B2MeM
Challenge: Image prompt: Standing
Stones
http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/the_winterwitch/13030705/5174/5174_original.jpg
A
group of standing stones. Why are they here? Where do they come
from?
Format: Short
story
Genre: Spiritual
Rating: G
Warnings: None
Characters: Aragorn,
Arwen, Faramir
Pairings: Aragorn/Arwen, OMC/OFC
Summary: An
ancient circle of stones attracts the attention of the Ambassador
from Harad and his wife.
One
afternoon in early spring, Arwen and Éowyn paid a visit to Lady
Adiva. They were surprised to find their hostess unusually excited.
As soon as her devoted maid, Falah had served the sherbet tea, she
said, “Are the stones not wonderful?”
The other ladies
looked puzzled. Arwen glanced towards Adiva’s hands and throat,
thinking that maybe the devoted Tahir had given her a new ring,
necklace or bracelet.
Éowyn was more forthright; “Stones?”
she asked.” What stones?”
“The stone circle on the
Pelennor Fields,” Adiva replied. “When Tahir and I went out
riding yesterday, we chose a different route than the one we usually
take and we came across the temple.”
“Temple?” Arwen
sounded baffled.
“The stones form a perfect moon circle, a
temple in which to worship the Lord and Lady of the Moon,” said
Adiva.
“Ah. Estel told me the stones were very ancient and
no man knew exactly what they were used for originally,” said
Arwen. “He thought it might have been a kind of calendar by which
the ancients marked the passage of the seasons.”
“Exactly,”
said Adiva. “The first full moon of spring will rise directly above
the highest stone and the Lord and Lady will convey blessings on all
who witness it. I wondered, esteemed Lady Arwen, if my husband and I
might be permitted to worship there next week?”
“I shall
ask Estel to find out to whom that part of the Pelennor belongs,”
said Arwen. “I am certain something could be arranged if the King
requests it.
“My thanks, esteemed Lady Arwen. May the sun’s
ray never burn you!” Adiva smiled her gratitude. “If we are
permitted to hold the ceremony, we would be honoured if you would
join us that you might share in the Lord and Lady’s
blessings.”
000
Arwen raised the matter of the stone
circle when she dined with Aragorn that evening.
“I always
believed the circle was something to do with sun worship,” he said.
“Master Elrond told me that ancient man venerated the sun in the
same way the Elves do the stars. Maybe your grandsire might
know?”
“Adiva’s folk dislike the sun, as its rays burn
so fiercely in their lands,” said Arwen. “She is convinced it was
built to honour the moon.”
“Maybe the ancients worshipped
both,” Aragorn mused.
“It seems to mean a lot to Adiva
that she and her family see the full moon rise within the circle if
the landowners permit it,” said Arwen. “She has invited us to
attend too.”
“I will ask Faramir to find out tomorrow,”
said Aragorn. “Then I will send a message to Tahir and Adiva.”
The
royal couple said no more on the matter, but concentrated instead on
the delicious meal of freshly caught trout that their cooks had
prepared for them.
000
The next morning when the King
and Steward began their work, Aragorn asked Faramir to find out who
might own the stone circle. The King then turned his attention to
studying a lengthy and complicated trade agreement with Rhûn. He was
about half way through the document when Faramir entered, clutching
an ancient looking parchment.
“I discovered who owns the
stone circle,” said the Steward.
“Who?” asked
Aragorn.
“You do,” said the Steward. “Or rather the
Crown does.”
“I thought the Pelennor Fields were sold off
to the farmers who tended the land in the reign of Calimehtar,”
said Aragorn.
“When King Calimehtar sold off the land to the
tenant farmers no one wanted to buy the field where the stones were,”
said Faramir. “It was offered to several possible buyers, but two
feared the stones would damage their ploughs, a third complained the
stones would be impossible to remove and two more claimed the
presence of the ancient stones unnerved them. Calimehtar decided it
would be less trouble to keep the land rather than try to foist it
off on some reluctant buyer.”
