The Pentanath: Adventures in the Avathar
A Posthumous Writing of The Watcher of Tol Eressea
Chapter 27: Book 5: In the Path of the Storm
by Sienna Dawn

The full fury of the storm was finally unleashed. It came crashing upon the heads of Haldir and Lisse just as they entered the salt marshes at the outskirts of the Thon Fen'uin. At first only cold, fat droplets of rainwater grazed their faces, but in moments the winds grew in strength and the faltering rain became a steady downpour. Without benefit of steeds, Haldir knew their progress would be laborious at best and he was deeply worried over Lisse, whom he knew struggled to keep apace of his quick strides.

Just as winds began to whip its sharp tendrils upon their backs, Haldir paused and halted. He turned and looked. The clouds quickly forming behind them filled him with dread. By now the rain fell steadily, like a thick wall of water. The wind was beginning to keen and howl, driving the rainwater with greater ferocity. The sky was a steely gray, covering in its entirety the bright azure skies of Tol Eressea.

Haldir looked at Lisse. She stood beside him, also staring at the storm clouds behind them. The wind whipped her cape tightly about her body, the rain plastering her clothes to her slender frame. He could see the gentle swell of her belly, and he worried not only for his wife, but for his unborn son. Would they reach shelter before the full strength of this storm came bearing down upon them?

"Haldir!" Lisse shouted above the keening winds, "those clouds, I have never seen their like!" Her face, wet from the driving rain, reflected Haldir's own uneasiness.

Haldir nodded, turning his back to the storm and taking Lisse's elbow. "I know it!" He guided her gently, mindful of the whipping strength of the winds behind them, like a giant hand that was pushing them along. "This is no ordinary storm, for I fear another design is behind it!" His voice carried over the howling winds and he looked over to Lisse.

Silently they walked across the salt marshes as quickly as they could as the storm howled about them. The marshes, already wet from underground streams, was unable to absorb the water that poured forth from the sky. Walking soon became difficult and their pace slowed considerably. Winds still keened and pushed them from behind, always threatening to overtake them, but never quite engulfing the couple in its complete fury. Curiously, the storm no longer produced lightning or thunder, only the howling, screeeching winds and the harsh downpour. Haldir had the impression that the storm was stalking them, waiting like an animal of prey before it springs upon its victim. He hoped that the message he had sent to Lothriel would reach him in time.

Suddenly, Haldir felt Lisse falter and he stopped, turning toward her. She looked already exhausted and knew she was unaccustomed to long treks, even though these salt marshes were her home. Rarely had she ever ventured beyond her lands and even then carried upon the strong shoulders of a steady horse.

Haldir looked down upon Lisse, saw the lines of fatigue marking her delicate features and his love for her overwhelmed him with a desire to secure and protect her and his son. Bending over her, he scooped Lisse into his arms.

"What are you doing?" Lisse screamed above the howling winds.

But Haldir did not respond and he noticed Lisse did not resist. In moments, he resumed a quickened pace, heading straight for the sea-shire of Raëfalas, which he knew lay a scant four leagues away. There, he knew, they would both find shelter 'til the storm passed. But most importanly, going to Raëfalas would bring Lisse into the experienced hands of the birthing besse of that village.

As the storm beat down upon them, Haldir plodded on stubbornly, looking down into Lisse's face several times. Her eyes were closed and the rain fell upon her still features. Once, Haldir stopped and pulled the hood of her cloak about her face, trying in vain to keep the cold and stinging rainwater away from her face.

He walked for hours, an eternity to him, until, close to sunset, he saw the dim lights of Raëfalas and he doubled his efforts, picking up his pace. In all of this time, the storm had not lessened and this worried Haldir. As he passed beyond the tall gates of the sea-shire, a shouted voice rose amidst the din of the raving storm.

"Halt!" The owner of the voice suddenly appeared. A lone and armed elf stood upon a tall tower which guarded the entrance to Raëfalas. "Entrance to Raëfalas is forbidden!"

Haldir halted and looked up. He knew this warrior. "Tuolen!"

