Part Eighty-Nine
"Lenaduiniel. Sister. Call off this savage."
Lenaduiniel moaned sleepily and opened her eyes. Gwindor was standing bent and absolutely still with the head of one of Annavala's short spears at his throat. Lenaduiniel sighed. "He is my brother. Understand? We share the same mother and father. You must never threaten him."
The spear was withdrawn and Annavala, crouched at the foot of Lenaduiniel's couch, snorted.
"Wake now. There are visitors asking for you."
"I am coming," Lenaduiniel said, stretching her limbs after her sleep.
"You better dress before you leave your chamber," Gwindor said, "They are Orcs calling for you to speak with them."
"Abominations," Annavala snarled.
"Marduk?" Lenaduiniel asked.
"You would think he gained something in loosing his eye, the way he struts about."
"He likely has," Lenaduiniel sighed and bent to open her chest to retrieve a suitable gown for meeting Orcs. Black, she decided.
Annavala followed Lenaduiniel as she left her bedchamber. Gwindor pulled his sister aside, "Why do you keep that one in your bedchamber?"
"I have explained; her people believe certain actions concerning battle more or less honorable. Those who have not died or retreated are determined to endure in service to the one who has bested them. It is the most honorable option left to them."
"But that does not make it necessary for their captain to guard your bedchamber from within."
Lenaduiniel turned from her brother. "It is improper that you even mention seeing anyone in my bedchamber."
Gwindor winced at the insult to his propriety. He watched as Lenaduiniel joined their brother at the railing.
Marduk was below, with a great number of his most loyal Orcs. He was insisting to Greenleaf that the Elves had all been buried and lamented and it was time Elves discussed their treaty with him.
"I have been wishing to speak to you, Marduk-Chieftain," Lenaduiniel called down. "I have heard reports of Orcs threatening most foul and inappropriate action on Elves. Just as our dead are buried, your pyres have died down. It is time you Orcs retreated to the west side of the road and made camp there only, as agreed in our treaty. There is no need for you to be lurking beneath the bedchambers of Elven families or visiting the place the Men tether their horses."
"Agreed," Marduk said quickly, as if he had wanted to do this all along. "You Elves abducted one of our wound-patchers in the night. We demand our Orc returned or you leave an Elven Healer to our pleasure, or the treaty is broken."
Lenaduiniel frowned. She knew of this so-called abduction. "There was no taking involved. Your wound-patcher went with Elves of his own choosing."
"No wound-patcher has choosing of his own. He stays with Orcs, to patch Orcs. Send him to us."
Lenaduiniel would not send a Healer to Marduk. He might beat them for making his stitches too small. Though, he had either been unable or unwilling to pick at the stitches when it came to it. The flesh around his missing eye had healed wonderfully in the week since the battle. "I know where he is. He has been speaking to Elven Healers regarding some Elves who suffered burns. He will be returned to you, as you request."
"The battle is over. Orcs have defended your lands. Now you must give lands to Orcs."
"I hear you, Marduk-Chieftain," Lenaduiniel called down. "One more Day. Tonight, we shall have a feast, and you heroic Orcs may attend. Tomorrow we shall talk of lands promised. I remind you that such matters take time to arrange. Messengers have been sent to other rulers and leaders and we await replies, messages, and agents from these leaders. To ward sovereignty to Orcs over any land requires the cooperation of all Kings and rulers of lands that will border yours, or you will be unable to hold the land."
"We will hold the land! There will be no Elvish tricks! The land will be such to provide for many Orcs and there will be no plots to retake the land as soon as it has been given."
"Yes. It will be as promised. Tomorrow we will speak of it, when all parties concerned are able to attend in some manner."
"Will Dale-Chieftain be attending this feast tonight?" Marduk asked. The Elves did not answer quickly. "And this Wizard we have seen moving about your Wood?"
"The Grey is our guest," Lenaduiniel said then, "and The Grey informs me that Dale will be among us tonight, with those companions of his that have also survived their quest. There will be no guests put to the question at our feast. Tomorrow will be for discussion."