“Well that is good news for
Tahir and Adiva then,” said Aragorn. “Some of the farmers might
have objected to the use of their land for a religious ritual of a
former enemy, especially so close to the anniversary of the great
battle. For my part, worshipping the moon is as good a use for the
stone circle as any other. I have always found the moon faith to be
benign.”
“Welcome the stranger, feed the hungry, love the
land, shun what is evil,and succour those in need, are the main
tenets of Tahir and Adiva’s faith,” said Faramir.
“Members
of their tribe who follow those beliefs once saved my life,” said
Aragorn. ”Their beliefs are not very different to those of the
Faithful. I think I shall accept their invitation to greet the spring
moon. It will be a chance to ride out before the New Year
celebrations have to occupy my time. Who would not want to celebrate
this fair time of year?”
“I will come too,” said
Faramir. “Éowyn and the children are returning to Ithilien
tomorrow. It should be a pleasant way to spend an evening.”
“I
will send a message telling Tahir and Adiva they can hold their
ceremony,” said Aragorn. “I promised them I would tell them
today.”
“They will be pleased,” said Faramir. “I hope, though, that they will not attract hostile attention from folk who have no love for Harad.”
“It is an isolated spot. I doubt they will be disturbed and they should be able to follow their faith in peace in my land. I would not act like the Dark Lord!”
“I agree with you,” said Faramir. “I just feel uneasy. That is all.”
“We
shall see,” said Aragorn. “Now I would welcome your thoughts on
this trade agreement.”
0000
The night of the full
moon was clear, but somewhat chill with a hint of frost in the air
when Aragorn, Arwen, Éowyn, and Faramir rode out towards the stone
circle. The air was fragrant with early spring blossom and the four
enjoyed a twilight canter across the fields.
Tahir and Adiva
were already present together with many of their household and their
older children. The Ambassador was clad in ceremonial garb, a deep
blue robe embroidered in silver with designs of the moon in its
various phases, while his family were all wearing blue robes edged
with silver in honour of the Lord and Lady of the Moon. Tahir and
Adiva greeted their friends warmly and insisted that they stand
beside them for the ceremony.
“Gracious Lord and Lady, we
greet you at the hour of your union!” intoned Tahir, raising his
arms towards the heavens.
“Gracious Lord and Lady, we seek
your blessings upon us,” cried Adiva. “Hide your light not from
us!”
As she spoke, the full moon appeared from behind the
largest stone and the circle was bathed in silver light. High above
the moon, bright stars twinkled. It was an awesome sight. No one
spoke for a few moments as they drank in the beauty of the night
sky.
Tahir and Adiva led their household in a hymn of praise
to the moon.
“Behold how Lady Varda’s stars shine amongst
the stones!” Arwen whispered in her husband’s ear. “I believe
this place is sacred to her too. Maybe the Eldar built this place? I
believe this circle is indeed a temple.”
“I have an idea,”
said Aragorn. He drew her and Faramir a little aside to confer with
them while the Haradrim finished their hymn. Once the ceremony had
concluded, he called Tahir and Adiva to his side. “The Queen and I
would like to give you this land to use as a place of worship,” he
said. “We know you will cherish it and protect the stones.”
“Our
joy overwhelms us, most honoured friends that you would give us such
a gracious gift!” cried Tahir. “May you dwell forever beside an
oasis!”
“The Lord and Lady will surely bless you with
great abundance,” said Adiva. “May their light ever shine upon
your path.”
“As I worship the One upon the mountain, it is
fitting that you too should have a place to honour your Lord and
Lady,” said Aragorn. “Your tribe always held fast to the light
and are now turning your land away from the darkness that consumed
it.”
000
Faramir was in a thoughtful mood as he rode
home with his wife and the King and Queen. “Do you think that Lord
Celeborn will be able to tell us about the history of the stone
circle?” he asked after they had ridden in silence for a while. “It
seemed fitting to worship here tonight with our former enemies so
close to the anniversary of the great battle,” he said.
