Turn 6 - The hunter's shack

Tol Tarneldor, Belfalean coast

For an hour Aratan leaded himself the 1st Line of the Cudin through the striking mountainous landscape of Ered Hith in pursuit of the men from the caravel. Behind him and at support range was Sergeant Angorn with the 1st Cambeleg and 2nd Cudin lines. As ordered by Aratan, the 2nd Cudin had diverted to the left flank and now marched north under the cover of the trees.

Upon reaching a relatively flat and large promontory Aratan and the Cudin immediately saw two lined groups of fighters on the edges of two consecutive hilltops that stood ahead. The first band was larger and seemed well equipped with melee weapons and armour. They also saw the Gondorians coming and waited for them with no movement or sound. The second band was on a high position behind the first. Although few, they held the highest ground and seemed to be equipped with longbows. Most of them had bronze sun-beat skins, that abruptly pulled a word from Aratan, "Haradrim?".

The Dunadan captain stopped his march and while he waited for Angorn to catch up, he took the time to send word to Sergeant Fletcher, that supposedly remained on the Golden Beach. He asked him to send another line of the Cambeleg to reinforce his position while still holding the gap that existed at the central region of the island.

From time to time Aratan sent a small group of three men to probe the enemy, but they never got close enough or became under fire. His fears of becoming suddenly overwhelmed quickly vanished as he saw Sergeant Angorn's banner not far removed from the promontory.

Vinhir, South Belfalas

Leif had already gone for twenty minutes when Fletch finished is third daily meal. "Superb!". Not wanting to loose time, Fletch ordered the fourth meal to Meneldor's surprise. Noticing that Meneldor and Cirlin were watching him he answered with his fork pointing to himself, "We don't know if we will be able to come back in time for the late afternoon meal, do we?"

Both man and elf looked astonished with the amount of food that a hobbit could consume, but just smiled to him. Fletch was more than satisfied upon seeing that the attention of both turned into their own conversation when the salty trout with fresh onions was laid in front of him.

"Noble sir", continued the seer after Fletch interruption, "I wander if I may ask after the Keep. Does Bar-en-Hyarmen have a river or stream that passes close by?"
"There's only a short but strong stream a mile south of the Castle. The spring is on the same hills where the castle stands but on the south side. Its waters runs southeast to the sea.", replied the headmaster.
"And what of the doors, do they have strength enough to withstand an assault?"
"If they don't, few things will be safe in these lands. There is only another Castle south of the Men Ernil, the main road from Minas Tirith that crosses central Belfalas, that can match the might of Bar-en-Hyarmen. Metrast is an isolated land and the Prince gave the local Lord vast resources to hold the peace and fight the threats that come from the sea. Few armies will find easy even to climb the hills to the castle."

Showing some signs of concern, the elf asked, "Is it not wise to move the most vulnerable there before an assault comes? The old and very young should not endure battle."
"Uhm. You might be right, master Meneldor. Usually it is sufficient to close the village and wait for the Prince's Guard. But there are not many raids these days. I saw just one, when my father was the headmaster of Vinhir. Pirates and Corsairs don't like Metrast, since there are too many soldiers and so few villagers... Well, I'll take your advice and will send the vulnerable to the castle with an armed escort. I cannot risk the lives of those that travel on the roads, though, since the roads are the easiest target for pirates. So, we'll have to wait for the support of Lord Acthelion. Thank you for your concern, master."

The remaining companions started climbing down the stairs of the inn, fully equipped. Bogas that had been waiting and looking upstairs all the time, ran to his master barking happily and licked his hands.

Meneldor raised and picked up his things, "One more question I would ask if I may, Metrast Tower, is it manned or does this only occur in times of need?"
Cirlin stood up also, "It is manned all the time. There is a regular guard of two Lines and all the support personal. That's around 60 men leaded by a knight. But on times of peace, half of them may be off duty, though they are supposed to be around.". With that he greeted the companions and left the inn.

