by C S Marks
His own Dark Company would be traveling toward the Barrens, and he would need the use of his own senses. While Gorgon held the mirror, he literally could not see through his own eyes, but was obliged to view only what was seen by Gaelen. He could still hear through both her ears and his own, though Kharsh had learned that it was sometimes difficult to gain his attention.
Surmising that he would learn nothing of use this night, Gorgon put the mirror away, sighing with relief as the pain left him. He strode out into the night, his minions in tow. They were well-rested and ready for mayhem, but Kharsh cautioned them that they needed to remain wary. Even as distant from the King’s halls as they were, they did not dare risk a chance encounter. They made their way toward the north and the welcoming Barrens, thoughts of mayhem put aside for the moment.
Rogond was apprehensive as he stood quietly in the armory, awaiting the arrival of Amandir. The Elf had indicated that he wished to continue the conversation that had been interrupted by Fima some days earlier, and that now was as good a time as any, as Gaelen had gone to spend the night with Wellyn. It gladdened Rogond’s heart to see her thus occupied; there was nothing like being home again. Gaelen was accustomed to spending long weeks away from her friends and kin, but the intense pursuit over so many months had drained her, and this had worsened since leaving Mountain-home.
The tips of Rogond’s fingers were tingling in anticipation of Amandir’s arrival, and he dreaded the news the Elf would bring. When Amandir stood before him at last, his expression was unreadable. Rogond moved to the armory doors, which were of heavy oak fitted with iron, and pulled them closed with some difficulty.
"All right, Amandir. Say what you have come to say. My mind and my heart are open to you."
Amandir drew a weary hand across his eyes, brushing an errant strand of his long hair from his face. "I wish you to know that this brings me no pleasure, Tuathan. Having heard what I have to tell, may you act wisely and quickly, before any more Elven lives are lost. Remember also your friend who was lost in Cós-domhain. Gorgon takes victims of all races."
"I have not forgotten him, Amandir," Rogond muttered. "Get on with it."
Amandir told his tale in a few minutes, leaving nothing out. When he had finished, Rogond stood, white-faced and shaken, horrified by what he had heard. Though Amandir’s conclusions were based mostly on insights gained through the Stone of Léir, his logic concerning events that had occurred since their arrival in Tal-sithian was unassailable. For example, Rogond had not known that the Elves lost near the Cold-spring had met Gaelen and Nelwyn earlier on the very day they were lost.
Amandir pointed out that Gaelen had witnessed the conversation regarding the pursuit of the Ulcas by the hapless Elves of Tal-sithian, so that they were taken by Gorgon, who had then known of their course. Rogond was now drawing conclusions of his own concerning events in Cós-domhain. Of course, Gorgon had known about Tibo, and probably about Noli. This explained why Gorgon had not killed Gaelen when his chance had come.
What Amandir did not know was how Gorgon was accomplishing the link with Gaelen, as the Stone had provided no specifics. Rogond knew that there were many mysteries in Alterra of which he was unaware, and he wished at that moment that his knowledge was vast enough to gain understanding. But alas, only one such as Fima, who had spent much of his life studying such things, might possess the insight needed to enlighten them. Suddenly Rogond brightened—he would seek Fima’s aid at once. He turned to Amandir.
"I now understand your concerns, Amandir, although I still disapprove of your treatment of Gaelen. I would appreciate it if, in the future, you would at least attempt to conceal your ill feelings toward her—it would make things so much easier for everyone. It might keep you from the wrong end of an axe, as well. I must go now and seek wisdom so that I may know how to proceed. Thank you for finally revealing this matter to me, though I hear it with great pain and doubt."
Amandir looked upon Rogond with disdain. "You would not have heard me had I chosen earlier to impart it to you, Tuathan. And as for the dwarf, I will not waste my time worrying for my safety. He is an insignificant player in this affair. I enlighten you because you are at serious risk, as are any of my race who stand within her sight and hearing. As for concealing my feelings, do not fear, for I intend to place myself as far from her influence as I possibly can. It is my expectation that she will eventually draw this creature forth to where he may be killed. That is my sole reason for being among you. I pray only that few lives will be lost as a result, though I hold little hope." Rogond shook his head. "You are determined that I shall not ever find you winsome, aren’t you? Very well, distance yourself if you will. Again, my sympathy lies with you in this matter, and I would aid you if I could."