“I
agree,” said Aragorn. “These fields need blessings after so much
bloodshed. I believe Lady Yavanna has blessed our land since that
time while Tahir and Adiva believe their Lord and Lady have blessed
them too.”
“I wish I had thought to ask Mithrandir about
the circle before he departed, but the stones were just something
that were always there that I did not think deeply about,” said
Faramir. “Maybe, if anything, I liked their air of mystery.”
“They
were always a sacred place,” said Arwen. “The stars told me that
tonight.”
“The
horses seemed at ease in the place which tells me it is wholesome,”
said Éowyn.
“Maybe it is better we do not delve too
deeply,” said Aragorn. “The sacred will always be mysterious.
Tahir and Adiva will bring new sacred mysteries to an ancient place.
I believe a place becomes holy through the faith of the many who
worship there, reaching out towards and praising the One revealed
through the Great Music of creation.”
Chapter Two - Eclipse of Reason
It
began as a perfectly ordinary day. Aragorn had spent the morning
attending an excessively tedious meeting, during which the Council
had debated for three hours whether or not the levy on silk imported
from Harad should be reduced or not. By the time the debate was
concluded, the King was hungry and looking forward to enjoying the
noonday meal with Arwen. Faramir was also invited, as was Ambassador
Tahir, who had been invited to put the case to the Council for
reducing the taxes on his country’s imports.
The King and
his guests were enjoying a glass of wine prior to the meal when the
light began to dim.
“It looks like rain,” said Faramir.
“Yet, there was not a cloud in the sky when we left the meeting!”
He walked over to the window and looked out. “Strange,” he said,
“the sky is almost cloudless, but there is a small shadow over a
little of Arien’s brightness. I think it might be an eclipse! I
have not seen one in years.”
“The astronomers told me that
they believed one was imminent, but they are far harder to predict
than when Arien’s light obscures Tilion’s,” said Aragorn. “I
think I should order the Citadel Guards to patrol the streets in case
the eclipse alarms the people.”
“A wise suggestion,”
said Faramir. “They will remember all too well the foul darkness of
the Enemy’s making that obscured the sun.”
Tahir had
fallen to his knees in front of the window. He raised his arms
skywards. “The Lord and Lady be praised! Today they challenge the
burning one’s might! If my honoured friends would excuse me, I must
go at once to the temple to worship the Lord and Lady.”
Arwen
smiled understandingly. “Of course, we excuse you. You are welcome
to dine with us another day, Tahir.”
Tahir hurried away
while Aragorn despatched a message to the Captain of the Citadel
Guards.
“Eldarion must see this,” said Arwen. “I will
tell the servants to postpone serving our meal and ask them to bring
a piece of smoked glass so he can safely behold Lady Arien.”
“He
should not gaze at the sun for more than the briefest instant even
through smoked glass,” said Aragorn. “I would not have him damage
his eyes.”
“You are ever the healer, my love,” said
Arwen. “We shall be very careful, I promise you.”
“I
think I will take a ride through the City,” said Aragorn. “If the
eclipse makes my people nervous, it might reassure them to have me
come amongst them.”
“I will come with you,” said
Faramir.
“I will be glad of your company.”
The King
and Steward found that an eerie silence had fallen over the City. The
everyday hustle and bustle had ceased. Few birds sang. The
marketplace was deserted and most folk appeared to be within doors.
Some folk stood outside their houses gazing apprehensively at the
ever- darkening sky.
“There is nought to fear, ‘tis simply
the shadow of the moon falling across the sun,” Aragorn reassured
an anxious looking woman.
“I know, sire,” she replied. “It
is just that darkness in the day seems so unnatural. It reminds me of
the war. I shall stay at home until it passes.”
“That is
wise, mistress,” said Faramir.
