Title: Common Cause
Author: Mcguffan
anne_robbins@yahoo.com
Rating: NC 17
Pairing: Aragorn/Halbarad
Summary: Someone wants to kill Isildur’s Heir in Rohan and Halbarad is 
not about to put up with that.
Archive: Please ask before archiving this.
Notes: This takes place after Helm’s Deep and before the Grey Company 
walks the Paths of the Dead.  I have extended the timeline to make this 
about a two-week period and made a few other tiny changes to canon.  
Please review, I really want to know what people think.  Thangail nin- My 
shield wall (Thanks to Sulien for help with Sindarin.)



The column of armed and mounted men moved by at a slow pace.  The 
fields and prairies of Rohan seemed crowded with such sights, although, 
this particular example looked better organized than most.  Small groups 
of soldiers, bandits, refugees, and occasionally even orcs roved the 
grasslands.  We had observed and tracked several of the more promising 
groups but it was not until now that I truly had hope that we had found the 
one we had come seeking.

“If we do not find Estel among these men we should return to Edoras and 
wait.  He will eventually come to us, Halbarad.”  The tall elf beside me 
said as he, too, looked out across the open plane.  We had gone first to 
Rohan’s capital and found it essentially deserted.  Walking through the 
streets of the empty city had been unnerving and an air of grim foreboding 
fell over us all.  Still, we had come to Rohan in search of our chief and the 
Grey Company could boast of some of the best trackers in the world.  We 
would not easily be led astray.  Even were this not so, the direction of the 
exodus was clear and we had all followed hoping to find Aragorn among 
those who had left the city.  Now, it seemed, we were in great danger of 
slipping passed each other for the crisis that had driven the populace from 
Edoras appeared to be over and all was confusion.

“I think the captain is among these soldiers, but you are probably right that 
Edoras would be Aragorn’s next destination in any case.”  I answered 
politely.  I could not see much of the travelers but I recognized that they 
were riding in a formation that usually indicated the presence of the 
generals and great lords.  It was not this, however, that convinced me my 
lord was close.  I always had a sense when Aragorn was near, an intuition 
and though I never spoken of this extra sense I had never been wrong.

“That would stand to reason.”  Elladan responded crisply.  I was not sure 
if the elf-lord meant this as a rebuke any more than I knew if his previous 
comment was meant to be an order or a suggestion.  I was captain of this 
expedition but I was never certain how much control I had over the two 
elves who accompanied us.  Elrond’s sons had taken their uncle’s path and 
chosen humanity- just as their sister had, I thought joylessly.  In all the 
many years Elrond’s sons had traveled with the rangers I had not heard 
that the elves had ever refused a command of a Dunedain captain they 
accompanied but I assumed that this had as much to do with the 
circumspection and courtesy of the rangers as the natural compliance and 
agreeability of the twins.  Thus, where I would have commanded one of 
the men I asked one of the elves.

“Ah, but here comes Elrohir.”  Elladan announced breaking the awkward 
silence.  “He looks pleased.”  Elrohir did indeed look pleased as he rode 
toward us and I felt a moment of satisfaction that my instinct had once 
again proven correct.

“Not only have I found Estel but Legolas is with him also.”  The elf 
announced when he was within shouting distance.  I tried not to wince as I 
made eye contact with Ryn, who had been scouting with the elf.  There 
was no real need for silence as we were not within hearing range of the 
approaching soldiers yet the habits of a lifetime were difficult to break and 
the extravagant volume of the elf’s cry went against a ranger’s custom.

“Theoden king leads the convoy.  The dwarf was there also and there was 
a hobbit riding with our lord.”  Ryn reported in low tones when he had 
come up before us.  Ryn was smiling, too.  It had been a long journey 
from Rivendell.  Signally the Grey Company to mount with an 
enthusiastic wave of my hand we moved forward to greet the column of 
soldiers.
*
We were challenged less than a stone’s throw from Rohan’s king but our 
elven cloaks as well as our hard-learned stealth partly excused this.  “We 
seek the lord Aragorn.”  I answered the guardsman, dismounting and 
holding my hands away from my weapons.  My roving gaze had already 
fastened upon the tall, lean, familiar figure near the front of the group.

“You have found him.”  My lord and captain replied, dismounting and 
wrapping me in a tight embrace.  Closing my eyes, I relaxed into 
Aragorn’s arms letting my body conform to his.  It lasted only a moment 
and when he turned to embrace his foster brothers, I pulled the memory of 
his warmth about me like a cloak on a cold night.

“Theoden king, may I present Elladan and Elrohir the sons of Elrond, 
master of Rivendell.”  Aragorn said after greeting the twins.  At this 
introduction, the elves inclined their heads and the king returned this 
gesture a little hesitantly.  “And this is Halbarad, second-in-command of 
the Dunedain.”  I bowed in my turn, lower than the elves had done and 
Theoden nodded.  Having satisfied the demands of propriety Aragorn 
quickly went through our ranks.  He had a smile, a touch on the arm or a 
word for each of the thirty men of the company and the rangers’ usually 
grim faces lit with pride and satisfaction.

While Aragorn greeted his men, I took note of the contingent we had just 
joined.  I nodded greeting to Legolas who I had seen often before in my 
lord’s company.  I also acknowledged Gimli the dwarf, who I had met 
very briefly in Rivendell and the hobbit, I believe it was Merry, who I had 
seen at Elrond’s Council as well.  I regarded the others who had been 
accompanying Aragorn, too.  I had no cause to distrust anyone but it was 
ever my duty to be aware of my surroundings and the nature of those who 
would be in close contact with my lord.

I began by scrutinizing the man to Theoden’s right and therefore the most 
important of the Rohirrim after the king.  I assumed the man was Eomer, 
nephew and heir to Theoden.  The man was young and had an open and 
honest face.  When he looked at Aragorn, his eyes filled with admiration 
and I felt immediately better than I had after observing Theoden’s 
reserved and slightly chilly expression.  Before my study could continue, 
however, Theoden’s voice broke in on my thoughts to introduce Eomer- 
so I had been correct- and several other of the Rohirrim captains.

I waited a moment in case either of the twins was in the mood to converse.  
Their exulted rank gave them the privilege of speaking first if they were 
inclined to do so.  When it was clear that they were not so inclined, I 
answered the king.  “My people have traveled far in our wanderings, my 
lord, yet, it is rare that we have had the opportunity to encounter the fabled 
riders of Rohan.  I could not help but admire the prowess of both steeds 
and men which though it seems you have recently seen combat is 
undiminished.”

Theoden’s rather disapproving expression softened and I perceived that 
flattery would be the most successful strategy for dealing with him.  “It is 
true, Captain, we have just prevailed in a most fiercely contested battle 
against enormous odds.  Indeed the outcome was not certain until my 
sister-son arrived and swept the enemy from the field.”  Eomer beamed at 
this praise, even though he also looked a little self-conscious.  He seemed 
about to say something perhaps share the praise with his men but Aragorn 
had come up beside me and Eomer deferred to him.

“We are returning to Helm’s Deep, Halbarad, where the rest of Theoden 
King’s army waits.  With your permission, my lord, these men and elves 
will accompany us.”  Aragorn said laying a hand on my shoulder.

“Of course we shall be glad of your company, though we would have been 
more glad of it several days ago.”  Theoden responded.  Again, I could not 
help but feel that the king harbored some resentment against my lord and 
instinctively I moved a little as though to interpose myself between my 
lord and Theoden’s hard looks.  Aragorn only nodded, refusing to 
acknowledge any meanness in Theoden’s words and gave a signal to the 
rangers who instantly dispersed through the column.  By evening, each 
man should have made friends with several of the Rohirrim and collected 
several accounts of all that had been happening recently.

“I bring a gift from the lady Arwen.”  I said softly before Aragorn could 
leave my side.  As I spoke, I tried to suppress a little shudder at the other 
‘gift’ the lady had tasked me to present when next I saw Aragorn.  I 
ignored the memory, however, for I had long ago determined that my lord 
would know nothing of how his future wife behaved toward me.  Aragorn 
regarded the long cylindrical package wrapped in silk then wrapped in 
burlap which I had attached to my saddle.  A strange expression came over 
his face and I felt his anxiety as he contemplated what it would mean for 
him to take the lady’s gift and ride under his own banner.  

“Keep it for me a while yet, thangail nín.”  Aragorn said still staring at 
Arwen’s gift.  I bowed accepting the charge.  It would not be long before 
my captain became my king and I looked toward that day with an eager 
heart.
*
Elladan and Elrohir rode beside Aragorn at the front of the column near 
Theoden and Eomer.  They spoke of those still in Rivendell and reported 
the news from Elrond while Theoden interjected an occasional comment 
or question.  I listened with half an ear as I took in my own companions.  
Legolas and Gimli rode to my left and one of Rohirrim captains rode to 
my right.

“I am sorry to have missed such a battle as Theoden king describes.  There 
are signs throughout the countryside of a sudden and unpredicted danger 
but I know no details.”  I said hoping someone would take the hint and fill 
me in on what had been happening.  I had half expected the elf or dwarf to 
answer but it was the Rohirrim captain, who Theoden had introduced as 
Eomud, who could not contain his enthusiasm and told the tale of Helm’s 
Deep and the encounter with Saruman with only periodic additions and 
elaborations from Legolas and Gimli.  Taking it all in, I found myself 
disturbed by the story of the Palantir.  The blood of Numenor may run 
through my veins but that did not mean I knew how to protect my lord 
from magic and that made me very uncomfortable.

From the man’s account, I learned something of the fear all Rohan had 
known as Theoden languished in Wormtongue’s thrall and the immense 
relief it had been not only to fight but to fight under the capable and 
charismatic generalship of Aragorn.  I was now beginning to understand 
the source of Theoden’s resentment as Eomud could hardly contain his 
sense of grateful relief that Aragorn was with them.  The battle had indeed 
been fierce and I found myself seized with fear at the number of times 
Aragorn might have been killed.  I knew he took risks in battle and I could 
only just tolerate that fact when I knew I would be there to guard his back.  
I tried to take an active interest in Eomer’s role in the battle and conceal 
my worry for my lord but there had been one episode Eomud recounted 
that had me especially anxious:

After Eomer had arrived with Gandalf most of the enemy fled but Eomud 
told me that somehow Aragorn had gotten cut off from the main body of 
Rohirrim fighters.  Those who had been supposed to follow him had, 
through a miscommunication, become sidetracked and for several minutes 
until Legolas and Gimli had fought their way to the man he was 
surrounded and in dire peril.  Without the timely assistance of the elf and 
dwarf Aragorn would almost certainly have been overwhelmed.  Eomud 
reported this story with the sort of jovial enthusiasm that one has when 
telling of disasters narrowly averted.  I, myself, however felt very cold.  It 
was probably nothing, just a miscommunication in a chaotic battlefield but 
I resolved to ask questions about the incident.

When the troop stopped for lunch Aragorn came to me.  He was about to 
speak but Theoden called over asking, rather imperiously if Aragorn 
intended to take council with the Rohirrim leaders or not.  Smiling 
regretfully my lord moved away to listen courteously to the low voiced 
words of Theoden.  I was disappointed but not surprised.  I had had many 
years to learn that my lord was a busy man and I was not entitled to all his 
attention.  Looking about me with a little sigh I caught sight of the hobbit 
who had been riding with Aragorn.  He was loitering as close to Aragorn 
and Theoden as he was allowed, for Theoden had forbidden him to 
approach close enough to overhear.  He was looking around somewhat at a 
loss.  The elf and dwarf had gone off with Elrond’s sons-ostensibly to 
scout ahead but more likely to escape the press of men- and the hobbit did 
not know anyone else.

“Master Merry?”  I asked approaching.

“Yes?”  Came the shy reply as the hobbit looked up at me with a mix of 
trepidation, curiosity and also relief.

“Before I left for Rivendell, there was a celebration in the Shire.  There 
has been a new addition to the mighty Brandybuck clan.  Congratulations, 
sir.  You are an uncle for the third time.”  I said, smiling.

“Marigold had her baby?”  Merry asked completely taken aback.  
Whatever he had expected me to say it had not been that.

“Yes, a healthy baby girl.  I’m sorry I do not know her name.  Rangers 
always hear of the big events but some of the details escape us.”  As I 
spoke, I was dismayed to see that tears had started in the eyes of the hobbit 
and he was close to breaking down into sobs.  I had meant only to pass 
along a little news from his home.  I did not mean to distress him.  Feeling 
awkward, I tried to apologize.  I had spent so long watching the Shire from 
afar that I thought I knew the creatures who inhabited that idyllic spot.  
Apparently, I was wrong.

“No, no, it’s all right.”  Merry said dismissing my apology as he wiped his 
eyes with his sleeve.  “It’s just that she hadn’t even started to show when 
we left and I just suddenly felt homesick- especially now that Gandalf and. 
. . and Pippin are gone.”  Here he broke off for the power of speech had 
left him.  After a while he sniffed a little and continued:  “I would be very 
glad to hear all the news you have.  It would be a great kindness to me, 
Captain. . .  Um, I’m sorry.  I don’t remember your name.”

“My name is Halbarad, and I would be glad to tell you what I know of 
what has been happening in your home.”  I said sincerely as I patted the 
hobbit on the shoulder.  I settled myself on the ground where I could still 
see Aragorn and started to recount all the goings on in the Shire before 
finally receiving Elrond’s summons and hurrying away to rejoin my 
captain.  

By the time I had scoured my memory for every recent detail of the 
hobbits’ pastoral life, everyone was ready to remount and continue the 
journey.  Merry had dried his tears and even managed a little smile.  I had 
wanted to ask him a bit about his own adventures but it seemed more 
important to tell him stories of his home and let him reminisce.  He did 
volunteer a little, though, of Gandalf’s confrontation with Saruman and 
waking in the night to the sound of Pippin’s scream without prodding.  I 
truly pitied the hobbit so I did not press him for details of his quest.  Even 
though I was desperate to have word of all my lord had done since I had 
seen him, I contented myself for the time being with what news I had 
already.  While not enough, my information was not scanty for we had 
stopped in Lothlorien and lady Galadriel had told her grandsons much- as 
she had been attentive to her mirror and knew of the breaking of the 
fellowship and Gandalf’s return.  Also there was what I had heard from 
Eomud, supplemented somewhat by Legolas and Gimli’s remarks.  
*
I continued to talk with Eomud throughout the afternoon.  His enthusiasm 
to be finally doing something after so long watching the enemy gathering 
his power closely mirrored my own and it was very pleasant to share 
something of his excitement.  Eomud expected that our ultimate 
destination would be to reinforce Gondor and I was glad that this prospect 
did not dishearten him in the least.  The Rohirrim were- it seemed- very 
eager to be of use.  Eomud spoke with particular admiration of Eomer and 
in this I sensed a subtle criticism of Theoden.  Rohan had done poorly 
under Grima and while Eomud did not exactly blame his king for this he 
had set his hopes on Aragorn and the king’s nephew.