Talis approached Fletch and threw the hobbit's gear onto the table with an annoyed look.
"Thanks, Talis.", said Fletch casually.
"Fletch, you are supposed to be equipped already!", Talis hardened is tone.
"Don't be mad, mister Talis, I'll be ready in a minute, not a second more...". The fork and knife started to work at an unbelievable speed. Exasperation filled the ranger spirit, "You're always the same Fletch."

***

Metrast, South Belfalas

Like a demon under the sun, Ranak made the road to Bar-en-Hyarmen in less than a hour. In all that time the mount and its master just saw another two men, farmers that were taking their vegetables on a cart to the nearest market. This is really a remote land, thought the Rohirrim.

In a gentle pace, Leif climbed the smaller road leading up the hills where the castle stood. The fortress presented a mighty vision to the travelers making their way on the main the main road, down there.

***

Sergeant Angorn's sudden appearance at the green fields of the promontory made the first band of Haradrim shift nervously, as if the men were coming and going from the hilltop edge. Soon someone among them shouted and metal sounds of weapons beating on shields raised on the cooling air. Shortly all the Haradrim were shouting with all their lungs and their confidence came back.

When the shouting started to die, Angorn was already with Aratan.

"Any news?", asked Aratan.
"No captain, the small band that went to the Northern Woods vanished from sight. I hope they do not show up on our backs now."
"I've already called the support of Fletcher. Unless they are already heading our way they won't be able to surprise attack us or will risk becoming surrounded between Fletcher and us."
"That would should them.", agreed Angorn.

***

Following Cirlin's directions the companions traveled on the earthen path from Vinhir to the Tower of Metrast. Talis scouted ahead and made several detours to inspect the surroundings. In a slower pace Fletch, Mara and Benil walked happily, almost leisurely, telling stories to each other and sometimes burning into laughter at some Fletch's joke. A full belly could operate miracles on hobbits, commented Mara. That would make them forget the worse dangers on Ea even if they were on their backs, added Benil. What full belly, would ask Fletch to them. More laughter.

From time to time Talis appeared ahead of them and angrily signaled them to be quieter. But as Vinhir became further beyond, the laughter started to die by itself and soon a more apprehensive atmosphere settled among the three.

At the end of the march, the elves talked on their ancient language. Blanchon commented on the immaturity of the Man and their foul ways. Meneldor agreed to a point, but added that in spite of that the Edain were the true heirs of Middle-Earth. Downcast, Blanchon conceded. Upon that, their conversation came to more mundane matters. Meneldor took the opportunity to say to the sometimes joyful, sometimes mischievous mage:
"It seems your desire for answers has persuaded you to kindle the fire in our friends hearts. You even rattled gentle Benil's spirit. Take care not to stoke them too much, or you may get burnt."

The elf from Lorien raised his eyebrow as if giving to know that he had all the resources to hold himself well. But instead of answering on that matter, Blanchon's mind returned to his own words, "It will be to our advantage to know more of these beings..."

"The knowledge you crave may be closer than you think. This pool that Mara mentions, with the creature within, may be a Portal. If that is so then let us hope that the guardian and the tentacled one are not one and the same. Perhaps in your travels you have such lore as this, for I know little of these matters myself."

Blanchon looked disturbed with the words of the elder, but said nothing.

***

The sun reflected on Leif's chain mail caught the attention of two guards on the ramparts.
"What do you think now?", asked one.
"Yes, you are right. It is a Rohirrim. What could he be doing here?"
"Who knows... Warn the captain, Vanae."

A few moments later the captain of the Gate Watch appeared at the gate tower and shouted, "Who might you be and what his your business whit the Prince's servants, warrior?"

"My business is with Lord Acthelion, I have dispatches from Cirlin of Vinhir. Now open up and let me in! I grow impatient to return to my companions!", Leif held up the sealed letter so that the guards could see.

There was no response for a while but when Leif was about to shout again, a metal noise broke the peaceful sounds of the small mountains around the castle. As the inner portcullis raised, a wooden noise joined it when the heavy gates of the tower opened to the warrior.

The officer and two soldiers came out and took the dispatch from Leif.
"This is unusual. What are the doings of a foreigner in this land?"