Amandir suppressed a cold smile at Rogond’s sarcasm, his ancient eyes gleaming from his young, unmarred face. "You cannot fathom the nature of my grief, and I neither want nor need your sympathy. I have lived without it through the long years, and I shall not require it now. When Gorgon is dead, I shall go to join my beloved, and we shall at last give up our pain. Save your sympathy for those who will have need of it, including yourself." He turned and moved the armory doors with strength that surpassed Rogond’s. Then, with one last look over his shoulder, he left.
Rogond went in search of Fima, but he was not in his chamber, and his whereabouts were unknown to anyone Rogond found to ask. In fact, he would not find Fima until the morning of the following day, as the dwarf was at that moment engaged in serious conspiracy with Nelwyn, laying plans to trap Gorgon into revealing the truth of the mirror.
"I know this will work, Fima," Nelwyn insisted. "Gorgon wanted to kill me in Cós-domhain. Galador had foreseen it…that’s why he would not go under the mountains. He wanted to take me straight to Tal-sithian so that I would be protected. We must tempt Gorgon into revealing himself. If I must serve as the bait, then so be it. I will not jeopardize Gaelen until I am absolutely certain that this horrible mirror exists and that she is bound by it. If we are wrong, then I have little to fear."
"And if we’re right, you have everything to fear!" said Fima. "Besides that, I’m not comfortable with using Gaelen for this...this manipulation of her enemy without her knowledge."
"I know...and I’ve thought quite long and hard about it," said Nelwyn. "But there’s no way we can let her in on our plan without telling her everything. I can’t do that until I’m absolutely certain that the mirror exists. Gaelen isn’t ready to hear about it, Fima, and I’m not certain I should even be the one to tell her. For now, she cannot know what we’re planning."
Fima shook his head. He was decidedly uneasy at the thought of confronting the same creature that had so easily slain the mighty Belegund, and he felt guilty hiding the plan from Gaelen, but Nelwyn’s words made sense. It was the only way to be sure.
Tomorrow they would find Gaelen and watch her carefully. Nelwyn suspected that the cold chills Gaelen seemed to feel at inappropriate times might indicate Gorgon’s presence, and if so, they could lay their bait.
Nelwyn intended to make herself available and vulnerable to attack, and therefore irresistible to Gorgon. Then she and Fima would lie in wait for him. If he appeared, they would know they were right about the mirror. Nelwyn had the feeling that Gorgon would not be far away, though she suspected that he would not enter the borders of the Elven-king’s realm. She would need to travel far from the Elven-hold to lure him, as his cowardice would prevent him from taking much risk.
She and Fima talked until dawn, crafting their plan. When they had finished, Fima shook his head. "Nelwyn, are you certain there is no other way? The chance you are taking…if Galador knew…."
"And so he must not, Fima! I most certainly will not tell him. Remember, this plan is of our design, not Gorgon’s. I know the forest, and he does not. We have the upper hand."
"He has an army," said Fima quietly. "You and I will be no match for an army of Ulcas."
"He will not bring his army to kill one Elf, F
ima. I don’t know how I know it, but I do. It would ruin the sport, somehow. And I sense he does not wish to reveal the presence of his army until he can do a great deal of damage."
"For some reason, I can’t imagine Gorgon as the sporting type," said Fima, shaking his head again, his long, white beard waving to and fro.
"You know what I meant. This is too important for jesting, my friend. Gaelen’s very life, and the lives of many others, may hang in the balance. We must be certain of this matter before we consider what to do next."
"If you thought I was jesting, then you know less of me than I thought," said Fima. He paused as he considered his next question. "Have you thought about what our course of action will be should this prove true? Suppose your plan works and we lure Gorgon in, and our fears are confirmed. What, then, will you do?"
