The Mirkwood Archers met the Southern defense line of the Red Hammer three days before the Initiations had taken place. The fighting was relentless, and when the company of orcs joined their Dwarven allies, the Archers had to fall back, suffering huge losses. So it was that seventeen archers hid amongst the trees while a single messenger returned to give the Thranduil the news...

"You did not break the lines? The supplies are where?" Thranduil inquired.

"The supplies are still hidden, but precious little good can they be for the Men and Dwarves of Erebor and Esgaroth," the lone archer replied.

"We cannot break those lines," Legolas pronounced, beginning to pace the floor before his father's throne.

"We can now that the Galadrim are here," Thranduil disagreed, "and the Mithril Knights. The line has to be broken, Legolas, we HAVE to get those supplies to the Free Peoples...winter is at our doorstep. They cannot survive without them."

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

The Galadrim warriors were indeed ready to move at their Lord Elbren's command; Elbren had informed Lord Edlund, Cavalry Master for the Galadrim, that the Mithril Knights would be riding with the First Cavalry. More scouts had been sent, but they all knew that time was running short.....

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

The first thing that Elbren did after the Initiations was to walk out of the Guild House, up the caverns and passages, and out into the forest predawn. Turning his gaze to the sky, he searched for the Star of Earendil, his heart thumping against his chest like a hammer.

"Please, Lady, let this not be a dream..."

It was so close to you, Elbren...and you let it slip away

Elbren shook his head forcibly, closing his eyes. He wanted the voice GONE.

When he looked to the sky again, through the thick canopy of trees, he could see a distant but brightly burning light...the Silmaril. Before he knew what was happening, Elbren fell to his knees and clasped his hands together. He began a prayer of thanks where soon tears of joy were mingling with his whispered words...

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

Later, before he slept for a few hours, Elbren sent letters to his wife in Lothlorien and a message to all of the Guild Houses concerning the plight of the North...

It is our belief that the Erebor Guild House has fallen...or said the message from the Dwarf that was found dead some weeks ago. Indeed, the Mirkwood Elves have not been able to break the southern line of the Red Hammer, and everyday scouts report that more orcs and more Dwarves come from the East. Stand fast, Mithril Knights, stand firm and tall. This may be the hour of doom from a place least expected, but should we survive this, never again shall we let our ignorance or disinterest in foreign lands betray us into this magnitude of war. I urge you all...hearken to this lesson! Finally, I want every Guildhouse library to be searched for anything that can be found about Orthanc and rituals associated with it...either during Saruman's time or before. To speak plainly, I am looking for information relating to necromancy....and yes, those words speak ominously. I shall tell more when I can...."

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

In the North, the Knights of the Silmaril fled the stronghold of the Red Hammer with all speed...

"Whither shall we go?"

Their Captain, a tall and dark Man of Black Numenorean descent, shifted in his saddle, "Do I hear fear in your voice?" he snarled, though his face and features were boldly handsome. Drawing his sword, he rode closer to the questioning Knight, "Answer me."

"They will hunt us like dogs!"

"So they will," Captain Arthad nodded, "so they will." Silently and quickly, he stabbed his sword into the Knight's chest, splitting his ribcage and driving the blade to the crossguard, "and you are one less dog that they will chase."

Drawing his sword back through the dying body, he then kicked the Knight onto the ground. "We'll take his horse," Arthad told the stunned Knights of the Silmaril.

"Take it where.....C-Captain?"

"We have to enter the Currents again," Arthad wiped his blade and sheathed it, "and this time, we will keep the treasures safe within the Mural Chamber itself."

"So we return to the Guild House?"

"Yes,"" Arthad suddenly laughed, "Elbren and his Knights will have no idea where to find us."

"That may not last forever," came a different voice, from the shadows, "they almost stumbled upon us last year when they recovered the Shield and the Palantir."

"Yes, well..." Arthad shrugged, "they seemed to have been glad with their little treasure finds and moved on, though, don't they?"

"So, we ride to Angmar?"

"Yes, we ride to Angmar!"

?Hail and brightest blessings to you, Lorindyl. You?re bad penny as turned up once again.?

Erinhue joked with the Guildhouse?s matron because it was expected and because he could not help doing it with people that he knew. ? I know how Lord Elbren loves his sleep, but it?s high time he was up and about. You tell him that I said so.?

?I will at that, Lord Erinhue.? Lorindyl replied through a motherly smile, ?I?ll tell him it was you and not me that thought to wake him at this unearthly hour.?

Letting his laughter follow her up the stairs, Erinhue strode into the smaller council room and plunked himself down in a thickly cushioned chair beside the fireplace to wait for the Guildmaster to join him.

I know how Lord Elbren loves his sleep, but it?s high time he was up and about.

Elbren's eyes twinkled with amusement, "He said to tell me that, did he?"

The Guild Master was standing just outside of the room where Erinhue was softly snoring on one of the couches near the fire.

"Seems he likes his sleep as well," Elbren chuckled quietly, "thank you, m'dear, I will see to Lord Erinhue."

Lorindyl nodded and took her leave as Elbren quietly entered the chamber, treading softly...that is, until he stood directly over Erinhue's dozing form.

"FEAR FIRE FOE AWAKE!!!!' Elbren suddenly cried out, stomping his feet and banging the back of the couch with his fists, "AWAKE AWAKE THEY ARE UPON US!"

Erinhue shot up off the couch like one of Gandalf's rockets, bending his knees whilst rubbing his eyes and reaching for the sword at his side. It was only Elbren's hysterical laughter that fully awoke the Bard, and it was not a very amused face that met Elbren's when Erinhue fully realised that a joke was being played upon him.

"I don't see ya for months and you greet me like THAT!" Erinhue sounded angry, but then he, too burst into laughter, "ya know, that really wasn't funny."

"Then why are you laughing?" Elbren chuckled, moving closer to the fire.

"Because I hear the sound of rapidly approaching, booted feet, and the chink of armour upon armour...I think that you've fully awakened the guard on this floor of the House, M'lord," Erinhue's eyew were bright with laughter.

"Oh.." Elbren at once was taken aback, he hadn't thought of how the guard might take his outburst.

Sure enough, moments later, five Mithril Knight House Guards burst into the room, weapons drawn.

"M'lord! We heard your summons! Where are they?" the Captain announced, somewhat breathless.

"Errr..." Elbren actually looked sheepish, "it was a...joke....meant to be at Lord Erinhue's expense, but, it seems, ends up being at mine. I am sorry, Captain, forgive my humour."

The guards looked startled, and then realising what Elbren had said, they sheathed their weapons and took their leave...but not before the Captain muttered something about silly jokes at times such as these...

"He's right," Elbren chided himself, "I should not have done that. But, the look upon your face, mellon, was quite worth the rumours that will cause today!"

"Glad that you, at least, were amused," Erinhue grinned.

"One of your Knights in Training has arrived," Elbren said, "she was slightly wounded so I sent her to be tended and rest for a bit. The North is indeed dangerous."

"Indeed," Erinhue nodded.

"So, have you eaten?"

"Not yet."

"We shall amend that immediately, and then I would hear whatyou have found," Elbren called for Lorindyl and the House Matron appeared as if by magic, "Lorindyl, please bring some breakfast for Lord Erinhue and myself, just a small one, as I assume you are preparing the breakfast feast for the new Initiates?"

"Indeed, M'lord, that we are. I will bring you enough to hold you for an hour or so," she curtsied and turned to leave.

"So," Elbren said, "what news do you bring?"

As she walked the silent halls of the Guildhouse, Tempest never had felt so alone. Here she was among friends, and yet she could not shake the quiet voice that whispered in her ears. ?Too many trees,? she said aloud as she looked out of one of the doors. ?That must be it. There are too many trees here. It makes me nervous.?

Yet, she did not relish the thought of going North, even though the prospect of battling an enemy appealed to her warrior senses. She felt distracted, but she could not place her finger on the problem. She wished she could speak with Mirdain and Idril about Menegroth again, but they were not to be found. ?Why does it bother you?? she asked herself. ?You succeeded. The Silmaril is back in its rightful place.?

Perhaps it was the fact that an Easterling was under the same roof as she. Yes, maybe that was what nagged at her thoughts. Easterlings! She practically growled at the word. They were not to be trusted, for they had no honor. She could not believe that Elbren and the others could be so blind, for the presence of an Easterling never boded well. She had seen what they were capable of, really capable of, and the memory made her jaw clench in silent fury. ?May our paths never cross,? she thought darkly. ?Eru forbid it, or I will not be responsible for what I do.?

But you are responsible, as voice whispered in her head. You?re just angry because HE got away from you.

Could that be true? Was she simply taking her frustration out on some imagined person because she had been unable to take it out on Caranthir? Perhaps, but it was more than that. She had wanted to kill Caranthir, but at the same time, he held a strange fascination for her. It was the force behind his eyes, behind the word he spoke to her. She could still feel the intensity of his gaze and the strength of each blow she had deflected.

She had no desire for his cause, or that of the Knights of the Silmaril. She despised this obsession they had for these jewels. But, as for the man himself, she had been drawn to him. She had appraised and judged him in a moment, and she had approved of him. She had WANTED to see him again. She had WANTED to fight him again. He was dangerous, but so was she. She had felt a connection that can only be shared by those whose souls have known that kind of darkness.

She was still standing there before the open door when a crystal clear voice shook the shadows from her mind. She turned her head slightly in the direction of the sound and frowned. Again it came, that deep, full laugh that seemed to echo through the guildhouse and leave it sunnier than before.

?Erinhue,? she said, and smiled in spite of herself. ?Only he could laugh like that.?

At least the weight wasn?t bad. When he had selected his armor, back in Lorien, Anorast had paid some attention to that, but much more to the qualities of his choices. But regardless, it was armor, a hindrance to the old elf, long accustomed to the easy movement of cloth. Anorast had expected it to encumber him, and had planned to wear it only in battle, but now its presence was a comfort, when there were few.

Behind Anorast, Nin groaned slightly in her sleep. Immediately Anorast stopped his pacing and kneeled beside her bed. The healer attending the lady had risen and was bending over her. After a moment of agony for Anorast, the healer sat back down.

?She is unchanged. Though our skills seem incapable of drawing the Lady Nienor-Niniel back to the waking world, we have kept her with us.?

?I cannot fully express my thanks for that. I wish I could help her myself.?

?You can?t, Lord Anorast. You?ve done what you can. But as a healer, I must advise that you yourself get some sleep. You?ve been pacing ever since you brought your lady here. Even we elves need rest, and you?ve been awake for many hours.?

?I cannot leave her side!?

The healer sighed. Love was powerful, sometimes too powerful. ?Then we will bring a cot here. But while we are doing that, get yourself a bite to eat, and get out of that armor. It is worthless here.?

?Not to me. I?ll be back soon.?

Anorast left the room, and started down the hall towards the dining hall. Upon entering, he called to a nearby servant to bring some food. Striding over to where he?d sat before, Anorast noticed a large bowl with several red cloths inside. With a shock, Anorast realized that they were the bandages and cloths used to clean up the blood that had seeped from Nin?s hand.

As he stood there, still, looking at the bloodstained water and cloth, an elvish servant came up beside him with a platter of food.

?Ahh, you noticed my lord? We don?t know about the Lady?s malady, but thought it best to preserve her blood. Might be useful.?

?Yes, it might be. Take the bowl to the healers, please.? Anorast reached out to take the food. The servant nodded, then lifting the large bowl, left Anorast to his breakfast.

After a bit, Anorast noticed a dark flash of color, and guessed that another Mithril Knight had entered the dining hall. Looking up, he saw it was Bryttar, the Rohirrim Knight in Training he?d met the night before. Clearly, he?d passed the initiation. Looking quite tired, Bryttar looked around the dining room, but his attention quickly turned to Anorast.

?Hello,? said Bryttar as he walked towards Anorast. ?My name is Bryttar and I am new to this order and you would be??

?Anorast i Thrandir.? Anorast nodded to the young man. ?I saw you at the meal before the initiations. However, my lady collapsed before I was able to properly meet you.?

Anorast ate a few more bites before he spoke again. ?How did the initiations go? I am disappointed I missed them, but I could not leave my Lady?s side.?

?The initiations went well,? Bryttar answered. ?Lady Vana, Arwen, and I are now full Knights. I?m not sure what happened with Lady Alandriel though. She received a white cloak instead of a blue one. Rho couldn?t tell me what that meant either. Do you know??

Anorast shook his head. ?No. I haven?t been a knight very long myself, and Rho was my mentor. I?ve never heard of a white cloak being given to a Knight in Training, nor any other.?

?Well perhaps Elbren will explain it to us at breakfast, but please you mention staying with your lady last night. Is she doing better this morning??

Sighing, Anorast shook his head. ?No. She is no worse, but there is no improvement.? After pausing, Anorast continued. ?I should return to her. This is the first I?ve been away since she collapsed.?

?I?m sorry to hear that, but there are good people here and some who are quite skilled in the healing arts. If you wish to return to her now, I will explain to Elbren where you are at and see to it that breakfast is sent to your room. Enough for both you and her if she is up for some food now.?

?Thank you, but there is no need for food. I?ve eaten, and she has not awoken yet. But I hope she shall soon.?

Finishing his breakfast, Anorast took his leave from Bryttar, and went to his room to remove his armor. He had decided to honor the healers request and leave the armor in his room. But as he was removing his vambraces, Anorast was struck by a thought. Remembering comments by Nin in the armory of Lorien, Anorast began to write a note to Lord Elbren.

?Lord Elbren, due to the condition of my lady Nienor-Niniel, I would like to request that the Sickle of Arda, held now in the armory, be brought to her room. Her illness is somehow connected to it, and I believe that proximity to the sickle would ease her suffering.?

Finished removing his armor, Anorast wrapped himself in his Mithril cloak, and left the room to go to Nin?s chamber. After giving the note to a passing servant, Anorast entered the room quietly. The healer present motioned towards a cot set up at the foot of Nin?s bed. Nodding gratefully, Anorast lay down, and immediately fell into a deep sleep.

After taking her leave of the Initiation Room, Arwen had walked tiredly back to her room, but once there sleep eluded her. Lying prone upon the bed, she still wore the pale dress from earlier but her soft boots lay in a heap on the floor and her swords rested on the bed besides her. Her eyes were drawn to the back of the vanity chair where the shining material of her new cloak gleamed in the starlight. Stars EŠrendil?s was back in the sky and a small amount of radiance had been restored to this darkening world. There is always Hope the words sounded familiar but she couldn?t remember who had once said then

A soft sound beckoned from outside her room and moving stealthily Arwen pushed herself off the bed and opened the door a crack to peer outside. It was the mysterious lady from before who had asked about Sir. Dirk--- one of the few. Even Lord Elbren had not questioned her about her Mentor?s unexcused disappearance. The peredhel watched as the dark-haired Knight disappeared inaudibly down the hall lost in her private reveries.

Closing the door Arwen leaned against the strong oak, drawing strength from the solidity of this place. Her sigh huffed into the still atmosphere as she moved to pick her blades from where they lay dimly on the bed. Buckling them back near her waist, she left the room; it seemed there would be more than one person wandering sleepless tonight. Walking swiftly without a sound and down the stairs she felt suddenly anxious to be outside in the open air.

A figure stood in her way, that made sense, all the doors would be guarded especially in times such as these. She was wary to cause trouble in this place where she was practically a stranger but figuring that the elf stood there more to prevent strangers from coming in than inhabitants from leaving she strode boldly past, acknowledging his presence with a slight nod of her head. Though his eyes flitted questioning to her belt and the weapons swinging there, there was recognition of her person in his eyes and he swung the gate open to let her pass.

The night air infolded her in its sultry embrace and the tiredness of the day seemed to slip from her body as her senses came more attuned to the nature around her. Her bare feet barely touched the ground as she broke into a light run, weaving her way around the plenteous trees. She?d missed this, running unfettered through the woods, it brought back warm memories of her childhood spend among these same trees. She slowed to a walk, content to listen to all the night sounds.

Soon they would go into battle, Arwen knew she must be ready to face any outcome expect defeat. She would face her death before she allowed the thought of losing to enter her mind. ?Such righteousness,? A voice seemed to mock her in the silence, she could have fooled herself into believing it was only her own thoughts that taunted her, but the voice was much too masculine

and hauntingly familiar. ?Ah, I remember what it was like to be young and in love with life, the disembodied voice continued and Arwen looked around for the source though she knew she wouldn?t find anybody there.

?Go away,? she growled under her breath, ?You?re nothing but the imaginings of an overwrought mind!? as if to defy those words a faint shimmer in the air appeared before her and Arwen rubbed her eyes in a futile attempt to dispel the image. She moved forward and the distortion moved with her, keeping that many steps directly in front of her. She tried waving away the indiscernible fog but it danced out of her reach~ The perverse thing!

?If it really is you,? and she knew that she referred to her dead sire, ?Why don?t you show yourself to me as you did earlier,? she said, although she worried about her sanity in even addressing said apparition. ?The moonlight,? came the unexpected answer, ?It prevents me from materializing completely but that doesn?t mean I can?t see you or be near you? If anything that sounded ominous and Arwen pursed her lips in consternation. Could she pretend that nothing was happening? That she?d seen nothing earlier in her room?

Perhaps. She had not come this far to finally lapse into insanity! She resumed her walk but the specter continued to hover around her making her careless in its distracting presence. When she finally had to catch herself before falling flat on her face, she grew frustrated, ?Go away! I don?t believe in you!? she cried childishly before turning once more and striding through the woods back to the Guild House, though the specter faded back into the wind the memory of that voice dogged her every returning step.

The joy of a good joke and the meeting of old friends was dispelled when Elbren asked, ?what news do you have for me??

?Nothing that will be to either of our liking I am afraid.? The merry twinkle in the sea gray eyes faded as Erinhue?s demeanor changed. ?I would hate to play cards with who ever is behind all this, he knows too many of my tricks.

I would have bet that we should look to the south for trouble but you were very right to send me north. Whatever is happening in the South is for us to see and deal with. In the north, there is something completely else going on.

Elbren, the people there are afraid. They are all mumbling what seems to be superstitious nonsense and I put most of what I hear off to the sorts of places it was heard. It was only when I noticed a pattern to the rumors and just which old wives? stories were being brought to light.

The Knights are moving about in the Grey Mountains. I spied on one of their encampments on the wrong side of the river just a few days ride from this very place, but who knows how far a field they range. I asked a few members of my guild, ones who had already submitted their petitions to help me. I had several leads to follow withing the same time frame and as you so often tell me, even I cannot be in two places at once.

I sent Teltasarwen to be our eyes in the north most regions of Mirkwood. I sent Raghnildur to Rhosgobel to keep watch along the Great East Road. I went into the Grey Mountains. I had already sent word back to the bards for some information to help confirm what I think I may have seen. I asked them all to come here with a report.?

Erinhue paused, genuine sincerity lighting his eyes ?Elbren, you won?t want to but ya really must believe me. I think the Silmaril knights have found themselves a skin changer, and maybe more than one.?

The bard's eyed narrowed a little when he added. "There might also be something else out there. I don't know what, I don't know anything about it at all, not yet, but the harp is aggitated and that is never a good sign."

Elbren sighed and looked grim as he rubbed his chin. Taking a seat near the fire, he drank the last swallow of his morning tea.

"Well," he began, "what I have to tell is no less grim, Erinhue. The short version is that I think we are dealing with a Necromancer behind much of what is happening."

"Necromancer..." Erinhue seemed to ponder that for a moment.

"Yes, in fact, I am sure that most of what is going on----"

The pair were interrupted when one of the healers entered the room, giving a short bow, "M'lords, forgive me. I have a message for you, Lord Elbren, from Lord Anorast."

Elbren took the parchment and unfolded it, "How is the Lady Nienor-Niniel?"

The healer's silence caused Elbren to look up from the note with trepidation.

"She is....very far away from us," the girl replied quietly.

"And the wound still bleeds?" Elbren asked patiently, though his frown deepened.

"Yes, M'lord."

Elbren nodded and read the note, "Anorast wishes for the Sickle of Arda to be brought to Nienor-Niniel's bed chamber," he said, mostly to himself.

"Another mystery?" Erinhue suggested.

"Oh yes," Elbren stood up, "Nienor-Niniel immediately connected in some way with the Sickle as soon as she saw it in the chamber that we found in Orthanc. Recently, it cut her hand and the wound has bled ever since, refusing to heal."

"Who made this Sickle?"

"We don't know...for certain. But from what little I've seen of it, it looks to be of very fine craftsmanhip...Elven or Dwarven, for certain," Elbren replied.

"Or Numenorean," Erinhue added with a grin.

"Or Numenorean, though I think it is much older---" Elbren stopped. "Perhaps MUCH older indeed. Hmmmm....." he looked to the healing girl, who had waited and listened with great interest, "I will bring the Sickle to the chamber myself. I will do so very shortly. Thank you and please let Lord Anorast know."

The girl curtsied and then left, leaving the room in momentary silence.

"You were talking about Necromancy..." Erinhue reminded his friend.

"Yes. Remember when we were in the North last year and recovered the Shield and Palantir? We were chasing what some said was a very powerful wizard....a dark power that, in many ways, resembled the Witch King or even Sauron when he was known as the Necromancer."

"I remember!" Erinhue nodded.

"I'm beginning to think that we left too soon, even though the new garrisons of Arnor say that they managed to secure the area. And there's more than one...element to all of this," Elbren continued, "We have the Red Hammer, on one hand, who simply want land and goods...and power. They were allied with Saruman and even tried to fulfill an oath that they once made to him; though they failed. Then we have Saruman, who I am beginning to think may have been in league with our mysterious Necromancer, and who planned to do something...unimaginable with the Bones of Isildur--"

"What?!"

"Yes, some sort of resurrection...I'm not sure...yet."

"I think we had better get sure as soon as we can!"

"Agreed. And the only way to do that is to search. But, in the meantime, we have a war on our hands. Erebor and Esgaroth are overrun and we must go to their aid with all speed. I would have you and your new trainees to go North again--"

Yet another interruption as a Mithril Knight Guard entered the room with a parchment and a black glove. Even as he handed the gauntlet to Elbren, the Guild Master almost recoiled from it...it felt....like a heavy darkness lay upon it.

"What is this?" Elbren asked.

"A petitioner has arrived, M'lord, claiming to have news of the Knights of the Silmaril," the guard replied.

"Indeed? Bring him to me here," Elbren instructed.

"Well, interesting," Erinhue said.

"We shall see what he has to say, mellon, but I still want you and your group to go North; as far North as you can get with Winter coming on and find out all that you can..."

The Mithril Knight Guard stood expectantly before Elbren in the hallway, almost barring the Elven Lord's intended path.

