the counter, pulled the door fast, locked it, and motioned for them to follow. They walked in silence to a back room where, after checking yet another door, the Elf finally spoke to them.

"Curufe tells me that you're looking for something that might be leaving the city, but it would need some sort of safe route to be established for it," he frowned, pointing to Elbren and then Freahelm, "I know that you are Mithril Knights by your cloaks, and I know Curufe to be an honourable Elf. However, I find it uncomfortable to speak with these two still helmed."

Elbren nodded and removed his helm, to which the Elf simply nodded, and even when Freahelm removed his, there was little reaction, "I don't inquire as to the mysteries of your Order, for it's none of my concern, and perhaps it might be best for the Man to helm himself outside these walls, but even now, Men are not so strange a thing to see in Nargothrond, not with the close ties that Finrod had them."

"Nevertheless, we must be cautious, mellon," Elbren said, "and now we have shown you our faces, surely you can tell us your name?"

"I can do that. My name is Agrafas," he replied.

"Well met Agrafas, you may call me Elbren, this is Idril, Elemmire, and Freahelm. We come from a Guild House from far away on an urgent matter here in Nargothrond, at the bidding of your Lord, Orodreth. What news do you have?"

"Not much, I'm afraid," Agrafas spread his hands wide, "I do keep an ear to the ground, so to speak, and I know that the Sons of Feanor have come more than once to Nargothrond, in secret, since Orodreth banished them. Rumour had it that they were stripped of their Guild membership as well." To that, Elbren did not react, nor did the others, for matters such as that were not discussed outside of the Order. "Well," Agrafas went on, "it's none of my business, of course, but as I said, they have been back more than once since their banishment."

It was clear that Agrafas was going to need some prompting to hurry along, "For what purpose?" Elbren asked.

"I fear that I do not know," Agrafas continued, "many think that Finrod had some treasure of Feanor's tucked away here in the city and that the Sons are still trying to claim it."

"A treasure? Of Feanor's? That will make an interesting tale, if we had the time, mellon," Elbren said, "but we don't have the time, I fear. Is that all that you have to tell us?"

"I heard," Agrafas said, then paused, as if listening. "I heard that they have a stronghold not far from Nargothrond, no more than a week's journey on horseback, dangerous travel, to be sure, but not when they are after something that they want."

Elbren nodded, "We thank you for this information. Any idea if they're still in the city or already gone?"

Agrafas shrugged. Elbren thanked him for his time and the Knights left the shop.

"Find us some place quiet," Elbren asked Curufe, "I've just had an idea that I want to discuss with the group."

It took a short while to find a quiet street, but finally they did. Elbren drew them all close in together and spoke in hushed tones.

"I don't like saying this about someone that I barely know, but I know a liar when I see one, and Agrafas was lying," Elbren looked around, "I think that he wanted us to leave Nargothrond and pursue Celegorm and Curufin."

"Why leave?" Freahelm asked.

"Here's a wild thought," Elbren said, "but think about it a moment before you just tell me I'm insane: Maybe Celegorm and Curufin aren't leaving, don't intend to leave, and in fact, intend to stay in Nargothrond."

"Why stay? That's ludicous! Why--" Elemmire caught herself before she spoke of Glaurung and what was to come in the near future, "why stay?"

"Curufe, excuse us a moment please?" Elbren said as Curufe stood apart from them, knowing that they were speaking of matters that he did not yet know in this life. Elbren lowered his voice anymore, "The only thing that Agrafas said that I believe is that he knows of the brothers' visits and when they happen. How could he know? Did anyone notice the large basket on the wall on our right, as we entered? It was a large basket of opilam, one of the key herbs used in our travel infusions," Elbren drew out the vial that they all carried, "it's my guess that Celegorm and Curufin know Agrafas from buyiing Opilam from him, and they they know how to use it as we do. Why wouldn't they? They are the Sons of Feanor..."

Elbren let it sink in a moment then continued, "If they can also travel as we do, and if they know what's about to happen here, wouldn't they want to bide their time, reappearing near the time of Glaurung's approach--"

"To what purpose?" Idril asked. "Surely not to save Nargothrond."