Tsuki was upon the river in a boat. Tilion and Oromë were with him, and a barrel Oromë was transporting. During their journey downriver, including a hike with their boat upon a sled that took them safely around a high waterfall, Tilion and Oromë had told Tsuki much that would be useful for him to know. He understood now that they had been more involved than he had known. Tilion had taken the form of various animals to distract enemies of those devoted to him, or to give protection to his followers. Oromë, who dwelled more often in this realm than in any blessed place had spent many days searching out information and speaking to devoted individuals and appearing in various disguises to Elves and Men in order to provide them with aid or information. He was well informed on all the movements of the Rangers and of Mannish armies.
Oromë explained to Tsuki that he had confidence in the new King of Men in the west, but that many parties would still oppose this King. Most recently there had been an uprising of evil Men in a region just south of his capitol that had served mainly to distract the King and much of his military from events in the north involving Wizards and Orcs.
"Laurel is with him," Tilion said, having learned this earlier from Oromë. "He is a good Man and will protect her and your Halfling friend within his city. Laurel will be an asset to him for a time, while he has need of her."
"And will I see Laurel again?" Tsuki asked.
"She is mortal, but like the Priestess you came to know, she is one who has been selected by a god for some purpose and been granted protection and access to power beyond others of her race. She will know you for what you are if she sees you, even in a guise. She may not even know that you are the Tsuki she knew, but she will sense your power."
"But the other Witches, they work magic."
"Even the Second race possesses some enchantment, though many do not know it," Tilion said, and what they work beyond their own power is made possible by invoking higher beings, who may or may not be inclined to obey. If they invoke me in some form, I may grant what they request, if it seems good to me. Arien may do the same."
"It would be wise to avoid this Witch until you have chosen youth path," Oromë said. He made it sound more an order than a suggestion.
"What 'path' to you mean?"
"We can discuss it later," Tilion said, but Oromë answered Tsuki's question:
"If all you wish to do is dwell in blessed realms napping naked by mirror still pools, you may, but there are other choices available to one of your race. You, who were half mortal, are as one newly sung into being. You have much to learn before your path is to be determined."
"I recognize this place," Tsuki said, as he looked from their boat to the shore. We are near the Silver Wood. And if we continue south on the Great River will will come to an isle that I visited during the war."
"I am going into the Wood," Oromë said, "you both will stay with the boat until my return."
"Please, Lord, let me go. I will wear any disguise you say. I will speak to no one. Just let me go and look on them. I beg…"
Tilion looked sternly at Tsuki, ashamed his son begged so easily.
Oromë said, "Tsuki, you were a good hunter, a good rider, a brilliant swordsman, and you served the Rangers. You are one of my people by birth. That said, I will not allow you to go into the Wood now. I go only to deliver something to one who has long been devoted to me and who is in need. I understand passion and love. You wish to assure yourself that your friends are well. You are barely able to hold your guises now. What would happen if I allowed you to go with me and you did see a friend. You might instantly pop into some other form. Then, not only would you be seen and raise many questions, but it would certainly bring my identity into question. Do you think I shall go into the Wood in this form?"
"My Lord, I…please. I understand. I will set my will. I will not be trouble. I will be small. I will be timid, I…" Tsuki felt his body shift. He heard Tilion's bubbly silver laughter.
"How very sweet," Tilion said and lifted Tsuki, who had become a white rabbit, in his hands. "I have frequently taken the same guise myself."
"Very well, you will both join me, but you had better be very well behaved. Tsuki, you will play dead. I will tie you with this cord to keep your body from shifting. So much as a twitch of that little nose and I shall be angered. I will have Tilion see to your punishment, and he has a dark side you do not want to see!"
Tilion smiled wickedly.
"You will take a suitable guise as well, Love."
Tilion gave Tsuki over to Oromë to be hobbled and the beautiful grey-clad youth was quickly replaced by a silvery-furred, rather lupine dog.
"Perfect, as usual," Oromë said approvingly.
Tsuki rolled his tiny dark rabbit eyes. Tilion had warned Tsuki in his lessons against taking guises that were too beautiful, and yet here his father was the most beautiful canine anyone could hope to see. One would have to be a god to keep such a companion.
"We are almost there," Oromë said and assumed his own guise, which was apparently that of a beggary green-cloaked Man. He lifted Tsuki by the rope tied to his hind legs and hung him from his belt.