"..but....she is an...assassin," the Guard suddenly said, in a low whisper.

"Riencuran you say?" Elbren asked as the guard nodded, "yes, I am well aware of her profession. I will see her in the library immediately."

Elbren turned without giving the guard a chance to comment further; he did not want to hear it. Two of the new Knights in Training were certain to raise some eyebrows...and, in all likelihood, some voices of protest as well. Jiyadan's offer and appearance had certainly caught Elbren by surprise; but, the Easterling's sincerity had been truthful, the Elf had been able to sense that. And having the knowledge of the South was critical, Elbren thought, to the continued perpetuation of the Order. Never again, he had vowed to himself, would the lack of knowledge by the Order any region or people of Middle Earth result in a situation as dire as the one they now faced.

He had reached the armoury door on his way to the library, and with a nod to the guards there, he quickly stepped inside to retrieve the Sickle.

The Sickle.

What tie did Nienor-Niniel have to this object of power? Why had it wounded her and now, endangering her life, refuse to heal? Elbren shook his head. He took the Sickle up into his hands and even beneath the leather casing, he could sense its power.

"She's a beauty, isn't she?"

Elbren turned quickly, startled by the voice, and was surprised to see a Dwarven Mithril Knight guard within the room.

"Yes..." Elbren replied, "yes, it's a beautiful weapon."

The Dwarf then, surprising Elbren even more, spoke fast words that were unmistakably in the language of his people, the secret language known as Khuzdul.

Elbren shook his head at the Dwarf, "I'm sorry, I do not know much of your language at all. What is your name?"

"Oh, do ya not? But your Lady, the Lady of the Golden Wood, she did, didn't she?"

This confused Elbren even more. The Lady of the Golden Wood? Carnimiriel, his wife? Why was the Dwarf refering to her in the past tense...

"Oh," Elbren smiled with relief, "you mean the Lady Galadriel."

The Dwarf simply nodded.

"Yes, she knew much of the Dwarven tongue, but alas, she did not teach it to me," Elbren replied.

"That's too bad, M'lord," the Dwarf actually frowned and look worried.

"Perhaps you could amend that--" Elbren had started to say.

But then a loud crash resounded from the rear of the armoury, startling them both. Elbren hurried to the sound of the commotion, but not before he heard the Dwarf repeat whatever it was that he had said in Khuzdul.

Odd... Elbren thought.

And even more startling, when he reached the rear of the armoury, absolutely nothing was amiss.

"Well, isn't that strange?" he said aloud.

When he received no response, he turned to find that he was alone. In fact, after a quick search of the room, there was absolutely no sign of the Dwarf.

None.

At the armoury door, Elbren inquired from the guards which direction the Dwarf had taken upon his exit.

"M'lord?" answered one of the guards, "a Dwarf? I....did not see a Dwarf leave the armoury...nor enter it."

Elbren simply stared at the guard in silence. Then, with a curt nod, he took the Sickle firmly in hand and made his way to Nienor-Niniel's chamber. Anorast was dozing and the lady lay in her feverish dreams...Elbren was filled with despair as he looked upon the pale form of the sleeping Nienor-Niniel.

"Eru bring you back," he whispered and then put the Sickle, still in its leather case, upon a nearby table.

the harp is agitated and that?s never a good sign.

?The harp?? Elbren responded. ? Has Agarak seen something? Has it

?

?No, it hasn?t.? Erinhue cut off the thought and the bit of hope wrapped in it. ?I haven?t actually seen the old worm since that tavern I was hold up in on Carrock Island.?

The conversation ended when one of the guildhouse guards knocked reverently before entering the chamber. He showed Elbren a single glove and announced the messenger who brought it. When the journeyman bard entered the room Erinhue introduced him to Elbren saying, ?This long bit of road is Raghnildur a trusted member of the Bard?s Guild who I believe has also petitioned to be considered for the Mithril Knights. I asked him to keep watch on the Great East Road were it nears the town of Rhosgobel.?

Raghnildur took a seat not as close to the fireplace as the two senior Knights but near to the small table that held a half full pitcher. The young man told his tale of spotting the dark strangers and of the glove he managed to bring back for inspection.

As his report ended, he reached for the pitcher and a glass. In the next moment the pitched thudded back to the table surface when he dropped it in stunned surprise. A small harp, fashioned in the likeness of a winged dragon had suddenly appeared on the table right at the young man?s elbow.

?Agarak, there you are!? Erinhue exclaimed. His sea gray eyes narrowed for a moment and then he smiled at Raghnildur. ?I haven?t seen Agarak since I last saw you.?

Mistaking the intent behind the words, Raghnildur flushed with embarrassed denial. ?My Lord Erinhue I never saw this instrument before this very moment. I would never.?

The rest of his protestations were lost in a sudden, shrieking howl of pained outrage. The young man jumped up , jerked his arm away from the table and stood there gripping his elbow.He glanced quickly about and wound up staring at the harp sitting on the table.

The little dragon?s jeweled red eyes flashed in response, the tiny flames within their depths rolled forward to focus back at the glaring young man. Realizing the harp was glaring back at him Raghnildur stepped away from the table with a completely different expression on his face.

?You?ll have to excuse Agarak there, it is quite ill mannered.?Erinhue?s voice showed little effort to hide the master bard?s amusement. ?I don?t think it liked being referred to as an instrument. Agarak is a dragonharp which means it is a little bit of both with a mind and will of its very own. I say that it is mine, but sometimes I wonder who really owns who.? Adressing the harp directly, he said ?Agarak apologize.?

Raghnildur started again when a few notes tinkled reluctantly from the harp?s untouched strings. The dragon?s fiery red eyes flashed menacingly at him and then the flames within them went abruptly out. The young man?s expression of stunned bewilderment was more then either knight could resist and they began to chuckle.

?One of the hazards of being a Mithril Knight is that you must put up with both Lord Erinhue and that unruly creature he calls a harp.? The guildmaster?s demeanor changed and he held the glove up and out towards Erinhue.

?They do not take the effort to even hide their insignia. If they would move about so openly in Rhosgobel, they have grown bold indeed. I need to know what makes them so bold. I know that you have only just arrived, my friend, but I have need of you scouting skills once again. I need you to take your group and head North. Unearth their plots and whereabouts and then return here with all haste. I fear that war is coming swifter than a rising storm.?

Elbren stopped when another guardsman knocked at the open door and announced the arrival of someone Elbren wanted very much to see. He and Erinhue clasped hands as old friends parting and then the guild master left the chamber to go and meet with the new arrival.

What do you think Rho .. am I being fanciful, to think that one such as I could ever hope to assist in your Order?s most distinguished achievement?? The Easterling asked with what looked to Rho to almost be desperation in his eyes.

?Tallain,? She began. ?Though your request to Elbren surprised me, I know that if you truly decide that you want to serve this Guild, Elbren will give you that chance. What I?m not sure of is how the others will respond to you. There are some here that I know are not fond of Easterlings, to but it mildly. You may find yourself being tested in more ways than one with this Guild.?

Tallain nodded and looked over at Chirion. ?Yes I know that.?

?And then there is your gift, and your visions too. I know that Elbren?s been to busy with the initiations and this upcoming battle, but you must find some time to talk to him about these things. Your visions may hold the key or perhaps a part of the answer anyway to what is going on. Right now I think Elbren would welcome this information, and I sense he would also know how to help you with your gift.?

Rho watched as the Easterling considered her words and remained silent for several minutes, but then finally he spoke up. ?When do you think I should talk to Elbren??

?Tomorrow, in the morning if you can.? Rho answered. ?There well be a breakfast, celebrating the new knights, perhaps after that you might be able to have a short time alone with him.?

Again Tallain nodded and looked up to Rho. ?I will try to speak to him then.?

She smiled as she pushed herself up and called Chirion over to her. ?Good, now it?s time for me to get some sleep and you should try to get some rest too. I have a feeling there won?t be many opportunities to do so in the near future.? Then she turned and made her way over to his door.

?Rho

?

She turned around.

?Thank you!?

?You are welcome.? She smiled and then slipped out the door.

**********

It was early in the morning, not long after the sunrise when Rho awoke to the rumblings of an empty stomach. Chirion was still sleeping soundly upon the small rug near the bed when she slipped out of bed and quickly dressed.

Quietly she walked down the long halls until she found herself in the kitchen area; already the servant?s were preparing food for the breakfast to follow in just a few hours. When one of the cooks saw her and heard Rho?s dilemma he gave her a few pieces of cheese along with some bread and a cup of cider. The shieldmadien thanked him and went out to the empty dining hall to eat her pre-breakfast snack.

Rho had just finished when the sound of a familiar voice reached her, but surely her ears were deceiving her knowing there was no way the one to whom that voice belonged could be here.

But a few moments later she found him. Jiyadan was here and wanting to join the Mithril Knights. Rho immediately took him to Elbren who seemed almost as surprised as she was that there was now not one but two Easterlings in the Mithril Knight Guild house.

Elbren finally returned to his own chambers and was disappointed to realise that he had no time for even a quick nap; the sun was rising already and the traditional Initiate celebratory breakfast would be starting soon.

Besides that, they had no time for rest now. Events were in motion and it was a trying task indeed to try and maintain a similar pace. Quickly bathing and changing into a fresh robe of forest green, Elbren donned his Mithril Cloak, belted on a small ceremonial dagger, and made his way towards the Dining Hall.

The new Knights in Training were forefront in his thoughts, especially Jiyadan. How would the other Guild members react to this? Two Easterlings.

Elbren stopped walking. Abruptly, he turned on his heel and made his way back down to Tallain's chambers. A soft knock upon the door was issued.

"Tallain, it is Elbren, I would like to speak with you, please."

Upon entering the chambers of Tallain, Elbren was surprised to see Alandriel there with the Easterling man. Unable to hide his being slightly startled, Elbren eyed them both warily, but said nothing.

"Is...all well?" Elbren asked, to neither in particular.

"Yes," Tallain nodded, but offered to say no more.

"Good, well....I shall be departing in the morning, Tallain, on an errand with two new Knights in Training and my apprentice, Marius. You are welcome to ride with us. We shall rendezvous with the others in a few days near the Southern line of the Red Hammer. Again, you are not obligated, but if you...wish to ride with me, then you may," Elbren turned his eyes towards Alandriel, who stood stone, cold silent. "You have rested since the Chamber?"

Alandriel nodded quickly, "Yes, I am fine."

Elbren studied her for a moment longer, and then turned to leave, "Very well, I hope to see you both at the morning meal."

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

Leaving the room and making his way again to the Dining Hall, Elbren was struck again at the odd energy sizzling between Alandriel and Tallain....was it hatred of the deepest sort....or something else?

"Lord Elbren."

The voice was familiar and Elbren turned to see Marius joining him in stride down the hall passage.

"Good morning, Marius," Elbren said.

"Good morning, M'lord," Marius replied.

Silence as the pair approached the Dining Hall doors. Finally, Elbren stopped, as did Marius, and they stood facing each other.

"I need you to be every bit of the warrior that you are, Marius," Elbren said in a low tone and in the tongue of the Rohirrim people, "we are leaving in the morning and your sword is very much needed....as is your heart and intellect. Can I count on you to be at my side...completely?"

Marius looked at Elbren as if it were an insult to think that the Rohirric Prince could be anything less. Elbren, however, waited for a reply.

"We shall leave at dawn, one day from now, and will need supplies for a week, perhaps two," Elbren took a deep breath, "the Shadow now grows from the North."

As Marius and Elbren entered the Dining Hall, the aromas of roasted meats, freshly baked breads, and sweet fruits tantalised their senses. Several of the Knights had already gathered, and from the looks of them, no one had slept much the previous night.

"The Star is returned!" exclaimed one Knight as the others gave a rousing cheer.

Elbren nodded and laughed, "Indeed! The Silmaril again adorns our beloved Elbereth's night sky!"

"WE could almost be called the Knights of the Silmaril!"

The voice who had shouted the words came to a shrill halt as a dreadful silence fell upon the room.

"NO!" Elbren's eyes narrowed, "that we shall never be called again!"

"I'm....sorry, Lord Elbren, I don't know what came over me," apologised the errant Knight.

Elbren turned his back and sat down heavily at the table. The others quickly joined him though the silence still lingered.

The Guild Master cleared his throat in an attempt to refocus his mind, and then casually began to fill his plate with food. He had not eaten in well over a day and, as was somewhat noticeable, he was famished.

"Today," Elbren finally said, filling his cup with sweet mead, "we welcome our new Initiates," he raised his cup in a salute. "Sir Bryttar, Lady Vanaladiel , and Lady Arwen, I welcome you as your Guild Brother and salute you!"

The table drank in unison and with congratulatory smiles as the mood began to brighten somewhat.

"And to Lady Alandriel," Elbren continued, "who now wears the Cloak of the Adept...she is a Walker of the Currents...though she has not yet seen the Giliath Londe."

Another toast was drank and then the Knights, guests, and Knights in Training began to eat their meal in earnest, and for awhile, their cares were, if not forgotten, at least placed safely away.

"We also have guests in the Guild House," Elbren said sometime later, once his plate had been cleaned and then filled again, "and I will speak to you all on that now. We have new Knights in Training, though you may not meet them until we rendezvous in Esgaroth. I have wasted no time in sending out scouting parties. Erinhue has already left with three new Guild members with the task of scouting the North for the trail left by the Knights of the Silmaril. I will go, along with Marius and two other new members, on a similar errand. Rholarowyn will be going South, to the new Elven colony in Southern Mirkwood, to deliver them a message. She will be taking yet another Knight in Training...named Jiyadan."

Elbren looked around the table to see if the foreign sounding name prompted any reaction from his Guild mates.

"Jiyadan came to us from the far South...he is an Easterling prince and wishes to join our Order."

The expressions on the faces of most of the Knights was predictable: surprise, realisation, and then dismay.

"At a time such as this," spoke one Knight, "when our ranks have shown spies from our enemies, do we dare risk INVITING another?"

"Another...spy?" Elbren asked quietly.

"Well..yes!"

"Do you doubt my judgement? I have met the man," Elbren continued.

"No...well...no, I don't. But--"

Elbren held up his hand, "One of the primary reasons that we are besieged by the Red Hammer and nearly overrun is because we did not know of their existence...much less their strength in numbers. Our ignoring the East has cost us greatly; and, will, in all likelihood, cost us even more. I shall not make THAT mistake again. Not while I am Guild Master." And to make his point even more clearly, Elbren spoke clearly, "and I AM still Guild Master."

"And what of the other Easterling? The 'other' friend of Rholarowyn's?" asked another Knight boldly.

"I have invited Tallain to accompany me on my errand," Elbren replied.

"And will he, too, be joining the Order?"

"I do not yet know that," Elbren's eyes narrowed again, "but if he should express that desire, then I shall welcome him to take that road."

Silence, again, settled upon the room.

"Refrain from speaking ill of others, for not all truths of the matter may be known," Elbren quoted from the Mithril Knight Oath, "Pledge friendship and fealty to those who so warrant. Strengthen those of the brethren and they shall strengthen thee. Do not judge anyone...anyone...by where they were born or where they may now call home. We are wiser than that. And if we are not, then we SHOULD be."

"Hear! Hear!" Radagast entered the Dining Hall, smiling and looking much rested, "good morning, Mithril Knights!"

"Ah, Radagast, always showing up at meal times! I begin to wonder..." Elbren laughed in greeting.

"Yes, well, I've never been known to miss a good meal when time affords it," the Wizard sat down and immediately began to fill his plate.

"I will be leaving tomorrow morning," Elbren announced, "and requiring some sleep before that happens. I shall not be available for most of this day."

"Oh that's no problem, I have just a few things for you to do," Radagast replied with a twinkle in his aging eyes.

"Oh? Is that right?"

"Yes, I want to see the Sickle and look in on the young maiden who is so ill," Radagast nodded, "and I have some things that I brought from Orthanc for you. I found them in the Chamber of Valacirca--"

"Chamber of Valacirca?" Elbren asked, confused.

"Yes, I've managed to find some parchments and carvings within the room, and the room..perhaps the tower itself, is clearly named Valacirca."

"That's the name of the Sickle constellation..."

"Well, yes, don't act so surprised...Sickle of the Valar...makes perfect sense after all that's happened since you were first trying to figure out what the name was," Radagast continued to eat. "In fact, one set of runes clearly says 'Minas Valacirca'."

"Amazing..." Elbren was lost in thought.

"And I found some leather tunics, quite beautiful...stored in a vault of stone....tunics for Knights, no doubt....almost as if they were waiting to BE found," Radagast finally sat back, "would you like to see them?"

"Yes..yes of course!"

The Wizard stood and left the room, but quickly returned with an armful of what did indeed appear to be unworn leather armour tunics. He held one up for them to see, and in spite of themselves, the Knights could not help but be amazed at the beauty!

The leather had been dyed dark, dark blue...almost black, and while sleeveless, the front was fastened with seven buckles that were unmistakably, even from a distance, silvery stars. Upon the front of the tunic, once the buckles were fastened, the image of the Sickle constellation was beatifully formed, and even in the torchlight of the dining chamber, seemed to twinkle and move as if alive.

"It is quite extraordinary," Radagast handed the tunic to Elbren, who took it gently, "I think that the image of the Sickle stars becomes even more noticeable in the star and moonlight."

"Amazing, indeed," Elbren held the tunic and gazed upon it.

"I think," Radagast said, "that all of your Knights who have entered that Chamber should receive one of these. In fact, Elbren, I think that all of those Knights have been chosen...in fact, foretold to be...Guardians of that Chamber."

"What do you mean?"

"I can show you when we make it back to Orthanc...someday soon...but for now, you shall have to trust me," the Wizard winked.

Elbren nodded slowly, "Alright then, keep your secrets...for now."

"I shall place these in the Armoury," Radagast said, "keep that one, for you have been in the Chamber. The others who have been there can retrieve theirs when they find time."

"Agreed," Elbren smiled, "thank you."

After Rho had left, Tallain felt drained ? the events of the day were taking their toll on the Easterling who was now faced with talking to the powerful guild master of the Order he was now sure he was destined to join.

Shaking his head, he felt a deep exhaustion settle through his body and even his mind, he needed rest. Beginning to wash he relaxed and let his mind wander, thinking through the strangeness that had overtaken him since he had met Rho to meet so many people who had accepted him without question, on the word of this honourable lady as he sat on the bed and got ready to sleep, there was a knock on the door.

Startled, the Easterling felt power from the other side, power he could not recognize but knew it for what it was for a moment, he contemplated not answering, unsure of whether he was capable of dealing with more ?surprises?, but then he sighed and stood up, dressing quickly once again.

Tallain opened the door. As he fully took in who the caller was, his countenance as well as his whole body froze. Thoughts tore through his mind, emotions washed over him, almost drowning him in their intensity .. of all who he had expected to be coming to visit him, she was the last on his list with some effort he said: ?Alandriel.??, his voice husky with emotion.

The ranger nodded and took a small step forward, coming to a stop on the threshold of the chamber only inches away from the Eastron.

?Yes, Tallain, with your permission. I need to talk to you in private.? Alandriel was careful to keep her tone neutral, matter-of-fact and her expression open and pleasant. Yet her heart was too heavy to manage even a hint of a smile. Tallain?s eyebrows raised and questions hammered through his brain ? why here, why now ? Was it to do with her initiation, was she here to ask him to leave ? He searched her eyes briefly, but the power within them made his gift surge in response, and instead he looked away, took a step back and with a graceful wave of his hand invited her in, closing the door gently after the ranger?s entrance.

Alandriel with a grateful nod walked passed him, coming to a stop by the window. For a long moment she stood there, her eyes, unseeing, resting on the green foliage beyond. The Easterling stood by the door, his senses swimming with the memories that her presence invoked, but he could now not feel the anger and antagonism that he had felt earlier that evening. Instead .. he felt from her a strange urgency, a desire to communicate with him, a need to reach him. Tallain frowned ? what could have changed her feelings about him ? What was happening today ?

Alandriel sighed deeply as she turned once more and looked upon the man of a race that had brought so much turmoil into her life.

?Tallain, ?she began, ?you find me at a disadvantage for I am at a loss as to how to begin. Yet speak I must to you, in confidence. and in trust?, she swallowed, ?of matters that weigh heavily on my heart.?

Tallain looked on as Alandriel tried to find the appropriate words and then, as he fully realized the inner struggle the rangers was undergoing, filled a crystal glass with water from a pitcher standing on the table and handed it to her. Alandriel blinked momentarily and then took the proffered refreshment gratefully, downing it in one go. She turned away from Tallain to set down the glass onto the table yet for a short while she just hovered there, her hand clenching the vessel as tight as she shut her eyes. She knew he could feel what was broiling underneath her calm and for a moment let him take full part of it. Then with clang, she set the glass down, more forcefully than she had intended and turned to face Tallain anew, the strain of her inner restraint clearly showing on her face.

The Easterling was hit with the full force for a brief moment, of the true feelings that Alandriel was experiencing ? the uncertainty, the deep mistrust for him, for his people, and for a second he completely empathized with her feelings about him, knowing how his people could act and often did around the female Westerners then the insight was gone, as suddenly as it had come. Tallain felt so tired, he needed to sleep, but he knew that he also needed to hear her out, to understand what has happening with this mysterious, beautiful woman who had been touching his life recently.

?You and I have certain abilities, Tallain,? she began, her voice husky despite the fact that she had cleared her throat with a soft cough. Alandriel levelled her gaze at his dark eyes and immediately felt drawn in. Ever so gently she pulled her focus back and kept it at a distance she could comfortably maintain. After deep breath she continued: ?Abilities and talents that I immediately recognized during our first encounter not far from Pelargir. Do you remember??

It was a rhetorical question. Tallain closed his eyes, the brief contact with hers had set in place emotions within him that he had sought to fight for so many years, desire, need things that swirled about in his head .. how could he forget their first encounter ? the softness of her body, the touch of her hair on his face. Forcefully the Easterling brought back the image of a young girl, blood streaming from her nose and mouth, and the full force of horror that always accompanied the memory .. and brought himself under control again, to hear Alandriel continue her relentless drive down the emotional pathways of his being.

?I have trained many years under a highly knowledgeable mentor, a woman now no longer of this world as she has passed on some time ago, yet during last night?s initiation I encountered her again. Don?t ask me how this is possible. She knew of you. She said that you have an important role to play and that both of us are..somehowconnected.?

Alandriel paused, letting the words sink in before finishing:

?She also said that your abilities need direction to fully reach their potential and that I should assist you in this task.?