"No," Elbren frowned, "I don't think that they are doing that, though one could ponder that possibility as well. No, what I think is that they hope to not only keep the Spear and perhaps use it against Morgoth, as Orodreth suggested, but to also get what treasures and relics from Nargothrond that they can and take with them once Glauring lays waste to it. What is more, who knows if they plan to interfere and perhaps save Turin or Finduilas? If they would travel-"

"We don't know that they did that, M'lord," Elemmire interrupted, "I mean, you saw a basket of that herb, but, does that make it certain that Celegorm and Curufin would even know what it's for? Perhaps they might, and if that's true, then they might even be from the future, too. But, with all due respect, we have no evidence for this theory."

Elbren started to speak again, convinced of his theory, but he nodded to his Guild mate, "You are right, Elemmire, you are right. I have no proof, only my gut feeling, and we do not have time to chase my whims. So," he sighed, "with that, I suppose we leave the city and strike off for this stronghold that Agrafas spoke of?"

I stayed silent for a time, and then I was unable to keep myself from adding my counsel, however useful it might prove.

"My lord, if you will permit me. You said you felt the Elf was lying - do you mistrust your own instinct that greatly, to abandon such a feeling because the conclusion you draw from it might not be sound? I cannot read the subtlties of elven faces, my lord, but between men it is often easy to scent out the liar, particularly when they are not confident in their lie. I doubt any man would be confident when faced with a group of strange faces, one of foreign race among them, all belonging to a guild of warriors. If his tongue was false, there may be other reasons. But also I ask this; what other uses are there for the herb, that Agrafas should carry it?"

Elbren nodded to Freahelm, "There is only one use for the herb that I know of, and that is for walking between worlds. But, if I am right, where would Celegorm and Curufin stay while they waited?"

The three knights wound thier way deeper into the vastness of Nargothrond. Orodreth kept a brisk pace but his brethren were equal to the task. How surreal it was to be back in the city of his youth, now bearing the knowledge of it's imminent destruction at the hands of the fell worm of Morgoth. Everywhere there were signs of war. Companies of armed elves patrolled the streets and there was a marshall attitude that pervaded the air. On the occasions that they passed check points Orodreth was able to recall the passwords or find a different route in which to circumvent inspection. Deeper into the city they travelled, the mansions now being fewer and further apart, the light shafts also becoming more sparse. As they came to the end of a particularly barren thouroghfare Orodreth bade them halt. "Hellazar, keep watch, Black Knight I will need your assistance." The Knight came to stand beside him as Hellazar took up a post in front of the alcove they were now standing in. The wall in front of them appeared seamless and natural, a craggy outcropping as could be seen in any part of the dwarven-hewn city. Orodreth put his hand on a part of the wall and whispered a quiet incantation, slowly a crack started to form, revealing a couple inches of darkness in the wall. "Grab a side and pull!" said Orodreth.Slowly, through the exertions of the two knights, two mighty doors swung back, revealing a passage way leading to a set of stairs leading up into a murky gloom."Hellazar, to us quickly!", said Orodreth, as he and the Black knight struggled to keep the doors ajar. Hellazar ran in just as the wieght of the doors became more than the two could handle. At Orodreth's signal, he and the Black Knight let go and dove into the opening, behind them the mighty stone doors crashed to a close.The three rested a moment and took stock of thier surroundings. The hallway leading up to the stairs had several doors on either side. One thing Orodreth found strannge was that there was a still guttering torch resting upon a bracket next to one of the doors."Methinks others have been here, and recently!" Said the Black Knight. "I take it from the effort to enter this passage that it is not commonly known of." he continued. " You are correct brother." Orodreth replied. "The only other being that knows of this place is Curufin, and that burning torch tells me that he has been here recently. Be on guard my brothers, for I feel that we will know soon enough just what is afoot here. I would examine the room next to the torch." Hellazar was standing closest to the door, as Orodreth and the Black Knight took up positions behind him, he slowly opened it. What they found inside was more than any of them could have expected.

It was an exact replica of the Mural room back at the Guild house, a brazier burned softly in the center, sending wafts of smoke to the now opened door. Upon a tray sat three small chalices. The Black Knight went to them and ran his finger into the bottom of one of the cups, he then put his finger to his lips and tasted the dregs of the cup." It is the same liquid as Elbren has given us during our initiation and questing!" Hellazar's eyes widened with disbelief."How could this be?" he said. "How could any of this be?" Orodreth wondered the same thing. Who in this age possessed the capability to travel between the ages? If it were the sons of Feanor, than they were all in trouble. This would mean that the brothers now had the power to alter history. If it were them, they had to be stopped, at any cost.But how??

" this is grave news indeed... the others should be told of this, I will hold things here for I do not know this place, while you Orodreth and the Black knight inform our brothers" said Helazzar.