"I am hopeful that he may be taken unaware, and perhaps I can pierce his armor with this," she said, indicating her powerful longbow. "If not, I will at least frighten him into retreating. He knows the forest is thick with deadly archers; he will probably withdraw if I chase him with a shaft or two."
"That’s not what I meant, and you know it," said Fima, his voice deadly serious.
"I know," said Nelwyn. But she could not answer further, as she had no idea what she would do. They would have to tell Gaelen, and that simple fact caused such dread in Nelwyn that she shook the thought from her mind. She could not imagine the impact of such knowledge upon her dearest friend and cousin; it would surely devastate her. She turned back to Fima.
"One difficulty at a time. Let’s first confirm our fears, and then I will consider our next course."
"Someone will have to tell her, you know," said the Dwarf.
"I know, Fima. Believe me, I know," Nelwyn replied, her eyes filling with tears at the mere thought of it. She turned and made her way back toward the King’s halls just as dawn was breaking. The skies were on fire with the rising sun. The sight was beautiful, but it brought little comfort to Nelwyn, and she did not smile.
Thus it was that Gorgon Elfhunter found his journey toward the Barrens interrupted. He now addressed two of his underlings as they stood before him, Kharsh at his side.
"There is a She-elf, with golden hair. She and her companion have been sent by the King on some errand to the southern border of the Elf-realm, along the east bank of the Forest River north of where it crosses the old northern road. Do you know it?" The Ulcas nodded. They had been selected because they were most familiar with the Darkmere, but they were uneasy, as they had no desire to cross into the domain of Ri-Aruin.
Gorgon continued. "They will arrive in three days’ time, as they are mounted. We must move swiftly, as they indicated that they would only be there for a short while. Make ready, for we leave at once. I will accompany you as far as the border; from there you will approach them, take them unaware, and bring the golden-haired one to me. Kill the other if you will, but bring the Elf alive and unharmed. I shall wish to take my time with her." Gorgon remembered the pain he had suffered as a result of his last encounter with Nelwyn. This would be a most pleasant diversion for him.
The Ulcas looked knowingly at one another. Their commander was intending to torture his victim as he had the Elves of Tal-sithian, no doubt in similar fashion. While they did not understand Gorgon beyond the bare minimum, they did appreciate his hatred of the Elves and would look forward to witnessing his terrible vengeance. It might almost make up for the danger involved in crossing into the Elven- realm. They bowed before Gorgon and went to gather their provisions, as they would need strength for this chase. Gorgon left Kharsh in command of the remainder of the Black Company, instructing him to continue toward the Barrens, there to await Gorgon’s return.
Kharsh drew Gorgon aside before he departed. "Forgive me, my lord, but are you certain this course is wise? It seems to carry great risk. Why place yourself in peril just to kill one Elf, when soon you shall hold the mastery over many?"
Gorgon smiled sardonically at Kharsh. "I was not aware that you cared so for me; it touches my heart. This is not just an Elf—this is an Elf upon whom I have vowed vengeance. She once did harm to me, and I shall have her! Do not try to dissuade me, for it will not avail you."
"But, my lord, what if you are pursued? There may be many Elves nearby, and they may not be easily taken. I am unhappy with the thought of your going so near to the Elves’ domain without your army to protect you." This was true, as Kharsh knew his own life would be forfeit should Wrothgar learn that his highly valuable creation was lost in some reckless pursuit because Kharsh failed to prevent it.
"If I didn’t know that it is Wrothgar you fear, I would worry that you were becoming sentimental," Gorgon growled. "I warn you, Kharsh, do not suggest thwarting me, as you will draw breath once, perhaps twice, after I get wind of it." He drew Turantil with a speed that Kharsh could not even follow with his eyes and placed it at Kharsh’s grey-wattled throat before he could move. Kharsh said nothing more, which was very wise.