When the caravan halted for the evening, there was all the frantic activity 
involved in setting up a monarch’s camp.  Once again Aragorn was drawn 
away into discussions with Theoden, while I met with Ryn.  My rangers 
had heard numerous stories of Helm’s Deep and the destruction of 
Isengard.  I listened to the various tales and found that most reflected 
Eomud’s account.  Only once or twice had anyone mentioned that Aragorn 
had been cut off from the rest of the Rohirrim and left to battle on his own 
for a while.  I told Ryn to make further inquiries about the incident for it 
still did not sit right with me.

“Do you suspect some plot of the enemy, Captain?”  He asked after I had 
given him the order.

“I don’t know.  It seems unlikely.”  I confessed.  “But it would be well to 
know if it was incompetence or genuine accident even if Sauron had no 
hand in it.  We cannot be too careful.  Aragorn’s safety is of absolute 
importance.”  Ryn nodded and I detected faint reproach in his eyes as 
though I had reminded him the sky was blue and that grass was green.

“Forgive me, I did not mean to lecture.  I shall feel better when I have the 
chance to speak with our captain and I hear from his own lips that he is, in 
truth, well.”  I said with a small smile.

“The long separations are always difficult.”  Ryn agreed and it was true.  
All the Dunedain suffered when Aragorn was not with us.  He was more 
than our leader, he was our hope for the future and the symbol of the glory 
of our past.  The time he had spent on solitary wanderings had nearly been 
unbearable.  When we learned he meant to accompany the ringbearer 
without any of us to protect him there had nearly been a revolt.  Memories 
of Arador and Arathorn’s early deaths haunted us all- even those who had 
not been born at the time had heard the stories so often that the 
remembrance was always fresh.  We would not lose Aragorn as we had 
lost his father and grandfather.

“I’ll expect a full report in the morning, Ryn.  Good night.”  I said as I saw 
Aragorn was finally free of Theoden.  Ryn had seen the same thing and he 
nodded before retreating into the camp and all but disappearing among the 
throng of Rohirrim, though his dark hair should have made him stand out 
amongst all the blonds.

“Halbarad.”   Aragorn said, coming up to me and embracing me with one 
arm.

“My captain.”  I answered returning the one armed embrace before turning 
so that Aragorn and I could walk shoulder to shoulder.

“It was very kind of you to talk with Merry this afternoon.”  Aragorn 
commented after a moment’s silence.  “He has had a difficult time of it 
and I daresay with Pippin gone his struggles with loneliness will grow.”

“I was glad to do it for I sympathize with his plight.  I have missed you 
terribly.”  I said leading the way to where the Dunedain had set up a small 
tent that Aragorn and I could share.  As we walked I marveled at how 
naturally we fell into the same stride and how easily our conversation 
could resume, almost as if we had not spent any time apart.  “Will 
someone be taking of care the little one tonight?”  I asked, suddenly seeing 
a picture of the hobbit looking lost and forlorn as he had that afternoon.

“Yes indeed, Theoden has invited him to discuss pipe weed and I expect 
the two will have several hours of cheerful conversation.”  Aragorn 
answered smiling.  I was a little surprised for I had not formed a favorable 
impression of Theoden and it had not occurred to me that he would bestir 
himself to show kindness to a little hobbit.  

“Theoden is used to simpler times and he has an affection for simpler 
pleasures.  His recent illness still haunts him and it makes him. . .  
hesitant.”  Aragorn said, seeming to read my mind.  I only shrugged 
noncommittally in response.

“I have missed you too, thangail nín.”  Aragorn said noting my demeanor 
affectionately and drawing me from my sulleness by moving a little closer 
so that our shoulders brushed together.  “Countless times in these past 
months I have wished that you were by me.”

“That has been my wish from the beginning.  I have learned a little of your 
quest but will you tell me what has been happening in my absence?”  I 
asked, needing to hear how my captain was coping with all that had 
transpired since Rivendell.  I had my suspicions that there was a great deal 
troubling him.

“There is little more to say than what you must have learned from 
Galadriel.”  Aragorn replied.  We had reached the small tent designated 
for our use and a small fire had been built near it.  Aragorn seated himself 
on the ground and began fixing his pipe.  I sat beside him after taking out 
my knife and picking up a promising looking stick.  I liked to have 
something to occupy my hands while we talked and carving was a pastime 
that seemed to come readily to me.

“After we left Lothlorien we traveled down river.  Legolas sensed that 
there was something wrong, but I did not pay him enough heed.  I’m not 
sure if we could have avoided the confrontation if we had not stopped 
when we did but perhaps it might have turned out differently if we had 
pressed on without pausing at parth galen.”

“It was there Boromir found himself tempted by the Ring.  He tried to take 
it from Frodo just as legions of orcs and urak-hai descended upon us.  
Frodo took Sam and went on alone and all my hope is that they may yet 
succeed.  Merry and Pippin were taken captive; Boromir died defending 
them for I arrived too late either to save Boromir or protect the hobbits.”

“When I found Boromir he was still alive.  At first, he was in great distress 
but I think. . . I hope he found a sort of peace before the end.”  Aragorn 
said as he stared into the fire.  It was not difficult to guess that Boromir’s 
death burdened his mind.  I had known of the death of Denethor’s son 
from Galadriel but the lady had reported it as though it were the just 
penalty for failure.  If she had perceived that the loss would be painful to 
Aragorn or his other companions then she made no mention of it.

“He loved his people dearly, Halbarad.  For a brief time that love made 
him vulnerable and he succumbed to his fears but he was a good man- a 
great friend to Merry and Pippin and a valiant warrior.  I learned a great 
deal from him and there was more I wished to learn.  I think it a cruel 
thing that a man should die because, for a moment, he let his passions 
blind him.”

“Many men have died for less reason.”  I remarked.  My lord tended to 
take all injustice personally and this brought him greater sadness than it 
did other less empathetic men.

“That is true, thangail nín.  Some men are caught up in foolish wars that 
were none of their making.  Some become ill, some fall from their horses 
and break their necks.  There is no good reason that any of these should 
die but for now my particular grief is for Boromir.  The pain does not 
diminish with repetition.”  Aragorn paused a moment collecting himself 
before beginning again in a softer voice.  “Gandalf has said that Boromir’s 
attempt to take the Ring and then his heroic attempt to save the hobbits is 
in accord with a great purpose designed by a benign power which in time 
will be revealed.”

“Many have found great comfort in some such similar words.”

“Yes, nor would I seek to deny another comfort.”  Aragorn said wryly.

“Do you share Gandalf’s sentiments?”  I asked, knowing what Aragorn 
would answer but it would help my captain to verbalize some of his anger 
and sadness.

“I think it’s all bollix.”  My eyebrows rose seemingly of their own accord.  
I had never heard Aragorn use that expression before.  I could not help but 
wonder if it was a phrase that he had become accustomed to hearing from 
Captain Boromir.  “If there is some greater power manipulating events 
then it is doing a damn sloppy job.  Should I not even have bothered to try 
and help Boromir?  Was I transgressing against someone’s master plan by 
trying to offer the warrior solace and ease his mind so the Ring would not 
tempt him so severely?  Would it have been blasphemous if, somehow, I 
had managed to save his life?  Surely not!  And yet, I am told Boromir 
died nobly and his death served a great purpose so that I need not take it to 
heart that I let him die.  I needn’t take it so hard that I let a man I had 
come to love and respect bleed his life out in my arms because Boromir’s 
death actually worked out for the best.  That’s rubbish, though.  Boromir 
didn’t need to die.  If despite my failure to keep the fellowship together 
Frodo still succeeds it will because of his strength and courage not because 
we are all acting out parts in a foreordained contest where the victories 
and losses on both sides have already been neatly tallied.”  Aragorn’s 
breath had quickened and though he still spoke quietly, he was flushed 
with anger and frustration.

“My lord, I am sure it is true that Boromir did not need to die but the fact 
that he did die is not your fault.  As you say, Aragorn, this game is not yet 
played to a conclusion.  So much in battle is a matter of chance.  If 
Gandalf wishes to read significance into the tragedy of the man’s death 
then he does so for reasons of his own conscience.  Do not, for reasons of 
your own conscience, turn Boromir’s death into your sole responsibility.”   
I said carefully for I could hear now how Aragorn blamed himself for 
Boromir’s death.  He did not want there to be any excuses or 
rationalizations for what he thought of as his failure.  More than that, he 
didn’t want Boromir’s death to overshadow his life.  For some reason 
Aragorn believed peopled deserved to be judged at their best and he 
certainly anticipated that many would say Boromir deserved what had 
happened to him.

“You are wise, thangail nín, for you see through to the selfishness of my 
anger.”  Aragorn said sadly.  “He was a good man, Halbarad.  Oh, but how 
I wish he had not died.”  Putting aside my carving I slipped my hand into 
Aragorn’s.  For a long time we both gazed into the fire thinking of all the 
many useless deaths we had witnesses and how much it hurt to know that 
we had not saved them.

“Would you like to go inside?”  I asked when the fire had burned low and 
the air was thick with the sound of the nighttime insects.  Aragorn turned 
to me, smiling gently.  He nodded once and squeezed my hand.

I smiled in return for I found myself wanting very much to be alone with 
my captain.  Though, there did not appear to be anyone else watching us 
from the other campfires I knew that, at least, the other rangers were 
attentive.  I did not fear the exposure of the sexual aspect of our 
relationship.  Such a thing could not have been concealed within our 
community- it was all our duty after all, always to be on guard for 
Aragorn’s safety- but even so I cherished the moments I had Aragorn to 
myself.

Stretching I resheathed my knife and I would have cast the little carving I 
had been working on while Aragorn talked into the fire but my lord’s hand 
on my wrist stopped me.  He took the figure from my hand and examined 
it critically turning it over and over in his hands.  “A horse for Rohan.”  
He mused, still gazing at my creation.  “I wish you would save your better 
pieces, Halbarad.  With a little more work this would be a fitting gift for 
Theoden himself.  It would take only a little training and practice and you 
could easily earn a living as a great artisan.”

“I earn my living as a ranger and servant of my king.”  I said retrieving the 
figure and tossing it into the flames.  As always Aragorn’s eyes clouded 
when I said ‘king’.  He did not like to be called such.  He thought it 
presumptuous, though he had called me a ‘great artisan’ which was 
preposterous as well as presumptuous.  “Besides it was supposed to be a 
cow.”

“A very noble and fierce cow, then.”  Aragorn returned snorting at my 
falsehood, but then his expression grew earnest.  “If we are ever so 
fortunate to live in a time of peace then I would like to see you make 
greater use of your gift, love.  The world needs beautiful things such as 
you can give it.”

I lowered my head to hide the mix of sadness and frustration I knew I 
could not entirely keep out of my face.  I really didn’t give a damn if the 
things I made in my idle moments resembled what they were supposed to 
or not.  Why couldn’t Aragorn say: ‘If we are ever so fortunate to live in a 
time of peace then I want you by my side every day.  I want to spend long 
lazy days with you and never allow you to part from me.’  Of course, I 
knew why or at least I suspected why.  I knew that our friendship was 
eternal but the intimacy of our joined flesh, of lying close together and 
clasping body against body was something Aragorn expected to end.  I 
understood this.  I was even surprised that he had continued to find me 
desirable for as long as he had.  Still I would gladly learn to embroider silk 
pillows if it meant Aragorn would always love me as he loved me now.

Only once had he spoken of our future together and my grief lifted as I 
remembered.  It had been many years ago.  We had set up our winter camp 
not far from Rivendell and I was just preparing to go to sleep when the 
flap of my tent lifted to reveal Aragorn.  I was surprised for he was 
supposed to be in council with Elrond and Gandalf.  When I asked him 
why he was here instead of with his foster father he said simply that he 
would have to return soon, before the morning.  He did not offer any other 
immediate explanation.  He would, he said, only stay a few hours.

I asked him what was going on but he did not answer right away.  Instead 
he poured two glasses of wine and settled himself on the cushions strewn 
about the floor of the tent.  He gestured for me to join him and gave me 
one of the glasses.  I took a small sip still confused.  Aragorn’s eyes bore 
into me and I was quickly becoming alarmed that something was terribly 
wrong.  Finally, Aragorn said:  “Elrond has proposed a marriage between 
me and his daughter.”  I nearly dropped the glass at this news but I 
collected myself quickly.  Aragorn had almost certainly come for advice 
and counsel not to watch me have a jealous tantrum or burst into tears.  I 
was not, by my nature, prone to jealousy.  I knew this announcement or 
one similar to it would come eventually and if our friendship endured than 
I could withstand this blow.

“All of Elrond’s children have chosen to spend the remainder of their lives 
in Arda.”  Aragorn explained as I mastered my emotions.  “Elrond grieves 
to lose his children but Arwen is a special case- perhaps because she is his 
only daughter or that the world is often harder on women than men.  The 
lord of Imladris has tried to change her mind since she announced her 
decision not long after her mother departed these shores but having failed 
to do so he is desperate to see that his daughter is provided for in the 
mortal world.  He will give me Arwen to wed should I become king of 
Gondor and Arnor and because my foster father seems confident this shall 
come to pass he wishes to announce the engagement now."

“Does the lady love you?”  I asked, proud that my voice did not shake.  
Aragorn knew better than I all the practical advantages of such a union so 
I would do my duty to protect my lord by making sure he did not bind 
himself to someone who did not care for him.

“She has said that she does and while I believe her I am not entirely 
certain I understand her.  It does seem an incredible assertion.”  Aragorn 
replied, raising an eyebrow a little curiously.  He had probably expected 
me to ask why Arwen wished to choose a mortal life but if I had been 
given a choice I would not have hesitated to choose humanity so it did not 
strike me as an interesting issue.

“Do you love her?”  This was by far the more critical question.  I did not 
think Aragorn would marry for purely practical reasons but it was possible 
that he was only fond of the lady.  I could not quite bring myself to wish 
that he didn’t love her.  Even though, part of me hoped his wife would be 
only a political necessity, someone to get with children and then forget 
about, I suppressed this, however, as unfair to my beloved captain.