Idril had noticed that while she was 'in transite', her braid had come undone from its thong. And instead of creating a complete stir as soon as they arrived in the 1st Age, she stayed veiled for the time being.

There were a few moments when she found she was off to one side near Elbren after Helazzar, The Black Knight and Orodreth had left. She tried to make her presence known without frightening or alerting any others besides Elbren.

"Lord Elbren ... I am here also. My veil was loosened suddenly during our passage and rather than frighten the 'others' when we arrived, I have stayed veiled."

After the initial shock of hearing a whisper coming from the air, Elbren responded as quietly, almost as if he had used his mind to answer Idril.

"I hear you Idril and am glad to know that you are with us. It is also good that you have stayed veiled as your 'sudden appearance' could have caused much trouble. Stay veiled and beside me for now.'

She was quite happy to do just that for the moment as she awaied further suggestions from Elbren. There was still much to do before they left and from the sounds of it, her secrecy could come in handy. And if not, she could steal away a moment to become 'visible' quick enough, with a quick word and explanation from Lord Elbren.

"I am not saying necessarily that we should follow the course that makes the most sense," Elemmire said. "After all, do the actions of the Sons of Feanor always make sense? What could they gain from staying, or from leaving, or saving certain people or items? Also, if they know what is to happen, have we learned history with their interference, or without it? This time-traveling can be done on so many different levels that the events may have taken a turn that we know of, and if we stop Curufin and Celegorm from doing whatever they plan to do, we could be inadvertantly changing history. I don't think we want to do that."

Elbren considered this for a moment: "So, if I understand you right, you are asking whether or not Celegorm and Curufin are supposed to get away with their plotting."

"Yes," Elemmire replied. "All of our actions seem to depend on determining that very thing."

Elbren thought for a moment, "Well," he finally said, "we know that the known history is that Glaurung destroys Nargothrond and that Turin is held in the dragon's spell while the Elves are marched out of the city ruins. That much we know must still happen. Who knows," he almost grinned, "perhaps we were here before as well."

The others shrugged as Elemmire replied, "That's a bit deep, M'Lord, I'd rather not put too much thought into that." Then she smiled to which Elbren laughed.

"And neither would I, M'Lady," he nodded, "still, Celegorm and Curufin are here, somewhere, that much is plain."

Curufe then stepped up, "I know of a tavern where the brothers used to frequent and still many of the Guild go there for refreshment and song. Perhaps someone will know something there."

"Perhaps so," Elbren said, "and perhaps Orodreth will send us word of anything that he has found."

With Curufe leading the way, they went down several more streets, under a bridge that glittered silver, and then down some steps into a dark tavern. The stone plaque on the wall by the door read, "The Blazing Star".

Once inside, it took a moment or two for the darkness to become friendly. Curufe led them to a side room that was still open to the rest of the tavern, but was tucked into a corner with three of its walls pushed back from the main room. They took seats at the table quietly, still unsure of what to do and how to do it.

"You know," Elbren said after they had eaten and drank, "we could--"

It was at that moment that the door to the tavern opened and in walked two cloaked figures. Perhaps that, in itself, was unremarkable, but all of the Guild members instantly recognised the cloaks as being the signature cloak of the Mithril Knights Guild: The Mithril Cloak.

A tenseness permeated at their table now as the two figures quickly made their way up some stairs and disappeared.

"They weren't carrying a spear," Elemmire commented quietly.

"No, but the spear might be hidden elsewhere, or..." Elbren blinked at the thought, "they might have taken it across time to some other location."

"That'll make a fun chase," Curufe muttered.

"What we need," Elbren said, hoping that Idril was still close by and hidden, "is for a peek into what they're doing with the observer unseen."

Elbren looked across the table at Curufe first, but the elf raised a hand and shook his head. "No, I'm afraid I don't have the talents for spying, Lord Elbren. I'm a woodsman, and in the woods I have few peers, but cities are something else altogether."

