Elfhunter

by C S Marks

  "It will be all right, Gaelen. I should not have told you of Liathwyn…it always makes you weep."

  But Gaelen did not weep for Liathwyn, or for Shandor; she wept at that moment for Belegund, and the dwarves, and the lost Elves of Tal-sithian. And she wept for herself, because she knew she would not be able to bear the burden of one more death.

  Nelwyn knew she had to distract her, and she did so with a question that, though she knew it was incredibly bold, had been weighing on her mind.

  "Gaelen…you died that day by the river. There was no doubt in my mind or my heart that you were dead. Tell me, how is it that you were allowed to return to us? Was it like to the time when you and I walked together in the Spirit Realm?"

  Gaelen stopped crying and turned to face her. "No, Nelwyn, the circumstances were different, as you well know. You wanted to live. You were fighting to live. I was fighting to die."

  Nelwyn was abashed, for of course Gaelen’s words were true, and they no doubt pained her. Nelwyn need not have worried, for Gaelen did not hold it against her, and she continued though her eyes were haunted at the memory.

  "I was sent back. I can say no more of that, only…" Here she paused, and her voice was small and distant. "…Only that Rain came to me, and spoke to me, though we could not touch. He could not hold me; he could only send me back. I was on the shores of the waters that lead to the Eternal Realm, but there was no ship to bear me…only Rain. He left me again, Nelwyn, though he did not wish it. And I could not prevent it. I had to come back."

  Nelwyn was overcome by this revelation, and she bent down and hugged Gaelen, who stared straight ahead, trying not to cry again. They remained so for several moments in silent affirmation of their bond of friendship, knowing that each would support the other, no matter what. Then Nelwyn spoke again. The words had been in her mind to say for many, many years, and it was finally the time to say them.

  "Gaelen, perhaps you should open your heart, and consider that you might not wish to live the rest of your life grieving for Farahin. There is one who loves you, one who would ease your burden and share your pain. Rogond is true of heart, and he is utterly devoted to you. You need him at your side to aid you. You cannot face this alone."

  "Are you going somewhere?" asked Gaelen.

  Nelwyn scowled at her. "You know I would never leave you, but I cannot fill this emptiness in your heart. He can." Then she made one final effort to convince her cousin. "What did Ri-Elathan say to you? Did he say anything that might help in guiding your heart? You do not have to repeat it to me, but I would urge you to consider well his words. He was very wise, I’m told."

  Gaelen did not reply, as Rogond chose that particular moment to return. Galador and Fima were with him. Nelwyn sighed. Ri-Elathan’s words to Gaelen would remain unknown, but she could tell from the look on her cousin’s face that it had been a wise course to remind her of them. Only Ri-Elathan could release her from the bonds of grief, only he could help her to see that the joy of her heart would be fulfilled by the one who stood now before her. For although Rogond was mortal, his love for Gaelen would be eternal, though it would endure for an eternity that they could not share.

  Ri-Aruin summoned the Company to his private chambers on the following day. He looked careworn as he sat before them; it was obvious that he had not rested and that his mind and heart were troubled. He bade Rogond, Fima, Nelwyn, Galador, Thorndil, and Wellyn to make themselves comfortable, for this would be a war- council and would likely take much of the afternoon. He sent for food and drink so that they might be content, for once closed, the doors to the chamber would remain so except in dire emergency. The King first addressed Rogond, using the common tongue in consideration of Fima and Thorndil, unwittingly offending Fima.

  "Let me first summarize the plan as I have understood it, Tuathan, as I must make certain that we are all in agreement before we begin. Through Gaelen, Gorgon will be fed false information that will lure him and his army into a trap. Our people will then attack and finish them, hopefully killing Gorgon and releasing Gaelen from the power of the mirror."

  It sounded like an idea that could work, until one began to examine it. The success of the plan depended upon an intricately woven series of events that would entice Gorgon beyond his ability to resist. As Fima had said, one slip and they were all dead, as Gorgon was very clever and wary. He would not hesitate to turn events to his advantage if he grew wise to their deception.

