Elbren dismounted Erelas, let the reins drape across the rail of the tavern, and walked up the few creaky steps to the tavern door. He could not read the name of the tavern, for the paint was faded and the wood creased and beaten by the rain and winds, but the message had been clear and the directions unquestionable: Erinhue said to meet him here, and here he was.

Stepping through the doorway, the darkness of the main room was nearly complete, even though it was midday and the sun was shining brightly. Elbren entered slowly as a few heads turned to observe him, none of them friendly it seemed, and then he searched for the familiar face of Erinhue. He didn't see him anywhere, which was a bit troubling, but then the tavern keeper came up and invited Elbren to take a table.

"Welcome! Welcome! We haven't seen an Elven Lord in this place in a VERY long time! Welcome indeed! What can I get you? Can we tend to your horse? What a magnificent mount!! I saw you ride up! He's a horse from Rohan, yes?"

Elbren sat down quietly, and said in a low voice, "Thank you for the welcome. I am looking for a friend, Erinue, do you know him?"

"Erinhue? Why, of course, everyone in Dol Amroth knows Erinhue the Warrior Bard!! You're to meet him you say? I haven't seen him in some time...perhaps he is delayed? Lots of trouble up in Gondor lately, some sort of Dark Lord business, or so the story goes."

"Yes," Elbren said, nodding, "I know the story well of the troubles in Gondor, but all is well now, I assure you. Please bring me some food and ale while I wait, and my horse will not need tending, not just yet. I will await my friend."

The congenial atmosphere put Elbren at ease as he listened to the idle talk of merchants and weary workman. The Gondorian counrtyside was settled comfortably into the day to day peace of normalcy and Elbren raised his glass in small salute to those who fell to make it so.

Elbren sensed a heightening change of mood in the room a moment before a rich baritone sang out, "Hail and Hiya to The Swan and Crown, bright blesings to you all." Almost every voice responded in singular greeting.

"Erinhue!"

The bard smacked backs and clasped hands all around as he made his way into the tavern. He had grown up in Dol Amorth. It was more his home than Minas Tirith and everybody knew him. Erinhue spotted Elbren waiting in the back and flashed him a grin of helpless apology.

"You owe me money,'Hue" a good natured creditor shouted. "Then, Bill, you'll never go broke." Erinhue laughed back. "I shouldn't even let you in here after what Aarak did to The Silver Grail" This half jesting comment came from the proprieter.

"And all their customer's came in here when they heard me and Agarak sing so it is you who owe me." Erinhjue said to the man. "I tell you what, ya show that self same thanks to Bill here and we'll all call everything even."

" I am sorry about that, Lord Elbren," Erinhue apologized when he finally reached the table, "but if I chat them up a bit when I first come in they'll leave me alone for longer. That sort of thing is great for a bard's business, but I wanted to talk to you about something important.

I am a bard by trade and the life suits my nature well. I also have earned a reputation as a warrior, you know, this from that old campaign, but that is not enough. I need your help to become a warrior."

The elf lord looked confused. "Indeed I have seen you on the battlefield, bard. You rescued those people from the bowels of Minas Morgul." Elbren allowed himself a small dry laugh."You need no help from me."

Erinhue sighed and accepted the mug of ale that a girl brought automatically to the table. "You would think that would be enough, but it isn't" The bard took a deep gulp of the pale but potent ale and continued.

"The man who calls me son is not impressed. He wanted me to join the Swan Knights. His son, my brother, well foster brother really, you know Beliran, is their captain and he always saw us riding together. That suits 'Ran just fine, but for one thing I could never stay in one place long and the life is too predictable. Eliran, the man who calls me son, doesn't see it that way.

The problem is that he has not been well and he has been old for quite a while. He says he wasted time training me because I am only a bard who can use a blade. That's because I was apprenticed as a bard, and even though he taught me to ride and use that blade just as he did 'Ran, he will never give me credit unless it is somehow legitamized that I am also a warrior. The way I see it, if I join the Guild and become a Mithril Knight a legitimate, title holding warrior then it might make him proud. I want to make the old man happy. Will you help me?"

Erihnue's voice had grown steadily quieter as he spoke. When he stopped he raised the mug to his lips and took a long slow swallow and wondered what Elbren would make of his odd request.

Elbren considered Erinhue's words as he folded his hands on the table before him.

"I understand your words," Elbren said carefully, "and I think that I understand your need. But know this, mellon, the Mithril Knights are more than just...a group of warriors who know how to properly wield a blade." Elbren's eyes closed for a moment, "They are much more than that...much more. Our origins are from the very distant past and our tale is woven into the joy and despairs of Middle Earth."

Elbren's eyes opened and he flashed a rare smile, "But I sense that your desire is sincere. We will rest here tonight, enjoy this fine place, for so rarely do I get to visit a room of such merriment, and then on the morrow, we will make for...our destination."

Erinhue nodded, sipping his ale again. There seemed to be something lingering and unsaid.

"Indeed, there is," Elbren replied quietly to Erinhue's unspoken question, "and this is what you will discover upon the road that we will take and even greater discoveries once we reach it. Or, so is my hope. So, let us enjoy tonight, shall we? I am very honoured that you are seeking the Guild and am even more so honoured that I will be the one to present you to the Guild when the time comes."

"Can you tell me anything about where we're going?" Erinhue asked.

"Yes, that I can," Elbren answered, "there is a Guild House North of here, near the sea, so we will make for it. Upon the way, tasks will be placed before us...moreso you than me. I will observe and make sure that nothing...nasty happens," another grin flashed, "and then when we reach the Guild House, I will make a report of what happened."

"Nasty, eh?"

"Aye," Elbren laughed.

Tired and dirty Samwise trotted up on his horse. He looked at the small peice of parchment that his friend Barad-dur had given him, and sure enough he was at the right tavern. Dismounting his horse he walked it over to the man in charge of the stable.

" Take good care of that horse, i just got him!" And with a wink he fliped a coin into the stable boys hand.

Pushing the huge oak door aside Sam stepped into the tavern, immediatly he was over whelmed with the smell of smoke and lust for a nice mug of ale. Siting down at the bar sipping his beer Sam enjoyed the surroundings. He saw many people, all of which he didn't know, but he pretended like he was god friends with them all. Sam looked in the corner to see two elven men sitting there, one was playing an instrument. Without realizeing it Sam suddenly knew the name of these two fair men, almost like it was sent to him. He knew the one to be a bard, a rather happy bard. And the other was the leader of the guild he wished to join. Walking up to their talble Sam introduced himself.

" Hello sirs, my name is Samwise. I'm from the shire, but i'm not a hobbit. I believe i was supposed to meet you gentlmen here, would you mind if a sat down?"

Elbren glanced up to see the newcomer standing eagerly at their tableside.

"You are Barad-dur's protege, yes?" Elbren asked quietly, studying Samwise's face.

"I am," came the reply.

"Then sit and we will await his arrival together, let me see the message that he sent to you," Elbren gestured for Sam to be seated.

Taking the parchment, Elbren read it carefully, then folded it and handed it back to Samwise.

"We will set out in the morning for the Guild House. I do not think that the Black Knight will join us here, but may do so once we begin our journey. In the meantime, I will make sure that you are properly armed and supplied for the journey. Get some rest and we will leave at dawn."

Elbren then stood up and bid his companions good night.

Just as the three men were rising from their seats to walk to their rooms for the evening, the inn door swung open one more time. There, standing framed in the doorway by the pale moonlight, was the Dark Knight.

His steely gaze swept the across the commons room, the expressionless face taking in all of those gathered there. His eyes settled at once upon the two elves and young man who had paused to regard the newcomer. The Dark Knight recognized two of them: one was Elbren, his esteemed Guild Leader, and the human was Samwise, the eager and bright young man whom he had chosen to sponsor as his Squire. He did not know the third individual, a travel-worn looking elf.

A slow and cryptic smile made its way onto the Dark Knight's lips as he strode slowly across the tavern room, the clinking of metal armor and weapons ringing loudly in the suddenly quiet air. There was a vague hint of menace and undefinable danger about this fey elf in black armor, and the occupants of the tavern gave him a wide berth, more than half of them sensing a confrontation.

The tavernkeeper breathed a silent sigh of relief when the Dark Knight stopped before Elbren, crisply saluted him, and then embraced him amiably, a genuine grin upon his lips.

"Hail and well met, my Lord and friend. It has been some time," Barad-dur said, turning to regard the second man. "I see here our young Samwise, my promising new Squire. How fare thee? I trust your journey here was safe and unenventful?"

Elbren was surprised, but very pleasantly so, to see the Dark Knight that evening. He knew that the Dark Knight had been away on a Guild errand and was not sure if he could meet them in Dol Amroth or have to find them on the road North.

"Tis good to see you, brother," Elbren greeted, "sit, please meet Erinhue of Belfalas. He wishes to pursue Initiation within the Guild and I will be his sponsor."

The Dark Knight nodded at Erinhue then reached around, grabbed an empty chair from a nearby table, and dragged it over.

"I would like to spend the night at the Guild House in Dol Amroth," Elbren continued once the Dark Knight had taken a seat, "get the proper gear and see how the roads are between here and the Initiation House."

"Aye," is all the Dark Knight said as the tavernkeeper came back.

"Err...something to eat, M'lords?" he stammered, still uneasy with the Dark Knight's presence.

"No, but we thank you for your hospitality," Elbren handed the man a generous helping of Gondorian silver, "and we will be on our way."

The four men rode more deeply into the city of Dol Amroth as the sun began to set in the Western sea.

"I did not know there was a Guild House in Dol Amroth," Erinhue said quietly.

"You will learn the location of all the Guild Houses," Elbren replied easily, riding comfortably upon the back of his mearas stallion, Erelas, a gift from King Eomer, "and much more. We also have Safe Houses across Middle Earth and you will learn the proper phrases to open those doors of hospitality and safety as well...in good time, of course." Elbren's face had become fixed and expressionless, as if his mind were far away. "Here we are."

The Guild House was lodged in the far Southern quadrant of Dol Amroth, between an herb merchant and a blacksmith shop. Elbren rode up to the door and dismounted.

"It looks quite unremarkable...and most importantly, unrecognizable," Elbren commented as the others joined him in front of the heavy, wooden door, "but look closely here...and here." He pointed to the corners of the doorway.

It was difficult to see without knowing they were there, but as Elbren pointed, clear runes could be seen carved into the doorway, on each of the frames.

"What do they say?" Sam asked.

Elbren and the Dark Knight exchanged glances, "In time...come, let us enter."

Elbren knocked upon the door and a small wooden panel slid open. Elbren whispered something very low and instantly the sound of a key being turned could be clearly heard. The door opened at once and Elbren found himself embraced by a tall, dark woman who was clad in brilliant Mithril mail.

Elbren stepped inside after returning the welcoming embrace and the others followed. The Mithril Knight Guild House in Dol Amroth was small, only two floors, but it contained, as did all Guild Houses, a library, an armory, a feasting Hall, and one room that always remained locked. Only Mithril Knights knew how to unlock the room and for what it was used. Of course, the Guild House also had a kitchen and resting rooms.

Elbren took off his cloak, hung it upon the wall near the door, and spoke greetings to the few Knights that were currently staying at the House. He did not introduce Erinhue and Sam to them, for now was not the time for that, but he was friendly and cordial ere he led his small band into the dining hall.

In the dining hall, just the four of them sat at the huge oak table as they were served roasted meats, fresh breads, fruits, and rich, red wine.

"After we eat, we will visit the armory where you can choose whatever gear you feel that you will need for the journey ahead," Elbren finally said, but something in the way that he said it echoed with deeper meaning.

He paused then, sipping more of his wine, studying the faces of Erinhue and Samwise, and then meeting the gaze of his Guild Brother, the Dark Knight.

"Perhaps before we do that, I will tell you a tale," he said, pushing back from the table, holding his wine goblet before him, staring at the silvery metal, the fire reflecting a golden resonance upon its surface. "I do not pretend to have the talents of my friend, Erinhue," Elbren smiled, "but perhaps you may find the tale...useful."

Elbren began to speak...

Orom‘ is a mighty lord. If he is less strong than Tulkas, he is more dreadful in anger; whereas Tulkas laughs ever, in sport or in war, and even in the face of Melkor he laughed in battles before the Elves were born. Orom‘ loved the lands of Middle-earth, and he left them unwillingly and came last to Valinor; and often of old he passed back east over the mountains and returned with his host to the hills and the plains. He is a hunter of monsters and fell beasts, and he delights in horses and in hounds; and all trees he loves, for which reason he is called Aldaron, and by the Sindar Tauron, the Lord of Forests. Nahar is the name of his horse, white in the sun, and shining silver at night. The Valar—ma is the name of his great horn, the sound of which is like the upgoing of the Sun in scarlet, or the sheer lightning cleaving the clouds. Above all the horns of his host it was heard in the woods that Yavanna brought forth in Valinor; for there Orom‘ would train his folk and his beasts for the pursuit of the evil creatures of Melkor.

But Orome would come to Middle Earth as well. He would wander the forests, thunder the plains upon the back of Nahar, blow his mighty horn and rock the mountains, and lead the hunt with his famous hounds.

Orome did...and does delight in the company of Man and Elf...he delights in the company of any hunter...any warrior. And it is of one such hunt that I will speak to you now.

It is called the Wild Hunt , and it takes place when the energy of the world is at its most powerful, when the Secret Fires are closest to our world and can burn us if we look too closely or for too long. Warriors of old would take up their weapons at sunset and they would pursue their prey until it was found; whether it took hours, days, or weeks. They would not sleep or eat until their prey was theirs...or so they were told to pursue their prey in this manner. The hunters would fast and prepare for the Wild Hunt, for this was the Hunt of Orome, and Tulkas Himself would also take part, and sometimes other Valar as well.

