The Pentanath: Adventures in the Avathar
A Posthumous Writing of The Watcher of Tol Eressea
Chapter 29: Book 5 - When No Quarter Is Given
by Sienna Dawn

They fled for their lives, cutting through the icy, crystalline waters of the Felachel. In his weakened condition, Orophin swam clumsily, at times lagging far behind Haldir.

Breaking water, they spotted the high cliffs of Tol Eressea and they swam towards its shore. High above them circled the mighty Aquihir, whose keen eyes had already spotted the elves. He had waited for hours, impatiently watching for them as the golden sun of Aman sank beyond the western seas. Beneath the brilliant carpet of glittering stars the mighty eagle dipped toward the rocky beach. In moments the eagle landed and waited.

Haldir was the first to wade onto shore, turning to make certain his brother followed. He knew they could brook no delay, for already the creature moved against them. This much Varda had already shown him.

"Haste, Orophin!" Haldir called out, though he knew his brother was weak. He also knew Orophin's great heart would not give out.

Orophin nodded but made no reply. He followed in Haldir's wake, walking slowly toward the rocky beach. Already he had seen the giant eagle.

Gathering what remaining strength they still possessed, the elves quickly sprinted and mounted upon Aquihir's back. In moments the giant eagle soared into the night sky. Below them rushed the waters of the Felachel.

"We make for Alqualondë, do we not, Haldir?" Aquihir suddenly asked.

"Nay," Haldir answered, "turn east, Aquihir. We make for the Avathar."

At Haldir's words the great eagle angled his head and gently dipped into an easterly direction. He knew enough now to not challenge Varda's herald, though he still much disliked setting foot upon that darkened shore.

As the great eagle pondered Haldir's decision to journey beyond the Pelori Mountains, to the great shores of the Avathar, Orophin's voice rose above the rushing winds.

"That land is forbidden, Haldir!"

The eagle silently agreed but made no comment.

"Forbidden to all," Haldir retorted, "save those whom the Valar grant entry."

At these words, Orophin fell silent.

It was then, just as Aquihir was about to voice his own doubts concerning the Avathar, that the seas below began to churn violently. Swirling coils of seamist sprayed all three and Aquihir chanced a look. What the great eagle saw made him swerve suddenly, nearly toppling the elves from his shoulders.

Rising from the watery depths it engulfed them, a thing made of shadow and light, translucent in places, nearly solid in others. Aquihir felt its fury though the creature made no sound. The eagle turned and dipped, realizing too late the creature angled to intercept and block their escape. Haldir and Orophin hung on as Aquihir swerved back, away from the creature's maw. Suddenly it lunged at them, engulfing them in its shadow, and they disappeared within the blackness that was the creature itself.

The creature doubled over itself, knowing it had ensnared the elves and the mighty eagle they rode. It began to draw back, dropping lower into the ocean, bringing its prey closer to the water. Silently it melted into the sea as if becoming one with it, the helpless elves and eagle trapped within its folds.

Closer to death the three came and they felt the suffocation of the void, for inside the shadow creature there was no light, there was no life.

As the waters of the icy Felachel came closer to them, the creature felt satisfaction. But it had forgotten one thing: the great might of Aquihir.

From within the darkened folds of shadow and death the eagle stirred, breaking free of the grasp of icy blackness that engulfed and blinded them. It turned slowly, attempting to free its mighty wings, carefully yielding to the pressure the creature exerted when it felt Aquihir's movement.

Aquihir knew the elves had only seconds of life left, even as his own lifeforce dimmed and waned. He flexed his wings, stirring them into movement, feeling the creature's power draw his own energy. He resisted, fought and abruptly found he could breathe again. Still blind from the creature's attack, Aquihir dipped and instinctively found a warm air current. Using the warm wind he soared away, feeling the rage of the creature it left behind.

Haldir felt air return to his lungs and he suddenly gasped, coughing, hearing Orophin cough behind him. He swiveled back to look and saw the creature dissolve into the cold sea of the Felachel and then his gaze came to rest upon Orophin's face. His brother looked tired, dangerously so, but he made no comment other than to give Orophin a silent nod of encouragement.

It was Aquihir who worried Haldir most and he reached out to gently caress the eagle's neck.

"Aquihir?" Haldir asked.

The eagle made no comment.