“I think I do, Halbarad.  Beyond her beauty, there is something utterly 
captivating about her.  She makes me feel as though I want to protect her 
but at the same time there is something wild about her.  She is innocence 
mixed with danger. . . or perhaps danger is not the right word but I could 
be happy with her.”

“Then it would seem an excellent match.”  I said trying to contain the 
obviously false cheerfulness in my voice.

“Yes, it would seem so but I have put my own condition on the 
engagement and Elrond and Arwen have taken this night to consider it.”  I 
could only stare at him.  I could not imagine him bargaining over some 
sort of dowry but what other condition could he put on such an ideal 
match.

“I love you, Halbarad.”  Aragorn said while I still floundered for 
something to say.  “I love you and for as long as we may have together I 
will put no obstacle between us.”

“What are you saying?”  I finally asked after several moments where my 
mouth opened and closed without any noise escaping.

“It is not so uncommon a situation as one might expect.  Do you imagine 
Elrond has known no touch but Celebrian’s in the thousands of years of 
their bonding?  I must be king if I am to be worthy of Arwen and for 
Arwen to be worthy of me she must accept that I love you.  If you are 
willing I would continue as we are, Halbarad.”  Aragorn said with a 
nervous half-smile. 

I simply goggled at him.  I had been steeling myself to bid farewell to him 
as a lover and pour all my soul into being his friend and protector.  I could 
not imagine the courage it must have taken to tell Elrond- an elf Aragorn 
almost revered- that he would not take Arwen unless he was allowed to 
keep his other lover.  I could easily have cried but I was too surprised even 
for that.

“I do not mean to trap you, thangail nín.  You are a young man with 
excellent prospects and you may find your heart will lead you down a 
different path than mine.  One day, no doubt, you will want a family of 
your own but until then. . . will you stay with me?”

“Yes, I love you and I will stay with you.”  I responded still in shock.  I 
wanted to say that I would stay with him forever but before I could 
summon the words he had leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss on my 
lips.  Squeezing my eyes shut I collapsed into him and we held each other 
tightly until, with obvious reluctance, Aragorn broke away.

“I must go now or I will be missed.  I should not have come at all. . . 
except that if this betrothal is approved then word of it will precede my 
return.  I couldn’t have you think that I would take such a step without 
considering how deeply you are in my heart.”  Aragorn rose and fastened 
his cloak about him and I believe he might have left without saying more 
such was his haste and the upheaval of his thoughts but- recovering my 
scattered wits- I managed to catch hold of his hand.  Then I drew him to 
me again and hugged him tightly.

“I love you and there are no conditions, not from me.”  I told him letting 
him go and staring into his eyes.  Aragorn smiled and it was as though he 
had suddenly been relieved of a great burden.  Leaning forward, he kissed 
me before leaving the tent and riding hard for Rivendell.

In less than a week, the news of Aragorn’s betrothal to Arwen was all over 
the camp.  In general, everyone was pleased for Elrond’s daughter had a 
reputation for goodness as well as beauty.  Some complained that our 
captain needed to marry now so that he might be about the business of 
getting an heir.  Most, however, were pleased with the arrangement feeling 
that destiny was at hand and that the lady Arwen was a fitting addition to 
the story of the Dunedain’s return to glory.  Indeed, many songs were 
composed celebrating the love of man and elf and soon everyone was 
convinced that the two had fallen deeply and hopelessly in love at their 
first meeting.

I joined in the revels happily enough and I listened to every report and 
rumor concerning Arwen as avidly as did my gossiping sisters.  When at 
last I had the opportunity of meeting my future queen at a dinner attended 
by Elrond, his court, Aragorn and several other rangers she greeted me 
graciously and took my hand.  Those around us smiled and Aragorn 
looked more pleased than I had ever seen him.  As soon as her future 
husband had turned away, however, Arwen’s expression changed.  She let 
my hand fall and regarded me with a keen, almost dangerous expression.  I 
bowed deeply to her to hide my confusion but I knew that my lord’s 
betrothed harbored a passionate and implacable dislike for me.  This 
instinct was proven absolutely correct whenever Arwen was able to find 
me alone.

Her dislike of me and my passivity under her abuse was our secret, neither 
one of us giving any sign of it to anyone else and most especially not to 
Aragorn.  In public she was courteous and kind but in private she did all 
she could to wound me, wielding words like knives.  I endured this with 
what grace I could for I considered it a small price to pay.  In truth, I could 
not blame her.  Aragorn loved her and his love for her increased  over the 
years but he did not turn from me.  To Arwen, though not necessarily, to 
Aragorn, this made me, in some deep and unforgivable way, first and her 
second

As I returned from the memory of that long ago night, I smiled.  Aragorn, 
I realized, had been studying me while I wandered in reminiscence.  He 
did not entirely understand my mood or my sudden silence.  How could he 
know how much I wanted his assurance of a lifetime together, a lifetime of 
looking forward to his embrace and the intimacy of his touch.  We were 
bound as close as it is possible for two men to be bound but his passion for 
me was a left over vestige of our youth.  I would enjoy it as long as 
possible and when it ended I would hold the memory sacred, even as I did 
the memories of our adventures in the wilderness as young men.  Seeing 
my smile, however, he offered one of his own and extended his hand.  
“Shall we go in, Halbarad, my love?”

I rose taking his hand.  Returning my clasp Aragorn also reached for his 
pack before leading me within the dark tent.  I left the flap open just 
enough to allow the light from the dying fire to give a little illumination 
but not enough so that anyone glancing in could penetrate the darkness.  
Setting his pack safely in the far corner, Aragorn settled himself on the 
ground so he could pull off his boots.  I sat next to him still eyeing his 
stowed pack.

“What do you intend to do with it?”  I asked, trying to sound casually 
curious as I tugged at my own mud caked boots.  I knew Aragorn 
understood I was referring to the palantir that Wormtongue had so 
furiously and foolishly flung at Gandalf earlier the day before.

“I am not entirely certain.”  Aragorn replied, rubbing at a blister that had 
just started to form on the side of his foot.  “It is still early, but perhaps it 
is time I revealed myself to the Enemy.  It will discomfort him to know for 
certain one of Isildur’s line still lives.  It may even distract him from 
Frodo.  Also, it offends me that one of palantyri of my House has been 
used to accomplish Saruman’s treachery.  But I will hear what Elladan and 
Elrohir have to say on the subject.  After so many years I do not wish to be 
precipitate.”  I had finished removing my boots and had been ready to pull 
my tunic off over my head but his words stopped me.  I had no reason I 
could properly explain why I wished him to leave the black stone to itself 
but when he spoke of confronting the Enemy the hair at the back of neck 
prickled.

“Would you like help with that?”   Aragorn asked and I suddenly realized 
I was sitting stock still with, a look of profound concentration on my face 
and my arms out of my sleeves and my shirt hanging rather absurdly 
around my neck.

“If you would be so good.  I appear to have become stuck.”  I responded, 
fully willing to admit I must have looked ridiculous.  Aragorn laughed 
softly and I decided to leave further discussion of the Palantir for another 
time.   Moving behind me, Aragorn pushed my shirt further up my neck, 
making my straight black hair fall forward over my forehead and 
encouraging me to lower my chin to my chest.  Then he softly kissed the 
back of my neck. He let my tunic continue over my head slowly, further 
tousling my hair before casting the shirt aside.

My head still lolled forward when my captain lay his hands on my bare 
shoulders and began to knead the tightly bunched muscles.  I sighed as my 
body started to loosen and relax for what seemed like the first time in 
years.  As my body yielded to the pressure of his fingers, the tight control 
I kept on my feelings and emotions also began to give way.  My head still 
hanging forward, I took in deep breaths then exhaled all the unhappiness 
of my separation from my lord.  The life of a ranger was one of constant 
and lonely vigilance.  To relax one’s guard at the wrong moment was to 
invite death.  We risked our lives for those who did not trust us or offer us 
any succor when we grew hungry or tired.  The harshness of our life drove 
many a good man to moments of bitterness or even madness.  Some lost 
themselves to these emotions and if townsfolk and farmers claimed to see 
a dangerous wildness in our eyes then there was good reason.  

My life had been typical of my kind.  My father had died early, leaving me 
the caretaker of my mother and sisters.  Then when I came of age I had to 
leave my family in order to take up the burden of protecting the families of 
other men.  I journeyed through the wilderness, searching tirelessly for 
servants of the Enemy.  I spied in the cities, posing as a soldier of fortune.  
I served lords who were little better than bandit chieftains in hopes of 
learning something that might protect innocent lives or- unlikely but not 
impossible- be used in the endless fight against Sauron.  For all the grim 
austerity of such a life I had never been tempted into the solace of 
resentment or the oblivion of madness.  I knew I owed this strange 
immunity entirely to the man who, even now, touched me with such 
overwhelming care and tenderness that the world seemed a good place and 
life well worth living.  Aragorn called me his shield but, in truth, he was 
my protection and he stood so solid and immovable that I never even felt 
the lure of the abyss.

Aragorn continued to let his fingers stroke over my back, finding the 
knotted and painful muscles and subduing them without seeming effort.  I 
turned to butter beneath him and a languorous heaviness seemed to 
descend upon me.  Slumping even further forward, I reached behind me to 
grasp one of his hand and drag it towards my mouth.  This caused Aragorn 
to move forward a bit and I sighed happily as his chest came into full 
contact with my back.  I was so lonely for his touch that I felt my breath 
hitch a little as I clutched him.  Resting his chin on my shoulder, Aragorn 
wound his arm around my waist so that we were each supporting the other.

I started out pressing soft kisses to Aragorn’s hand.  Slowly, though, the 
kisses turned to gentle licks until finally I was closing my lips around his 
fingers and sucking hungrily.  Meanwhile Aragorn had turned his head 
slightly to kiss my throat and nip my ear.  As I ran my tongue over the 
pads of my lord’s fingers, I tried not to squirm as his beard tickled my 
neck.  The sensation was exciting but I loved the slow gentleness of our 
movements too much to start writhing beneath him so quickly.  Soon, 
Aragorn was shifting, letting his thighs part and urging me to move back 
closer to him.  Gladly, I complied causing my beloved to moan quietly as I 
wriggled backward.

Aragorn extracted his fingers from my mouth, letting them dance down 
my torso, leaving a moist trail to mark their path around each nipple then 
around my navel.  Who knows how far down those sweetly wandering 
digits might have roamed if they had not been arrested by a low hooting 
noise that might have come from an owl on the hunt- only it hadn’t.  
Someone was coming toward the tent and one of Aragorn’s guards had 
given us warning of his approach.

Letting his breath out in a sigh of irritation Aragorn put his forehead on 
my shoulder for just a moment before moving away.  Hoping for the sake 
of the intruder that something very important justified this interruption I 
went groping for my shirt.  Aragorn winced as he pulled on his boot and 
the stiff leather scraped over his blister.  We had only just collected 
ourselves when there came a gentle tapping against the log near the tent 
entrance followed by the sound of someone clearing his throat.

“Lord Aragorn?”  Came the quiet inquiry.  Casting the tent flap wide 
Aragorn looked out from the darkness at our visitor.

“Lord Eomer, how may I serve you?”

“I’m sorry disturb you.  I just thought. . .  One of my men has fallen very 
ill and we did not bring anyone with much knowledge of healing from 
Helm’s Deep.  I wonder if you might be able to help.”  The man sounded a 
little embarrassed.  I thought he might even be blushing, though it was too 
dark to tell.

“Of course.  Just give me a moment.”  Aragorn replied, turning to the 
interior of the tent and taking up his pack.  At first, I though he simply 
wanted his collection of herbs but then I realized that after the experience 
with Pippin, Aragorn was not going to let the palantir out of his sight for 
any reason.

Eomer held the tent flat open so that Aragorn could exit and then 
continued to hold it open when it became clear I intended to follow.  
Rohan’s heir presumptive, even gave me a shy smile as I passed.  Despite 
his atrocious timing, I felt myself warming to the man.  It was my business 
to appear inconspicuous but on those occasions when I could not avoid 
notice I was rarely given a friendly greeting and I felt grateful.

“When his tent-mate returned from guard duty, he found him on the 
ground shaking and feverish.”  Eomer informed Aragorn trying to match 
his long stride, though the horse lord’s legs, like those of all his people, 
appeared permanently bowed by years in the saddle and Aragorn’s long 
pace was difficult for him to match.

“Was he wounded in the battle?”

“I don’t think so.  He is one of lord Aille’s men so I don’t know him very 
well.”  Eomer reported, lowering his voice as we approached the main 
grouping of tents and anxious eyes gazed out at us from half a dozen fires.

When we reached the tent of the sick man, I darted ahead of Aragorn I was 
no healer but I could recognize plague and a half dozen other virulent and 
contagious conditions and I wasn’t going to let Aragorn lay hands on 
anyone already contaminated.  A lantern stood on the ground at the center 
of the tent casting a generous amount of light.  One man lay sprawled 
across a cot in convulsions while another- almost certainly his tent mate- 
sat at his side looking worried.  I had been deliberately blocking the 
entrance but I moved aside.  There was no contagion here.  The man had 
clearly been poisoned.

Sparing me an irritated look as he brushed by Aragorn went to the 
suffering man.  He touched the man’s forehead then pushed his eyelids 
open.  I felt certain the man would die and Aragorn had probably reached 
the same conclusion but he nonetheless began searching first for any open 
wound which might have let the poison enter the man’s bloodstream.  
Then finding none, he set about trying to make the man swallow a 
purgative he had fished from his bag.

It was very crowded in the tent and Eomer who had finally managed to 
shift his attention from Aragorn’s frantic activity, gestured to the man who 
was now squeezed between his dying friend and the tent wall trying to 
stay out of Aragorn’s way.  “Go and sit with your mates.  There is nothing 
more you can do here.”  Eomer ordered quietly when the man had obeyed 
the summons.  Still looking worried the man nodded leaving the tent after 
Eomer patted him comfortingly on the back.

Aragorn worked furiously upon the dying man while Eomer watched in 
horrified fascination.  I was somewhat less interested in the man’s death 
throes and took the opportunity to study the interior of the tent.  It was 
more important to me, at that moment, to learn how and why the man had 
been poisoned.