"You'd better hurry, soldier. Strange things are afoot and this land might suffer from further delays. The danger does not choose from your kinsman or my companions. I'll force my way, if you don't let me in..."
"There's no need, Rohirrim. The seal of Vinhir's headmaster speaks for you. Come."

Behind the Rohirrim, huge oak doors closed again. As he dismounted at the courtyard, a stable boy came and took Ranak.
"Be gentle with him, boy, or he will make you regret...", Leif advised.
"Yes, mister.", but the boy needed no warning, as he perceived the true nature the horse.
The gate guard escorted Leif to the Lord's Tower where he had to wait just for a moment before a richly dressed Dunadan walked down the stairs to the reception hall.
"The Master Chamberlain will take you now, warrior.", the captain of the Gate Watch said before returning to his post.

"Fortune be with you, stranger. How can I serve you?", the chamberlain greeted Leif.
"You can serve me and your countrymen best by ushering me into the presence of Lord Acthelion, with much haste!", and with that Leif showed him the dispatch with its seal.

The chamberlain frowned when he saw the symbol that stated urgency.
"Come with me at once, warrior."

***

Under Aratan the 1st and oldest line of the Cudin men marched toward the hill. As they came nearer the Haradrim, the Gondor soldiers could see the southrons raising pikes and unsling axes. A broad but small man kept shouting orders and realizing that their opponents were holding missile weapons, he ordered the Haradrim on the front line to cover themselves, while the back warband prepared to counter-attack over their heads. They could fire as soon as someone tried to climb up the hill.

Aratan advanced but when he was less than sixty meters from the Haradrim he commanded his line to stop. Several longbows on the rear band aimed at the sky while some on the first also produced some missile cover.

But no arrow left bow or crossbow. The slow wind playing on the trees leaves was all that could be heard. The birds and other mountain creatures were gone or stood simply observing in complete silence the madness of Man.

Boldly Aratan took a few paces forward and broke the unstable silence, "In the name of Prince Galador the Second, fair ruler of Dol Amroth and all Dor-en-Ermil I call upon you to lay down your arms and prevent unnecessary bloodshed. You are surrounded and outnumbered and there is no escape for your Ship has been taken. If you surrender now you shall be treated fairly under the laws of Gondor on that you have my word."

The broad man from the first band came to the ledge of the hilltop and shouted back with the southern accent,
"You'd better leave now, man of Gondor, you can't take our position before the sun falls over the sea. And at that time Red Keel will arrive at this island and your own boat will be a blind monster against a venous snake. You'd better run, soldier, you have just two or three hours before being trapped."

"Red Keel!", Aratan heard one of the Cudin behind him saying with some awe.

Aratan stepped back to his Line and sent word for sergeant Angorn. While the courier raced to and from Angorn's position to the rear left side of his captain, Aratan looked into the woods to his left. He wandered where the 2nd Cudin where.

***

"The milestone!", pointed Benil. Talis had already turned north to the hunter's shack. His companions waited a moment to give some time for the ranger to scout ahead. As they gathered around the milestone, Blanchon asked if they could hear a far and low beat. No one seemed to hear but Meneldor, "It seems like a drum. Yes, you are right Blanchon. It comes from there.", the seer pointed southward.
"Then it must not be far removed from the small beach where I saw them landing. I can take you there if you want.", Mara proposed.
"We'd better follow Talis and once on the shack decide what to do.", said Blanchon, "we must have some secure place where to run if needed or if one of us gets lost."
Following Blanchon's advice, the party entered the woods after Talis.

The beating rhythm remembered Meneldor of Mara story. Discreetly he walked to her side and said with a suspicious look,
"What a curious place to find someone like you Mara. I wonder what brought you to the beach here? "

Mara turned to Meneldor, surprise stamped on her face,
"Maybe. Any place would be curious, I expect. I've been running from place to place and came here at the wrong time..." With some discomfort, she went after Talis to avoid further questions from the elf.

***

Both men climbed up the stairs, the tall chamberlain with an efficient pace but without loosing his formal posture, and Leif skipping some steps to keep up with the him. The pair went directly through corridors and rooms with no detour and without answering to the guards that came to attention as they rushed through the tower.