Tuolen started and he frowned. Keen brown eyes studied the tall elf, whose cloak was tightly drawn about his body. He saw the stranger was carrying something or someone in his arms and he scrutinized the face of the stranger. Sudden recognition relaxed his stern scowl. "Haldir o Lorien!" He called out and gave the signal for the sentries below to open the heavy wooden doors which led straight to the winding streets of the Raëfalas. "How came you here and under such terrible conditions?"

Haldir saw the doors were slowly being pulled open and he waited, calling up to the elf above him. "I bear my wife, who is heavy with child!"

Tuoelen's eyebrows lifted but he made no further comment. In a moment the doors to the sea-shire lay open and Haldir swiftly strode inside. In seconds he had inquired as to the birthing besse and he drew an escort to guide him there.

Never did the storm ease and in less than an hour Lisse lay warm and secure upon a wide bed, while two birthing besse attended to her, examined her and declared her and the babe to be safe and sound. Haldir had remained in the background the while Lisse was attended to but drew closer to the bed when the birthing besse departed the chamber. His gray eyes warmed upon her face. Gingerly he sat upon the edge of the bed and took Lisse's hand. He noticed her hand was warm and not chilled as he had feared. She looked upon him with an undefinable look upon her face.

"Lay still now, meleth and rest. We are safe from the storm." Haldir's quiet voice was nothing more than a whisper, but in the stillness of the room it echoed strangely.

Lisse smiled and squeezed Haldir's hand in reassurance that she felt well. "Thanks to you, our child is safe." Her voice was deep and calm, and the new-found serenity of growing maturity gave her a sure knowledge that all would be well.

Haldir did not respond, instead he bent down and softly kissed Lisse's lips. When the kiss ended he looked into her eyes and saw her love for him reflected quietly. He smiled again and reached up to smooth the still-damp hair away from her face.

"Haldir," Lisse began, "in these months passed we pledged to honor the truth between us, did we not?" Her eyes searched Haldir's face.

Haldir nodded and gave Lisse a small smile, "Indeed, meleth, we did so pledge."

Lisse pursed her lips and looked away for a brief moment, searching for the right words. Then she looked to Haldir again and found he was looking into her face with such undisguised love that her hesitation melted away. She loved him and he loved her. That much she was sure of. Now, she also discovered that he would always answer any question she posed to him. Armed with the surety of this discovery, she plunged ahead. For the sake of their son, she had to know.

"Haldir, for nigh on twenty five years were we apart. I, dwelling within the confines of Guve Hall and you..." here she hesitated for a brief moment, "...you, dwelling within the wilds of Tol Eressea. Yet, when you came back to Guve, no longer were you Haldir of old." Her eyes bored into his tranquil gaze with meaning. She suddenly realized he already knew what she was about to ask.

Moving closer to Haldir, Lisse continued, "For the sake of our child, Haldir, if only for his sake. Tell me, what happened to you?" Anxiety marked her delicate features and she waited for Haldir's answer.

Haldir gently dropped Lisse's hand and crossed his arms. Where to begin, he thought. But then he began to speak, letting his instincts guide him.

"Long I toiled and worked my traps, meleth, as the seasons waned and years melted one into the other. My thoughts were full of you but I came to understand that perhaps I was not for you, nor you for me. " He saw the flash of pain in her eyes, but Haldir continued, "They say the quendi may fade from grief, when hope is lost." His voice was soft now, as he remembered the old pain. "I did not know it, not then, for I saw no one and answered not the many inquiries the Guild continually sent forth. Time passed and loneliness was my constant companion." Here he paused and smiled, uncrossing his arms to caress his wife's cheek, before continuing. "I do not know how it happened, but it came one night, swift and sure as dawn upon the ocean. There was no pain, only a deep memory of what was before me and a certain knowledge that there was more yet for me to do. I awoke within glittering halls of light and star-glow and then I knew: I had passed into the Halls of Mandos." Haldir heard Lisse's shocked gasp and he laughed a little sadly.