  Together with Fima, Galador, and Wellyn, Rogond had put together an irresistible scenario to tempt Gorgon within reach. It would require elaborate staging to lure him in, but it could be done. Gorgon would be allowed to learn that a secret council was being planned to discuss the growing threat of his Black Command and what should be done about it. This council would include two of the most influential Elves in all of Alterra: Ri-Aruin, the King of the Woodland Realm, and Magra, the powerful Èolarin Elf-lord, emissary to Lady Ordath.

  Gorgon was probably already aware of the contingent of Elves from Tal-sithian, but Rogond suggested that they represent Oryan as being a person of great importance, emissary to Lord Airan.

  Neither Ri-Aruin nor Magra would actually be present at the staging of the "council". Ri-Aruin would be impersonated ably by his son, Wellyn; Magra would be portrayed by Amandir of Tal-sithian, for he resembled Magra to an extent. Not that it really mattered, as they all doubted that Gorgon had ever seen Magra before. He would no doubt be familiar with the appearance of Ri-Aruin however, as they would have to make certain he "overheard" the goings-on of the King’s court.

  When Gorgon and his army appeared they would expect to come upon the Elves unaware, for Gorgon would expect that the council would be minimally defended. After all, it was secret, and the Elves would have no reason to plan otherwise.

  Now the question was where and how to stage the council. Ri-Aruin at first suggested the Greatwood, for it would be easy to vanquish Gorgon within the confines of the Forest Realm. "That is where Gorgon will expect the council to be," said the King.

  "True enough, my lord," said Rogond, "but remember that he will not attack such an easily defended location without a very mighty army. He will not be lured in unless he is certain of victory. With all due respect, we must make ourselves more vulnerable. The plan will not succeed unless we can prod him into attacking quickly, before he has the chance to amass a great force. I sense that time is against us, and he is gathering strength even now."

  His gaze was drawn to Galador, who had placed a concerned hand upon Nelwyn, as she was obviously disquieted. Her beautiful eyes were wide as she recalled her terrible vision, and she knew that, whatever happened, the conflict must not take place in the Greatwood Realm. She rose abruptly to her feet and looked around at all her friends, then spoke to the King in an impassioned voice.

  "This cannot happen here…it must not! That creature cannot be allowed anywhere near this fortress. Another way will have to be found!" She was trembling at the memory of her premonition, and Galador rose to his feet, standing beside her.

  "Tell them, my love. Tell them of your vision. It’s time to make matters plain."

  Nelwyn drew a deep breath and told the assembly what she had seen in the Stone. When she finished, those who had not heard the tale before were white-faced and grim.

  Galador then addressed the King and the Company, and his words chilled them all.

  "Now you know that Nelwyn is right. Much depends upon our ability to coordinate this very elaborate deception. If we fail we must make certain that the realm is secure. We must lure Gorgon to a place where, if we are not victorious, only the few will be lost. We cannot risk the safety of the Elven-hold."

  Then he looked Rogond in the eye and spoke the most chilling words of all. "Have any of you considered that Gorgon may already have guessed our plan? Do we know for certain that he has not? What if he witnessed the events with Gaelen in the forest, or overheard Fima accidentally revealing the mirror to her? Do we know that he did not? She tried to take her
own life! If he knows this, then he is most certainly suspicious. In that event, we are all planning our own deaths right now." He looked hard at Rogond. "Can you tell me with certainty that Gaelen will not reveal this to him, even unwittingly? So much rests on her shoulders, and they are not as broad as they might be. All she has to do is slip once—look in the wrong direction or say the wrong thing at the wrong time, and we are vanquished."

  Rogond’s strong jaw was set, and his body was rigid as he regarded his closest friend. "These are words I would have expected from Amandir, not from you," he said. "But of course, you are right…what, then, shall we do? This creature will not relent until he has worked his evil upon your people—your people, Galador, not mine. So shall we stand aside and allow him to gather strength for a massive attack because we are uncertain?"

  Galador’s face reddened, but he did not look away. "We will not shrink from our task, Rogond, but neither should we engage in folly that cannot result in anything but disaster. We must be fairly certain of ourselves before we proceed."