At last, the Master Chamberlain stopped in front of a large door and announced himself and the messenger from Vinhir. After a short moment, the door opened and a knight looked at the pair.
"Hello, Master Chamberlain. Please come in."
"Thank you, captain Farandir."

Both men stepped in a huge room that looked like a library. It seemed different from what Leif had seen so far. Tapestries with battle scenes and portrays of Kings, Princes and Lords fully covered the cold stones of the walls. All sort of weapons and trophies decorated several columns and the arched vaults of the ceiling. On the far wall there was a giant and striking map of the local region. But Leif's attention was quickly brought to the center of the room where another four knights stood around a large table.

"Hello, man from Rohan.", an aged Dunadan said. Leif realized immediately that he was Lord Acthelion. His appearance stroke him deeply. He looked like a Prince or even a King. It were not his clothes or symbols but his posture. And his eyes. Leif bowed even without thinking he did, such was the Lord's presence.

The Master Chamberlain went to the Lord's side and gave him the missive.
"Thank you master.". Turning to Leif, Lord Acthelion asked while he broke Cirlin's seal, "I am seeing that you are not a commoner among your people. Where are you from?",
Lord Acthelion looked intrigued.
"I am a warrior of the Rohirrim sent to gain experience in other lands, so one day I may lead my people", Leif replied.
"And how do your people call you?"
"I am called Leif, son of Hanir."
"I do not know Lord Hanir of Rohan but he seems to be a wise leader. Only a foul would hand over the power to an inexperienced man, be him his son or his best friend. I wish you good luck to you on your personal quest, son of Hanir."
"Thank you Lord and you are right my father is a wise leader, more than you know!"
"And what does a Rohirrim wants from this Prince's servant?"
"I want nothing but you to read the dispatch my lord, my friends and the headman of Vinhir maybe in great danger from these invaders!"

A sudden commotion broke out from the gathered Knights.
"Invaders?", Lord Acthelion seemed surprised. Without waiting more he looked at Cirlin's words.
A few moments later, the Lord of Metrast broke the knight's discussion again. "Uhm, this seems serious but I wouldn't call it an invasion. But you can say to the people of Vinhir that I'll send one of my knights to Vinhir this same day." "Only one knight, my Lord? The headman seemed to want a force of your
knights to be dispatched."
The old Lord smiled briefly at Leif, "Each of these knights here could win a war for you, my friend."

The four captains smiled at their commander's words.

"I would die trying, at least.", said the knight to the noble's right side.
"See? That is the spirit that make us so strong. But they are not alone, no young Leif.". The elder Dunadan bent over the table and fumbled through several papers. "Each one is the leader of a small army. As always, my problem now is to see which one is the best for the job and what can I give in support."

***

The courier didn't take long to spill out Angorn's report, "2nd Cudin is on the left flank and moving north. They are informed that the enemy has been spotted but keep moving slowly since they may find opposition in the woods. It will take around 20 minutes before they out-maneuver the enemy. Sergeant Angorn's also says that when they leave the woods there is a big chance that they will be spotted and that we won't be able to support them from our position. He asks what are your orders, sir."

Aratan looked behind him to the Dunedain aligned in a double row that shined under the sun. Sergeant Angorn was directly in front of them with a Dunadan that he chose to held his banner. In that moment Aratan missed Keldric, the old Dunadan that always had held his own banner. Now his banner remained folded in the Ice Dragon and Aratan could not give the standard Marine signals. He held up his arms and all Cudin waited anxiously his order to advance.

***

Talis, playing "Pointman" stepped forward and pushed at the creaking and rather dilapidated door of the hunters shack. The faint smell of wood-mould and firesmoke suggested it had not been lived in for a fair while. A slight wind blew through the trees from the northwest, from the direction of Vinhir. Perhaps if the village did get attacked, we might hear or smell something carried downwind, he thought ruefully.
Seeing no opposition, the ranger stepped into the darkened room beyond, longbow held crossways in front with arrow drawn. Nothing. The place was empty. Signaling with his raised arm to the others Talis relaxed a little and placed his weapon on the low oak table adorning the rooms central space. As Benil came through the door blocking the light, Talis turned towards him with some sort of material in his hand.
"We need some light in here," was his only comment. Finding a rusted lantern with the bearest scrapings of oil in the reserve, the Ranger struck his flint to the wick and after some trial, succeeded in producing a faint and flickering light.
"Come and tell me what you all make of this symbol?" he asked the group.