"I do not know how long I lingered, but my heart still remembers the sad songs sung within those bright halls. I languished, memories of you deep in my soul until daylight came once again and I knew I breathed the sweet air of Eressea. Since that moment my heart dwells upon the twin shores of Aman and Mandos Halls, ever yearning for the peace of one and desiring the love the other promises." Here he stopped. Lisse was looking into his face with astonishment and something else, Haldir realized. Something that was akin to awe. Her words further confirmed this suspicion.

"This is a gift bestowed upon few, Haldir. Only Glorfindel of Gondolin and Mithrandir have gained this ability!" She stared at Haldir with sudden understanding. Now she knew the source of his power and the force of the melancholia that had marked their relationship. It did her heart good to know it was not all her fault, for he too had much suffered.

Lisse sat up in the wide bed and grasped Haldir's hand. "Had you but been truthful with me, none of the harsh words spoken between us would have come to pass." She said this gently and with much regret.

Haldir nodded in agreement, "Aye, you speak true, but it was not my intent to keep this from you. Certain things are not meant to be divulged, meleth. Beside," he added, hoping his next words would not bring her to anger, "I had no desire to involve your grandfather into my affairs and from the looks of it, much has he done in his desire to be rid of me." He added this lightly and saw with gladness that it did not anger Lisse.

Gratitude and understanding swelled in Lisse's heart, finally comprehending the magnitude of Haldir's sacrifice. A fierce love swelled in her spirit and she laid her head on his lap, murmuring, "I love you."

~*~*~*~*~

Niel was worried. Seven weeks now and no word from Orophin. During the months of Lisse and Haldir's absence, she had taken over the running of Guve Hall. Because of the doom passed over the House of the Elms, Niel knew that she could never return there and now considered Guve her home. With dedication and hard work, she oversaw all of the tasks which had once lain upon Lisse's shoulders. And so, the misery brought about by the long absences of her own husband, who still served the Vala Nienna, were eased by the many responsibilities she now shouldered. And she knew she shouldered these quite well. Yet, Orophin was never gone for more than two weeks at a time, always sending word of his whereabouts, though he spoke little of his own activities. Niel knew he was deeply engrossed in finding her father, Eadendir, and the palantir he was believed to wield. Though they spoke of it little, Niel knew Orophin's single-mindedness came from his worry over what her father was capable of doing to them all.

Because of her worry, and Orophin's uncharacteristic silence, Niel had finally sent word to the Guild Home in Swanhaven. Anxiously, she awaited their response, but as time passed and days turned to weeks, it had come to her that perhaps the Guild would not answer at all. Heaviness lay upon her heart and with great distress she waited.

~*~*~*~*~

Far from Guve Hall the Guild Commanders were very aware of what was happening within their midst and unbeknownst to Niel, they watched Tol Eressea carefully, mindful of Orophin's disppearance. That they had not responded to Niel's urgent message was not unusual. It was not the policy of the Guild to divulge the activities of their Rangers. Secondly, it was reasoned by the Guild that the issue, because of the identities of the persons involved, was indeed delicate. And so it was decided that silence would be the best course of action. That one lone elleth waited with growing anxiety was felt to be an unfortunate by-product of the events now quickly unfolding.

The command came on a clear morning, while the storm still raged upon Tol Eressea. Four companies of fifty Rangers each readied to depart the Guild Home. Each was commanded by experienced Captains, one of which was led by Korthin himself.

Their orders were explicit: seek and apprehend the old elf, Eadendir. Take the palantir and return it to Swanhaven, where the Valar would decide upon its fate. Though no one wished to say it aloud, all worried that the brave Orophin may have been lost at the hands of the treacherous Eadendir. Word of the strange storm had already reached the ears of the Guild and this, plus the events of late, most especially concerning the Avathar, was the reason why so many Rangers were readied with orders to sail to Tol Eressea.

Korthin stood beneath the bright and clear skies of Swanhaven, within the wide open square of the Guild's Command. He looked over his own company of Rangers, glanced at the other captains, who signaled to him that all was in readiness.