The room fell silent. Only the soft breathing of both ranger and Eastron could be heard. And then, a soft knock. Tallain could not believe what she was saying how could she know ? What did she know ? What trickery was this he could not fight on this level, not with someone who was trained as she had just warned him she was .. and yes, they were connected ? had been since that first meeting, she had denied it through her antipathy of him, but he had not .. but why bring it up now ? Was she trying to see what he felt ?

The knock on the door made him jump, made both of them stop, but the intensity of the emotions simmering between the two coiled and looped themselves around the room, permeating all nooks and crannies ..

Tallain, sighed, went to open the door, and stood, in shock as Elbren stood before him ? stammering, the Easterling invited him in, the usual words of welcome that he kept ready failing him through the confusion of emotions and surprises that appeared to be falling on him that night. The Guild-master entered ? and proceeded to inflict even more confusion on Tallain with his kind words and his invitation to join Elbren on an errand for the Mithril Knights. Unable to do much more than stammer his thanks, Tallain felt a fool in front of the kindly Guild Master and after he had left, wanted to call after him to say more, but was equally unable to do so with the presence of Alandriel permeating through his thoughts and senses.

Alandriel waited for Tallain to speak up yet he remained silent. Was he gauging her? Was he testing her? She could feel his hesitancy, his reluctance, but there was more. Fear? Yes. There was also fear and at that realisation the ranger smiled. He knew of his gift, his talent, yet had repressed it, probably because he had caused pain to others. She knew it all so well. She had been in a similar position long ago. And she felt glad that he was afraid, for that would keep a healthy check on the way he would eventually learn to use his abilities.

Tallain was in turmoil throughout his soul and mind, he had just been invited, if he was not mistaken by Elbren?s words and their meaning, to join the Knights. He had been asked by the women who now stood across the room from him, invading his thoughts and feelings, if she could help him develop an ability he had only recently admitted to anyone other than himself that he actually possessed could Rho have spoken of it ? No, he was convinced she would never have betrayed such a confidence .. it was the red-haired woman?s own power that had perceived his inherent ability .He turned to face her, confusion, fear and a tiny flame of anger deep within him, but still felt unable to respond .. he needed to think.

A smile slowly spread across her whole face and lit up her eyes. Dropping all her reservations and defences she took a few steps towards Tallain until she came to a stop within reaching distance. Slowly she opened her arms as if in a sweeping motion, palms facing outwards. ?Do not fear. Respect yes, but not fear. Trust me - trust yourself. You cannot hurt me. Try. Open yourself to the energies you?re keeping so strenuously under control... and see.?

And with that, she closed her eyes, completely relaxing every muscle in her body. There was only one way in her mind for Tallain to begin to accept his talent and wanting to explore and further it. And that was trough the realization that it was indeed a gift rather than a curse.

For the third time that night Tallain felt as though his world was rocking how could Western women be so .. changeable .. and yet. All his life the Easterling had been looking for a place where he belonged. All his time in Middle Earth he had been searching for acceptance. And here was one who, after having rejected him because of his heritage, was now prepared to help him develop the one part of himself he had always sought to control and hide. Tallain took a deep breath and slowly opened himself, unthinking, knowing that if he had been less tired and less confused he would not have taken this step, but he reached out to the ranger, to the bright shining star that was her self, and touched the willing soul of another powerful being, with their full consent for the first time.

He felt hope, uncertainty, fear even, of him, of what he could do with and to her but not through his gift, no, it was deeper and older than that ? an event in her past, an encounter Tallain felt the flame haired ranger ?touch? him through their shared senses, showing him through strange means he had no concept of, what his power meant and how he could use it. They stood there for what seemed like hours but was probably no more than a few minutes, feelings and power surging through and around them, almost crackling in the charged atmosphere in his room. Eyes closed, fingers almost touching, Tallain felt for the first time, the beauty of the ability that for so long had felt and always seemed to him like a curse.

Gently Alandriel pulled away from him, disengaging them from the communion of senses they had just shared, both of their eyes flew open and Tallain staggered back, his leg catching on the edge of the bed. He felt as though he had fallen from a great height, flying through the air like a bird but now had landed, with a great thud, on the ground many miles below. He was winded, panting, his body ached and his mind blazed. Alandriel looked exhausted, clutching the side of the table she drank deeply from her glass. Turning to him, she breathed deeply and said ?That was a good start Tallain, you have a great power, an ability that, in time, can be trained to become a tool for good and for honour. Both are important to you I feel. And I can help you to achieve that

Tallain nodded, he had so much to ask her, and so little time to do it in

?Will you be journeying with Elbren in the morning Tallain ? Have you thought about his offer ?? the ranger looked at him through half shut eye-lids, sensing already what his answer would be.

?I must, my Lady, it is necessary to me .. I need to find my place in this Order .. if Elbren will have me .. but I know now that I also need to learn how to at least ?control? the ability that I have.? He stood up, shakily, and in a fluid movement, took her hand in his and gently brushed his mouth against the softness of her skin. For a second he was enveloped in the rich, herbal scent that surrounded her, and his already raw senses screamed in protest, then he fixed his eyes on hers and said, softly,

?Thank you, Alandriel, for this opportunity, for what you have just done. I would be honoured for you to assist me in this

but I really do believe that I need to leave with Elbren at this time. We will meet again will we not ? Even if it is at breakfast .. and then we can agree whether you are still able and willing to help. Perhaps we could journey together and you could guide me further along the path. ??

Alandriel softly laid her hand on Tallain's arm: "I think I should ask Lord Elbren's permission to join you. There is nothing for me here in Mirkwood.... I know that part of my destiny lies in Erebor.... and part of it lies with you. So yes, I believe our paths will indeed soon cross again."

Touched by her words and her sincerity, Tallain stood for a moment before the ranger smiled wryly and said ?And now I believe I will take my leave until later on today .. I think we should both try to find some rest .. until later, Tallain? The Easterling had no words to say, but Alandriel could feel what he meant, and a soft smile touched her lips before she opened the door and let herself out.

When she had left, the Easterling sank down exhausted on his bed and fell into a deep sleep, from which he was awoken the next day by sounds of bustle and people moving in the outside hallway. Cursing silently in his own language, the Easterling washed and dressed hurriedly, then made his way down to the hall where a sumptuous feast was being served. All were present, and the Easterling felt exposed when he entered late, but some of the faces were not so aggressive and he spied Alandriel sitting at one of the benches, hesitated briefly and then went to sit beside her.

Mirdain and the servant Gaiachoir arrived back at the Guild House just as the celebratory feast was getting underway. They first went to the kitchen and storage cellar to put their replenished supplies in place. They were aware that no one was around, and then realized that everyone was gathered in the dining hall.

Mirdain met Tempest in the doorway, and they each looked the other over quickly to make sure the other was fully recovered from the traumatic experience in the First Age, then exchanged satisfactory smiles. Neither said anything for a minute, then Tempest whispered so as not to interupt Elbren,

I'm quite relieved to see you back fully. I was worried sick for you and Idril.

And I for you. But here we are. Let us not think on it anymore.

Mirdain, that is just it. I do not want to. But it is hard. If we have to go back into the currents again...it is hard.

I know just how you feel. Though, I do not think there will be a need to travel the currents in the very near future. We have a dangerous fight in this age on our hands. Perhaps that will allow our minds to heal and our fear to fade.

Yes, one can only hope.

Mirdain remained silent as Elbren continued his speech, only clenching his fists when a Knight suggested they become like the Knights of the Silmaril. Mirdain frowned, but did not complain when the Easterlings' memberships were discussed. He trusted Elbren's judgement in such matters implicitly, as all of the new recruits he had met since joining proved themselves worthy allies. Mirdain was always glad to see Radagast, and when he and Elbren became engaged in a conversation of their own, Mirdain looked about for Idril. He found her quickly, among the crowd in the dining hall.

Ah my love. It is good to see you well. You are fully healed I take it?

In body at least. It was, quite an experience... And how are you?

I will manage. Come, let us enjoy some time to ourselves before we must prepare for the next fight. With that the two of them went out to walk among the dark, yet no longer menacing trees of the Guild House grounds.

Alandriel, not being able to sleep after her ?encounter? with Tallain, instead had retrieved her white cloak and had wandered the many interlinking corridors of the guild-house. Lost in thought she had meandered down many corridors, subconsciously rubbing the back of her left hand. She passed countless splendidly wrought doors until, eventually, her steps took her to what appeared to be a dead-end: a massive set of high double doors, guarded by two splendidly attired and imposing knights, barred her way. Taken aback she stammered her apologies, immediately aware that no uninvited guests were to pass that particular door. But to her astonishment the guards were lenient to her intrusion, one even politely enquiring to where she was headed. Not really knowing how to answer, the first thing that shot into her mind was Lord Elbren?s words after the initiation ceremony.

?The ceremonial breakfast?, she almost blurted out.

The guard chuckled under his breath: ?My lady, in that case you?re truly lost. The chambers you seek are in the exact opposite direction from here.?

He inclined his lance slightly to point down the corridor from whence the ranger had come. Alandriel nodded gratefully and half-whispered ?hanad-le? before turning and retracing her steps.

~*~*~*~

She was one of the first to enter the splendidly laid out hall. ?A feast fit for Kings? she mused, as her eyes wandered over the many delicacies arranged over a long and heavy set table. One by one the other Knights arrived and those she knew she greeted with a few words of welcome; the others she acknowledged with a short bow. Soon, Lord Elbren made his appearance, a young Rohirrim at his side that he introduced as Marius, son of King ƒomer. All took their seats when Alandriel noted that Tallain was not in the room. Just as the thought formulated in her mind the Easterling, looking resplendent in his formal attire and rested, entered, whispered a few words of apologies for his late-arrival and took a seat next to her.

Not having eaten for almost three days, the ranger heartily partook of the feast while listening to Lord Elbren?s discourse. When he mentioned another new ?guest? and revealed him to be also an Easterling, Alandriel?s brow knotted and she shot a questioning glance at Tallain. He had stopped mid-bite at hearing these news yet Alandriel could not discern from his carefully controlled countenance whether he was pleased or shocked. Not even a hint of recognition passed over Tallain?s face at hearing the name Jiyadan; but Alandriel knew and recognized it and quickly lowered her eyes lest they would betray the myriad of questions going through her mind. No doubt Tallain could feel her turmoil yet she refused to glance in his direction, choosing to focus on the Guild-Master instead.

He continued his speech and Alandriel could follow his given reasons for admitting Eastrons into the order ? yet like it she did not. Nor did many here present by the looks of it. Knowing her place she did not speak up. However, she was glad to note that someone else did.

"Pledge friendship and fealty to those who so warrant. Strengthen those of the brethren and they shall strengthen thee. Do not judge anyone...anyone...by where they were born or where they may now call home. We are wiser than that. And if we are not, then we SHOULD be."

Lord Elbren?s words were followed by silence. Yes, those vows were valid, very much so: ?to those who so warrant.? Despite her reservations Alandriel had to silently admit that indeed ?everyone? deserved a chance. And if she had managed to start building bridges with Tallain then that should also be possible with

She cringed inwardly as the memories flooded back. Jiyadan! Did that mean that Moujhadin? She did not even want to finish the thought.

?Hear! Hear!? Radagast entered the dining hall and the ranger was more than glad for the ?interruption?.

With interest and astonishment Alandriel followed the ensuing discussion of the sickle and ?Minas Valacirca?, not fully grasping their meaning but intuiting this to be of paramount importance and the sickle yet having an important role to play in the upcoming conflict.

Eventually, the discussions and feastings came to a close and she saw Lord Elbren take to his feet. Quickly she caught up with the Guild-master before he left and asked his permission to accompany him, his new Knight-in-Training and Tallain. Somewhat astonished he nevertheless granted her wish and informed her to be ready to depart by mid-morning.

?We have no time to loose?, he said before disappearing down one of the corridors.

Alandriel returned once more to the hall to impart these news to Tallain and then said:

?So, we will travel together then and undoubtedly will learn much from each another. I shall be looking forward to that.?

And with these final words she took her leave, returning to her chamber once more to make ready for departure.

Elenath ate her breakfast heartily, feeling truly at ease for the first time since the Star had disappeared. She cheered with the other Knights when Elbren joined them, and drank the toast to the new initiates. But when the Guild Master spoke of an Easterling joining their ranks, the elf looked around warily. Elenath had no particular feelings toward the Easterling race, but she knew that many people would blame any Easterling for the faults of another. Sure enough, there were many uneasy glances, and a few Knights even spoke up in protest. Elbren's answers quelled most of them, but Elenath could see resentment simmering.

She was glad when Radagast's arrival created a distraction. And she was particularly interested when he began speaking of the Chamber in Orthanc. Orthanc was where she had first met Lord Elbren, and where she had begun her training, and the strange events there were still fresh in her memories. When the wizard held up one of the tunics he had brought with him, Elenath gasped. They had such beauty... and the elf felt herself drawn to the shimmering stars which formed the Sickle. When Radagast spoke of the Guardians of the Chamber, a strange shiver ran through her. Somehow, Elenath knew that the Chamber would indeed play a part in her future.

The tunics stayed in Elenath's mind, and she left the hall soon after Radagast. She went straight to the Armory, and upon entering, found the wizard laying down the tunics. He turned, and looked at her inquiringly.

"Radagast," Elenath bowed her head. "It is an honor to meet you. I am Elenath Ceredir, and I have the honor of being the Master of Arms."

Radagast's face lit up. "Ah, Lady Elenath. It's fortunate that you're here, since these tunics will now be in your charge." He cast a discerning glance at her. "Although I think you have a more personal interest in them?"

Elenath came closer, and almost involuntarily, reached out a hand to touch one of the tunics. She caressed it gently, then looked up at the wizard, who was smiling. "Well," he said, "why don't you try it on?"

She hesitated a moment, then picked up the tunic, and slipped it on. It fit her amazingly well, and as she moved she could hardly tell she was wearing it.

"A perfect fit," Radagast said, and when she glanced at him, his eyes met hers in seriousness.

"Yes, it is," Elenath agreed slowly. She touched the clasps one more time, then shrugged the tunic off. Folding it over her arm, she looked back at the wizard. "Thank you, Radagast. You may be sure that these will be well cared for."

Radagast smiled. "I have no doubt of it."

Elbren left the breakfast feast and hurriedly made his way to his chamber. He was in desperate need of sleep, and with a full stomach and the warmth of the Guild House, he was in real danger of falling asleep right where he stood. He preferred the bed to the stone floor, so off he went.

He was making the turn to the final corridor when something...caught his eye in the hall ahead. It was gone in an instant, nothing more than a shadow or wisp of light, but it made the Elf pause and stare, wondering if it would appear again.

Something did appear, but it was no apparition: from the corridor Elbren saw Arwen approaching. She seemed to be deep in thought, even frowning a bit.

"Mae Govannon," Elbren greeted.

The newly Initiated Knight seemed startled to hear his voice, but then her smile returned his greeting.

"Mae Govannon," she replied.

"You are well?" Elbren asked as she drew closer and he saw the worry upon her face.

"As well...as one can be in such times," she smiled tiredly.

Elbren nodded, and with a moment's hesitation, he stepped closer to her, "I know that you worry for many things, Arwen, and one of the many is your Mentor, Sir Dirk. Know that I, too, worry for him. Yet, I have faith that he will succeed in his mission. Only death would keep him from his duty and from his homeland. With the North in such peril, I do not believe for one moment that he would abandon it."

"Only death..." Arwen sighed.

Elbren put his hands upon her shoulders and locked his eyes with hers, "He is not dead, Arwen. I know this."

Elbren felt that she wanted to question him more; that her worry for Dirk...and other matters...hung upon her like a mantle of stone.

"If you would like, please enter my chamber and we may speak more. You have something else on your mind, perhaps?" Elbren offered, opening the door.

Vana had arrived for the breakfast shortly after Alandriel and so she took a seat near her, beings they had shared so much thus far.

As the feast began cheers and merriment were the call to order for the celebration of the new members but it quickly changed to darker subjects as Elbren started talking about things changing and the addition of new initiates that would upset some.

Pondering things that were said, Vana saw no reason not to accept all who would pledge their allegence to this guild and the other knights. She looked slowly at the faces of all the knights present and realized that there were some who were strongly apposed to such additions. Stopping midst chewing a tastly muffin Vana almost thought one outburst would cause an out and out war there in the dining hall. But looking to Lord Elbren, she saw that he was able to calm and sooth at least to a tolerable point all opinions for now.

Then a wizard entered to the surprise and joy of many. It was Radaghast. Vana had heard of him but never met him before. He seemed so much like a kindly old gentleman that it was hard to believe he could be horrible to come up against should you be the enemy. His bubbly personality raised the spirits of all present and the tensions melted away even if just for the moment.

She felt the uneasiness of Alandriel but said nothing to her. So remaining quiet Vana finished her meal then headed out to the gardens when all were excused for the table and Lord Elbren had left the room.

Walking down the corridor to the main entrance Vana wondered if the woods would look the same and feel the same as in your childhood. She smiled to feel the sun shining down upon her face as she stepped out of the shadows by the magnificent front doors.

Stepping softly into the grass she slipped off her shoes and walked enjoying the feel of the grass upon her bare feet. Slipping off into the woods she felt as if she were a child once more. Skipping and running, finding a stream and playing in the water. She must have spent her morning just wandering in a direction that she wasnt paying attention to. The trees seemed to sing in the breeze. If she had not known better she would have thought they were welcoming her back, bringing her cheer. The smells of the old forest seemed like a dream of old dancing in her mind. The trails were well worn and didnt seem any different as if she only left yesterday not months before. She felt at ease here no longer hiding from her past or the pain in her heart. Healing was truly taking place and once more she found purpose to her life.

Suddenly she looked up and saw the gates to the palace of King Thranduil and thought to herself he must surely know she was back. Yet he hadnt sent for her. Smiling at the thought of surprising him with a visit she walked up to the main gate and watched as the guards bowed then escorted her through the main doors. Smiling she thanked them before they returned to their stations.

As she walked around the first corner she was flooded with the memory of running into a young handsome elf and about knocking him off his feet as he tried desperately to keep her from falling. How handsome he had been and what it turned out he had been there for. Another love lost! Sighing deeply she shook it off and continued to the chamber of her uncle.

Knocking lightly upon the chamber door she half expected that King Thranduil would not be there but before long the door opened and his personal guard opened the door and smiled seeing her standing there.

"Come in M'Lady, your uncle awaits you!" He bowed and motioned her into the room.

A bit confused she entered in and found her uncle sitting at his writing table working on some parchment that was of great importance it seemed, for he folded it before she got very close and slid it under a book that sat there beside him.

"There she is!!" King Thranduil smiled and stood with his arms out to give her a welcoming hug.

"Yes, I have come to let you know I have accomplished what I set out to do and am now a full fledged Mithril Knight under the Lord Elbren!" She smiled.

"I know daughter! I was informed when you came back to the woods but I knew you had things to finish before you would come see us once more." he winked at the guard, "I knew you were coming today too and let your expected appearance be knownst to all the guard that you should be brought to me immediately."

"Oh Uncle I should have known you knew I was here!" she chuckled as she rushed into his arms.

Feeling safe once more she enjoyed the smells of his clothing and his hair as she laid her head upon his shoulder. But she realized she was not a child anymore nor was she staying to be forced into a station she did not want. So pulling away she walked over to his table where there sat a pitcher of crystal filled with fresh spring water and several crystal goblets. She poured one for her uncle then one for herself. Turning to him she proffered him the goblet then walked to the window to his private garden. Taking a sip of the clear cool water she turned back to her uncle.

"I shall be leaving soon to continue with the Mithril Knights in their fight against the Red Hammer!" Stating it matter of factly and hoping against hope that he wouldnt try to stop her.

"I know, Elbren has informed me of the goings on and what you will be doing. He also told me that it is a very dangerous enemy that you face at this time." Sternly he looked into her face. "I dont doubt that many times you will wish to be home and safe with us here but you must go and honor your pledge and your obligation to the other knights!"

Vana couldnt believe her ears. He not only was going to let her go but he believed it to be her obligation so he would do nothing to stand in her way. Joy flooded her soul yet she marked his words for she knew that he was right and she more then once would desire to be home safe within the castle walls and tucked away from the world and its evils. But that was not her path now. She had become a member of something much more important and would have a serious job to do that many would depend on her and lay their lives within her hands. She vowed she would not fail them!

King Thranduil then, because the sun was in its zenith now, took Vana by the hand and the two headed off to share each others company while they had the time afforded to them. They spent the afternoon visiting and discussing things the King felt she needed to know about where she was headed and places where she could find refuge and friends of the elves. They snacked on fruits and cheese at a table in his garden by a clear stream.

As the sun started to wane and the twilight was coming up, Vana excused herself, kissing her Uncle upon the cheek and giving him one last hug, smelling him again and placing it to memory, she headed out of the castle and back to the guild house. She hoped that Lord Elbren would not be upset by her absence for the day.

She found the main gate rather quiet for a night before a busy rush of activity. The guard let her in and told her she was looked for by some of the knights. She rushed off into the guild house to seek whom she was to be traveling with as her journey continued in the fight against the Red Hammer.....

The delectable smells of a breakfast feast were in the air when Arwen strode into the Dining hall, rubbing the sleep from her eyes and holding back a yawn. Her night had passed sleeplessly, troubled by visions of a man long dead, of which neither meditation nor slumber could not dispel. She hadn?t been sure about her attendance to this morning?s ceremony but finding herself unable to be so rude as to absent herself, she?d traversed through the Wood earlier to her cousin?s house to acquire suitable raiment. Gilraen had with usual insight, refrained from questions and instead quickly aided her dark-haired kinswoman prepare for the new day.

Garbed in a simple linen dress of green and her hair customarily flowing down past her shoulders, Arwen?s entrance drew no undue notice. Locating a seat near the head of the hall she listened intently as their Master Elbren greeted them and raised a toast to the newly initiated Knights. Arwen gracefully accepted the good wishes of those seated around her and sipped her own goblet of mulled wine. She watched the faces of the other Knights when Elbren approved the presence of two Eastron warriors into the Guild House, not surprised at the resentment she saw therein.

She caught sight of one of the said warriors seated for repast beside the Lady Alandriel. He had a distinct air of otherness about him although it was more than just the color of his skin and his face was a study in practiced nonchalance. Arwen commiserated with his situation, it wasn?t easy being an outsider, as she knew all too well. Though the mistrust of these other folk was understandable as well. As if sensing her stare, his dark gaze traversed unerringly to meet hers. Embarrassed to be caught Arwen lowered soot-colored lashes, covering the course of her beryline gaze.