The key to the Hunt, though, mellyn, was that at some point, somehow, from some...mystery within...the hunters would become the hunted .

The hunters would find themselves praying for the dawn, for, at least for that night, the forest was not kind to them.

Some would find shelter and hide, dreading the dark and running for their lives when the first rays of dawn would touch their faces. Others would faint from fright and lay open and vulnerable, knowing nothing until the next day would dawn, and then they would know that they had failed.

But those that delighted in the chase, those that relished having the unknown occur and challenge them...those that, when the dawn finally came, found themselves breathless yet invigorated from the Hunt of Orome...these were taken and embraced by the great Hunter Himself. And they would feast, Tulkas and Orome, with these men and women, for seven days and nights after the Hunt, and call them Brother and Sister, bestow them with gifts and promise them favor.

Well, that is the tale. Perhaps, someday, it may be useful to you.

Elbren bid the Dark Knight and Sam a good night and then motioned for Erinhue to follow him. They left the dining hall, re-entered the main room where Elbren retrieved his cloak, and then up some stairs to the second floor. Elbren walked to the end of the hallway and opened the last door, taking a torch from the hallway as he stepped within the chamber.

There were three rooms: a small sitting room with a roaring fire, with a table and chairs of dark, rich wood, and then bedchambers leading off through doorways to the left and right. Elbren lit some candles and two lanterns and then placed the torch back in the hallway. Closing the door with a barely audible click, Elbren then sat near the fire and began to remove his boots.

"There's some wine on the shelf there, Erinhue, if you care for any," Elbren said, tossing his boots into the corner.

"I'm fine," Erinhue replied, moving to stand by the fireplace.

"You and...your friend," Elbren gestured towards Agarak, "may take the bedroom through there," he pointed to the left, "and in the morning, we'll take a look in the armory." Elbren studied Erinhue's clothing, taking note of his build, "I know that you're fond of your sword...Clarion, isn't it? Thought so...but, mellon, you are in need of better protection. If you prefer leather, then we can have some of the finest boiled leather crafted for you, or you could go with chain mail...you won't get Mithril equipment until after your Initiation, but we have some fine armor that you can indeed wear."

Elbren stood up then, "I'm going to retire for the night. I bid you good rest. We'll break our fast in here and then be on our way after the armory visit. We may be joined by Lady Idril and her protege, but I am still unsure of that. Nevertheless, the journey shall be remarkable...yes, remarkable indeed."

Elbren then walked to his room and closed the door.

Sam, after being brought into the guild house, was almost imediatly brought to his room. He had just enough time to see a few faces and get a general idea of what the house was like.

" Here's were you'll stay tonight," said Barad-dur with a impatiant sound to it ", i suggest that you get your sleep, for you'll need the rest. I'll be in later for i have other engagments to see to tonight. I wish you goodluck"

"Thanx you kindly sir, i'll leave the candle burning" said Sam as Barad-dur walked out of the door.

Sam removed his clothing and put on the robes upplied for him. He picked up his clothing to put away in a drawer, but stopped to examine them. He felt the rough material that was hand crafted at his childhood home by his mother. He lifted the material up to his nose to smell, and he got a nose full of dirt. He smelled it again but more softly, he could smell the flowers and grass of the shire. He could also smell the pipeweed he used to smoke. Standing there he thought about all the things he had done so far in his life. Not all good and not all bad, but now he was ready to comit himself this time. Placeing the clothing in the drawer and cleaning the dirt off his hands he slipped into bed. Surprizingly the bed was very comfortable, the mattress was filled with feathers and was made out of fine silk. The sheets were made out of the hide of an animal of which he wasn't sure, but it's fur was soft. Slowely Sam slipped off into a deep sleep.

Mirdain looked up at the tavern sign, knowing what waited within. Then he looked at his mentor, the Lady Idril, who would teach him the ways of the Mithril Knights. Wow, i can't believe we're here. I am a little nervous to be meeting Elbren. It's getting late. Do you think anyone would be mad if we entered at this hour?

Idril had sat for some time and had grown weary waiting for someone she had yet to meet. She had signaled the tavernkeeper to bring her a glass of water as she had a large thirst suddenly in the hot, stuffy room of the tavern. She had gotten here earlier than was planned for the meeting but obviously had missed Elbren. She was looking for someone she had never met before and only knew that he was an elf from LothLoriŽn, like herself. She hoped that she would know him, or him her.

Suddenly in walked a tall elf and she noticed that he carried a bow, unlike herself. She nodded to him in a general welcoming nod, not knowing if it was the one she waited or not. At a glance, she looked to be defenseless and she liked to keep it that way. Her long dark brown hair was tied back again but flowing out of the leather thong that she used to tie it with into the ponytail she was wearing. Its length was undetermined as it went down her back. She had on her Mithril Knights cloak over her other clothes, it looked to be an ordinary cloak to all but those in the guild. She was just taking a drink of water when the elf approached her table.

"Hail and well met. I wonder if you could help me. I am looking for someone that fits your description ... could you be Idril of LoriŽn?" said the elf to Idril.

"Hail and well met sir. I am the one you speak of yes. Take up a chair for a minute as you just arrived and your journey must have taken some time. We must leave shortly but I can see that you could use a rest first and some water. I hope to get going soon though."

"Some water would be nice, thank you. I am Mirdain from LoriŽn."

"It is nice to meet you sir." Idril said as she signaled the tavernkeeper for another glass and a pitcher of water. Mirdain was surprised to see that her hair flowed down and much of it was gathered on the top of her cloak.

She noticed that he was looking at her hair and she decided that to be ready to leave she should prepare it into a braid. She carefully untied it and pulled it around her shoulders and finger combed it smooth. Then deftly she seperated it and braided it into a very long, think braid and the carefully re-tied it tightly. Mirdain watched every movement and was amazed at the length! She let him sit and relax for a few moments as she finished her own glass.

"Hail Samwise of the Shire, a fair land as the few men who have

traveled there have found." The bard greeted the young man as he

joined them at the table. "I am Erinhue a man of this very city and no

less than what you se before you 'though perhaps a little more. If you

seel to join the Guild then we find ourselfes in like circumstance."

"Then hail to you, friend Erinhue," Samwise replied,"good fortune to

us both."

The three engaged in conversation the kind of talk you use to pass

the time. They spoke of the road and the weather and a particularly

buxom barmaid. The warm, congenial chatter in the tavern chilled to

a sudden hush announcing the arrival of the Dark Knight.

Impressive and imposing in both stature and bearing, Barad-Dur

spoke to no one and came directly to their table where he greeted

Sam and spoke to Elbren. Erinhue knew the Mordorian, as did

everyone else in this part of the world, by reputation.

The bard was, at first, wary of the dark soul occuping the seat beside

him, but Agarak, his dragonharp, made no sound and its eyes

remained cold hard and empty. Barad-Dur ignored him, but it was

more part of his nature than any intended insult. Erinhue flashed him

a congenial smile and acknowledged the non acknowledgement.

When they left the tavern, the bard found himself being led through

very familiar streets to an unfamiliar spot.

the herbist's shop was vaguly known to him but the doorway they

entered could just as well have been placed there ovenight, he had

never noticed it before.

As they wound their way into the depths of the Guild House Erinhue

remarked to Elbren "This is very like the the Bard Guild's songhouse,

The Splintered Chamberpot. There is only the one, but it has

entrances and exits in many different places and the size inside is

more than what it would seem from the outside."

Later, Erinhue listened to Elbren's story with great interest. "I have

heard of the Wild Hunt but I thought it mearly a cautionary tale. You

say such a thing exists and we might play witness ot it? I might be a

bit happier if we could hunt through the bars and taverns but even so

the song such an encounter would make would finance me from Bree

to Belfalas and back again. If that's the sort of nasty you were

talking about Elbren then I say bring it on."

Sam awoke to the smell of mushrooms cooking on the fire, eggs in the pan, tea steaming from the pot, and the all to familiar smell of pipeweed. The air was cool and damp like it was in all hobbit holes, his was larger than most though. At least large enough to comfortably fit a human. Throwing the sheets aside, rolling over, swinging his legs over the edge of the bed and lastly taking a deep breath of air he was ready for the morning. He was glad to be home, and then he opened his eye's. It all rushed back to him, like a gigantic wave crashing against his body. The smells disappeared, the room was dry, there was no food and he was back at the guild house. Everything seemed so dull but to his dismay he had dreamed about being in the shire. Taking a towel he wiped the swet from his face. It was then that he noticed that the room was being lit by the light of the morning sun, but he could not find the source or a window anywhere? Deciding it was an illusion he forgot about it. Opening the drawers he pulled out his clothes and proceded getting dressed. He could smell the scents of the shire in his clothing, but they were only as cruel reminder. It was only after a few secounds that he noticed that his clothes were no longer dirty. They were washed and fixed were buttons were missing, and it still had that old shire smell to it. This made sam rather happy, and he walked out into the common room refreshed both physically and mentally. He sat down at one of the table's saving a spot for the dark knight. There was a dish of fruit on the table so he decided to start breakfast before the rest. HE grabbed a big green apple and took a big bite out of it, causing a dripple of juice to roll down his chin. He giggled to himself and he was merry.

In the rest quarters of the Guildhouse, Erinhue b ade his mentor,

Elbren good night and wen to his own room. He smiled to himslef as

he stripped off his traveling clothes and removed his boots. Sleeping

in an honest bed was a treat to one who lived his life on the road.

He set the dragonharp, Agarak, on the small round table and sat in

the single straight backed chair gazing into the embers glowing

warmly in the room's tiny hearth. Watching the dying fire the bard

almost regretted not accepting the drink Elbren had offered.

The elf lord's talk of weapons and armor and his specific mention of

the sword, Clarion, by name had darkened his mood and made him

feel uneasy. An uncomfortable subject had been brought to the

forefront and Erinhue realized there was no use in trying to drink the

feeling away.

A three note chord sounded softly from the dragonharp's untouche

strings.

"I suppose," Erinhue sighed, "that I will have to tell them something,

well Elbren at least, my question is what and when. Beliran knows

him better than I do, but I've had no chance to speak with ''Ran.

There was a moment, when Elbren mentioned Clarion, for a moment I

got the feeling that he already knew.

Another, sharper, chord came from the harp.

"You're right, of course." Erinhue agreed. "To depend on that would

be dishonest as well as dishonorable. I will find a way to tell Elbren

about the berserker."

A plucked string sounded.

"Old worm, if I don't drink, neither do you, so liven up that fire and go

to sleep.'

Erinhue woke with the bright rays of the morning sun. The road worn garments he'd taken off the night before were cleaned and waiting, even his boots had a fresh shine.

Seekikng company as much as breakfast Erinhue dressed and wandered into the common room where he greeted the other early riser.

"Good Morrow and Bright Blessings to you, Samwise I see you've found something to break a morning fast. Have you seen either of our mentors around, I'd like to take Elbren up on an offer he made last night."

"Now, was that the offer of a drink...or of armor?" Elbren greeted to Erinhue, nodding hello to Sam as well.

The Elven Lord seemed to be in a jovial mood and joined them as they broke their fast.

"If it was of armor, then I will take you both to the armory and allow you to take a look at what we have," he gestured to himself, "when traveling, I prefer chain mail with pauldrons and knee bracers, but for battle, I will wear breastplate with full lower body armor."

A Mithril Knight, clad in chain mail and cloaked, came into the room and whispered something in Elbren's ear, to which he nodded and smiled, "Thank you, that is good news indeed!"

Turning to Sam and Erinhue, he relayed, "Lady Idril and her squire will be joining us for at least part of the journey to the Initiation House. But, come, I can see that you are both anxious to see what we have for you to explore."

Elbren stood and led them back through a long, narrow hallway and then took a sharp right turn which led to a heavy, wooden door. He did something with his hands and a loud CLICK was heard, and then the door slid aside noiselessly. Stepping inside, Elbren took a torch and motioned for the other two to follow.

"The wearing of Mithril armor or chain mail is a privilege of a Knight, and that will soon come to you, but for now, we have other fine pieces that you may like. We have boiled leather," Elbren pointed to leather jerkins, breeches, and bracers that were in a corner. The leather, upon closer inspection, had gorgeous engraving within it, looking to be sprinkled with some sort of silver dust, and though it looked stiff and hard, it was very giving and soft once touched.

"It will turn a blade," Elbren said, drawing out his dagger and plunging it into one of the jerkins. He pulled the dagger away and as the deep impression slowly unfolded back to its original shape, Erinhue and Sam could see that there had been no penetration through the leather. "It's not Mithril, but it is enchanted and it will turn many a blade ere it sheds your blood."

He then walked a few feet away and to the left, "You may also wear chain mail if you like. This was crafted at the Lonely Mountain and is made from the finest and hardest metals found in the North. It, too, will turn many a blade before it betrays your flesh."

Elbren gestured to coifs, gauntlets, boots, "Peruse at your leisure, gentlemen. Choose what fits you best and if you are in need of weapons, we have those as well. Axes, swords, daggers, bows...the finest that can be crafted, I assure you. If anything needs fitting to you, we can have that done at the smithy next door."

Elbren then made ready to leave, "Oh, and before you are finished, I would advise you to read the plaque on the wall over there." He pointed to a carving within the stone wall of the South.

"I'll see you back in the Common Room when you are done."

