The Dare

March 9

The sun shining through my window awoke me as well as the breakfast bell. I was soon clad in a dress and apron, my face scrubbed clean and my hair braided. As it was my turn, I went to the kitchen to help Ivorwen ready the food. She was singing while she put out the bowls of oatmeal, bread and dried fruit. I carried these to the dining hall and placed them on the table. I went back and got pitchers of cold water. There was only a little tea and that was reserved for Ioreth and the elders.

“Well, it’s not as nice a meal as we are used to but it will have to do. Supplies are tight in the city.” Ivorwen said.

“Maybe so. But I know from experience that a solid meal such as this can keep you going for a long time.” I replied remembering the many bowls I had eaten before doing my chores. She looked at me and smiled. “Aye, you’re right about that lass.”

I made my way around the room filling tankards and removing bowls. I was bringing more hot water to the head table when I heard Andreth’s harsh voice. “She was out late, I’m telling you. That girl has no business being here.” I knew at once that she was referring to me.

Ioreth replied. “Oh Andreth, leave off. She is a gifted healer. But she is young and perhaps a bit restless. She is from Rohan. I’m sure these walls can feel confining after a time. I see no harm in her going for a walk provided she doesn’t go far.”

“More hot water Mistresses?” I said with a smile.

“Ah yes, Eolindë. That would be quite lovely. And after you are done here, find Silmairë. There’s an apothecary down on the third circle that has promised to give us what’s left of his stock for the Houses. I want you two to fetch what he has.”
“Yes, Mistress.” I replied with a curtsy.

I finished my kitchen duties and found Silmairë. She was sitting by the door, baskets in hand. “Ah there you are. Ioreth told me you would be along as soon as you were finished in the kitchen.” She handed me a basket. “I am so looking forward to this. I get so tired of seeing just women all the time. Perhaps we shall see some the soldiers.” she said with a smile. I must have looked surprised since she laughed and said, “Oh come now, just because I’m old doesn’t mean I’m dead!” and I laughed with her.

It did feel good to be out in the morning sun. We walked briskly and talked. A company of somewhat rough looking soldiers did indeed cross our path. They bowed and smiled appreciatively. One of them asked, “And where are you lovely ladies headed to? I thought all the women had been evacuated “

“We work in the Houses of Healing. My companion and I are on our way to Brindel’s shop to collect the supplies he agreed to donate.” I saw his eyebrow go up as he caught sight of the sword hanging at my side.

“Are times so grim that the women carry swords too?” he asked with grin.

“I am also a shieldmaiden of Rohan. This is my blade and I know how to use it. As for the times, well that remains to be seen does it not?”

“A shieldmaiden eh? Well, I have heard tell of such but never thought to meet one in the flesh.” The others started to pay attention to our exchange.

“And now you have. Gentlemen, if you please, we really must be on our way.” I tugged on Silmairë’s arm and we began to walk away.

“A healer and a shieldmaiden. Makes a man wonder other talents you might have.” The men guffawed, Silmairë gasped as I pulled her along continued to walk.

“Oh Eolindë! That nasty man! I am so sorry. And to think I was looking forward to seeing some soldiers.” she said mournfully.

“Don’t let it trouble you” I told her. “They are not worth a moment of your concern.” Silmairë shook her head. Inwardly I seethed, but knew that there was nothing I could do. The sword at my side did give me a measure of comfort though.

We reached the shop as the sun was beginning to climb over the wall. Brindel did not have much but he gave us all he had. We had started back when we heard a horse’s hooves behind us. As we moved against the wall, a magnificent white horse came around the corner. The horse carried two riders; an old man clad in white and in front of him was a young boy. They passed us quickly and continued up the road.

“I don’t believe it.” I exclaimed.

“What, who was that?” Silmairë asked.

“‘Tis Shadowfax! The meara, the horse of the king of Rohan, Theoden. Who was riding him I do not know.” I said with pride. I pushed my basket into Silmairë’s hands. “I must go to the stables!” I announced.

“What!?” she cried in disbelief. “You can’t do that! We are expected back with these supplies.”

“I know. But I must go, just to see. He is the greatest horse in Rohan. I have to see him!” She looked at me as though I was a madwoman.
“But we have to get back.” she pleaded. “You’ll think of something. Just go to the Houses and start putting things away. I won’t be long.” I picked up my skirts and began running toward the stables.

I skidded to a stop at the entrance. It was indeed Shadowfax. His white coat gleamed in the morning sun. His proud head high and erect, his eyes bright. I approached slowly. The stable hands were leading him to a stall tentatively.

“Allow me.” I spoke boldly. I switched to Rohirric. “Hail Shadowfax. Meara of the king and fairest horse in all Rohan. May I see to your care?” I was shaking but spoke clearly. His eyes focused on me. He whinnied and shook his head. And he went into the stall. I heard a whoosh of breath behind me. The stablehands’ eyes were wide with amazement. “Is something wrong?”