The arrival of Radagast drew her attention back up as the Istari approached the Noldor Lord. They exchanged words, too soft to be heard even by her ears over such a distance. Seeing that no one else seemed much concerned over their private conference, Arwen returned to nibbling on the bread and fruit on her plate. She absently noted when the wizard removed only to return bearing an armful of beautifully made tunics. From her vantage, the peredhel noted that they had ne?er been worn though the scent of them that reached her nostrils told of the passing of time. Such mysteries did not concern her however, and as she was weary yet she excused herself from the company and exited the dining hall.

Arwen idly wandered the hallways of the Guild House; it was finely made to be sure and in all probability could withstand many adverse attacks. The pommels of her twin blades gently nudged beneath her ribs as she walked to and fro though she chose to ignore them. She had thought to leave them behind but some unnamed feeling had compelled her to take them with her. There was still the hope that the events of last night could be explained away by fatigue or momentary madness, but to no avail, for as soon as she?d thought the words, the air before her flickered as a mirage.

?What do you here, spirit?? she hissed, reaching out with her senses to ensure that no one would stumble across her and the apparition. Did you think you?d gotten rid of me so easily? And all these years I thought you searched for me, and now that you?ve found me what do you do? Tell me to get lost!? The voice was reproachful though Arwen heard the underlying mirth, which angered her further. ?Oh, be gone and trouble me no further, vile specter!? she spoke while quickening her steps, but no matter which direction she went the shimmer remained a few steps before her.

Studiously ignoring the flickering gleam of light, Arwen wondered what she could do to ascertain the situation she?d found herself in. Turning round the corner she startled when a strong voice greeted, ?Mae Govannen.? It was Elbren and the peredhel barely held herself from drawing back. Her gaze darted around but she saw no evidence of the apparition and breathed a sigh of relief, relaxing enough to smile lightly at the Guild Master.

?Mae Govannen,? she replied, with a slight inclination of her head and was surprised when he asked after her health. She did not think that her worry had been so apparent on her face but now that she had the Elf lord before her, she was reminded of another concern that had often plagued her thoughts of late. ?As well

as one can be in such times,? though this time her smile did not reach her eyes.

"I know that you worry for many things, Arwen, and one of the many is your Mentor, Sir Dirk. Know that I, too, worry for him. Yet, I have faith that he will succeed in his mission. Only death would keep him from his duty and from his homeland. With the North in such peril, I do not believe for one moment that he would abandon it."

The mention of death, made Arwen only too aware of her own self-inflicted guild, "Only death..." she sighed, bowing her head. She was surprised into looking back up when she felt his hands on her shoulders as his eyes sought hers. His next words drew her closer into his confidence and served to sooth her tangled nerves immeasurably,

"He is not dead, Arwen. I know this." He spoke with such certainty that Arwen could not help but believe. Still, he must want to know more of the fate of one of his closest Brothers in arms and so she was unsurprised when he opened the door to his chamber and invited her in to further speak of such troubling things. Arwen acquiesced easily enough; there were many things she needed to speak of, and she felt in her heart that this Lord was one whom she could trust without fear.

The chamber she entered was comfortable and had an oft-used feel that immediately relaxed Arwen?s guard. Elbren strode to a set of furniture and seated himself on an intricately carved wooden chair, silently motioning for her to take the seat opposite him. Her forest-green skirts whispered around her ankles as she traversed across the stone floor and she felt more conscious of the blades hanging by her sides as they hit her thighs. ?I have sensed that something is troubling you, lady,? began he, ?Something beyond the threatening enemy forces

If you care to speak, I am willing to listen and aid in any capacity at my disposal.?

Arwen could have cried out in gratitude of such generosity; though she was now officially part of the Guild, they were practically strangers and she still felt some discomfort in the presence of such a sage being. Not knowing where to start, her voice seemed abrupt in the calmness of the room, ?I fear for Sir. Dirk! For his safety

but only that, I fear for myself as well!? When he seemed about to speak she forestalled his words with a lifted hand and spoke swiftly, ?I know it seems childish and selfish~ but for myself, I do not think I could recover from the guilt it something were to happen to him and I were not there to protect him when I feel that, even now, my place should be by his side!!!?

Her stream of words over, she clasped her whitened hands in her lap, the blood leaving her face as she gazed helplessly at the ceiling. She felt engulfed by guilt and shame, and knew not how to rid herself of it besides going at once to her former Mentor?s side. Despite her efforts, hot tears seeped past her lightly shut eyelids and flowed down her face.

"We must trust that Dirk is well and continuing with his mission," Elbren said, his heart pained a bit at seeing the tears in Arwen's eyes, "and we must do what we can, and what he would want us to do: Continue with our task. We must rid the North of the Red Hammer."

"But their southern line seems so strong," Arwen replied.

"Apparently it is," Elbren nodded, "but now we have my Galadrim army, led by Lord Edlund, and I am sending Rholarowyn to the new Elven colony to ask that they send what aid they can. We have several advantages over the Red Hammer, you know?"

Arwen shook her head slightly, but her tears had stopped.

"We have archers, something that the Dwarves have never put much credence into, which is a grave mistake," Elbren looked very confident, "the Dwarves, traditionally, have fought on foot with axes, short swords, and such, weapons and tactics that demand very close proximity for battle. We shall use our archers and spearmen to our strongest advantage and openly attack their southern line of defense. With the spearmen guarded by a shield wall, our archers will cut them down while our Galadrim cavalry wait in reserve to attack their flanks. As the Dwarves advance, our arrows will slow them down, and when they meet the shield wall, our spearmen will hold that line. Our cavalry will then attack their right flank, manipulating them to move position, and in that position, we will have the Mirkwood archers waiting with more arrows of death. We WILL break that southern line, Arwen, and then move the supplies to Laketown, repair and defend it as our headquarters while we move farther North towards Erebor and the besieged Lonely Mountain."

"That will prove a task," Arwen murmured, "for they will be well dug in."

"Perhaps," Elbren agreed, "but if the Lonely Mountain Dwarves still hold the Lonely Mountain itself, then the Red Hammer will find themselves caught in between us and those that they have held besieged."

"They will still need supplies," Arwen observed.

"Yes, but remember the tale of Bilbo? There is a secret entrance to the Lonely Mountain where we may be able to get supplies, at least food, to our Dwarven friends ere we attack."

"But, that entrance only opens on Durin's Day..."

"Yes, and so time cannot be wasted in any way. We must have supplies ready when Durin's Day arrives. Once we have broken the southern line of the Red Hammer, the Mithril Knights will take on that very task. It will be our mission to reach the Lonely Mountain by Durin's Day while the Men of Esgaroth and the Elves of Lothlorien and Mirkwood move to lay siege to the Red Hammer," Elbren paused for a moment, "Arwen, if we lose the North, things may well go horribly awry for Middle Earth. Elessar has not yet fully restored nor fortified Arnor, though I am told he plans to move there and establish it as his home base eventually. The Northern Rangers are few and if the Red Hammer moves in that direction, there will be little to stop them. Especially if we fail in Esgaroth."

"Then we must not fail," Arwen said simply, but with determination.

"No, we must not. I am going to task you with delivering my orders to our Order and to King Thranduil and to Lord Edlund. I can tarry no longer here," the Elven Lord took out parchment then and wrote his orders upon three separate sheets. With hot wax, he sealed them with the mark of the Mithril Knights and with the Seal of the Lord of Lothlorien. "Take these to King Thranduil and to Lord Edlund. The Mithril Knights will march with the Elven armies in two days time. Tarry no longer than that!"

Elbren then took a map from a table nearby and pointed to a spot just South of Laketown, "We will rendezvous here in two weeks, hopefully sooner than that, Eru willing. Take these orders, Arwen, and deliver them posthaste."

The Half Elven lady nodded and took the sealed parchments.

"And Arwen," Elbren said as she made ready to leave, "thank you. You are sure there is nothing else you wish to speak to me about?"

With only a moment's hesitation, the newly Initiated Knight shook her head negatively.

"Very well, I shall see you within a fortnight. May Elbereth give you all speed and safe journeys."

Tallain tried to enjoy his breakfast as much as possible, but his mind kept wandering back to all that had happened to him over the past few hours.He felt as though he was riding high on the crest of a sandstorm, the powers beneath him strong enough to rip the very flesh from his bones should be lose his balance and fall everything was happening so fast !

Alandriel disappeared shortly after they finished their breakfast, and as he was leaving the hall, he noticed a lovely knight looking straight at him, her eyes haunted, her features denoting half elven ancestry. As he let his own attention rest upon her, she averted her own eyes, but the feelings sweeping from her were not of anger or revulsion, unlike much that he felt from some of the other knights, but rather of regret, sorrow and Tallain frowned, a yearning for something or someone not yet defined.A man could drown in the emotion and power surrounding the knights and the Easterling resolved to keep a tight rein on his abilities until he could properly control them.Returning to his room, Tallain began to collect his small belongings together once again ? he noticed that many of his travel stained clothes had been replaced by garments more beautiful and well made than he had seen since leaving his homeland, and he gave silent thanks to the elves for their generosity and craftsmanship ? it had been long indeed since he had felt such soft fabrics and good stout woollens.Looking around the room, he also felt a deep regret that he would be leaving such a beautiful place so soon, when he had not really had a chance to look around, but if Lord Elbren was indeed serious about his offer to join the Knights, then Tallain was willing to do whatever was necessary to prove a worthy addition.

Moving out towards the stables, he was stopped in the corridor by Rho. Tallain was delighted to see her, and bowed low to the shield maiden, bedecked as she was in travel garb topped with one of the exquisitely crafted tunics that Radagast had shown at the breakfast meal. She blushed and chided him for his formality ?Come now Tallain, we have shared many a meal and defended each other on the road, this is no time to be bowing and scraping?, her familiar voice tugged at his heart-strings, and he realised she was coming to take her leave.?You are leaving Mirkwood, Rho, this is sad news, not least for me who has enjoyed your company and your mentoring for many months on the road.? Tallain?s hazel eyes were tinged with sorrow as he struggled to keep disappointment from his voice. ?yes Tallain, I have an important mission to achieve, with .. someone who has been a good friend to me in the past.?Tallain searched her face and was surprised to see something akin to yearning in her eyes. He smiled, pleased for her. ?So you are rejoined with your Easterling friends once again ?? he said, his gift leading him to a conclusion.Rho looked startled, but soon smiled in return ? Jiyadan has asked to join the Knights and is accompanying me on this quest as my Knight in Training. Much as you did ? she added.Tallain acknowledged her words and the praise they carried and embraced her, kissing her twice on the cheeks in the manner of his people. ?K?a s?A?imha staran k?o dakah e?em strat ,

oe a?ay lana sirt?e bajii an?tre? he murmured, blessing her as he had been blessed by his mother upon his last meeting with her.

?Thank you .. and please, do not hesitate to let me know of your progress my friend,? Rho answered, her mind mulling over his words. He smiled, and bowed again, honoured to be named thus.

A servant approached the pair as they said their farewells and informed Tallain that the Lord Elbren awaited him ? Tallain nodded and followed the servant, leaving his first friend in the West as she left on a perilous journey of her own.

*May the Gods be with you on your road and in all the dark places in between

Mirdain eventually parted with Idril saying, "now I have work to do". He saw Arwen leaving the Guild House, she saw him, then they nodded in each other's direction and went their separate ways. Mirdain wanted to talk to Elbren about their upcoming plans for battle. He found the Guild Master looking quite busy with maps and charts in his study.

Lord Elbren, i am sorry if I am interrupting you, but I wonder, what is our strategy for the inevitable fight? I mean, who is with us? I have some idea, but I just want to know for certain.

That is fine, Mirdain. As things stand, I am quite confident in our strategy. We will have much better long range capabilities than the enemy, for one, and will employ that advantage to the fullest extent

Hmmm yes, that makes sense, thouh I wonder if the Red Hammer will care much about that; they will be entrenched. We will have to come to them, will we not?

I have some ideas for drawing them into the open, indeed we must try to. You are right to be worried, but do not despair of our chances. I am counting and you, Idril, Arwen, Tempest, everyone really in this upcoming fight, and I know you will not disappoint. I guess that even the uninitiated trainees will play significant roles in the weeks to come.

I would not be surprised. Tell me, how is the Galadrim army faring? Has it been fully marshalled?

Yes, I have put it under the command of Lord Edlund. Then, as if Elbren anticipated a question from Mirdain, he added, I trust you approve?

After a moment's pause, Mirdain replied, oh, yes of course. I always trust your judgement in these matters, Lord Elbren. I will assist Lord Edlund in whatever capacity I may, using all the resources of my house and the Guild House of Lorien.

Good, I would expect nothing less, smiled Elbren. I have already sent Arwen to Lord Edlund with my orders for him.

That is well. One more thing, Lord Elbren...what would you like me to do now? I guess that old habits die hard, but I grow eager with anticipation of this fight.

In the middle of the night Nienor?s heartbeat had become so weak, that it could not be felt any more. It looked for sure that she must die. And maybe she would have if the Star of Earendil had not come back on the sky of Middle-Earth during this night.

After Anorast?s request the sickle had been brought to the healing room by Elbren himself. He had looked at the lady, worried obviously. Anorast had stayed at her side, all the time, but nothing had helped, until the light of the Silmaril had returned. Then, first signs of life had shown up: a light breath, a flicker only and towards the hours of dawn, Nienor-Niniel had spoken some words in her sleep, too softly to be understood, but a clear sign that life had no abandoned her.

She was still in this state, when Radagast arrived from the armoury, carrying one of the cloaks he had found. For a while, he looked at the pale face of the small woman, her eyes were closed, and her features calm and peaceful. The left hand was wrapped in a bandage, which was slightly red ? so the wound of the sickle had still not healed, even if the lady seemed to be out of danger now. Anorast had got up when the wizard had entered the room and stood now beside him, maybe willing to ask what could be done to save her, to rise her from what looked like a seeming death. But Radagast summoned him to silence with a sheer movement of his hand, taking all the time he judged necessary to look at Nienor. The silence in the room was complete.

After long minutes, the wizard turned to the elf. " Do not fear any more. Some of the threat is over and I know that your lady will be safe very soon. Let me alone with her now, I need to see her and speak with her, and her only. "

When Radagast left the room about an hour later, he also requested the guards to leave Nin alone as long as she wished to be after his departure. He was not carrying the cloak any more and spoke to very few people only about the hour they had spent together. And so did N-N, trying for a long while to understand fully what had changed in her life and how magic had entered it.

First, Radagast had put his hand on the Lady?s forehead, which was cold as ice. The healers had told him that during the hours before the rise of Earendil?s star, hey had felt no sign of life and the wizard himself believed that she had indeed left the world of the living for some time. But there could be no doubt that she had returned.

Then slowly, he unwrapped the sickle out of the leather case. The effect was immediate and N-N began to whisper in her sleep. Like Elbren earlier, Radagast was surprised by the sense of power that rose from the weapon even through the leather, and by the almost unearthly beauty of the curved form and the inscriptions of the poem that they had read in the chamber. The letters were flowing, like lines fallen from the stars. Some of them were the same lines as on the cloaks, and the entire form looked like an echo of the sickle in the sky. Firmly, Radagast took it out of the case and laid it into Nienor?s left hand. Her fingers closed around the grip at once. Only seconds later she opened her eyes, widely, fully awake and apparently untouched. Apparently only. At some times, when she had held the sickle, her own eyes seemed to have vanished. And now the image of the stars was in her eyes too, but just like an echo, shimmer behind her real glance.

" Where am I ? " was Nin?s first question and she did not recognise immediately her own voice, still deeply taken in the visions that had obsessed her mind during the previous days. It surprised even the wizard how quickly she had reacted. Slowly he took her hand, which had been bleeding for so long. Nienor had never seen Radagast before, but she did not ask any question, nor feel any threat or fear. With a sense deeper than sight she knew that this man was an ally in her quest, and a friend of the Mithril Knights in the fight to come. And then, for the rest of the time, they talked. Radagast tried to know through which experience the lady had been sent and which was the meaning of this mystery. She seemed to be freezing, still weakened by the loss of blood, and Radagast wrapped her in the cloak he had brought from the armoury. Nin did not even seem surprised by its shimmer, which became slightly more visible once it was around her shoulders.

Finally, Radagast turned her hand, looking at the wound that had not healed for so long. It was closed now, but there was no scar ? instead Nienor-Niniel?s hand was marked with the same lines as the sickle and as the cloak. It was undeniable now that she had been chosen, marked in her flesh by the weapon, marked to become the bearer.

When the wizard finally left her, he met Anorast immediately on the doorstep, walking up and down. He smiled at the elf. " The lady is awake and quite well now, given the circumstances. She might even be waiting for you and will be eager to move and even to travel and fight quicker than the healers and I would want to see her do so. If you can, hold her back for a while yet. She will not like it, but she needs some recovery and the order might need her and you for the battle against the Red Hammer. I will let her unveil the parts of the mystery that we already understand, to you and also to Lord Elbren. " Not waiting for an answer, Radagast turned on his heels to join the other knights in the preparation of their departure and also in their breakfast.

"My lord, I have a message for you."

Anorast stopped pacing to face the guard.

"What is it?"

"While you were asleep, Radagast the Wizard arrived. With him, he bore several tunics he said he found in the Chamber of Valacirca."

"Chamber of Valacirca?" Anorast was becoming annoyed with the guard. The stress of having to watch over his unconcious love had lowered his patience level.

"He said it's the secret chamber discovered within Orthanc. Radagast said that all of the Mithril Knights who have entered the chamber are to receive one of the tunics."

Anorast suddenly focused the guard with a piercing gaze.

"Where are these tunics being kept?"

"In the Armory, my lord."

The Armory. As much as Anorast yearned to see the tunics, one of which he may have already seen, carried by Radagast into Nin's room, he could not leave the door. Anorast did not know when the wizard would be done with Nin, but he wanted to be there when Radagast finished.

"Would you please go to the Armory and bring me one of the tunics? If the Master of Arms inquires, tell him that I sent you."

The guard nodded, and bowing, turned away smartly. After only a few steps, though, he turned back.

"My lord, I'm afraid I can't. I don't know which will fit you."

After a split second of thought, Anorast chuckled.

"I don't believe you need worry. Bring me the one you are drawn to. I would guess that there is only one tunic there which you, as my agent, can take. The one you choose is the one for me."

"I shall trust you."

Anorast smiled after the guard, striding off down the hall. So few people, even in the guild houses of the Mithril Knights, seemed to have much experience with magic, and it's effects. Anorast was sure that those tunics held many magical secrets, and as was often the case with such objects, each would find it's intended bearer.

Hearing a noise behind him, Anorast turned to see Radagast emerge from Nin's room.

"The lady is awake and quite well now, given the circumstances. She might even be waiting for you and will be eager to move and even to travel and fight quicker than the healers and I would want to see her do so. If you can, hold her back for a while yet. She will not like it, but she needs some recovery and the order might need her and you for the battle against the Red Hammer. I will let her unveil the parts of the mystery that we already understand, to you and also to Lord Elbren."

Nodding, the wizard walked away towards the dining hall. Anorast immediatly turned to the open door, and entered Nin's room.

Nin was sitting up in bed when Anorast walked in. Around her she wore a dark blue tunic, surely the one Radagast brought for her. It was beautiful, and fitted her perfectly. His eye was caught by the stars upon it, marking the pattern of the Sickle of Varda. Only on later, closer inspection would Anorast see that they were the clasps of the tunic. However, his attention was held by Nin's tunic for only a moment; almost immediatly Anorast saw the Sickle resting on her lap, one of Nin's hands holding it. Yet just as quickly, Anorast's eyes moved to his lady's face.

When last Anorast had seen Nin, she'd been pale, almost as white as a corpse. Yet now her face was a healthy color, and bore no mark of her past state. After seeing her the last few times Nin had held the Sickle, Anorast looked at her eyes, but they were unchanged, but brighter than he'd seen them since her injury. Clearly, the wizard had helped her, and that Nin's relationship to the Sickle had changed. Anorast didn't care what had happened, all that mattered was that his lady would be healthy again soon.

As Anorast entered Nin looked up. Seeing who it was, she smiled brightly.

"Anorast, it is wonderful to see you again!"

"As it is wonderful to see you well once more, my lady Nin." Anorast quickly approached Nin's bed, and knelt down beside her. She reached out to him, and taking her hand in his, Anorast realized it was the hand that had been cut, but now bore no mark upon it. "I was very worried about you, my love."

Tempest had stopped by the armory earlier in the day to pick up one of the cloaks Radagast had spoken of. The brown wizard had passed her in the hall, obviously on his way toward Nienor-Niniel's room, and she had avoided his gaze.

"No more voices?" he had asked in a low voice, and she had stopped in surprise.

"Voices?" she repeated slowly.

"When I saw you last, you were suffering from voices," Radagast replied simply.

"Ah. Not voices. Just one voice," she swallowed. "But he has left me in peace for the moment."

"Strange. Does that not worry you?"

"Why should it? I am glad he is gone!"

The brown wizard frowned and seemed to mutter something under his breath. He turned aside and began to hurry on his way down the hall, but Tempest quickly stepped in front of him. "Do you think..." her voice trailed off.

Radagast regarded her with piercing eyes. "Do I think what? Do I think he will return to torment you? Do I think you'll be swayed again?"

She shrank back and her face turned crimson. "That's not what...I didn't mean...Never mind." She hurried away from him and let him be on his way to aid Nienor-Niniel.

____________________________________

It was long after that a knock sounded on her door, and Tempest opened to find a messenger from Elbren. ?The Guildmaster sends word that all remaining Mithril Knights are to leave Thranduil?s Halls in two days. You are to rendezvous to the Southwest of the Red Hammer boundary. You will be occupanied by elves from Mirkwood, as well as Galadrim warriors under the command of Lord Edlund. You are to help with the evacuations of the refugees from Laketown. Your foremost objective is to get supplies to the people of Esgaroth.?

?Lord Elbren will meet us there?? Tempest queried.

?Yes, my lady.?

?Then we must make preparations. Assemble all remaining Mithril Knights in the Counsel Room and give them your message,? she ordered.

With the words from the guard mentioning that she was being saught out by another knight, Vana ran off into the guild house to seek whom was looking for her.

She didnt have far to search as she ran into Arwen_Sol as she was preparing to leave on an errand.

"Vana! There you are! I have been looking for you." she said as she spied Vana coming down the hall while she was closing her door. "I have to go see King Thranduil and thought you would accompany me there. I feel that we have much to learn of each other now that we are both full fledged Mithril Knights and will soon be in battle together."

"I would be honored to escort you there!" Vana stated with a broad smile. "I was just there speaking to my uncle this very day!"

"Oh so you have family then in the service to the King?" Arwen asked.