The tent appeared to be standard of common cavalry but by ranger 
standards it was opulent and luxurious.  Two cots were set up on either 
side of the tent and each man had set up his possessions at the foot of his 
cot.  It did not take long for me to see, in the profligate lantern light, the 
most obvious source of the poisoning.  A tiny pile of fine white powder 
shot through with small black crystals lay sprinkled on top of a closed 
book.  I moved closer to look at the substance but I was diverted from my 
path by a sudden commotion at the tent entrance.

“What’s going on?”  A large blond man demanded looking both angry and 
frightened as he charged in.  I recognized him as one of the men clustered 
around Theoden earlier that day and with only a little thought I put a name 
to the face: Aille.  His presence was not really a surprise since he was the 
sick man’s captain.  Indeed, it was curious that Eomer had been 
summoned first rather than Aille, himself.

Even as the newcomer asked his question, however, the answer became 
obvious.  Retching and shaking violently, blood had started to drip from 
the nose of Aragorn’s patient.  His body jerked twice more as Aragorn 
held his shoulders then he collapsed dead.  Sighing, Aragorn placed a hand 
on the cooling forehead before shutting the man’s eyes.  It had been a 
rather gruesome end and we were all silent for a moment as we waited for 
the specter of death to depart.

“What has happened here?”  Aille asked again, though this time his voice 
was low and hushed.

“This man has died of poison.”  Aragorn informed him and for the first 
time my lord looked away from his patient and began searching about him 
for any clues as to how the poisoning had occurred.  Eomer looked 
shocked at the announcement as did Aille but there was something in 
Aille’s expression that struck me as false.  Without any concrete evidence 
to point to, I found I distrusted the man intensely.

I might have drawn attention to the suspicious looking powder myself but 
it turned out not to be necessary.  I watched as three pairs of eyes came to 
rest on the same spot at approximately the same time.  Eomer moved 
forward, reaching out for the substance but Aille took his arm holding him 
back.  “Wait, my lord, it might be dangerous.”

At these words we all turned to regard Aille.  The man blushed under the 
scrutiny but said.  “I fear I may know what has happened here.  Not long 
ago Edrick,”  Edrick must be the dead man, I had not known it until that 
moment.  “came to me asking for permission to carry poisoned weapons 
against the enemy.”

“I did not know such things were done among the Rohirrim.”  Aragorn 
said quietly.

“They are not!”  Eomer replied looking angrily at Aille.

“Indeed no, my lord.  Far too much potential for accidents as I, myself, 
counseled Edrick.  His hatred of the Enemy was strong, though.  And he 
had reason!  His whole family was slaughtered.  He must have disregarded 
my advice and continued with his plan and this is the unfortunate result.”  
Eomer seemed saddened but he appeared to accept the story as he looked 
at Aille’s regretful countenance.  Aragorn looked inscrutable and I hoped 
my lord shared my doubts.

It was true, of course that people unaccustomed to handling dangerous 
substances often had accidents.  Most didn’t even bother washing their 
hands before eating, biting their nails or picking their teeth.  I didn’t have 
trouble believing that such an accident might have befallen Edrick but the 
man’s quiver, daggers and sword were neatly arranged by his pack at a fair 
distance from the poison.  Also how exactly did he mean to apply powder 
to his blade or arrow tips.  Even had there been a way to do so, there was 
not enough poison to make it worth applying to one’s weapon.  I had no 
choice but to conclude that the substance that had caused Edrick’s death 
had not been meant for Sauron’s hordes of orcs but a more specific enemy.

“Well, I suppose he must be buried and this stuff disposed of.”  Eomer 
said suddenly sounding tired.

“I’ll see to it milord.  I’m sorry not to have arrived sooner.  I was out 
walking and did not hear that I had been called.”  Aille quickly 
volunteered.  “Such an awful waste.  If only I had tried harder to get 
through to poor Edrick.”

“You have my thanks, Captain.”  Eomer said still sounding tired.  “As do 
you, my lord Aragorn.  I’m sorry to have wakened you for such a grim 
task  Shall I walk you back to your tent?”

“If you wish.  I am only sorry not to have been more help.”  I held the tent 
flap open and Aille being the closest to the exit left first followed  by 
Aragorn and Eomer.  I lingered within sight of the tent, listening to Aille 
issue orders but still keeping Aragorn and Eomer in sight.  It took only a 
moment before I felt more than heard Ryn come to my side.

“There is a small amount of poison in the form of white powder in that 
tent.  Make sure that it gets disposed of.  I don’t want anyone to 
‘accidentally’ keep a sample for possible further use.”  I said softly.

“I’ll see to it but I’m afraid I have bad news.”  Ryn replied.

“Oh?”

“The dead man, Edrick- he is dead now? He was the one who did not 
receive or misunderstood or disobeyed orders to reinforce Aragorn’s 
position at Helm’s Deep.”

“And now we can’t ask him why.”  I said feeling my stomach turn over.  
This situation felt as dangerous to me as any other I had been in, the more 
so because I suspected Aragorn would not take, what I knew to be a real 
threat to his safety, seriously.  “Well, continue asking questions.  Find out 
what you can about Edrick’s background.  Did he have any connection to 
Wormtongue, that sort of thing.  Also find out about Aille.  I do not trust 
that man, there is something not quite right about him.  He proposed an 
explanation for Edrick’s death that was altogether to contrived.  I would 
like to know what the rank and file think about its plausibility.”

“We can do that, Halbarad, but it’s a lot to learn.  How hard do you want 
me to push?  These are supposed to be our allies.  If we do not proceed 
carefully, they may come to distrust our inquisitiveness.”  

I knew Ryn was right but I was annoyed anyway.  “Use your best 
judgment.”  I instructed rather peevishly before striding after Aragorn.

Eomer was still talking with my lord by the time I reached our tent.  I 
allowed myself to fade into the background before the horse-lord noticed 
me.  If Aille set my nerves jangling with mistrust than Eomer had an 
almost opposite effect.  I recognized with the affinity of a kindred spirit 
that he was no threat to Aragorn.  Eomer would be a king one day, perhaps 
soon.  When that happened he would be the closest thing my master would 
have to an equal.  That would lend something special to their friendship.  
So I hung back and did not intrude as the men talked, even though, the 
urge to be with Aragorn was strong within me.  Eventually, Eomer left and 
I was free to approach.  Aragorn stood waiting, guessing- knowing? that I 
was close by.

“Grim business tonight, thangail nín.”  Aragorn commented, entering the 
now pitch black tent, the fire having long since burnt itself out.

“Not so grim for the there is a flavor of poetic justice about it.”  I 
responded.  I could hear Aragorn moving about, sitting down, and starting 
the process of undressing again.  Moving until I sensed I was right next to 
him, I began removing my own clothes.

“Mm, it was not an easy death, love.  I cannot think there is much justice 
has to do with such a sad affair.”

“The indignity is that we die, not how we die.”  I said, though I knew that 
wasn’t entirely the truth.

“You are being deliberately uncharitable.  That is not like you.”  My lord 
said reaching for my shoulder and finding it unerringly, despite the 
darkness.

“I have neither charity nor compassion of any kind in me for those who 
seek my master’s death.”  I replied, unable to stop myself from taking hold 
of Aragorn’s hand where it rested on my shoulder and squeezing tightly.

“Not every bow that is drawn in middle-earth holds an arrow aimed at me, 
Halbarad.”

“It only takes one, my lord.”

“One that must get through my formidable and stalwart defender.  I know 
I don’t tell you often enough how grateful I am to you for all your care and 
vigilance.”  Aragorn said moving nearer to take me in his arms and in turn 
letting himself sink into my embrace.  “I ask only that in your steadfast 
protection of me you work no hardship on anyone else, my love.”  I 
nodded against his chest but I knew that I was right and that there was 
malice against him here and that Aille was involved in it.

Dawn was only a few hours off and moreover Aragorn’s former amorous 
mood had deserted him after Edrick’s death.  I was a little disappointed 
but I, too, found myself more in need of closeness than passion at this 
point.  Besides that I had a great deal of thinking to do and my lord needed 
his sleep.  It was such an indescribable pleasure just to lie nestled against 
him, arms and legs entwined, his body sheltered by my own, that I could 
not say- with complete certainty- that this peace and fulfillment was less 
needful to me than a more energetic coupling.
*
I woke to the Rohirrim horns sounding reveille.  Aragorn’s arm was 
around my neck and one of his legs was trapped between both of mine.  
The early dawn light penetrated the canvas wall of our tent and for a 
moment I watched the dust motes dance around my lord’s head like a 
crown of stars.  I felt much more calm and relaxed than I had last night, 
though, my conviction that there was treachery afoot had not been the 
least diminished.

“Good morning.”  Aragorn said breaking my happy trance.

“Good morning.”  I answered sighing with the inevitability of having to 
get up.  Kissing Aragorn gently, I rose and moved toward the tent flap to 
survey the morning.

“If we do not dally over breakfast, Aragorn, we should reach Helm’s Deep 
by lunch.”  I remarked turning back inside to start getting dressed.

“I would not put much faith in an early start.  Theoden wishes to meet 
again before we start out this morning.”

“Would it not be more convenient for the king to hold his war councils 
once we have reached the fortress?”  I asked.

“Ah well, as to that,”  Aragorn began and I could tell by his expression 
that he was a little reluctant to reveal what he had to say.  “we haven’t 
quite gotten so far as deciding how or even if the Rohirrim are going to 
assemble to join forces with Gondor.”  I was flabbergasted.  Surely, 
Theoden would not balk at sending aid to Gondor.  He was bound by oath 
and tradition and even common sense.  Feeling confused and discouraged 
I uttered the first words that came to me.

“What then has he been so earnestly discussing for so long sequestered 
away from the rest of the soldiers?”

“Theoden, you must understand Halbarad, has suffered a rather harsh blow 
to his self-confidence.  His decision to retreat to Helm’s Deep was nearly 
disastrous and under Wormtongue’s influence he has lost the habit of 
taking initiative.”  Aragorn answered clearly feeling the need to make 
excuses for Theoden, though, I could not think why.  “We have been 
discussing rather more mundane matters having to do with, well with, 
what I fear are trivialities of this journey.  I would prefer not to attend such 
discussions, but Theoden finds my presence a rather sensitive point and I 
am not keen to do anything he might consider a snub.  If I decline one 
invitation I might not get another for a more important session.”  I found 
myself with nothing to say to this.  My dislike of Theoden had grown from 
a merely personal antipathy to a fear that the man’s incompetence was a 
genuine danger.

“Cheer up, Halbarad.”  Aragorn advised, patting me affectionately on the 
back before starting out of the tent to join what would probably be a very 
boring and frustrating talk with Theoden and his generals.  “At least you 
will have adequate time to digest your breakfast.”  Shaking my head in 
wonder I followed Aragorn out of the tent, hoping that the casual meal 
would give Ryn and the others an excuse to make conversation and start 
finding answers.
*
I found myself shuffling my feet impatiently before it was finally time to 
depart.  I stood with the elves, Gimli and Merry, all of whom were mired 
in various stages of boredom.  The hobbit, quite logically, had taken the 
extra time to go back to sleep.  Legolas, Elladan and Elrohir seemed to be 
lost in their own world and I could not guess what they were thinking.  
Only Gimli gave voice to his irritation and though I managed to keep my 
own mouth shut I agreed with the dwarf’s every muttered curse and low 
voiced complaint.

Eventually Legolas roused himself and announced the meeting was about 
to adjourn.  I had been watching closely but an elf’s eyes see more keenly 
and sure enough in the next moment I saw the knot of people gathered 
around Theoden disperse.  Aragorn accompanied by Eomer and Eomud 
came towards us.

“Not before time.”  Gimli muttered, then raising his voice to address 
Eomer he called.   “Are we to be on our way now, horse master?  I miss 
the stone shelter of the Deep and the free flowing ale that can be found 
only in a settled community.”

“Not to mention that so much riding makes you fidgety and irritable.”  
Legolas added, earning a glare from his friend.

“I was not the one wringing my hands and walking around in circles when 
it was suggested we investigate Saruman’s network of underground caves 
and tunnels.”  The dwarf replied as he eyed Arod with resignation.

“You know very well, we had no time for such explorations and many of 
the passages had been flooded.”  Legolas said, a little too quickly.

“At any rate, though I do not understand how one could have too much 
riding you should have no fear, master dwarf.  I, too, long to be back to 
see my sister and begin plans to muster all of Rohan’s fighting men.”  
Eomer responded smiling.  Aragorn was smiling, too, happy to see the 
companionable interaction of his comrades.  Bending down he touched 
Merry’s shoulder to wake the still napping hobbit.

“It is time to go, Merry.”

“Mm?  Can I sleep on the horse, Strider?”  Merry asked, opening his eyes 
to look at Aragorn before yawning.

“You have not had your accustomed ten hours a night for many weeks and 
you have held up well.  I suppose you are entitled to sleep in the saddle if 
you are able.”  Aragorn answered, standing up and mounting his horse in 
one swift graceful motion.  Still smiling Eomer lifted Merry up and 
Aragorn helped settle the hobbit in front of him.  By the time the rest of us 
were mounted Merry was asleep again resting his back snugly against 
Aragorn’s chest as the man’s arms protected and steadied him.

We rode in the same formation as yesterday and I was eager to interrogate 
Eomud but knowing that it was better to conceal the avidity of my 
curiosity, I waited for him to comment on Edrick’s surprising death before 
beginning the questioning.  I did not have long to wait but I found myself 
chafing during the usual pleasantries.  It was with a nearly audible sigh of 
relief that I finally heard Eomud comment on last night’s unpleasantness.

“Indeed,  I suppose Captain Aille will have the disagreeable task of 
informing the young man’s family?”  I commented, trying to adopt the 
proper tone of restrained regret.

“Nay, he had no family.  They were all killed, a very sad story. . .”  I 
controlled my impatience while Eomud told us the sad story.  I suppose it 
was unlikely that I could catch Aille in so obvious a lie, but there was no 
sense assuming one’s enemy is clever.  There was another problem, also.  
If Edrick’s family had indeed been slaughtered by orcs what could be his 
motive for siding with the dark lord.  Maybe Edrick was an innocent dupe.  
But no, it had been his fault that Aragorn had been left without 
reinforcement in the recent battle.

“Captain Aille did say he had reason to hate the enemy.”  I remarked after 
a suitable pause to acknowledge the cruelty of Sauron’s soldiers.  “Still, 
poison is such a reckless vengeance.”  I prodded.