Looking close in the glow of the lantern, Talis spread a piece of dirty and nondescript material out upon the tabletop. Pointing with a finger he showed where a symbol had been painted or etched into the surface. "It seems to depict a drop of some liquid, but it's on fire? What do you think?"

Fletch tried to look realizing that he would have to start clambering up the table to see the material properly. "When you've finished can I have a look? I'd rather not make a habit of standing on tables, its most undignified!"

Meneldor came close to the table and examined the rags laid by the Dunadan,
"Do you think that it was used in some sort of ceremony or ritual? Perhaps you should be cautious of moving it too much 'till we know. I may be able to determine this but do we have time?"
Talis shrug his shoulders, but added,
"One other thing which may or may not have some bearing on this situation, I noticed some footprints near the milestone back there which indicated that some humanoids had passed by fairly recently. What was perhaps unusual was that they did not use the road but preferred to run along side it - as if out of sight perhaps ?... Anyway, I believe there was at least more than half score of them and they were headed towards the village. I cannot tell at what time they passed but we better make this route of ours a circular one or we may not have a village to go back to!"

***

"Let me present you some of my officers, Leif from Rohan. Captain Farandir you already know. To my right is captain Muries and captain Alyster. To my left captain Androrn."

The three Dunedain bowed and Leif replied.

"So. Can you give us all the information on this matter?", asked Lord Acthelion. "We were woken with strange reports of a creature in the barn, I faced it in single combat and managed to kill it. It was humanoid but wielded powerful magics! Then upon our return to Vinhir, we chanced upon another traveler who spoke of strange men landing in a bay near an abandoned fortress. Because of the lack of warriors in Vinhir, I volunteered to ride here to get support."

"Can you describe these two creatures you talked about?", asked the noble.
"Well, one was taller than me but slim. He had a dark brown colouring and wore some rags. The other was a small, ahh... animal?" Lord Acthelion looked intrigued.
"Well, it looked like one, since he had a dark red fur all over but his face. Nevertheless he carried a bow and talked to the other creature..."
"Never heard of it.", said the noble.
Leif shrug.
"And what are your own feelings about all these strange events, noble warrior?"
"There is more afoot than a corsair raiding party or a group of pirates my Lord. There are things here that speak of some evil presence, beyond those feelings I have little more to say, other than haste is necessary! May I have your leave to go and return to my friends?"

"If it is your desire, son of Hanir, you may leave us. But I would like you to stay for a little longer while we discuss this matter. Your opinion could make a difference."

"I will stay Lord but make your discussions quick, I do not want to leave my friends in danger, without my sword-arm to aid them!", replied Leif.

"You may leave at any time, if you think you should Leif.". With no further delays, the noble proceeded, "Now, since captain Farandir is leaving for Dol Amroth as soon as the Vinhir Queen comes back and captain Muries is the responsible for the Guard this month, we've but two options, captain Alyster and captain Androrn. Do I have any volunteers here?"

"I am free to honour my land, sir.", captain Androrn said.
"Count on me to.", captain Alyster added.

"Good. Rohirrim, you talked about Corsairs. Did any of you really saw any Corsair? And what about men from Harad?"
"All my new friend Mara said she saw, where men in strange helms. Now I maybe young but I know of the Corsairs and when she described the helmets to us, I knew who they were immediately, as to me of Harad, that I cannot answer," replies Leif.