"No my uncle IS the King!" Vana chuckled, "Though I dont generally tell everyone as I dont wish to be pressed into my station as my uncle would like."

"Really??" Arwen looked sort of surprised then she smiled herself for she knew something that Vana did not know......

Make sure all the Knights we have here assembled or ready or getting ready for the fight, replied Elbren. We shall be leaving before long. Remember, long bows will be key to our victory. We must attack the Red Hammer from long range as much as possible. I have other matters to deal with at this time. Eru be with you, mellon!

With all of us, Lord Elbren!

---------------------------------

And with that, Mirdain went about his business. He commanded many of the lower-ranking knights he saw to be ready to depart for battle soon, though he guessed they were mostly aware of that. Still, it felt good for Mirdain to be part of the organizing effort. It made him less anxious. Of course, to everyone he met he admonished make ready your bows! We have a tremendous advantage in stealth fighting against this Red Hammer, and we shall use it to the fullest extent!

After an hour or so of that, Mirdain went back to his chambers, inspected all of the equipment that he had there with him. He layed everything that he would take with him to Erebor out on the bed, and then made for the armory and food storage cellars to pick out the remaining supplies that he would need. On the way out of his room, Mirdain ran into Idril.

Just where are you off to? she teased.

On my way to the armory. Elbren wants to leave soon. What about you?

I was coming to see you. But it is just as well; I am ill-equiped for the journey ahead, and should probably go to the armory also. Shall we walk?

Of course. Mirdain gave her a knowing look and they went off together to make final preparations.

When all preparations had been completed, the remaining Mithril Knights met one final time in the Council Room of the Guildhouse in Mirkwood. The mood was somber, and they talked little, for the weight of their mission rested heavily on all of their hearts. They had received more disturbing reports of Red Hammer brutality since Elbren's departure and it seemed that refugees were being cut down as they fled. Those who had escaped considered themselves fortunate indeed.

"Our first concern is to get supplies to the people of Esgaroth," Tempest reminded them. "Though I am certain we all feel a strong desire to engage the Red Hammer and seek revenge for the innocent blood that has been shed thus far, we must guard ourselves from acting in haste. The refugees from Laketown must been protected. Lord Elbren and other fellow Knights are expecting us, and we must not disappoint them."

"Lord Edlund sends word that his Galadrim warriors are ready to leave within the hour," Idril informed them.

"Good. Then we leave within the hour. The Mirkwood elves also go with us," Tempest nodded, and the Mithril Knights dispersed.

They were good to their word, for everyone was assembled outside when Tempest gathered the last of her things, and they all wore grim looks upon their faces. "They are prepared to meet their deaths," Tempest thought to herself, "But they are willing to do so to stop the Red Hammer." She noted the long bows that many of the elves carried and she smiled darkly. She was always amazed at the accuracy and deadly precision with which the elves could use their bows. She only hoped it would be enough to give them the advantage that they needed...

As the other Mithril Knights met and assembled themselves, ready for departure on their quest to aid the people of the lake, Vana stood ready. She had her long bow in her hand, her sword on her hip and her quiver full of some of the finest crafted arrows of the Great Green Wood. She looked little different from the Mirkwood elves except for her cloak of the Mithril Knights, a token of her status with the guild and her completion of her initiation into the order.

Thought spirits were high, tension could be seen on the faces of all who knew of the dangers they were facing. Though the initiates had had to do some tasks that were important, none had really faced much danger from the Red Hammer as of yet. So they stood with no understanding of the actual fear they would be facing knowing they would learn all too soon what they were up against.

As the final Knights gathered they readied to leave the safety of the guild house and move out into the battle before them on their trek to Laketown. Tempest spoke to the group of Knights and elves who were going with them about how the Red Hammer were killing refugees and spilling innocent blood. Tempers were starting to flare at the unseen enemy but we are being encouraged to stay true to our task of aiding and bringing in provisions to the people who remain.

"Soon we will be leaving" Vana thought to herself and so she took one more look back at the Woods of her youth and her home, perhaps for the final time. She was ready to do her part to protect the peoples of Middle Earth from the darkness that threatened the very existance of Middle Earth, as she knew it.

After being given their true mission the knights moved on to getting their mounts ready to go. Glory came to Vana with a whistle. The horse came from the meadow not far from the guild house. Stout and strong the horse would carry her into the facing danger and either carry her through or die trying. They nuzzled each other for a moment as Vana spoke elvish to her horse and the horse neighed back at her. She fed the horse an unseen treat then quickly sprang to its back with a bed roll on her shoulder with her bow and quiver.

"Ready to ride!" Vana whispered to Glory as she waited for the leader to head on down the trail and out of the Great Green Woods.

The forest was hushed and still, with weak rays of the sun filtering through the canopy overhead to dapple the wooded paths in watery gold light. The two women walked easily over the oft-traversed trails toward Thranduil?s house, their light footfalls blending into the quiet murmur of the forest. They traveled without speaking, the dark-haired warrior seemingly a mirrored shadow to the gilded princess by her side. Yet the features of both reflected the Half-Elven nature of their heritage. All too soon the entrance to the King?s cave loomed before them. The guard gave them a cursory inspection, looking questioningly at Vana, who had just recently departed, and smiling at both her and Arwen whom he remembered as a child, then bade them enter.

The corridor was empty, and Vana took the lead being more familiar with the shape within the stone walls, Arwen followed closely behind her peredhel eyes gliding over their passage and storing them in her memory. Watching the almost hypnotic sway of Vana?s golden hair as she walked, Arwen had time to think about her mysterious kinswoman. She knew of the Lady Vanaladiel Meril of course for they had both been born in the same age and in similar circumstances, but Arwen had spent most of her early years traversing the domains of the various peoples of Middle-earth

those that were friendly to her kind, and perhaps not surprisingly, many were not. In that time Vana, too had been fighting her own battles in that time, thus their paths had not crossed till now.

Coming upon an ornately carved door, Vana pushed it open and entered without preamble startling an older Elven lord who looked up sharply at them from his place across a large table. Maps of all Middle-earth were laid out upon the surface, and upon noting the identity of the ?intruders? the man returned to poring over the manuscripts, occasionally jotting down notes with a fine quill pen. Arwen looked questioningly to Vanaladiel and was reassured by the lady?s unperturbed expression--- she rolled her eyes--- Arwen grinned. Simultaneously, the two women opened their mouths to speak, and the man?s resounding voice cut them off, ?Lady Vanaladiel, Lady Arwen, your Uncle is in the inner chamber? he waved them airily forward without bothering to look up from his deciphering.

?Hennaid veneg,? Arwen said firmly as she crossed the floor wondering if she knew the personage, or it just seemed like everyone knew of her these days. Her companion?s emerald green eyes searched hers as well, the same questions in her eyes. Arwen sighed and followed Vana from the outer room to where Thranduil waited within. ?Uncle!? cried Vanaladiel gaily and sped across the room to stand by his side, turning to look at Arwen who approached more slowly. Walking right up to him, she had to turn her face up slightly to look him in the eyes, the affection she saw twinkling in the depths reassured her and she reached out and embraced him.

His hands tightened briefly around her shoulders and then her held her away from him, his gaze searching the changes that time had wrought on her enduring features. Vana, sensing the familiarity between her Uncle and her fellow initiate, looked perplexed, her gaze darting from Thranduil to Arwen. With his hand still on her shoulder, the Lord of Eryn Lasgalen beckoned Vana forward and put his other hand on the gilded peredhel?s shoulder. When he spoke, his voice was pleased and kindly, ?Vana, let me introduce you to your cousin Arwen Sol, Arwen meet your kinswoman, Vanaladiel Meril.? Vana?s green eyes opened wide with shock and then narrowed as she noted Arwen?s expectant expression, ?you knew?? she stated, more than asked.

For a stilting instant Arwen thought Vana would be angered at the small deception, but she went on with laughter now coloring her voice, ?How could you know

and not tell me?!? she cried out and giggling like girls the two women embraced as Thranduil looked on. ?Forgive me, cousin,? Arwen said softly, but I thought it best that you be told by someone you knew and trusted. To which Vana just shook her head and turned to their Uncle with a mock glare before embracing him as well. It was a wonderful surprise for two women who had been much too alone in the world.

It was Thranduil?s voice that turned serious first, ?Have either of you new for me, from Lord Elbren?? Without wasted movement, Arwen removed the scroll from the inner pocket of her leather jerkin and handed it to Thranduil who broke open the wax seal in a swift movement and scanned through GuildMaster?s message. His voice was hard, that of a general commanding his armies and the women shivered with the power of that voice when he spoke, ?Tell Elbren it will be done

Now, vendi I must leave you--- there is much that needs to be done before the coming battle.? With that he strode from the room, leaving the two newfound nieces to stare in his wake.

?We must leave as well,? Arwen said, ?As our uncle said (she grinned at the our) we have preparations to make and I?ve another of Elbren?s messages to deliver before our departure.? They left together, quickly finding the Lord Edlund and delivering the second scroll, the commander?s answer was much the same as Thranduil?s and soon Vana and Arwen found themselves back at the Guild House. It seemed the place was in an upheaval as warriors made provision to go into battle, but both managed to find their way back to their chambers. At Vanaladiel?s door, the women embraced, hugging each other tightly thinking that this last time before the encounter with the Red Hammer may be the only chance to know each other.

?All will be well, On—n‘--- sister

? Arwen whispered comfortingly. They broke apart and with that as farewell Arwen walked alone to her own chambers. When she came to her door, a strangely familiar person stood outside, and the peredhel warrior approached cautiously. It was the Istari, Radagast--- Arwen remembered passing by the wizard?s domain when he had dwelt still in Rhosgobel, though it had been some time since last she?d traversed there, and in his arms he carried one of the tunics that she instantly remembered from earlier during the feast.

?What may I do for you mellyn,? she asked politely. His studiously blank expression broke away to a mysterious smile. ?It isn?t me to whom you should be asking that question h’na? he said mellifluously and Arwen balked at the hidden meaning of the wizard?s words. ?This is for you,? he continued, holding out the deep blue tunic with silver star-like closures. Arwen took it from his hands, knowing even before looking at it that it would fit her perfectly~ as if it had been made just for her. A shimmer appeared at the corner of her eye and suddenly afraid Arwen bowed and stammered a brief thanks to Radagast, for once not overly concerned about her rudeness to such a powerful being, and quickly entered her room, closing the thick wooden door firmly behind her.

She almost sank down to her knees, that was a close call~ if the Istari had caught sight of her father?s Shade~ what? What would happen then? She didn?t know. She only hoped she could keep the madness of her second ?shadow? a secret for only a little longer, at least until she had found some answers of her own. For now there were more pressing things to consider. It seemed as if she had trained her whole life to come to this one point and where would she go from here~ only time could tell. She worked efficiently, settling provisions for herself and her mount. Soon all would be ready, Lord Edlund would lead the Galadhrim army and Thranduil would send his forces as well. And then to whatever fate awaited them they would ride.

Emerging from their room, Nienor-Niniel and Anorast found themselves in the middle of a corridor completely empty. Nothing moved, and no one was in view. Shrugging to Nin, Anorast led off towards the kitchen. They were both hungry, and the elf was sure Nin didn't know the guildhouse very well, having been ill for most of her time there.

Once in the kitchen, the couple found a few servants sitting around a table, and only one cook near the large stoves. There were no Mithril Knights, as Anorast had found hanging about the kitchen the last few times he'd been there. And it seemed to him, after walking through the guild house, that there were none left, and not many servants and guards left.

As Nin and Anorast entered, a servant looked up. He was one of the ones Anorast had met before.

"Good day, my lord, my lady," said the servant, nodding to Nin. "It's good to see you out and about, both of you."

"Thank you. Where is everyone?"

"The Mithril Knights have moved out. They left this morning, to go to Esgaroth. Many of the guards and servants went with them. The army of Thranduil is with them."

Anorast nodded. At least the combined forces would have a good chance against the forces they estimated that the enemy had.

"However, there are a few of us left here," the servant continued. "I stayed to manage the place, and let you two know what was happening. My name is Elorin."

"Thank you, Elorin."

"The Lady Tempest left word that if you wish, the assistance of both of you would be most welcome. They are not too far ahead, and two riders can easily catch them."

Nodding again, Anorast turned to Nin. She looked up at him, determination in her eyes. Anorast looked down at her, both of them quiet, thinking. They both had been through battle before, and knew the odds. After a moment, they both turned towards Elorin.

"Ready our horses, please. We'll meet you in the stables shortly."

Immediatly, the two Mithril Knights turned, and started out of the kitchen, back to their room. Just as the door was closing, a voice came back to Elorin:

"And have some food with you, if you please."

The battle raged around Orthanc for the Mithril Knights and Gondorian soldiers had been forced within the fortress by the Red Hammer and their accompanying Orcish army. No aid had been forthcoming. No Rohirrim. No Gondorians. They had supplies and food for many weeks, so Thalos did not worry that they would go hungry. And Orthanc could not be taken. Not by any force.

So the Gondorian soldiers and Mithril Knights harboured inside the strong walls of the Tower, hearing the curses and futile beatings against Orthanc by their enemies, who swarmed within the Ring of Isengard.

The Red Hammer had even taken to digging tunnels, trying to find a way beneath the Tower, but Thalos knew that even that was a wasted effort. No, he thought, until the food began to run low, they were safe. And perhaps by then, aid would be sent.

Finally, more due to boredom than anything else, the Mithril Knights and Gondorians took to the windows of Orthanc and began to taunt and fire arrows at the sieging Red Hammer. After a few days of this, Thalos began to realise that the Red Hammer, like themselves, would be receiving no further aid. In fact, it was with a grim smile that the Dwarf of the Mithril Knights saw that the arrows of the garrison were lessening the numbers of the Red Hammer so much that the enemy retreated well out of range and sat waiting and fuming with anger.

It was the same morning as when the Mithril Knights departed from Mirkwood with the Elven armies that Thalos observed a white flag of truce emerge from the Red Hammer encampment and a small party approached the doors of Orthanc.

The bows of the Gondorian soldiers and the Mithril Knights were raised in readiness, but Thalos ordered them to stay their arrows.

"Let's hear what the bundle have to say," he growled.

"We greet you in the name of your cousins, the Red Hammer, and our King from the East," cried the apparent leader of the army before them, "we would speak to you of terms of peace."

"Ye would, would ye?" Thalos shouted back, "ye are no cousins of mine, laddies, and we need no terms from the likes of you. We're well supplied and can hold out til spring and beyond. Be gone from this place before we pick the lot of ya off like pickin rotten fruit from a dying tree!"

"We seek one thing that lies within your tower," the Red Hammer captain continued, ignoring the jibes now coming from the Tower, "give it to us and we shall leave you in peace."

"I told ya that we don't need yer peace, but since I'm a wee bit bored, why don't ye tell me what you seek?"

"We seek the Red Hammer," the captain said flatly.

Now this took Thalos by surprise, and he immediately felt that here might be some information to help them solve the riddle of why and how the Red Hammer had come and waged war on the West.

"The Red Hammer," Thalos said, "and why in all of Middle Earth should I give THAT to YOU?"

"Because it belongs to us."

"Indeed?"

"Indeed. You hold it here and have done so for many ages. It belongs to us and we claim it by RIGHT!"

It was then that Thalos looked at the design upon the shields of the Red Hammer before him and he noted the design of the Red Hammer upon them. It was an angled object, curved, not like a hammer of an anvil or war. No, it was more like...a Sickle.

The Sickle.

And then it all made sense. The Sickle of the Valar. The very object that they had discovered, that no doubt Saruman had been aware of, was the Red Hammer.

He had to get word to Elbren and he had to do it with all haste. As soon as darkness fell, someone must leave the tower by the secret ways and ride like the wind to the North.

It was worse than any of them could imagine.

What the Mithril Knights did not know, what they could not have known even as they departed the Mirkwood Guild House, was that Laketown was already cut off and that any refugees who had escaped quickly realized that they were better off returning to their doomed city than to be cut down in retreat.

Laketown was surrounded. The first to escape the onslaught ran toward Mirkwood only to encounter another division of the Red Hammer coming from the West and South. How it was done they would never know, but the panic that ensued as those running turned back, only to have the net pulled more tightly around them.

The Red Hammer were not content with mere victory: they wanted complete annihilation.

In the few days it took for the Mithril Knights to finally reach the border established by the Red Hammer, the few survivors they came across related harrowing stories. Tempest was beginning to wonder if there would be anyone left to rescue even if they managed to break the lines and reach Laketown.

"They were moving fast," an elven scout reported in a quiet voice, "The trap was set from the beginning. They wanted to ensure that no one escaped from Esgaroth alive."

"Why? What do they care for the deaths of women and children?" Tempest said, her fists clenched as she stood gazing down at the remains of a group of refugees, the confusion still evident on their lifeless faces. They had died in terror.

"Are there any survivors? Have we found ANY?" Vana asked grimly.

"Very few, and most of those are near death from their wounds," Lord Edlund answered in a quiet voice.

"At least we have that to be thankful for. In their haste, the Red Hammer did not stop to check that they were dead," Tempest replied bitterly.

"How soon do you expect Lord Elbren?" Edlund asked her. Tempest glanced at Idril.

"Soon, but he may have encountered troubles of his own..." Idril said slowly. "We had rumors of wolves loose in the forests."

"Well, I will not wait long." Tempest thrust her sword savagely into the ground. "I will not wait while the people of Laketown are burned to death in their own homes."

"What do you propose?" Mirdain asked.

"We need more information. We need to find a weak point in their lines and exploit it to our advantage. We have the elven bows; let us use them."

"Agreed," Lord Edlund said, "But it may not be enough. It seems our enemy is well-prepared and anticipates our moves."

"Then we must play the fox and change our strategy."

In the river town of Rhosgobel, Erinhue and his knights in training, Teltasarwen, Raghnildur and Falathiel, survived an attempted ambush and captured a peripheral member of the Knight of the Silmarill. Using Agarak?s magic to draw out information, Erinhue became aware of a summons issued by Lord Elbren calling all Mithril Knights to rendezvous south of Esgaroth. Crossing Mirkwood Forest on foot would take up too much time so after some negotiating, Erinhue convinced his magical dragonharp, Agarak to transport the group to the other side of the woods.

When the others had joined hands Erinhue picked Agarak up in his left hand and extended his right hand to Fala who stood closest to him. Hand in hand the four of them stood in the town square. There was a faint melody, something dreamy played upon the strings of a harp. In the next moment the four of them found themselves standing at the southeastern banks of the Long Lake, less than a mile or two from Lake Town and Esagaroth. Once getting their bearings they set out to locate the meeting point and re join Elbren and the rest of the Mithril Knights.

Mirdain went about checking on the wounded, trying to give them encouraging words. Idril appeared in the doorway of one of the rooms where the wounded were kept.

How bad are they?

Lord Edlund's report was painfully accurate. They all appear to be dying, Mirdain replied.

Is there any hope, for any of them?

Possibly, for a few, but do not trust to it...They need skilled healers. We must win this fight quickly and get them out of here.

Tempest is rallying the few remaining defenders that this place has as we speak. I just came from aiding her. She wanted you to be close enough that you might be easily reachable if the fight starts suddenly.

Good. I will join you both soon, my love. My greatest fear is that the Red Hammer might set fire to the houses of Laketown itself and kill all who are trapped within, even if we are ultimately able to drive them back.

I share your fear, Mirdain. Let us hope that Elbren arrives soon.

Yes...let us hope.

Raghnildur?s mind flooded with the events that had happened in the past few moments. His left elbow tingled as he remembered the Knight of the Silmaril?s discomfort at Agarak?s methods of persuasion. He remembered the gnawing doubt in the back of his mind as he lined up with the others and joined hands for the dragonharp to bear them to Esgaroth and Laketown. As he looked around and took in his new surroundings, he quickly remembered that danger far more potent than the exercise they had just partaken in was just on the horizon.

He had no time to check his belongings before they set out from Rhosgobel, so he quickly set his hand to his sword. His left hand checked for his pouch, and then to his dagger. It found an empty hilt. He had last seen the dagger as it hewed the arrow that was whistling toward his master. ?Blast,? he whispered. He had planned on taking a bow from the Armoury when they returned to the Guildhouse, but a bow would have to wait now. A dagger he could not do without when it could be helped. For now, however, it could not.

The four warriors made their way toward Laketown, each of eight eyes and ears sharply tuned to their surroundings. Falathiel and Telta had their elven ears sharply tuned to listen for any rustling or ringing of a sword being drawn, while Raghnildur strode behind the group and Erinhue before.

~

A scout watching hidden on the west side of the road had waited through what had proved to be a very unproductive day, given the events of recent weeks in these parts. Nary a problem had been spotted from the road in twelve hours? time. The Red Hammer had things well under control on the borders of the city, so no problems would come from behind the dwarf.

The day had been so quiet, in fact, that for the past few hours the scout had allowed himself to indulge in the rather large flask at his side, which was well over half empty by now.

As he waited, watched, and drank, he suddenly became aware of four figures walking stealthily along the east side of the road. They were watching and listening around them, and would be on him sooner than he liked to think. His reflexes would suffer from the drink. If only he had left the flask at home

He silently pushed the cork back into his flagon and let it hang at his side. In only a few moments more, they would be close enough to recognize or not. He waited. After three or four minutes, they were indeed close enough for him to know them better. He knew them not. His hand fluidly went to his horn. He raised it to his mouth, and inhaled

and found the horn swept out of his hand and pinned to the tree beside him before he even heard the twang from a bow. Looking up in shock, he met the eyes of one of the newcomers and opened his mouth to cry a warning.

The cry was caught before it escaped his throat by a second arrow.

~

Raghnildur handed the bow back to Telta, who was standing there with her mouth open. She had been watching ahead on the eastern side of the road they were traveling when Raghnildur had snatched the bow from her shoulder and fired off two arrows before she could turn or speak. ?I?m sorry I did not ask permission to use your bow, Telta. I shall not overstep such again, but time was of essence. Please accept my apology.? After a quick bow, Raghnildur looked around and sped up the road to retrieve Telta?s arrows.

It wasn?t long before Erinhue and his group of Knights in Training found themselves surrounded by other Mithril Knights. They were quickly filled in as to the situation at hand and they joined their fellow Knights in sorrow over the massacres of the Laketown refugees.

Agarak managed to shoot a customary flame in Tempest?s general direction, but she was too happy to see Erinhue to give her usual sharp-tongued response. She had hoped that Elbren traveled with him, and she was disappointed to hear that they knew nothing of his group or if they had encountered any danger that prevented them from meeting.

She pulled Erinhue aside. ?We can?t wait much longer. The situation is dire and it may already be too late for Laketown. Some of the Mirkwood elves already report seeing smoke rising from the city. Laketown is completely surrounded.?