By the time they paddled to the riverbank and dragged the boat ashore, Tsuki was beginning to fear that although Oromë was a higher being and the perfect huntsman, he might not be a very good actor. He was also certain now that in addition to many godly qualities Oromë was also possessed of perfect blindness to any fault in Tilion. Somehow, they would make Tsuki regret begging to come into the Wood.
Lenaduiniel came from her bedchamber rather frustrated. Annavala's understanding of what constituted a gown or suitable attire for a feast of celebration was perhaps as poor as Ugarit's or worse. "Where is your Lord?" Lenaduiniel asked the Elves gathered within their house.
"He had gone out to practice archery," Galadhiel said. She was in a proper gown at least. She may prefer male garments for travel and battle, but Galadhiel did not don the robes of a Male Elf to feast in. "Gwindor made him promise to be bathed and in dress robes in time for the feast."
"Our younger brother dislikes dress robes. I am certain he will appear wearing trousers and boots beneath the outer robe. He always appears some disadvantaged traveler."
Galadhiel laughed. Lenaduiniel had somehow managed to gather many gowns along the way for one who had taken off after her older brother across branches with only one bag slung across her shoulder as luggage. She had already borrowed or made several more since arriving in the Silver Wood. She had cast off the black from the morning before for pale blue.
"Caratathren wanted to consult you regarding seating arrangements. There seems to some difficulty with deciding where to place the Dwarves and misunderstanding regarding whether any of the Rómendar are to be with us."
Lenaduiniel nodded. She could see the activity ongoing at the nearby pavilion. I will go there now." She went to the ladder, turned and climbed down. Annavala followed to the ladderwell, but then leapt to the ground.
The Grey saw Lenaduiniel approaching and took leave of the Elves he had been giving orders to and walked quickly from the pavilion before the Lady could question that he dared command her feast servers.
The Grey went through the settlement to the guest house. It was not very far from the Orc encampment which had grown during the day and one of the Northerners was lurking nearby. "Back to your camp," the Wizard commanded.
The Grey waited for the Orc to move away and then admitted himself to the house. Here again was a series of scenes that twisted at his mind. He had been a Wizard who studied plants and animals and then had become associated with the Rangers and learned much of Men and Elves, but he had little experience with female. Here a she-Elf was instructing a scandalously dressed girl-Orc in hair dressing and the Priestess, as they called her was applying various potions and powders to her face. Meanwhile Dale and Duma were both still in their beds and sleeping.
Fei, the scholar was seated at the table, but already bathed and dressed in what was likely his cleanest and best mended garments. "Why is Dale not dressed?" The Grey asked.
"He is in a great pain and desires to sleep," Fei said simply. "If I do not know and believe your reasons for taking him from bed to this feast, then I shall not aid you to bring him there."
Sometimes The Grey did not understand Men so well. It was strange to be suddenly granted much understanding of politics and public behavior and to not truly grasp the behaviors of males or females when in private.
It was not for a Wizard to explain himself, and so the Grey went to Dale's bed and woke him. The Elf groaned and turned from the Grey. The Wizard moved to Duma then and gave him a shove. "Wake, Duma, and help your father dress for the feast."
"Do not see a whip in your hand," Duma said sleepily. The Grey was tempted to create the illusion of a Demon here for him, if he responded to whips, but did not want to admit the boy-Orc was such a challenge that he needed to rely on such tactics.
Ugarit left her bed, walked around the foot of Dale's and moved past the Wizard. She reached for the flail at Duma's belt, as he had already bathed and half dressed before lying down for a nap. Duma caught her wrist before her fingers touched the flail and twisted Ugarit's arm until she fell to her knees and hissed at him.
Duma opened his eyes and looked at Ugarit. He then shifted his eyes and tried to see the Wizard standing beside the bed. Ugarit looked up at the Grey. "Wake Dale if you wish him to go to the feast. It was sickness that alerted the Orcs to the Wizard plot. We would rather the Orcs believe Dale might be injured and hiding from them than have them know for certain he is sick. You will not be able to convince them he is strong or will be. They will only be convinced that he is dying."