“Yes.  I had not heard of such a request before Aille told us the story this 
morning.  I am surprised he did not speak of Edrick’s request when he 
made it to the king- or perhaps Eomer or even myself.”  Eomud corrected, 
blushing a little.  His king had not been in any condition to have been 
informed of anything recently and by my estimation not a great deal more 
fit now.

“Perhaps he pitied the poor man and did not wish to make trouble for 
him?”  I speculated.

“Sympathy is rather more likely than pity, I think.”  Eomud confided.  “I 
think there are none who hate Sauron and Saruman too with the same 
passion as Aille.  I would not be surprised if he was not as firm with 
Edrick about the poison as he should have been.  He has taken the death 
very hard and I doubt not he feels himself somewhat responsible.”

“That is the burden of command.”  I said, platitude at the ready.  I didn’t 
doubt for a second Aille felt responsible.

I was not pleased with this new information at all.  I did not want to hear 
that Aille- the man I knew in my heart was plotting murder- hated the 
enemy.  I wanted to hear how he had close ties with him or Saruman at the 
least.  I wanted to continue the subject but Eomud, I sensed, had reached a 
natural stopping place.  He had been informative- even if I had not liked 
the information, and mindful of Ryn’s concern I did not press him farther 
than he wanted to go.  Instead I told him about the news we had heard 
from the countryfolk as the grey company searched Rohan for our captain.
*
Lunch was a hurried affair.  We were but a few hours from the Deep and 
everyone was eager to get there.  To my immense relief, Theoden did not 
insist on another meeting so Aragorn and Eomer came over to eat with the 
elves, the remainder of the fellowship and me.

“Soon we will begin the mustering of our troops to march to Gondor.”  
Eomer announced, swallowing a mouthful of bread without pausing to 
chew it.  “Will you grant us your aid, Aragorn?  It  has been many years 
since we had need to gather such a host.”

“The king has not yet decided what he intends to do, Eomer.”  Aragorn 
said softly but his caution did not dampen the horse lord’s spirits in the 
least.

“He will.  Though it grieves me to say it, my uncle still suffers the after 
effects of his illness and is therefore given to over much deliberation.  
Ultimately, though, there can be no other decision but to act in accord with 
the oath of erol.”  This was what I expected but Eomer’s assurance eased 
my mind.  Aragorn’s expression, however, remained impassive.

“If it as you suggest I would be honored to render whatever assistance I 
might but my own plans hinge upon what the Palantir reveals.”  Aragorn 
replied, offering Merry his bread and cheese as though suddenly realizing 
he was no longer hungry.

“You mean to use it, then?”  Legolas asked, though it was not really a 
question.

“You mean the black stone the one that. . . that hurt Pippin?”  Merry 
demanded pausing with the remains of Aragorn’s meal halfway to his 
mouth.

“It will not harm me as it did Pippin, Merry.  It will show me something of 
the enemies movements and such information is vital.  When I have 
finished the Palantir should be safe so that it can no longer harm the 
unwary.”  Aragorn answered tousling the hobbit’s curls.

“It must be done.  Estel will master it.”  Elladan said, perhaps intending to 
reassure Merry, though the hobbit still looked worried.

“I know little enough of such things but is there anything that we may do 
to help you against the Palantir?”  Gimli inquired after exchanging a look 
with Legolas that I could not interpret.

“Nay, as much as I have come to rely upon your trusty ax, my friend, this 
is something I must do alone.”

“Then we shall remain near you while we await the outcome.  When do 
you mean to confront him?”  Legolas said trading another look with the 
dwarf.

“After the feast tonight.  Your presence would be a comfort to me.  I thank 
you, my friends.”  Aragorn replied.  “Halbarad if you and Ryn would 
come also, I would be grateful.”

“Of course.”  I murmured as though there was even the remotest 
possibility that I could be kept away.

As we made our way back to the horses, I noticed Eomer catch hold of 
Gimli’s arm and draw him aside.  I was too far away to overhear his 
whisper but I watched the movement of his lips and though I could not be 
sure I believe he said:  “Like you, I know little enough of such things but 
though I shall be expected to remain at the feast and attend upon my lord 
and uncle tonight, I beg you to send for me if there is any chance I might 
be of some help.”

Gimli’s back was to me so I could not guess at his words but from 
Eomer’s expression I knew the dwarf had agreed.  Seeing that the 
conference had concluded I turned away hurriedly and saw Legolas close 
behind me preparing to turn in the same instant.  For a split second the elf 
looked a little embarrassed to have been caught spying but then he 
collected himself and gave me a conspiratorial wink before hurrying off in 
the direction of Arod.  Shrugging I went to my own horse.
*
“Welcome back, my lord.”  A statuesque blond woman said to Theoden as 
our party drew up to where she stood at the gate to meet us.

“Eowyn, the power of Orthanc is utterly broken.  Victory, my sister-
daughter.  Victory for Rohan.”  Theoden said proudly dismounting and 
embracing the lady.

“Glad tidings, uncle.”  Eowyn said, her voice catching.  Even as she 
rejoiced, however, her keen blue eyes traveled over the company.  Her 
gaze halted for a moment on Merry and the elf twins which I thought 
reasonable but she also looked long upon Aragorn.  Next she looked 
curiously at me and the other dark haired, grey cloaked men sprinkled 
throughout the crowd of the mostly blond Rohirrim.

“Eowyn, my dear niece.”  The king said fondly kissing the lady on the 
cheek before continuing.  “According to his habit, Gandalf has left us 
suddenly, but others who have been searching for lord Aragorn have 
joined us.  From far off Rivendell come Lords Elladan and Elrohir and 
from even further comes Master Meridoc, a holbytla from the shire and 
finally Captain Hallberd with a troop of Dunedain.”  Theoden introduced 
us each in turn.  

I nodded politely to the lady at what I assumed was my introduction.  I 
took no offense that the king had misremembered my name.  He could ill 
afford to waste the intellectual effort on such a triviality, in my opinion.  
Aragorn, however, looked truly irritated.  His lips had compressed into a 
thin line and for an embarrassing instant I feared he was going to correct 
Theoden not only in front of the company but in front of all the folk who 
had gathered with Eowyn to greet their returning monarch.  Aragorn 
restrained himself, though, and we passed into the fortress.

I wanted to follow Aragorn into the hall but he gave a subtle shake of his 
head.  I fell back from him as I watched as he,  Theoden, Eomer, Eomud, 
Aille and half a dozen other Rohirrim disappeared into a council chamber.  
For the first time, Gimli and the elves accompanied the procession and this 
change gave me hope that, at last, something important would be 
discussed.  I had no particular interest in listening to Theoden agonize 
over the details of his army or in watching Aragorn and the others hold his 
hand through the process.  In addition, if I was spared attending the 
onerous meetings I would be free to concentrate on other goals.  Even so, I 
was always more at ease in Aragorn’s presence especially when I felt he 
might be in danger.  Thus, it was with some reluctance that I left the hall.

The fortress was crowded with people.  Refugees from Edoras and all over 
the countryside crowded within the Deep.  There were also the wounded 
who needed accommodations.  As a result, we thought it better to set up 
our camp on a bit of field away from the worst carnage of the battle.  I was 
walking in that direction with some idea of lending what aid I could to my 
fellows when I saw Merry once again appeared to be abandoned.

“Master Merry!”  I called out to get the little one’s attention.  “I go to 
inspect the Dunedain camp.  I would be glad of your company.”

“Yes, certainly.  Thank you.”  Merry replied, hurrying to my side.  “I am 
not accustomed to quite so many people.  There are even more big folk 
bustling about here than there were in Bree.”

“There is always chaos after a battle but I think I can find you a pleasant 
place to sit and watch the world go by, if you wish.”  I offered, glad that I 
had found the hobbit.  He was so small and he had never learned how to 
look out for himself among a throng of people intent on their own 
business.

“Thank you for your kindness but if there is anything I might do to help, I 
hope you’ll let me.”

“There is always work for those who are willing.”  I said, patting Merry’s 
back with sudden fondness.  It was good of him to offer.

I left Merry at the central tent where food was being prepared, happily 
chopping vegetables.  There would be a feast that evening but a ranger 
never went to a feast hungry if he could help it.  A light meal before hand 
would keep the mind from getting distracted by the body.  Besides we 
would need something to eat tomorrow.  I had no idea how long Aragorn 
intended for us to remain here but it was best to cure a little meat and 
prepare more rations while we had the chance.

Most of the tents had already been erected and firewood collected so I 
took up a needle and thread and began to patch my spare tunic.  The pile 
of sewing had grown as the rangers noticed and took time from their own 
chores to exchange a few word and drop their own mending beside me.  I 
preferred sewing to some other tasks and so within the grey company a 
division of labor had naturally developed.  Several hours later Ryn found 
me hunched over the ripped coat collar of the youngest member of the 
gray company, trying to imagine how the youth could have sustained such 
damage to his coat without sustaining similar damage to his throat.

“You smell like over-ripe death.”  I informed Ryn as he sat down heavily 
beside me.

“I have been shoveling uruk-hai carcasses from wagons onto several pyres 
with the Rohirrim.”  He replied, taking a deep swig of water from his 
canteen.  I was a little surprised that bodies were still being disposed of 
several days after the battle but it had been raining and there were likely 
other pressing concerns for the surviving Rohirrim.  In any case it gave 
Ryn an opportunity to share hard labor with our allies and hopefully share 
some news along with the camaraderie.

“With what result, aside from the appalling stench?”  I asked

“The consensus is that Aille is a great hero of the Mark.  Nowhere was 
there the remotest hint that he had anything to do with Sauron, Saruman, 
Easterlings or Sourthrons.  When Wormtongue came to power Aille used 
all his influence and prestige against him and much of his property was 
confiscated as a result.  He accepted exile with Eomer rather than watch 
Theoden destroy himself.  His entire life has been a study in zealous 
patriotism.  Edrick was the same, although, somewhat less flamboyant 
than his captain.  If Aille had enlisted Edrick to work some mischief 
against Aragorn there is no hint of it.”

“What of Aille’s family?”  I asked unhappily.  I needed some sort of lead 
if I was going to prove Aille was a threat.

“He has a wife and a daughter, but he is a negligent if benign husband and 
father.  Aside from his fanatical devotion to Rohan he doesn't seem to 
have any interests or pursuits.”  Ryn said, watching me.  When it was 
clear, however, that I did not intend to react except to gesture for Ryn to 
pass me the next garment in need of mending, the man sighed and 
continued.  “I spoke to Glathe and he thinks you’re right about the poison 
and that it was not intended for weapons but rather he thinks it more likely 
that Edrick intended to add the concoction to wine where it would have 
been undetectable.”

That, at least was some objective confirmation of my suspicions.  Glathe 
had spent many years fighting in Khand where a precise knowledge of all 
sorts of poisons was absolutely indispensable.  He would know by the 
description of the powder as well as its effects many of the poison’s 
properties and if he believed it was the sort of thing meant for an 
individual victim he was almost certainly correct.  I wasn’t exactly 
cheered by this but Glathe’s opinion would help convince Ryn- if not 
Aragorn- that the danger was real.

“He means to look into the Palantir tonight.  He would like us both to be 
there.”  I said after a few moments silence, knowing Ryn was capable of 
handling the rather abrupt change of topic.

“I am glad.  It has been too long since Sauron had cause to fear the hand of 
man.  This will be a lesson to him.”  Ryn replied with a nod.  I was buoyed 
by his optimism.  I had the utmost faith in Aragorn’s abilities but the 
Palantir was such an unknown that I had been getting nervous in spite of 
myself.

“Do you ever think to the future, Halbarad, to what will happen after our 
victory and our captain becomes our king?”  Ryn asked in what was, for 
him, a rare reflective mood .

“Sometimes.  You?”

“More and more often now.  I have it all planned.  I’m going to find a 
nice, plump wife and have a dozen nice plump boys, each of whom will 
enter my lord’s service when they come of age.  Then, they’ll all come 
home during the holidays and tell their aging father all their adventures 
and I will be proud of them.  I will tell them some of my old stories too, 
but they will hardly believe them.  And I’ll have a cat or perhaps two.  
Now that we are so close, Halbarad, I find my thoughts turning again and 
again to this new life beckoning to me from the horizon.”  As Ryn spoke I 
turned to look at him.  His face was lined and weather-beaten.  His 
expression was perpetually stern and forbidding.  He reeked of Uruk blood 
and his hands were foul with death.  How strange that there should be 
nothing in his appearance to show the fundamental decency and goodness 
within him.  I felt suddenly what a great sacrifice he and others like him 
had made in this war.

“I never knew you had a particular fondness for plump women or cats 
either for that matter.”  I said trying to force some joviality into my tone to 
stave off my own wistfulness.

“Oh yes, I never want to see hunger again.  I want no reminders of 
privation and want.  It isn’t right.  A woman should be well fed, all 
softness and warmth and abundance.  As for cats, well, a cat loves places 
better than people.  If you own a cat it shows you mean to stay a while.”  
Ryn replied with a little laugh.  “But what of you, my friend?  How do you 
plan your future?  If you are not careful, I think our captain will make you 
his minister of culture.”

“I shall never consent.”  I said pretending to shiver in horror.  “Even if he 
should rack me for my disobedience.”  Ryn laughed but he still had one 
eyebrow raised inquisitively.

“In truth, my thoughts are not as specific as yours.  It will be enough for 
me to do what needs doing and. . . and to be with him.”  I answered 
seriously.  I occasionally wondered what Ryn and the other Dunedain 
thought of my somewhat peculiar relationship with Aragorn.  If they 
discussed it, I never overheard anything and overhearing things others 
meant to keep quiet was my stock and trade.  Still, I never sensed any 
disapproval.  Perhaps it’s true that travel broadens the mind.

“The feast will no doubt begin soon and I must wash if I am going to be fit 
to attend and ask more question about Aille.  You do want me and the 
others to continue investigating him specifically?”

“Yes.  I am certain he is responsible and that he will not stop until he has 
accomplished his goal or unless we stop him.”  I said fiercely.  Ryn just 
nodded.

“It is difficult to keep a close guard on Aragorn when he is with Theoden.  
We will do our best, of course, but if there is the chance of treachery 
perhaps you should ask the elves and the dwarf to be alert to the danger.”  
Ryn suggested.