?Any areas of weakness in the enemy defenses?? Erinhue asked.

?No.?

?Then, we should just choose an angle and head in.?

She sighed. ?It would seem so. It will not be easy, and our numbers are few compared to our enemy.?

?What choice do we have??

She was silent and then asked, ?How many did you bring with you??

?There are only four of us, but we are all skilled.?

?Let me see them.? Falathiel, Telta, and Raghnildur approached and Tempest studied them carefully. Her practiced eye missed nothing and just when Erinhue was about to protest with her treatment of them, she nodded grimly and addressed them. ?You must be weary from your travels. Get something to eat and rest a little for you will need it. Our mission is somber, and the Mithril Knights will lead the attack on the Red Hammer. The Mirkwood elves and the Galadrim under Lord Edlund will provide cover with their arrows, but the bulk of the hand-to-hand combat belongs to us. It will not be for the faint of heart. Our enemy is wise and ruthless. Are you all well-armed??

?Do you have any arms to spare?? Erinhue asked.

?It depends on what you are looking for. We have plenty of bows and arrows for long-range battle, but we are somewhat lacking in other areas.?

Raghnildur cleared his throat. ?A dagger. I?ve lost mine in a recent skirmish.?

Tempest turned her piercing gaze to him and then reached down and took a dagger from a holder near her ankle. She handed it to him. ?You can have mine,? she said.

?Oh no. I would not deprive you of your weapon,? he answered hastily.

She smiled wryly. ?I have several others. It would not be missed. However, I would like it back if at all possible when this is done.?

He examined the dagger and saw that it had a curved black handle that bore strange markings.

She saw his expression and grimaced. ?Orcish.? she said in answer to his unasked question. ?And I assure you that its translation is nothing beautiful, though it is deadly enough for its purpose.? She turned to the rest of the party. ?Now, please get some rest. We still have a little time before the assault begins...?

With so many wounded, the tasks of the Mithril Knights before the battle were of various duties. Vana had helped with healers before so she had spent much time helping tend the wounded and serving up food and drink for those that could eat or drink.

The day had gone on much as it had the day before with little time for rest or to think of anything much except the coming battle with the Red Hammer. Arwen_Sol had helped in the healing houses as well. Both she and Vana had come to know they were bound by more then just a cause but by blood and family. They would fight together and die together if that was the need for an elf would not break their oath when there were a need and middle earth was in great need of being freed from its bondage of the Red Hammer.

Words were few in the hours that they worked with the wounded. But glances were exchanged and their feelings could be seen in their eyes. Both were scared but willing to do as they had vowed and pledged as Mithril Knights. To see the Red Hammer defeated and Middle Earth released from the evil grip that now held it.

Voices were heard late in the day that sparked some recognition in Vana's memory. Could it be??? She quietly got up from the cot where she was tending an elderly woman and walked over to a window to look out and see if she could spot the person whose voice she heard.

There standing in the road was Tempest and she was talking with him! It was him!! Vana almost ran from the room and out into the road.

"Lord Hue!!" She spoke first softly then again a bit louder, "Is that you Lord Erinhue??"

He turned to see her standing there. His face lighted in recognition for it was him indeed. Here stood one of her oldest friends. She slowly walked up to him then threw her arms around him in a greeting of old friends. She then stepped back with a bit of a red face as she remembered her manners and her origins. He was the first person she had seen since she had fled from her friends at the Lucky Fortune Inn so long ago now. Here she was now face to face with him again. She knew that many had not known why she fled or that she had set out to become a Mithril Knight. She wondered if he had known or if he was as shocked to see her there.

"Forgive me Lord Hue, I just didnt expect to see someone like you here!" She smiled but lowered her head as if shamed by her emotions at the moment.

Vana then became aware that there were three others with Erinhue some that she did not know and some that she did.

"Telta!" Vana exclained as she recognised her friend. Quickly they hugged and were glad to be reunited once more.

She wondered if they were joining them as well. The fight would take all they could muster but they knew their numbers were fewer then really needed to face the Red Hammer. Their might and wits as well as their skills as fighters for the cause would be tested for sure. Vana only hoped that they would all survive to see Middle Earth freed once more.

Tempest instructed Vana to show Lord Hue and the others where they could freshen up and find food and drink. Smiling Vana lead them to some back rooms in the house where they were tending several of the wounded. Then leaving them so they could freshen up, a short time later she returned to show them where they could be nurished and find good drink to wash the dust of the road away. Vana enjoyed the time away from the duties she had been doing for a chance to see someone she knew. Someone from home. A brief respite from the horrors to come.

?Hail Vanaladiel, beautiful balm for road weary eyes.? Erinhue?s greeting was as full of surprise at seeing his old friend as joy in the meeting> ?I never though ta see you way away out here. Ya shoulda let me know ya wanted to join the Knights I coulda been your mentor.?

?And a fine one he was at that.? Telta said and Fala added ?Hail Vana it is good to see you again.?

Erinhue, Fala, Telta and Vana spent time over a quick meal talking like old friends. Raghnildur examined his borrowed blade with a weaponsmith?s eye intrigued by its foreign design. He wondered at the meaning of the orcish words and then decided he would be better off not knowing.

The time passed quickly, every minute taking its toll in death and destruction. When all immediate needs were taken care of they rejoined Tempest to prepare for the work to come. With somber faces they listened to Tempest reporting on the situation as it presently stood. They would face tremendous odds but with speed skill and valor they might accomplish some good and perhaps prevent even greater ill befalling.

When Tempest finished, Erinhue looked at her with an odd expression.

?You do know that ya got an ace in the hole, but you can only play it once and that once better be carfully chosen.?

Tempest returned a questioning look that was met with a sigh from the bard. ?If need be you could call on the berserker.?

Tempest nodded her acceptance of this possible addition to her arsenal. ?I?ve fought with you before, Erinhue but what of these others. I don?t have much faith in Miriel?s spell but it is better protection than none against that sword of yours.?

?I have faith enough for both of us, my stormy darlin?? Erinhue said, but the light tone in his voice was not reflected in the tired almost sad look in his eyes.

?Well goslings, and any who are going with us? Erinhue began as he stood up. ?if you go to battle with me then you must be made aware. Should you hear me howling on the battlefield, avoid me at all costs. Come not to my aid as I shall not need for you to do so and it might bring you to grievous harm. My sword Clarion is possessed and should it take me over, I will not know you. I would slay you with the same fervor and blood lust that I would show to any foe. Alas it would be none of my conscious doing but would be done all the same.?

Erinhue waited for his words to sink in before continuing. ?When I joined the Mithril Knights the Lady Carnimiriel was able to divine a spell that would offer you protection. I have all faith in it or I would have never joined these ranks.?

Erinhue reached back and pulled the rune carved blade from it place upon his back. He held it out parallel to the ground and slowly angled it until the light bounced off the sword. ?One by one come forward and put your fingers on the blade while you image is reflected back upon it. This way the sword will know you for a friend and not seek to taste your blood.?

There was the briefest of all pauses and then Erinhue continued.

?If any of you would prefer not to take the field with me, speak now with no hard feelings. It is hard enough to face the enemy before us, there is no lack of honor in declining to contend with unknown danger masquerading in the body of a friend.?

Everyone present with Erinhue listened intently to his words. Fear and confusion lay upon the many faces as he described what he could to the group. Many seemed uncomfortable with the idea of his being possessed and not knowing friend from foe.

But Vana had confidence in Erinhue as he finished what he had to say and laided the blade down in front of him. Slowly the group watched as Vana stood up and stepped forward staring at her reflection in the blade.

Softly she spoke as she placed her delicate fingers upon the blade, "I come as a friend and can be counted on in battle. I both yield to and respect your power!"

As she stepped back from the blade she touched Erinhues shoulder with her hand to let him know she would fight side by side with her friend without a second thought.

Erinhue, Raghnildur, Telta and Falathiel were indeed happy to see faces that belonged to allies. Erinhue and Tempest held a quick but meaningful conversation, which was followed by Tempest examining each of the newcomers. When she asked if they were armed, Raghnildur?s face fell and he explained that his dagger had been lost in Rhosgobel.

As she gave him a once-over, her piercing eyes nearly made the young knight nervous under their stare. Suddenly she unsheathed her own dagger from an ankle holster, and offered the handle to Raghnildur. Immediately the man tried to decline, he would much rather take a weapon from any store that the Knights had in their encampment, but to no avail. Tempest insisted that he take her dagger, for she had many others to take its place. Raghnildur thanked her profusely and began to examine his newly lended weapon. The design was most obviously foreign, and there were markings on the handle that Raghnildur thought vaguely resembled

?Orcish. And I assure you that its translation is nothing beautiful, though it is deadly enough for its purpose.? Tempest answered his question before he had been able to speak it. She then suggested that the four of them get a bit of rest while they were able.

~

At the encampment, discussion continued between new and old Knights. Tempest and Erinhue were again speaking foreboding words to one another about the chances of the group in the battle that loomed. As they spoke and the others listened, Raghnildur was taking a closer look at the weapon that Tempest was going to allow him to wield. The blade was of a fairly straightforward shape, with only a slight curve to it. The handle, on the other hand, had a much greater curve so that even its end would fit snugly against the palm of its bearer. Raghnildur ran his fingertip along the blade?s edge, which was sharp as obsidian. In fact, the edge bore no mark from a sharpening stone whatsoever. The corners of the man?s mouth curled up into a slight smile as he tightly gripped the dagger, and saw that it fit his hand as well or better than his own. His fortune had already shown itself to be more than adequate, and he prayed that things would hold that way.

Suddenly Erinhue stood and called the attention of those around him. As he began to speak of what he was capable of on the battlefield and how he could strike down anyone in his path regardless of whom that person might be, a chill snaked up Raghnildur?s spine. He had come to fight enemies, but it had never occurred to him that his friend, mentor and master could be capable of turning his own sword on his pupil.

As Erinhue explained the circumstances which could lead to disaster and how that very thing might be averted, Raghnildur nearly quailed. His hand trembled ever so slightly as he placed Tempest?s dagger into its temporary home, the sheath at his side made for his own blade. As it set snugly into place, the man looked down in surprise. Indeed, the dagger fit his sheath quite nicely, firmly. He jiggled the hilt back and forth, and the blade remained snugly nestled in the leather housing. A smile returned to his lips. If Eru had provided a simple need of a dagger so adequately that it even fit his own sheath, how could He ignore the need to protect those fighting for justice and truth? Raghnildur looked up just as Vanaladiel approached Erinhue and placed her fingers to his possessed blade, and stood to his feet.

?Erinhue, we have trusted you this far, and you have given us no reason not to continue likewise. I shall be honored to take the field with you once more, berserker or no. I believe in you.? He stepped forward, and placing his fingertips onto the cursed blade, he looked into the mirrored metal and saw himself smiling grimly back.

As the party rode slowly down the path, Arwen could not help but look down into the faces of the dead, their grim visages frozen forever in the horror they had been witness to. These were all that were left of the few who had escaped Esgaroth and once more the peredhel?s thoughts turned to Sir. Dirk. This reckless slaughtering of women and children had brought them all pain but she knew it would pierce him the most for they were his own people and dear to his heart. Occasionally, cries rose from up ahead as scouts came upon those who still lived~ their lives hanging by a thread. It brought her hope to hear these calls and because her spirit would demand no less of her, Arwen swiftly dismounted and joined the search for survivors, her keen eyes wandering over the dead, in search of life.

It was numbing work, and the elf leaned down again to feel for a pulse on another still body. She closed her eyes in despair when no faint beat throbbed beneath her fingers, with each lifeless body she passed it grew harder to continue the search, but she could not stop now~ not while hope still remained. She did not weep- could not- for what use are tears in the face of such hate? The ache inside her would soon enough turn to anger and she would need that in the battle ahead, to remind her what she was fighting for.

A halt was called and a camp swiftly and efficiently set up; there was still neither sign nor word from Elbren but there was much to be done before the battle. Arwen found herself in front of the tents that had been arranged for the wounded and she slipped through the entrance to see what aid she could offer. Within, the air was thick with the scent of herbs and medicinal smells. But not even the most pungent liniments could mask the scent of blood and death that had seeped into the very walls. The few experienced healers that had been brought along on the journey rushed through the room offering their skills, but they were too few and the need too great.

Near the back of the tent, Arwen caught sight of Vanaladiel. Her cousin?s face was tired and somber as she knelt at the bed of a battered child that thrashed and cried out. Moving forward to join them, Arwen laid her hand upon the child?s head and he calmed, his breath coming in ragged sighs. Vanaladiel looked up, grateful that her kinswoman had come to lend her own healing knowledge~ dipping her slender fingers into a jar of crushed athelas, Vana soothed it onto the little boy?s wounds. Working as a team, the two peredhel moved surely and steadily through the cots holding wounded men, women and children, offering aid where the could and comfort when even their healing powers held no sway.

Arwen didn?t know how much time had passed, it seemed as if her world had been reduced to this space where she labored. Looking up, her beryline eyes scanned the room and she realized that Vana had been gone for some time, unable to stifle the small thread of unreasonable fear that pricked her, Arwen finished tying the bandage she?d been working on and slipped quietly out the tent in search of her cousin. Hearing Vana?s lilting voice coming from another nearby tent, Arwen ducked below the opening and called softly, ?muinthel-nin?? she fell silent as she realized that her cousin was not alone.

She had come upon a curious scene: Vana stood with her fingers upon a blade, held by a man that Arwen happily recognized as Master Erinhue. Also in the tent were Erinhue?s Knights in training: Raghnildur, Telta and Falathiel whom she remembered being introduced to briefly at the GuildHouse. Realizing that she had interrupted some strange ritual, the peredhel colored and hoped she had not come upon something she was not supposed to witness. Smiling awkwardly, Arwen gracefully backed out of the opening of the tent, hoping that nothing ill had happened in the healing area during her absence.

Glancing up Vana saw the figure of her cousin and friend moving out of the tent. So she softly walked to the tent opening and sought out Arwen to join with them. Arwen had moved swiftly back to the tent of healing and Vana followed quickly taking her gently by the arm.

"Cousin, would you not join with us??" Vana smiled to Arwen, "This will concern you as well!"

Taking Arwen's arm in hers they walked back to the tent where the Mithril Knights were huddled around the blade of Lord Erinhue.

"Come and be with us as we make plans and learn of each other and our enemy." Vana's face went grim as she continued, "This will not be a fight full of hope but let us not be discouraged but encouraged by the friends we will be fighting along side."

Surrounded by other Mithril Knights they were met with sad news of the massacre of the refugees in Laketown. One of the Knights, a woman pulled erinhue aside and was speaking quietly with him. A short time later Fala, Raghnildur and herself were standing before the woman as she looked them over not missing a thing. Telta looked at her wondering who she was her curiosity overshadowing the unease she felt being scrutinized so closely. Whatever she had been looking for she seemed satisfied as she spoke telling them to eat and rest. Her next words . ?Our mission is somber, and the Mithril Knights will lead the attack on the Red Hammer. The Mirkwood elves and the Galadrim under Lord Edlund will provide cover with their arrows, but the bulk of the hand-to-hand combat belongs to us. It will not be for the faint of heart. Our enemy is wise and ruthless.?

Telta rested her hand upon her sword it?s presence a small comfort in the wake of what was coming. Her quiver was half full. She could use more arrows if there were any to spare. Well armed? Perhaps not as well as some but once the quiver was filled she would have all that she needed. Imminent battle was before them and she would not rest easy.

As they moved on a familiar face among the unknown Knights made her way quickly to Hue and embraced him. She stepped back her cheeks tinged with red. ?Telta!" The elf had no time to react as she found herself on the receiving end of an embrace also. Telta smiled. "Vana. It is good to see you my friend."

Their brief greeting was over as Vana showed them where to freshen up and then she rejoined them as they ate. A small gathering of friends new and old before the fighting started. After eating they gathered around Tempest, as Telta now knew her by thanks to Vana, to listen to further reports on the situation.

Erinhue stood getting their attention as he spoke. Telta listened letting each and every word he said sink in. If what he said was true there was danger to herself and to the others. But that would not stop her. There was no ? if ?, she would go into battle with him no matter what. She moved up to the Knight no hesitation in her steps.

"Hue I have listened to your words. In time of battle I will remember what you have said and I will not come to your aid as you have asked. But neither will I leave you to face this enemy alone." Hue looked at her. It had been the longest speech she had ever given him. A testament to the friendship she felt for him. She looked down at the sword and placed her fingers upon the cold blade as her own determined face reflected back at her.

"Let us not forget that close combat should be avoided at all cost."

From the doorway the low, fine voice rolled through the crowd. The elven lord Anorast stood there, with the lady Nienor-Niniel beside him. In one of her hands she held a leather bag, with a strangely shaped object in it.

"Sorry we're late." Striding forward, Anorast faced Tempest. "Right now, our only chance of success is to use the archers we have here. Coming into camp, I saw the numbers arrayed against us. And towards the Lonely Mountain there are many fires, not those of burning houses and fields, but those of an encampment. As I heard you mention, our force is weak in hand to hand ability. If we're to act now, it must be with arrows."

Anorast nodded to Tempest. As he turned towards Erinhue Anorast looked over the assembled knights. In the front he spotted what must be Erinhue's Knights in Training, and Anorast was pleasantly surprised to see he knew several of them. He grinned as he thought of the impression this force would make on the Red Hammer, regardless of outcome.

Looking over at Erinhue he saw that Nin had already reached him and the two were talking. This was the first time since their initiation that Nin had seen her mentor. And also the first time they?d seen each other since Anorast had become Nin?s protector. Looking at the lady, Anorast was relieved to see that Nin still showed no signs of her recent illness. Though she still never smiled, Nin seemed as strong and energetic as she?d been before the wound at Orthanc. Anorast still had trouble with Nin carrying the Sickle but she insisted, and after the power revealed at Helm?s Deep he made no protest. In the coming battles to Erebor Anorast knew that Nin held their greatest weapon. And, thankfully, it was a ranged weapon.

?Greetings, my friend,? Anorast said to Erinhue.

?Greetings, Anorast. It?s good to see you, and Nin. I was just telling her about something you both need to know.? Erinhue repeated to Anorast what he?d told the knights before the elf had arrived. After listening, Anorast nodded, and placing his fingers upon the blade, looked at the reflection. After a moment, the old elf looked up.

?Let us hope the power of the blade need not be called. But if Clarion takes you, the Dragonstar will flame beside you. You shall not be alone.?

"I thank you for that Anorast." Erinhue replied. " I too hope that it will not be necessary."

The words came from his heart. Erinhue had no true desire to become the berserker, it was a dangerous call to make and it's advantage could be outweighed by the harm it could bring to his friends.

The bard fell silent then thinking of those who had put their faith and their lives in his hands. A familiar ghost haunted him at times like these, the face of a one time friend, a friend that he had killed unwittingly on the field of battle. He breathed a silent prayer that there was both truth and strength in Carnimiriel's spell, for the sake of his friends and the sake of his own soul.

It was then that Elbren stepped into the tent, followed closely by Grimbeorn and three of his best warriors, and the captain of the Mirkwood Archers.

"Suilad," Elbren said.

One of the Mithril Knights saluted their Guild Leader with a fist upon his chest, which Elbren returned with a grim smile. The Elven Lord eyed those assembled, but rather than looking pleased, he soon looked grieved.

"Where is Rholarowyn and Jiyadan?" he asked sharply. He knew that the additional archers of the Elven colony would be needed and needed badly.

"No word," Tempest met Elbren's gaze evenly.

Silence.

"You've seen the wounded and dead? There might not be a Laketown to assist if we delay much longer," Tempest continued.

Murmurings of agreement rippled through those gathered.

"We shall not delay much longer," Elbren nodded, "but we cannot go in blind. We have to assume that Laketown is being defended and that any survivors are now trapped within the town itself, on the lake. Only the recent rains have prevented the Red Hammer, I would guess, from setting the town on fire, and for that we must count ourselves fortunate indeed. Nevertheless, we need scouting reports," Elbren paused and looked again to Tempest, "unless you have them already?"

"We know that the bridges to Laketown are held by the Red Hammer," Tempest replied, "but there are no siege weapons present."

"No," Elbren said, "the siege weapons are in Erebor, before the Dwarven Halls in the Lonely Mountain. Here the Red Hammer is using axe and flame only. It will be their undoing."

"One can hope," someone murmured.

"Meet Grimbeorn, Chieftain of the Beornlings. He has come with me to give aid to Esgaroth along with his best warriors. We will use their talents to gain more detailed scouting reports and to gain access to Laketown itself," Grimbeorn bowed as Elbren continued, "I want a party assembled tonight that will leave under cover of darkness and make their way to Laketown. Some of the Beornlings are now securing three boats that will be used to go by water to the town. It will be the task of this group to report back on the state of Laketown and what aid we can expect to receive from inside the town itself. Meanwhile, we will choose and take our positions for the assault on the Red Hammer. I would like to begin a barrage of arrows in a crossfire once we are all in position, hopefully, by tomorrow evening. We will attack at night and by dawn of the next day, hopefully, we will have diminished the strength of the Red Hammer such that we can begin our own assault in melee--"

Suddenly, the tent flap was opened and in came two Lothlorien warriors, supported between them a Dwarf that bled from numerous wounds and who looked, even in the lantern light, pale as the moon. At first, Elbren thought it was one of the Red Hammer, but as he moved closer, he instantly recognised Thalos, the Dwarven Captain of the Mithril Knights of Isengard.

"M'lord, he came into camp just an hour ago and only asked for you--" said one of the Galadrim escorts.

Thalos fell forward into Elbren, "Quicky," Elbren hissed over his shoulder, "he needs a Healer, now!"

"Elbren," Thalos whispered, his eyes wide, though he was focused on something far, far away it seemed, "listen..."

"Don't try to speak," Elbren said as someone laid a blanket upon the Dwarf and helped to ease him to lie down.

"No, you MUST listen..." Thalos shrieked and then he grunted in pain.

The lips of the Dwarf began to move slowly and Elbren had to lean down close to hear the whispered warning. When Thalos had finished, Elbren looked stunned.

"Get him to my own tent and fetch him a healer," Elbren ordered.

Then he stood as the others waited expectantly. Elbren removed his cloak and took an offered cup of mulled wine, "As soon as the boats are secured, the Laketown party will leave. If you wish to be a part of this team, then report back to this tent in two hours. In the meantime, get some rest."

"Good to see you, Elbren," Erinhue greeted as the others began to disperse and Thalos was carried out of the tent.

"And you," Elbren nodded, "your party is well and ready?"

"Ready and eager," Erinhue winked.