  "There is no time for certainty, Elf of Eádros!" cried Wellyn, rising to his feet. "What of Gaelen? If we do not end this Dark Horror, then what becomes of her? Do we lock her in prison, where she will neither see nor hear anything of use to the creature, until she dies for want of the feel of the air? Do we leave her alone to perish knowing that she will never be free of him?" He turned to Rogond. "Ask her, Tuathan. Ask her whether she has any sense that Gorgon knows. She is very intuitive—ask her! If she is reasonably certain that he has gained little insight, then that is enough for me."

  Galador looked around him at the faces of his friends. He closed his eyes for a moment then nodded in agreement. "It is enough for me, as well," he said, returning to his place beside Nelwyn. She took his hand and reassured him; she knew that it had been difficult for him to voice such concerns to Rogond.

  "Never mind, my love. These things needed to be said. I know they pained you. It wasn’t fair to compare you to Amandir," she whispered.

  Ri-Aruin rose and spoke then to all. "I will not enter into this plan unless I have assurance that all of you are willing," said he. "You must choose your path now. Will you support the Tuathan, or no? Provided he receives assurance from Gaelen that the enemy remains unwitting, will you join in this effort? Gorgon will sense your trepidation otherwise. All must be united in their resolve. Choose now." Each then rose and faced Ri-Aruin, bowed before him, and then turned to Rogond. "I will support Rogond’s plan," said Wellyn, who stood first. Rogond liked him more and more every minute. Then Nelwyn, Galador, Fima, Thorndil, and finally the King himself each voiced their affirmation. Ri-Aruin addressed the Company, who stood now united:

  "Then let us make our plans. We will await assurance from Gaelen before we proceed with them."

  The long afternoon was spent in debate, mostly concerning the proposed location of the "secret council". It could not be held in open country, but would need to take place in a location that was defensible, and where enemies could be seen as they approached. Gorgon would expect nothing less. It would need to be somewhere between Mountain-home and the Elven-hold, yet near enough that they could stage it quickly. Gorgon would be told that the council had been planned since Ri-Aruin had first learned of his existence, back in late winter. Because Gaelen had been both to Mountain- home and the Lake Realm, it would be easy to convince Gorgon that Magra was already on his way. Oryan would be presented as a person of considerable importance: the personal emissary of the Lord and Lady of the Lake.

  They obtained a large map of the Lands of Alterra, spreading it out upon the table before the King. Rogond pointed to the Barrens, rugged stone hills that rose beyond the southern borders of the realm. They were surrounded by forest, which would be perfect for concealing an army. This would appeal both to the Woodland army, that would lie in wait, and to Gorgon, who would be able to bring his own forces into proximity undetected. The Barrens were about a hundred miles closer to Mountain-home if the council took place in the easternmost hills; they were nearly in a direct line to the east. "Magra" could "arrive" using the old northern road, staged for Gorgon to witness.

  "The Barrens would be the most logical place," said Rogond. "Gorgon is not far away from our southern borders. We need to let him know that the council will take place very soon now, and we cannot afford much travel time, as both our forces and his will need time to make ready."

  "But, Rogond," said Nelwyn in a worried tone. "What if he is already taking refuge in the Barrens? What if he is lying in wait? Won’t he simply slay us as we appear there?"

  Rogond shook his head. "No, Nelwyn. He will want to take all of us. Remember his nature—he will not wish to alert any of us by preying on the others. If he is sheltering in the Barrens now, I’ll wager he will be gone as soon as he finds out that we’re planning the council there. He will want to wait until all are assembled so that he may gain the ultimate victory. Think what killing Ri-Aruin and Magra would mean to one such as Gorgon. He might then plan to march on the Greatwood, as he would sense the dismay and confusion of the Woodland Elves should their King be taken from them."

  "The Barrens are well known to many of us," said Ri-Aruin, "for although they are no longer part of our realm, they were once included in the lands of Osgar, my father, before Wrothgar’s evil forced us to withdraw our borders."

  He drew forth an old but very detailed map of the area, showing several excellent locations for the staging of the council. He pointed with a long, elegant finger at one in particular. The others of the Company nodded in agreement, and the location of the conflict was chosen. Now all that remained was to carefully set the trap.

  They would let it be known that there would be a relatively small contingent of guards present at the "secret council’, because the Elves did not wish to attract the attention of unfriendly eyes that might be keeping watch on the Barrens. In truth, they wished to tempt Gorgon with the prospect of bringing down Magra and Ri-Aruin with only minimal resistance.