Orophin blinked, his eyes stinging, and he looked down. Black inky water rushed below them. He blinked and looked to his right. The cliffs of Tol Eressea stood starkly silhouetted against the backdrop of glittering stars. Orophin frowned. They were not headed east. In fact, he realized, they were heading directly for the Bay of Eldamar. He reached out and grasped Haldir's shoulders.

At Orophin's touch, Haldir turned and looked upon his brother's face. He saw Orophin's grim countenance and followed Orophin's glance. At once it dawned upon him and sorrow filled his heart.

Turning back to the eagle, Haldir spoke gently. "Land at will, my friend, and the Valar shall heal your wounds."

Aquihir did not respond though he had heard. He doubted that even the power of the Lords of the West could save him, for much damage had the shadow creature inflicted upon him. Blindly he flew on, following instinctively the ancient wind-routes he had learned as a young eagle. For this he needed no sight, though he knew that slowly his strength was nearing its end.

The long minutes passed and Haldir saw the dim outline of Aman dot the horizon. He knew that Aquihir could find the Avathar purely by following the wind avenues. Slowly, the light of the lamplit quays of Alqualondë began to appear, their golden glow dispelling the dark. Gently the eagle sniffed the air, knowing where to turn and as he did, the elves saw the darkned shores of the Avathar, beyond the spires of the Pelori, appear. No longer was it shrouded in mist though the doom of the Valar still held. None of the quendi were to set foot upon its shores.

As land appeared below them, Aquihir began a slow descent until they finally touched ground.

~*~*~*~*~

The elves quickly dismounted and Haldir approached Aquihir. The eagle's eyes were blankly staring ahead of him, the golden feathers about his face darkened and bloodied. The eagle breathed softly, though Haldir could hear a faint gurgling behind each breath Aquihir drew. He reached out to touch the eagle, as the giant bird slowly laid the length of its body upon the soft ground of the Avathar.

Quiet tears stung Haldir's eyes. Involuntarily, his hand reached for the eagle. "Wait, my friend, wait." Haldir pleaded, "your time is not yet come. Wait."

But Aquihir's life-force did not stay upon Haldir's words and the great eagle closed its eyes. In a moment no longer did Aquihir draw breath, and the mighty bird lay in death, a glorious reminder of its noble line.

"No, Aquihir," Haldir breathed in anguish, "not yet."

But Aquihir did not stir and death claimed the mighty eagle.

Sorrow engulfed the two elves. Silently they bowed their heads as Haldir whispered an ancient prayer of gratitude and farewell. They stood before the still form of the mighty eagle, and they remembered its royal and ancient lineage, one which had once long ago also sacrificed itself for the sake of the quendi they served.

Orophin had not known the eagle as intimately as Haldir had, yet Aquihir's death was made all the more sorrowful by the knowledge that the bird had sacrificed itself for their sake. This Orophin would never forget and he silently vowed to somehow repay this great debt.

Haldir felt a near over-powering surge of sadness swell within his breast and he looked away from the still form of Aquihir. Then once more did he gaze upon the mighty bird. This time silent tears coursed down his face and he made no attempt to conceal his anguish. Turning westward, Haldir raised his silver eyes and called aloud.

"Mighty were your deeds, elf-friend," he began, "and evermore shall your name be remembered upon the shores of this world." Here Haldir's voice broke and he knew he could not continue. Instead, he gave himself a moment and turned his eyes upon the still form of the mighty eagle. The brief respite allowed him to find his voice again. "Even in death is your beauty great." Haldir said sadly. He dropped his gaze away from Aquihir and then looked beyond the eagle, to where the trees and evergreens grew. He knew this marked the boundaries of the Avathar. Behind him Haldir could hear the gentle lapping of the ocean upon the shore.

He looked once more upon the still form of the eagle. "Farewell, my friend, though I know not the doom of your kindred."

With these words, Haldir turned and began to walk toward the boundaries of the Avathar, Orophin close on his heels.

~*~*~*~*~

After a time, Orophin spoke. They had walked for what he judged to be half a league in complete silence, each elf locked within the halls of their private thoughts. They had passed beyond lush overgrowth of plants, flowering bushes and tall evergreens. Everything was bathed in a soft ethereal shadow, for no sun or moon shone upon this land and only the faint glow of starlight pierced the gloom. Against this backdrop, the soft luminescence of the two Galadhrim contrasted sharply. The elves' soft silver glow was made all the more powerful by the shadow that surrounded everything. But this they did not notice as they plodded steadily forth. Finally, Orophin could stand the silence no longer.