Aragorn and Faramir paused to
speak similar reassuring words to others they encountered, assuring
the people that the sun would return and this was not the work of
some new enemy, nor the old one returned.
In the lower circles
of the City, there were far more folk abroad in the streets and they
all seemed uneasy. The presence of the patrolling Guards did little
to ease the tension. Folk here lived by their wits and saw the Guards
as a hindrance rather than a protection in their everyday lives,
unlike the more prosperous people who lived higher up. Aragorn did
all he could to ease poverty and ensure his subjects did not go
hungry, but many of the poor were suspicious of anyone in
authority.
The notable exceptions to the overall mood were the
Haradrim, many of whom had come to seek their fortunes in Gondor
after the war and dwelt in the somewhat dilapidated first circle
while working towards better times ahead. They were in a joyful mood
and whole families were making their way towards the City gates.
The
Guards at the gate eyed them suspiciously. “Where might all you
folk be a- going?” he asked. “You don’t know something that we
don’t do you? They say rats dessert a sinking ship.”
“We
go to worship our Lord and Lady, honoured sir,” said one woman in
heavily accented Weston.
“Let them through,” said Aragorn.
“I gave them the stone circle in the fields as their temple and my
permission to worship there.”
The Guard opened the gates
albeit with bad grace, muttering under his breath about “foreign
ways.” A small crowd of Gondorians had gathered to watch.
“I
reckon them foreigners ‘have something to do with this here
darkness,” said one man.
“It just ain’t natural,” said
a second.
“They worship the Dark Lord,” said a third.
“They be using dark magic to blot out the sun!”
“The
Haradrim who worship the moon were ever against Sauron,” said
Aragorn. “They fought because their leaders told them they
must.”
“It didn’t stop them killing our loved ones
though!” the man replied.
“Our long fathers taught us of
the darkening of the sun, but did Sauron teach the Haradrim to veil
Arien’s light at will?” said a fourth.
“Nonsense!”
said Aragorn. “We are experiencing a natural event where the moon
briefly overshadows the sun. It will pass soon and the sun will
return.”
“Who are you?” asked the first man.
“Your
King,” said Aragorn.
“The King wouldn’t be down amongst
the likes of us,” said the second man.
“He is here,”
said Faramir. “As am I, your Steward.”
Aragorn’s Guards
moved closer, their hands on their swords. Aragorn gestured them to
stay where they were.
“I am your King and I tell you there
is nought to fear,” said Aragorn.
The three men and glanced
at the Citadel Guards and slunk away.
“It is unwise to
stay in this part of the City, sire,” fretted one of Aragorn’s
Guards. “The people are afraid and restless.”
“All the
more reason I should be here.”
“I beg you, my lord,
consider your safety!”
Aragorn looked around him. The
streets were deserted. In the strange half- light, all seemed calm
enough now. The City seemed oddly oppressive, though. He would be
glad when the sun returned.
Faramir looked up at the darkening
sky and he was filled with foreboding. He guided his horse closer to
Aragorn’s and spoke in a low voice. “ It is too quiet. I sense
some mischief afoot,” he said. “I fear some attack on Tahir and
his people.”
“They are out of sight at the Stone Circle
and should be safe enough,” said Aragorn. “We could ride out in
that direction, though. We would get a better view of the eclipse on
the Pelennor and I would be glad to escape the City.”
“Thank
you,” said Faramir.
Outside the gates, he could see the
Haradrim hastening in small groups towards the circle. They were
chanting a hymn of praise to the moon. He was struck with a sudden
desire to join them in welcoming the eclipse rather than treating it
as some disaster. “I have decided to ride out to the stone circle
to view the eclipse from the Pelennor,” he announced. He gestured
to the guard at the gate to let the small party through.
It
had grown ever darker. A confused owl began to hoot as Aragorn and
Faramir rode out across the Pelennor. Both men were accustomed to
riding in the countryside at night from their Ranger days. Somehow,
the darkness seemed less unsettling away from the City walls. A few
of the brightest stars could be seen twinkling overhead.