The Stone Carving reads as such:

The Oath of a Mithril Knight

1. Chivalry is a high code of honour which is of most ancient origin and must be lived by all who would be a Mithril Knight.

2. It must be keened that thoughts and intent put forth on this middle earth will wax strong in other worlds beyond, and return...bringing into creation, on this world, that which had been sent forth. Thus one should exercise discipline, for "as ye do plant, so shall ye harvest."

3. "This above all...to thine own self be true."

4. A Mithril Knights' word must have the validity of a signed and witnessed oath. Thus give thy word sparingly, but adhere to it like iron.

5. Refrain from speaking ill of others, for not all truths of the matter may be known.

6. Pass not unverified words about another, for hearsay is, in large part, a thing of falsehoods.

7. Be thou honest with others, and have them known that honesty is likewise expected from them.

8. The fury of the moment plays folly with the truth, to keep ones head is a virtue.

9. Contemplate always the consequences of thine acts upon others. Strive not to harm.

10. Dignity, a gracious manner and a good humor are much to be admired.

11. Courage and honour endure forever. Their echoes remain when the mountains have fallen and crumbled to dust.

12. Pledge friendship and fealty to those who so warrant. Strengthen those of the brethren and they shall strengthen thee.

13. Thou shalt not reveal the secrets of the Mithril Knights Guild or any secrets trusted to you by a fellow Guild member.

14. Have pride in thy self and seek perfection in body and in mind. For it is said "How cans't thou honour another, lest they honour thy self first?"

Sam blushed realizing his folly. He forgot about his fast, and he was so jolly that he hadn't a care in the world. Erinhue then also took a fruit and bit into it.

" I guess i started a trend !!" laughed Sam ", but what a good trend it is! I don't see how i could get through the day without some form of breakfast?"

Just then Elbren walked into the room. Seeing that the two squires had indulged themselves he figured he might as well too. They all sat for a minute and made merry talk. Then Elbren led them to the armoury.

Sam decided to take one of the jerkins. He had always loved anything that was enchanted. When he placed in upon his chest he could feel the leather turn solid like steel. But when he placed his figer against it it became maliable and soft. He also grabbed a small dagger which he placed in his boot. When it came to makeing choices Sam always like to pick in threes, so it made sence ofr him to take three things. He already felt like he took more than he deserved, but he knew he should take one more thing just to show how gratefull he was. Looking through a pile of discarded things Sam found a small leather cap. It actually matched his jerkin. So he placed it upon his head. It looked like a winter cap, and felt like it too. Or at least like it would keep your head warm in the cold. But it also felt like it would keep your head cool on a hot summer day.

" Perfect! " he exclaimed , " good luck searching Erinhue ! I'm sure you'll find something that was just meant for you. I did !! " With that Sam tipped his hat.

Upon leaving the room Sam looked over the Laws/rules of the guild. He thought they sounded very noble and fair, and he was sure he wouldn't have trouble following them. Thinking over to himself what he had just received, a jerkin, a dagger and a nice hat, he didn't need a sword for he already had one. Sam sat in a chair examining the dagger which he just chose. It was a very normal dagger, it had no gems or carvings. It's handle was made from some sort of wood, and it's blade was straight and sharp. All that a blade needed to be. Sam thought he heard something behind him so he turned his head. Towering right behind him was a man clad in black. Jumping from his chair and spinnig to see who it was Sam realized that it was only Barad-dur. Placeing the dagger back in his boot, Sam greeted the dark knight. Picking up a fruit from a near-by table he offered it to Barad-dur.

" It seems we're breaking our fast this mourning. Would you like to join us?"

Sam almost thought he could make out a smile in the face of the dark knight, but dismissed it as a nervous twitch...

Mirdain sat on the porch of the tavern, awaiting Idril, and lost in thought. He was dazzled by her appearance, and was amazed that he had only just begun to realize it. Mirdain began to abesnt-mindedly sharpen his dagger with a stone, looking out over the horizon.

Idril came out onto the porch of the tavern where Mirdain wait for her and she readied herself for their journey to the Guild House that Elbren had mentioned.

"Here is your water flask, re-filled of course. Let's mount and ride as we have a bit of a ride ahead of us. We ride North to the sea and I hope that we arrive in time to meet up with Lord Elbren. Come ... let us go."

She mounted Thalion her horse, and Mirdain mounted his own horse. They turned Northwards and headed out of town. They talked only a little as Idril set a hard pace so that they would arrive before Elbren and the Black Knight left. Being elves helped as they needed less sleep and they could 'rest' in the saddle during a days journey.

They covered the ground to the Guild House quickly and arrived just as the others were in the armoury of the Guild House. She had no trouble finding the house in Dol Amroth. The Guild House was lodged in the far Southern quadrant, between an herb merchant and a blacksmith shop. She made a mental note to visit the herb shop before they took their leave of the house.

"I know that this place looks quite unremarkable...and most importantly, unrecognizable, that is the point to our Guild House's but look closely here...and here." She pointed to the corners of the doorway showing the runes that were there to Mirdain.

"You will understand things more clearly once you are Knighted. Come let us enter in and get to know one another better before we continue further. I see that our riding hard has made us arrive before the others have left. Let us gather ourselves together and relax a little before we continue our journey."

As all this was said, Idril had knocked upon the door and a small wooden panel slid open. She whispered something very low and instantly the sound of a key being turned could be clearly heard. The door opened at once and the Knight found herself embraced by the same tall, dark woman that had welcomed Elbren and she was clad in brilliant Mithril mail. She also heard Elbren and the Dark Knight in the adjoining rooms. As they heard her arrival they came out to greet her and her squire Mirdain.

Elbren stepped up to her and embraced her in the custom of the Mithril Knights and the Black Knight and Idril returned his customary greeting. The Mithril Knight Guild House in Dol Amroth was small, only two floors, but it contained, as did all Guild Houses, a library, an armory, a feasting Hall, and one room that always remained locked. Only Mithril Knights knew how to unlock the room and for what it was used. Of course, the Guild House also had a kitchen and resting rooms.

Idril turned from her fellow Knights and introduced Mirdain to them. "This is Mirdain. We have had little time for talk as I wanted to hasten our way here to join you. We could use some refreshment and food. How goes our plans for our journey? Will you come to talk with us Elbren as we eat?"

Idril then took off her cloak, hung it upon the wall near the door, near the other Knights cloaks which hung there and spoke greetings to the few Knights. She worked her way into the dining hall.

In the dining hall, she sat with Mirdain and Elbren at the huge oak table as they were served fresh breads, fruits, cheeses and rich, red wine. She was hungry and ate and drank with vigor for a few moments. Then as she became satisfied, she began to tell Mirdain that they would visit the armory where he could choose whatever gear he felt that he would need for the journey ahead. Mirdain looked up at her with a look of confusion as he ate. So their journey was just beginning! He had thought that here would be where he would become initiated. He had been wrong.

"First Mirdain, let us speak and get to know one another better. You already know my name, and I yours. But we really know nothing of each other, other than we are from the same lands of LoriŽn. I am a warrior and have been for some time, developing my talents slowly and only as needed as I despise war but I fight when needed willing. I am also a healer and have developed my talents over many years and since an unneccessary death happened to a loved one. Now, please, tell me some more about yourself."

Idril sat back and relaxed with her fresh goblet of wine drinking deeply.

The Dark Knight smiled inwardly as he looked upon his nervous Squire. He could plainly see the respect and fear written in Sam's eyes and his lips twitched but he refrained from letting the human know how much this amused him.

He was glad that Sam knew of fear and respect. They were two things that could well keep someone alive, and away from the folly of arrogance and overconfidence. A single healthy dose of fear in one man was worth the bravery of ten blindly courageous but foolish men.

He clasped Sam's shoulder with one black gloved hand and felt a shudder pass through the young man's frame at the contact.

"Yes, Samwise. It would give me great pleasure for us to break fast together."

He paused at that moment as Idril entered the Guild House. He cordially greeted the other Knight and gave a slight nod to acknowledge her prospective Squire, one Mirdain. Turning to face Sam once again, he motioned to a seat at the table and then sat himself down. As he reached for a warm loaf of freshly-baked bread, he could feel the gaze of his Squire upon him. Unable to contain himself any longer, the Dark Knight graced him with one of his rare smiles.

"I'm sure you have many questions, young Sam, but be so kind as to satisfy my curiosity first. How is it that a human such as yourself hails from the Shire?

" Well, i don't think i've ever been asked that question before? And i don't know all to well myself! But i can tell you this. Not long after i was born my parents both died. I was told that their death was a mystery, and that they never returned from a trip to the forest. They had left me with my grandmother that day, and she too was in failing health. It so happened that a few hobbits were in the great city of Minas Tirith that day, and oddly my grandmother was good friends with them. She knew she didn't have much time left, and since i had no other family she asked the hobbits to adopt me. Thats pretty much it, i was raised in the shire for as long as i can remember. I only tell you this story now because it is what i was told as a child. I was raised by all the people of the shire so they named me after one of the most popular members, Samwise ! So noww the meaning of the name means - Son of All-. I hope you understand my story, for i still have trouble sometimes. "

Barad-dur only sat and watched Samwise. He could feel the cheary mood of earlier slipping away slowely. He didn't mind this, for he enjoyed it like this. But it disturbed him to see the look on the face of his squire. He could see how rough it had been on Sam to have grown up so far from his ancestors. Sam took a bit of bread, but feeling unsatisfied placed it back on his plate and slumped inot his chair.

" So, now you know more about me. So i see it only fair if you told me about yourself! If you wish not to discuss it infront of the others i understand. But in that case i would love to hear something more exciting !" A small smile appeared back on Sams face, and his faced seemed to glow in antisipation. It almost looked like he might jump out of his chair and start running around, but he didn't for he knew when to be polite.

Erinhue stood before the steel plate and read each chiseled line of the Guild Code. He scratched at his ear, a frown overtaking his expression, as he read further and further down. His eyes darted back up to the third article for a moment before he turned away.

The Guild Armory was a veritable treasure trove of weapons and armor of all and every kind. Falling back on his boyhood training, Erinhue made an assessment of how he would face the unknown and began to look over the contents of the room.

There were dozens of worthy swords in a single rack standing free from the wall to his left. Long swords and broad swords, single and double-edged, grim curved scimitars and sleek katana and more were there for him to chose.

The five foot Rune blade Clarion was the equal or better than them all and Erinhue would wield no other. He did pick out a razor edged long knife and a quarter sword with a blade catching hilt. A shield would only serve to get in the way and he was a terrible archer, so the blades completed his weapons selection

As boys, he had always been agile speed to Beliran's stalwart strength, Erinhue kept that in mind as he made his armor choices. A short search and a few comparisons found him a hauberk, a knee length, cowled tunic of steel links. When he sipped it on it proved to be so light that it was barely felt at all.

Elbren seemed to think that he would need some sort of armor and Erinhue conceded that the bard might indeed need some protection. Elbren was most likely saying far less than he might know about what lay ahead. The concession was now satisfied and Erinhue turned to leave the chamber.

Just as he was about to step back into the hallway, something sparkled in the corner of the room and caught his attention. It was the clasp on a hooded cloak made of some unidentifiable material that might be wool and might be suede and looked to be quite serviceable for all the needs a cloak might be asked to fill while out in the wild.

Erinhue took it down from its hook and slung it over his shoulder. Although it had appeared to be a different shade when he first saw it, the cloak now matched the stone gray of his shirt and trousers. Nodding at his imagined image, Erinhue left the armory chamber and went to wait for Elbren. It was time to exercise that Article 7.

Elbren was in the practice yard behind the Guild House observing while two Knights were sparring with practice swords. The two Knights were quite skilled and the match was well to even. Elbren was leaning against a tree casually, not yet dressed for the road, for he sensed that their business in Dol Amroth was not quite finished yet.

He turned to see Erinhue being directed out to the practice yard by Lady Idril and so he waved him over to join him. Elbren looked at the Bard's choices from the armoury and nodded his approval.

"Nice looking gear and cloak, mellon," Elbren greeted.

Erinhue smiled his thanks as Elbren gestured out towards the two sparring Knights.

"These two could go on all day...or for many days, they are so closely skilled," he commented. "I have often, thought, you know, that a warrior's true weapon of choice is that spirit that resides within."

The two Knights continued to give ground and gain it, now both of them sweating profusely, yet their breathing was even and their pace steady.

"They are wise in that they do not overexert themselves as they wait to see an opening in their opponent," Elbren continued, "they keep the drum within to a steady rhythm."

"What is the 'drum within'?" asked Erinhue.

"The heartbeat of the warrior spirit that resides within you," Elbren said, now turning to look at Erinhue, "that resides within us all. The spirit that awakens when we are threatened or when our blades are needed. Some believe, you know, that the warrior spirit is an energy that is very much a separate entity from the flesh and bone that houses it."

The thud of a falling body followed by a grunt of pain had both Elbren and Erinhue turn their eyes back to the sparring battle, where one of the Knights had fallen. Both Knights bowed to the other, the fallen one conceding the points that she had lost in her fall. Then, they took position and began again.

"My father believed, as did his, that it is the balance between the warrior spirit and the flesh that leads to what he called echor in our tongue. It means, 'encircling wall'," Elbren said. "But, come, enough philosophy for now, eh? You have something on your mind? I am curious to know your thoughts on my tale from last night, about the Wild Hunt."

'I thought that little story of yours might be some sort of test." Erinhue smiled in response to Elbren's inquiry. 'I think the tale tells us of how quickly the fortunes of life can turn and how we must be always ready to change with them. I'd also say that it is a warning to take care in choosing the things you pursue."