"What are we about upon this land, Haldir?" Orophin's voice reflected his near-exhaustion.

"We are about the business of the Valar." Was Haldir's dry comment. In his voice there was an icy touch of anger and Orophin well knew what this presaged.

In silence they walked until they came to a great clearing where the forest abruptly ended. Beyond they saw a small cove, semi-circular in shape. Nestled close to the water's edge there were numerous lodges. From within each lodge there came a golden glow. It was clear to Haldir and Orophin that the lodges were inhabitted. But by whom?

Carefully, they made their way toward the lodges, mindful of making noise, for they did not know whether they were to meet friend or foe. Stealthily they approached the small village as the gentle breeze blew in from the sea.

"Stop!" Called a sharp voice.

Haldir and Orophin halted at the voice's command. Neither turned toward the sound of the voice, though they had not long to wait, for the owner of the coldly imperious voice came into view.

How they missed the small company of heavily armed elves was an astonishing mystery to the two brothers. Before Haldir and Orophin they stood, armed with longbows and shortbows, knives and swords dangling from well-crafted belts at their waists. They wore the standard garb of the quendi when travelling, which is to say they wore leggings with an overtunic concealing the shorter shirt underneath. They wore no cloak and their hair was braided at the sides while the rest remained unbound. They were tall, as were Haldir and Orophin, and their eyes held no friendliness or welcome.

Haldir and Orophin found themselves surrounded by the small group, and though no weapon was aimed toward them, the fierce glow in their eyes was enough to deter the brothers.

"Whence came you?!" A voice called out sharply.

Haldir and Orophin turned toward the origin of the commanding voice. A tall dark-haired elf broke through the small group, his walk a near swagger. His face was composed, though his brow was furrowed and his eyes glinted with near hostility.

"Whence came you?" He repeated, this time the voice imperious in its command.

Despite the situation, Haldir found he was amused at the stark similarities of this elf and his own behavior whenever strangers trespassed the fences of Lothlorien. He saw the elf arch an eyebrow at Haldir's obvious amusement. "I assure you, this is no laughing matter," the elf advised, "and it would go better for you both if you tell how and whence you came to this land." His dark eyes glinted with what to Haldir and Orophin was staggering arrogance. Orophin turned to his brother and waited, the parallels between this elf and Haldir not lost upon him either.

"We come as allies," Haldir began but he was cut off by the strange elf.

"We need no allies on Vinyanorë." The elf retorted dryly, eyeing Haldir with open hostility. "I do not recognize your colors." He began, looking Haldir and Orophin over thoroughly. "What are those?" He suddenly asked, pointing to Haldir's Guild rank emblems. He waited for an answer as he studied Orophin in turn.

"They are of no importance," Haldir began but he was cut off again.

"I shall judge what is and what is of no importance!" The elf commander snapped, glaring now at Haldir. Abruptly he signaled with a curt wave of his hand and turned on his heel. Haldir and Orophin found themselves herded toward the little village and to one specific lodge.

Once inside the lodge, Haldir and Orophin were left alone and they took the time to study their surroundings.

The lodge was small, neat and equipped with a little rectangular table, four chairs neatly tucked beneath the tabletop. An unlit fireplace, much too large for the little lodge, seemed to form the better part of the lodge itself. The walls were bare, and had no windows. The floor was covered by a thin rug which was brown and grey in color. Overall, the one-room lodge was cold and uninviting.

"A most unwelcoming place." Orophin observed, voicing Haldir's thoughts. "I hate to think what shall come next, judging from that fellow's obvious dislike."

Haldir was about to comment when the door to the lodge opened, interrupting Haldir. Both elves turned as one, marking the entrance of yet another strange elf.

But this elf was no stranger to Haldir and Orophin, though they both hid their surprise well.

Haldir's eyes narrowed and Orophin turned in shock toward his older brother. What other wonders did this land conceal, he thought.

"I thought you wise enough to have the good taste to be dead." Eadendir commented drily, letting his green gaze flick to Orophin.

Orophin winced inwardly at the malice behind the icy green eyes. He turned his gaze to Haldir when his brother spoke.

"It remains to be seen whether I live or die, Eadendir, though you shall not escape the justice of the Valar, for much aggrieved are they." Haldir's voice was as icy as Eadendir's.