“Perhaps.”  I evaded.  I had considered enlisting help for the times- such 
as now- when the closest Aragorn’s guards could approach their captain 
was lounging about the great hall while the leaders discussed business 
behind heavy oak doors.  I was reluctant, however.  It was not that I did 
not trust Elrond’s sons or Legolas and Gimli, both of whom had 
apparently grown very close to my captain it was only that none other 
could protect Aragorn as his rangers could.  I preferred not to have to rely 
on others if I could help it, but Ryn was right.  In this case, I had no choice 
but to allow others to help keep Aragorn safe.  And I feared I would need 
more help than just the elves and dwarf.

Ryn rose to leave but he stopped suddenly and turned to me.  “Has it 
occurred to you that you might be wrong about Aille?”

“You mean theoretically.  Yes, certainly.”  I replied.

“And if you are wrong, theoretically?”

“Then I will humbly kiss whatever sensitive toes I may have stepped on 
and be as contrite as anyone could wish.  Do you lose faith in my 
judgment, my friend?”  I asked genuinely curious.

“No sir, but I thought it my duty to bring the possibility to your attention.”

“Good man.  Further, I suspect you will investigate other avenues of 
inquiry without my specific guidance if your own instincts are aroused.”  I 
said, feeling sudden pride in Ryn and all my fellow Dunedain.

“Yes, sir.”  The man replied before leaving to clean up.  For a moment I 
did consider if I might not be mistaken in my unwavering suspicion of 
Aille but I had learned to trust my instincts.  I would just have to make 
sure I did the grunt work of finding facts before I finally moved against 
the sly son of a bitch.
*
I had just completed the last of the mending and had stood up to stretch 
my back and shoulders when I saw the lady Eowyn approaching across the 
field.

“Captain Hallberd.”  She greeted me when she had come close.

“Halbarad, my lady.”  I corrected as politely as I could.  “How may I serve 
you?”

“I beg your pardon.”  Eowyn said blushing rather fiercely beneath her pale 
skin.  I wanted to tell her that it had been Theoden’s mistake rather than 
hers but I knew this would serve only to increase her embarrassment rather 
than alleviate it.

“It is a family name and thus must be inflicted upon someone every few 
generation, I fear.  It is not what I would have chosen for myself.”  I said, 
hoping to make a joke of it.  “Is there any assistance I can render you?”

“I came to make you the same offer, Captain Halbarad.”  She said, 
smiling.  “It pains me that we can offer you so little hospitality but if there 
is anything in the way of food or supplies that I can offer I beg you to let 
me know and it will be provided.”

“Thank you, my lady.  You are very gracious but we are well provided 
for.”  Eowyn nodded surveying the camp.

“We have but little room within the fortress, I fear, but as captain of your 
company it is only right that I see some accommodations are set aside for 
you.  It is by no means lavish but I would be honored if you would accept 
a room within our walls.”

“Again you are very gracious,”  I said bowing.  “but I usually attend upon 
my lord Aragorn and will therefore share quarters with him.”  At this 
announcement the lady turned upon me a look of intense scrutiny and the 
suspicion I had had when first I saw her look upon my lord blossomed into 
certainty.

“Are such habits typical among the Dunedain, then?”  Eowyn inquired, 
eyes glinting.

“It is typical with me, my lady.”  I answered levelly though, I did not 
exactly understand how much meaning she had poured into that question.  
I expected her to vent the full force of an adolescent’s jealousy against me, 
but she did not.  She was by no means pleased, but her regard was not 
exactly hostile.  Perhaps she was asking less than I supposed or perhaps as 
I was a man she did not regard me as genuine competition.  It seemed 
strange but Eowyn appeared almost intrigued by the suggestion of an 
intimate relationship between Aragorn and myself.

“I see.  If there is nothing else I can do for you, then. . .”

“There is a favor I would ask, my lady.”  I said, deciding to take a chance 
on Eowyn.  Perhaps it was her resemblance to her brother who had been 
kind to me or more likely it was her transparent infatuation with Aragorn 
that allowed me to trust her.  Also, she would be feeling the need to finally 
shake off the malaise of Wormtongue’s rule as much as any of the other 
Rohirrim but unlike them there would be no battle for her.  Moreover, 
unlike Eomud who I had considered asking for assistance Eowyn would 
not have to be in councils all day.  No doubt this neglect would gall the 
proud maiden and hopefully she would be eager to help me.  

“I’d like to have a look in the archives tomorrow.  An examination of 
some the decrees issued under Wormtongue’s influence may give us some 
idea of what his plans for Rohan were and thus shed light on the enemy’s 
larger strategy.  If you would help me make sense of the various 
documents I would be grateful.”  Lady Eowyn regarded me coolly for a 
moment as though she suspected I was making fun of her and was trying 
to figure out the joke.

“Wormtongue’s plans were to alienate Eomer and then consolidate his 
power by marrying me.”  She said, her lip curling in disgust at the 
prospect.  “There must be more you expect to gain from me, captain.  
Please, tell me.”

“It is just possible that Wormtongue was not the only heart seduced by the 
enemy.  I have no certain knowledge of any plot or conspiracy but I want 
to know who profited from Wormtongue’s patronage, who has needs that 
make him susceptible to bribery, who has any link whatever to Isengard or 
Baradur.”  Eowyn looked thoughtful as I spoke and I knew she was 
considering.  I felt sure that mentioning a possible danger to Aragorn 
would motivate her to help me but I could not bring myself to manipulate 
the woman like that, not yet anyway.

“I will help you, Captain.  If there is any remaining vestige of treason in 
Rohan than it is no less my duty than yours to seek it out and destroy it 
root and branch.”  Eowyn finally answered with a savage gleam in her 
eye.

“Thank you, lady Eowyn.”  I said with a bow, genuinely relieved to have 
enlisted her aid.  Eowyn nodded, pleased.  Then, she casually glanced up 
and seemed surprised by the sun’s position in the sky.

“The feast will begin soon.  Have you by any chance seen the holbytla, 
Merry?  I meant to search for him after I had spoken with you.”  Eowyn 
said returning to business.

“He is within this camp.  I thought it too crowded for him within the Deep 
and thus invited him here.  I will gladly take you to him, if you wish.”  
Eowyn nodded and I led the way to where I had left Merry.

“The king wishes to invite him to share another evening’s conversation 
after the feast.  Then I think some accommodations will be found for him 
within the fortress if master Merry is amenable.”

“It is generous of his majesty to remember Merry.”  I said, glad to find 
something for which I could honestly praise Theoden.  “I believe the 
hobbit feels out of place amidst such grand happenings and the king’s 
kindness is a great boon.”  Eowyn only nodded without replying.  When 
we came to the food tent where Merry was entertaining several of my 
comrades with a story of the Shire, Eowyn told him of Theoden’s offer.  
Merry accepted gratefully and the three of us returned to the fortress 
together to attend the feast.
*
The celebration was a loud and drunken affair.  I mingled among the 
partygoers, receiving unsolicited embraces from red faced warriors and 
giggling wenches alike.  There was little more restraint around the high 
table and I noticed that even the elves, who normally inspired a sort of 
cautious awe, had to fend off a joyous tide of affection.  Elladan and 
Elrohir retired quickly after just one or two experiences being groped.  
Such lack of sociability would have been rude in anyone else but people 
just shook their heads at the departing elves making generous allowances 
for the peculiar race.  Legolas and Gimli actually appeared to be enjoying 
themselves and I realized they had fought with these people and shared 
their gladness.

Aragorn was also subject to the affection of the Rohirrim but when Eowyn 
was near him, the lightening in her eyes spared Aragorn from the 
improprieties of all but the most inebriated revelers.  Theoden was in his 
element, encouraging the drinking, singing and dancing, spinning Eowyn 
around in the crowded room to general applause.  Eomer, too, danced with 
his sister and then placed her hand in Aragorn’s with a sly grin- the wine 
no doubt convincing him that this was a good idea.  Aragorn accepted her 
hand with good grace, but when the music ended and he made to excuse 
himself Eowyn clung to him.  Fortunately, there were few able to 
appreciate the lady’s desperation or Aragorn’s discomfort and I believe 
my captain would have relented and given Eowyn another dance but 
Legolas came to the rescue.  The elf politely asked for the dance and 
Aragorn gratefully surrendered his partner.

Throughout the feast I had, whenever, the occasion presented itself studied 
Aille.  I doubted he would attempt something himself in such a crowded 
stetting but I sought to gain some greater understanding of the man.  For 
the most part, he was fully enjoying the party, laughing loudly with his 
cronies and partaking liberally of both meat and ale.  He doled out his 
share of slaps on the back and manly embraces but he did not come within 
an arm’s length of the elves, dwarf or Dunedain.  In such a crush of 
moving, dancing, staggering people this must have taken some effort.  He 
gave no other sign of his antipathy except for once I happened to look up 
and find him staring at Aragorn as he danced with Eowyn.  Aille was 
looking at my lord with the purest hatred.  I would very much have liked 
to draw the attention of one of the other Dunedain and thus have another 
witness but in the next instant the man tipped his head back emptied his 
flagon and turned back toward his comrades.

The party showed every sign of continuing throughout the night but a little 
after midnight I could see Aragorn searching for an opportunity to slip 
away.  Going to Eomer rather than Theoden, who was by this time very 
drunk, Aragorn spoke in a low voice.  Eomer appeared to argue for a 
moment but eventually nodded and drew Aragorn into a fierce bear hug 
before letting him go.

I was dancing at the time with a rosy cheeked serving maid.  When the 
music ended, I kissed her lips and she pulled away, although not very 
much.  She shook her finger at me as her eyes twinkled as though to say I 
had been very naughty.  Winking as though to admit the fact I made an 
elaborate bow before leaving her to follow Aragorn.  I had not left the 
room before I noticed she had found a new partner and I smiled to myself.  
Several moments later I caught up to my lord and took my place at his 
side.  Soon Ryn appeared at Aragorn’s other side and the two of us 
followed our captain to his rooms.  We walked in silence, soaking up the 
quiet after the boisterousness of the party.
*
Elladan and Elrohir had made themselves comfortable in Aragorn’s sitting 
room since leaving the party several hours earlier.  When we entered they 
were sitting at their ease, idly playing chess.  I looked around the 
apartment appreciatively.  There was a sitting room and then a large door 
which I guessed led to a bedroom.  Theoden, himself, probably could 
boast no better accommodations in a fortress such as Helm’s Deep.  I 
might have wondered at this but then I realized that Eowyn had probably 
been in charge of assigning rooms.

“It has taken you long enough,”  Elladan exclaimed, capturing his twin’s 
rook with a negligent hand.

“We were beginning to wonder if you had not overindulged in drink and 
forgotten our appointment.”  Elrohir added, studying the board in some 
consternation.

“Not at all.  Only I fear I became bogged down in the intricacies of 
arranging marriage contracts for you two.  It is the custom in Rohan for 
unattached foreign lords to take home Rohirrim wives when they visit.  I 
hope you will like Thedra and Verin.  Theoden assures me they are both 
lovely.”  Aragorn told his foster brothers seriously.

Elrohir dropped the bishop he was preparing to move.  “Estel, you 
wouldn’t. . . Surely there must be some way out. . .”

“No one told us of such a custom.  We can’t be held to it, surely.”  Elladan 
pleaded just as chagrined as his twin.

“I only jest, brothers.  If you ever wish to marry you must find your own 
brides.”  Aragorn said, ending the joke far too quickly, in my opinion.  
With a little ingenuity it could have gone on for days, but that was never 
Aragorn’s way.  He rarely teased but if he did so it was always gentle and 
brief.  I caught Ryn’s eye and we silently agreed to laugh about this later, 
when we were out of hearing of Elrond’s sons.  Elladan and Elrohir looked 
relieved rather than annoyed and in the next moment they had forgiven 
their foster brother for the moment of anxiety.

“Did you have a chance to speak with Gandalf about the Palantir before he 
left?”  Elrohir asked becoming frustrated with the chess game and turning 
over his king, conceding the match.

“He told me to expect a battle.”  Aragorn replied, pacing around the room.  
“Also- but wait Gimli and Legolas are coming.”  Indeed there was the 
heavy tread of boots in the hall, then a quick knock and the door was 
pushed open revealing the elf and dwarf.  Gimli smelled strongly of ale 
but no one could hold his wine like a dwarf so I was not concerned.  
Legolas looked a bit more flushed than usual but I decided to attribute this 
to the heat and excitement of the party he had just left.

“They are a friendly people, the men and women of Rohan.”  Gimli 
announced making his way to a chair and climbing into it with a little 
groan at the sloshing in his belly.  His companion nodded agreeably and 
went over to the window near the twins.

“I am very glad you have been enjoying yourselves.”  Aragorn remarked.  
He had stopped pacing and now looked indulgently at his friends.

“You were saying, Estel?”  Elladan reminded, looking somewhat askance 
at Gimli and even Legolas.

“Yes, we were discussing the Palantir and Gandalf emphasized that no one 
from the outside should interfere with what goes on in the Seeing Stone.  
Even if I should appear to be in distress none of you must touch me or 
attempt to help.  I will go in the other room in a moment so as not to tempt 
you.  Though, I rely on your moral support, please understand the danger 
of interfering.”  Aragorn said, looking at of us each in turn.

“This is your fight.  We will not interfere.  You will take back what is 
yours, Estel.  You are on your own ground.  The Palantir is yours by 
right.”  Elladan said with conviction.  The gentle haze both Legolas and 
Gimli had been floating in evaporated and they both nodded seriously.  
Ryn nodded, too, while I tried to fade into the background.

“Halbarad?”  Aragorn asked, drawing the attention of the room to me.  I 
should have realized that my captain would be wise to every ranger trick.

“Yes, Aragorn.”

“Did you hear me?”

“Yes, sir.”  That was an easy question.

“And you will obey and not interfere?”  Damn it!  I looked all around the 
room as though searching for an escape.  It wasn't fair for him to ask me 
not to help him.  It took nearly a minute of silence while Aragorn waited 
patiently for me to finally form the words he expected.

“I will wait and. . . and not interfere.”

“Thank you, thangail nin.  Thanks to you all.”  Aragorn said regarding us 
all with gratitude.  “This may take some time.  I suppose, I should start.”  
He continued, looking at his pack which still contained the Seeing Stone 
as though he were sizing up an enemy.  Then, with an air of determination 
he took up the pack and strode into the bedroom closing the door firmly 
behind him.
*
It took all my self-control not to go up to the door, hunker down and start 
keening like a dog who had been kicked out of the house.  The presence of 
others helped to deter me and I settled for pacing the room anxiously.  I 
was on my sixth circuit when I felt it.  Aragorn was gone.  I staggered and 
clutched the wall for support.  No, he wasn’t gone, not exactly.  The sense 
I always had when he was near had blurred, as though suddenly he was a 
long way off but even that wasn’t exactly right- only part of him was a 
long way off.  Confused, I groped for an explanation.  Finally, it struck me 
with the force of a blow:  The battle for the Palantir had begun.