'I would welcome the experience," Erinhue laughed. " I live my life from one d day to the next and hold few expectations for the future. Such is the life of a bard and any bard knows a good tale is where you find it."

He looked at Elbren and the laughter went out of his eyes. 'There is something on my mind and when I read that stone plaque I knew I had to tell you right off. I will understand if you tell me to leave after you have heard me out."

Elbren said nothing. He knew something of the bard's battlefield reputation and had more than a suspicion of what the man was about to tell him, but he kept silent. He was pleased that Erinhue was addressing the issue with out any prompting, from the look on his face and the way the bard no longer looked him in the eye, Elbren could appreciate what the coming admission cost.

For a man who made his living with his words and wit, Erinhue was having a little trouble getting started and when he did his speech was filled with awkward pauses.

'Last night when you mentioned Clarion you referred to it as my sword and so it is but it is more, just as Agarak is much more than just the instrument I play. The sword has its own berserker's spirit and that spirit thirsts for blood. The harp, the sword and I are linked in ways I cannot explain because I do not myself fully understand.

The spirit of the sword is in tune with my own temper and I am possessed by it if the blade is drawn in anger. I generally do not speak of this, but any companions that might depend on me in battle have every right to know. When I am so possessed I recognize neither friend nor foe. The sword's spirit seeks blood with little interest in who sheds that blood. An ally might have as much to fear from me as any enemy on the field."

Elbren dipped his chin in a slight nod. 'Have you control over this spirit?"

'Not exactly." Erinhue's tone seemed to apologize. 'I can call the spirit up almost at will and have as much control over that as I have on my own temper, and I thank Illuvatar that I was born with an easy going nature. I can sense when the spirit is aroused and if I am paying attention I can, with effort, rein it in, but once the spirit of the sword has claimed me, I can do little to direct its actions. A simple thought or directive I am generally able to hold on to and I try to keep any friendly faces in the forefront of my mind, but I can give no guarantee of safety.

The sword sings when its spirit is awakened and that can serve as warning to be wary and on guard. I cannot stop it once it starts, although Beliran has been able to put an end to the possession by applying a heavy blow to the back of my head."

A shadow smile haunted his face when he saw Elbren's eyebrows rise. 'That is why I never wear armor. The berserker is invulnerable, or at least so I believe. No enemy has lived long enough to get close enough for me to test the assumption."

For a moment Erinhue stopped talking and simply waited. When Elbren did not speak, the bard sighed with disappointment and something else not so readily identified.

'I completely understand and in your place I might make the same decision. I will return these things to the armory and depart."

Elbren stood silently for a moment longer as the two sparring Knights finished, bowed, and then retreated back into the Guild House. They nodded to Erinhue and Elbren as they passed them.

"Well," Elbren finally said, "I am glad that you told me more about your sword, for I had heard of your deeds in Gondor during our battles there not long ago, and frankly, the tales fascinated me. Your sword, as you say, has clearly been endowed with the spirit of...something or someone. Someone fierce, I would guess, and someone angry. Still, fierceness and anger do not necessarily make one a villian, though they certainly can make one formidable."

Elbren put his hand easily on Erinhue's shoulder, looking him in the eye, "I'll make you a promise, Erinhue, for it is no accident that you seek the Mysteries of this Guild. Have you not thought, at some point in your life, that it is not only odd but perhaps strangely coincidental that you have not only a magical harp that is possessed of a dragon spirit, but also a sword that is possessed by such a formidable warrior spirit?"

Erinhue did not reply, but instead his seemed to ponder the question with furrowed brow.

"But here is my promise, mellon, dare to seek this Berserker spirit, seek to know what it will reveal to you, and I will dare to trust our blades together in battle. If I have to, I'll learn Beliran's trick of bringing you back, eh?" Elbren grinned.

"I wouldn't even know how to begin such a search, M'lord," Erinhue replied with what sounded like real strain in his voice.

"Well, I don't know what you'll find, Erinhue, but I think I know how to help you begin the journey," Elbren motioned for them to walk back inside the Guild House, "my wife is here in Dol Amroth with our children for a short holiday. You may know her, I'm not sure, her name is Carnimiriel, and she possesses a jewel that can help her...see things within. Would you care to visit her and perhaps let her help you open your inner vision to this sword's spirit?"

"I would, thank you."

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

Elbren told Idril and the Dark Knight that he and Erinhue would be delaying their journey to the Initiation House for a day or so, and then they made their way on foot through Dol Amroth towards the sea side of the city. They passed through the marketplace where Elbren bought some sweets for his daughters and nephew and some fresh flowers for Miriel. Finally, as the roar of the crshing waves became plainly clear, Elbren turned down a wide, stone-paved street and then up to a two story house that overlooked the sea.

He entered the house, Erinhue following, but it took them a few minutes to locate Carnimiriel and the children, who were on the first floor terrace. The twins, Lorfindur and Rosmarien, were five, nearly six years old, and Elbren's nephew, dark-haired Galadhon, was ten. Elbren stood watching them a moment before they became aware of him, and Erinhue could see the pride and love that the Elven Lord had for his family.

It was Carnimiriel who felt him first, and she looked up from her book with a dazzling smile, waving to him. The twins then picked up on that something was happening and they quickly followed their mother's gaze. Squeals of delight soon filled the air as they ran to their father as he kneeled, nearly knocking him down with their kisses and hugs, and even moreso when he showed them the sweets that he had brought.

Galadhon, sitting opposite Miriel on another couch, was more withdrawn, especially with not knowing who the Man...or was he Half-Elf? standing beside his uncle.

Elbren finally disengaged himself from the tangle of small arms and legs, and the twins ran back to Galadhon to share their treasures from the market. Elbren stepped out onto the terrace.

"This is Erinhue, a friend of mine," Elbren said, "Erinhue, this is my nephew, Galadhon, my daughters Lorfindur and Rosmarien, and my wife, Carnimiriel."

Polite greetings were exchanged and then Elbren sat down near Carnimiriel, handing her the flowers that he had somehow managed to keep from being crushed in the hugs of the twins.

"Thank you," Miriel smiled.

"We'd like to speak to you about something," Elbren said to his wife, "if you have a moment."

"Of course," she said, then to the children, "why don't you three go inside and see if you can find that lizard that we saw earlier."

"Err, lizard?" Elbren asked as the three children went into the house.

"Yes, we saw a lizard earlier in the sitting room," Carnimiriel replied, trying not to giggle at the look of dismay on Elbren's face. He didn't really like lizards or snakes very much.

"Well, anyhow," Elbren gestured towards Erinhue, "my friend Erinhue is seeking membership into the Mithril Knight's Guild, under my direction. He has confided in me that he has a very unique sword; one that seems to possess a spirit all its own. We wondered if perhaps you could...use Runya somehow to help him connect to the spirit without actually evoking it."

"A sword with a spirit?" Carnimiriel's eyebrows raised.

"I suspect it is somehow akin in its making and perhaps nature to the swords of Eol and Turin," Elbren replied.

"Perhaps," Miriel said thoughtfully.

"I can leave you two alone to discuss it, if you like, and help the children find that lizard. I think that Erinhue and I will stay here tonight, and I don't fancy sleeping with a lizard loose in the house," Elbren mused.

Carnimiriel chuckled. She didn't share Elbren's feelings about lizards, though seeing even a relatively small spider commonly threw her into a panic, especially after her close encounter with Ungoliant.

"Sure, Elbren, go find that lizard. But don't kill it! Set it loose in the garden. They eat some of the more bothersome insects, you know."

After Elbren had departed, she smiled warmly at Erinhue, who had taken a seat on the couch opposite her. The last time she had seen him, he wouldn't recall because he had been wounded and unconscious. She had heard that he had recovered and was glad to see him looking so well.

"It is good to see you, Master Bard. I hope that perhaps after dinner, you would be kind enough to favor us with a song. I think the children would love it, especially Galadhon."

"You know you hardly have to ask." Erinhue replied with a twinkle in his eye. "I am almost always good for a song!"

"So tell me about this sword of yours." Miriel said, leaning towards him and listening intently as Erinhue told the tale of how it was found with him and what happened if its spirit was aroused. As she listened, she absently fiddled with Runya, the red jewel which hung on a thin chain of mithril around her neck. She had used the jewel often enough to look into the minds of her enemies, but had never tried something like contacting the spirit which apparently resided in Erinhue's sword, Clarion.

"Erinhue," she finally said, "I'm not sure whether I can do this or not. But may I have a look at the sword?"

"Certainly, M'lady." He replied, removing the sword in its scabbard from his belt and handing it to her.

"Has anyone been able to give you an idea of where it might have been forged?" She asked as she examined the scabbard and the hilt, trying to decide what was the best way to try this.

"Only that it was probably forged in Numenor," he replied, "though the runes on the blade itself are not in any form of Adunaic I know of."

Carnimiriel pulled the blade just a little bit from the scabbard and examined the sword itself. Looking at the runes didn't particularly help her, but as she ran her finger across them she closed her eyes and gently reached out with her mind to see if she sensed anything at all.

For a little while, she only felt the coolness of the metal against her fingers, but then she felt something strange, almost as if there was a pulse beating faintly inside her mind which was not her own. There was a presence there to be sure, but she sensed a strong wall around it which would not let her through no matter how she searched for an opening. She wanted to call to this presence somehow, but how does one address an angry, powerful spirit? Would this be dangerous for her or for Erinhue?

"O great and powerful one," she finally whispered against those walls, hoping that this presence heard her, "would you be so kind as to speak with us?"

In her mind, silence. She pushed gently, hesitantly, against the barrier she felt, but it was evident that whatever power resided here was greater than hers, even if she dared use all her strength, which she was not inclined to do and risk incurring its wrath.

"Great spirit..." She sent her thought out again, feeling rather foolish, "could you tell us what is the proper way to address you?"

She gasped aloud when she felt, rather than heard, the rumbling of a faint reply in her mind. The reply did not come in words, but rather a feeling. There was more than a hint of challenge in the tone of the answer. The closest way she could translate it into words would be "Who is 'us'?"

"What is it?" Erinhue said as he noticed the look of surprise on her face.

She opened her eyes and regarded him again. "It...answered me, in a manner of speaking. But you are really the one who should be speaking to it. There is only one way I can think of to do this."

"And what is that?" He asked with a raised eyebrow.

"With your permission, of course, I would use Runya to join my mind to yours so that you also receive whatever messages the presence sends to me, and can speak to it as well. Though I don't know how willing it may be to speak."

Erinhue nodded, but he looked vaguely uncomfortable with the idea.

"Don't worry, this is something I learned from Lady Galadriel. She used to do this to me all the time. I will be merely opening a channel for the thoughts you choose to send, not reading your mind."

He chuckled and blushed slightly. "I trust you, I've just never done anything like this before."

Carnimiriel grinned. She remembered feeling uncomfortable with that kind of contact at first until she and Galadriel communicated so much that way that it became second nature. It was a power which could be abused, of course, but she only did that with her enemies.

"Sit over here beside me and touch the sword as well. I am not sure if that will make a difference or not, but I suppose it couldn't hurt."

Erinhue moved to sit beside her and placed his hand on the sword a little further down the blade from hers. She reached out with her mind to touch his, making sure she felt his presence before she turned her attention again to the sword.

"Great one," she sent, knowing that her message was entering Erinhue's mind as well, "with me is the Warrior Bard Erinhue, whom I believe you know. My name is Carnimiriel, and I am only here to assist him. He would speak with you, if you are willing."

She, and Erinhue through his contact with her mind, felt the pulse they sensed from the presence quicken, and then finally they received an answer.

"Let him speak." The words echoed like a bass drum, and behind them was a sense of an anger so vast and all-encompassing that it made Carnimiriel shiver.

Miriel felt Erinhue startle slightly as that voice entered his mind. There was a long silence during which she wasn't sure why Erinhue did not attempt to communicate. Perhaps he was choosing his words carefully? But Erinhue was almost never at a loss for words. Then she foolishly realized that maybe he wasn't sure how.

"Erinhue!" She spoke directly into his mind. "Just send the thought to me."

"Like...this?" She felt his presence in her own mind.

"Yes! I will leave the rest to you now."

While she waited for Erinhue to communicate with the spirit of the sword, she felt a sense of apprehension, and hoped again that she wasn't putting either one of them into danger by trying this.

Mirdain reflected on Idril's question. Hmmm, just what am I? Well, i was born and raised in Lorien. My father had the most significant impact on my life. He tought all the skills for battle and survival and good many other things that i know. That is, with much help from the Lady Galadriel. I have fond memories of her. I do not dbout that without advice and guidance, my recklessness would have already gotten me. I left Lorien after my father was killed. I had several friends who journeyed with me at least part, but never all of the way. It's been a hard road. It's been a hard road, and i've been toughened by countless conflicts physical and emotional. The possessions that i cherish the most are this ash bow, which i received from my father, and the jewel around my neck which Galadriel gave me. It has some magic properties. I don't know much about my grandfather, except that he fought along side Gil-Galad in the Second Age. My great grandfather i know was a warrior in the first age. Is there anything else you wish to know?

Idril had sat back and listened to Mirdain as he spoke of his background. She nodded saying ...

"That is enough for starters. Are you done eating? Do you want some rest? We could rest awhile and then I will show you to the armoury where you will need to choose something for yourself for the journey ahead. We have time though until Lord Elbren returns." She knew that they would have time to relax a bit since Lord Elbren had delayed their travel plans by a day or so.