A shouted command rose suddenly and the Rangers moved, in double file, toward the open gates, away from the Guild Home. In silence they marched, making for the lower quays of the city, where tall swan ships waited to take them to the wild shores of Tol Eressea.

Within the hour the two-hundred Rangers occupied two sturdy ships and the lofty white sails gleamed in the bright morning light. It would take them no more than two hours to reach the shores of Tol Eressea. From there they would split their ranks into two groups, each heading to different areas of the island.

In time the swanships reached the island and grim-faced Rangers alit from the graceful ships that lay anchored at the bustling marinas of Kortirion. Curious eyes turned to the Rangers as they filed out silently, rapidly leaving the city behind them, marching steadfastly toward the designated spot.

By sunset the Rangers and their captains reached their pre-destinated location, rested and ate, while the Ranger captains decided what their next course of action would be. It did not take them long to come to a mutual decision and by moonrise the Rangers had divided into two companies of one hundred warriors each. Korthin took command of the company which was selected to march toward the North and Western shores of Tol Eressea. The other half marched toward the South.

As the stars rose, Korthin had a terrible sense of impending doom.

~*~*~*~*~

Three days later, the Rangers were deep within the wilds of Northern Eressea and the fringes of the unnatural storm was beginning to affect them. Winds keened and strong rain poured down from gray skies. The ground was soaked, unable to absorb the steady onslaught of water. Travel was slow and difficult. No travelers did they pass and this was a thing that worried Korthin more and more. Obviously, this storm had curtailed travel in the region, but was there a possibility that the coastal towns and villages were marooned beneath the onslaught of this furious storm?

And, Korthin asked himself continually, where was Haldir?

It was upon the fourth night that tragedy struck, as the elves camped near the region of the House of the Elms, close to the shores of the Shadowy Sea.

It came upon them, a giant swell, a solid wall of water that rose from the depths of the dark sea. It roiled and coiled about itself, crashing over the three hundred foot rocks and crags that formed the rise of the salt marshes. It moved over the mountains with ease, rising suspended like a giant maw ready to devour the hapless elves that lay beneath it. And when the wave crashed upon them, they knew no more, only the silent suffocation of death. They suffered little, as their spirits passed into Mandos Halls.

In moments, the wave receded leaving in its wake clean and spotless beaches, while the storm raged and howled.

In the South, where the storm had not reached, the elves fared better, unaware of the tragedy which had befallen their comrades.

With steady determination they reached the outlying towns south of the Shadowy Sea, where the kelp was so thick that neither sailor or diver could ford its waters. No longer were they discreet in their search for the old Eadendir, learning from bewildered fishermen that the old elf had not been seen near their shores in well over five hundred years. Yet, the Ranger captains were not so convinced and began a systematic search of all the southern shores, coastlines, coves and beaches. And it was to be on the fourth night, the night their comrades died, that they found the old cave once used by Eadendir.

They entered the cave with careful trepidation, being careful to observe and record all they found, but not disturbing anything.

The cave was full of treasure. From golden swords and knifes, to great jeweled rings, ancient furniture, books and much more. But of the elf and the palantir there was no sign.

~*~*~*~*~

Though the storm had abated in its fury, it had not ceased entirely. Raëfalas had cunningly developed a sophisticated drainage system, for possibilities of flooding and this served the town well. It had been four days since Haldir and Lisse had arrived within the confines of Raëfalas. Lisse was well, her pregnancy developing without complications. Haldir had decided they would wait well until the storm was over, so that travel across the marshes would not be so harduous upon Lisse, even though they would each have a steed to carry them.

He stood at an open window, watching the steady rain, listening to the softly keening wind. His silver eyes dropped to the winding street below him, the soft mist of rain and wind glistening upon his fair face. Youthful he looked just then, as if all of the years of fighting and suffering had not marked his spirit. He was ancient now, if not in years, but in the richness of the many experiences of his long life. His thoughts fled to Lisse and their son. His was a quiet joy, and he knew that his child would be loved and welcomed, by both his parents. What sort of life would his son carve out for himself, Haldir suddenly wandered, as a lone figure running swiftly along the winding street caught his attention. Haldir frowned. He caught it just then, his name coming on the wind. The runner had seen him at the window and Haldir focused upon the elf.