“Halbarad!”  Ryn had come to my side and had a hold of my arm while 
three elves and one dwarf stared at me with varying degrees of worry.  I 
stood up and freed myself from Ryn’s support.  I felt a lingering dizziness 
and I worked on suppressing it as I straightened my shirt and ran a hand 
through my hair.

“I’m sorry.  I must have eaten too much tonight.”  It was obviously a lie, 
told only for form’s sake.  Certainly, no one believed me.

“He will be all right.”  Legolas murmured by way of comfort.  

I cocked my head and looked at the elf.  There was definitely concern on 
his face.  I felt a moment of indecision.  I had a favor to ask those in this 
room and somehow I found it difficult- more difficult than it had been to 
ask Eowyn’s help.  Yet, there had been genuine concern in Legolas’ 
words.  Looking to Ryn for support, I braced myself to make a request of 
the three elves and one dwarf who still watched me as though afraid I 
might keel over at any moment.

“Gentlemen,” I began, fully understanding the irony of that form of 
address but unable to think of a more accurate description without ruining 
my oratory.  “you have all chosen to come here and participate in the fight 
against Sauron.  Crucial to the success of such a fight is the safety of the 
man who has just left this room.”  Everyone continued to stare and I was 
becoming very uncomfortable.  I knew my speech sounded overly formal 
but I did not know how best to appeal to those before me.

“The rangers are tasked specifically with his safety, however, I have 
certain suspicions which lead me to be particularly fearful.  More than 
that, when Aragorn is in private discussion with the leaders of the 
Rohirrim it is difficult for us to guard him.  I would. . . ask that as you 
have greater freedom to move among the councils of the lords and 
generals that you be. . . attentive to any possible threat.”  There, thank the 
gods that was over.  Now the bargaining could begin.  I was better at 
bargaining.  There was little I could do if Legolas and Gimli refused but I 
was not above reminding the twins that Arathorn had died in their very 
presence if I had to.

“That is our feeling also.”  Elladan said, speaking for his twin.

“Have you considered that one of the Rohirrim captains, Aille, is a source 
of danger?”  Elrohir continued.  I was utterly flummoxed.  I had expected- 
well I don’t know what but certainly I had not thought to have my prime 
suspect named.

“I have no direct evidence against anyone.  Is there any reason you suggest 
Aille’s name?”  Elrohir merely shrugged and looked to Elladan to answer.

“He never looks Estel in the eye.  In the long and tedious discussion with 
Theoden, some of which we could not avoid, the man never looks at 
Aragorn- even when Estel is speaking.  This is no evidence of anything of 
course, but Elrohir and I didn’t like it.  If you also harbor some misgivings 
then you should probably get rid of him.”

“’Get rid of him’, my lord?”  I asked, trying to plan how I might regain 
control of the conversation.  I doubted Elrond’s son was suggesting I put a 
knife in the man’s back- not that I was necessarily above that sort of thing- 
but what else could he mean.

“Tell Theoden to dismiss him or send him on some errand far away.”  
Elladan said.  It was a little disconcerting how the twins answered for one 
another as though they were one person but I had become accustomed to it 
and did not let it add to my confusion.

“That would, I fear, accomplish little save to further annoy Theoden and 
place Aille on his guard.  Without solid evidence anything said against a 
captain of the Rohirrim by an outsider will appear as malicious slander.  
Furthermore, we do not know what resources and allies Aille has.  It will 
do little good to get rid of Aille only to have him replaced by another we 
do not suspect.”  I said, feeling a little foolish to be explaining something 
so obvious.  Legolas and Gimli, who were listening with great attention, 
seemed, at least, to understand the extreme inadvisability of taking a 
directly confrontational approach.

“Well, then I suppose our only recourse is to guard Estel and be watchful 
of Aille.”  I had looked at Elrohir expecting it was his turn to speak but 
Elladan continued.  I wondered if they did this on purpose to befuddle 
their interlocutor and I wondered, also, if their fellow elves found it as 
annoying as I did.

“This brings me back to my original question:  May I impose upon you,”  
Here I raised my head to make it clear I included everyone in the room.  
“to be on your guard and take extra precautions in case Aragorn’s safety 
is, in truth, threatened?”

“The ranger and I have saved each other’s lives a dozen times over 
between here and Rivendell.” The dwarf growled rousing himself from the 
deep cushions of his chair in which he had been gradually sinking.  “I 
consider it an insult to suggest I would not do all in my power for him 
now.”  I bowed deeply at this statement.  When a dwarf said he considered 
something an insult it was safe to assume he wasn’t simply being 
rhetorical.

“Your pardon, master dwarf, I am not as well aquatinted with the exploits 
of the fellowship as I would like to be.  I meant no offence.  If I ask, when 
it appears rude for me to do so I beg your indulgence.  My fear for 
Aragorn’s safety will not allow me to leave any assumption 
unquestioned.”  The dwarf grunted his forgiveness and relaxed back into 
his chair.

“What of me, Halbarad?  We know each other of old.  Did you imagine I 
would stand idle while my friend was threatened?”  Legolas started in as 
soon as the dwarf left off.  His voice, though, sounded rather more hurt 
than angry.

“I ask because it is not your duty to help him.  Only your. . . friendship 
binds you and there are some times when that is not enough to assume a 
prince of the elves will look after a future king of men.”  I replied, 
somewhat at a loss.  I had nearly said ‘mood’ instead of ‘friendship’ which 
I had sense enough to see would have been a grave mistake but I truly 
didn’t understand why.  The old alliances had long since fallen away and 
each race had its own destiny.

“Your statement earlier was incomplete Halbarad and now I perceive that 
you are truly unaware of what you have left out.”  Elladan said, in a 
vaguely superior tone which was typical with him.

“I pray you, do not force me to remain in ignorance.”

“You said that we were all here to fight against Sauron but that is only part 
of the truth.  We are here to fight *for* Middle-Earth, *for* Aragorn.”  
Elladan had abandoned his supercilious tone and spoke in earnest.  “We 
are more than your allies Dunadan, we are your kindred unified by a single 
purpose and a common cause.  You do wrong to treat us as though we 
were here for sport or as a mere diversion.  We are pledged and committed 
no less than you, yourself.  We will see to Aragorn’s safety.  Rely upon 
it.”

“Well said, master elf.”  Gimli affirmed.  “Now if I may be permitted to 
excuse myself just a moment I have had rather a great deal to drink.”  The 
dwarf struggled a moment with the chair before heaving a frustrated sigh 
and extending his hand toward Legolas and making importunate little 
‘come here’ motions with his fingers.

“Is there something I can do for you, friend Gimli?”  The elf asked 
innocently.

“You can wipe that smirk off your face for one.  And for another you can 
give me a hand up.  I feel like I’m carrying all the Anduin in my belly.”

“I shouldn’t wonder.  You must have consumed your weight’s worth of 
ale and mead.  I’m not surprised you cannot walk on your own.”

“I can walk fine, what I can’t do is get out of this bloody chair.  Now if 
your own head is not too fogged with drink- for I recall you also drank 
nearly your own weight in wine- come here and help me.”

“I had little more than three cups.”  Legolas objected, using both hands to 
help heave Gimli’s mass from the chair.

“Right.  That’s about what you weigh, isn’t it?”  Gimli chuckled as he 
came to his feet and started to walk heavily to the door.  He had left before 
the elf was able to come up with a response.

I was somewhat grateful to Gimli’s timely interjection for it saved me 
having to make more apologies.  I had treated the others like outsiders but, 
surely, they were outsiders.  The twins, it was true, had chosen not to cross 
the sea and this condemned them to a mortal life but that did not make 
them men.  Most obviously, they had had a choice and that makes a great 
deal of difference- perhaps all the difference.  And the prince of 
Mirkwood would leave Middle-Earth and live blissfully with the gods.  
Legolas’ exploits with men and now with a dwarf had cost him his father’s 
favor but eternity was a long time to earn forgiveness.

Yet, they had come of their own free will to fight for Middle Earth with 
the Renewer against the Dark Lord.  I felt humbled by their declarations of 
solidarity.  Perhaps I had underestimated the bonding of the fellowship 
and of Elrond’s children.  I would try to correct this in future.  I had not 
meant to exclude them as much as I thought I was taking their differences 
into account.  I darted a quick glance at Ryn, curious to see if he had been 
surprised at all by the outpouring of support.  He did not and this made me 
feel a little more embarrassed.

By the time, Gimli returned Legolas and Elrohir were leaning out of the 
window watching the stars and Elladan had reset the chess board.  
Nodding at the elf’s invitation to play the dwarf took Elrohir’s former 
place and began a new game.  Ryn had taken a chair and moved it beside 
the door settling himself to wait as long as it took.  Watching his eyes lose 
their focus I wondered if he was daydreaming about the plump woman and 
plump children he would have one day.

If I had been alone I might have paced the room the whole night but out of 
courtesy to my companions I refrained.  With my stillness my anxiety 
began to fester and I knew that if I did nothing much longer I would 
become nauseous.  Desperate for activity, I looked over the neat pile of 
firewood and kindling.  Choosing a piece almost at random I drew my 
knife and started shaving the bark.

An hour passed.  Elladan resigned the chess match to an exultant dwarf 
and joined the other elves at the window.  In the next hour Gimli left to 
relieve himself twice and then settled into the chair that Legolas had had 
to help rescue him from before.  In the next hour Elrohir took up a chess 
game with Ryn while Elladan kibitzed, whispering advice to one player 
then the other to the annoyance of both.  Legolas started to hum and Gimli 
started to doze.  We were close to passing yet another hour in similar 
fashion when three sets of pointed ears pricked up.

In the next moment there came a soft knocking on the outside door.  For a 
moment we all exchanged curious, slightly apprehensive looks.  Then, 
shrugging, Legolas who was closest to the door rose from his seat to 
answer the knock.  I was half out of my chair before realizing Legolas was 
up so sitting back down I watched the elf open the door a crack then 
seeing who stood without, he opened it all the way.

“I hope I’m not disturbing you but I wonder if I might come in a moment.”  
Merry asked.  The hobbit’s habitually rosy cheeks were an even darker 
pink with wine and perhaps embarrassment.  His eyes were heavy lidded 
and drooping as though he were tired but most interesting of all he was 
standing in the corridor beside the lady Eowyn.

“I think you would do better to find your bed, little one.”  Legolas replied, 
carefully not looking at Eowyn.

“Yes, I know.  I will.  I just wanted to make sure Aragorn was all right.  
He is, isn’t he?”  The hobbit asked peering around Legolas into the room.  
“The Palantir hasn’t hurt him, has it?”

“He is still looking into it, Merry.  You’ll see him in the morning.”

“I’d rather wait with you, if you don’t mind.”  It was difficult to say ‘no’ 
to a hobbit at any time.  It could even be argued that Merry was as entitled 
as anyone else to be present.  In any event, a moment of hesitation was all 
the little one needed to be through the door with a promise not to make a 
sound.  Indulgent smiles were traded around the room.

“Good, I will see some to tea is brewed so we might have some 
refreshment while we wait.”  Eowyn said very quickly before escaping 
down the corridor toward the kitchens.  Her aggressive use of the word 
‘we’ was not lost on anyone.

“It won’t do any harm if she wants to stay here a while. . .”  Gimli 
suggested after a moment’s silence, but Legolas interjected forcefully.

“It’s not proper!”

“We don’t. . .”  Elrohir began sounding confused.  Legolas eyed him and 
then said a word in Sindarin.  It was a word I did not understand, though, I 
understood the language tolerably well.  Whatever he said, however, had 
the effect of silencing the twins.

“I’m sorry.”  Merry said mournfully.  “I was afraid of getting lost and 
Eowyn asked what was troubling me and I told her I wanted to see that 
Strider was all right after the Palantir and she said she would show me 
where his rooms were.”

“Don’t worry, young one.  There is no problem.”  Gimli reassured, though 
Legolas still looked annoyed.

Eowyn returned shortly bearing a tray full of cups with a small pitcher of 
cream and a pot of honey.  A young man trailed behind her lugging an 
enormous kettle of tea.  “Thank you, Gryff.  Go on to bed, now.”  Eowyn 
dismissed the young man after he deposited the oversized kettle on the 
table.

“Yes, milady.”  Gryff responded with an expression which I took to mean 
he would be returning to the party rather than going to bed.

Eowyn surveyed us all with a determined cheerfulness, daring anyone to 
try and send her away.  “Shall I serve or will you all help yourselves.”  
She asked, the silent room.

“I should like a cup, my lady.”  Gimli finally announced ignoring Legolas’ 
hard stare.  Ryn and Merry also accepted tea.  There were not enough 
chairs in the room for all of us and Ryn gallantly surrendered his to 
Eowyn.  The lady thanked him and settled herself waiting for someone to 
say something.  When no one did, not even Legolas, she seemed to relax.  
Again time passed.

I had done all the work I cared to on my little carving and a cup of tea 
sounded an attractive notion so I stood preparing to cast the wood into the 
fire but Merry stopped me.  “Don’t throw it away.  I want to see what 
you’ve been working on.”  The carving was then pried out of my 
unresisting hand by tiny fingers.  I was very surprised by the hobbit’s 
forwardness or I would have refused to surrender the object.

“Why, it’s a hobbit!”

“No, it is a child.”  I corrected, looking around uncomfortably for Merry’s 
exclamation had drawn the attention of the room.  The hobbit hardly heard 
me, however.  He was studying the small figure raptly.  I suppose it could 
have been a hobbit.  The lower body was largely unformed as I had spent 
most of the time working on the face, which ended up with a bit of a 
forlorn expression somehow, and arms with hands clutched tightly 
together.  I had not really planned to make a child.  As with all my 
carvings, I had made a few draws along the wood with my knife and then 
seen what it looked like.

“May I have it?”

“No!”  I said snatching it back.  The hobbit’s small lips pouted and his 
eyes grew bigger.  I had spoken more harshly than I intended but I didn’t 
understand how this was any of Merry’s business.  I didn’t begrudge him 
the gift except that, well except that I was going to get rid of it.