...."Would that we could brother.",replied Orodreth,"Unfortunately I do not recall the incantation needed to open the doors from this side. Also, we no not to where Curufe has lead the others of our party. Nor do we no whether the sons of Feanor are the ones who are making use of this Mural room. I counsel that we contin......"Before Orodreth could finish the doors to the Mural room burst open and four figures charged into the room,blades drawn.The Black Knight was closest to the door, and although surprised,he recovered quickly and met the assault head on.The first assailant aimed a blow directly at the Knight's head. The Knight dodged sideways, and dropped to one knee. With a blindingly quick motion, he rolled to his left, and drawing his sword mid-roll,leapt quickly back to his feet and struck a deadly blow directly through the throat of his attacker.Hellazar and Orodreth had not remained idle during this exchange. As the other three assailants swarmed into the room Hellazar let fly a dagger with lightning speed, the dart scoring a direct hit, embedding itself in one of the attacker's eyes. The man whimpered once and fell to the ground. As Orodreth neared his opponent, he heard the Black Knight start to chuckle mirthlessly,"It appears you gentlemen have made a grievous error.." intoned the Knight. With a deft slash he parried a blow from one of the remaining attackers,twisted the man's sword out of his hand and ruthlessly beheaded him. The remaing attacker took one look at his fallen companions, glanced up at Orodreth, then fell to his knees crying"Mercy lords!!....I yield!!!Hellazar and the Black Knight came to stand next to Orodreth. The Black Knight put his sword up to the man's throat, and in his raspy baritone said two words...Answers.......NOW!!!!!!!.......

Idril was indeed close by Elbren and just as shocked to see the Mithril Knights come into The Blazing Star and without a visible spear. She also heard the 'suggestion' Elbren made. She understood it to mean that she, being the only one 'unseen', should follow the knights and find out what she could. She hoped that she would be able to follow them quickly enough and deftly enough, without alerting them to her presence. She moved as swiftly as she could as they made their way to the bar and then again to a small corner opposite of the other Mithril Knights, sitting at a small table. They sat and quietly drank their ale's, saying nothing for the moment.

As they finished, they ordered up another ale and some food and while they waited, they started talking in very low tones so as no one would hear them, unawares that an 'invisible one' stood only inches from their heads, hearing all that was said.

Elbren reached down and twisted the gold band that Curufe had given to all of them to alert Orodreth, Helazzar, and the Dark Knight that the two sons of Feanor had been found...

*****************************************

As Idril listened, this is what she heard...

We must find that spear! Who could have gotten in and taken it from the armory? said Celegorm, who was clearly angry and frustrated.

We have a bigger problem than that, brother, Curufin replied.

And that is?

There is a group of Mithril Knights that I do not recognise sitting in the corner of the tavern. They are wearing the cloaks of our Order and seem to be interested in us.

Idril quickly got up and walked over to the side of Elbren and alerted him to the fact that 'they' were noticed and known not. She wondered what she should do ... stay cloaked in invisibilty or come out. She decided to wait and see what developed as she waited off to the side of Elbren, in the corner.

Elbren cocked his head, as if listening, then pursed his lips. He looked to his companions.

"They know we are here, so we may as well let them know that we are--"

Elbren stopped speaking as the two brothers, Celegorm and Curufin, approached their table. Celegorm pointed to Curufe, "Him we know, and we greet him with honour," he then gestured to the others, "the rest of you, we do not know, though you wear the cloaks of our Order. Explain."

It was not a request; it was a demand. Celegorm crossed his arms, his eyes narrowed, as he awaited the reply.

Elbren sat for a moment, sipped his mug of ale, and then leaned back casually in his chair. "It is a tradition within our Order, I believe, to greet all members with honour, not just ones that you recognise."

"And normally I would do so, however, there are oddities that are taking place within the city. Forgive me if I am a bit reserved in my open acceptance to strangers," Celegorm replied.

"I will remind you," Elbren said, now standing up and walking to stand before Celegorm, "that you are no longer of the Guild. You were stripped of your membership and titles by our esteemed, though now deceased, Guild Master, Lord Finrod. You were banished from Nargothrond and yet now here you stand, clearly in defiance of a Kingly judgment. Oddities taking place? Indeed, there are, and now you will explain a few things to us."

"I will explain nothing to you," Celegorm hissed.

"Wait," Curufin stepped in between the two Elves, "wait, please. Let us discuss this, perhaps he knows something--"

"Silence!" Celegorm snapped. "I am sure that he knows nothing of what we seek."

"I know much more than you would imagine, Celegorm," Elbren said quietly.

A silence permeated the air around the two Elven men and that silence then spread to the table of Mithril Knights, and then into the entire common room of the tavern.

"I hear thee," Celegorm finally said.

"So be it," Elbren replied, and all present knew that a truce had been drawn.

**************************

Later, back in the Guild House, the matter of the missing Spear was discussed.