Samwise sat and waited for the Dark knight to answer his questions, but only found that his questions would not be answered. Silently walking away Samwise slipped outside, not sure if was going to be able to get back in or not. Either way it didn't matter to him. Evere since Samwise had left the great alliance of Mordor Barad-dur seemed cooder to him, but what should he expect. But still Sam knew that what he did was right, for he was joining a guild which didn't have any bias. HE left the alliance Mordor behind to move onto bigger and better things, and that didn't involve being part of any alliance. Samwise found a stone bench located in a small garden, sitting on the bench he could spy the moon throught the branches and leaves. A cool night wind blew throught the garden, lifting the white fuzzies into the air. A few of the fuzzies blew arcoss Sam's face, and the moon light reflected in his dark and black eye's. If anyone was there to see him the would have said that they saw a great wisdom in those eye's, but sadely only a few would see that side of Sam. Not too far from where Sam was siting a few twigs broke under the feet of two people moving towards him. Flipping over the back of the bench and rolling inot a nearby bush Sam hid himself. Then the two appeared. They were young, one male, one female, and the were obviously a couple. They both sat down at the bench, the young boy whispered something to the girl and she began to giggle flirtfully. Sam could see the passion and love in both of their eye's and he begane to cry as the two began to kiss. It was the most heartfelt, passionate and lustfull kiss Sam had ever saw or would see again. He longed to be the young man, to have someone to love, to have someone love him. And it was in that moment that he thought of the loveliest name he would ever imagine. He pulled his unnamed sword from his belt and he looked it over from tip to shaft. It reflected no light and it looked battered and blunt. He remembered the days and weeks he spent with his adopted uncle learning the craft of swordmaking, and how gleeful he felt when he finally finished his first sword. HE thought of the many battles he had had with this blade and how clumsy and ackward it had always felt when he used it.

" Jaalirm ," Sam whisperd to his sword ", yes, Jaalirm will be your name"

Ever so slightly the sword started to reflect the soft moonlight, and it'd looked beautiful. If you were to mention the fact that the sword was changing to Samwise, he only would have said it had always been like that. The blade soon looked as if it was newely crafted, and it's defects and dents were as if they never were. Sam crawled away from the bush and into an open glade in the garden. He began to practise with his sword and he looked as if he had always used the blade like it was. No longer having the heavy ackward feel to it Samwise could use the blade with ease. His sword skills seemed to greatly improve in those short minutes. Replacing his sword to it's previous possition in his belt, Sam spread out on the ground. He felt at peace with himslef for the first time in a long while, he forgot the way he was humiliated earlier by Barad-dur. HE felt the safest at that moment than he would ever in a long time to come. He would rest here tonight and return to the guild house tommorow. Hopefully someone would be there to grant him entrence. It was just as he was closeing his eye's that another person entered the glade with Samwise. But being half asleep he barely noticed it...

Elbren and the children found the lizard a short time later, and amongst many squeals of laughter from the twins, chuckles from Galadhon, and expressions of distaste from Elbren, the lizard was finally released, as Carnimiriel had asked, into the garden. Elbren still wasn't too terribly happy about that, but if the lizard could eat a few pesky bugs, so be it. He would simply check the bed and covers closely before he fell asleep.

Since Miriel and Erinhue were still busy discussing his sword on the terrace, Elbren then directed the children to help him begin preparations for lunch. The kitchen was soon in a glorious mess as they prepared fruits and cold meats on platters and then managed to get flour everywhere in an attempt to make some fresh bread. It was in this state that the messenger arrived from the Guild House. Elbren took the parchment and read it, frowning a bit, and then sent his reply back:

Please inform Master Samwise that the Dark Knight is delayed on Guild business once again. Erinhue and I will be setting out for the Initiation House on the morrow, he will be joining us in our travels and the Dark Knight will catch up as soon as he can. In the meantime, please give Master Samwise directions to my house here in Dol Amroth and ask him to join us for dinner.

Elbren then also sent a message to Lady Idril, We will leave in the morning for the Initiation House. Please join Erinhue, my family, and Master Samwise for dinner at my house here in Dol Amroth if you would like, and please bring Mirdain.

The messages were then sent back to Sam and Lady Idril...

The glorious Dol Amroth afternoon vanished in an eye blink of time. Instead of being seated in the terrace garden, Carnimiriel found herself standing within a pillar of raging flame. She took a startled step backward before she noticed that there was no heat to the fire. When she stepped back, she nearly bumped into Erinhue. Her eyes widened when she looked behind him, up over his shoulder.

Snaking high up into the column of fire stood an immense, winged dragon with thick scales in various greens and jewel like flame red eyes. Carnimiriel realized that this was Agarak, the dragon spirit of the harp. From above, the creature's angular head turned and lowered as if to get a better look at her.

I see you are here also Runya. It is long since I last saw you, We thank you for you aid, but I must ask that you now be still

When the great creature turned away, dismissing both the stone and her, Carnimiriel knew that whatever happened next she could not interfere with what would come.

I have had plenty to eat, thanks to you Lady Idril. I think i will rest, for a short time at least. And yes i think looking at the armory would be a good idea. I need a better sword at least than the one i have.

With that, Mirdain went off to bed for a nap.

As Mirdain slept, Idril had wandered the hallways of the house and looked at the armoury. There was much here to look at as the halls were adorned with many pictures of old battles. The place was clean and polished and held many secrets that the squires would know someday. The Library was filled with books to read and she went in to pick one. But as she came out, empty handed, she decided a stroll in the garden would be nice. She walked out into a moonlit night and she saw Samwise out there practicing with his sword. She stood watching him for a moment and then someone spoke her name ...

'M'lady ... there has arrived a message for you and another for Master Samwise but he cannot be found. They are sealed with Lord Elbren's seal.'

"Let me have them. I know where Master Samwise is at, I will see that he gets his."

'Thank you'

Idril opened her invitation from Lord Elbren and being an elf, could read that they were all invited for dinner at his home. She figured that she had best deliver Samwise's note, as his must be similar. She slowly made her way towards where Samwise was practicing, hoping that she did not startle (sp) him. She walked up and carefully said,

"Squire Samwise sir, it is I, Idril. I have a message from Lord Elbren for you." Samwise turned and putting down his sword he smiled at her.

'Lady Idril it is good to see you. I have been out here for sometime practicing. Night comes on so early these days.'

"Yes they seem too. Here is your note." She hands the note over to him but he needs more light to read it. He says something about that and heads towards the Guild House.

She follows him saying ... "If I may, I also received a notice and believe that yours is along the same line. Mine asks me to bring you and Squire Mirdain to Lord Elbren's house this evening for dinner. I believe that yours is similar."

'Oh that sounds wonderful. I will read mine once I reach the light to be sure of that. I had wondered where Lord Elbren had left too. I was a bit preoccupied when he left.'

She remembered that Barad-dur was a bit out of sorts when he had met earlier with them. He was an imposing figure and at times, it bothered her. She was glad that they were Mithril Knights together, sworn to the same oath.

"I noticed that you were nervous around Barad-dur. He even scared me at first. But remember this. He took you to squire so he must have some admiration for you. And something that I have learned is that he admires courage above all things. Stand firm when around him and respect him as he teaches you. You will learn many things from him. And you might even become friends. And know that his lessons will be difficult ones but you will be the better for them. Now let's make ready for dinner."

Idril went into the house and had a servant wake Mirdain, giving him the information needed to explain their evening plans. She had some horses readied for their short journey. And she let the staff know that they would be dining at Lord Elbren's that evening. She then went to make herself ready, changing into a nice dress and loosening her hair, braiding the crown with small braids and then gathering it all in a long, loose ponytail. It looked nice with the gown she had chosen. She met the squire's downstairs a few moments later and noticed Mirdain was still a bit sleepy looking.

"I had our horses readied for us, but we should don our cloaks and be off. Lord Elbren and Lady Carnimiriel are waiting for us." She reached for hers by the door where it hung.

The trip to Lord Elbren's abode was not especially long. Lady Idril did not want to dirty her dress hence riding to the house. She was unsure of meeting Lord Elbren's wife as she had never met her nor heard that much about her. She was excited to meet her and so she had dressed for the occasion. She so rarely had the opportunity to dress up that she took this one. The house was full of light and the joyous sounds of children as they road up and dismounted a few minutes later.

Erinhue watched the garden scene into the landscape of fire that was known but not familiar to him. The dragon spirit of the harp towered over him speaking words he could not hear to someone he could not see. A moment's thought told him it must be Carnimiriel.

Agarak had turned his great head towards the bard.

'Old worm," Erinhue said, 'I want to speak with Clarion."

'And risk awakening its spirit?"

'Yes, I think now that I must. I cannot communicate with the sword as I can with you and I need to. Elbren brought me here to his own wife so I could try and do that so I say it must be time."

Agarak snorted twin jets of flame from it is flared nostrils along with a noise that sounded like a chuckle."

'It might well and all be the time, bard, but you'll not get much speaking to the sword. It is naught but adamantium and silver melted and shaped in the Great Forge of Numenor many an age ago. You wish to speak with Natheron, the spirit bound to the blade. To do that, you must call it up."

That was a most alarming thought.

'Agarak, Elbren brought me to his house." A note of horror entered the bard's talented voice. 'The children! His children are in that house. I can't call up the berserker here, I'd kill them all."

The dragon snorted a different sound nd spoke with the cool indifference of its kind.

'Runya is here and will be safe with us. If she remains steadfast, you will remain here and all will be well. Should she fail or her will falter than the spirit shall be loosed."

Carnimiriel caught her breath as she realized what she would have to do, at least if she understood Agarak correctly. She was accustomed to using Runya to send thoughts of calm and restraint, but could she calm the berserker spirit?

"Elbren!" She sent her thoughts out to him, hoping that her voice reached his mind. "If you hear anything odd at all from the terrace, I want you to take the children and get out of the house immediately. Don't worry about me, I will be safe."

Of course she had no idea whether or not she would be safe. But she was in this now, and planned to see it through. She knew that in this dream landscape which she inhabited with Erinhue, though it seemed he could not see her, and Agarak, there would soon be another, though she could not guess what form he might take.

Gathering her will and bracing herself, drawing on as much energy from Runya as she dared, she spoke once more in Erinhue's mind, saying, "I am ready. Call him."

Erinhue turned towards the sound of Carnimiriel's words. He could not see her but he heard the strain and tension in her voice. There was also an underlying fear, one deeper than her concern for her children. That Erinhue well understood it touched him each time he called up the berserker spirit of the sword.

Clearing his mind, Erinhue began the ritual of dredging up the time his apprenticeship. Instead of building up a litany of past abuse, Daedal us' face sprang to his minds eye, and with it came the rage.

It began as a drumbeat pounding in his ears, its faint pulse steadily growing louder until the sound of it was like thunder, driving out all rational thought. A burning knot in his belly began to unwind and spread, a fever creeping into his blood, seeping into every vein until it raged throughout his body.

The stifling heat of his rising temper had hi panting, his limbs trembling with the effort to contain the boiling emotion. His vision began to cloud with a bloody fog that thickened until he was blinded by a veil of red anger completely claiming his spirit.

Carnimiriel clutched Runya tighter as e rage consuming Erinhue reached out for her. She stepped back, recoiling from the sheer heat of it, but she thought of her children. To falter meant their lives. The thought freshened her resolve and she drew strength fro the images of their shining sweet faces she held before her.

Erinhue was shaking violently now and he began to growl deep in his throat. His left hand fought against him in its effort to reach the hilt of the sword. Clarion was not strapped to his back and the one thought Erinhue held on to in the one clear corner of his mind was not to call it to him.

Frustrated by the inability to make contact with the sword, Erinhue threw back his head and howled like a predator at the kill. The thunderous explosion of sound hit the fiery column like a hurricane wind sending off shoot flames licking about in a whirlwind column of its own. This new pillar was darker, denser than the first and a roar of raging malice came from deep within its flames.

The huge whirling fire tornado sprang up from the gathering flame. Carnimiriel caught a last glimpse of Erinhue as the funnel of flame encircled and then engulfed him. The last she felt of him were fragments of shock and pain and a strangled promise not to call the sword, and then the bard was gone.

Screaming fury roared free and beat the flame into a red-hot inferno. Carnimiriel drew closer to Agarak. The dragon's cool green flame remained constant and cool in the face of anger's blistering heat.

Deep in the violent kaleidoscope of fire an image coalesced, outlined within the heart of the flaming pillar. It was gigantic larger even than Agarak. It stood upright like a man and had a human head torso and arms but it stood on the legs and hindquarters of a ram with great bullhorns sprouting from its head.

The huge pointed horns scraped at the flames as the being looked about and settled upon the green flaming dragon. A voice like the deep underground booming of a drum sounded inquiry.

'Has Illuvatar forgiven me?"

'Not yet." Agarak replied as if so great a matter were of no consequence. 'This is the one who wields the sword, Clarion."

Silence.

'You cannot kill him like all the others' the dragon continued, 'This one is the way by which you might redeem yourself."

'And who is he to wield the sword?" the booming demanded.

'He is Illuvatar's own. I am witness to the fact."

There was a longer silence.

Agarak snorted an annoyed puff of black smoke.

'He is worthy of you and better than he knows. He will prove it to you both."

An angry wordless booming began, increasing in its implied threat with every throbbing pulse. Carnimiriel shuddered. She could feel the violent raging power gnawing at the protective green pillar and once again she feared.

Agarak allowed it to continue momentarily as the being restated its ages old grievance yet again. When the dragon felt Carnimiriel shrink closer to him it spat a huge globe of fire into the raging, booming flame.

Carnimiriel heard the dragon's voice a final time.