“Er no miss. I suppose you’ll be wanting this.” Said one handing me a brush. I brushed his coat though it seemed to need little brushing. I untangled a few small knots in his mane. My heart soared with pride at being near the great animal. “Elred will be green with envy when I tell him,” I thought. And then I remembered. He was helping man the crossing at Cair Andros. I might not see him again. “Can’t think about that now.” “Shadowfax, I must go now but thank you for allowing me to brush you. I will see that the hands feed you well.” He nodded and nuzzled my hand.

“Give him all the hay and oats he desires. Plenty of water too.” I told the hand standing at the door. He nodded silently.

I ran all the way to the Gate before the Houses. The odds were not in my favor and I stood a good chance of being caught. I took a side entrance and scurried to the herb room where Silmairë was unpacking. She looked up and grinned. “You’re lucky. No one has been by. I think the arrival of the White Wizard has stirred things up.” I let out a sigh of relief.

As we put away the supplies, I tried to explain to Silmairë why seeing Shadowfax had been so important. She shook her head, ”No, Eolindë. I don’t understand. I did not grow up around horses. But, no harm was done and it made you happy.” After putting away our supplies, we helped ready the wains for the old and infirm who were being sent out from the city to the South.

At sunset, the Captains of the West arrived at the gate. Silmarie and I stood along the wall and watched from a distance as they entered in. They were few but appeared valiant. My thoughts turned toward home and the Riders. Had Lord Denethor’s message gotten through, had the beacons been seen? Would my King and his men come?

When we reached the House a note from Dior was waiting for me. “I must speak to you this evening regarding Halan. I shall come after the dinner hour.” I wondered what he meant. I told Ioreth and she allowed it on one condition, that Silmairë or one of the other ladies chaperon. “We must try to preserve some appearance of civility. Your reputation is in danger as it is.” I nodded.

Dior arrived. He bowed to Silmairë as she sat in a corner tearing bandages.

“I have come to ask to borrow Halan.” he said earnestly.

“Borrow Halan?” I asked.

“Well, it’s actually for the Tower Guard. They have need for good horses so riders can go to and from the outgarrisons. I know I am asking a great deal of you but I give you my word that he will be cared for.”
My heart was torn. Halan was mine. I cringed at the thought of others riding him perhaps mishandling him.
“If it might make things easier, I will be riding him.” he said.

“You! But it’s not been that long since your fever.”

“I serve where I am told to.” he said quietly.

As he looked at me, I pondered his request. At first, I thought of refusing. But, it was Dior and Halan was needed. My gut tightened as I spoke, “Yes, Dior. You may borrow Halan. You and Elred are probably the only people I would entrust him to.”

He clasped my hand and squeezed it. “Thank you ‘lindë. I will bring him back.” Again there was a look in his eyes that he wanted to do more than just clasp my hand.

“I’ll go round the stables in the morning, to tell him and make sure he behaves.” I said grinning.

“There’s no need. I… rode him today.” He looked guilty like a boy caught raiding the pantry.

I looked at him sputtering and shocked. “You rode him without asking me?” Silmairë looked up at the sound of my voice. He squirmed. “I told him he was needed. He didn’t seem to mind. He behaved beautifully.” his voice trailed off.

I was completely at a loss. Halan was my horse, even Elred did not ride him.

“I had messages that needed to be delivered. Please don’t be angry. I would have asked but the time was pressing. I did what I thought was best for the city.” The soldiers who were so rude sprang to mind at his last statement.

“Best for the city! Ha! Well if the soldiers Silmairë and I came across today are an example of the best of the city. I would think twice about helping them.’

“What? What happened?” he asked disturbed.

“They insulted Eolindë” pipped up Silmairë

“Some soldiers of Gondor insulted you? When, where?” he asked with anger in his voice.
I refused to speak. Anger sparked in his eyes as Silmairë told the brief tale.
“I had my sword with me Dior. I was capable of taking care of Silmairë and myself.”

“Good. Keep it on you when you go out. While the men of Gondor are men of honor, not all of us are honorable. I am sorry for your distress.”

“Well, it is in the past. You have my permission to use Halan as you see fit. But do bring him back, he is quite dear to me.” I said quietly. He nodded.

“I must get back to the captain’s. Thank you Eolindë. I will not forget your generosity.” He kissed the back of Silmairë’s hand. “Thank you lady for playing chaperon.” Then mine. A tingle went up my arm when his lips touched my skin. And then he was gone.

“He is quite the gentleman. And I do believe he is sweet on you.” Silmairë said teasingly.

“Oh hush. He is a fine man almost as fine as Captain Faramir.” I said with sigh.

“Captain Faramir? Oh you do have high standards.” she replied.

“Yes, I do.” I answered. At that moment, one of the older women came to tell us that the torches were being extinguished for the night and that we best get to our beds.