Elfhunter (53 page)

"We would have made it without incident except that,
well, there were a few incidents." She began to giggle, and Fima,
Rogond, and Thorndil chuckled along with her.

"True enough," said Rogond. "At least we did find our
way to Mountain-home, that’s really all that matters. Hopefully
we’ll see Gaelen before long—I would like to have her company
tonight. She sings to me while I sleep, and it is the most relaxing
and comforting thing you can imagine. In the meantime, let us
prepare for departure." "So, we’re finally leaving?" said Gaelen,
who had approached them unaware. Fima jumped.

"By the Beards of my Fathers! You did it
again
. Rogond, can we not attach a bell to her or something
so that she cannot sneak up on me constantly? It is my fondest wish
at this moment."

Gaelen forced a smile. "If that is your fondest wish,
Lore-master, then I pity you," she said. "But be not pained; I will
make more sound in future. So, are we finally leaving? If so, then
I’m glad. I would very much like to be gone from here."

Rogond was distressed at her expression, as she
looked very weary and unhappy considering the pleasant situation
they were in at the moment. Her hands kept straying to the leather
pouch about her neck, fluttering in uncertainty until they touched
it and knew that it was still there. Something had happened, and he
hoped that she would trust him enough to tell him of it. For now,
it was best to reassure her.

"Yes Gaelen; I think we should leave within a day or
two. Which of us should inform the Lord and Lady?"

"I will see to that," said Nelwyn, as she had another
motive for seeking Arialde. She hoped to gain permission to look
into the Stone of Léir and learn what it could tell. She turned to
Gaelen. "Do you remember what we spoke about? Let us go and see the
Lady together, then."

"I have had a change of heart, Nelwyn," Gaelen
replied, refusing to look Nelwyn in the eye. "Pursue the matter if
you wish. I do not wish to have anything to do with the Stone of
Léir."

Fima looked at her with dawning understanding.
Oh,
Gaelen… surely you didn’t gainsay all my good advice and go looking
in the Stone without permission, did you? But, of course you
did.
He shook his head as she turned and left them to wonder
what had come over her. Yet Fima knew exactly what Gaelen had done,
and that the Stone had so disquieted her that she now wanted to run
away from Tal-sithian as fast as she could possibly do so.

Nelwyn sought out Arialde in the early evening and
found her relaxing in one of many beautiful gardens amid the tall
trees. Arialde welcomed Nelwyn into her presence, asking her why
she had come, though Nelwyn somehow had the feeling that the Lady
already knew. "I’ve been asked to tell you that the Company will be
leaving your fine hospitality tomorrow, to our great regret," said
Nelwyn.

Arialde smiled. "I think that not all of you regret
it, Nelwyn. You and Gaelen have seemed restless for many days now.
I am somewhat surprised you have lingered this long, though, of
course, you are welcome." She searched Nelwyn’s gaze, as though she
knew there was another question forthcoming. "Is there anything
more you would ask of me, daughter of Turanen?"

Nelwyn raised her eyes to meet those of the Lady.
"There is one thing I would ask. I hope you will not think me
presumptuous, but I would learn all I may in this realm ‘ere I
leave it. Our quest is difficult. Can the Stone of Léir provide
some insight? I would ask your leave to find out."

Arialde smiled gently. "I have expected this request.
It will take some courage to look within the Stone…most find it
quite unsettling. You are welcome to it, but I warn you that it may
not be all that you expect or hope for. I will aid you as I may,
but you alone must decide how any revelation should be
interpreted."

Nelwyn took a deep breath. "Is it not better to
proceed with insight, though it may be unpleasant? If the Stone can
help guide our actions so that we may avoid peril, then it is worth
the risk. I am willing to accept it. By your leave, Lady, may we go
now?"

Arialde nodded, but she did not smile. She rose and
led Nelwyn to the glade where the great crystal still rested upon
its pedestal. It appeared harmless enough, but Arialde insisted on
approaching it first, closing her eyes and caressing the surface.
She murmured an incantation in a strange tongue before backing
away. This time the mist Gaelen had seen did not appear; Nelwyn
beheld only a beautiful, many-faceted crystal as she stepped
forward to look into its calm depths.