"We did not take it," Celegorm said in reply to Elbren's questions, "We had no way to enter the armory, but yes, I confess, we did return here to retrieve it. It is a formidable weapon and could be used against the Dark one."

"So you confess that you planned to break your Oath?" Elbren said, pacing the floor in the chamber.

"What Oath? You have already pointed out that we are no longer of the Guild. We have no Oath or vow to bind us to any of your laws or rules."

"You have the sense of right and wrong, do you not?" Elbren snapped.

"I have another Oath to carry out, one given to my father, and one that you, as an Officer of the Guild, should know quite well," Curufin said, standing near the fire, cloaked in shadow.

"I am aware of that Oath," Elbren replied, "but stealing artifacts from the Guild armory to fulfill one Oath does not justify the breaking of another. Need I remind you? 'Courage and honour endure forever. Their echoes remain when the mountains have fallen and crumbled to dust.'"

"Nevertheless, we did not take the Spear," Celegorm said.

"And it IS missing," Curufin finished.

"This is true," Lady Elemmire spoke up, "and, with all due respect to present company, we still are no closer to finding it."

A general murmur of agreement issued forth as Elbren nodded with them. "Aye then, yes, Lady Elemmire is correct."

A chuckle of dark laughter came from Celegorm, "Were you so convinced of our guilt that you have had no thought for the actual thief?"

Elbren's face darkened, but then he quickly wiped it away, "Yes."

"It must come down to who had keys to the armory, then," Curufe offered.

"And who does?" Elbren asked.

"Actually," this was Freahelm, speaking carefully, "there is another possibility."

All eyes turned to the man from Rohan.

"Perhaps the Spear had not yet left the armory when we first came to retrieve it," he continued, "perhaps it had simply been moved to another area within the armory. We never looked anywhere but the Spear's case."

"But, we all went in together and opened the case together. There was no one else who--"

"Mormegil was with us," Elbren frowned. "And he did not join us for the search."

The truth of it all then hit them: The Mithril Knights from the 4th Age were all aware of the tragedy of Turin Turambar, and they knew that the curse of Morgoth upon him and his family was a heavy one. Yet, to their knowledge, Turin had never carried the Spear of Orome.

"Why would Mormegil break his Oath to the Guild and take this Spear from the armory?" Curufin was sincere in his asking, for he sensed some mystery was afoot.

"Perhaps he knows..." Elbren hesitated, "perhaps he is aware of...things that he should not be." Elbren looked at his band of Knights.

He spoke to them using the language of the Rohirrim, which only the 4th Age Knights would know existed, much less how to speak it, "My guess is that somehow Turin knows what is coming; he knows of his failure to save Finduilas and the Elves of Nargothrond. My guess is that he plans to face Glaurung with the Spear and try to change, at least, the fate of Nargothrond."

"And who can blame him," said Freahelm sadly, still speaking his native tongue.

"But who knows what else he will try to change?" Lady Elemmire spoke in earnest.

"Whether or not we can blame him, we cannot allow him to do this," Elbren said.

The reality of it all was sobering...and tempting. They could all band together, aid Turin in his quest to change his fate, and perhaps save Nargothrond, one of the greatest Elven kingdoms to have ever existed. They could perhaps change the cruel tragedy of Turin's life, his sister's, his mother's, and ultimately, even the lonely ending of Hurin's life. Oh yes, it was tempting. It was alluring. It was...

impossible, Elbren reminded himself. It was strictly forbidden by the Order.

He set his jaw and faced the room, speaking now in the Common tongue, "We must find him and stop him. We will spread out. Use the rings to let us know if you find him, but we MUST stop him."

.....The man,for it was indeed a man,took a deep breath," I am of the people of Dor-lomain,and I serve and answer to no el.."He was cut short by a gauntleted hand crashing across the side of his head."I said answers mortal!",snarled the Dark Knight.The man shuddered,and said,"My companions and I were ordered to guard this passageway and room by our lord. A few days ago, our lord returned to us in Dor-lomin,unlooked for and beyond hope asking for our assistance. We were blindfolded and after drinking an eldritch liquid,found ourselves here in this very room. He then ordered us to hold this passageway and room with our lives.My companions have already paid that price.."And whom might your lord be?"asked Orodreth.Before he could answer Hellazar cried out,"Brothers,the wall!!" The knights both turned in time to see the mural wall shimmer and brighten. A moment later a small company of warriors stepped through the wall.Within seconds the three knights found themselves surrounded. A moment later another figure appeared through the wall. He was fully armed in black mithril armour, and his head bore a full helm bearing the wings of a dragon. A sick feeling came over Orodreth as the realization of what was happening here slowly dawned on him. The man slowly lifted the helm from his head,revealing his face. Hellazar gasped,realizing what Orodreth and The Black Knight had already surmised. Turin Tarambar,the Mormegil, stood before them, and there was the gleam of madness in his eyes.