Upon nearing the house, the elf halted abruptly and called, "Haldir o Lorien!" The elf's bright eyes kept Haldir's stare.

"Aye!" Came Haldir's response. From the tone of the elf's voice, Haldir realized he brought ill news.

"A message from Lothriel o Eressea has come. I bring it forth!"

Haldir tensed and signaled for the elf to approach the house. He left the window and in quick strides reached the front door of the cottage he and Lisse had been given during their stay. He knew she was otherwise engaged at the other end of the house.

With more force than he had intended, Haldir opened the door and found the elf, soaked to the pores, standing before him. He extended his hand and opened it. There, resting warm and secure, was a little folded strip of parchment.

"I am in your debt." Haldir said, as he reached for the paper. Opening the door wider, he said, "Enter and be warmed by the fire." He turned toward a large fireplace, conscious the other elf entered inside, closed the door and also approached the fireplace.

Haldir stood before the light of the flames and read the message. The shadows of the fire cast an unsual gloom over his fair face. The other elf, standing beside Haldir and warming himself over the fire, stole a glance at the tall elf and winced. From the grim and alarmed looks upon Haldir's face the news had to indeed be unfavourable.

Unable to contain himself, the elf murmured softly, "Ill news?"

Haldir turned his sad gaze upon the younger elf at his side. "Indeed."

"I am sorry for it." Came the quiet response of the younger elf.

"As I am." replied Haldir sadly.

~*~*~*~*~

"Haldir," insisted Lisse, "I am strong enough to travel!" Lisse stared at Haldir, watching his strong back. She saw him stiffen somewhat. "I would return to Guve, especially now. Please, Haldir." She added softly.

Haldir relented and turned toward his wife, a complacent but sad smile playing about his lips. "Very well, you travel beside me, but remember, I will travel with you as far as the gates of Guve and then must beg your leave, meleth." He came and hugged her to him.

"I am sorry for this." Lisse whispered, her heart chilled at the thought that Orophin may have perished alongside the other Rangers they now knew were lost.

"As I am, meleth, " answered Haldir quietly, "but I do swear I will find your grandfather." He held her at arm's length and looked down upon her face. "For your sake, our son's and all of the innocents lost, I will find him." His eyes were strangely lit, a fierce look settling upon his face. No longer the mere elf, he had transformed into the warrior of old and this somewhat frightened Lisse, for it was a side of him she seldom saw.

"No matter the cost?" She asked softly.

Haldir hugged her even more closely to his body, resting his chin upon the top of her head. "No matter the cost, meleth." He answered sadly.

~*~*~*~*~

At the end of their second week in Raëfalas, the storm had ceased. Haldir and Lisse prepared themselves to leave, packed a few provisions and gladly accepted the strong steeds offered to them. Giving thanks for the hospitality they had received, Lisse mounted her steed and waited for Haldir to do likewise.

A young birthing besse suddenly burst past the assembled elves and called out Haldir's name. "Be sure to keep the lady's horse at no more than a gentle gallop, for the babe's sake." Her gray eyes travelled to Lisse.

"Aye, I will," Haldir reassured the female.

In moments, Haldir had gracefully mounted his steed and both steered the steeds toward the gates and past the tall tower. A shouted, "Be hale and travel well!" was acknowledged by Haldir with a short wave.

The couple settled into an easy and gentle trot, and Haldir, mindful of his promise, made sure that the horses did no more than that.

"We have two days march across this land, Lisse." Haldir began. "We will travel by night and rest in the day. I've brought some blankets for you to rest upon, for I fear the marshes will be still soaked from the storm."

Lisse had nodded in consent but had not replied. As Haldir had said, they stopped and rested during the day, and traveled by night. Their conversation was kept to short phrases, until the second night, when Lisse said, "Tell me of Middle Earth, Haldir."

