The Dare

Feb 26


Lightening and fire flashed across a sullen sky. I saw a plain stretched out before me. The ground was broken. Dead men and hideous creatures were tangled together. I saw the banners of Rohan and Gondor trampled into the ground and covered with blood. As I wandered in this nightmare, I came upon a group of dead Riders. Then I saw my father’s face among the dead. I cried out and tears began to flow down my face. I felt someone shaking me.

“Eolindë!” Elred’s voice penetrated the gloom, pulling me towards wakefulness. I opened my eyes and saw the campfire burning low and the sun beginning its march across the sky. Eored looked at me with concern.

“I had a dream, Elred. It was so awful…” I said haltingly, trying to clear my head of the visions I had seen.

“You were crying and saying Father’s name,” he said.

“I saw him. He was dead. There were so many dead. Gondorian and Rohirrim…”

“Shh…” Elred said hugging me. “It was just a dream. Perhaps it will not come to pass,” he said hopefully but his worried expression told a different story. I nodded and began to gather my things. Directly across from me, Dior was sitting up. He flashed me a look of concern. He gave me a wan smile as I began to check him over. He was still flushed and warm. There were dark smudges under his eyes. I checked under the bandage. The wound was rimmed in red but thankfully was dry. His fever worried me. The possibility that he had blood poisoning loomed in my mind. The sooner we got to Minas Tirith the better. As I cleaned and redressed the area, I asked, “Did you sleep well last night?”

He shook his head. “I slept for a little while after you sang. You have a beautiful voice. But I felt like I was on fire and I could not get comfortable,” he grimaced as I tightened the straps around his chest.

“What about you? I thought I heard your voice earlier.”

“I had a bad dream,” I replied.

“What happened?” he asked earnestly.

“I cannot speak of it, Dior. It filled me with dread and I am relieved that we are returning to Minas Tirith.” I stood up and gave him my hand. He clasped it and I helped him stand up. His breathing was labored. He leaned against me to steady himself.

“Here my good man, let me help.” I saw Alcarin take Dior by the waist and Dior’s weight shifted toward Alcarin. Elred brought the horses up at that moment. Alcarin aided Dior up onto Beleg. Dior said nothing but I could tell by his expression he was angry at needing Alcarin’s help. Alcarin turned towards me, took my hand and placed a light kiss on my knuckles. “It has been a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mistress Eolindë. I look forward to our next meeting,” he said with a flourish. I blushed and stammered out, “Thank you for your help, Master Alcarin. Until we meet again.” I made a small bow and Alcarin helped me mount Beleg behind Dior. Elred rolled his eyes at me and Dior sat very straight and still.

“Ready Dior?” I asked.

“Yes, let’s get on with it,” he replied tersely. I pressed my knees into Beleg’s sides and soon we were off toward Minas Tirith. A feeling of apprehension joined the chill left by the dream. I was going to be facing some very angry relatives. They often did not care that I was away from home during the day. But, being gone for a week, that was something they would notice. I sighed. It was going to be an unpleasant scene.

I caught Faramir’s eyes as we approached the Gate. He looked uneasy. Suddenly, everything grew still. The men’s voices died away and the sun dimmed. Faintly, there could be heard what sounded like a hunting horn. It was so low that I wasn’t sure I heard it. I heard Dior gasp and a look of pain crossed Faramir’s face. Then everything sprang back to life and the moment was gone.

“What just happened?” I asked under my breath. Dior’s voice surprised me. “I cannot be sure but, it may have been the Horn of Gondor. The one Captain Boromir carried. This is an ill omen.” I made no reply. I longed to ask Faramir but he seemed lost in his own thoughts.

I tried to delay going home as long as possible. However, the time had come to face my relatives. Elred and I began our walk back to the 5th Circle. “Maybe it won’t be so bad.” Elred said, trying to cheer me.

“Oh Elred. You know better. I will hear how wild I am, how unladylike, and how I’m a disgrace to the family name!” I spat out bitterly.

“You bring honor to your family’s name, both of you,” Faramir said.

“Captain!” Elred said

“Why are you here? Surely you are tired and have other places to be?” I asked puzzled.

“I overheard you talking to someone in the Houses. You dreaded going home. A Ranger should never dread going home,” he replied with a smile. “Perhaps my presence will forestall some of their anger.”

“Oh you might delay it, but I will catch it eventually.”

“Still, I will try to do what I can,” he said kindly.

We reached the door. Elred knocked and one of the servants answered. She looked surprised at who it was. “Who is it, Dena?” said my aunt coming to the door. “Oh Elred, welcome home. Have you seen your… sister.” She paused as she took in my torn and dirty clothing and my tangled hair. “Eolindë! Where have you been? What do you mean by coming here looking like this!” She then noticed Faramir. “My lord, what an honor,” she said, bowing.

“I was escorting your niece and nephew home. Your niece joined her brother and went on a foray with my Rangers. They both fought bravely and Eolindë’s skills in healing saved several lives, including Dior, son of Eldacar of the Citadel Guard,” he said quietly but firmly. My aunt’s eyebrows rose but she was still unmoved.

“Well, that is interesting. Would my lord care for some refreshment?” she offered looking at him speculatively.

“No, thank you my lady. I have other duties which require my attention. I merely wanted to see your niece and nephew home.” He made a small bow, gave me a smile of encouragement and then strode away.

“Well come in already,” My aunt said sourly. She looked at me with contempt in her eyes. She wrinkled her nose at the smell of sweat and blood that clung to me. “We will have a talk after you clean up,” she finished.