Eadendir smiled in response and drew forth a chair. "Come, Haldir," he said, "sit with me."

Haldir shook his head. "I will stand."

Eadendir crossed his arms. "Have it as you will, though surely you will not let your brother stand. From his looks he seems ready to collapse."

"I too will stand." Was Orophin's firm response to the taunt.

Eadendir shook his head slowly and looked away. In a moment he rose and turned to the door. "You will remain here until I decide what shall be done with both of you."

Without further comment, he reached for the door and opened it, swiftly leaving the brothers alone.

~*~*~*~*~

They did not wait long before Eadendir called for them. By then, the sun had risen throughout Aman, although its bright golden rays did little to penetrate the perennial shadow that was the Avathar.

Haldir and Orophin allowed themselves to be escorted away from the lodge by a group of four heavily armed elves. They were led away from the little village and toward a dense expanse of wood which abruptly ended where a wide beach began. Here they were led along the shores of this beach, gloomy starlight casting a sullen reflection upon the still ocean waters. After what Haldir judged to be an hour, the group left the beach and headed directly for yet another outgrowth of dense forests. Beyond numerous evergreen and what Haldir thought looked suspiciously like mellyrn, they came into a new village, but one which seemed to be double the size of the first.

Here they stopped briefly as the group's commander issued curt orders. Haldir took the time to look around him.

The elves of this place had obviously been long at work making this place a safe and welcoming haven. Lacking the grace and grandour of Lothlorien, the rustic charm of Imladris, or even the sensual beauty of Gondolin, this place was nevertheless elven-inspired. Golden lanterns hung aloft each tree, wide winding stairs carved into the trunk of trees ended in wide open-platform flets. Small and richly decorated lodge-houses dotted the perimeter. Fountains of all sizes and shapes rose from the ground itself, as if the gurgling streams of clear water spurted forth of its own volition.

Amazed at the handiwork of these elves, Haldir turned and looked at Orophin. Like himself, his brother was openly studying the village before him. Yet, for all of its beauty, this place was curiously empty and they had seen no sign of habitation for they had met no other elf save their captors. It was obvious this place was intended to be a great elven city, but who called this place home?

"You will come with me." A voice intoned.

Looking toward the source of the voice, the brothers acknowledged the elf who had spoken and turned to follow.

The elf led them to a wide stairway, carved directly into the trunk of an ancient evergreen. Silently they followed the elf, climbing steadily higher until the stairway ended and receded, giving way to a wide platform. In the center of the platform a small sapling grew out of a pool of silver-colored water. At one end, beyond the pool, rested three chairs. All three stood empty.

"I am happy to see you have made your way to this place." An icy voice spoke from behind the brothers. Neither turned for they both recognized the owner of the voice.

"It would do you well to leave this place, Eadendir." Haldir responded, half turning to acknowledge the old elf.

Eadendir smiled and crossed before the brothers, walking to one of the empty chairs. He sat and observed Haldir and Orophin for a moment before replying. "Why should I leave this place?" Eadendir asked, sitting comfortably back into the chair. "I have spent a considerable amount of time, not to mention fortune, upon this place."

Haldir stood his ground, his expression stony. "You have violated the doom of the Valar, for entry to the quendi was forbidden."

"Save whom the Valar granted entry." Eadendir added.

Haldir frowned and thought. Was Eadendir right? Had the Valar allowed this elf to enter the Avathar? If so, then for what purpose. He lifted his gaze at the sound of Eadendir's quiet chuckle.

"I see you are as perplexed as I was." Eadendir said. "'Tis no mystery, actually," he explained. "The palantir I wield is no match for the power of the Valar."

Haldir stared at Eadendir. "That cannot be. The palantiri were all crafted by the leave of the Valar. They serve no other will."

At this, Eadendir openly laughed. "Have they told you naught of the palantir's true power?" He looked into Haldir's face. "I see they have not." He rose and came to stand before Haldir. A lone elf emerged and in his hand there was a small box.

"Behold," Eadendir commenced, taking the box into his hands and raising its lid open. "With this stone I can see what is and what may be," he peeered at the smooth, dormant stone. Then he looked into Haldir's calm gaze. "With it I can control the will of those who have peered into its depths." He gave Haldir a meaningful look and snapped closed the box. Handing it to the elf at his side, Eadendir turned. "Do you understand now?"