After Elbren had spoken, Idril walked up to him still masked in invisiblity. She spoke quietly to him about these rings that he spoke of as she had obviously not been given one. And she also asked if she should still stay 'hidden' or not.

Elbren being unsure of what would come, thought this over some before making a decision as to what she should do. Her invisibility might come in handy again in the near future but how to get her a ring without being seen by the others would be a task.

"Curufe, where would Turin usually be at this time of day? We cannot draw false conclusions a second time: we simply do not have the time to correct more mistakes. If he cannot be found..." Elemmire paused a moment, thinking. "If he did steal the Spear, where would be the most advantageous place for him to be, in light of the coming events?"

I could feel myself growing impatient, but pushed the feelings aside. We had all been convinced of the brother's guilt. I tried to remember what I had been told of the tale of Turin son of Hurin, and none of it was happy. I felt as though I should be angry at him for his actions, but I felt only sympathy. I had not even endured a tenth part of the pain Turin had experienced, and yet I could feel the pull of the temptation as though it were my own. To rectify one's mistake, to alter one's doom, to do away with one's tragedy - who would not do so?

As I thought this, other thoughts swarmed unbidden into my mind. I had the same ability, did I not? Could not I return to the vales of Westfold upon that dreadful night, and...

But no. What had happened, had happened, and it had never lain in my hands to change it. Alas, poor Turin! What had happened to make a man of such pride and honor, however misled, to commit so dishonorable a deed?

Idril took some time to reflect on all that had happened and been said regarding Turin. It was quite disturbing that this was happening and yet, in a way, she could understand if he had turned or been turned, towards Mordor. Being that no one could see her, she needed to be careful, so she took a seat on the floor, back behind Elbren. She didn't want to get 'kicked' and she wasn't sure that Elbren wanted her to become visible quite yet. She let Elbren know that she was there. She listened intently to the conversations all around her while she was reflecting on what was happening with the spear. Wine goblets were passed and there was ale for those who wanted it along with cheeses, meat, breads and fruit baskets on the table as the mid day meal had been missed.

She tried to think what 'she' would do if she were the one that had the spear and yet, it was hard as she was a very honest person and doing something like this would be beyond her contemplation. Sitting there, she thought that she heard something coming from behind her. But that was impossible, as there was a solid wall behind her ... or was there?! She looked up to see if anyone else sitting around the table had heard it. She could see that Elbren had turned his head slightly as if listening to something he was unsure of hearing.

There it was again! It was a bumping sound followed by a scraping sound. Like something or someone had fallen out of a chair and then dragged that chair across the floor. She was immediately on her feet again as Elemmire was saying ...

"If he did steal the Spear, where would be the most advantageous place for him to be, in light of the coming events?"

Elbren was making a motion for everyone to be quiet so he could hear more clearly. And then the noise happened again but weaker. It was not heard again. Everyone started talking at once but within low tones so as not to alert any unnecessary ears.

Time was of the essence and it was growing ever shorter.

Elbren sat there, listening, but he heard the odd noise no more. What could it have been? It had almost sounded like an echo of sorts, something familiar to him...

Just then a Mithril Knight came running into the room, breathless and gesturing wildly, "There's a fight and they're attacking some people of our Order, though I don't know them, and they're--"

"Where?" Both Elbren and Curufe asked.

"I'll take you," the Knight said, catching his breath.

The group quickly grabbed their weapons and rushed out of the Guild House, following the Knight quite a distance through the winding streets of Nargothrond.

"Listen," Elbren said quietly to Idril as they trotted along, "it's my thought that there may be TWO Turins, do you understand? The Turin of this time and the Turin who has learned the fate of Nargothrond. I can't imagine how he knows...how he was told or who told him...perhaps in the future..."

"But he won't return until the Final Battle," Idril said quietly, still invisible and at Elbren's side.

"In some Middle Earth somewhere, M'lady," Elbren replied, "the Final Battle has already taken place."

"This is far too confusing sometimes," Idril muttered.