They
rode in the direction of the stone circle, which Aragorn had given to
Tahir and his people to use as a temple, but they kept a discreet
distance, not wishing to intrude upon their devotions. The Haradrim
were all on their knees, singing hymns of praise to the moon.
The
guards eyed the worshippers somewhat suspiciously. One murmured, “It
doesn’t seem natural to worship darkness like these folk
do.”
“They do not, “Aragorn said curtly. “They
venerate the moon. If you lived in a land where the sun’s rays
seared you mercilessly by day, you might well do likewise.”
One
of Faramir’s guards spoke. “The sun was indeed hard to endure
when I accompanied you, my lords, on your recent visit to Harad. A
few days were more than enough for me!”
“Quite so,” said
Aragorn.
The eclipse would soon near its climax when the sun
would be completely blotted out from view. The worshippers’ songs
grew ever more joyful.
Suddenly, Aragorn became aware of the
sound of marching feet and shouting. He wheeled his horse around. His
heart sank as his keen eyes made out a mob marching towards the stone
circle. They were armed with a variety of weapons, no doubt left over
from the War of the Ring. He turned to Faramir, who had also turned
his horse around. “I fear your forebodings have come to pass,” he
said.
“We must stop them,” said Faramir. “There are
women and children at the stone circle”
Aragorn nodded
grimly. Not to mention the threat of war with the Kha Khan and the
prospect of many dead and wounded. The Haradrim who dwelt in Gondor
were mostly peaceful folk from the merchant clans, but they came from
a fierce people who would fight to the death if their families and
their faith were threatened. The eclipse was nearing its zenith. It
would last but a moment, but much mischief could be wrought in a very
short time.
The guards had finally noticed the approach of the
mob. “My lords, we shall escort you to safety,” said one.
“I
am your King, the victor of many battles, not a frail babe in arms,”
said Aragorn. “Shame on me if I should flee from a handful of
rogues!” He drew Andúril and rode full tilt towards the angry mob.
Faramir rode close behind him, his hand on his own sword.
Aragorn
brought Roheryn to a halt a short distance from the mob. The warhorse
pawed at the ground and whinnied, sensing his master’s mood. “Men
of Gondor, go home!” he cried in his most commanding tone. “Your
King commands you!”
“Begging your pardon, sire, but we
can’t let those foreigners harm Lady Arien,” cried one. “They’re
allowing Tilion to ravish her using the Dark Lord’s evil
magic!”
“We mean to save Lady Arien,” cried
another.
“Within the hour, Lady Arien will shine as brightly
as ever,” said Aragorn. “An eclipse is rare, but it is natural
and the sun is unharmed. Go home now and you will not be punished and
no one will be hurt. You are stout men and true, but there is no
enemy here, save fear.”
The men hesitated but did not turn
around.
“Do you not trust your King?” cried Faramir.
The
crowd murmured amongst themselves.
“I Aragorn, son of
Arathorn, Captain of the Host of the West, bearer of the Star of the
North, wielder of the Sword Reforged, victorious in battle, the
Elfstone, Elessar of the line of Valandil, Isildur’s son, Elendil’s
son of Númenor give you my word of honour that the sun will return.
Now return to the City!” Aragorn swung Andúril aloft and cried out
in a loud commanding voice.
There was a moment’s silence
then the men turned around and started back towards the City
gates.
Aragorn and Faramir watched them depart then turned
back towards the stone circle, just before the last slim remnant of
the sun slipped behind the largest stone. The stars twinkled brightly
thought it was not long past the middle of the day. The voices of the
Haradrim soared in praise.
Then within moments, a slither of
the sun reappeared, looking like a crescent moon only far brighter.
Aragorn and Faramir looked away to protect their eyes. The Haradrim
began a lament, a mournful wailing dirge.
“How differently,
our two peoples see the sun and the moon,” said Faramir. “We are
blessed that we can enjoy the light of both.”
