Durthand lightly laid a hand upon my arm, in a gesture of support. “Do not be overly concerned, little sister. We must ever expect the unexpected in times like these!”
(Not that Durthand and I were sisters by blood of course. We were kin sisters, who had fallen increasingly into the roles of elder and much younger sibling.)
But I sensed her own surprise, as she turned to fix her gaze on Curugirion. “How long do you expect to be at sea, Hirgonui?” she enquired.
“As long as it takes, Durthand. No fixed term can I suggest as things currently stand.”
~ ~ ~
We had mustered in the hall of the main house, as summoned. A swift change into my uniform blues…an even swifter brush though my hair that it no longer looked like I had been working all morn in the stables… and I entered the hall to find Curugirion and Aearandir already waiting.
Curugirion looked strangely solemn, as he stood to the head of the map table, eyes fixed on a chart of the southern coastlands.
I glanced questioningly to Aearandir, but for once he was as a closed book to me; eyes clouded in deep thought.
Something was very wrong!
And then Durthand arrived, that we four only of the main herth gathered closer round the table.
“What is it, Hirgonui? Is all well?” Durthand was obviously as perturbed as I.
This was not…did not feel at all like the meeting I had expected. No talk of finalised plans, no rousing words to set our hearts afire before we departed Thamas Lorn – not even a mustering of the full herth. My thoughts raced, as a chill of foreboding made me shudder.
With a deep intake of breath, Curugirion straightened himself, and took his gaze from the map. He looked at Durthand and I in turn – a keen and thoughtful look, almost as if he would make portrait of us to keep us fixed in memory.
“Alas, all is not well my dear friends. I have this hour received news, and a summons from Mithlond. It would appear the corsairs have grown overbold of late.”
He glanced briefly to the silent Aearandir, who seemed still in some deep contemplation. Then, with a weight of sorrow and suppressed anger, he continued.
“Four vessels out of Harlond have been harried closely in the past few days. One was taken for a time, and some of those on-board slain… for several bodies were later found, washed up upon the shore; three more crew remain missing. And there is worse…”
Worse? My father had made mention of a growing threat from the sea-raiders that folk in Mithlond began taking up arms and training hard again. I knew they could present a very real danger.
Curugirion closed his eyes as he continued. “With South Watch’s patrols of the bay and coastal waters rather stretched at present, and with three of their ships in pursuit of those corsairs, the small fishing port of Gwaelbar, on the far southern shore, was attacked.” (I knew most of the small community of Gwaelbar, having visited there many times when sailing with my Uncle...) “Under the darkmoon, two corsair ships moored off the bay, their crews disembarking to seek what ‘treasures’ they might find from the fisher-folk. I know not how they evaded the keen senses of our watchers, but evade them they did, that twelve of our brothers and sister were slain in their assault…. and two children taken captive.”
There was silence in the room. What to say to such news? My thoughts turned to those dear folk going about their lives, who had been taken unaware. One matter it seemed taking battle to the enemy – another when they took the battle to you!
“Aearandir and I are to report to Mithlond immediately.” Curugirion stated in a softened but determined tone. “It seems the Gwingriel will see action sooner than anticipated.”
Durthand raised her head, eyes flaming bright with anger at the outrage, but still questioning.
“Opportunistic slaver ships, this far north? Then Lord Cirdan has summoned some of his best mariners to address the issue!”
There was the faintest hint of a depreciative grin on our Hirgonui’s face at those words.
“He has summoned two of his more experienced captains to deal with those who made assault on Gwaelbar, and have taken by force that which is most precious! Fortunately we have enough able mariners in the port to crew two ships. It is just Aearandir and I whom he has recalled. The expedition to Angmar is become a lower priority, so you, dear friends...” (Curugirion gestured that he addressed me also) “…must continue with regular patrols hereabouts in our absence.”
There was understanding in his eyes. Curugirion knew this change of plan was necessary. In times like these all must aid in the best way they could. He and Aearandir WERE amongst our most experienced captains...there was no doubt in my mind. But Durthand, though a highly skilled mariner in her own right, had never commanded a ship. And I…I could be no help at all at sea. The thought took hold of me...that for one from the Havens I was all but useless in this situation. Silently I berated myself for my lack of eagerness to learn the ways of our mariners, preferring to have my nose in a book of lore or history. I should have listened more to my uncle...should have learnt when I had opportunity…I also understood in that moment why my thoughts could no longer reach Aearandir. Aghast as he would be concerning what had happened, the news would have been bittersweet to him. Already he was standing on the deck of one of his vessels - the swift Lagorlas most likely - in hot pursuit of the enemy. He was at sea, where his heart belonged…….
I inclined my head to our lord-commander with acknowledgement and resignation, but left the hall as soon as I could thereafter. Very much had I to ponder that even the companionship of my ravens, of Cugu and the much agitated Tiri could offer no comfort.
I should have been the one offering support to Durthand at that moment. Only later had I fully realised that she must have felt the blow of the change of plans most keenly. Both of us would be parted from those we cared for – but her friendship with Aearandir and Curugirion was deep and of long-standing. Mine was but little over a year in duration. There was no comparison. And her restless spirit must abide in Thamas Lorn – likely dealing with the administration as much as patrols - while dear friends were sailing into danger. It was almost unthinkable.
I should have been the one offering support to Durthand – instead it was she who supported me.
~ ~ ~
They left later that eve. Under a heavy sky that promised rain, Curugirion and Aearandir rode up the slope from the dwellings and headed west. A swift ride to Celondim, a swift ship to Mithlond lay ahead of them.
Both inclined their heads to me in passing the Hawk Tower. For a moment Aearandir’s eyes were focused on me that he was almost his ‘old’ self.
“Be not concerned, Aearlinn. We may not be away that long,” said he. “ With favourable winds we will make swift and steady pursuit of our quarry.” The slightest hint of his mischievous smile lit his face, but then was he again closed in on his purpose.
There had been tears in my eyes as I had watched them go. So much to say that I could not speak save: “Be safe, dear ones. May Uinen watch over you until you return.”
Was this what it would be like in times of war…and this only the start? Again, I realised for myself, and not from question to others or book, what many had endured in the wars of the past. I thought I had known the enemy, but that certainty had changed in a matter of moments. The true enemy was myself, and my lack of experience I deemed. I could not be the aid I so wished to be, nor had I yet acquired the wisdom to deal with watching others ride into ‘battle’.
In times like these we must expect the unexpected….and say farewell to that which we love…..
Aye, but we do not have to like it!