Three days later, Nelwyn and Fima were in position, and the stage was set. Nelwyn’s horse was tethered near the river in a small clearing. Their gear was placed so that it would appear as if they had gone collecting herbs by the waterside, for that was their professed purpose. According to Nelwyn’s plan, Gorgon had been led to believe that Ri-Aruin’s herb-master had sent Nelwyn to gather evening-bloom, a valuable plant with various medicinal properties. It was only known to grow in this area, and Nelwyn, who was quite knowledgeable in herb-lore, was a logical choice to collect it. Fima had stated that he would accompany her because he wished to learn more of the herb- lore of the Greatwood. In truth, Fima was not especially fascinated with herb-lore, but no one save Rogond knew this. Galador did not discover that Nelwyn had gone missing until late afternoon the day of her departure, though he had been searching for her.
He did not understand why Nelwyn should go off to gather herbs without him. And why take Fima along? He had asked Gaelen about it, and she had seemed uncertain as well. Galador had spoken then with Rogond, who had, in fact, been searching for Fima, and also found the whole affair rather odd.
When Gaelen went to speak with Ri-Aruin’s herb-master, and as he had informed her (somewhat stiffly) that he had plenty of evening-bloom among his stores, and that he most certainly had not sent Nelwyn and Fima to gather more, the puzzle grew deeper.
Gaelen, Rogond and Galador were disquieted, and they left as soon as they could make ready. Nelwyn would now have to hope that Gorgon appeared in a timely manner, as she would have only about a day’s head start on her friends.
Gorgon lurked within sight of the path that marked the boundary of the Elven-realm. His two companions had gone on ahead toward the river, where they might discover the whereabouts of Nelwyn and Fima, capture Nelwyn, and return her to the spot where Gorgon waited. They could do whatever they wished with Fima. Gorgon had promised them great reward if they succeeded, yet they were uneasy, eyes turned ever to the trees in the dim twilight. Soon it would be dark, but not soon enough for the Ulcas, who were very uncomfortable with the thought of sharp-eyed Wood-elves training their bows on them in the grey half-light. They muttered to one another in harsh voices as they drew nigh the camp.
"D’you see anyone?"
The other grunted and shook his head. "That makes me uneasy. Can’t we just go back and tell ‘His Highness’ they weren’t here after all?"
"What, you want to try to lie to him? Besides, we’ve been sent to catch that She-elf, and I’m betting he won’t take ‘no’ for an answer. What was it he said? Don’t bother coming back without her?"
"Yeah. An’ I’ll wager he meant it, curse his miserable Elf-hide. Why he hates ‘em so much is beyond me—one look at him an’ you can see he’s practically one himself!"
"Well, don’t know about lookin’ at him, but he sure enough ACTS like one of ‘em. He’ll turn his back once too often, I’m thinkin’. But Kharsh says there’s big plans afoot, and he’s right in the middle of ‘em, so we’d b
est get on with it."
They drew a bit closer to the encampment, listening intently for signs of life, but all they heard was the whistling sound made by two lethal shafts speeding toward them, and then they knew nothing more. Neither of Gorgon’s luckless minions would have to worry about returning empty-handed to their disappointed commander.
Nelwyn made certain that the camp was secure before joining Fima in the clearing. She had killed both Ulcas on his signal, and now as she approached him, she knew that her worst fears would be confirmed. Fima had heard every word spoken by the unwary Ulcas, who, of course, had no idea they had been anticipated.
Fima’s face was pale, his eyes full of despair. "So, it’s true, then," said Nelwyn tonelessly. She had known it in her heart, and so had Fima. Still, it was a difficult thing to face. He recounted every word he had heard. Then he and Nelwyn sat in despair upon the ground, after collecting and packing their gear. Even though there would be no further need to maintain the pretense, Nelwyn had gathered enough herbs to convince Gaelen and Galador that she had been on an honest errand. She sat unmoving beside Fima, trembling as she considered the implications of what they had now learned.
How could she ever tell Gaelen? She began to weep, and Fima, to her surprise, suddenly rose to his feet and cast his axe into the trunk of a nearby tree, uttering a terrible, frustrated cry. He did not try to comfort Nelwyn, as he could not, so he sat alone in the shadows on the opposite side of the clearing, and his thoughts were his alone.