"Aye, but nevertheless, what we want to do is get the Turin from the future and get him out of here," Elbren agreed.

"And how do we do that?"

"I haven't gotten that far yet," Elbren had to admit.

"And the Spear?"

"Right now, M'lady, I think if we can get out of here without upsetting the balance of our history, we'll be fortunate."

The group was led into a building, down some stairs, and then into a chamber where they saw Orodreth III, the Dark Knight, and Helazzar engaged in combat with Men in armor, and one of them, clad in Black Mithril, turned to view the newcomers.

Elbren recognised him as Turin, but clearly, this was not the same Mormegil that had spoken to them hours before in the Guild House.

"You don't know what you risk," Elbren said to Turin, who lashed out at Elbren with the very Spear that they had come to retrieve.

"Oh, I do, Lord Elbren," Turin replied, "and it's worth the risk. Would you not save Nargothrond if you could? But come, you can, can't you? And yet, you won't nor do you plan to. So, who is the one in the wrong here? You or me?"

"It is forbidden, Turin," Elbren said, drawing his sword but only using defensive moves.

"Forbidden by whom? The very ones who allowed it to happen?"

"Forbidden by your Oath, Brother. Even now, with the knowledge that you have from a future that even I have not seen, will you still act as Oath breaker? Here, in this Age, you were cursed and had little aid in your chase to outrun the vengeance of Morgoth--"

"He's a bit difficult to outrun," Turin stabbed again, his face contorted with anger and pain.

"And yet, you have to admit, if you weren't so lost in your own grief and pity, you might have chosen better and not so often acted out of your own desire," Elbren was finding it difficult to parry the Spear in such close quarters, and the fight was still going on around them.

"You have no right to judge me, Elbren," Turin said grimly.

"And you have no right to interfere with what has already happened. Go back to your own time, Turin."

Elbren glanced around, hoping that Idril was still there and cloaked. He nodded to Freahelm and Elemmire to join him and engage Turin, for they had to somehow overpower him and get that Spear and then get out of Nargothrond before the great Worm approached.

But then, it was already too late for that. Screams of fear and horror were filling the streets of Nargothrond as the great host of orcs approached and attacked the Elven city; and leading them, driving them with ferocious power, was Glaurung, worm of Angband.

"What's going on?" Orodreth shouted as the screams began to echo within the building.

Elbren backed off from Turin's attack as Freahelm and Elemmire joined in. He ran to the doorway and into the street, watching the Elves, clearly panicked, running to either find shelter or to join the defense. He suddenly turned to Cufufe.

"What day is it?" Elbren asked, his eyes wide.

"Day? It's....it's the 23rd," Curufe answered, frowning.

Elbren's heart sank. How could he have been so obtuse and NOT checked the date WHEN they had arrived? He had assumed that they had three days to get the Spear. Instead, they had arrived the day OF Glaurung's invasion.

Turin then lunged at Freahelm, and in his effort not to draw blood, Freahelm retreated. Turin then leapt from the room, as many of his band followed him, and off they made for the city gates, where soon, the First Age Turin would be held spellbound by Glaurung's gaze.

"We MUST stop him and stop him NOW!" Elbren shouted, leaping out of the window and giving chase.

Elemmire followed at a run, along with all of the other Mithril Knights who understood what was happening. The pounding of feet and the cries of battle could be heard louder and louder as they approached. By now the legions of Angband had the mastery: the halls of Nargothrond echoed with sounds of plundering and destruction.

Coming fast around a corner, Elbren started, then ran to hide behind a large boulder. He beckoned the others to do the same, with good reason. They were come to the doors of Nargothrond, and before them stood Glaurung in all his terror. Turin was not there.

Curufe looked up at the others in horror. "Glaurung? Here?" He shook his head and muttered, "The Valar have mercy on our souls." He considered his options. Of the many elves and men in Nargothrond, not including the knights from the future, only two stood any chance at all against the dragon. Turin, and himself. But because of the doom of Morgoth, Curufe doubted that Turin would have the strength of will to stand up to Glaurung, except possibly with the aid of the spear. No one else had the weapons, the strength of will, and the skill to stand up to a dragon. But Curufe was a Noldoli prince, and had the strength of will, and his spear was one of the great weapons of middle-earth. And while his strong suit was hunting, not combat, he did not lack skill in that, either. But to pursue Glaurung would mean betraying his oath to the order, which was to aid these knights in retrieving the spear.