By the time,
the two wheeled their horses about to return to the City, the sun was
shining, though still partially obscured by the moon. The birds sang
merrily in the treetops. It had returned to being an ordinary day.
Chapter Three - The Darkening of Valinor.
“Ada,
you’re home!” cried Eldarion as his father appeared in his
bedchamber that evening. He sat up straight in bed. “You missed the
eclipse, it was such fun.”
Aragorn
planted a kiss on his son’s forehead and gestured to the nanny to
leave. “I didn’t miss it, ion nîn, I watched it with Ambassador
Tahir and his family in the stone circle.”
“Why
couldn’t you have watched it with Naneth and I?” Eldarion
pouted.
“Some
of the people were frightened,” Aragorn explained. “As King, it
was my duty to be there to reassure them.”
“I
wasn’t frightened at all,” said Eldarion. “Naneth’s maid was,
though, she said it was like the darning of Valinor. What’s that
Ada? Did the Elves have holes in their stockings?”
“The
Darkening of Valinor,” Aragorn corrected.
“What’s
the Darkening of Valinor, then? I know Valinor is where the Elves and
the Valar live, but why do they want to live there if it’s
dark?”
“I
had come to tell you a bedtime story while Naneth feeds your sister
and puts her to bed, but the Darkening of Valinor is a scary story
with an evil monster best kept for the morning light.”
“I’m
a big boy now, I don’t get scared. I wasn't scared at all of the
eclipse. I like monsters too!”
Aragorn
sighed and settled himself on the foot of the bed, disturbing the
nursery cat who had been sleeping there. The cat gave him a baleful
stare and started to groom herself.
“Very
well,” said Aragorn. “I hope you do not have nightmares, though.”
He remained lost in thought for a moment, remembering when Master
Elrond had told him his story and wondering how much he should tell
Eldarion. He absent mindedly stroked the cat as he began. “Long,
long ago there was no sun and no moon and Valinor was illuminated by
the light of two beautiful trees.”
Eldarion
looked sceptical. “Two trees? How could they be big and tall enough
to light everywhere?”
“They
were magical trees and things were different in that long ago time,”
said Aragorn. “Ask Grandfather Celeborn when he next visits, as
your Grandmother Galadriel remembers the trees and would have told
him about them. Our own White Tree is the image of Telperion, the
tree that gave light at night.”
“Oh.”
Eldarion lapsed into silence.
“Long,
long ago, the King of the Valar, Lord Manwë , held a great feast and
all the Valar and the Eldar were invited. The Enemy in those days was
Morgoth and he was even more terrible than Sauron. He devised a
wicked plot as he hated both the Valar and the Eldar.”
“Why?”
asked Eldarion.
Aragorn
had to think for a moment. “I suppose because he was jealous of
them. They could make beautiful things and he could create
nothing.”
“So
what happened?” Eldarion demanded. “What did this Morgoth
do?”
“Morgoth
asked an evil giant spider called Ungoliant to aid him with his
wicked plan. Ungoliant helped Morgoth reach the Two Trees by
shrouding both herself and her ally in magic webs of pure darkness.
Ungoliant drank the sap from the Two Trees and with it their light,
after Morgoth wounded them with his great spear. The trees withered
and died and Valinor was plunged into darkness.”
“For
how long?” asked Eldarion. “The eclipse didn't last very long.
Was it for longer than that?”
“Fifty
long years the darkness lasted, while by the light of the stars
alone, the Valar created the sun and moon from two fruits that Lady
Yavanna and Lady Nienna managed to save from the Two Trees.”
“What
a long time it took them!” said Eldarion.
“I
doubt fifty years is very long for the Valar,” said Aragorn. “That
time is known as the Long Night, though.”
“What
happened next? Did
the Elves get lost in the dark?” Eldarion asked.