"That is why we must make it appear Dale is neither sick nor injured." The Grey saw that these companions of Dale would not cooperate. He turned around and tended to Dale.
"Alqua did that to your hair?" Duma whispered. He released Ugarit's arm, but scratched her with one claw purposely as he did. The answer was obvious without Ugarit speaking. Alqua had still been visiting, but the last several days, there had been little of the earlier petting that disturbed Duma and the two had spent most of their time making and mending clothes and talking about hair. "You let her comb out all the hair clumps?"
"You did! You had hair clumps once and now you comb your hair. And Dale, Dale combs his hair." She had slender braids hanging all around her head. It must have taken Alqua most of the day. They had made it clear enough that Duma was not to spy on them and had worked near the bath.
"But you are a westerner too…they were such tight even clumps. They were proper in your hair."
"Well, I could still make them again. It is agreeable with Orcs to comb hair. It keeps the bugs away without having to shave your head."
Duma laughed. There were many Orcs who had hair naturally and shaved it off. "The Elves will like your hair. I like your dress." It was something made of dark honey colored cotton velvet Alqua had purchased from Elves with some of Duma's treasure. It was the color of Ugarit's eyes. It was made to cover the gold embroidered red silk underdress she had made of Southerling fabric stolen from Kato, so that the straps and buckles of her undergarments could not be seen. The Elves would appreciate this. Duma did not know if the Orcs would understand.
"Do you think the color…?"
"You are beautiful." Duma did not think he was capable of removing his eyes from Ugarit. "I pray I am not so distracted by your appearance that I forgot to watch for threats."
"I could wear a cloak."
"No. Ugarit, you are very smart. Everyone will be so busy looking at you, they would not notice Dale if he staggered and retched blood."
"Alqua did teach me how to cut the pieces for the bodice. There is bone in the seams. I did not know Elves would wear bone. She said they buy it from Elves who live near the sea."
"Duma," Dale called.
Duma sat then. He had been paying such attention to Ugarit that he had not heard what the Wizard said to Dale, but now Dale himself seemed intent on going to the feast. He looked sick, but that little cup was lying empty on his bed sheets again.
"Would you please help me?" His tone, apart from sounding weak, said he was ashamed to make the request.
"You leave us now," Duma said to the Wizard.
"We can trust him," Dale said softly.
Duma did not trust the Wizard. In normal circumstances, Dale would not trust any Wizard, except Tsuki, and then he might even hold certain things Tsuki said suspect. Duma watched The Grey leave the house and then pulled Dale up from the bed. "Dale, Ugarit and I agreed that we will guard you and protect you until you are well. We gave our word to Tsuki we would. Are you certain you mean to go to the feast? We will help you if you say it, but do not say it if you are too sick."
"I feel like grass. I want him to come back."
"Dale, I do not know if Tsuki will come back. I heard him say that he would, but I do not know about Wizardry and spirits."
"I see him," Dale said. He sounded at least half mad. His eyes looked glazed and not bright and Elven. "When I dream, I can see him. He is really there."
"Well, you moan enough when you sleep. It keeps me awake. I thought Tsuki had returned as a ghost to molest you as you slept."
Dale laughed weakly. "I wish."
"I think it would be good if Tsuki did return, but, what if he does not?"
"He will."
"But, if he did not, what would you do?"
"No. He will come to me."
"Dale!" Duma gave his father a shake. It was gentle almost, because he understood well how sick Dale was. "Maybe Tsuki will come back, but he is not here now. You do not know when he will return, if he does. For now, you are very sick, and we are made to understand that there will be negotiations with the Orcs in the Wood that will affect many Kingdoms. I do not understand entirely what that Wizard wants, but it seems he and others believe that it is important for you to return to the Rangers and also that the Orcs believe you are strong. If you are still and Elf but also Dale-Chieftain and Dumuzi's heir, the Elves and Men and Rangers will have influence with the Orcs, and they want this very much I fear. We, Fei, and I and all of us, we wish mainly for you to be well and happy. What you say you want and will do matters to me. If I know what you will do, maybe that will influence me also. Until Tsuki is with you, I think you must act as if he will not be returning and decide what you would do now on your own."
Dale fell against Duma and leaned heavily on him. "I just want him back."