"Good," Elbren finally smiled, "we will need everyone and all of their talents."

"What about Thalos?" Tempest stepped closer to the pair of Knights.

"I think he'll live," Elbren replied, "and the garrison at Orthanc can hold out for months."

"Then why come here? What did he tell you?" Tempest demanded.

Elbren hesitated, "I will tell everyone when we assemble again...I need to speak with him again, if he is able. I need to be sure."

Tempest said nothing, but her face read volumes.

"And I need to tell you some news as well," Elbren looked over at her, "news concerning Ronin and Galadhon."

It was Tempest's face that now drained of all color, "Tell me."

So, Elbren told her the tale of how Ronin and Galadhon had left Caras Galadhon and Lothlorien and met with the Beornlings and then with him at the Beornling village. "They are both now in the Guild House at Mirkwood. They are safe...for now."

A look of fury passed across the features of Tempest, but she only said, "Thank you." Elbren was not even sure if she was angry with him, with Ronin, or with herself. Perhaps all three.

"I know that I gave you my word that he would be safe in Lothlorien," Elbren said quietly, "and I ask your forgiveness that my nephew put his life into danger."

"My son has a will of his own, Elbren," Tempest answered ruefully, "I cannot fault you for his decisions, and I am honored that you even allowed him to remain with your kin in Lothlorien." Her eyes then fastened onto the elf lord's face. "Ronin must have believed it was a vital task indeed to have risked his life and my anger. What was it that he wished to tell you?"

Elbren told her briefly of his daughter's dreams.

"Do you believe them?" Tempeat asked.

Elbren sighed. "I do not know, but I sense they hold a possible truth yet to be seen."

"But that can still be avoided. Perhaps you should not enter this battle if she forsees doom for you in it," Tempest mused.

"No, that is not an option."

It was Tempest's turn to sigh. "You are as stubborn as Ronin and Galadhon, but I will not attempt to persuade you otherwise. I must tell you that I have grave misgivings about this battle. I have viewed what little intelligence we have, and I fear we are greatly outnumbered and outmaneuvered. Not only that, but I have seldom seen such brutality, even from orcs. Their hearts must truly be hewn out of stone that they can feel no pity even for children. You should have seen it, Elbren. It is too unspeakable to describe." She paused and looked away, and he could see that her passion made her whole body tremble slightly.

"They know we will use arrows. They will be prepared for them. Their shields and armor will be thick. And, there's another thing I thought of..." her voice trailed off and she looked uncomfortable.

"What?" Elbren asked.

"If there are survivors, they may use them as shields. Just for spite. Just for fun."

"Now that's the dark and stormy Tempest that I know so well and love."

Erinhue winked at the stage frown Tempest returned. True mirth gleamed in the bard's eyes again. His honest laughter made the lanterns and the torches beam a little brighter and the spark of hope flare up within the hearts of the gathered Mithril Knights.

"We won't let them use any survivors as shields. Elbren, Laketown is a perfect location for mounting an attack using archers. A distraction."

Elbren frowned slightly. "Keep going."

"If we can land a force of archers in Laketown, if it is still held by a friendly force, they can launch the first attack. If the town has survived, the Red Hammer won't be able to take it with ease. Those archers will be protected, but if there's enough of them, the Red Hammer will be forced to launch a significant attack against them. It's at that point that the main force attacks their rear."

Elbren began to smile. Anorast responded with a menacing grin of his own.

"Coordinate the attacks. The Red Hammer will be caught between two enemies, one they cannot touch, and the other capable of crushing them. I'm afraid I must disagree with Tempest. We may outnumbered, but we are not outmanuvered. The Red Hammer will fall before they know what is happening."

Raghnildur's knuckles were white from the ferocity of his grip on the hilt of his sword after mention of the unspeakable cruelty of the Red Hammer. If Tempest was considering the possibility that they would use surviving Laketown residents as human shields...

His blood boiling, he forced himself to release his weapon and take up his pipe. Filling the bowl and lighting the tobacco, he drew several deep breaths of the relaxing smoke. Unfortunately for the Dwarves of the Red Hammer, there would be no such drug to assuage his wrath once he stepped into the fray. Archery was fine and good, but while Raghnildur was a skilled marksman with a bow, his true passion in battle could only be quenched by ringing, cleaving steel. As others began to plan, Raghnildur simply continued to listen and draw on his long oak pipe.

As the discussion began to turn to battle logistics and the finer points of their strategy, Raghnildur came up behind Erinhue. When the conversation had slowed for a moment and all were silently weighing the outcome of each maneuver, he spoke somewhat quietly to his master. Though his words were meant for Erinhue's ears, the others in the discussion turned their attention to the man as he spoke.

"Master Hue, you know I am no elf and my finest skill lies in the weilding of a blade, but from many fathoms I could near part a man with a day's worth of stubble with an arrow or two. While you are more than likely aware of this, I want you to know that I will go where you as my mentor feel I can be used best."

Bowing slightly to his master, not wanting to keep him from counsel, he walked back to his resting place.

As the dreamy notes of Agarak floated on the air the strong hand of the Master Bard closed around Falathiel's own and she closed her eyes for a moment, allowing her heart to be comforted and strengthened. It was as if a tangible current of optimism flowed into her from him at that moment?and she surely needed it. She knew when she started out on this quest that there would be bloodshed, danger, perhaps even torture. But she had not reckoned how great a toll it would take on her emotionally.

She was still determined to help, to fight against the evil and shadow again threatening the peace of Middle Earth. But how she hated the fighting. How she longed to be home in the Grey Havens. The crashing waves, the sunlight glittering on the sand, the forests and sheltering harbors seemed a million leagues away and part of another lifetime.

'Another lifetime

' she sighed to herself, as she opened her eyes to the sight of the banks of the Long Lake.

*********

The small group made their way quickly along the road toward Laketown. Raghnildur efficiently silenced a scout who would have sounded a warning that they were approaching. Soon after they found themselves surrounded by a group of Mithril Knights. As Erinhue spoke to the leader, Tempest, Fala's face burned and her heart sank as she heard of the horrors that had been inflicted on the refugees of Laketown. But she turned her grief to resolve, clenched her teeth, and set her will, glad again that she was here where she could now do something.

When the Lady Vanaladiel appeared to take them to refresh themselves Falathiel's heart leapt to see the fair princess. Over the meal they all shared Fala felt the more refreshed by the company of the lovely golden-haired twilight dancer. She was always so kind, so helpful, and the light of the stars twinkled in her eyes. As Vana talked and told them of the many wounded that she and Arwen-Sol had been helping to tend, Fala's heart swelled with renewed affection for her.

"We are several here it seems, who are not warriors at heart. And yet we are all here to fight for what we hold dear and to do what we can to push back this present darkness," Fala whispered to Vana as she reached across the table to squeeze her hand.

********

After they were nourished and refreshed they rejoined Tempest in the tent where she gave them a grim report of the situation. The hair on the back of Fala's neck bristled as she listened to Erinhue and Tempest exchange some words about the atrocities that had been occurring, and then Hue addressed her fellow Knights in Training and the others in the tent about the "berserker."

As Falathiel gazed at the Master Bard she wondered how someone so strong, so noble, with such a bright spirit could become possessed of such a thing. And yet, she could see it. And it was ominous. She listened as he told of the protective spell of the Lady Carnimiriel.

'I don't know of such things,' she thought to herself doubtfully. 'And yet, I do know the Master Bard. If he trusts the spell, I must trust too. This is the hardest part of all this. Trusting in others, trusting in their judgment. But it's now the only way.'

As Vana, Telta, and Raghnildur stepped forward to put their hands to the blade Falathiel closed her eyes and waited, taking a deep breath and murmuring a silent prayer. Just then she heard a low clear voice, one that held in its reverberations an elven quality that was musical and familiar. She opened her eyes to see an elven lord and a beautiful woman beside him, Lord Anorast and Nienor-niniel. Falathiel watched as the Elf placed his hand to Erinhue's blade so he would be recognized in battle if necessary.

Falathiel took several steps toward Master Erinhue, and was just about to reach out and touch the blade. She could see her reflection in it, and it startled her so that she hesitated for a moment. But before she could place her hand on the blade the scene was interrupted as several warriors, Elves and Men, entered the tent. She stepped back, glancing at Master Hue with a questioning look.

Although she had not actually met him yet, Fala soon realized the one who spoke must be Lord Elbren. Beneath his fair elven features and shining eyes there seemed a sadness, or perhaps a weariness that showed in his grim smile. Falathiel listened carefully as he and Tempest talked and as he related his strategy and plan for the assembled Mithril Knights and their allies. Suddenly two elven warriors burst into the tent with an injured dwarf. As Falathiel watched and listened to the plans for battle she suddenly realized something.

'Now it has come. It is no longer skirmishes and defending ones' friends. I am going to war.'

"As soon as the boats are secured, the Laketown party will leave. If you wish to be a part of this team, then report back to this tent in two hours. In the meantime, get some rest." Lord Elbren gave the order and, along with most of the others, Falathiel left the tent to get prepared.

She lingered outside, however, wondering if she should go back and mention her swimming ability to Lord Elbren or Tempest. Long years, centuries even, of diving for the treasured black pearls off the coast of the Grey Havens had given her the ability to dive deep, to hold her breath for a very long time?and she was accustomed to the cold, strong currents. She might be able to get close enough to learn something by swimming in and going ashore by stealth. But she wasn't sure who to talk to about this, or if it even warranted mentioning. Plans for battle and such things were worlds away from what she knew.

'I shall just wait for orders,' she thought. 'Or if it seems right I can offer the information. Maybe I should mention something to Erinhue. Or Telta, maybe she can help. Oh, I just don't know

' her thoughts trailed off.

Falathiel suddenly felt so ill equipped to be helping anyone in battle. "Well, at least I can follow orders," she said aloud to herself as she moved away from the tent. She knew that getting alone out in the full starlight, under the shining moon, with the cool bare dirt beneath her feet was the best way to get rested and gather her thoughts and strength. It might be the last chance she had for a long time to even be alone and quiet again. Strangely though, she did not feel like being alone right now.

The fates agreed with the thought and soon a gentle touch told her that she was not alone.

"Little one, perhaps we should talk." the warm voice belonged to Erinhue, who came and sat down beside her under the stars.

"I noticed you hesitate and then leave without touching my sword." Erinhue stopped talking and a long silence hung between themuntil the master bard spoke again.

"I know it might be hard to believe, but should Clarion's spirit take me, it will not be me on the battle field. You are a friend and dear to me but that would make no difference to the spirit of the sword. It is vengeful and has a taste for blood, any blood. It knows only fury and rage and the desire to kill.

The Lady Carnimiriel, with Agarak's assistance I do not doubt, devised this method of protection and without it I would not have joined the Mithril Knights. Lord Elbren trusted her enough to allow her to do whatever it is that needed doing to divine this spell. I put my faith in her to find it and I trust that it will hold.

If you cannot find it in you to put your faith in spells I will understand but I must tell you this. The Knights have need of me. Sword possessed or no I am a formidable fighter and this would not be the first time the berserker has been called to loosen a tough knot in the stratagies of war. The very thing that make me dangerous can and has been valuable in battle.

Now I will tell you this. Long ago when it was first learned of my swords power, I slew a friend in battle. It was the berserker that killed him but it was my hand all the same. That wound my heart will carry until the day I die. I could not bear to have it compounded. If you will not partake of the spell's protection then I will withdraw and not take to the field."

"If you will not partake of the spell's protection then I will withdraw and not take to the field."

Erinhue's words cut through Falathiel's melancholy like a hot knife through butter. She looked up quickly and met his gaze, the twinkling stars she loved so well dancing in his sea-grey eyes--deep pools of mirth and stalwart spirit that were the very stuff of this warrior bard of Belfalas. She smiled as her doubts and weariness melted away into the cool night air.

"Of course I will do this," she said softly. "It was always my intention, even in my hesitation. It was just with the interruptions and well, the realities of the situation setting in. I completely trust your leadership and your judgment or I would not have made it this far." She looked away, upward to the stars and sighed. "Oh, Master Hue, I want so badly to be of help. You especially know me?you know that I am no warrior at heart. That my love and motivations are in encouragement of others, in letters and art, and in the preservation of the fair things of Middle Earth. I only hope that I will not fail my friends in battle because of my ignorance of such things. I have no fear of death, but I will confess that I fear greatly to be captured, or to see my friends captured and perhaps tortured. A part of me wants so badly to run away back to my safe home on the coast and leave these matters to those who have skill and desire for such things."

The Elf laughed then, realizing how melodramatic she must sound. "But here we are! And there is a task at hand. And I am proud and privileged to fight alongside you, my friend, and these so many others of valiant spirit. Please, allow me to place my hand to your blade and come under the protection of the Lady Carnimiriel's enchantment. With you on the battlefield my heart will take great courage, whatever the tide will bring!"

Then Erinhue drew his sword again and held it so the starlight caught the blade.

Falathiel reached forth her hand and, breathing a prayer to the Lady of the Stars, placed her fingers upon her own reflection as it glittered on the blade.

"There now" Erinhue winked at her, "that wasn't so hard to do." His demeanor changed to one of import. "Listen to me Little One. I know that your heart lies not in battle but in battle you will show that great heart of yours.

I have no doubt of your courage, yet I will say this to your inexperience. Keep all your senses sharp, wit has saved more lives than sharpened steel. Stay near to your fellow Knights, I know that Ragnildur will try to look out for you, Telta as well but they will first have to look to their own lives and duty.

What I mean though is stay close and look to the others for the direction you should take. If you get lost or are hurt too much to fight, fall back and make for this encampment should all else fail.

I myself shall stay as close to you as circumstance allow, but I tell you this and you must be sure to obey. Should I leave you, do not follow. If I do not answer to my name, then flee me and should it come to the very worst and I advance upon you, kill me if you can before I reach you."

The urgent tone left his voice and he winked at her again.

"Now you rest and not ta worry. We'll all be raising tankards in The Lucky Fortune once again and you can laugh at me for my concern."

Erinhue stood up then and made her a fancy courtier's bow before going off to trade some of his small store of Shire pipeweed for a borrowed pipe in which to smoke it.

The seriously wounded dwarf was taken away to Lord Elbren?s tent as he so ordered. Lord Elbren and Tempest spoke quietly and it seemed that what he had to say to her was personal. Telta remained where she was standing watching the reactions of the others in the tent. Grimbeorn?s addition of his warriors was welcome news.

A collective gasp ran throughout the tent as Tempest?s remark about the idea of the survivors of Laketown being used as shields. Even Telta found her hands clenched at the mere thought of the cold hearted cruelty that they were capable of. Thick shields and armour they could fight against finding small openings with arrows. It was possible. But if women and children were being used as living shields how could they fight against that? Anger flushed her face, anger at the helpless feeling that settled in on her.

The elf closed her eyes and took a deep breath unclenching her fists the red imprints of her nails upon her palms unnoticed. She opened her eyes calmer now but a spark of anger still glowed within her it?s presence seen deep within her sky-blue eyes. Anorast?s plan had merit but much was depending on if. Yet it was not up to her but those who would plan and organize what was to be done. At this point archers were needed. This much was clear to everyone. In this she could help if need be...if Hue felt she was ready.

Movement caught her eye as Fala left the tent. Telta followed wanting this chance to talk to her wondering if she was alright. Up until they were asked to touch the cursed blade Fala had not been hesitant in her actions but now she seemed unsure. There would be no shame is she refused. It would not be easy to fight the enemy and if Hue turned on them....

But the mentor Knight reached her first and the elf stayed back not wanting to intrude while he spoke with her. A few moments later the elf repeated the same ceremony by placing her fingers upon Clarion. She was ready to join them.

Telta turned to move away a frown creasing her brow. Hue?s last piece of advice remained fixed in her mind ?I myself shall stay as close to you as circumstance allow, but I tell you this and you must be sure to obey. Should I leave you, do not follow. If I do not answer to my name, then flee me and should it come to the very worst and I advance upon you, kill me if you can before I reach you." Could Fala do it? Raghnildur? Could she herself raise a hand against Hue? Telta hoped she would not have to find out.

Laketown. Erebor.. The place that held such meaning, so many mysteries, so many hopes to answers about her past. That, and of course the battle that was about to take place. was almost upon them all, upon her Strangely, the usually high strung Ranger felt.. nothing. It was as if a void had slowly grown in Alandriel?s heart over the last few days; the closer they had come to their destination the more distant ? remote ? the Ranger had grown. An icy calm had slowly seeped into her mind and body, leaving her sharp and focussed yet also curiously distant.cold.

Deep in thought she made her way through the large camp to find her steed that had been left in the care of an attendant upon arrival. Suddenly she smiled.

?I hope he did not give them too much trouble,? she mused, knowing how Ethalon disliked being stabled or tethered.

Throughout the meeting she had sat quietly on the side, watching all; hearing all. For a moment she had been tempted to offer her services in regard to the injured Thalos. But realizing that there probably was a more than an adequate number of highly competent elven healers at hand she had rejected the idea.

Now as she walked through the dark camp she could almost see the scenarios as described by Lord Elbren unfold in her mind. Almost she could hear the death cries that would soon fill the air. smell the blood being spilt, the fear the horror of it all. Almost yet not quite and inside of her there was no reaction, no emotion; absolutely nothing.

Rounding the corner of yet another tent she breathed a sigh of relief. There, finally was the picket line. Raising her hand silently in greeting to one of the guards she drew her hood back and approached the chestnut stallion standing proud amidst a host of fine elven steeds.

?You have excellent company I see,? Alandriel teased in a whisper and reaped back an affectionate nozzle if not a small bite in return. ?I told you I?d check on you?. For a long moment horse and woman stood in silence, regarding one another. ?Tomorrow we ride out.? A soft snort greeted that announcement. ?I wish I could be as enthusiastic about it as you.. as it is.?

There was just the calm, the icy calm and it made her shiver. What would the morn bring?

Some time later she wandered back, hood drawn up, a shadow amongst shadows. A high pierced cry suddenly broke the hushed silence of the night. Her eyes darted skywards. The shape of a bird of prey high up in the star studded firmament quickly fled eastwards. An omen. or a promise?

Maybe Nienor-Niniel's complete silence had worried Elbren, or made him doubt the role that she might have to play in the battle. She saw his eyes filled with concern lying upon her and felt the silent inquiery within them. Maybe also, his attitude had changed after the message of the dwarf, or only at this moment, N-N had become more aware of the fact that Elbren's glance followed. Not all the time, but regularly, as if he wanted to check that she was still there and invite her to speak.

But for the moment, she had not felt any urge to talk, and it had not escaped her that Alandriel whose flaming red hair she even remembered through the mists of her illness at the recent iniations had not said a word either. But she had listened, attentive to every word, every gesture, the said and the unsaid thoughts about the battle of Esgaroth that lay ahead of them. Ahead of them all, those who almost seemed to desire it as well as those who, like herself, were not soldiers in their soul and dreaded the sounc of clinging swords and the heavy smell of blood that inevitably would lie over the battlefield in the moment of victory. But whose victory? And whose blood? And how could they avoid as far as possibe to spill anybody's blood? Nienor-Niniel had never feared fighting, but what she dreaded on a battlefield was the random of those who would live, and those who were called to die, the mass of the ennemy and the faceless assault of the attack.

There was no escape from the battle, it had to be faught, and there was no escape for her in particular, and for this reason, Elbren was looking for her. He had not seen her since she had been healed, and neither he nor anybody other, not even Anorast, knew what Nienor had discussed with Radagast in the room of her awakening. But he, as well as all the other Mithril Knights could see the cloak that Nin was wearing, and the shimmer it took on her shoulders, and if he looked straight in her eyes, the shape of the sickle was now there all the time. It had become a part of her.

Still, she listened, there was nothing she could tell about the strategy of the battle, or about the hidden power of Erinhue's weapon, which did not inspire her any fear. She knew that if ever the berserker would overtake the control of her former mentor, she would be protected. Not only be Anorast's bow or sword, however quick the elf would stand by her side, but also by the Sickle. Carnimiriel had wrapped Erinhue in a spell of protection, but the Sickle had woven her spell into the very blood of Nienor-Niniel. Maybe after all, it would be time fer her now to talk.

Ç I will not be of any help, as long as arrows are used. È she said, all of a sudden in her calm, quiet voice, and despite of the tension, and all that had happended since, she saw a slight echo of amusement on Anorast's face, certainly remembering Helm's Deep and her attempt to shoot some arrows - of course she was able to shoot some arrows, but if she could control where they would land, that was another question - not always of uttermost importance on a massive battle-field. But Nienor would never be a good archer, to small and her eyes not keen enough - but fate had decided anyway that she would not need to be good with the bow.

Ç I do not think, Lord Elbren that my archery skills, or even my ability to hold a blade, which is far above them, is of any interest for you in this battle. I think that what is on your mind, as well as on my own, is this... È With a swift mouvement, Nienor took the sickle out of its leather bag, lying it flat on her outstretched palms so that everybody could see it. In the flickering light in the tent, the inscription on it was shimmering less than in the Secret Room in Orthanc, but still the beauty of the weapon was amazing, especially for those who had never seen it before. And in the way she was holding it, N-N's hand was visible and the lines of the inscription that marked her hand now were obvious and like the reflect of a mirror to the real weapon. Even her cloak seemed to shine a bit more brightly when the sickle was revealed, and although Nienor was not aware of it, she looked as if she had been wrapped in the nocturnal sky itself.

Ç As I have said, I will not be of any help, as long as arrows are used. But those who have been at Helm's deep have seen some of what the power of the sickle can do. Since then, the bound between this weapon and myself has been thickened. È At those words, Nienor wrapped the sickle again, and although she wished that now she could hide herself away and become the small and lonesome traveller again, that she had been for years, she knew that she would have to go on and could not escape from her mission.

Ç I do not believe that in the bright sunlight, it will make any difference. But under the stars, the power of the Sickle is awakened and then it can call for the light - any maybe more, it has not yet been revealed to me. Whereever it sees it, the Red Hammer will try to take it. So if you want to draw them away from Laketown, we might use the Sickle to lure them. I don't know why they want it so badly, but they do. I could almost feel the strike of a hammer falling on my body when.... È Nin searched for a word that could describe the state in which she had been when the vision of the hammer had overtaken all her mind while her body was bleeding to death. Èwhen I was gone. È

N-N did not look up, biting slightly on her lips. She had never liked to be the center of attention, and despite of the firm tone in which she had spoken, she was afraid, very afraid even of having become an asset, maybe, but a target too, of carrying a responsibility that she had not desired. Deep inside herself, she was filled with fear. And from that depth, she sent a look to Anorast, hoping that she would find an answer on which she could rely herself.