And so, in the end, there was really only one option for Curufe. He ran to the vault, where he knew Turin would be preparing to meet the dragon head on. And so the curse of the Noldor pursued Curufe as well.

Idril witnessed all that went on and the flight of Turin out the window. She followed him as quickly as she could, right on the heels of Elbren and yet it seemed that they had lost him.

And there stood Glaurung in front of them breathing a acrid breath out on them all. She spoke quietly to Elbren.

"What do we do know as we seemed to have lost Turin and now Curufe is off."

Elbren motioned the others to step back. The army of Morgoth was moving into Nargothrond like a hammer, screams of pain were filling the air, and the acrid smells of burning were beginning to fill the air.

"We have to get out of here," Elbren said with dismay, "back to the Guild House. Hurry!"

They began to sprint throught the narrow streets, fighting their way when necessary, but avoiding confrontation as much as they could. Elbren was unsure just what to do at this point, but he DID know that they should not be in Nargothrond when it fell. Too many things could go wrong...too many things could change.

As they approached the Guild House, they saw the Turin from the future, clad in his Black Mithril mail, emerge, the Spear in his hand. They all froze, facing each other.

"Let me pass," Turin snarled, but there was a note of pleading in his voice as well.

"We cannot, Turin," Elbren said sadly, "you must give us the Spear and return to your own time. You know this."

"I must change my fate, Lord Elbren, surely you can understand that. Do not make me kill you, please, for I WILL if you do not stand aside," Turin said, squaring off and holding the Spear as if to attack.

Elbren sighed and glanced at his companions.

"I hear you," Elbren said.

"So be it," Turin replied.

Turin was outnumbered by the 4th Age Guild Knights, but he fought hard. Elbren's goal was to get behind him, disarm him, and then force the herbal mixture down his throat that would take him back to where he belonged.

Finally, Elbren was behind Turin while the others kept him occupied from the front. Turin knew that he was going to fail, and suddenly, he just stopped fighting. He dropped the Spear with a howl of rage and despair, and stood there, his eyes glazed, a look of horror on his face.

Elemmire picked up the Spear and stepped back while the others gathered around her protectively. Time was running away from them at a frightening pace: it was clear that the minions from Angband had won Nargothrond.

"Come, we must go," Elbren said, though he waited for Turin to move first.

"You are cruel," Turin said simply, "cruel and heartless."

But he walked with them into the Guild House and into the armory where Barad-dur, Orodreth, and Helazzar were waiting. Once inside, Elbren made sure that everyone had their vial of herbs. Then he took out his vial. Turin did the same, with a heavy sigh, but then he drank deeply and while they watched, his body shimmered and then disappeared, fading like a mist.

Elbren then motioned for them all to do the same, "Keep the Spear while we cross, Elemmire; I'll see you all back at the Initiation House."

One by one, they all drank, shimmered, and then faded while Elbren watched protectively. He wondered where Curufe was, but he could delay no longer. Drinking the mixture, he felt dizzy, then a wave of nausea passed through him, darkness....

and when he opened his eyes, he was standing back in the Mural Room of the Initiation House.

Elemmire was still holding the Spear.

"Let us place the Spear in the armory and then get some rest," Elbren said simply. "I must leave in the morning for my home and you are all prepared now to serve the Guild. I thank you for your courage and your valor. We will meet again."

Exausted by the adventure with his fellow knights Helazzar retiured to his room to rest and ponder the marvles and tragedies of the age they had all just left...Nargothrond a gem in a sea of darkness was lost once again... did the deaths of these noble warriors play themselves out forever...

As the other Knights helped to recapture the spear and Turin, she had tired to stay out of the way so as not to scare any of them. Only Elbren had known of her veiled prescence. So as she drank the liquid down to return, she also gathered her long hair and pulled it forward over her shoulder.

When they all reappeared back at the Guild House, she was there with the rest of them and they were all a bit upset looking at her, thinking that she had waited for them until Lord Elbren had explained to them that she had indeed been among them in Nargothrond.

Tired from their journey, they all went towards their rooms except Idril. She went into the armoury to look at the spear. She stood looking at it when she heard a noise behind her but she did not turn.

Instead, she waited for the one to speak to her.

Nargothrond, and the cries and screams, dissolved around her for an instant, then focused again in the hall of the Guild house. Elemmire brought the Spear to the armory, and laid it on the empty pegs on the wall. Without a word to the others she left, hoping for a rest of some length before being called to do whatever they were going to do next.