"Dale. We know! Please. Tell us what you will do. We need to know how we can best help you and protect you."
"Tsuki will return, but until he does, I must go to this feast and I must seem strong and like one who is an Elf and also an Orc. If I do not, things might go wrong and there will be violence again between Orcs and Elves, and then what would happen to you?"
"Dale, if that is not really your choice, then do not do it. Elves and Orcs have fought each other for ages. If they do again, I would now prefer not to choose a side, but I have had a week to give it serious thought. If it comes to war again, well, I have a lot of treasure now since we killed the dragons, and Ugarit is very good at fishing and I am getting quite good with a bow. We would go to that valley you lived in when you were young, where there are trees and a river and settlements of Dwarves and Halflings within easy trading distance."
"Oh. That sounds nice, Duma. Is that what you want?"
"If there will be war between Orcs and Elves that is what I have decided to do, because I do not believe I alone could stop the warring, and if you want, you could go with us, but if there is peace, I think that I could do something that is not good only for me or my Clan, but for all people."
"Like what?"
"I do not know, but something to help keep the peace. Maybe I could be a diplomat like Lena or a Ranger…"
Dale laughed. "You want to be a Ranger?"
"I did not say I want to, only, I would be willing to do something to keep the peace. I would be willing to serve others that way, if it meant the peace would continue, because I would enjoy that peace. Ugarit will stay with me, whatever I do."
"Will she?" Dale looked over Duma's shoulder.
"I belong to Duma now, and Tashmetum belongs to me. Duma knows I will go with him. I have learned not to like fighting, but keeping the peace does not always mean fighting. It also means talking and being smart and learning what is good and bad of other races and people. I am as willing to do this as to fish."
"And Fei?" Dale asked.
"I have a wife in the west now. The Grey has informed us that he has been in contact with her."
"Yes. I heard her also."
Fei nodded. "She is safe now. What I would like is to be rejoined with Laurel and to find a place to live where we might both study. We do not mind traveling, but I think Laurel would like to have somewhere to return to, someplace to grow herbs. That is what I want. If there is peace, we can find such a life more easily. If there is war, Laurel will want to protect her people, if they will let her. If that happens, I will fight beside her, but I would like peace. Until that is decided, I will travel with you, Dale and write of what I witness."
"And Setsugekka?"
"She waits for Tsuki with you," Duma says. "She tells us she will not return to the east and that she will serve you in Tsuki's absence. Tsuki charged her to care for you and he is her Lord."
"Probably easier to serve me in peace. It is decided then, if we want peace, we have to assure the Orcs and the Elves that we are working for each of them to influence the other. We have to seem strong enough to do it."
"Dangerous to deceive either party," Ugarit said.
Dale straightened. "Well, it is not a deception if we are truly doing both," Dale pointed out. "We want peace. The best way to keep peace is to convince the Elves that the Orcs can be controlled and will not be a threat, and it to also convince the Orcs that the Elves will be controlled and that they will not be a threat." Dale put a hand to Duma's shoulder to lean on him and touched his other hand to his aching head. "We cannot do this very well if I seem sick. I will do my best, but I can barely stand on my own. I need support."
"Sometimes an Orc leans on a crutch or stick while a leg is injured. I used such crutches when my leg was broken."
"I do not think Dale meant that kind of support," Duma said.
"Actually, I meant both kinds," Dale said, trying to smile, "once I am dressed, I shall find such a device. Orcs understand injury better than sickness. It always seems more honorable."
"Your cloak was tattered and lost, but I made you a coat!" Ugarit said.
"Pretend you like it, whatever you do, or she will make us both regret it," Duma whispered.
The Grey was still near the guest house when Oromë came rolling his barrel with Tilion dancing around his heels and Tsuki pretending to be dead, and found himself facing the whole of the Orc encampment.
"Here comes another delivery for the feast," One of the Orcs said. He was of one of the smaller Clans, led by a Westerner-Northerner half-breed named Nergal, who had taken up the whip of one of the Easterner Chieftains during battle.
"It is not an Elf," agreed one another of the Clan.
"Orcs, what a surprise!" Oromë said, nearly laughing. Tilion rushed out and growled and barked at the Orcs, which only caused them to laugh.