Haldir thought he understood a great many things and the obvious implications of Eadendir's words shook him though he was wise enough to not display any emotion. Yet the old elf was wily enough to read into the hearts of many and he knew wisely that this revelation would serve him well.

"I gather you came to this land to wrest the stone away?" Eadendir searched Haldir's face and saw the response there. He walked back to his chair and sat. "It is no use," Eadendir smiled. "I mean to have this land."

At his words, Orophin blanched. He realized then the old elf was insane. "You must relinquish the stone, Eadendir, or it shall consume you!"

"And what know you of this matter?" Eadendir suddenly shouted. His words brought two armed elves into the area but Eadendir waved them away.

"I know enough of those things to know they are a folly. Surrender the stone and the Valar shall heal you!" Orophin exclaimed, taking a step toward the old elf. Abruptly, he felt the sting of a cold blade at the base of his throat.

Haldir looked at his brother and sent him a silent warning. Then he gazed upon Eadendir. "There will be another day for this, Eadendir."

The old elf smiled. "I do not believe so." He rose and turned, walking out of the area, leaving the Lorien brothers alone with their armed escort.

~*~*~*~*~

They had been in Vinyanorë, as they discovered the elves called this land, for close to a month and still no opportunity to wrest the stone from Eadendir. A close watch was maintained over them at all times. Little had Haldir and Orophin seen of this city, though they were treated kindly although coldly by their captors. Of Eadendir they had seen very little and always escorted by heavily armed elves.

One night Orophin could not rest and he rosed, waking Haldir. He sat at the edge of the little cot which served as a bed in the small lodge they had been given. "How has this taken place, Haldir?" Orophin began. "How did the Valar not know?"

Haldir pondered for a moment before answering. "I do not know, Orophin." Was all he said. And in truth Haldir did not know. How could Eadendir become the undisputed leader of these elves? Who were these elves, after all, Haldir thought. And why had Varda not shown him any of this? He felt no despair or anger toward the Lords of the West, for he reasoned they had a powerful motive for all of their actions.

"Perhaps not all is clear now," Haldir began, "but my heart tells me there is yet more to come."

Orophin nodded but made no comment.

~*~*~*~*~

While Haldir and Orophin were held captive, events were beginning to shape the ultimate fate of the Avathar.

In Valmar, the City of Bells, Manwë issued his commands for the Guild and swiftly did Tëanor see them brought to Alqualondë. In his heart there was sadness though he well knew that the Valar loathed warfare in all of its forms. Their counsel in this matter was succint: the waters off the Avathar were to be blockaded though no elf was permitted to set foot upon it. Tëanor already knew that Eadendir o Eressea had long violated this doom and understood the Valar's reasoning behind the blockade. Whatever malady had infected the Avathar, it was to be contained there.

It was nearly a year after the Guild's magnificent swan ships dotted the shadowy seas off the coast of the Avathar. No change in the stalemate between Eadendir and the Valar. Haldir and Orophin still dwelled in the Avathar, held captive under Eadendir's command. The Galadhrim elves passed their days quietly though eventually they were given leave to exercise away from the little lodge they now called their home. Always were Haldir and Orophin escorted by four heavily armed elves. In this manner, the brothers were able to explore the city where they were held and came to see that it was not entirely deserted, for many elves already dwelled there. Still, the city was far too large for the small number of residents it contained and Haldir reasoned it had obviously been constructed for a larger number of elves. But, he asked himself, where were the rest?

From their captors Haldir and Orophin learned of the Guild's blockade. This, Haldir realized, was indeed a serious though cautious move by the Valar. He wondered what Eadendir's reaction to this open taunt would be.

They had not long to wait.

~*~*~*~*~

For weeks the elves of the Avathar had rationed food stuff, weaponry, doubling their catch of fish, setting larger traps. They worked feverishly, readying for the inevitable. Even Haldir and Orophin understood what was at hand and they grieved silently that it had come to this. Both knew of the Kinslaying, a brutal act that was burned in the hearts and minds of the Quendi; elf against elf. For such an atrocity had the Noldor long paid, and now it seemed as if things were quickly unraveling. Haldir attempted many times to touch the mind of Varda, silently calling out to her, but always the great Vala remained silent. Haldir was alone in this matter and it was obvious the Valar were watching.