At first, there was nothing, and for a moment Nelwyn
feared that she would be deemed unworthy of any insight, for a
lowly Wood-elf might not be fit to gaze into the Stone of Léir.
Then, with almost frightening suddenness, the same whirling
confusion that had afflicted Gaelen overtook her. She fell into the
vision as Gaelen had, as images—fleeting, but clear—came to her
bewildered senses. Talrodin smiling at her as he had when she had
last seen him alive. Talrodin lying dead in the fire with Gorgon’s
arrow in his breast. Halrodin battling Gorgon, being slashed to
pieces, crying out in pain. Gorgon stooping to take Turantil, the
sword of Halrodin, and performing the rather bizarre act of
removing a part of his armor and slicing his own forearm with it
before smiling in horrible approval. Gelmyr’s terrified face as he
tried in vain to defend himself against the very same blade. An
unknown She-elf crying in panic, just before Gorgon took her
life.

Nelwyn stifled a cry of dismay as she kept on
falling, but the terrible images were far from over. Now she saw
Belegund. Gorgon had slashed his throat, and he was dead. Now
Gorgon had Gaelen by the neck. To Nelwyn’s horror her cousin
appeared lifeless, then to her wonder Gorgon released her and
slapped her face, hard and repeatedly. Gaelen drew several
difficult, painful breaths, and Gorgon smiled in cruel
satisfaction.

At last, she stopped falling.

She was standing in the Greatwood, and her heart
rejoiced when she realized that she was home. A small kernel of
dread smoldered within her as she looked around to behold King
Ri-Aruin, his son Wellyn, and many of their friends and kin. Why
were they so bloodied and weary? They were equipped as for
battle—here was Gaelen and the rest of the Company, including
Galador. She knew the answer when the battle-cry of a large, fierce
host of Ulcas came up from the south—they had advanced all the way
to the stronghold of the King, where the battle had been
joined.

Gorgon led the Ulcas. As he advanced toward her, his
eyes turned to meet hers—but they were not his eyes at all. They
were Elven eyes, hazel-green and glittering brightly—Gaelen’s eyes!
Then Gorgon revealed a small, round object in his hand. When he
concealed it, the familiar cold, pale grey eyes reappeared. He gave
a terrible cry, and the evil army surged forward. Wellyn fell,
pierced by an arrow. Ri-Aruin, surrounded by defenders, battled to
the last. Rogond and Thorndil lay dead beside Galador, who was
calling Nelwyn’s name with his last strength. Where was Gaelen? The
Greatwood was falling to the power of Darkness, and the Elves were
helpless to save it. Nelwyn fitted her bow again and again, trying
to overcome the enemy, to no avail. She could hear and smell the
forest burning behind her…and cried in terror.

Then she heard Arialde’s voice:
"Enough!"
The
visions ceased, and the Stone went dark. Nelwyn was pulled back
into the glade in a rush of wailing voices and crackling flames.
She would behold nothing more. Arialde approached her, an
expression of grave concern on her face. She let Nelwyn recover for
a moment before addressing her. "These visions are grim, Nelwyn,
and they are in some ways similar to those held by Amandir and
myself. Now do you understand his warning? Gaelen and Gorgon are
tied together somehow, and I suspect that it has something to do
with the golden object in Gorgon’s hand. He has become powerful and
threatens all you hold dear. We of Tal-sithian sorrow for the very
fact of his existence and would aid you in your quest to rid the
world of him, for he is beyond redeeming. There will be war before
all is ended."

Nelwyn was still pale, and she trembled as she stood
before the Lady. "I’m afraid to share these terrible visions with
anyone. How shall I avoid bringing doubt and shame upon Gaelen, who
of all the Company has been the most steadfast in pursuit of this
horror? I do not understand the meaning, and I now regret my choice
to look into the Stone. What must I do now?"

Arialde nodded; she did not blame Nelwyn. "Yet the
choice was made and cannot be undone. Just remember that the Stone
will aid you, if only you do not stray from the task of defeating
Gorgon and ridding this world of him. Thus far, you have accepted
it faithfully. Do not turn from it now! You will share the visions
as you may, Nelwyn, but some you will keep. I will bring some
gladness to your heart now. I also beheld a vision when I last
consulted the Stone, and though much was grim, there was also some
of joy. If the Company is successful, you will bear a child of
Galador, and her name will be…‘Gwynnyth’."