That
is another long story for another day, ion nîn,” Aragorn said
firmly. “It is time now for you to sleep.” He dislodged the
indignant cat, which had settled on his lap and rose from the bed and
tucked the covers firmly around Eldarion.
“Ada?”Eldarion’s
voice trembled a little.
“Yes,
dear one?”
“Could
anyone destroy the sun and the moon now like they destroyed the Two
Trees in olden days?”
“The
sun and the moon are quite safe, ion nîn.” Aragorn smiled at his
son and walked towards the door.
“Ada?”
Aragorn
turned back to face Eldarion’s bed. “Yes, ion nîn. What else
troubles you? I warned you this story might give you
nightmares.”
“I’m
not scared, Ada. I told you I’m a big boy now. I just wanted to ask
you if you’d take me to see the stone circle. We’ve passed it at
a distance and it looks fun.”
“It
belongs to Ambassador Tahir now so we will have to ask him if we can
visit. Maybe one day we could watch the moon rise above the stones if
he agrees. Would you like that, Eldarion?”
There
was no answer. Eldarion was already asleep. Aragorn made to
extinguish the lamp. His hand faltered slightly as he thought of the
Two Trees. He glanced out of the window at the moon shining serenely
in the sky. He extinguished the lamp and went to join Arwen and his
baby daughter. It had been a long day, but tomorrow the sun would
rise again over a kingdom at peace.
Chapter Four- The Dark of the Moon
Arwen reluctantly got up from the cushions on which she had been reclining. “I promised the children I would eat the noonday meal with them,” she said. “So I must bid you farewell. Would you and Tahir like to join Estel and me for the Day meal in a week's time?”
“Alas, most honoured friend, but we cannot. Next week is a day of mourning for our people.” Adiva wrung her hands sadly. “The cruel Wolf of the Sun will devour our Lord and Lady of the Moon. We must spend the day in prayer and
“I have not heard you speak of the wolf before,” said Arwen.
“I shall tell the story to you as it appears in the sacred scrolls, esteemed friend. The Sun desired to rule both the day and the night and all creatures to worship him. He went travelling throughout Middle-earth. One day, he came across
“I am sorry,” said Arwen.
“Do not be, esteemed friend, for
Arwen was thoughtful for a moment.
0000
That evening, as was their custom, the King and Queen dined together.
“You look troubled tonight, Estel,” said Arwen. “You have hardly spoken to me.”
“I am sorry,
“How can you be certain that the murders are connected with the rival factions within Harad, Estel? There are, sadly, some men of Gondor who bear grudges against their former enemies.”
“All the murder victims had the Lidless Eye carved into their flesh either just before or shortly after they died,” Aragorn said grimly. “The Men of the West hate that mark too much to use it even on their worse enemies.”
“I know
“Tahir believes the murders are seeking to frighten the Haradrim to return home and weaken the alliance we have formed with the Kha Khan,” said Aragorn. “The prosperity increased trade between our peoples brings helps him retain his grip on the diverse tribes.” He sighed. “As soon as one rebel faction is defeated, another springs up. I will meet with Tahir again tomorrow to discuss the situation. But enough of such gloomy talk. Did you enjoy your visit to Adiva this morning?”
“She is always pleasant company,” said Arwen. “Today, though, she was lamenting that the Wolf of the Sun was about to devour the moon. She invited me to attend the ceremony at the Stone circle to prevent the catastrophe.”
“I had forgotten about the eclipse,” said Aragorn. “My grandmother always said there was trouble afoot if an eclipse occurred when
“I cannot recall my father saying anything about that,” said Arwen.
“It was most likely an old wives' tale. After what happened at the last eclipse, though, I am taking no chances. I am posting as many Guards as can be spared along the route to the Stone Circle. You should accept Adiva's
“I always feel close to Lady Varda beneath the night sky,” said Arwen. “We shall accept Adiva' s invitation.