“Why not, if you are just going to burn it?”

“That is a good question.  I have often wondered, on our long journey, 
why you spent so many hours on something you meant to throw on the 
fire.”  Elladan commented, joining the conversation without an invitation.

“I can hardly be expected to lug small pieces of decorated firewood 
through the forests and plains of arda and fight orcs at the same time.”  I 
responded uncomfortably.

“Well Merry proposes to solve that problem for you with this piece.  Why 
don’t you give it to him?”  Elrohir asked.  It was times like these that gave 
me the distinct impression the twins enjoyed baffling me for I did not have 
a good answer to his question except that I always destroyed the carvings.  
It was just what I did.

“Please, it reminds me of my friends.  I miss them so much.”  Merry said, 
voice quavering.

“All right, just give me a moment.”  I relented, unable to face the sorrow 
in the hobbit’s weary countenance.  I resumed my seat and proceeded to 
give the child turned hobbit two large feet.  I also put little points on the 
ears but it was fairly crude.  I needed a smaller knife to do it properly but I 
supposed it would have to do.

“There.”  I said handing it over with some residual reluctance after I had 
finished the additions.

“Thank you, Halbarad.  Thank you, very much.”

“Just don’t tell anyone where it came from, all right?”  I said a bit gruffly.

“I won’t.”  The hobbit promised easily, bouncing off to show everyone in 
the room the figure.

I rose in something like panic to tell him to stop or maybe even to take 
back the gift but I felt a sudden jolt, like an emptiness suddenly filled and I 
collapsed back into my chair.  Intent on Merry, no one noticed.  This no 
longer bothered me, however, the carving was irrelevant for Aragorn was 
back.  The confrontation in the Palantir was over.
*
As soon as I recovered my equilibrium I stood up and moved closer to the 
door to the inner chamber.  Several minutes went by while there was no 
sign from within and I gave some thought to entering the bedroom myself 
but the idea that Aragorn was just collecting his thoughts held me back.

My patience was rewarded when the door opened, almost soundlessly.  I 
say ‘almost’ for though I heard nothing three elves rose as one and turned 
toward the door.  Aragorn stood on the other side of the threshold, his face 
bleached of all color.  his lips were pressed thin and bloodless and even 
his keen eyes seemed washed out and faded.  There was a tremor in his 
hand as he rested it on the doorframe and his back was bent as though 
bowed down with the effort of keeping him upright.

Everyone was on their feet by now.  Eowyn’s hands extended toward 
Aragorn in an involuntary reaching motion.  Everyone else seemed frozen.  
Aragorn looked ghostly and we were all transfixed by the changes in him 
wrought in so short a time.  “Estel, are you all right?”  Elladan asked 
softly, somehow finding his voice.

Aragorn looked at him as though surprised to find he was not alone.  “I am 
very cold.”  He almost whispered.

Everyone’s paralysis seemed to lift at the quiet sound of Aragorn’s voice.  
Ryn began building up the fire while Eowyn poured some of the steaming 
tea into a mug.  Gimli pulled the wooden shutters together over the 
window.  Merry took a blanket from the back of one of the chairs and 
brought it to Aragorn.  Elrohir took it from the hobbit and draped it around 
his foster brother’s shoulders.  I just stood there.  I wanted to take him in 
my arms and warm him against my chest so badly that it was physically 
painful.  I did not dare move, however, for I knew I would do something 
to shame him if I did.

Pulling the blanket tightly about himself Aragorn declined the several 
offers of assistance and found a char, falling into it without any of his 
usual grace.  In the next moment Eowyn was pressing the tea into his 
hands and smiling encouragingly,  He took a few sips before letting her 
take it away.

“The dark is banished from that Palantir.  Sauron’s influence is gone and 
shall not return.”  Aragorn said fighting the shivers that kept rippling 
through him.

“That was well done, Estel.”  Elrohir soothed, squeezing Aragorn’s 
shoulder.  Aragorn did not respond to the comforting gesture but he did 
seem to be recovering marginally.  He signaled Eowyn to let him sip more 
of the tea and even managed a small nod of thanks when he had taken a 
few small swallows.

“The Palantir showed me many things after the dark lord had been cast 
out.  I don’t remember them all but I remember enough to know that all 
the forces Theoden can gather will not be enough to rescue Gondor against 
the army sent against it.”  This was very bad news.  Eowyn seemed to 
have caught Aragorn’s chill and she trembled a little.

“Our father sent with us a message that if time pressed and allies were too 
few then you should remember the Stone of Erech.”  Elrohir volunteered.

“Yes, I had hoped to avoid that but I think there is no choice.”  Aragorn 
said with a sigh.  He was still pale but he had improved a great deal since 
entering the room just a few minutes ago.  Getting up and moving closer 
to the fire Aragorn seemed to recover still more as he drew the heat into 
his unnaturally chilled body.

“I cannot remember just now.  When is it that the words must be said to 
draw the oathbreakers to me?”  Aragorn asked, straightening his back and 
addressing the twins with something of his usual authority.

“On the lunar anniversary of the making of the oath.  We will not need to 
leave for a week, perhaps two.”  Elrohir answered.

“I don’t understand.  What is it you mean to do?”  Eowyn interjected.  
Gimli and Merry regarded her gratefully for they had also been at a loss.  
Legolas, however, had seemed to be waiting for her to speak so as to have 
an opportunity to remind her that she was not invited.

“My lady of Rohan, you have been generous to us with your company but 
now we would not wish to bore you with abstract discussions of our 
possible plans.  If you would be so good as to see that Merry finds his way 
to his bed then I’m sure we will all have cause to thank you.”

Eowyn regarded Legolas with anger.  She, now, realized that it had been a 
mistake to ask a question and thus draw attention to herself but it was too 
late to repair the damage.  “I am glad to see that you are well, my lord 
Aragorn.  Good night, gentlemen.”  So saying she took Merry’s hand and 
stalked from the room giving Legolas one last baleful glance before 
departing.  Aragorn watched her go with sadness in his eyes.  He felt great 
sympathy for her but he could hardly express it without leading her on and 
he would not do that.

“Now that the women and children have been sent to bed, would someone 
care to explain what we are talking about?”  Gimli asked.  Elrohir quickly 
explained about the Army of the Dead beholden to Isildur’s Heir while 
Aragorn drew as close to the flames as it was possible to get without being 
in them.

“If we have a week or two before we must set out that will leave time to 
help Eomer muster the Rohirrim.”  Aragorn murmured, almost to himself.  
It was a mark of how tired he was that he said Eomer rather than Theoden.  
Had he been more himself he would have kept up the pretense that 
Theoden was still capable of ruling on his own.  I was glad enough that we 
wouldn’t have to start out immediately.  I wanted to take care of Aille 
before leaving.  If I didn’t sort him out now I feared the vipers’ nest he 
could create in the absence of scrutiny.  A war was coming and it was very 
easy to kill an ally during battle.  I could only thank the stars that whatever 
Edrick and Aille had planned in the recent fight hadn’t worked.

“There will be plenty of time to plan at greater length tomorrow, Estel.”  
Elladan said, eyeing the man with concern.  “I would like it very much if 
you would rest now, my brother.” Aragorn gave the elf a weak smile and 
turned slightly away from the fire so he could address us all.

“I think that a very wise suggestion.  You must all be exhausted 
yourselves for I have kept you late.  And I would thank each of you for 
your care and patience.  You don’t know how much I needed . . . to come 
back to friends.”  Aragorn’s voice had grown shaky and he quickly turned 
his eyes back to the fire.

“Good night, my lord.”  Ryn said, bowing deeply and retreating to the 
door, lest he see something Aragorn might wish to keep private.  Besides 
the other rangers needed to be informed of the latest developments and 
they would be anxious to hear from him.  Legolas and Gimli were next to 
leave.  The normally outspoken dwarf was strangely quiet.  He clearly 
wished he had some word of comfort or support to offer but thinking of 
none he followed the blond elf from the room, looking back every few 
steps.

“Everything will seem much more sanguine in the morning, Estel.  You’ll 
see.”  Elrohir began, putting a hand on Aragorn’s back. “A little sleep will 
make a world of difference.”

“Yes, I expect so.”  Aragorn acknowledged without turning.  “A little 
sleep is all I need.”

“We’ll see you tomorrow then.”  The twins left after these parting words, 
closing the door softly behind them.  No one remained but me and 
Aragorn.  The room had grown hot and I felt a trickle of sweat roll down 
the underside of my arm, but my lord still stood very near the fire, gaze 
fixed on the flames.

“Aragorn, would you like me to-”  I don’t remember exactly what I would 
have said, offered to throw more logs on the fire perhaps, or pour some 
more tea, or fetch another blanket or take a hammer to that damn seeing 
stone.  My captain, however, did not let me finish.

“No!  Halbarad, don’t go.  Stay with me, please.”  Aragorn started to 
shake violently and I was only just in time to catch him around the waist 
and ease us both gently to the floor.  He did not resist as I dragged him 
back a few feet from the fire, for I feared that some errant spark might 
catch on his clothing.  He was not unconscious, he was not weeping and 
yet he had gone entirely limp in my arms.  He watched me with a 
sorrowful expression as I clung to him and tried to dispel the awful cold 
that had taken hold of him.

“I’m not going anywhere, ever.”  I finally stammered, pulling him closer 
and running my hands up and down his arms in an attempt to bring 
warmth to them.  Aragorn’s only answer was to let his head droop against 
my chest.  I kissed his hair and tried to gather him into me but even for a 
Dunadan I was lean and spare- gangly, actually.  For a moment I was 
reminded painfully of Arwen.  The lady never tired of reminding me of 
my physical defects which in comparison with her near perfection were 
indeed damning.  ‘You are all sharp, jutting bones and gaunt features.  
There is neither warmth nor comfort in you.  With how much nostalgia 
and generosity must Estel regard you to soften you enough to deem you 
worth lying upon.’  Mentally cursing I forced Arwen’s words away and 
wrapped my lanky form about Aragorn as best I could.

I continued to rub his arms frantically as we sat together on the hearth rug 
before the blazing heat of the fire.  Eventually, though, Aragorn took hold 
of my wrists stilling them.  Then, when it was clear I understood his 
message, he let go and put his arms about my waist.  I now stroked him 
gently, trying to put all the tenderness and love into the slow motion of my 
hands as I could.  It seemed to me as I caressed his face that he was 
warmer than he had been.  Smiling a little at the thought, I leaned down to 
kiss his forehead and to my relieved surprise, he gave a small sigh of 
appreciation.  Minutes passed with no sound but the crackling fire.  Sweat 
beaded on my forehead and if Aragorn was not warm he no longer 
suffered tremors of cold.

Finally, Aragorn moved, pushing away from me enough so he was sitting 
on his own.  “I’m sorry, Halbarad.  I just. . . lost control for a while- as 
though it was simply to much effort to bother moving.  I’ll try not to let it 
happen again.”

“You have received honorable wounds in perilous combat with the enemy.  
You have no cause to apologize.”  I replied, a little hurt that he would 
believe I could think any less of him for being mentally and emotionally 
exhausted.

“Thank you, thangail nin.  You are always so good to me.”  Aragorn said 
softly, reaching out to touch my face.  I smiled and closed my hand over 
his against my cheek.

“Come to bed with me, Aragorn.  Find rest and safety and I shall be fully 
requited.”  Slowly we both rose to our feet.  I kept my arms tightly around 
my captain, even though, his physical strength had never truly deserted 
him.  It had only been his will to use his strength that had suffered a 
stunning blow.  It was not Aragorn’s habit to tolerate much assistance 
whatever state he was in but his experience in the Palantir made him more 
receptive to my mothering embrace than he had ever been before.  I took 
full advantage of this and did not loosen my hold upon him until we 
reached the other room and the large bed in the middle of it.

I left him sitting on the side of the bed and quickly went to stoke the small 
fire burning in the grate.  When I returned to Aragorn’s side he had 
managed to get out of his boots and tunic.  I took up the blanket he had let 
fall while undressing and wrapped it around his shoulders and then 
wrapped my arms about him.  As I held him I was trying to think warm 
comforting thoughts and thus I was taken by surprise when Aragorn 
brought his hands to my face, causing the blanket to slip from his 
shoulders, and took my mouth in a fierce kiss.  When I say I was surprised 
this should not be taken to mean that I was at all unwilling.  Without 
bothering to check with my brain, my lips parted and I was kissing back 
just as fiercely.

Aragorn’s tongue pushed hard against mine, then plunged deeply into my 
mouth.  My lips were pressed against my teeth and the air stolen from my 
lungs.  My entire body had begun to thrum.  The skin of Aragorn’s back 
was pleasantly cool as my hands pressed against it.  Then Aragorn drew 
back.  He still held my head between his hands and he gazed at me with an 
expression I was too dazed to interpret.

“Halbarad.”  Just my name, nothing more and my knees grew weak.  I 
could still taste Aragorn on my tongue and the subtle flavor was addictive.  
I sent my tongue out to scour my lips for more of the wonderful taste.

“I love you, thangail nin and I want you.  Come lie with me, my Halbarad.  
I ache for you.”  He coaxed kissing me again, softly this time.  “Share 
yourself with me tonight.”  His words had me hardening fast.  When 
Aragorn rolled his hips against me I groaned as my hands scrabbled for 
purchase on his shoulders.

“My only love, my only lord, Aragorn, all that I have is yours.  All that I 
am is yours.  I need you so much.”  I was only partly coherent.  My words 
stumbled over each other and ran against Aragorn’s flesh as I tried to kiss 
him while speaking.  We moved and swayed together as we grasped at one 
another until I felt the bed against the backs of my knees.  My eyes had 
been flickering open and closed as I moved my mouth against Aragorn but 
just as I was about to sink down onto the bed I caught sight of a table at 
the far end of the room.  Upon the table stood the Palantir with a cloth 
thrown over top of it.

“Wait, wait.”  I breathed out, though I still had a hand buried in Aragorn’s 
hair and the other clutched his hip.  “Should you not rest?  Are you not 
tired?”  My apprehension was sincere but the fact that I could not still the 
motion of my body as I pitched gently into my captain attested to my 
ambivalence.

“Yes, Halbarad, I am tired.”  Aragorn replied, rubbing the side of his face 
against my shoulder.  “I am tired of battle and talking of battle and 
preparing for battle and the aftermath of battle.  I am weary unto sickness 
of fighting and urging o