Elbren nodded at Anorast, "Then you shall be the Captain of the Laketown forces. You will lead the captured longboats to the town and organise it's defenses. You will have until sundown tomorrow,and then we will press the attack. Choose whom you will take...the longboats will allow..." Elbren looked to one of the Beornlings, who responded.

"You'll be able ta get 75 over in one trip," the tall man growled, "and if fortune be upon us, we can make two trips before dawn. But we'll have to move fast."

"Take as many archers as you can," Elbren turned back to Anorast, "and those of the Mithril Knights who will go. Erinhue," Elbren called out to his friend from the doorflap of the tent, "any of your newest additions particularly talented for Anorast's party?"

The Bard thought a moment, "I'll see who wants ta go, but I suspect they'll want ta stay close."

"Perhaps you are right," Elbren replied, "let me meet them and together we can determine where it is best to station them for the battle. Marius," Elbren motioned to the young Prince, "come with me as well."

The Rohirrim stood tall and proud, his helmet held in the crook of his arm, as he watched the proceedings. "Yes, M'lord," he replied.

"Tempest," Elbren eyed her cautiously, "when we attack tomorrow night, we will use a standard formation with flanks and center. You will captain the center. You must hold the Red Hammer in the box when the flanks attack. Take the 150 spearmen from Lothlorien and the Beornlings with you."

Elbren looked around the room, "Mirdain," he called, "you and Idril will take the right flank with the Galadrim cavalry and Lord Edlund. Take 200 of the Mirkwood archers as well. We must pound them with arrows and force them to move to center where Tempest and her shield wall will be waiting."

"And for the left flank," the Elven Lord said, "I will lead this with my Knights in Training on horseback and the remaining 150 or so Mirkwood Archers."

"You expect us to hold the center against five thousand Red Hammer with one hundred and fifty Elven spearmen and fifty or so Beornling warriors?" Tempest asked slowly.

"If all goes as planned, there won't be five thousand Red Hammer moving to center," Elbren replied, "there will be half that many or less. We have brought enough arrows to destroy their army three times over," his eyes narrowed, "we will cut them down with a rain of steel like they have never before seen."

"We will hold the center," Grimbeorn uttered.

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

As he strode to his tent in the darkness, followed by Erinhue, Marius, and some of 'Hue's Knights in Training, Elbren was troubled.

Troubled by Thalos' words.

Troubled that Rho and Jiyadan had not arrived.

Troubled that Dirk was lost to them.

Reaching his tent, Elbren and Marius entered to see Thalos lying upon a pallet, looking very pale, but alive.

"Good ta see ya, laddie," Thalos grunted as the healers bound his right arm tightly.

"And you," Elbren smiled, "I hope you can keep your eyes open for a bit longer for I need you to tell me again about the Sickle."

"Glad to," Thalos nodded as Erinhue and the others stepped inside.

"Good, well....everyone have a seat..."

"You expect us to hold the center against five thousand Red Hammer with one hundred and fifty Elven spearmen and fifty or so Beornling warriors?" Tempest asked slowly.

Vana noticed the hesitation and doubt in Tempests response and so she felt moved to step forward.

"If all goes as planned, there won't be five thousand Red Hammer moving to center," Elbren replied, "there will be half that many or less. We have brought enough arrows to destroy their army three times over," his eyes narrowed, "we will cut them down with a rain of steel like they have never before seen."

"We will hold the center," Grimbeorn uttered.

"I will stand with Tempest and the others to help hold the center if you will allow it Lord Elbren!" Vana boldly stated. Lord Elbren was leaving the tent and motioned to Tempest to deal with whether or not she wanted the fairly new mithril knight to be there.

Vana knew that the stand she now took could mean certain death should the plans not work and that it put her in the way of the Red Hammers wrath. She stood tall and confident looking, though inside she wondered what she was putting herself into.

Looking back Vana saw that Tempest was eyeing her with great scrutiny and walking about her. Tempest rubbed her chin with her finger as she opened her mouth to speak......

Listening to Nin Anorast was deeply touched by her bravery at speaking up. She had spoken to him of the Sickle, but hadn?t said much about her time of weakness, carrying the wound. Hearing her speak of the hammer during her time away Anorast felt a tinge of fear, but also a renewed determination to do all in his power to protect Nin. As she fell silent, head bowed with uncertainty, Anorast moved over to her. She looked at him, and he looked back with an expression of concern, but also resolve and strength.

?Know no fear, my lady,? Anorast whispered to Nin. ?Against any foe I shall protect you.?

The voice of Lord Elbren intruded upon the moment between Nin and Anorast. Listening, Anorast felt torn. As commander of the Laketown unit, he would be at incredible risk. Yet he?d pledged to protect Nin from harm, and knew that she would depend upon him. Those two situations were at conflict now. Anorast could not back down from command. It had to be up to Nin whether or not she would stand beside him in Esgaroth.

Laketown. Esgaroth. Anorast had been through the place several years back, returning from the east. Not being a member of the order at the time, he?d been ignorant to the presence of a Mithril Knight guild house. However the rest of the town had been quite impressive. The elf remembered with relief that despite the lowered danger of the lands since the return of the dwarves the lake dwellers persisted in limiting contact with the land to one bridge from the town. He could not recall the layout, nor the state or types of defenses the city had. It either survived in the hands of the survivors, or any attempt to enter the city would be disastrous.

Turning to Nin, Anorast spoke again.

?I don?t know where you wish to be. Upon the lake I can defend you myself but the risks are enormous. If you stay on land, we shall be parted. I would ask that you come with us to Esgaroth. Let me know soon.?

Nin nodded. Sighing, Anorast closed his eyes and held her close to him. After a moment, they parted. Solemnly Anorast nodded to Nin, then turned towards the few remaining Mithril Knights.

?If you would be so kind, could you help me get things ready?? After they nodded, Anorast continued. ?Thank you.?

Anorast turned to face the closest knight. ?Send word throughout the Mithril Knights in summons for the best archers. Have them meet outside this tent in,? Anorast paused to look over at the Beornling near him. The man held up two fingers. ?

two hours.?

Turning to face another knight, Anorast continued. ?I want 150 of Thranduil?s best archers. Again, meet here in two hours. They may not all go, but I want that many anyway.

To the last knight he selected, Anorast gave the job of informing Elbren and Erinhue?s Knights in Training of the destination time. With a last, longing look back at Nin, Anorast nodded to the Beornling.

?Ok, show me those boats you got.?

Tallain sat unobtrusively behind the key players in the meeting of key Mithril Knights, led by Lord Elbren. He noted each speaker with care, his fingers closing over the focusing crystal Alandriel had given him, ensuring that he concentrated and kept his ability under control, he had no intention of breaking his vow to Elbren, whatever the cost to himself.

As the various options were debated, he wished that he could have paid more attention to his father when military matters had been discussed, but although he was a competent fighter and a skilled archer, Tallain had never been a strategist and was content to remain in the background when each of the Knights put their thoughts to the group and were listened to with courtesy and respect. The Easterling could sense the feelings of unease from many of the knights present, and the downright aggression from several more, a feeling he was accustomed to and familiar with.

As he concentrated and listened, he almost jumped up to volunteer for the contingent travelling to Laketown under the elven knight Anorast, but at the last minute his nerve failed him and he decided to bide his time ? no doubt the skills that he believed were fairly good on the archery side, would be looked down upon by the supremely competent elves. Self-confidence was not one of Tallain?s traits and he preferred to await the will of the Lord Elbren. These were soon made clear as the elf informed the group of his intentions And for the left flank," the Elven Lord said, "I will lead this with my Knights in Training on horseback and the remaining 150 or so Mirkwood Archers."

Tallain stood at his words and bowed ?My Lord Elbren, as I stated to you in front of your noble knights, not so long ago in Mirkwood, I offer you the services of my skills, small thought they might be, in accomplishing this great task we have before us. I would like to state, most humbly, that my skill with a bow far outshines any skill I may have with a blade, and I would be happy to serve you in the capacity as an archer I feel that I would bring greater strength than through the use of my sword.?

Elbren nodded at his words, his eyes indicating that they may speak of this later. Then he left the gathering of main knights, heading towards his own tent.

Tallain rose, meeting the eyes of those who surveyed him, some in curiosity, others in challenge, and bowing his leave he strode over to the horses. Once he had checked Vento for stones or pain in his legs, Tallain straightened to see Alandriel beside him. She was pensive, thoughtful, and he sensed from her a sadness .. but also some anticipation. He remembered, a dim thought in the background, of the place ?Erebor? in connection with the Ranger

Tallain stood in silence, he watched the activity around him, feeling somewhat detached. Then he reached around and pulled the beautiful longbow he had obtained from the Knights? armoury. It hummed as he ran his fingers down the sensitive string, and he checked the tautness, as well as his stock of arrows.

This would be a battle the likes of which he had never before been a party to.

Then he suddenly stood up : ?Alandriel .. have you seen the Lady Rholarowyn ? should she not be here by now ??

"Tempest darlin' don't sound so bleak about it." Erinhue teased," Those kind of odds should just about make it a fair fight."

"Elbren" the twinkle remained in the warrior/bard's eyes," ya know I'm no good with a bow, so I guess that puts me smack in the center, with Tempest m'love. As for the goslings, they can all handle a bow better than me, but I'll let them speak for themselves."

The bard's tone changed slightly. "Ya know what I can bring to the field, just say the word."

That said Erinhue filled his borrowed pipe, lit it, and sat back to listen to the battle plan take shape.

Tempest drew a deep breath as Elbren exited the tent to make further plans, her own mind quickly going over the strategy and immedietly calculating the cost. When she finally looked up, she realized that Vana was still standing before her, waiting expectantly. Tempest studied her for several moments before finally speaking.

"I know not why you wish to accompany me. It could very well be the death of both of us. Even though Erinhue may think otherwise." She cast her eyes in his direction where the bard sat smoking his pipe. She turned back to Vana. "However, I will not dissuade you further, if you are certain. "

"I am," Vana said clearly, though Tempest wondered at her resolve.

"Then make sure you are well-armed," Tempest said. "Go check out the supplies we have and see if you find anything you want. We don't have much, but take what you need."

Vana nodded and turned to leave. Erinhue called after her, "And remember, darlin, steer clear of me should Clarion take me!"

Tempest held out her hand to the bard once they were alone. "Let me have that sword of yours, Erinhue," she asked.

"What do you..." he began, but she cut him off.

"I have yet to place my hand on it."

"Ya know as well as I do that you've already done it. There's no need to do so again," he replied.

"I want to be certain," she said simply, and he held out the sword to her. She touched it gingerly, and he saw then that her eyes were deeply troubled. "Promise me that you won't call upon its power unless I give you the order," she said slowly.

"Of course. What's the matter?"

"Nothing. Only a bad dream. Are you ready for this fight, Erinhue?"

"I'm always ready," he answered good-naturedly.

"Good. Dwarves are harder to kill than orcs. I certainly hope Elbren's plan works..."

At last Tempest spoke to Vana.....

"I know not why you wish to accompany me. It could very well be the death of both of us. Even though Erinhue may think otherwise." She cast her eyes in his direction where the bard sat smoking his pipe. She turned back to Vana. "However, I will not dissuade you further, if you are certain. "

"I am," Vana said clearly, though Tempest wondered at her resolve.

"Then make sure you are well-armed," Tempest said. "Go check out the supplies we have and see if you find anything you want. We don't have much, but take what you need."

Vana nodded and turned to leave. Erinhue called after her, "And remember, darlin, steer clear of me should Clarion take me!"

Vana looked back his way and nodded, "Of course I will!" she said trying to smile but knowing she didnt feel it from within.

She stepped out of the tent and worked her way over to the meager supplies of arms and armor.

Picking through she found a shirt of mail that would fit her well enough and a second sword. Unsheathing the sword she looked it over and admired it's detailed workmanship and the love and care of the craftsman who made it. Surely this was an elven blade. Vana ran her hand along the flat of the blade as she followed the curve of the blade to the point. Yes, this will work nicely, she thought to herself. She then spotted a simple leather jerkin that would give her some added protection to her shoulders and yet give her some freedom of movement so she took that up as well.

Now that she had several weapons and some body protection she moved away from the supplies and off into an area behind the camp. Placing her mail shirt and leather jerkin upon a stump there she took up the sword. The sword handle felt good in her hand and the sound the blade made sang to her. The balance of the weapon was perfect and it seemed as if it had no weight to it at all.

For several minutes she practiced swinging the blade then she relaxed and held the sword at her side, her stance became more relaxed as well. There she stood with her head bowed and the sword at her side. Slowly she looked up to the sky...

"Blessed Eru, by the Valar and all that is good, please protect us and guide us to victory!" She whispered as if to a nearby friend.

Then sheathing the sword in its scabbard and picking up her body gear, she strode off to her tent to prepare and dress.

After inspecting the boats, Anorast left the Beornlings to their preperations for the journey. Knowing the need for arrows, he sent a knight off to make sure that the expedition would be supplied with as many arrows as possible. It was yet to be known the total capacity of the boats so Anorast wanted many more supplies than would fit, so once they loaded, there would be no chance of coming up short.

Returning to the small campsite that he'd made for himself and Nin, Anorast began preparing himself for the battle. Pulling out the mithril chainmail and vambraces he'd collected from the Lorien armory, Anorast checked for any signs of wear before putting them on. First went the mail. With a sigh Anorast put on the Orthanc tunic, reluctant to cover the beauty of the chainmail, but refusing to part with the midnight blue garment. Lastly he strapped on the vambraces. Over his shoulder Anorast slung his black sword baldric, settling the blade upon his left hip. Around him he wrapped a black belt, from which hung his quiver, a long fighting knife, and two small throwing knives in the small of his back. Anorast also checked the two daggers in his boots and the small knife on the back of his baldric for readiness. Lastly, Anorast wrapped the Mithril Knight cloak around him, and took up his Lorien bow. He was ready.

It had been an hour and a half since Anorast had left the tent for the boats. Returning, he found ten Mithril Knights, none of which he knew, armed with both bow and blade. A captain of Thranduil also waited. He told Anorast that he was in charge of the Mirkwood archer detachment going to Laketown, and that the archers would meet them at the boats. Also present was a young man Anorast had seen before, but knew little other than his name, and where he came from.

"Tallain, isn't it?"

"Yes, Lord Anorast."

"You coming with us?" Anorast nodded at the exquisite bow, similar to his own, held in Tallain's hand.

"I am no good with a blade, and much better with a bow."

"Then you're in the right place. If Laketown still survives, there should be little need for swords."

Soon, the two hours were up. A few more arrived, but it was time to head to the boats. The Mirkwood captain went off to summon his archers, and Anorast led the rest to the boats.

Vanaladiel and Erinhue had already sworn service to Tempest for the upcoming fray. As Raghnildur listened, he took the last few puffs from his pipe, which was burning low. He leaned back, blowing smoke rings as Tempest explained to Vana what she could expect in the center group. Vanaladiel seemed unruffled, but Tempest appeared to be less than confident as she continued to speak Vana. Raghnildur sat there pondering where he would be most useful. Anorast had less than he may have needed at this point, but not to be forgotten were the Mirkwood archers he had been promised. The Red Hammer would be forced to flee before them, to be sure.

The left and right flanks also seemed more than adequately attended, one of them being led by Lord Elbren himself. There certainly seemed no need of extra swords there, and Raghnildur would not have been comfortable on a mount other than Crabanržth, who was safely stabled in Mirkwood still. The man?s jaw set as he realized there was but one place that he would serve better than the others. He tapped the bowl of his pipe on the ground and stamped out the remaining embers, and stood to his feet.

As Tempest finished speaking to Vanaladiel, Raghnildur took his place beside Erinhue. ?Tempest, I also shall stand with you at the center, if you would have me there.? As he spoke he stood to his full seven feet, proud to be preparing to draw arms with such fine warriors. Tempest turned her piercing gaze on him as she had done before lending him the dagger which hung at his side. After what seemed like a quarter hour of silence, she spoke of the risk of such a position and questioned his commitment in making such a pledge. A grim smile painted his face as he replied ?As I told my fellow Knights in Training as we entered Rhosgobel, my life is yours. You have my word that my blood will spill before the blood of my companions.?

After a few more words from Tempest to Raghnildur and the rest of the group, Lord Elbren led a number of them to his tent. Raghnildur followed his mentor there, eager to hear the next phase of planning.

"Well then gosling, it will be good ta have you along." Erinhue spoke as he came up and slapped Raghnildur on the back. "That ought ta make ya feel even better, Tempest, m'love. The odds just evened up in our favor."

The young man followed Erinhue as he in turn followed Elbren out of the tent. As they went, Erinhue had a wink and a laugh for nearly everyone they passed. His laughter trailed behind them as they moved through the encampment.

Sensing a bit of disapproval coming from Raghnildur, Erinhue fell in step beside him.

"You are far too respectful to say anything outright so I will say it for you. I sense that you don't exactly approve of my joking around so much here on the verge of battle and I think I should explain.

I could tell you that as a bard it is my duty to help lighten hearts and spirits where they are low. There are those who call me Iluvatar's Bright Spirit and there is a certain duty that goes along with that name. I could tell you that it is a duty I enjoy.

I could tell you that and there would be no lie in it, but you deserve the underlying truth. I am no less angered than any other by the stories we have heard. My heart is hardly hardened to the plight of these poor refugees and the thought of Laketown survivors being used as human shields......"

Erinhue stopped talking and Raghnildur saw something different, something dangerous deep in his sea gray eyes. The master bard seemed to need the moment to collect himself again.

"I cannot even speak of it and that is the best thing for us all. You see for all my sword's possessive power it is no more than a sword so long as it is not drawn in anger. For all our sakes I cannot afford to let myself be angered by anything the enemy should do, because my anger is the trigger to the possession. Should I draw my sword in anger, the berserker is unleashed. It's better for us all that I laugh and joke and lighten the hearts of others and help keep light my own."

Telta had not gone far when she heard Lord Elbren call out Hue?s name. ?Erinhue, any of your newest additions particularly talented for Anorast's party?" The elf waited wondering what he would say and was in accordance with his supposition that they would want to stay close at least in her case this was true. After the conversation between Hue and Fala she was sure that Fala was of like mind and Raghnildur, well it was up to him to decide what was best for him. And as she watched she knew he had as he followed Hue and Lord Elbren. He winked at her as was his way as he passed and she inclined her head to acknowledge it. Another time under different circumstances she might have winked back. But her heart was not in it.

She came up behind Raghnildur his tall frame effectively blocking the view ahead, as she silently followed them. She was sure she felt Fala?s presence slip in behind her as they went in a single row into the tent. As they walked along Hue fell back in step with Raghnildur and Telta tried hard to concentrate on other things so as not to intrude upon their conversation.

Once inside she saw the form of the wounded dwarf from earlier, resting on a pallet. His wounds were being tended to as a healer moved about him cleaning and bandaging. Telta?s sensitive hearing picked up the dwarf?s quiet intake of breath when the healer touched a particularly tender area. Dwarves were a hardy people not easily beaten this she had learned throughout her long years. The elf scowled. How could women, children and the elderly fight against that.

Telta found Hue alone before Lord Elbren began the meeting and spoke with him. ?Hue my skills are what they are be it bow or sword this I think you know.? There was no boasting in her tone only fact. ?I will go where I am needed. But I would follow you if that is possible. You asked for my help in the beginning and help I will give for as long as I can give it.?

Lord Elbren's voice brought everyone's attention to him as he asked them to be seated. The meeting was about to begin.

Elbren took a seat behind a small table, nodded to Marius to light a few more lanterns, and then he let his Mithril Cloak slip from his shoulders. He sat motionless for minutes, his eyes cast downward, as if in prayer, as the tent became illuminated with the light of the Elven lanterns.

"Thank you," Elbren said to Marius as the Rohirrim Prince took a seat on Elbren's left. "Well," the Elven Lord's gaze turned to the new Knights in Training.

"Some of you I have not yet met," he began as he found some mugs under the table and then a skin of Elven wine. He began to pour, "I am Lord Elbren of Lothlorien, your Guild Master and Battle Captain for the Mithril Knights. You have come to us at a time of great peril. Great peril indeed," he handed a mug of wine to Marius, who passed it on, but he continued to speak.

"This is Falathiel, Teltasarewen, and Raghnildur," 'Hue grinned, "they are strong additions to our Guild and to our present situation."

"Good," Elbren passed the last mug of wine and then took one for himself, "any news on the Knights of the Silmaril?"

Erinhue shook his head, "We ran into some trouble, but they are long gone. Moving like they had whips on their heels."

"As they did," Elbren grinned in spite of his worries, "good work. We shall not forget them, but we have to turn our attentions now to the Red Hammer."

The Elven Lord leaned back in his chair, removed his leather gauntlets and bracers, and then ran his hand through his silvery hair, "Well met to all of you. You have heard the battle plan. Your mentor, Lord Erinhue, shall be in the center under Lady Tempest's command. The right flank will be commanded by Lord Mirdain and Lady Idril, and the left flank by me. We shall harass the Dwarves with arrow and whatever else it takes in order to move them towards the center, where we will fold in upon them hand to hand. I take it that all of you wish to stand with Erinhue and Agarark?"

The nods and words of assent were clear, "Very good," Elbren smiled, "the center must be strong. Once the Red Hammer has moved into the center, we must then stay the arrows and take them blade to blade."

Elbren then locked his keen, grey eyes with each of Erinhue's trainees. He saw both curiousity and puzzlement.

"Do not worry," he said, "I cannot read minds like the Wise, but I can see courage and hope in each of you. I regret that you have come to us in such a time, but we must also trust that the Valar still works with us and sends to us what we need in times such as these."

"Aye," Thalos agreed.

"And now, good Thalos," Elbren turned his head to view his wounded friend, "tell me again about the Sickle and the Red Hammer."

"It's like I said, lad" Thalos grunted, "I saw the insignia of one of the Red Hammer captains at Isengard. It isn't a hammer like you use in a forge, it's curved and edged. Elbren, I swear to ya, the Red Hammer on the shields of the Dwarves isn't a hammer at all, it's the Sickle that we found in the Chamber in Orthanc!"

Marius looked quickly from Thalos to Elbren, a question formed upon his young lips, but he stayed his words.

"You are certain?" Elbren asked wryly.

"I wouldn't have risked leaving the safety of Orthanc if I weren't," Thalos scowled.

"Very well," the Elven Lord sighed, "then we must inform Anorast and Nin immediately. Marius, we'll go and see the Laketown boat party off."

Then he turned to the assembled warriors, "Any questions? Now is the time to ask, mellyn."

The Red Dawn of Esgaroth, Part Two