Arialde smiled at the astonished look on Nelwyn’s
face, and then turned and left her alone in the glade. Nelwyn
stared after her and did not move from the spot for a long time.
She would have to consider what she had just seen for some time
before sharing any of it with Galador. And much of it, she
reflected, could never be shared with anyone at all.

The Company departed the next morning, heading north
along the Ambros. The Lord and Lady came to bid them farewell ‘ere
they set forth, for Arialde would not leave the island. They stood
beside the boats, which were laden with provisions, as the cool
mists of dawn veiled the flat, steel-grey waters and clung to the
shore. Amandir waited there also, and Fima rumbled in disapproval
as he passed by this unwelcome addition to the Company.

The Lady went to each of the Company in turn,
imparting an unspoken message, heard only by the heart of the
recipient. She gave to Thorndil a glass through which he could see
things clearly at great distance.
For the piercing gaze of
eagles are you named; now you shall see with their eyes.
To
Fima she gave a small volume that had been set down by Odo, the
most revered of all dwarvish lore-masters. Fima bowed in respect,
promising to treasure it.
You may surpass Odo one day, Fima son
of Khima.

To Galador she gave a small but elegant white horn
mounted with silver. He winded it and they all marveled at the
clear, mellow tone that sounded as though it would carry for miles.
Do not let your love of Nelwyn blind you to your purpose, for
you will never attain the happiness and peace that you desire until
that purpose is fulfilled. Every one of the Company has a part to
play; you must permit each to play it.
She looked into the
distance for a moment and then closed her eyes, as though
collecting her thoughts.
The slaying of Elf by Elf is not to be
permitted, even in an effort to protect those we love. Do not give
in to such desires, Galador. All must play their part.
Then she
moved on, leaving him somewhat bewildered by her message.

Next she stood before Nelwyn, smiling as she looked
into her compelling green eyes. She drew forth a small, beautifully
engraved silver cylinder with an enlarged end containing many tiny
bells. When it was shaken, it sounded delightful—much like the
water in Arialde’s fountain.
This was a plaything of the Lady
Ordath when she was a child, and she loved it on a time. I give it
now for Gwynnyth, in the hope that she will love it also.

Nelwyn took the gift with both wonder and reverence.
"May it be so, Lady. I thank you with all my heart," she said in a
voice only the Lady could hear.

Then Arialde approached Rogond, who stood tall and
watchful, his gaze clear and his heart strong. She asked for his
hands, and he offered them to her. She took them and held them
together between her own.
You are a worthy man, Rogond. The
desire of your heart you may yet attain, if you remain steadfast.
Do not let anyone dissuade you, for she is of worth, and she will
have great need of you before all is ended. Take this small gift,
and hold hope in your heart.

When she withdrew her hands Rogond found that there
was a tiny stone, plain-looking at first, but when it caught the
light it flashed many colors, fiery reds and gold, deep, cool green
and intense vibrant blue.
This is like to her spirit, young
Tuathan. Plain and unassuming it first appears, but the brilliance
and beauty shines forth to those who know and understand its heart
of fire.
She looked into his eyes, and he took her meaning.

She went last to Gaelen, who was restive and
fidgeting as ever, anxious to depart. She calmed as Arialde
approached her.
Last I come to you, Gaelen of the Greatwood,
beloved of Ri-Elathan. I would bestow a special gift, for the road
before you will be the hardest to bear.
She held out her hand,
and Gaelen took the gift she offered. It was a brooch of silver
graven with the crest of the High King.

This once belonged to Ri-Elathan. He left it
accidentally in my keeping, and I never had the chance to restore
it to him. You shall wear it now, in remembrance of him. Do not
dwell on the terrible visions you beheld, rather remember him as he
was when you were bound to him in Mountain-home. Take care of your
heart, and do not keep it closed forever. This is not what he would
have wanted. Farewell, little Silent-foot.

Gaelen could not find words to say as she took the
silver brooch in her hands, warming it. She bowed her head before
Arialde, and then looked up into her eyes. "Farewell, Lady. I do
not suppose we shall meet again, though we may. I thank you for
your aid in my grief, and I shall always remember the tales you
told. Farewell."