Haldir was surprised by her request, but did not disappoint Lisse. He began to tell her of Lothlorien, the War of the Rings, the fall of Gondolin, and much more. As the hours passed, Lisse was held in thrall, listening to the tales of wonder Haldir related, weaving about them both a spell of the magic of places and times she knew nothing of.

"I would you tell me more, husband, and to our son as well." Lisse said on the final night of their journey. The last league had yet to be crossed and by now the strong and exotic scents of Guve's orchards came strong on the warm winds.

They came, at last, to the ivy-covered arched gates of Guve Hall. Here they halted and Lisse looked to Haldir. "I would not tell you to be careful, for well you know how to defend yourself." She leaned over and Haldir caught her hand. Lisse felt his strength in that one touch. "I worry for you, Haldir, though my heart tells me there is no other way. You must go." She said this sadly.

Haldir, understanding her distresss and loathing to be away from his wife as this time, leaned toward Lisse and said quietly, "I will find him, meleth, and when I do, I will return. I will always return." His eyes looked into her own. "When I do, I will stay with you, I swear it. I will never leave you again. I swear it." He said the last words with force and meaning and it brought tears to Lisse's eyes. Yet, she held them back, not wishing to send Haldir away with a weakness within his heart.

Smiling a smile that did not touch her eyes, Lisse whispered, "Please be careful, beloved, for you take my heart with you."

Haldir resisted the urge to dismount and bring her into his arms, for he knew if this happened he would tarry far too long and leaving her would be near to impossible. Instead, he contented himself with kissing the inside of Lisse's hand, causing her to shudder.

"I will be careful," Haldir promised and gently dropped her hand. Giving Lisse a deep and penetrating look, Haldir turned his steed and began to ride away. Lisse watched him until she could see him no more, then turned her steed and trotted toward Guve Hall.

~*~*~*~*~

While Lisse slowly made her way toward Guve Hall, Haldir rode hard and fast, his mind calculating the places where the old elf might be. A sudden idea came to him and he guided his steed toward his old lodge, upon the south shores of the Shadowy Sea, the place where he had once died, returned to life once more and there met Varda of the stars. An hour passed and Haldir stopped his steed abruptly. Night was full upon them but Haldir sensed a presence close by. A sudden rotting scent encased him from all sides. The horse snorted and whinied and Haldir placed a soothing hand upon the nervous beasts's neck, cooing to relax the frightened animal. Death, Haldir told himself. Death's scent is near. But what did it want? His quick eyes looked about him, but all he saw were the endless marshes that stretched out in all directions.

In his mind Haldir called upon Aquihir, willing a contact with the mighty eagle. In moments he felt the welcoming touch of the bird's mind. Haldir showed Aquihir what he wanted and then settled back to wait. The rotting scent was less pungent now.

Turning to the nervous horse, Haldir strocked the animal's neck, "Thank you my friend," Haldir said with gratitude, "you have serve me well. Now, go and return to your warm stables for your work here is done."

The horse snorted and gave Haldir a penetrating look. Then it turned and swiftly cantered away. Haldir watched it until a great shadow from above covered the land and he looked up.

~*~*~*~*~

Key:

Quendë - elf (singular; quendi is the plural form)

Earëndil - the morning and evening star of the elves; thought to be Venus.

Thon Fen'uin - Doorway of the Pines (my own invention based on Old Sindarin).

Ninim - Snowdrop (flower) translates to "white-tear".

Alfirin - bell-like flower, many hued.

Arien - daisy

Elanor - flower which blossomed in both a gold and silver color.

Meril - rose

Ninglor - a golden water-flower

Mallos - golden flower

Imrathuin Elenath - Valley of Stars. (my own invention based on Quenya and Old Sindarin)

~*~*~*~*~

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Disclaimer: All familiar characters are owned by JRR Tolkien and are used without permission. No monies are being made from this work.
Painting is taken from John William Waterhouse's "Miranda", 1875.

Graphics copyrighted Cari Buziak