"And did anyone saw how many they were?"
"I was informed that they were at least five score.", replied Leif.
"That many?", the general frowned.
"What can we throw at them Muries?"
"For the infantry, the Lions, the Watchers and the Iron troops are ready, sir. The Purple Leaves are also ready but half of them are posted on the Castle guard. Besides, all captains have their own troops at half strength."
"Fair enough. And the cavalry?", asked the general.
"Uhm, they are not in good shape. There are no complete troops. Just the 1st and 3rd lines of the White Runners and the 4th line of the Crimson Swords. Of course, in two hours you can put the knights on horse. You can also call back another four lines from their current posts."
"There's no need for now. But send them a message asking to be prepared."
"Yes, sir.".

***

Aratan's order to advanced never came. Instead, he ordered the retreat. All Cudin looked at each other. The battle lust that grew on their eyes now melted and confused their minds. Some even slipped some low words against his commander. "Coward", "What did you expected from a little more than young captain...", "Typical Dunadan...". If Aratan heard them, he did not showed. Instead, he was already stepping back and trying to keep an orderly retreat.

The enemy also seemed perplexed and did not reacted. They still looked suspiciously to the Cambeleg on the plateau before them. The Dunadan double line stood still all the time, shoulder to shoulder with lances and heavy shields ready. Their complete immobility casted a strange feeling on their enemies, as if a dormant giant would raise in a moment. They did not dare to charge downhill.

The Cudin kept a march that accelerated as they moved southward, always under the victory shouts of the Haradrim on the hills. When they passed alongside the Cambeleg they were running at low speed. Aratan signaled Angorn to retreat as soon as the Cudin had left the field.

***

Dust danced on the shack and seemed to burn when it crossed several light beans casted from outside. Near a corner, Mara looked disturbed, even nervous. She strolled from side to side and eventually caught Fletch's attention. The hobbit summoned an intrigued look upon her that made Mara feel uneasy. Giving Fletch a shy smile, she walked to Meneldor and whispered, "Mister Meneldor, can I give you a personal word?"

"There is no need to be so formal Mara.", the seer replied, "Of course we can speak if you wish. You look troubled, I hope that my curiosity earlier has not offended you.". He followed the woman to a removed side on the shack and waited to see what Mara had in her disturbed mind.

"I can't say I like your kindred very much, Meneldor.", she whispered, "But I've been with worse companies... Well, just keep your witchcraft away from me or you may have an open slit through your neck when you do not expect it.", Mara looked menacing, but Meneldor knew that he terrorized her mind in some way.

More calm, she proceeded,
"Well, this business unsettles me. I always thought that the Archer was a liar above all. Then you came and talked about Aspyriand, also. And this thing of the burning water... The Archer had an old book with a cover that looked like that. I can't read, even if I could I would not understand it because it was written in a very old language. At least the Archer said it was... He also confessed that he was on a quest for the "Missing Link". I know not what that is, but he used to point at the book when he talked about it. The Archer told us terrible stories of the years to come, of big battles and doomed people and the rise of Dark Lords over the mountains and from the roots of Ea. And that the Lidless Captain would return to eat Stone and drink Water. I can't believe that he foresaw those things... I thought that he just wanted to frighten us. He didn't at that time, but I'm not sure anymore..."

"Mara, give me your hands awhile, if you can trust me that much.", the seer replied while offering the fierce lady his own hands and awaiting her response...

Mara looked surprised by the request and stood still, a doubtful sense swimming in her heart.

Upon her refusal the seer looked regretful and shrug before starting, "I am sorry that one of my kindred has upset you. I do not know how, and I do not ask more. But to accuse ALL of my kindred of the same mistake is folly. You would not compare a villager to Leif and yet they are both men."

The mention of Leif made her hard face melt slightly but she concealed any other feelings when she bent her head and the blond and long hairs fell over her.

Meneldor proceeded, "It is true that I have the SKILL to understand 'magic' as you would call it and could do great mischief if I desired, and yet I DO NOT. I try to use my skill to help others and find my own way and purpose in Ea. That is all. I have never sought domination over another. Consider this awhile and then judge me".

Mara looked up again, a single word forming awkwardly on her lips, "Sorry..."

***

"Halt!", ordered Aratan when they had left far behind the Haradrim. Almost as one, the marines stopped their fast march. Aratan pointed to the wooded flank, now to their right. Even more confused the forty strong marines dived in the woods.


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