'He is right to choose this path. Tell him to have a companion touch the runes and put their reflection on the blade and it will not seek that one's blood."

The dragon lowered its pointed snout very close to her and she could see into its jeweled red eye.

'Runya, you can see much and yet choose not to look, and that is well. Tell him what I said and only that. What he has not learned already, he will, and that also is well."

In an eye blink of time Carnimiriel found herself back on her garden bench, a bit dizzy and extremely thirsty. On the ground at her feet, Erinhue was just stirring back to consciousness.

The dragonharp and the runesword were nowhere in evidence.

The children smiled at Mirdain as he followed Lady Idril through the house, and he smiled. The atmosphere was so warm that he felt like making music, something he had not felt like in some time. Hmmm, perhaps my burdens could be lifted here.

Mirdain was directed to a table by a servant of the house, who then took his bow, short sword, and cloak. He still saw no sign of Lord Elbren or Lady Carnimiriel, that he knew of.

Samwise followed lady Idril and her squire to the honourable house of Elbren. The air was warm and humid, and it left the back of Sam's neck moist. Through-out the trip to Elbrens house Sam was constantly wiping his forehead and neck. Upon reaching the house, Sam tied up his horse on the fence and walked across the green grass. He had the sudden urge to take his shoes of and leap through the lawn like a child. One to always follow his instincts and urges he took his shoes off. But at the expense of not looking like a total idiot he kept a calm walk. A pulsing red light caught his attention from the corner of his eye. He turned to look but he couldn't see it anymore. Then he thought he heard a scream sail across the sky. It was the most bloodcurtling bone chilling sound Sam had ever heard, even though he only heard it in his mind. From the looks of it the others had senced it too, but obviously not as much as Sam.

Reaching the front door Sam hesitated as Idril walked right into the house. Standing at the door way a few seconds he finally followed the guild member. At first glance the house looked rather ordinary, but looking at everything longer and with more concintration Sam noticed that the house had a certain beauty and splender. The frames of all the doors ands windows were carved with wonderfulk runes and intricut carvings. The floor was as magestic as marble, but it looked like wood, but still it was as soft as a rug. Although there was only a single candle lighting the room, the room was as bright as mid day on a cloudless summer day. Sam sat himself in one of the chairs at the table, and he felt it shape to his body. Not sure where Elbren or his wife Carnimiriel was, Sam figured he'd wait a few minutes then seek them out. He could hear the voices of children laughing in the other room and it warmed his heart. It had been so long since he had been around children and he loved them. Looking out the window Sam watched a small lizard climb into the house from the garden. The lizard was chewing on something, probably a spider or some other bug. Removing himself from his chair he went to the window, placing his hand on the sil he let the lizard climb his arm. His eye's wandered out into the sky, which was slowely turning dark as night approached. Then he thought he saw the pulsinbg red light again, but he was distracted as someone came through the door...

Carnimiriel caught her breath, her mind still spinning from the experience that she and Erinhue had just been through. Noticing that Erinhue lay sprawled on the ground, she carefully helped him to the couch and poured a glass of water for both of them from a pitcher nearby.

"Are you well?" She finally asked him.

Erinhue hesitated, and then said, "I think so." He took the glass of water she offered him and drank greedily, then looked around as if he wished for a stronger drink.

"Well, I think you have an answer at least for now." Carnimiriel said as she watched the color return to his face. "Agarak said that if you have a companion touch the runes and put their reflection on the blade, it will not seek their blood."

"I am sure Elbren will be glad to hear that!" Erinhue said with a grin once her words had sunk in. I must tell him at once."

He stood and looked around, noticing that the harp and the sword were missing. Shrugging, he simply said, "They will be back." And walked back into the house.

Carnimiriel heard a voice she did not recognize and then suddenly realized that she had no idea how long she and Erinhue had been about their work with the sword. It was probably dinner time and they had guests! Elbren must have not wanted to disturb them and was quite likely himself busy in the kitchen.

Smoothing her pale golden hair back from her face and hoping that the simple green dress with embroidery of white niphredil that she wore was suitable for company, she smiled and went inside to welcome the guests. She recalled Elbren saying something about one or more of the guild members who would dine with them that night was from Lothlorien. The Golden Wood had been her home ever since her betrothal to Elbren and she wondered if this was someone she had met.

Elbren had received the message from Carnimiriel and knew that he should keep the children occupied while Erinhue and she worked with the spirit of the sword. So, he had taken them all to the beach for a few hours, let them swim and frolic in the waves, and then they had returned to the house to dress for dinner.

He had then bathed the twins and let them choose their own dresses to wear; of course, they chose their favorite pale yellow and blue dresses. Galadhon wore a tunic of green with grey breeches, but left his dark hair loose upon his shoulders.

It was then Elbren's turn to bathe and wash away the salt of the ocean. He then dressed in a midnight blue tunic and trousers, etched with silver stars on the collar and sleeves, and pulled his silver hair back into a ponytail. Calling the children, he walked down the stairs of the house and into the common room.

Each of Elbren's hands were occupied with the hand of one of his daughters as he greeted their guests.

"Lady Idril!" He exclaimed, delighted to see his friend, "welcome and good to see you! You remember Lorfindur and Rosmarien, don't you? And my nephew, Galadhon?"

The twins curtsied politely as Galadhon bowed and polite greetings were given and exchanged.

"This is my squire, Mirdain," Lady Idril said, gesturing to a handsome Elf who looked somewhat familiar to Elbren.

Shaking Mirdain's hand, Elbren smiled, "You are from Lothlorien, yes? I don't know that we've met, mellon, but your face is familiar to me. At any rate, welcome to my home here in Dol Amroth and congratulations on your Squireship with the Guild."

Elbren then introduced the girls and Galadhon to Mirdain as cool wine was served and the aroma of roasting meats began to seep into the room from the kitchen. It was then that Elbren saw Samwise in the corner of the room, sitting quietly away from the others.

"Welcome, Samwise, I hope that you are not too disappointed that the Dark Knight is again delayed? Such is the life, many times, of a Guild Knight," Elbren greeted as Sam stood and shook the offered hand, bowing slightly.

It was then that Carnimiriel and Erinhue entered the room, both looking slightly pale. Elbren wondered what had happened, but he knew that they would tell him in good time.

"Everyone, this is my wife, Lady Carnimiriel," Elbren said, walking over and taking Miriel's hand into his after gently kissing her cheek, hoping she would give him a sign that all was well, which she did with a squeeze of her own hand. "Miriel, you remember Lady Idril? My fellow Guild member? And this is Samwise, the squire of the Dark Knight, and this is Mirdain, who is from our home, and he is squired to Lady Idril."

More greetings were given as Elbren got a chalice of wine for Miriel and then a mug of ale for Erinhue. Carnimiriel was a wonderful hostess and did her best to make them all feel comfortable, despite her aura of fatigue. Standing next to Erinhue, Elbren nudged his friend, "So you two found something out?"

Erinhue nodded, "Yes, it's good news, very good news."

Elbren smiled, "Excellent, then it was worth the energy that I see you've both put forth?"

"Indeed," was all that Erinhue said, though Elbren trusted that they would speak later of the events.

The cook then sent word to Elbren that the dinner was ready and they company made their way into the formal dining room of the house and took their seats. The children would be dining with them, and though they were well mannered young ones, Elbren put them close to him and Miriel.

"Father," Lorfinder said once the first course of lobster bisque had been served, "what if I wanted to grow up and be a warrior?"

Elbren caught the quick glance from Carnimiriel to him, "Well," he said, "you must choose your own path, of course, but you are very young, Lor, and as long as you are happy, then I will support you and respect you in your chosen profession."

"I think that I would like to be a bard," this was from Galadhon, who was sitting near Erinhue, and though Elbren had somehow missed it, from the look on Galadhon's face, it was clear that the young Elf was much in awe of Erinhue.

"That would be lovely," Carnimiriel said to her nephew, reaching out and placing her hand on his small arm, "you have a lovely singing voice, Galadhon, and you can play the lyre, can you not?"

Galadhon blushed at the attention now drawn to him and only nodded in return, though his dark eyes kept returning to Erinhue.

"The path that one takes in life is not always so easily mapped or followed," Elbren said thoughtfully, sipping his wine, "and even once the path is taken, it seldom leads to our destination in a straight line."

"That almost sounds like the voice of gloom," Miriel laughed, "but it's not really the destination, is it, that really matters, but the journey you take in getting there?"

"Probably a little bit of both," Elbren smiled.

"Still, it would be nice to be able to know the future," said Rosmarien, who was almost always the deep thinker of the twins.

"Would it?" Elbren asked, studying his daughter's face, "would you really want to know the future, if you could, Rosmarien?"

Her face became thoughtful as she pondered this, for Rosmarien never gave a quick answer to anything, whereas Lorfindur had little to no patience for such things.

"If it would help me get to where I am going, then yes," Lorfindur announced soundly.

"But that's the question, isn't it, Lor? Would such knowledge help you?" Elbren grinned, but then looked at the Guild members around the table, as if to remind them that such matters were for their pondering as well.

The second course of seabass and crabcakes were then brought out and quieted the conversation for awhile...

Samwise turned around to see one of the most beautiful elven ladies he had ever seen in his life. Her eye's sparkled like the star's, her face glowed like the sun, her hair flowed like a river and she was so gracefull as she walked that it appeared that she floated across the room.

Sam could see the question in her eye's as she examined him. But he wasn't frightened by her gaze, but comforted.

" Uh...ummm... hello m'lady," Sam's words tumbled out of his mouth like a child's tower of blocks do when they are tipped over ", My name is Samwise, Samwise of the shire... i didn't mean to intrude but... you see i was invited here tonight for dinner and..."

Sam was cut off by the elven lady

" Ahhh, you must be one of which my husband has been talking about," said the lady, and her words sounded almost like music and bells ringing a song ", I'm Carnimiriel, the lady of the house. I also welcome you for supper, and do not worry about entering the house as you did. The doors are open to all of those of the guild. Perhaps we will be able to talk again later?"

" I would consider it an honour" said Sam, trying to sound as proud and graceful as possible.

He watched her as she left to check on the children, and he could tell that she had just gone through some kind of mental and physical strain. He thought that if she was this beautiful on a day like this he would love to see her on a good day. Sam remembered the lizard that he had in his hands and he looked down to see if it was alright. Surprisingly it had fallen asleep. Reaching out of the window he set the reptile on a large leaf in the garden. He then walked over to a basen in the corner to wash and dry his hands. After he cleaned himself up he took a seat at the table again

Ater a time, Mirdain leaned slightly across the table to speak to Elbren. This is fine food, indeed Elbren. And this house is amazing. I haven't been this comfortable in a long time, being on the road so much. My compliments. I only hope I can live up to yours, Lady Idril's, and everyone elses expectations. Tell me, where will be our first destination, once this little journey begins?

"I believe our journey has begun without our notice and I don't think it will lead any of us where we expected."

Erinhue used his fork to push the food around on his plate. For a rare time in his life, the bard had nothing else to say.

" Well i for one can't wait to start, or at least untill we officially start, " Sam muffled as he attempted to talk with a mouth full food ", i've always enjoyed the journey more than the destination. When ever you look back in your life you never think of where you go to? You think of how you got there !"

Sam reached across for the plate of biscuits but stopped himself realizing he was being rude. One of the children saw what Sam was thinking and politly passed him the plate.

"Oh, I often think of where I ended up!" Carnimiriel replied to Samwise with a soft chuckle. "But it usually amazes me, because is almost never where I thought I would find myself." She caught Elbren's eye as she said this and the two shared a knowing smile.

"Thank Eru for those crooked paths and the times when we end up on roads of which we had not dreamed. And for the pleasure of sometimes going slowly to your destination." She glanced at her daughter Lorfindur as she said this. Lorfindur was eating her crabcakes rather quickly. "Lest you miss something important on the journey."

Lorfindur did not take the hint, but Samwise apparently did, and began to chew his food more slowly.

Carnimiriel was more relaxed as the shock of her experience with Erinhue began to wear off. She was especially pleased that her twin daughters, Lorfindur with her mother's golden hair and Rosmarien with her father's silver, were behaving so well. Galadhon always behaved well, in fact sometimes too well for a boy his age. His quietness was understandable, of course, due to the death of both of his parents.

Miriel was also pleased to make the acquaintance of Idril and Mirdain. She thought she had probably seen both of them in Lothlorien and they talked pleasantly together of home. There was something about a jewel Mirdain wore which caught her eye, but dessert was soon brought out, a Dol Amroth specialty consisting of fruits soaked in an aromatic pear liqueur, and she thought no more of it.

As she sat thinking of where she had met Carnimiriel, she could only come up with the possibility that it was during her time in LoriŽn when the Lady Galadriel had spent some time with her. That seemed ages ago obviously.

She sat eating her dessert, relishing the flavours of the fruits in the pear sauce. She sat fairly quiet, listening and taking in all that was being said and enjoying the children's additions to the conversation. She missed children and Elbren and Carnimiriel's were the closest children that she knew. On another journey when she had met the children, she had played with them as one of their own, enjoying all that they did and said. She had left before Carnimiriel had returned so she had missed meeting her that time. She hoped that she would be able to come back and just hang out with the children. Maybe she would be able to give Elbren and Carnimiriel a vacation and stay with the children while they went somewhere for a night or two. She would make that offer to them soon.

"Lord Elbren, when are we to leave on the morrow? Sun up?" She looked at Carnimiriel as if to say 'I'm sorry' and then she turned her attentions back to Elbren and the group.