"Just one dog. Not like a pack."
"It looks pretty enough to eat. Old Man, if you bring us meat, we will let you safely through our camp."
"We promised not to harm usual visitors to the Wood."
"Merchants and Dwarves."
"No mention of wandering Old Men with barrels."
"The Elves should have rope-walked from trees and slit his throat already!"
The Orcs laughed again.
The Grey came walking through the Camp, staff in hand, and more than Oromë, who appeared a harmless old Man, the Wizard with his staff drew attention of all the Chieftains.
"What is this Man's business here?" The Grey asked of the Orcs.
Nergal approached, slim like a northerner but dark and marbled, such as Gorghash, whom he was pit-mate to, had also been. "We are not your slaves, Wizard. You are guest of Elves. Go to the Elves."
"Just delivering this here barrel to some bloomin' Green Elf. Didn't think Elfs came in such colors," Oromë said in a queer, suddenly developed accent.
The Orcs made loud barking laughs.
"The Green Elf?" Marduk asked. "Do you mean Green-cloak? What is his Elf name?"
"Beryl," Dog said.
"Old Man, do you know this Beryl?" Marduk demanded.
"Green Elf, that's what I know. Got an order placed by bird, I did. Just making a delivery."
Alqua and Gwende came then, marching into the Orc camp dressed in gowns, with knives drawn. "What is happening here?" Gwende asked. She addressed Oromë. "Sir, have you business here? Have you not been seen by Elves at the riverport and given escort into the settlement?"
Oromë had purposely avoided the Elves and had not used the port and so he said. "I did not notice any."
"He says he is delivering this barrel to a Green Elf," Marduk said. "Then Beryl Green-Cloak has returned here also."
"It is not our business to inform you, Marduk-Chieftain of every coming and going of Elves to our Wood," Alqua said, "If this Man has a delivery for any Elf, then he may come with us and make his delivery."
"Though, it is customary for Men to use the port and not lurk about in Elven Woods," Gwende said, "It is not safe."
"My pardon Ladies," Oromë said as he made a sweeping bow.
"I am not noble-born, Sir, though Alqua is, but in this Wood, all Elves work together as equals and only a few are addressed Lord or Lady. We will escort you to Beryl. I know where he is."
"Allow me to escort this Man," The Grey said, "I know where to go, and you both must have preparations to make for the feast."
Gwende agreed with a nod to the Wizard. "Sir, allow us to extend our hospitality to you. You have come on a night of celebration after a terrible battle. If you serve Beryl, you may dine with us and celebrate those who have survived and fought bravely."
"I suppose that would be a great honor for a Man," Oromë said, "I can nay really decline, can I?"
Tilion barked sharply at Oromë.
Oromë shrugged and then rolled his barrel after The Grey.
"Was the wizard a bother to you?" Alqua asked Marduk, as The Grey left the camp.
"We trust the Elves would take offense to a Wizard using his power within their Wood when it was not in their interest."
"We did not know the Swan was an Elf-Lady," Dog said.
"I am like an Orc who is newly spawned to a widely known and feared Clan. I have not yet done much myself that I should be considered higher than any other here."
"Not many female Elves would go alone to an Orc camp."
"Perhaps, but I was only traded for Ugarit. There was some assurance."
"Ugarit is not kept by Elves now."
"But now I trust you will remember I am one who worked to aid you."
"We remember. We remember also that this one was Leader of Rope-walkers." Marduk made a sweeping bow in imitation of Oromë, and yet he seemed sincere.
Alqua made a curtsey and sheathed her knife. "Ugarit will be at the feast. She is here, with Duma and Dale-Chieftain also. They went to confront the Wizard, as you know, and they were injured in doing so. We shielded them in their injury as some Orcs may shield and guard a great chieftain, rather than take his whip, if they believe he will recover later to lead them to future victories. They have had time to recover and will be at the feast."
"We have known they were in the little house many days and not entered there," Marduk said and then spoke in even harsher tone, "but if tomorrow they do not tell us of the Wizard and what they know, then we will have war with the Death-Shadow Clan, and if Ugarit is with them, we will take her as a prize and kill the other two."
I am confident they will give their full account without need of threats."