0000o
Arwen was in a thoughtful mood as she rode out of the City Gates. Watchful guards were everywhere. It seemed that every native of Harad who dwelt there was also on their way to the stone circle. Beside her, Aragorn was equally pensive. During the last few
He now turned to her and said, “I fear I have other business to attend to tonight,
“I fear I am but a poor substitute for your husband but I hope I may play his part tonight and escort
“I shall be glad of your company,” said Arwen. “I trust Estel will explain all later.”
Just then Adiva approached them accompanied by her maid and her children. There was no sign of Tahir. “May the sun never burn you, honoured friend!” she said. “I am glad that you can join me on this doleful night. Alas, my esteemed husband is stricken with a sudden severe malady and he cannot rise from his bed! He said that I and our eldest son should lead the ceremonies.”
“Alas,” said Arwen. “That is ill news indeed. Have you sent for the healer?”
“My honoured husband had me send for him, esteemed friend, but he cannot tell what ails my husband and can do nothing. Our people are most upset. It is most inauspicious that my honoured husband should fall ill upon this doleful day. I did not like to leave him as all the servants are coming to the ceremony tonight, but he insisted.”
“Maybe Estel could heal your husband,” Arwen suggested. “He was to be here too, but other matters called him from my side.”
Adiva glanced up at the sky. “We must hurry or our prayers will be of no avail to the Lord and Lady of the Moon.”
Arwen had always been told that a lunar eclipse happened when Arien became angry with Tilion's pursuit of her and blotted out his light with her chariot for a time. She doubted, though, it would ease Adiva's sorrow to tell her this and she remained silent. The devout Ambassador's wife believed fervently in her people's faith.
It seemed that the entire population of immigrants from Harad were assembled within or around the Stone Circle. There were also a few Gondorians who knew this was an excellent place to get a good view of the eclipse. They stood a little way apart from the moon worshippers.
The moon shone brightly in the night sky. Arwen, as always looked for the Star of Earendil. How often when she and Estel had been courting, had she been comforted that
Suddenly, a shadow fell upon the edge of the moon. The Haradrim let out cries and moans of distress. Some fell to their knees while others raised their arms to the sky.
Adiva and her eldest son cried out together in a loud voice, “Be of good cheer, great Lord and Lady, we, your faithful servants stand beside you in your hour of need. Cruel Sun, tether your savage wolf! The day is your domain! Do not covet the night which belongs to our Lord and Lady.”
The chanting and crying continued as more and more of the moon disappeared. For a
When the last sliver of light vanished and only a dim reddish circle was left, the crowd fell silent, If a leaf had stirred in the breeze, Arwen would have heard it. The Haradrim began to weep and Adiva spoke a prayer in a tongue that Arwen had no knowledge of. She then started to howl like a wolf and the others joined her. Arwen shivered.
“Are you well, my lady?” Faramir enquired.
“I am, but the sound is quite disturbing.” Arwen had almost forgotten
She gazed up at the stars, which now seemed to shine more brightly than before.
A tiny sliver of light appeared on the moon's surface. The crowd seemed to be holding its breath as the sliver grew larger.
Arwen started as Tahir's voice cried out, “Return to us, Lord and Lady! May our prayers give you strength!”
“Vanimelda,
“Did you heal Tahir?” Arwen asked.
“He was never ill. I am sorry I did not confide in you,
“And I took the King's place tonight so everyone would think the City was devoid of her ruler and most of her Guard,” said Faramir.
“You gave me the idea, Arwen, as to how we might catch the killer who has been preying on the Haradrim merchants when you told me about the ceremony for the eclipse,” Aragorn continued. “I feared that the killer might next attack Tahir as the leader of the
Arwen shuddered. “I am glad he will prey on the innocent no more,” she said. “It saddens me that although Sauron is no more, his evil lingers and-”
A sudden shout of joy from the Haradrim worshippers interrupted her. She looked up and saw that more than half of the moon was shining brightly again.
“There will always be evil but there is also much good,” said Aragorn. “Let us rejoin our friends as they celebrate.”