The Dare

Chapter 14

March 5

I began my lessons with Master Cirin the morning Dior had gone home. I was already well versed in caring for minor wounds, fevers and the like. Master Cirin taught me how to care for more serious wounds. I learned how to set bones, close deep cuts, remove arrows and darts. I practiced on animal parts as this would be close to the real thing. I enjoyed learning but there were moments when I didn’t think I could ever eat meat again.

When I was not with Master Cirin, I busied myself with other duties. There was always cleaning to be done as well as the stocking of herbs and other supplies. I had my turn of chores at home too. I tried not to think about Eored and the others in the wilderness.

Finally, Master Cirin gave me the morning off. I decided to go to the practice fields. I had been inside most of the time and felt the need to move and not think. I found a small unused courtyard off from the main fields. I went through the forms. I heard my father’s voice in my head advising and admonishing me but my heart was no longer in it. Before I went to Ithilien, I loved to practice and spar with the others. It was always a mixture of serious intent and laughter. Since I had seen actual battle and death, I was not as eager to use them. I brought my sword around to catch an imaginary enemy behind me. Metal clanged on metal and I was startled to see Dior with his sword parrying my attack. He looked thin and pale but his dark eyes sparkled.

“So the healer still wields a blade.” He asked with a grin. I lowered my blade and stepped away from him.

“Only out of necessity, Dior.” I took out a rag to wipe my face. The air seemed to have gotten very warm all of a sudden. “I will not be volunteering to go into battle any time soon. What are you doing here anyway?” I asked.

He lowered his blade. “I came to see you. I sent a note ‘round to your aunt’s house but no one was there.”

“No. They have left and refuged to Lossenach.” I wiped my blade. “I understand an order has gone out for the women, children, the old, and the infirm to leave.”

“And you?”

“Oh I am not going anywhere. I am needed here. I am staying at the House of the Noldiel.”

He nodded. “I was going mad being cooped up in the house. I begged Father to let me go practice and get my strength back. He finally relented. Besides, Gondor will need every able bodied man it can find.”

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“I overheard Father. Scouts are reporting that an army is massing at Minas Morgul. It is the opinion of the captains that it will not be long before Sauron comes for Minas Tirith.”

I shivered at his words and my thoughts turned to Faramir and the others facing such an army. “Elred went with a company to Cair Andros to strengthen the garrison there.”

“I had heard. But, enough gloom and doom. The sun is shining and I am ready to spar with the prettiest shieldmaiden this side of the Anduin.” He held his sword up challenging me. My face grew hot at his words.

“Charm will not help you, Dior. Let us see how much you have forgotten.”

I began with a simple attack. He parried easily. So the game was on. At first, we were slow and then as we grew comfortable our speed increased. I could tell Dior was getting tired. And then he winked at me. I was so surprised that I lost my concentration for a moment and he disarmed me easily.

“Oh!” I sputtered.

“That’ll teach ya.” he said laughingly.

“Ha! You did that because you were getting tired and were going to lose.” I said haughtily.

“Well it worked didn’t it?” he countered.

I muttered some Rohirric curses and picked up my sword.

“Come on, let’s go again.” He said eagerly.

“Dior, I can’t.” his face fell at my words. “I just don’t have any more time today.”
I have duties to attend to. I only came out here to get some fresh air. I’m sure some of the other men here would be happy to spar with you.

“Well, what about tomorrow?” he asked. “Perhaps you could help me with my archery.” He said slyly. The memory of our contest brought a smile to my face. And his smile was really quite endearing I thought. “Very well. But it will have to be at first light. I really am busy at the Houses. The soldiers aren’t the only ones who need to prepare for battle.”

He nodded. “Tomorrow then.” He saluted me and went off to find another sparring partner. I shook my head and went home to clean up.



March 6

True to his word. Dior was at the practice field at first light with his bow. We practiced and I offered him some suggestions. He didn’t really need my help though. Faramir’s Rangers were well known for their skills with the bow. Then he asked me to position his arms. “You cannot be serious Dior. Your technique is fine.” I responded with incredulity.

“No I am serious. Please show me.” He asked flashing that charming smile.

“Very well.” I walked over and moved his arms a bit. Somehow, I ended up putting my arms around him, positioning his hands and arms. My heart beat a little faster and I grew warm being so close to him. “There! Now shoot.” I moved away from him quickly. I heard him chuckle under his breath as he let the arrow fly. It hit the target dead center.

“I think that is all I want to practice for today.” I said hastily, gathering up my things. “I have to meet with Master Cirin this morning.” He gave me a knowing look. “Tomorrow morning with our swords again?” he asked mildly.

“Ah actually, I owe Halan a ride so I was going to take him out tomorrow morning.” I said hoping that would put him off. He was starting to disturb my peace of mind.

“I’ll meet you at the stables. Carnil could use the exercise too.” he said matter of factly.

“Until tomorrow, milady.” He said with a bow. I just shook my head and made my way to the Houses.

That night I reviewed the events of the morning. Dior’s behavior confused me. On one hand he was Elred’s friend someone I had known for several years. On the other hand, “He’s not acting very friend-like. But why? Perhaps he is just teasing me like Elred does. He knows I miss Elred and so he is trying to distract me. That must be it.” While I was satisfied with that conclusion, a tiny voice asked, “Are you sure?” “Of course I’m sure. I love Faramir. Dior is just a friend.” With that, I fell asleep.

March 7

The morning was cool and the sun was rising over the river. I saddled Halan. He was eager for a run. “We will have company today, Halan. Dior and Carnil are coming with us.” He shook his head. “You be nice to Carnil. None of your usual tricks now.” He snorted in reply.

I led him outside and mounted as Dior rode up. Carnil was a chestnut stallion slightly bigger than Halan. The horses sized each other up as Dior greeted me.

“A fine morning for a ride don’t you think?”

“Indeed it is. Shall we?” We made our way slowly to the Gates. Once outside the city walls, I let Halan have his head. The wind whistling in my ear, the rhythm of Halan’s hooves and the feel of his muscles moving fluidly beneath me was pure magic. To me this was the essence of being of the Éothéod. The horse and rider moving as one. Eventually, I reined Halan in. Dior rode up as I slowed him to a walk.

‘That was quite a sight.” He said appreciatively. I shrugged my shoulders and patted Halan. “I’m sorry I took off like that. Halan was itching for a gallop. And I can’t say I don’t blame him. It feels good to be out here.”

“You miss your home in Rohan, don’t you?” he asked.

“Yes, I do. For one used to wide open spaces and flat lands, the walls of the city seem confining.” I replied. He seemed hurt by this answer. “But,” I continued, “I am learning so much here. The knowledge and experience I am gaining here are not to be taken lightly. It seems I am not truly at home in either place.” I chuckled softly.

“I think home is where your heart lies, not so much a place.” He replied. “And I think you will make a home for yourself wherever you decide to live.”

“What about you?” I asked turning the question back on him. “Surely you will follow in your father’s footsteps, become part of the Citadel Guard?”

He grimaced. “That is what is expected of me, yes. That I take my place in the guard. But, after being out in Ithilien with Captain Faramir the city walls do seem to close in around you. And the guard itself is very old with much tradition. I am not always comfortable with all that ceremony and formality.”

“Well, I would say to you what you said to me. You will find your place also.” I said with a smile. He chuckled and we headed back to the City and our duties for the day. But, before we parted, Dior maneuvered me into going riding again the next morning.