'Yes I think that it is best we leave early.' replied Elbren to much commotion from the children. He shushed them gently and then said that he wouldn't be gone that long.

Idril sat quietly feeling like she had really opened a can of worms or let a cat out of the bag, as she sensed the kids were not aware of their father's upcoming adventure.

"We won't be gone that long," Elbren told his children as he tucked them into bed, "and when I return, we will be off to Mirkwood for a Boar Hunt that King Thranduil is hosting."

"A boar hunt? Borrrrrrring!!!" Lorfindur frowned, not satisfied with her father's words.

"There will be much to do and you will love the Halls of Thranduil, very lovely place, very woodsy and natural," Elbren smiled, pulling up the covers to Lor's chin and ruffling her hair.

"It sounds like fun," Rosmarien yawned, turning over and closing her eyes.

Elbren put out the candles and left them to their dreams. He returned to the company downstairs who were having a last drink on the terrace overlooking the ocean.

"We shall leave at dawn tomorrow," Elbren announced, "and make our way North to the Guild House by the sea. We shall see what we find on our way."

The conversation was beginning to wane and Lady Idril was making ready to depart for the Dol Amroth Guild House when Elbren felt a gentle tug on his sleeve. Looking down, he saw Galadhon.

"Uncle Elbren," Galadhon whispered.

"Yes?" Elbren replied, leaning down a bit.

"Do you think...maybe one day...umm...there is apprenticing, isn't there? And I'd like to be a Bard and Mister Erinhue is a bard, isn't he?" Galadhon's eyes were shining in anticipation.

"I will ask Erinhue while we are on our journey, Galadhon, I don't know if he takes apprentices, but I will certainly ask," Elbren promised.

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

Shortly thereafter, once the others had left for the Guild House and sleep for the night, Elbren checked his pack and gear, and then settled in for his own rest.

"How long will you be gone?" Carnimiriel asked sleepily, as she sat and brushed her hair.

"No longer than two weeks, I don't think," Elbren replied, crawling into bed and covering up. "I hope that lizard stays outdoors in the garden."

Miriel chuckled softly.

The Dark Knight roused himself at last from his brooding. Carefully, he rolled up the scroll and placed it back inside the tube within which it had been delivered to him not long ago. This matter required prompt attention and he had delayed long enough already.

He had watched Samwise walk out of the Hall some time ago, hurt written plainly on his boyish face at the Knight's impenetrable silence, and he deeply regretted having to treat the youth with such coldness, but he needed to know whether Samwise was above such emotions. Loyalty and trust were carefully earned, and with Barad-dur those commodities did not come cheaply.

There was something else of course... there was a very good chance the boy would not survive the coming trial, but the Dark Knight sensed enough about Samwise's courage to understand that he would not be left behind. His mind made up, Barad-dur got up from his seat and strode out of the Hall. Once outside, he took a look around the courtyard but did not spot Samwise. Asking of the Squire's whereabouts from a passing servant, Barad-dur thanked the man and walked purposefully towards the gatehouse and sent for a page. The boy arrived promptly, and bowed low before the imposing Knight in dark armour.

"Your bidding, M'lord?" he asked politely.

"Go to Guildmaster Elbren's abode and inquire within of the Squire Samwise. Inform the boy that I require his presence here at once, with all due haste," Barad-dur instructed.

Idril had decided that the time to leave was upon her and she asked the others to accompany her back to the Guild house. She thanked Lady Carnimiriel and Lord Elbren for their hospitality and gracious invite. She had thoroughly enjoyed the meal and the talks. Listening to the children and watching their innocent faces while the adults had discussed different things.

She donned her cloak and mounted Thalion and they were off heading towards the Guild house in no time. She was thinking of all the things that she should do yet this night before a light sleep. She had to ready her things and she would have the groom take care of the animals, checking to make sure that they were all healthy and shod. They didn't need a horse throwing a shoe or coming up lame on this journey. She spoke quietly to the others as they rode along.

"I will be readying my things tonight and gathering everything that I feel I need. I would suggest that you do the same Samwise and Mirdain. Also I know that Mirdain needs to go to the armoury yet, do you Samwise or have you visited there? If not, you are welcome to join us. We should do that first thing I think. I will have the groom take care of our animals and check over their feet. I will be up early and will take a good look again myself as is my habit. Last thing we need is a lame animal. Then after we visit the armoury, I will be packing as should you both." is all she said.

Suddenly there was an errand boy there saying something to her about Master Samwise and she directed him to him behind her. She was glad to hear that Barad-džr was back and awaiting them at the Guild House. Samwise told her of the note sent to him and said that he would just ride along with them. But she suggested that he should heed the note and ride ahead of them, making haste to the house. She told the errand boy to run ahead and show him the way. She wasn't sure what Barad-džr had in mind, but she wouldn't want another Knight to deter her squire if she had need of his prescence.

So Samwise took off and Mirdain and Idril continued on towards the Guild house arriving a few moments after Samwise.

Samwise was bewildered and overjoyed to hear from Barad-dur. He knew that his sponsor knight was in haste and that the matter was serious so he kept his joyfull mood inside. His face stayed stern but everyone could see how Sam's eye's glowed. It looked as if some of Barad-dur had rubbed off on the squire. Samwise wasted no time, and as soon as idril was finished he bolted off with his horse. Samwise had a good sence of direction and soon overtook his escort. The horse galloped through the empty quite streets as it was nightfall already. Soon the guild house came into view and Samwise slowed his pace. Jumping off his horse before it came to a complete stop Samwise quickly tied up his mount. Sam adjusted his leather cap and vest which he got from Elbrens armoury and made sure his sword was in plain view. Then Sam grabbed his old cloak out of his saddle bag and wrapped it around his shoulder. It was black with a green trim, it was worn out and torn in many places and gave Sam a hard, well traveled appearance. Now was the tricky part, trying to get inside. He had no idea how to open this door.

" What would be the harm in knocking? " Sam whipsered to himself

As he lifted his hand to knock on the door the door swung open. There standing in the room was Barad-dur with his face steady as a rock. In his hand was a scroll and the other he had a small pack.

"Come in and close the door, " Barad-dur said " we have much to discuss in a short period of time"

Sam quickly shut the door and followed Barad-dur...

The next morning, well before dawn, Elbren arose and prepared to leave. Erinhue joined him for a quick breakfast on the terrace by torchlight where little was said at first. The sounds of the ocean waves breaking upon the shore was clear in the darkness, and the sky was still full of silver stars.

"You will need to do something so we can be sure that you're safe...around me when the Berserker spirit comes upon me," Erinhue said.

"Oh? Alright then," Elbren replied.

Erinhue then explained what the sword's Spirit had told he and Carnimiriel. Elbren listened closely and then nodded.

"Aye then, we will do this ere we set out."

"Well," Erinhue muttered, "we can't just yet."

"Why is that?"

"The sword is...well...it's off for a bit but it will come back. It always does."

"Off? As in 'gone'?" Elbren asked, confused.

"Exactly," Erinhue smiled.

Carnimiriel got up and joined them for a bit and to see them off, but they left the children sleeping. With a promise of a prompt return, Elbren mounted his stallion, Erelas, a gift from King Eomer of Rohan, and Erinhue took his own mount. With a wave and a smile, the two were off through the streets of Dol Amroth.

When they reached the Guild House, Lady Idril and Mirdain were waiting on horseback for them.

"Morning!" Elbren called.

A few more items were gotten from the Guild House, Elbren took care of some very quick business, and then they were all on horseback again and heading out of the city. Not much was said, but as the sun began to rise and the birds began to sing a greeting to it, Elbren began to sing with them, and soon, Erinhue was adding his own harmonies.

It was a pleasant ride out of the city and along the North Searoad. They met few travelers at first, but as the morning grew longer, they met carriages, wagons, and others upon horseback. They passed a small village that was called Land's End, and it was just after that village that they saw a very strange site:

Two women, dressed very nobly, were standing beside the road, looking very distressed, even wringing their hands. Elbren pulled up beside them and dismounted.

"What is amiss, Ladies?" He asked.

"Oh, Sir, oh M'Lord! We are in a poor state indeed! Our father and brother have both been taken and are held captive in a manor house some half day's travel to the East," said one of them.

"Held captive by whom?" Elbren inquired as he motioned for the others to dismount.

"Held captive by two wicked women who would marry them, even though they do not wish this. They are forcing them to wed them in three days time! Then, they will kill them and become the Ladies of our Estate, and will leave us, my sister and I, homeless and poor."

"How do you know this is what they intend?" Elbren frowned.

"They are infamous for this, Sir, and alas, we can do nothing. Neither arms nor blade can harm them or their enchanted house. One must gain entry by them willingly granting it. Our father and brother can only go free if leave is given to them without coercion. We are lost!"

"Hmm," Elbren wondered, and then turned to his companions, "what say you? Shall we help these ladies or leave them to their fates?"

Mirdain sensed and opportunity to impress, and jumped at it. I have a way with women, or so my friends say, perhaps i could help.

He did not know in truth what he would do exactly, but to Mirdain, women in distress were not to be ingnored.

Idril was unsure of what she could do under these circumstances but she would do her best for the Ladies as Lord Elbren had asked to give them help. Being a warrior had not hardened her heart towards anyone in need of her help and that is partly the reason she had become a Mithril Knight.

"Lord Elbren, I will do what I can." she had said as she had dismounted and looked towards the women.

The Dark Knight gave Samwise a quick smile of approval as the young Squire came rushing through the gates, an eager and pleased look upon his jovial face.

"Come, Samwise... the longer we delay, the more lives are at risk."

The expression on Samwise's face fell somewhat when he realized the seriosness of the situation. He longed to ask Barad-dur what was going on, but he knew it would be of no use. The Dark Knight was a cryptic man and would reveal everything in his own time.

Barad-dur motioned for Samwise to follow as he walked towards the armoury. Once inside, the Dark Knight approached a section of the hall that displayed a black banner upon the wall. Beneath were arrayed several weapon racks containing a multitude of implements of war. Beneath the banner was a round shield made of steel, its black polished surface bearing no device. Removing it from the peg in the wall, the Dark Knight proffered the shield to Samwise.

"This shield bears the plain sable coat-of-arms, my symbol. It is similar to my own and bears a powerful enchantment of protection upon it. I bestow this gift upon you to bear with honour and pride in the field as my Squire."

Samwise reverently took the shield from the knight's hands, his gratitude having left him speechless. Before he could think to say something appropriate, he saw Barad-dur move over to one of the racks and lift a long and strong-looking horseman's lance from it. Hefting the heavy weapon with ease, Barad-dur fixed Samwise with a hard stare as he paused briefly, then tossed the lance in the Squire's direction. Startled, Samwise fumbled with the shield momentarily but managed to free one hand in time to catch the heavy lance before it clattered to the floor.

"I'm sorry that I'm going to have to ask you to grow up a little sooner than you expected, but life does not often grant us the opportunity to leisurely live by our own terms. Tell me Samwise... have you ever seen a Dragon?"

On the road out from Dol Amroth the travelers from the guildhouse stopped to listen to the plight of two well dressed ladies in obvious distress. Mirdain immediatly jumped from his horse to make an offer of assistance.

Wait a moment, Mirdain." Erinhue called to his fellow squire while signaling his horse, Treble to halt. 'If enchantment be involved than we will need more than brawn or blade to be of any real assistance."

The bard turned on one of his better smiles and beamed it warmly on the two fretful women.

'Now fair ladies if you would answer a question or two. I hesitate to ask the first," and here he slipped the women a knowing wink and a nod of his head, 'but we all know how a man's, ah, mind sometime tends to wander. Is it possible that your kinsmen have simply chosen to go and stay with these women?"

'I don't see why on earth they would want to do that." The younger of the two women snapped back in a challenging tone. The older woman smiled at Erinhue's attempt at putting his true question in delicate terms.

'They followed willingly enough, but I would not say that they chose to go. It is a part of the enchantment. To us they appeared to be monstrous hags but it is long said that these two have the power to cloak themselves in pleasing forms when they desire. That may have been enough to lure young Niles but my Hogarth would not have been so deceived and so we must conclude that these women have enchantments of greater power than simple disguise."

'I see that in your case age has brought you wisdom without withering your youthful beauty' Erinhue's words brought a blush to the older woman's cheek as she allowed herself to be charmed.

Turning to Elbren, Erinhue said, " I have heard of beings such as these gentle ladies here describe and they are right, there is no sword or blade that will prevail against them."

'Do you propose that we just leave these damsels here in their distress?" asked Mirdain with a touch of disbelieving outrage in his voice.

'Of course not," Erinhue replied, 'but to win out we will have to fight enchantment with enchantment." He smiled and jerked a thumb towards the place where the dragonharp rested, hooked onto the saddle. 'I just happen to have the very sort of enchantment to do the trick."

Elbren listened to the conversation between the ladies, Erinhue, and Mirdain with a knowing smile. As Erinhue pointed to Agarak, Elbren looked to Lady Idril and grinned.

"I believe this task is for you, Erinhue and Mirdain, and not for us. We shall be nearby if you need us," he said.

With that, Elbren motioned for Lady Idril to follow him and then turned Erelas aside and began to trot and then canter across the open field...

Idril agreed with Lord Elbren that there wasn't alot that she or he could do. So she turned Thalion and followed Elbren on Erelas as they rode off into a field together.

Mirdain glanced over at Erinhue. Where should we start? Then the younger of the two women spoke up. We will take you there, but please hurry. I just don't know what i'd do if my Niles goes for those nasty old hags!