One day, at a time that Haldir had judged to be well after midnight, a large contigent of armed elves strode into the city. By now the brothers had been moved to a high flet, and they both looked down at the activity below them.

The speech of these elves were uncommonly ancient, though the Lorien brothers had long before learned that they could quite easily slip into the common Sindarin at will. Yet their language of choice seemed to be High Quenya and this puzzled both brothers greatly. Consequently, only Haldir was ever able to follow, though with some difficulty, what these elves spoke amongst themselves. Orophin, alas, unfamiliar with the ancient tongue of the Eldar, relied wholly upon his brother for quick translations.

In this manner, Haldir came to learn that the Guild had sailed to the shores of the Avathar and there made camp. This was news shocking to the brothers, for they both well knew what this meant. That the Valar had made such a forceful move indicated there was more behind the scenes.

They watched the elves quickly stride out of view and disappear behind a massive outcrop of evergreen where Haldir knew they maintained their largest garrison. The meaning behind their actions was clear. They meant to arm and defend their land, even unto death. In his heart Haldir knew sadness.

Walking to the wide stairway, Haldir eyed the lone sentry that guarded them day and night.

"Send word to Eadendir that I wish to speak with him." Haldir intoned coldy. The sentry gave him a hard look but nodded and turned. A short and low whistle called down below them. Abruptly another head came into view from below. Short words in Quenya were exchanged. The sentry turned back to Haldir and nodded imperceptibly.

Haldir had not long to wait. Two elves appeared upon the flet and escorted Haldir away. Docilely he allowed himself to be taken before Eadendir. The old elf sat upon a wide chair, inside his large flet, his back turned to them. Haldir could see he was hunched over something and suddenly he knew what it was.

"Eadendir," Haldir began softly but firmly, "you must relinquish the palantir."

Eadendir did not turn, but snorted in disdain.

Haldir pressed again. "Already the shores of this world are under the control of Guild warriors. Do not provoke the Valar further."

But Eadendir had no intention of relinquishing his hold over the Avathar. Turning toward Haldir, he finally spoke. "The Valar will not raise its hand against the quendi, for well they remember the horror of the Kinslaying." He placed the palantir inside its box and closed the lid. "They will not attack." His voice was smooth and smug, lit by the certainty that the Lords of the West would do nothing to harm the elves of the Avathar. They had too much at stake to undo what Mandos had done.

Haldir stared hard upon the form that was Eadendir o Eressea. "Do you truly believe this?"

Eadendir walked closer to Haldir and studied him a moment before responding. When he did it was a soft and tired voice that said, "They will not attack."

But Eadendir was proven wrong, for within hours the Guild dispersed three large groups of armed warriors. They covered large tracts of land, unimpeded and unchallenged. They well knew they were being observed and followed, and they were careful to follow the Valar's commands explicitly.

By the end of the first day upon the land of the Avathar, the Guild had encamped within five leagues of the city which Eadendir ruled. The small village that dotted the shores of the hidden cove was deserted, though the Guild routinely set up a command there. So far they had encountered no open challenge, though they were well aware that the elves of this land were heavily armed.

Several days passed as this stalemate was played out. Haldir's entreaties to Eadendir had fallen upon deaf ears and finally the old elf had denied Haldir further audiences. The city was strangely silent, and the few elves the brothers had seen during their year of captivity had reduced to a few dozen or less.

~*~*~*~*~

They heard it one day, jostling them wide awake. Clear and high, the silver calls of elven trumpets.
Haldir, resting upon a large rug, was the first to stir, coming wide awake, his keen hearing discerning the discreet tonality of each note. He understood their voice and knew what was at hand. In seconds Orophin also stirred to wakefulness. The brothers turned as one and saw that the lone sentry, set to always guard, was no longer at his post.

Haldir and Orophin sprang into action, quickly mounting the stairs and sprinting to the ground below. The city was eerily deserted and they ran to the flet where they knew Eadendir dwelled. They saw no one; not once were they challenged. It was obvious the city was deserted, the elves leaving their homes, hiding where Haldir and Orophin knew not.

Once again the clear, shrill notes of the Guild's trumpets sounded, only this time louder and closer. Haldir spoke.

"They mean to take the city!" His voice was urgent and he was taking long strides away from the massive evergreens that held the flets, intent on reaching the borders of the city itself. He headed in the direction of the trumpet calls. Orophin stayed apace with Haldir.