  Everyone would have a part to play in the deception and would have to ensure that all went as planned. Gaelen, as Gorgon’s "window" into the proceedings, would have to be especially vigilant. She could not be allowed to see or hear anything that would alert Gorgon; all communication with her would have to be strictly orchestrated and controlled. Rogond knew they would have to work quickly to accomplish their ends, as Gaelen would not fare well for long under such conditions. The pressure placed upon her would be horrific. But then, Rogond told himself, so long as she knew the objective of the plan, she would apply herself utterly to it. He gave assurances to his friends that they need not worry. Gaelen would be more than happy to follow any course of action that would lead to the downfall of her

  enemy and secure her release from his terrible influence.

  The Elves of Tal-sithian, who had tracked Gorgon’s small army, estimated that it had numbered about thirty, but they did not know how the Ulcas came to be under Gorgon’s command in the first place, or whether more would be joining him. The general feeling was that where there were some, there would be others. Once Gorgon knew of the "council", he would work as quickly as he could to add weight to his forces. If given too much time he might very well overcome the Elves of the Greatwood. The trap must be set quickly.

  The task of communicating the plan to Gaelen fell to Rogond. It was difficult at first, as Gaelen had to train herself not to look at Rogond as he traced messages slowly and carefully upon her arm. She would then write responses to him on parchment, never looking at them but staring resolutely at something else. It was frustrating, as communicating in this way took so much time and concentration. Gaelen, who was restive by nature, could only stand it for brief periods, though she made a valiant effort.

  Rogond was patient with her and tried to cheer her, but it was difficult at times to make her understand, and this taxed them both. As time passed, they became more and more adept, and the process became far less stressful. They took these careful steps bec
ause, although they suspected that Gorgon’s presence was heralded by Gaelen’s cold chills, they could not be certain that it was always so, and they took no chances. The only thing Gorgon would see should he attend these sessions was whatever Gaelen was focusing on, usually the flowing waters of the river. The sound of the rushing, gurgling water and the carefully controlled words of Gaelen and Rogond were all that he would hear.

  Rogond had inquired of Gaelen before any further effort was made, and he had looked earnestly into her eyes, tracing carefully his question.

  D-O Y-O-U H-A-V-E A-N-Y S-E-N-S-E T-H-A-T G-O-R-G-O-N K-N-O-W-S

  T-H-A-T W-E A-R-E A-W-A-R-E O-F T-H-E M-I-R-R-O-R? C-O-N-S-I-D-E-R W-E-L-L A-S O-U-R F-A-T-E R-E-S-T-S O-N I-T.

  She thought for a moment, and then wrote her response:

  I need time to be certain, though I do not believe he is aware at present. I have been concentrating on trying to feel the times when he is making use of the mirror, and to glean what I can of him during those times. I shall apply myself especially to this question until I am reasonably sure.

  She continued to gaze at the river as Rogond traced his answer. T-A-K-E C-O-U-R-A-G-E W-E A-R-E W-I-T-H Y-O-U.

  W-H-E-N Y-O-U A-R-E C-E-R-T-A-I-N W-E W-I-L-L A-C-T Q-U-I-C-K-L-Y.

  Then, almost as an afterthought, he added, H-I-S T-I-M-E D-R-A-W-S N-E-A-R.

  She looked at him and nodded. Then she held him in a gentle embrace, whispering in his ear. "You are so strong, and keen of mind, and faithful. Thaylon, the Trustworthy, I name you. We will prevail over our difficulties, and so long as you stand beside me, I shall not fear."

  Then she drew back from him and truly smiled for the first time in a long reckoning, unaware that she had, in naming him Thaylon, given him again the name of his birth, though, of course, he did not know it.

  Gaelen went out alone into the forest for the remainder of the day. She intended to apply herself to discerning the extent of Gorgon’s awareness, and she thought she knew just how it might be done. Like Rogond, she was keen of mind. Gorgon might well have chosen a different victim had he known then the thoughts turning within her; she would now welcome his intrusions upon her senses, for through them she could attempt to gain insight.