Mirdain extended his hand and the young woman took it. He heaved her into the saddle behind him and noticed a twinkle in her eye, impressed by his strength. Erinhue did the same for the older of the two.

As they rode swiftly along to their destination, Mirdain moved close to Erinhue and said, I will take out any guards that surround this magical stronghold. Then it will be up to you to use that harp to deal with the old hags and I will be your cover. Then suddenly Mirdain remember something. Fair maidens, I don't believe we caught your names?

I'm Nimrodel and she is Elanor, replied the younger one. Please, we must make all haste, she pleaded. We will, don't worry we will, said Mirdain.

As he and Erinhue neared their destination, Mirdain noticed a an odd thing. A forest, if it could be called that, appeared seemingly out of nowhere, right out on the open grasslands at a juncture between two hills. We fear this place, whispered Elanor. I'm not sure we can pass.

Well, there is only one way to find out, said Mirdain, trying to sound as confident as possible. With a lot of convincing, his horse reluctantly entered the trees, Erinhue trailing due to the narrowness of the path through.

The trees enveloped them, cutting off almost all light. To Mirdain's dismay, the forest itself seemed alive, not just in the way one normally thinks of plants. Rather, it seemed that the forest was thinking, that it had eyes and watched the travelers.

Mirain hit his head on a branch he could've sworn hadn't been there before. The trees seemed to grow thicker, closer. Leaves rustled in a sudden gust of wind and Mirdain thought he heard whispers, voices. Nimrodel shrieked, and the horses neighed. Then Mirdain's crystal flared up suddenly immensely bright, startling everyone including him. Mirdain looked behind him and noticed the young girl was gone. He halted his horse and Erinhue did the same.

A branch shot out of the darkness and closed around Mirdain's neck, attempting to lift him away. He swiftly drew his short sword and cut it off, falling to the ground. More branches closed about him. This time the bright light of Mirdain's crystal shot up his arm, through his hand, and flame exploded all about. Branches were incinerated and some trees were badly seered. Cries of pain and rage arose from the forest. Still the trees came on. Branches wrapped about his waste and legs, lifting him off the ground once again.

Then abruptly, they stopped, dropping him to the ground and everything went silent again. Mirdain looked up from where he lay and saw that Erinhue was using his harp. Upon seeing the puzzled look in Mirdain's eyes, Erinhue said The spirits have been appeased. Let's leave quickly. This is only the first danger.

Nimrodel reappeared at that instant, stumbling out of the forest and back on to the path. She came up to Mirdain and nearly collapsed into his arms. What a horrible thing to happen, she cried. Upon checking her and being satisfied that she was alright, the party moved on, this time with Erinhue in the lead.

After a brief ride, they came out the other side of the mysterious forest and onto a large open field. Some two or three hundred yards straight ahead stood a large manor-house of sorts. Crows flew overhead. This could get ugly, whispered Mirdain.

As they found a nice place to rest, Idril and Elbren dismounted and set the horses to graze in the field. They set a fire and made some hot water for some tea and sat looking at the stars. Idril then spoke her thoughts to Elbren.

"How do you think that the squires will do? I am somewhat concerned for their safety and yet, I realize that they are capable men. I hope that they haven't taken on too much. I have a blend of tea here that will relax us."

As Idril got up to make them tea, Elbren sat watching her with a reflective look upon his face.

The fortified manor house was well defended its high walls and towers appeared to be heavily armed and guarded. The two women, a mother daughter pair named Lira and Lorraine, began to quake and wail in fear. It would be certain death for them all to even attempt to force a way in.

But we have come to rescue your men from the enchantment of this place." Mirdain spoke with an insistence underlying his reasonable tone. You must understand that we must enter if we are to do that."

'Oh nooo we are afraid to venture there." Both women cried ,'and we are afraid to wait her all alone to await your return."

'Ladies that would present us with a bit of a problem." Einhue said. He watched carfully as the younger woman's face brightened immediately.

'I think I know another way into the manor. We might be able to slip in under the wall and not be noticed."

'You speak of a tunnel perhaps?" Erinhue asked and got his aswer when Lorrain said' Why, yes. The town children use to play there back when we all thought the legends to be only stories for children. It would be far better to slip in undetected. We are to few to storme the walls. I think this is the only way."

'Then by all means show us this tunnel." Erinhue put on a smile full of straight white teeth that was as genuine as the helpful innocence beaming from Lorrain's increasingly appealing face.

It was Lorraine who suggested they take the tunnel but Lira gave them directions. A cavity in a not too distant hillock seemed to wind down and in the direction of the guarded manor house.

The horses balked at entering the dank hole in the earth. Treble scrapped at the ground moving cautiously forward one wary step at a time but the stallion would not cross into the underground darkness. Mirdain's mount refused to take a single step beyond a borderline only it could see.

'We'll let the ladies lead, shall we?" Erinhue said as he held out his hand to stop Mirdain who had lighted a torch and was proceeding towards the hillock.

Mirdain's protest was cut off by Lira's interruption. 'It would be best if we go first, we know the way." The two women entered the mouth of the tunnel; all trace of their former fear had vanished. Mirdain exchanged a glance with Erinhue before following the women into the cave.

Agarak vibrated gently against Erinhue's back. The bard hissed at the dragonharp to remain silent.

They moved one behind the other into the cave and down along the gently sloping tunnel which did indeed lead towards the fortified manor. A sudden gust of wind blew up from ahead and the open flame torch went out. A blackness darker and deeper than pitch immediately descended upon them all.

In the darkness Erinhue could hear nothing, no outer sound could have been heard above the screeching racket Agarak suddenly began to play in the bard's head. Though he questioned and implored it to stop the dragonharp kept disrupting his thoughts with loud insistent noise bordering on torture.

The hours of time had to have been only a few minutes before the noise stopped and light returned. Mirdain who had valiantly reached for his sword, stood mesmerized and still, the drawn blade dropped in his ridged grasp as he himself stood in the grasp of enchantment.

The two women stared at Erinhue in a subtle form of shock.

'What are you that our singing has not enchanted you?

'I am a bard and music cannot harm me." Erinhue said in his cool easy manner. A shift in his position brought the dragonharp, Agarak into view."

Lira and Lorraine stared at the instrument and the little dragon's jeweled red eyes flickered with a barely discernable light. The 'women " glanced at each other for a moment before nodding their heads in sign of deference.

'Bright Spirit' said the thing that was Lira," go your way in peace. " Their attitude dismissed him and the two turned their attention to the apparently frozen Mirdain.

'I thank you ladies for your generosity but I cannot possibly go and leave my companion behind."

'And why not?" Asked Lira 'He's ours' cried Lorraine.

'No' Erinhue said in a tone that left no room to argue 'he is mine. He is my brother if not by blood, then in fealty to a single goal and purpose. I cannot leave without him."

Then stay if that is what pleases you." Lira shrugged. 'We will not give him to you' snapped Lorraine.

'Give?" Erinhue smiled brightly at them. 'Oh I see, did you think I wanted you to just give him back to me? No, no, ladies, no I meant that I would trade for him fair measure for fair measure."

Lira looked intrigued while Lorraine scowled and snarled 'What could you have that we would want or could not take from you if we desired. Now take your life and go."

All illusion and pretense dropped away with the words. The noble women in distress vanished in a blink and a doubled nightmare stood in their place. Horribly misshapen forms so grotesque they only resembled the shape of human women. Lira and Lorraine were covered in crusty, greenish skin with scraggly tufts of wiry hair sprouting from their pimpled heads. Their gnarled fingers and filthy curved talons reached out for Mirdain.

'What if I can give you your hearts desire?" Erinhue called out, very careful to keep any anxiety out of his voice. Seeing the hag's pause and look at him again was encouraging and Erinhue went on. 'If I give you the thing you want above all others, then you give my back my brother?" As they considered this, Erinhue sweetened the deal.

'If I cannot keep my end of the bargain then you may have us both."

A wild mix of emotions burned through Mirdain. He could hear what Erinhue and the women were saying, but was confused. The "women" still didn't appear in their true form to him, and the look of revulsion on Erinhue's face surprised him. He cried in rage and anguish at what was being done to him. No one seemed to notice. He then realized that his scream was only on the inside. Mirdain could not move. He wanted to help, wanted to break free so badly...

'If I can't keep up my end of the bargain you can have us both"

Both Lira and Lorraine stopped what they were doing to stare at this man who offered them what they no longer even dreamed of ever having. The two hags stepped back apace to discuss the matter between them.

When they did, Erinhue dared a look around at his surroundings. The cave had long been lived in and there had been some attempt to decorate it. Detailed tapestries embroidered on gossamer sheets hung over the rough cold stone of the tunnel cave. The few pieces of furniture in the underground space were elaborately cushioned and carved and the ornately mirrored dressing table belonged in one of the manor house sitting rooms rather than this dank cave pathetically attempting to mimic a lady's bedchamber.

At the fringes of the light, in the darker corners, Erinhue could make out heaps of rubble mounting the stone walls. Certain oddly rounded things in the debris were chillingly familiar. The trash heaps contained a fair number of human looking bones and skulls. It was obvious how their quest would end should Erinhue fail.

Lira and Lorraine had come to a decision and returned with their answer. Lorraine's cracked rough lips parted as she was about to speak, but Erinhue stopped her. 'No do not tell me what it is you wish for I believe that I already know just sing about it with me. I could do this myself but your voices are so lovely and I am afraid they will be lessened when this is done, so I would like to hear your song this one last time to cherish as a memory of song not heard in the world since the initial Song of Making."

Lira smiled at the compliment and Lorraine's scaly cheeks colored in an oddly becoming blush. They looked at Erinhue expectantly and he returned their smiles with one of his better grins. 'No dear ladies I could not hope to match your voices, begin and I shall try to follow along."

The one thing they took pride in was being acknowledged by another living person and one not under their enchantment. Lira and Lorraine straightened up drew in long deep breaths and began to sing.

The wordless melody welled up as if a master was playing some strange, exotic, instrument. The clear sweet voices belied the horrible appearance of the singers and the sound was full of hurt and deep, deep longing.

They sang in duet for a few minutes before Erinhue joined in. His rich baritone melded with the high bell like tones of the two creatures standing before him. In another moment Agarak joined in, sending crystal notes reverberating against the surrounding stone.

The music was celestial the deep and high tones blending and balancing each other in heavenly sound that was almost visible. The warm golden light emanating from the dragonharp, surrounding Erinhue and spreading out to fill the cave with what seemed like sunlight overtook the weak illumination in the cave.

The stone cave walls began to shimmer and so did the two figures standing before the bard. The nearly visible music bounced from the cave walls and wound around and between them until they were engulfed in a stardust shimmer of light. Lira and Lorraine stopped singing, but Erinhue continued until Agarak ceased to glow.

For a moment the three stood as still as the ensorcelled Mirdain and then the women looked at each other and screamed. They screamed again when they looked down at themselves. By the time Mirdain began to come out of it the two of them were running around the cave tugging chests out of corners. Flung open they revealed silks and satins and ribbons and bows. Lorraine swept the cobwebs away from the dressing tables mirror while Lira pulled another small box from under the canopied bed.

It contained powers and paints and perfumes. The two were in such a state of excitement they completely forgot about their would be victims. Erinhue steadied the swaying Mirdain and called out to what were now two beautiful women, more beautiful even than the illusions their powers had created for them from age long memory.

Noticing the two men again they dropped the dresses and brushes and rushed towards them. Mirdain raised his sword but Erinhue stopped him. The women stopped warily at Mirdain's action but then Lorraine stepped forward and right up the recovering squire. She kissed him on the cheek. His expression changed as he suddenly recalled all that had happened.

Lira put some red rouge on her lips before she stepped up to Erinhue and kissed him on the cheek as well. She then took the lacy handkerchief she held and uses it to wipe the lip print from his skin.

'Take this." she said and handed it to the bard. 'My daughter Lorraine has used the last remnant of her powers so that your friend would remember what took place here. I have used mine to insure that those who hear your words will believe. If any should require proof have them hold this to their ear and they will hear the siren song of Lira and Lorraine. Now go with your lives and our eternal gratitude.

Together the four left the cave behind and walked out into the rose gold of a setting sun. Lira and Lorraine, restored to better than their long time former selves laughed like children as they chased each other along the roadway to the manor house that had once been their home.

Erinhue and Mirdain retrieved their horses and road back to find Elbren and Idril.

Mirdain rode on for a time, reflective. Then he looked over at Erinhue. Thank you for what you did back there. I owe you. You know, I envie you. It's not many who would risk there lives for a peaceful solution when violence could quickly solve the problem. Just how does your magic work? I gathered that there was other magic besides the harp in use.

It's a secret, said Erinhue smiling. Another time perhaps I will explain.

Mirdain nodded in understanding; I guess I didn't appreciate fully the risk we really were in. If i'd thought more in advance, perhaps I could have realized the deception at work. But then, I'm always like that, rushing in to things. I must change that, or it may come to haunt me one day. Anyways, I hope Lord Elbren and Lady Idril will be pleased with us.

Elbren stood up and gestured back towards the South, "Here they come."

Erinhue and Mirdain rode up, grinning with excitement while their horses were lathered in sweat.

"How went the rescue?" Elbren asked.

The two men dismounted and sat down in the makeshift camp, taking of the food that Elbren and Idril offered, and the tale was told in full.

"Well done," Elbren smiled, "well done indeed. On the morrow, we will reach the Initiation House. Prepare yourselves for what is to come."

"What is to come, though?" Erinhue asked.

"You shall see...on the morrow," Elbren said quietly.

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

Near noon of the following day, they approached the Initiation House by the sea...