Seasons

“So, we meet again!” Celegorm snarled, trying, unsuccessfully, to outvoice Huan’s growl full of menace. “Be silent! You unthankful beast! You and I shall return to our unfinished business later!” he threatened addressing the hound. “But you, Princess... I cannot believe...”

“Stay where you are, Celegorm!”

“I will not take order from you, mortal!” Celegorm hissed in answer as he attempted to urge his horse forward, yet the steed disobeyed again, bracing its hooves in the ground and whinnying as it tossed its head vehemently. Celegorm cursed and stuck his heels into the horse’s sides, hard, but his efforts gained no result. Huan’s hateful growl resounded in the forest, silencing all other sounds, as if nature crouched from fear and did not want to draw attention. Celegorm aimed his spear at Beren wishing his gaze possessed the ability to kill, because any other weapon seemed useless now.

After another forceful kick of Celegorm’s heels, the horse danced wildly, but did not listen to his clear order. Huan bared his deadly fangs in response.

“Celegorm!” Curufin rasped. “Back off!”

“No!”

“Brother!”

And then Lúthien appeared in front of him. Celegorm lowered his weapon as he saw her calm face, but her eyes bore a firm request. No, it was not the request. It was a demand.

“Release Curufin!” she issued quietly.

Behind her back, Beren loosened his grip around Curufin’s throat, but he had no intention of letting the Fëanorion stand up.

“Leave us be,” Lúthien said slowly. “For you cannot change our path.”

Celegorm’s wrath boiled.

“You, Princess, beware. The day may come when you regret your stupidity and you come to me on your knees,” he called out proudly. “Know that I will show you and your kin no mercy. For no one can claim what belongs to me!”