"They will not truly attack, will they Haldir?" Orophin asked breathlessly.

"I do not know." Was Haldir's grim reply.

A third time the trumpets called and this time Haldir abruptly stopped, listening carefully. "They are calling reinforcements!" He turned to Orophin and there was a great worry upon his fair face.

Orophin's dismay matched Haldir's. "Why?" He cried, as they both set off again, this time at a faster run. "The elves of this land are no match for the Guild!"

Haldir did not respond and they raced through the verdant foliage until at last they had left the city behind and gained its borders. In their earlier venturings and exploration of this land, the elven brothers had discovered a tall shelf of coral outcrop that rose several hundred feet above the Avathar. Perched high atop it, one could see the natural coves and bays of the Avathar itself and it was to this place that they ran.

Climbing quickly, Haldir and Orophin were spurned on by yet another trumpet call. Once they had climbed high enough, they stopped and looked down.

It was Orophin who made the only comment at the sight below.

"Nienna," he breathed softly, dropping to one knee, shock and dismay for a moment weakening him. "help them, great lady," he beseeched she-whom-he-served. "Help them." He added even more softly. He tore his gaze away and looked upon the silent form of Haldir, who stood stoically watching the horrendous scene unfolding before their eyes.

~*~*~*~*~

There were at least a dozen of the creatures. Four surrounded the swan ships of the Guild, crouching and threatening to topple the graceful sailing vessels. The water churned white with angry foam, as the shadow creatures swayed above and below the elven ships. The angry sound of the ocean was deafening, as if a great and horrible storm was boiling within its depths and would soon break water. The cries and calls of the elves and their trumpets competed in pitch and urgency and at times one could not discern which was which. From the creatures no sound came and they pursued the elves relentlessly. Many injured and near-dying elves sought refuge in the water and dove off their great ships, only to be scooped within the inky shadows of the creatures themselves. Haldir and Orophin watched with anguished eyes as their comrades were merciless tortured and then their bodies twisted into tangled and broken limbs. Inside the creatures they were trapped, as an insect is trapped inside the sticky folds of a spider's web.

Other creatures loomed upon the beach, covering the hapless Guild army within their inky blackness, drowning out the sound of their cries, suffocating them, until the elves began dropping one by one, still engulfed inside the shadow creatures.

Some creatures moved swiftly toward the ocean, carrying the trapped elves deep within their shawdow-folds, intent on drowning them.

As Haldir and Orophin looked on helplessly, the notes of yet another trumpet call came loud and clear upon the twilight skies of the Avathar. Whence it came, the brothers were never certain, but this time their message was clear: they were calling upon Ossë, the mighty herald of Ulmos, and whose domain were the shores, coves and beaches of Aman.

Clear and high rose the notes, their urgent message borne upon the gentle sea breeze that remained indifferent to the monsters below.

A moment and then again came the trumpet calls, only this time weakly, as if the lips that blew forth the notes were themselves fading from the world. Abruptly the call ceased. Still the creatures attacked, and this time the four surrounding the Guild fleet began to close in upon the graceful and tall swan ships.

Orophin stood now, watching alongside Haldir, waiting for whatever it was would come next. For this he knew, as did Haldir: Ossë never refused a call from the quendi. It remained to be seen how his response would come. But that he would respond, there was no doubt in Orophin's heart.

"We must create a diversion, for I no longer can endure this sight." Haldir suddenly called, moving down the outcrop.

Orophin followed but said nothing. Down, upon the beach, the carnage continued. The elven brothers steadily dropped closer to the shores, their intent was to somehow divert enough of the creatures' attention so as to give the Guild a fighting chance. Yet, how they were to do this was not something either brother had thought beforehand.

The method of Haldir's and Orophin's approach was taken out of their hands when above them a white cloud began to form. They halted and looked up. It was a strangely shaped cloud, one resembling more a great funnel. From within it, the brothers could see the discharge of lightning streaking the entire breadth of the cloud. In a moment, the distant rumbling of thunder accompanied the lightning. On the beach the carnage continued unabated. The shadow-creatures had not yet seen the massive cloud that was slowly taking shape above them.

One single, clear, silver note sounded in the shrill night, and then the trumpets grew silent. But the call had been heard and mighty Ossë had come.

~*~*~*~*~

Key:

Vinyanorë - (Quenya) New land

palantiri (plural) - seeing stones.

~*~*~*~*~

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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